Ureli Corelli Hill an Louis Spohr in Kassel

D^r Louis Spohr
Kappelmeister
Hessen Cassel
Germany
 
 
New York Nov. 16 1844
N^o 59 Franklin Street
 
D^r Louis Spohr
 
Dear & respected Sir.
 
It has been resolved to produce a Grand Musical Festival in N. York¹ the first that has taken place in America – which is to come off Either in the Autumn of 1845 or the Spring of 1846 which will depend upon contingencies principally as respects the proposition in the name of the committee which I am about to make to you – From the renown of your name far and near – your stupendous talents – & your known liberality in the promotion of the cause of the musical Art both in Germany & England particularly I am in the name of the musical Festival committee (of which I am a member)² directed to solicit your co-opperation as Conductor on the occasion – Your passage from Liverpool to N.Y. and back in a Steamer will be provided and $ 1000 at least will be guaranteed to you in the Event of your consent to come being acceeded to – if you should be able to come we should wait an immediate answer. And at the same time we should wish to have your Fall of Babylon for one of the performances³ immediately, also that it may be put in Rehearsal – the money will be remitted for it either on receiving it or before it is ready on your order for it. – Come and we will give you an hearty American welcome – at the same time you will see your amiable daughter – if you come in the Spring it will be a favourable time after the performances are over to make a tour of the country – altho' we should prefer the Autumn of 1845 – I have started this project & it will surely be accomplished.
The number of chorus singers will consist at least of 500 Chorus Singers – 250 Instruments and 15 solo vocalists besides the instrumental solo performers.⁴ – We purpose to have performances of sacred music and two of secular.
I trust you will write on receipt of this without fail – if you give us any encouragement of your being with us we shall be satisfied – In the event of its being out of your power to obtain your Princes consent we shall next look to your gifted countryman Mendelssohn but I need not say that you are the unanimous choice. If you cannot come a change of the arrangements would be required and therefore it is of the most vital importance to have an early answer from you –
With the best wishes for the health and
happiness of your Lady & family
 
I remain your sincere friend and grateful pupil
U C Hill
 
PS. Dear Sir please communicate my highest esteem to Mr Hauptmann – also to the musical gentlemen of my acquaintance in your orchestra – I hope to see you all again, as I contemplate visiting dear Germany again in about three years⁵
 
Yours
U C Hill