Book Description

Letters to William Howell Reed from Edward Everett Hale, author, publisher, pastor and social advocate. Both men worked at the South Congregational Church in Boston, and much of their correspondence revolves around the day-to-day activities of running the church. Hale's social views, literary projects and travel impressions can be gleaned from the almost 40 years worth of correspondence. The collection primarily consists of Hale's letters to Reed, but also includes correspondence written by Hale (and others) to other recipients, one response from Reed to Hale, and holograph manuscripts written by Hale. Out of 266 holograph letters, 248 are from Edward Everett Hale to William Howell Reed. These letters provide a glimpse of day-to-day business at the Old South Church in Boston, with glimpses into Hale's publishing and other business enterprises. Of note is an 1874 discourse on the history of the barbarians and the origins of the Church. His letters from 1882, when he was abroad in Europe include an account of a meeting with the librarian of the Royal Geographical Society, who said to Hale, "Your name is not unknown to geographers." In an 1891 letter, Hale reminisces about California and how he nearly joined the gold rush in 1849. Throughout the almost forty years of letters, Hale sends Reed on a number of personal errands, for such items as lemons at the Quincy market or cork for the cushions on one of his boats. Hale also frequently borrows cash and orders carriages to pick him up at various locations. Only one letter in the collection is from Reed to Hale, and it responds to Hale's resignation from the South Congregational Church. Hale's manuscripts include a possibly unpublished holograph poem, a holograph essay on cleaning the study, holograph sermon notes, anonymous diary entries for late 1823 not written by Hale, a pamphlet from the Ten times one corporation, of which Hale was president, holograph notes, and a newspaper tribute to Hale on the occasion of his 70th birthday.