[ Arthur Cleveland Coxe, Episcopal Bishop of Western New York. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('A. Cleveland Coxe | Bp. of W. N. York') to Rev. J. S. Cunningham, discussing the requirements for American degrees, and the unjust tendency to disparage them.

4pp., 8vo. Bifolium. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. Replying to the recipient's 'very natural & proper inquiries', he discusses the granting of the 'honorary Degree of M.A.', which is 'often granted by our best colleges, to professors & men, known to those who nominate, on evidence of attainments equivalent to what is demanded for the same degree in course [...] No respectable College could confer the M.A. - in view of mere theological qualifications'. He discusses the length of time spent studying theology at Kenyon College, adding 'In absence - I think you wod. stand no chance, at all.' He discusses the 'fradulent "Colleges" wh. sell degrees', resulting in an unjust tendency 'to bring discredit on all Am[erica]n. degrees. As well discredit "the Bank of England", because of the late fradulent bank in Glasgow'.