Charles Bessey, Letters, 1885-1887

Philada. 11/2 1887

Dear Prof. What is your opinion as to the merit of Dr. Sturtevants article on Garden Vegetables? Complaints of its value reach me, but I had supposed that it was of value from a botanical stand point. I would like your opinion. I have a mind to stop it with the December no.

I am very truly E. D. Cope.

The Botanical Gazette.

Editors: John M. Coulter, W[?] College, Crawfordsville, Ind. Charles [?] [?]. Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind. J. C. Arthur, Asst. [?] Station [?], N. Y.

Crawfordsville, Ind.– Feb'y 11[th?] '87

My dear Prof. Bessey:

This is strictly inter nos, both my information & your reply. They are negotiating with me to become president of the Iowa State University. The figure is high & the statements attractive.

You have been in that state long enough to know some things. What do you know about the University? its standing in the state? its troubles if any? etc., in short everything that would go in to help one make up his mind in such a matter.

I am in blissful ignorance of it all.

Yrs as ever John M. Coulter

The Botanical Gazette.

Editors: John M. Coulter, W[?] College, Crawfordsville, Ind. Charles [?] [?]. Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind. J. C. Arthur, Asst. [?] Station [?], N. Y.

Crawfordsville, Ind. – Feby 19 '87.

My dear Dr. Bessey:

I am much obliged for your letter. It gives me just the information I need. I am not at all sure that I covet the place, but will go out & look over the ground.

If you care to write a letter concerning it to D. N. Richardson of Davenport, Iowa, it might do service. He is the member of the board came to see me. Or you might think of some other person who had better be informed.

I am as always— Yrs. John M. Coulter.

George W. E. [Porsey?]

House of Representatives U.S., Washington, D.C., Feb. 23rd, 1887.

Chas. E. Bessey, Esq., Lincoln, Nebr.

Dear Sir:

Yours received. I will support the Agricultural Experimental Station bill and will do all in my power to secure its passage.

Yours truly, Geo W E [?]

37 Washington St. Watertown, N. Y.,

Sept 9th '87

Chas E. Bessey, Dear Sir.

Excuse the liberty I take in addressing you. I am an amateur botanist of very little experience and great ignorance, a member of the Agassiz Association, and hoping to make botany a specialty. I enjoy your botany though I have