John G. Morse Letter to Julie Morse 1902 *

This postcard has a postmark of Boston, MA / April 30 / 10 AM / 1902 with a preprinted return address of "Inspection Department of the Factory Mutual Fire Insurance Co's, 31 Milk Street, Boston." John writes that day: 

train ride from Boston to Providence

Dear Julie,

Off for Providence. No time to write more. Hope to get home tonight but doubt it. 

Yours with love,

John

John's note, hurriedly written amidst his departure from Boston to Providence, conveys the purpose of his business trip in concise terms—a necessity overshadowed by uncertainties about his prompt return. "Off for Providence," his brief message states plainly, reflecting the urgency of his task. Penned hastily, it signifies a focused mindset, possibly written just before his departure. It hints at his wish to be home that night, though doubts lingered about the likelihood. The hope for a swift return amidst the unpredictability of his schedule was a reality familiar to many business travelers.

Travel between Boston and Providence during this time relied on efficient train services, often provided by major railway companies like the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad (NYNH&H). These trains, designed for convenience, facilitated quick journeys for professionals like John. He might have chosen an express train for its efficiency or a local service, navigating through the necessities of his business commitments. The steam-powered locomotives ensured a straightforward journey, offering comfort and practicality as he made his way from bustling Boston to Providence.

1894 Opinion of Justice John Marshall Harlan via Edward S. Morse

 1894 アメリカ最高裁判所判事 John Marshall Harlan の裁判意見書

Justice John Marshall Harlan

The letter reads:

Cambridge April 3, 1894

Ever so much obliged to you, my dear Morse, for sending me Judge Harlan's opinion! I devoured it right off & then took it up to the Harvard Law Library, where they were no less pleased to get it. They had neither seen it nor heard of it, & seemed to be amused at the idea of their obtaining it through two such outside barbarians, in law matters as you & I. Please remember me kindly to your family & believe me.

Yours very truly

Robert Rayner

In a letter dated April 3, 1894, between two seemingly unlikely collaborators, Robert Rayner and Edward S. Morse, a fascinating exchange unfolds. At its center lies the expression of gratitude from Rayner to Morse for the transmission of a legal gem — Justice John Marshall Harlan's opinion. This correspondence, now a historical artifact, not only reveals the warmth between the correspondents but also unveils the intriguing dynamics of legal scholarship in the late 19th century.

Rayner's letter exudes appreciation as he thanks Morse for providing him with Judge Harlan's opinion. The enthusiasm is palpable, describing how he "devoured it right off" and shared it with the Harvard Law Library. What makes this exchange captivating is the sense of camaraderie between two self-professed "outside barbarians" in the realm of legal matters, hinting at a shared journey through uncharted territories of jurisprudence.

However, the mystery deepens as we attempt to identify the specific legal opinion in question. Rayner's letter provides a glimpse into the challenges of locating this opinion and raises questions about the broader recognition of Justice Harlan's work during that era. The lack of information on Rayner himself adds an element of intrigue, leaving us to ponder the extent of his influence in legal circles.

Was the referenced opinion not as widely known or discussed even at that time? Supreme Court opinions, particularly dissents, often grapple with delayed recognition. The letter prompts us to explore why certain legal perspectives may escape immediate attention and recognition.

The reaction of the Harvard Law Library adds another layer to this narrative. Their surprise and amusement at obtaining the opinion through the unconventional channels of Rayner and Morse serve as a testament to the uncharted territories these "outside barbarians" dared to traverse.

The letter encourages us to reflect on the evolving nature of legal scholarship. Do certain opinions gain more prominence over time? How does the recognition of legal minds and their contributions shift with the passage of years? The Harvard Law Library's unfamiliarity with Harlan's opinion hints at a dynamic legal landscape where some voices may echo more loudly in later years.

In conclusion, this 1894 letter becomes not just a piece of historical correspondence but a portal into the nuances of legal academia during its formative years. The gratitude expressed by Rayner, the mystery surrounding the referenced opinion, and the unexpected path it took to reach the Harvard Law Library all contribute to a narrative that invites readers to appreciate the historical context and the ever-evolving nature of legal thought.

