Asa Gray papers, 1838-1887

Mss.B.G78

Date: 1838-1887 | Size: 0.5 Linear feet, ca. 100 items
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Abstract

The largest portion of correspondence is with Charles Edwin Bessy on botanical matters, including botanical publications in the United States and Europe, and plants and shell specimens.

Background note

Asa Gray (1810-1888, APS, 1848), Physician, botanist, Harvard professor and an early proponent of the Darwinian theory of Evolution in the United States, was the first American to earn a living as a professional botanist. He made important, lasting contributions to the field of botany, to botanical education, and to the institutionalization of American science.

The son of an Oneida county farmer and tanner in central New York, Asa Gray attended the Fairfield Academy and the Fairfield Medical College, graduating in 1831. After briefly practicing medicine in western New York, he abandoned the profession to pursue research in botany. In 1834 he moved to New York City to study, work and (sometimes) live with John Torrey, then the country's leading botanist. During an 8-year apprenticeship in which Torrey shared his knowledge and contacts with the young student, their relationship gradually changed from one of student and teacher to that of colleagues who collaborated on many projects. Their most important collaboration was the ground-breaking Flora of North America (1838-1843). From 1836 to 1838 Gray was selected to be the botanist for the U.S. Exploring Expedition, also known as the Wilkes Expedition. Numerous and extended delays caused Gray to resign before the expedition departed in August, 1838. In 1842 he accepted a position as the Fisher Professor of Natural History at Harvard University, and kept it until his death in 1888.

Along with his mentor and co-author John Torrey, Gray introduced a new system of classification already in use in Europe based upon biological similarities, often abandoning the artificial sorting markers of the Linnaean system in favor of natural "type specifications" for the classification of North American flora. This change in biological classification, championed by Torrey and Gray, was critical for bringing the United States into the world scientific community. Gray's Manual for the Botany of the Northern United States (1848), constituted a natural flora in one volume that was notable for its ease of use, as well as for high standards of accuracy, inclusiveness, and scientific rigor.

Although a Harvard professor for more than 45 years, Gray had less influence as a botanical pedagogue than he did as the author of botany texts. Few of his students became professional botanists; however, his textbooks, especially How Plants Grow and the Manual, greatly increased the popularity of the subject among the lay public. Gray's many textbooks, from elementary school through the college level introduced thousands of Americans to botany, making it the science of choice in many schools for much of the 19th century. Gray also trained scores of amateur botanists and collectors, raising the standards for how specimens were gathered, labeled, preserved and documented. His corresponded widely with amateurs and paid collectors, who gladly sent him specimens and observations in return for his help with identifications. Gray's work benefited from his extensive correspondence with collectors throughout North America by greatly expanding the data from which he drew conclusions. The new information and new observations informed his synthetic works such as the Manual, which went through numerous editions. Also, by carefully instructing collectors about what specimens to gather, how to preserve them, and how to label them, Gray insured the quality of his data while modeling a more professional style of botanical work

Doubtless, Gray's greatest contribution to American Science was his early promotion of Darwinian theory. He had a long standing relationship with Charles Darwin based upon an extended correspondence. Gray was fascinated by Darwin's thinking and supported him personally and professionally at critical points in his career. Darwin valued Gray's insights and support, since the American botanist realized even before the publication of the Origin of Species that the issues were both scientific and theological. When a question arose about whether Darwin or Alfred Russell Wallace had originated the notion of natural selection, Darwin's letters to Gray proved Darwin's primacy. Gray actively defended Darwin's ideas in print, endeavoring to insure a fair reception of his work based upon its scientific merit. Gray's 1860 review of the Origin of Species in the American Journal of Science (2nd series, 29: 153-84), his debates with Louis Agassiz, and his popular essays in the Atlantic Monthly paved the way for broad acceptance of Darwinian evolution in the United States. Gray's role as an American defender of Darwin's ideas has been compared to that of Thomas Huxley in Great Britain. But, while Huxley viewed Darwinism as a victory of science over religion, Gray argued for the compatibility of natural selection and Protestant theology. He used natural theology, especially the "argument from design" to affirm that natural selection offers more proof of God's work in nature. Although Darwin himself eventually arrived at agnostic conclusions, he profoundly appreciated Gray's work on behalf of his theory, saying that "No one person understands my views and has defended them so well as A. Gray, though he does not by any means go all the way with me. (Letter to James D. Dana , 30 July 1860).

