501

The University of Kansas.

Chancellor's Office.

May
Lawrence, May 24th 1886.
M

My Dear Sir:

I have been referred to you for information concerning Prof. W.
H. Wynne who is highly recommended to the Board of Regnets of
the University of Kansas as a suitible perosn to succeed to the c
chair of English Language and Literature, vacant at the clost of
the present collegiate year. I may premise by saying that your reply
shall be regarded as given in the strecst confidenco.

I desire to know something of this personal history so far as
it affects the present inquiry. What advantages has he enjoyed
for special studies in English? Or what institution is he a graduate
and when did he graduate?

I desire also to make the follwing specific inquiries:
I. As to his general scholarship. II. As to his scholarship in English.
III. Is he a successful teacher? What experience has he had
in teaching? Has he tact, judgment, enthusiasm in the lecture room
Is his enthusiasm contagious? IV. Will he be likely to exert a good
and wholesome influence over his students both in the class room
and out of it? Is he of such Character and bearing as to secure
recognition abroad as a scholar and instructor. VI. Has he any disqualifying peculiarities of person, manners, temper.

Do you without hesitation or qualification recommend
him for the place in question? An early reply will greatly oblige,

Yours sincerely, J. A. Lippincott

To Prof. Bessey.

P.S. I may say that Prof. Wynne's recommendations
are among the best that I have in hand. I send
out this letter, not that yours already received is not satisfactory,
but that I may have knowledge of specific points
named above. If you will answer candidly, you will
confer a great favor.

L.