Six Newly Discovered Postcards Addressed to Edward S. Morse - RARE Japan Connection

 According to S. Kimura, the author of Exchanges between Morse and Japanese People as Evidenced Through Written Correspondence, she mentions that out of the vast collection of over 12,000 letters, a mere 267 can be definitively attributed to Japanese senders corresponding with Morse, underscoring the rarity of such exchanges.

Among the recently discovered postcards (purchased from an online auction simply listed as "Japanese Postcards," with no mention of Morse or their content), four were written by Chujiro Sasaki (佐々木忠次郎) and are dated 1910, 1916, 1922, and 1924. There are also two other postcards in the collection: one from Seiken Takenaka (竹中成憲) dated 1900, and another from Chiyomatsu Ishikawa (石川千代松) dated 1901.

Chujiro Sasaki (1857-1938) stands as a noteworthy figure, having been a protégé of Edward S. Morse during his tenure at the University of Tokyo. As a student in 1877, Sasaki engaged in excavations and surveys at the Omori Shell Mound. In the subsequent years, he also explored the Okadaira Shell Mound, a site of significant archaeological import. Graduating from Tokyo University in 1881, Sasaki pursued further studies in Germany over a span of two years. His academic journey led him to eventually become a professor specializing in zoology, entomology, and sericulture at the Imperial University Agricultural College in 1893.

Seiken (Hachitaro) Takenaka (1862-1925) emerges as a prominent presence within Morse's book Japan Day by Day 1877, 1878-79, 1882-83. Serving as Morse's assistant and interpreter during his initial years in Japan, Takenaka's early affiliation with Morse is well-documented. He pursued a medical education at the University of Tokyo and later transitioned into the role of a military doctor. Notably, Takenaka established his own hospital on Sado Island around 1905.

Ishikawa Chiyomatsu (1861-1935), another student under Morse's tutelage, contributed significantly to the propagation of the theory of evolution in Japan. His impact and achievements extend far and wide.

For a more comprehensive exploration of the lives and accomplishments of the individuals mentioned above, read Sagiri Kimura's paper, available as a PDF file. Thanks to her research paper, I managed to accurately identify the origins of those postcards.

https://edo-tokyo-museum.repo.nii.ac.jp/record/313/files/report35_55-70.pdf

She is a researcher at Edo-Tokyo-Museum: https://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/en/

letters from Chujiro Sasaki (佐々木忠次郎) 

letters from Chujiro Sasaki (佐々木忠次郎) 

letters from Seiken Takenaka (竹中成憲) and Chiyomatsu Ishikawa (石川千代松)

John G. Morse's Letter to His Wife from Waterbury, Connecticut in 1908 *

 On a postcard bearing the postmark of April 27, 1908, from Waterbury, Connecticut, we find a letter addressed to Mrs. John G. Morse at 12 Loring Ave., Salem, Massachusetts. This postcard offers a poignant glimpse into the past and the enduring relationship between John G. Morse and his wife.

John G. Morse*, the son of Edward S. Morse, was a frequent traveler due to his business commitments. During his trips, he would often pen heartfelt letters to his beloved wife, providing her with updates about his travels and the world beyond their home.

In an age long before instant communication, these handwritten notes served as a lifeline for couples separated by distance. They offer us a unique window into the daily lives and emotions of individuals living in a different era.

On Train to Waterbury, April 27, 1908

My dear Julie,

Horton joined me before we left Boston and we had a hot dusty ride to Hartford. We had lunch at the latter place and then took the 12:50 which is the slow train leaving Boston at 8:30 via Willimantic. We will get to Waterbury at two o'clock and after leaving our things at the hotel will go to the  mill. It is a little cooler at this end of the ride but we are pretty dusty and dirty. Will mail this at the hotel.

With Love, John

Please note: The interpretation provided above is based on my reading of the cursive letter.

John Gould Morse letter to his wife Julie - 1908

The train ride described here in the early 1900s, taking Horton and John from Boston to Hartford and then on to Waterbury, likely involved a combination of steam locomotives, passenger cars, and the typical experiences of rail travel during that era.

