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Papers of Henry Van Dyke, Accession #7049, -a, -b, -c, -d, Special Collections, University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.
The papers contain a typescript on the poetry of Tennyson and a manuscript of an essay on Hamilton Mabie.
In thirteen letters to various correspondents Van Dyke discusses his writing projects, particularly "A leaf of spearmint," and "The song-sparrow"; his reaction to W.R. Nicoll's review of his A Gospel for the Age of Doubt; scholarly writing projects he directed, especially "Gateway series"; his views on world peace and on education, particularly entrance exams in English; royalties; and his schooldays, son's death, religious views, and personal life.
In a letter to Joseph LeRoy Harrison, Van Dyke regrets that he will be unable to write an introduction to Harrison's anthology [ Fisherman's Verse ?] due to work pressures and his inability to consult his collection of angling books.
There are also two photographs of Van Dyke.
Correspondents include the corresponding editor of The Youth's Companion, Richard Watson Gilder, Edward Leeds Gulick, Robert Underwood Johnson, J.T. Pike, F. L. Pleadwell, and Paul van Dyke.
Series I: Literary Manuscripts
Literary manuscripts are arranged alphabetically by title, or by the opening phrase if the title is not present.
Series II: Letters
Letters are filed in chronological order.
Series III: Photographs
Van Dyke discusses a minister's life; asks about an illustration for "A Leaf of Spearmint"; explains a photograph originally included with the letter and some poetry; also mentions the Century, the Alley (proper name?), St. Nicholas, an American sparrow, and an English sparrow.
Van Dyke declines to write a proposed article for The Youth's Companion because too busy.
Van Dyke comments on a review of his book, The Gospel for an Age of Doubt, by W.R. Nicoll; says Nicoll's facts are wrong and he misread Van Dyke's book; also mentions: "Scotch Reviewer," British Weekly, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Edward Gibbon, and Murray's standard edition of Gibbon.
Van Dyke sends autograph to a man who asked for it in a letter. Letterhead is, "University Club, Cleveland."
Van Dyke reminds E.L. Gulick about the "Gateway Series" he is working on, particularly the teacher's volume; discusses royalty for books and entrance exams in English used by leading colleges; predicts such exams will be discarded as literature study develops.
Van Dyke thanks his brother, [Paul] Van Dyke, for his letter of condolence re the death of H.V.D.'s son; mentions heaven and Christ; expresses thanks that there is still work to do.
Van Dyke thanks Gulick for showing him his prospectus of a survey of English literature; says he will submit it to the American Book Company; tells him he can work slowly on his mterial for teacher's volume in Gateway series. Note: letter was dictated. Written in unidentified hand. Signed by Van Dyke.
Van Dyke reminisces on schooldays; says he would like to meet with boyhood friends, but expects sailing orders soon. Person and subjects mentioned: Livingston Street, Brooklyn; Master Davison; classroom discipline; "Thicks"; and "Cops."
Van Dyke discusses possibility of universal peace; advocates a confederation peace versus a campaign against war; mentions functions of a diplomat; also mentions Boers and Balkans.
Cannot write an introduction to Harrison's anthology (probably Fisherman's Verse, published in 1918).
Van Dyke gives references to publications containing some of his remarks on education. Person and subjects mentioned include: Mr. Edison, New York Times; New York American; Alonzo B. See; women's colleges; News and Observer of Raleigh, North Carolina; and North Carolina Teachers' Assembly.
Van Dyke mentions recovering from the grippe; expresses sympathy to Robert Underwood Johnson for his wife's death; encourages him to bear his loss and finish career valiantly and as a Christian.
Van Dyke describes spring landscape; discusses changes to "The Song-Sparrow" (poem) which Johnson suggested; also discusses title for a prose sketch ("A Leaf of Spearmint") and lists several suggestions. Note: Autograph comments in an unknown hand written in pencil on page two.
Van Dyke mentions Scribner's magazine and plate-proofs.