Selling the University a Library Hubert Howe Bancroft. Analysis
and Valuation of The Bancroft Library. 1886-87. Henry L. Oak was
probably the principal author of this prospectus for the sale of
The Bancroft Library, valued by Bancroft at $250,000. It was
directed principally to permanent institutions in California, a
state which, "has a right to be proud of such a Library, and
would be disgraced by its loss." "Petition of the
Representatives of the Banking Houses of California that the
State Purchase The Bancroft Historical Library." Manuscript,
[1886-1887]. Hubert Howe Bancroft spearheaded a petition drive
in support of California’s acquisition of his library. Prominent
men in Nevada, Oregon, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Utah
Territory signed statements attesting to the collection’s value
and urged its preservation in the West. Leading librarians
signed in support of $250,000 being "a fair and proper
purchase." The scientific community in Washington, D.C., led by
John Wesley Powell, rallied in support. With