Boston to Hartford:

The journey began in Boston, and as they boarded the train, they would have encountered a bustling train station filled with people and activity. The locomotive pulling the train was likely a steam-powered engine, billowing steam and smoke as it prepared to depart. Once aboard, they would have found themselves in wooden or upholstered seats inside passenger cars. These cars often featured large windows, allowing passengers to view the passing landscape as the train made its way through Massachusetts and into Connecticut. The ride would have been dusty, as the train kicked up dirt and dust from the tracks, and the open windows could let in grit and soot.

Hartford to Waterbury:

After their break, Horton and they continued their journey by boarding the 12:50 train. This was described as the "slow train," suggesting that it made more stops along the route or had a less direct path compared to faster express trains. Leaving Hartford, their route would take them via Willimantic, which means they would have traversed the Connecticut countryside.

This part of the journey may have involved picturesque views of rural landscapes, small towns, and possibly glimpses of the Connecticut River. The train's pace would have been more relaxed, allowing for leisurely observation of the scenery.

Waterbury:

They were scheduled to arrive in Waterbury at two o'clock. Upon arrival, they would have likely disembarked at Waterbury's train station, which was often a hub of activity during that time. As mentioned, they planned to leave their belongings at the hotel, indicating that accommodations had been arranged in advance. Afterward, they intended to visit the mill, suggesting a business or work-related purpose for their trip to Waterbury.

Finally, the letter was to be mailed from the hotel, showcasing how people used hotels as communication centers by sending letters and messages during their travels. Overall, this train ride would have been a quintessential experience of early 20th-century rail travel, complete with the sights, sounds, and inconveniences that were characteristic of the era.

*John G. Morse is known as John Gould Morse and John Gavit Morse. 

Henry Fitz-Gilbert Waters of Salem and Edward S. Morse Connection

This postcard, postmarked in 1892, is addressed to Henry F. Waters (Henry Fitz-Gilbert), who lived from 1833 to 1913. He was a well-known antiquarian, genealogist, and a historically significant figure born in Salem, Massachusetts. The sender of the card is "H. D.," representing Sir Henry Dryden, the 4th and 7th Baronet, an English archaeologist and antiquary who lived from 1818 to 1899.

The note mentions someone who appears to be preparing to publish a historical account of a family from 17th-century America, or something along those lines. Unfortunately, due to the challenging penmanship, I couldn't decipher it precisely. The postcard bears a postmark from Byfield, Northampton, with the number "738." I understand that this location served as a Railway Sub Office from 1876 to 1905.

The only connection I could discern was that Waters and Morse both resided in Salem, Massachusetts. Why this postcard was found with the Morse accumulation is uncertain.

Henry Fitz-Gilbert Waters of Salem

John William Dawson to Edward S. Morse 1875 Postcard on First Book of Zoology (Important)

 This postcard addressed to Prof. E. S. Morse, Salem Massachusetts is dated Dec 17 / 75 (1875) with a Montreal postmark and a fancy cancel.

The sender of this postcard was none other than John William Dawson (1820-1899). He was a Canadian geologist, paleontologist, and educator known for his significant contributions to the study of geology, paleontology, and natural history. Dawson took the time to correspond with Professor Morse. Their exchange centered on Morse's "First Book of Zoology," a noteworthy publication. Morse, at the time, had aspirations of raising funds through the sale of this very book to support his upcoming expedition to Japan in 1877.

This postcard not only carries the weight of historical significance but also serves as a tangible connection between two prominent figures in the scientific community of their era. It provides a glimpse into the scholarly exchanges and ambitions that shaped the development of zoology and geology during the late 19th century.

The note reads: 

Many thanks for your first book of zoology which has many pleasant ways of teaching zoology, and will have no doubt be very useful, especially when you add to it the xxxx and xxxx. Why do you use the word cockle for univalve shells. In English the word is invariably used for candium. I was not aware that any one had changed the meaning. / xxxx you / JW Dawson

It appears that Dawson has some concerns or criticisms about the book of zoology. Dawson's tone seems somewhat critical.

