Harvard University,
Cambridge,
May 28, 1896.
President Booker T. Washington,
My Dear Sir:
Harvard University desired to confer on you at
the approaching Commencement an honorary degree; but it is our
custom to confer degrees only on gentlemen who are present. Our
Commencement occurs this year on June 24, and your presence would
be desirable from about noon till about five o'clock in the
afternoon. Would it be possible for you to be in Cambridge on
that day?
Believe me, with great regard,
Very truly yours,
Charles W. Eliot.