A shy individual, Asa Gray usually worked quietly and steered clear of politics. He received honorary Doctor of Law degrees from Oxford, Cambridge, and Edinburgh and became a member of the American Philosophical Society in 1848. Despite his significance as a botanist and an educator, Gray was little known among historians prior to the publication of A. Hunter Dupree's major biography Asa Gray: American Botanist, Friend of Darwin. Gray was married to Jane Lathrop Loring, whose social connections brought him into Boston society. The couple were childless. Gray was respected by his peers and fondly remembered as "our greatest botanist" and a "trump of all senses".

ANB

ILS

Scope and content

The Asa Gray Papers consist entirely of correspondence between this 19th century American botanist and various (mostly American) correspondents between the years 1838 and 1887. The largest section of this collection of one hundred letters are from Gray to Charles Edwin Bessey, professor of botany at Iowa Agricultural College from 1870-1884, and afterwards professor of botany at the University of Nebraska. Another earlier group of nine letters from 1840 is from Gray to Yale University chemist Benjamin Silliman, publisher of the first American scientific journal. The remainder of the collection consists of correspondence with individuals. These include a September 24, 1839 note to the New York botanist John Torrey (Gray's mentor), as well as letters to fellow scientists and collectors. For example, his December 31, 1840 letter to Silliman offers an article manuscript for the Journal on Constantine Rafinesque's botanical writings; another letter to Rev. Porter is a letter of introduction for English botanist Dr. Alexander, seeking housing in Cumberland, MD.; while a circa 1850 note promises to a Mr. Owen fifty copies of Gray's 1836 textbook, the Elements of Botany. Also, much of the correspondence regards specimens submitted to Gray for identification or other questions of a botanical nature. Some of these letters include an April 18, 1853 letter to Parker Cleaveland, acknowledging receipt of a parcel of multiple specimens such as Persian Lilacs and Chinese Honeysuckle, and an 1871 note to Josiah Hoopes, thanks him for sending Magnolia and [Hydrangea] macrophylla seeds. Other letters answer queries, such as a December 20, 1853 note to Samuel Batchelder, explaining why leaves change color in the autumn, or a March 22, 1883 response to a question from a young student Cora Dike, regarding the location of "auxiliary buds" on Sumach and Honey Locust tree branches. Tables of contents available

Collection Information

Provenance

Purchased and accessioned, 1957. See in-house shelf list for accession dates and numbers.

Early American History Note

This Collection consists of a variety of correspondence Asa Gray carried on with fellow scientists and collectors in the United States and Europe. Asa Gray was a leading nineteenth American botanist; securing a professorship at Harvard in 1842, he became perhaps the first professional botanist in America. The topic of the letters is almost exclusively botanical in nature. The correspondence includes discussions of publications, current specimens, and fossilized flora. Although Gray carried on extensive correspondence with Charles Darwin, none of that is in this manuscript collection, although the APS does have microfilm of Asa Gray's correspondence that contains some of this Darwin material.

Indexing Terms


Genre(s)

  • Educational Material
  • Scientific Correspondence

Personal Name(s)

  • Bessey, Charles E. (Charles Edwin), 1845-1915
  • Cleaveland, Parker, 1780-1858
  • Conway, Moncure Daniel, 1832-1907
  • Gray, Asa, 1810-1888
  • James, Thomas Potts, 1803-1882
  • Ridgely, Charles Goodwin, 1784-1848
  • Rothrock, Joseph T., 1839-1922
  • Torrey, John, 1796-1873
  • Vrolik, W., (Willem), 1801-1863
  • Ward, Henry A. (Henry Augustus), 1834-1906

Subject(s)

  • Botanical gardens.
  • Botany.
  • Education -- United States.
  • Plants -- Collection and preservation.
  • Science and technology
  • Shells.


Detailed Inventory

 Correspondence
  
B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles] E[dwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
[May 22],5-1/4x3

A.L.S. on postal card. 1p. and add. Sent his to Darwin who is working on pollen.

General physical description: 5-1/4x3

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles Edwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
[June 9],3x5-1/4

A.L.S. with initials on postal card. 1p. and add. Concerning a paper which will have to be worked up.

General physical description: 3x5-1/4

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to C[harles] E[dwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
[June 10],3x5-1/4

A.L.S. on postal card. 1p. and add. Concerning botanical subjects.

General physical description: 3x5-1/4

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to C[harles] E[dwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
June 14,3x5-1/4

A.L.S. on postal card. 1p. and add. He may keep a copy of the paper.

General physical description: 3x5-1/4

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles Edwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
[July 8?],3x5-1/4

A.L.S. with initials on postal card. 1p. and add. He may keep a copy of the pamphlet.

General physical description: 3x5-1/4

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to C[harles] E[dwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
July 12,3x5-1/2

A.L.S. on postal card. 1p. and add. Will receive and enter it.

General physical description: 3x5-1/2

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to C[harles] E[dwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
[Sept. 9],3x5-1/2

A.L.S. on postal card. 1p. and add. Thanks for seeds and card.

General physical description: 3x5-1/2

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles Edwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
Sept. 18,3x5-1/4

A.L.S. on postal card. 1p. and add. Would like a reprint of an article.

General physical description: 3x5-1/4

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to C[harles] E[dwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
[Sept. 28],3x5-1/4

A.L.S. with initials on postal card. 1p. and add. Concerning a new specimen in botany.

General physical description: 3x5-1/4

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles Edwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
[Oct. 16],3x5-1/4

A.L.S. with initials on postal card. 1p. and add. Concerning lespedeza.

General physical description: 3x5-1/4

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles Edwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
[Nov. 9],3x5-1/4

A.L.S. with initials on postal card. 1p. and add. Thanks for specimen.

General physical description: 3x5-1/4

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to C[harles] E[dwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
[Nov. 20],3x5-1/2

A.L.S. with initials on postal card. 1p. and end. Reports that he is doing very well.

General physical description: 3x5-1/2

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to C[harles] E[dwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
 3x5-1/4

A.L.S. with initials on postal card. 1p. and add. Would like some of the polygonums.

General physical description: 3x5-1/4

Other Descriptive Information: Unlocated 3/11

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Moncure Daniel?] Conway
Oct. 30,6x4

Cambridge, A.L.S. 2p. Concerning the correct name of a tree.

General physical description: 6x4

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to H. R. Hawes
Oct. 7,6x3-3/4

Cambridge, A.L.S. 1p. and end. Will be pleased to meet him.

General physical description: 6x3-3/4

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to Mr. Winsor
Jan. 31,5-3/4x4

A.L.S. Invitation to dinner.

General physical description: 5-3/4x4

 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Asa Gray to L.E.W. Eaton
April 6 
 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
A[sa] Gray to Mr Pratt
undated 
B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to "Dear Alice"
 7x4-1/2

Cambridge, Monday evening. A.L.S. 3p. Friendly letter.

General physical description: 7x4-1/2

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles Edwin] Bessey
Oct. 28, [1871?]4x4-1/2

Cambridge, A.L.S. 2p. Concerning botanical matters.

General physical description: 4x4-1/2

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to C[harles] E[dwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
April 16, [1882?]7-1/2x4-3/4

Cambridge, A.L.S. 2p. and add. Friendly letter. Concerning a correction for Alvord's article.

General physical description: 7-1/2x4-3/4

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to C[harles] E[dwin] Bessey, Lincoln, Neb.
Dec. 5, [1884]3x5-1/4

A.L.S. on postal card. 1p. and add. Has ordered publication from England for him.

General physical description: 3x5-1/4

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to C[harles] E[dwin] Bessey, Lincoln, Neb.
March 9, [1885]3x5

A.L.S. on postal card. 1p. and add. Sends news of cost of publication, according to J. D. Hooker.

General physical description: 3x5

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to Cha[rle]s [Goodwin] Ridgeley, Brooklyn
Feb. 7, 18389-1/2x8

New York, A.L.S. 2p.and add. Lists scientific instruments necessary for the expedition.

General physical description: 9-1/2x8

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Correspondence with C.E. Bessey, etc.
1838-1887 

A.L.S. 62 items (letters and postal cards) and 3 engravings, plus one newspaper clipping. Various sizes. Contains 3 letters not by Asa Gray. See table of contents.

 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
[Asa] Gray to [John Torrey]
1839 Sept 24 
 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
A[sa] Gray to J[ohn] J[oseph] Bennett
1845 April 30 
B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to Mr. Owen
1850?7x4-1/2

[ca.]. A.L.S. 1p. and add. Concerning the sale of texts.

General physical description: 7x4-1/2

 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
A[sa] Gray to [Parker] Cleavland
1853 April 18 
 Tho[mas] P[otts] James to [Asa] Gray
1855 Dec 18 
 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
A[sa] Gray to [TP] James
1855 Nov 12 
B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Willem] Vrolik
May 4, 18587x4-1/2

Cambridge, A.L.S. 1p. Introduces A. A. Gould.

General physical description: 7x4-1/2

 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Asa Gray to Professor Rogers
1860 Jan 27 
 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
A[sa] Gray to [Joseph Trimble] Rothrock
1864 Oct 28 
 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Asa Gray to [John Edward?] Gray
1869 October 19 
B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to Cha[rle]s E[dwin] Bessey
Jan. 13, 18707x4-1/2

Cambridge, A.L.S. 1p. Recommends book for use in school.

General physical description: 7x4-1/2

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles E. Bessey]
May 24, 18707x4-1/2

Cambridge, A.L.S. 3p. Concerning botany in America.

General physical description: 7x4-1/2

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles Edwin] Bessey
July 22, 18707x4-1/2

Cambridge, A.L.S. 2p. Concerning botanical matters.

General physical description: 7x4-1/2

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles Edwin Bessey]
Oct. 16, 18707x4-1/2

Cambridge, A.L.S. 1p. Concerning a botanical matter.

General physical description: 7x4-1/2

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles Edwin] Bessey
Nov. 5, 18707x4-1/2

Cambridge, A.L.S. 3p. Thanks for plants. Concerning their growth.

General physical description: 7x4-1/2

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Henry Augustus] Ward
July 11, 18707x4-1/2

Cambridge, A.L.S. 3p. Concerning botanical knowledge.

General physical description: 7x4-1/2

 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Asa Gray to [Josiah] Hoopes
1871 March 18 
B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles Edwin] Bessey
July 20, 18718x4-3/4

Cambridge, A.L.S. 1p. Concerning his article on a plant.

General physical description: 8x4-3/4

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles Edwin] Bessey
March 11, 18726x4

Cambridge, A.L.S. 3p. Asks if he can furnish plants and seeds for a man in England.

General physical description: 6x4

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles Edwin] Bessey
Aug. 17, 187210-1/2x8

Denver, A.L.S. 1p. Asks that they meet in Dubuque.

General physical description: 10-1/2x8

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles Edwin Bessey]
Sept. 7, 18725-1/2x4-1/2

Cambridge, A.L.S. 2p. Botanical news.

General physical description: 5-1/2x4-1/2

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to C[harles] E[dwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
Oct. 24, 18726x4

Cambridge, L.S.: Asa Gray pr. Sereno Watson. 1p. Concerning cypripediums.

General physical description: 6x4

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles Edwin] Bessey
Sept. 13, 18724-3/4x4

Cambridge, A.L.S. 2p. Asks for certain nuts which he can collect.

General physical description: 4-3/4x4

B G78.1 Watson, Sereno, 1826-1892..
Letter to C[harles] E[dwin] Bessey
July 13, 18728x5

Cambridge, A.L.S.for A[sa] Gray. 1p. and end. Concerning Asa Gray. Botanical news.

General physical description: 8x5

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles Edwin] Bessey
March 10, 18738x5

Cambridge, A.L.S. 1p. Will let him have a book which he purchased.

General physical description: 8x5

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles Edwin] Bessey
May 14, 18739x5

Cambridge, A.L.S. 2p. Friendly letter. Concerning a botanical term.

General physical description: 9x5

 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
A[sa] Gray to [Alonzo Howard] Clark
1873 July 5 
 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Asa Gray to Dr Carruthers
1874 May 2 
B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to C[harles] E[dwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
Aug. 21, 18745-3/4x4-1/2

Cambridge, A.L.S. 2p. and add. Asks for plants and seeds.

General physical description: 5-3/4x4-1/2

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to C[harles] E[dwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
Dec. 15, 18748x5

Cambridge, A.L.S. 3p. and add. Enc.of 3 cards introducing Bessey to C. L. Anderson, E. L. Greene, and Dr. and Mrs. Hewston. Knows that he will enjoy his California visit. Tells him sights to see and encloses cards introducing him to various people.

General physical description: 8x5

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles E.] Bessey
March 20, 18755-1/2x4-1/2

Cambridge, A.L.S. 2p. Concerning lespedeza.

General physical description: 5-1/2x4-1/2

B G78.1 E[ngelmann], G[eorge], 1809-1884..
Letter to J. C. Arthur
March 7, 18768x5

St. Louis, A.L.S. with initials. 4p. Concerning botany of the U.S. Sent lespedeza to Gray.

General physical description: 8x5

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles E.] Bessey
June 13, 18768x5

Cambridge, A.L.S. 2p. and add. and enc. of 1p. Concerning a botanical problem which J. D. Hooker helped solve. Forwards ad of new publication on botany of California.

General physical description: 8x5

 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Asa Gry to [George Edward?] Ellis
1877 May 9 
B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to C[harles] E[dwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
May 13, 18778x5

Cambridge, A.L.S. 2p. and end. Concerning botanical news for a publication.

General physical description: 8x5

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles Edwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
1877 June 175-1/4x5

Cambridge, A.L.S. 1p. and add. Enc. wanting. Forwards part of Darwin's letter and he wants it returned.

General physical description: 5-1/4x5

 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Asa Gray to Mr Crandall
1877 June 21 
B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles Edwin] Bessey
Jan. 30, 18788x5

Cambridge, A.L.S. 1p. Concerning a problem in botany.

General physical description: 8x5

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles Edwin] Bessey
Feb. 4, 18788x5

Cambridge, A.L.S. 1p. Concerning botanical matters.

General physical description: 8x5

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles Edwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
June 4, 18783x5

A.L.S. with initials on postal card. 1p. and add. Concerning botanical publications.

General physical description: 3x5

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles] E[dwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
June 14, 18787-1/4x4-1/2

Cambridge, A.L.S. 1p. Concerning his request for a publication.

General physical description: 7-1/4x4-1/2

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to C[harles] E[dwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
July 15, 18783x5-1/4

Cambridge, A.L.S. on postal card. 1p. and end. Will forward publications.

General physical description: 3x5-1/4

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Note to C[harles] A[sic] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
July 15, 18783x5

A.N.S. on postal card. 1p. and add. Thank you note.

General physical description: 3x5

B G78.1 Bunsen, [Robert Wilhelm] E[berhard] von, 1811- 1899..
Letter to M[oncure] D[aniel] Conway
May 22, 18793x4-3/4

A.L.S. on postal card. 1p. and add. Will try to see him tomorrow afternoon.

General physical description: 3x4-3/4

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to C[harles] E[dwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
Feb. 29, 18808x5

Cambridge, A.L.S. 1p. and add. Asks that he fill out item and return it to him.

General physical description: 8x5

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to C[harles] E[dwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
Jan. 12, 18823x5

A.L.S. on postal card. 1p. and add. Makes no announcement quite yet, but will before long.

General physical description: 3x5

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles Edwin] Bessey Ames, Iowa
March 28, 18826x3-3/4

Cambridge, A.L.S. 3p. and add. Concerning an article on the compass plant written by Alvord.

General physical description: 6x3-3/4

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to C[harles] E[dwin] Bessey, Ames
April 7, 18828x5

Cambridge, A.L.S. 2p. and add. Concerning the article by Alvord on the compass plant.

General physical description: 8x5

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles Edwin] Bessey, Ames, Iowa
Nov. 8, 18828x5

A.L.S. 2p. and add. Concerning the American naturalist's articles from private correspondence.

General physical description: 8x5

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles Edwin] Bessey
Oct. 1, 18848-1/4x5

Cambridge, A.L.S. 3p. Concerning his "little book." Friendly letter.

General physical description: 8-1/4x5

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to Dr. Dawson
July 9, 18848x5

Cambridge, A.L.S. 2p. and end. Will visit with them.

General physical description: 8x5

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to Mr. Bistite(?)
June 21, 18857x4-1/2

Cambridge, A.L.S. 3p. Concerning the shamrock.

General physical description: 7x4-1/2

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to Medfield
Dec. 24, 18866x4

Cambridge, A.L.S. 1p. Thanks for his photograph.

General physical description: 6x4

B G78.1 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Charles Edwin] Bessey
Feb. 4, 18877x4-1/2

Cambridge, A.L.S. 2p. Botanical news.

General physical description: 7x4-1/2

B G78.2 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to B[enjamin] Silliman, Jr.
Feb. 9, [1840]8-1/4x5

New York, A.L.S. 2p. and add., end. Friendly letter. Pertaining to the tea plant.

General physical description: 8-1/4x5

B G78.2 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to B[enjamin] Silliman, New Haven
Jan. 31, 184010x8-1/4

New York, A.L.S. 2p. and add., end. Botanical news.

General physical description: 10x8-1/4

B G78.2 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to Benj[amin] Silliman, New Haven
June, 184010x7-3/4

A.L.S. 2p. and add., end. Friendly letter. Congratulates him on his marriage.

General physical description: 10x7-3/4

B G78.2 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Benjamin] Silliman
Sept. 7, 18409-1/2x7-1/2

New York, A.L.S. 1p. and end. Concerning his article.

General physical description: 9-1/2x7-1/2

B G78.2 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to Benj[amin] Silliman, New Haven
Oct. 5, 184010x7-3/4

New York, A.L.S. 2p. and add., end. Concerning his article. Friendly letter. News of Rafinesque's death.

General physical description: 10x7-3/4

B G78.2 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to Benj[amin] Silliman, New Haven
Nov. 15, 184010-1/2x8-1/4

New York, A.L.S. 1p. and add., end. Business. Concerning the elogue on Rafinesque.

General physical description: 10-1/2x8-1/4

B G78.2 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to Benj[amin] Silliman, New Haven
Nov. 30, 184010-1/2x8-1/2

New York, A.L.S. 2p. and add., end. Business.

General physical description: 10-1/2x8-1/2

B G78.2 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Benjamin] Silliman
Dec. 31, 184010x7-3/4

A.L.S. 1p. and end. Concerning an article of his on Rafinesque.

General physical description: 10x7-3/4

B G78.2 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letters to Mrs. and Benjamin Silliman
1840-1864 

A.L.S. 9 items. Various sizes. To B.Silliman: Jan.31; Feb.30; [June]; Sept. 7; Oct. 5; Nov. 15; Nov. 30; Dec. 31; 1840; and to Mrs. Silliman, Nov.4,1864. Table of contents available.

Other Descriptive Information: Unlocated 3/11

B G78.2 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to Mrs. [Sarah Isabella McClellan Webb] Silliman
Nov. 4, 18647x4-1/2

Cambridge, A.L.S. 2p. and end. Thanks for seeds. Refers to Benjamin Silliman and A. A. Gould.

General physical description: 7x4-1/2

B G78.3 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to Sam[ue]l Batchelder
Dec. 20, 18538x5

Cambridge, A.L.S. 2p. and end. Concerning the change in color of leaves, in the autumn.

General physical description: 8x5

B G78.4 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to Nehemiah Cleaveland
June 21, 185110x7-3/4

Brooklyn, A.L.S. 2p. and end. Wishes to start a school for young ladies and wonders if he will teach moral philosophy and English literature.

General physical description: 10x7-3/4

B G78.5 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to Mr. James
Jan. 25, 18547x4-1/2

Washington, A.L.S. 3p. Cannot possibly visit him in Philadelphia at noon, for they will not arrive there until around 2:00 P.M.

General physical description: 7x4-1/2

B G78.6 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Thomas Potts] James
April 27, 18567x4-1/2

Cambridge, A.L.S. 2p. Finances. Owes Fendler a letter.

General physical description: 7x4-1/2

B G78.7 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to Messrs. Putnam
July 15, 18557-3/4x5

Cambridge, Mass., A.L.S. 1p. and end. Concerning proof for his Flora of North America.

General physical description: 7-3/4x5

B G78.8 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to Mr. Delvin
Dec. 9, 18878x5

Cambridge, Mass., A.L.S. 1p. Recommends article by N. B. Ward on raising plants indoors.

General physical description: 8x5

B G78.9 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Noah?] Porter
May 14, 18497x4-1/2

Cambridge, Mass., A.L.S. 2p. Introduces Dr. Alexander, of England, who comes botanizing in the U.S.

General physical description: 7x4-1/2

B G78.10 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to General Breck
June 8, 18717x4-1/2

Cambridge, Mass., A.L.S. 4p. Concerning the possible purchase of a rare botanical work.

General physical description: 7x4-1/2

B G78.11 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Cora E. Dike]
March 22, [1883]7x4-1/2

A.L.S. 1p. Draft. Answers her inquiry on botany. On same sheet as C.E.Dike to Gray; March 7, 1883.

General physical description: 7x4-1/2

B G78.11 Dike, Cora E.
Letter to [Asa] Gray
March 7, 18837x4-1/2

Stoneham, Mass., A.L.S. 3p. Botanical questions. On same sheet is draft of Gray to C. E. Dike; [March] 22, [1883].

General physical description: 7x4-1/2

B G78.12 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to [Edward Greely?] Loring
Feb. 10, 186510x8

Cambridge, Mass., A.L.S. 4p. Concerning Greenough's memorial for lowering requirements for students at Harvard.

General physical description: 10x8

B G78.13 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to W[illia]m S. Vaux
April 4, 186110x8

Boston, Mass., A.L.S. 3p. Concerning misshipment of geological books to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences rather than the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia.

General physical description: 10x8

B G78.14 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to Dr. Mckennan
May 15, 18868-1/2x5

Cambridge, Mass., A.L.S. 1p. The momorial to his uncle is to be printed by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

General physical description: 8-1/2x5

B G78.15 Gray, Asa, 1810-1888.
Letter to B. W. Austin
May 22, 18867x4-1/2

Cambridge, Mass., A.L.S. 1p. Thanks for notification of election to the Northwestern Literary and Historical Society at Sioux City, Iowa.

General physical description: 7x4-1/2