[Discusses the [Tenriffe] article which he would like to show to Dr. H. [ Josiah Gilbert Holland ] to give it its best chance; wonders if Higginson ever wrote on "Blue Blood," a subject he could speak about with authority, being an aristocrat by blend and a democrat by brain; urges him to think about it; suggests that John Hay could write on the subject, but he would lack Higginson's fineness.]

[Says he has mixed feelings about getting an honorary degree from Harvard ; says he was a "poor devil" who would not have made it into Harvard's freshman class; explains that he has not had a proper education, but went to his father's school, dabbled in ancient and modern languages and read some law; says he does not want to sail under false colors; asks him to express views; says he felt the same way when an honorary degree was bestowed upon him by Dickinson College ; states that he heard that a degree will be given to his friend Grover Cleveland ; hopes they can all go up there together; talks about his "Ode."]

[Includes autograph corrections; discusses George E. Harrington who was a soldier in Gilder's father's regiment; explains that Harrington is in danger of losing his job at the East Boston post office because of a change in the administration; tries to engage his help in securing the veteran's place.]

[Includes autograph note; tells him confidentially that he, also, is in favor of adding women to the Institute of Arts and Letters . ]