Charles Bessey, Letters, 1880

C. V. Riley, Chief: Washington, D. C. A. S. Packard, Jr., Sec'y: Providence, R. I. Cyrus Thomas, Disbursing Agent: Carbondale, Ill.

Department of the Interior, Office of the U. S. Entomological Commission,

Headquarters, No. 1700 13th Street, N. W., Washington, D. C.

Washington, D. C. Mar 31, 1880.

Dear Prof Bessey,

I learn from Mr Putnam that there is a good prospect of a bill passing to create an entomological department in the College, and I am glad to know it. If there should be sufficient object, and you would care to have me join you at the College, at the head of such a department, remember that I am open to any proposition.

Yours ever, C. V. Riley.

From C. V. Riley, Washington, D. C.

Washington Mar 31 8 PM 1880 D. C.

Prof. C. E. Bessey, Ames, Iowa.

Department of the Interior, U. S. Entomological Commission, Office, 1700 13th Street, N. W. Official Business. Any person using this envelope to avoid the payment of postage on private matter of any kind will be subject to a fine of Three Hundred Dollars.

Washington Jan 6 4 PM 1880 D. C.

Prof. C. E. Bessey, Iowa Agricultural College, Ames, Iowa

C. V. Riley, Chief: Washington, D. C. A. S. Packard, Jr., Sec'y: Providence, R. I. Cyrus Thomas, Disbursing Agent: Carbondale, Ill.

Department of the Interior, Office of the U. S. Entomological Commission,

Headquarters, No. 1700 13th Street, N. W., Washington, D. C.

Washington, D. C. Jan. 6th, 1880.

Prof. C. E. Bessey, Iowa Agricultural College, Ames, Iowa.

Dear Sir,

I regret to say that the maps in the pamphlet which you sent me are of little use as saving time because they are colored. If I can get a black outline map I can add what I wish to it and have it photoengraved at trifling cost. I note what you state regarding the different broods. Try and get me a black outline map.

Yours very truly, C. V. Riley.

Reflected Light Lantern!

Boston Mar 26 11 AM Mass.

Prof. C. E. Bessey Ames I[owa]

Boston Mar 25 '80

Prof Bessey

Dear Sir

In accordance with your desire I sought and found the inventor of that piece of [sporotue?]. His name is Mr. H. Clarke, and Highland [A?]. [Samerrill?] is his address. In answer to his invitation I went out to his residence Tues. evening to see the machine and try it. He spent the whole evening showing it in different ways. He has improved it since I saw it before. But has not yet put it upon the market, though he thinks he will soon.

It shows either pictures or natural objects; by reflected light: gives splendid outline and shows the true color of the object or picture, correct to a tint.

I had him show the leaves & stem of a

branch from a house plant, some piece of wood bark, a water [?], and pieces of coal & [cinders?], the [?] of course being so [?] did not have its rotor shown so distinctly, but the [?] [?] good. The cinders showed well as did the other objects. The [improvement?] of the motor in [?] showed the [?] [on?] the [serene?] to saw [works?] [?] & [?] [?] wood [were?] very distinct.

I had this objection however for [?] work, which I [?] would be [?] a [serious?] and in some [?]. [sic.] The light which he uses is from two lamp [?] placed on either side of the object, and then heat the object up to near the boiling point of water.

It is not a complicated machine. I worked it myself to try t, and only [costs?] about [3 or 4¢ per hour to use?] it however having his address you can write to him and he told me he would be glad to answer any questions you [Page Break] may wish to ask concerning [the?] thing. Well in [ours?] is quite a [?] isn't it! [?] the books [?] one [?] important item but I now am unable to [exhaust?] what few I have in my room and can get at the [Inst?]. By the way the [?] library at the [Inst?]. is a most complete one indeed.

Have found my work very pleasant and instructive, and my success has been such that I have the offer of the same place another year, with larger salary. Have also some other pretty good shows. [They only?] graduate one Chemist this year and Prof [?] says he will have to "stretch the [?] to do that."

My work this winter has been [?] [?] [?] as the programs [?] you, but my health has been good and so have enjoyed myself splendidly.

Was very glad to receive your kind letter had almost given you up, but then I knew you were busy as you always are.

Had a letter from J. C. Arthur not long since & seems to think that he will not stay where he is very long, through no fault of his of course, but I implore you know all about it. I will gladly report on opening to him if any comes to my notice. I think we [J. A. C.?] graduates ought to stand by one another, and render all the mutual help we can, don't you?

Well I have [?] a lot & said little, pardon my [?] on please remember me to the Faculty and especially to Profs Pope & Stalker. Long live the [J. H. C.?]!

Yours [?] W. K. Robbins

P. S. should be glad to receive a line when you have a few [moments?] [?] W. R. R.