318 ELIZABETH CARY AGASSIZ 
have enabled me to keep my position some years 
longer than I could otherwise have done. I can 
never thank you in words for the relief and support 
that you have given me. 
Your affectionate friend, 
Eizasetu C, Acassiz 
My resignation takes effect January 1, 1900. 
TO MRS. LOUIS AGASSIZ FROM MISS IRVIN 
Gray Pine, North East Harbor, Maine, August 15, 1899 
Dear Mrs. Agassiz: I was not absolutely unpre- 
pared for your letter, as I had just heard from Mr. 
Higginson that you were writing to me and that 
your “decision must be accepted.” I have, never- 
theless, been profoundly disturbed by your deter- 
mination to resign, and I have thought over the 
matter and tried to be as fair as possible. I know 
you have earned your repose; still, I do feel that we 
might and could and would take off every one of 
your burdens if you would remain with us even in 
name! The Commencement speech is the one black 
spot, is it not? You need never make one, I think. 
But I don’t wish to urge you. I wish to do only what 
you think best... . 
No one can fill your place. What you have been 
to us as President, no one else can be. I mean in 
kind as well as in degree. I think we are all of one 
mind about that. What you can give us is given 
by you. Could and would any one else as President 
give us that? I feel sure that no one would.... 
