Description
This collection contains the papers of Smithsonian chief clerk, bibliographer, and collector William Jones Rhees (1830-1907),
of materials assembled chiefly for their autograph value, though the collection contains various groups of related materials.
Includes papers of American physicist and surveyor Alexander Dallas Bache (1806-1867), American geographer Henry Rowe Schoolcraft
(1793-1864), National Institute for the Promotion of Sciences, and the Smithsonian Institution, as well as correspondence
of William Jones Rhees, letters and papers addressed to the United States Pension Bureau, letters and papers related to Indian
affairs, and miscellaneous autograph letters and documents.
Background
William Jones Rhees (1830-1907) was a bibliographer, collector, and chief clerk of the Smithsonian Institution. Rhees became
chief clerk of the Smithsonian Institution in July 1852, and served in this capacity until 1891, when he was placed in charge
of the archives, publications, etc. His association with the Smithsonian Institution continued until his death. An enthusiastic
autograph collector, Rhees accumulated numerous unrelated letters and papers of prominent men as well as more coherent groups
of manuscripts relating to his official position.
Extent
74.9 Linear Feet
(64 boxes, 2 volumes)
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material,
nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and
obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more
information.