Typescript letter signed from Prof. H.S. Commager, Columbia University, to Benians

C pleased plans for American series progressing - hopes it successful and happy to help. Can someone arrange for C's part of America the story of a free people [by Commager and Allan Nevins. Oxford: Clarendon, 1942] to be formally deeded to Cambridge University so that they receive all royalties. Nevins made such an arrangement with Oxford University. C offers to give royalties on his Documents of American history if B publish it in his series. C like these royalties to go to some of college libraries. C pleased that matter of Rockefeller grant to Cambridge University for books on American history been successfully concluded, but unhappy that it to be split 3 ways. He hoped it be sufficient to build up good undergraduate collection in Seeley Library but doubts this can be done with c.$1750. This sum distributed among colleges be inadequate. C like to see adequate collection at Seeley first, then funds for interested colleges, then something substantial for University Library. C fears end up with numerous inadequate libraries rather than one adequate one. Adequate library might encourage study of American history which lead to it's extension. C hoped to raise funds for some college libraries - he gladly turn over royalties on his books, and feels other incumbants of Pitt Chair might do same. Time not right for development of American history at University Library in vein of Rhodes House Library at Oxford. C looking forward to returning to England next year. With some MS notes by Benians.

Published