1861 Oct[ober] 16 Bowdoin College [Maine]

My dear sir

The specimen pages
you have kindly shown me of your
proposed "Dictionary of Fictitious Names,"
strike me as giving promise of a
work of the greatest interest and
importance.

Judging from these pages, I doubt
not that you will win the thanks
of all who desire any acquain-
tance with History or Literature.

I wish to assure you of my interest
in your undertaking, and shall be
happy if I can be of any service to
you in the great labor and care
which it involves.

I hope that as far as possible
you will note the pronunciation
of names.

Very truly yours
J[oshua] L[awrence] Chamberlain

William A. Wheeler, Esq.

The sole Chamberlain letter in the University of Virginia Special Collections was acquired by the late Clifton Waller Barrett, alumnus, Board of Visitors member and premier collector of America Literature, because it was written to noted 19th century lexicographer William A. Wheeler (1833-1874). An accompanying note states only that Chamberlain was a professor of modern languages at Bowdoin College.

MSS 13514