Samuel May, Jr. thanks Francis Jackson Garrison for his gift of a portrait of John Greenleaf Whittier, and apologizes for his delay in his response, owing to his having lost the note accompanying the portrait. May states that he does not believe the portrait of Whittier merits the praise heaped upon it, as he finds that the portait does not adequately and accurately capture Whittier's character and composure, and states that had he liked it better, he would have had it framed for the local library. May inquires if Alfred Webb sent to William Lloyd Garrison a copy of his "Irish Biography". May declares his dismay at how poorly William Lloyd Garrison appeared at the funeral of C. C. Burleigh, and requests that Garrison deliver to him a proper account of his father's condition. May comments on the sadness of Burleigh's passing, but notes that the tribute paid to him was "remarkable".