Reid Institute
Reidsburg Pa
March 22nd 1865
C. M. Prescott

                       My very dear Bro
				You will be pleased
to know that the fall and winter term of our instution closed
properously, by a publick examination of all the classes on
the 16th & 17th inst.
		The Spring and Summer term of 5 mo. with
a vacation of 3 weeks, in harvest will commence on the
24th of Apr. I am Sure my dear Bro. that we Shall have
in the future as in the past, the aid of your influence
and experience in this noble enterprise.
				At a meeting of the trustees
held at Reidsburg on the 17th inst the following was unan-
imously adated “Whereas we have just received reports
from our agents Brethren Thomas, Hunt, Shorthill and
bowser, appointed to canvas Subscription or to obtain Sub
scription to aid in the erection of our acadedmic building
Resolved that with greatitude to God we learn that the
Sum of $3000 has been Secured in good and relable Sub-
Scription additional to the $2000 already paid over to
the trustees, the munificent gift of the late Hugh Reid
thus Securing for the Same the noble pledge of $1000. given
at our last association by our beloved Bro. C H Prescott Esq 
by Reynoldsville Jefferson Co. Pa. Extract from the minutes
	As we have already $2000 in our hands and as our Sub.
Scriptions fall due, on the first of May next, and can be
doubtless collected as fast as they may be needed to carry on
the work we have concluded, with your advice and consent
to put under contract as soon as possible an academ-
ic building Costing not more than $6000 The institution its-
Self as it does, bearing the name of Hugh Reid, one of its liberal
benefactors, and the building to be erected bearing your own name

as another
	Allow me then dear Bro. to ask Shall the trus
tees put Such a building under contract this Spring
with the understanding that your pledge Stands good
for the above amount.
		We have Secured an excelent draft
of a building 90 by 60 ft. two Stories with a neat corpola [illegible in original]
thinks Such a building, however to all consernned can be erect-
ed (of bricks) for the above Sum or we can build 35 by 45
thre Stories high about as cheap as the above The latter
would give us more room_ now which of the above
would you advise us to adapt. do my dear Bro. give
us your advice freely._ I know you are very busy but let
us have your advice fully and frankly as Soon as
you may find it possibly convenient.
	Perhaps you knew that Mr Reid left
conditions in his will in which it is expected that Sev-
eral hundred dollars will ere long be placed in the hands
of the trustees for the purchase of a first class bell
for the academic building. The Lord be praised for
giving us Such friends
		We Shall have a meeting of the board
on the 15th Apr at which time I Shall hope to be
able to present your answer to this
		Yours under Grace
		    B.H. Thomas
                               Res_ Board_ trus _
			Reid Institute
P.S. I wrote you Some two weeks ago _on my
return home from your place. Did you receive it?