John William Dawson - Signed

John Gould Morse or John Gavit Morse - Which Is It?

 What was the real name of Edward Sylvester Morse's son?

John's middle name has long been a source of intrigue for me. When I conducted a name search on various search engines, a multitude of results for "Gould" appeared. This is hardly surprising, given that his father, Edward S. Morse, shared a close and enduring friendship with an individual named John Mead Gould. It's conceivable that Professor Morse chose to bestow his son with the name "Gould."

Furthermore, genealogical sites, including Wikipedia and others, unequivocally display his name as "John Gould Morse." In light of this information, one can confidently assert that his middle name was, in fact, "Gould." Consequently, my belief that "Gould" was his accurate middle name remained steadfast, substantiated by the fact that all the covers in my possession bore only the middle initial "G."

However, an unexpected discovery shook my confidence. I stumbled upon a solitary cover that revealed his full name as "John Gavit Morse." This particular airmail cover had been sent from Bradford, Vermont. As we've previously discussed, Julie, John's wife, hailed from Bradford and was the daughter of David Blakely, the music manager for John Philip Sousa. Armed with this newfound information about John, I felt compelled to delve deeper into his name's origins.

It was during this investigation that I uncovered irrefutable evidence of his middle name in the 1880 Census Record of Salem, Massachusetts. In this official record, Edward S. Morse is listed as the head of the household, identified by his occupation as a Professor of Natural History. His wife, Ellen E., and daughter, Edith, are also recorded. Most significantly, their son is registered as "JOHN GAVIT," conclusively confirming his full name.

It's a joyful sensation when my little detective work yields accurate results, even if they appear inconsequential to others.

Margaret W. Brooks Letter Envelope (Longtime Secretary of Morse)

 The envelope is postmarked April 21, 1927, and it is addressed to Margaret M. Brooks. However, there seems to be an error as the sender mistakenly typed "M" instead of "W" as her middle initial. Margaret, born in 1860, was a daughter of Henry M. Brooks (1822-1898), who authored the Olden Time Series https://www.gutenberg.org/files/17483/17483-h/17483-h.htm. It's worth noting that Edward Morse wrote the introduction for Brooks' Olden-Time Music, published in 1888. Thus, the relationship between Morse and the Brooks family is unquestionable. Additionally, there is a bookplate within the Peabody Essex Museum collection that Edward Morse designed for Henry Brooks (see attached photo).

Margaret is listed in the 1915 Salem Directory as Margaret W. Brooks, residing at 60 Ocean Ave., Salem, Mass. She shares this residence with her sister Alice. Notably, Alice was the manager of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. for many years. Alice also held a title at the Essex Institute. Another resident is Jenny, associated with the Jenny Brooks Company, which specialized in selling Original Designs for Embroidery and Cross-Stitched Patterns.

The artwork on the reverse side of the envelope poses a mystery, as does the reason why this particular item was discovered within the Morse estate. Both of these mysteries remain unsolved.

UPDATE:

Oddly, Peabody-Essex-Museum shows her with the initial "M": Scrapbooks was compiled and organized by Margarette M. Brooks, Morse's secretarial assistant from 1878 until 1925.  https://pem.as.atlas-sys.com/repositories/2/resources/182

However, the digital read on https://www.aap.amdigital.co.uk/introduction/nature-and-scope shows a "W": The Scrapbooks series was compiled and organized by Margarette W. Brooks, Morse’s secretarial assistant from 1878 to 1925.

Conclusion: 

From the letter published on https://content.wisconsinhistory.org/digital/collection/p15932coll7/id/5895/rec/1 it clearly shows Margarette uses "W" as her middle initial (see photo). 

Margarette Ward Brooks (1860–1929) is mostly known today as a secretary to Morse, but she was also a scientist in her own right. She wrote "Influence of Temperature on the Chirp of the Cricket" in Popular Science Monthly in 1881 when she was just 21 years old!

