September 12, 1867. Andrew Dickson White to Ezra Cornell: "Even if the difference in the lines of the two buildings is not detected at once it seems to me that the erection of a central building will bring it out. We are building for centuries and should not subject ourselves to the charge of stupidity from those who come after us. Now you had your way about the site -- yield to the majority in regard to this slight matter of the level. Your every wish regarding the contemplated institution has the sacredness of a command with me since your devotion to the great object has become so manifest, but I earnestly hope that you will concede this point. Every college so far is in the main an architectural failure. Do not let us risk the same failure by disturbing the continuation between the leading features of our plan as I feel we shall do by this difference of grades & architectural lines. Don't do it." Letter also discusses military education and faculty. Topics: Cornell University: natural history collections, campus architecture; New York State railroads; sheep; Cornell family genealogy and history; New York State railroads; Wisconsin lands Personal names: Curtiss, George; Olmsted, Frederick Law; Macy, R.D.; Putnam, H.C.; Chace, Thomas; White, Andrew Dickson Geography: