1887 Autograph Letter Signed – Charles Valentine Riley to Prof. Edward Sylvester Morse
Original 1-page ALS dated July 16, 1887, written from Craig Cottage, East Gloucester, Massachusetts. Riley writes to Prof. Morse about upcoming travel to England for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) meeting, asking which boat he will take, when he sails, how many AAAS members will be traveling, and whether any special arrangements have been made. Riley notes he had planned to sail in early August but would postpone to join “a lot of jolly fellows.”
Includes an original printed biography clipping of Riley, detailing his career and achievements.
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Transcription:
Craig Cottage
East Gloucester, Mass
July 16, 1887
Dear Prof. Morse,
Will you please drop me a note to above address and tell me what boat you go to England in and when you sail? How many other Members A.A.A.S. go with you and have any special arrangements been made? I had thought of sailing about first week in August, but if I could go with a lot of jolly fellows would postpone.
Yours ever,
C.V. Riley
P.S. Please let me hear from you without delay.
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Biographies:
Charles Valentine Riley (1843–1895) – British-born American entomologist and artist who became one of the most important figures in the history of economic entomology. Born in London, Riley emigrated to the United States in 1860, initially working as a farmer before becoming an agricultural journalist. He served as Missouri State Entomologist (1868–77) and the first U.S. Entomologist (1878–94). Riley was a pioneer in biological pest control, famously introducing the vedalia beetle to California to save the citrus industry from cottony cushion scale. He published around 2,000 scientific papers, curated over 115,000 insect specimens for the Smithsonian, and earned numerous international honors.
Prof. Edward Sylvester Morse (1838–1925) – Renowned American zoologist, orientalist, and museum director. Known for his studies of brachiopods, Morse was also a leading figure in introducing Japanese art and culture to the West during the late 19th century. He served as director of the Peabody Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, was an influential member of the AAAS, and traveled extensively to lecture and conduct research.
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Condition:
Letter is in very good condition with light fold lines, ink strong and fully legible. Biographical clipping is clean and well-preserved.
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Significance:
This correspondence offers a rare link between two giants of 19th-century science, documenting their coordination for an international AAAS gathering. The mix of personal camaraderie (“a lot of jolly fellows”) and historical scientific travel makes it a desirable item for collectors of scientific history, entomology, or autograph material.