1903 Envelope Addressed to Adeline P. Blakely (Parent-in-Law of Edward S. Morse)

 Her maiden name was Adeline Pritchard Low, wife of David Blakely (music manager of John Philip Sousa). Their daughter Julia married John Gavit Morse (son of Edward S. Morse) in 1899. This 1903 postmarked piece from Salem is inscribed "From dear Professor Morse."

Adeline P. Blakely

David Blakely served as the manager and agent for John Philip Sousa during a critical period of his career, which included Sousa's time as the leader of the United States Marine Band and later as the conductor of his own civilian band, the Sousa Band. Blakely played a key role in promoting Sousa's music and helping him achieve widespread recognition and success. He was involved in booking performances, handling contracts, and ensuring that Sousa's compositions and performances reached a broad audience.

Blakely's collaboration with John Philip Sousa contributed to the popularization of American music, particularly patriotic and military-themed compositions. Sousa's marches, such as "The Stars and Stripes Forever," became iconic pieces, and Blakely's efforts in marketing and management helped in this regard.

Through his work with Sousa, David Blakely played a part in shaping the landscape of American music during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Sousa's music and performances, often associated with national pride and patriotism, left a lasting impact on American culture. While David Blakely may not be as widely recognized as John Philip Sousa, his role as a manager and promoter was instrumental in advancing Sousa's career and the popularity of American music. 

1905 Boston to Salem Letter from John G. Morse to Julie Morse: Major Fire! *

 

North Station Boston - North Postal Station Cancel Postcard

This postcard features a preprinted return address: 'Inspection Department of the Factory Mutual Fire Insurance Co's, 31 Milk Street, Boston.' It was penned by John G. Morse, the son of Edward Sylvester Morse, and dispatched to his wife residing at 12 Linden St., Salem, Massachusetts, on December 20, 1905, from North Station in Boston. In his message, John discusses a significant fire incident.

John writes from No. Station Dec 20, 1905

My dear Julie

I had ample time to walk over slowly. The train was 5 min late here but I had 3/4 of an hour to spare. Saw by the Record that this new 23d St Ferry houses of D.L.&W, and Jersey Ave were destroyed by fire and the Erie & Pa RR just barely saved. 

This is not much of a way to end of our monthly-versary but we will make up for lost time next Monday.

Your own, John

Please note: The interpretation provided above is based on my reading of the cursive letter.

In the letter, John is writing to Julie while waiting at North Station in Boston. He mentions that he had plenty of time to take a leisurely stroll, suggesting a relaxed moment amid the bustling travel environment. The fact that he had 45 minutes to spare before his train departed indicates he had some free time on his hands.

John shares some news he came across in the "Record" about a fire that destroyed the new 23rd St Ferry houses of D.L.&W and Jersey Ave. He also mentions that the Erie & Pa RR narrowly escaped the flames. This information provides historical context, shedding light on the challenges and risks associated with transportation and infrastructure during that era.

While John G. Morse was indeed in Boston at North Station when he wrote the letter, the fire incident he discusses actually happened in Jersey City, which he likely learned about from a newspaper or another source during his time in Boston. This account most likely refers to an incident in Jersey City in 1905 when a fire ravaged the ferry houses of the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad near 23rd Street. It also posed a threat to the nearby Erie and Pennsylvania Railroad facilities. Jersey City was a significant transportation and industrial hub during that period, with multiple railroads and ferry terminals along the Hudson River waterfront. Such incidents were not uncommon in industrial cities of that era.

1891 John Gavit Morse - Stamp Collector *

 We have three "wraps" here that arrived for John from Canada. They likely contained either a price list or a promotional flyer tailored to postage stamp collectors. One of the parcels bears a return address from Toronto, while the other two lack any sender information.

Initially, I encountered some difficulty identifying the sender due to the name appearing as "WILSON WILEY," which produced no likely hit on search engines. After spending a considerable amount of time trying to ascertain the sender's identity, I decided to explore the possibility that it might be "WILSON WILBY." The letter following the "L" in the name (WIL?Y) was somewhat ambiguous, leaving room for different interpretations.

To my pleasant surprise, it turned out to be correspondence from a stamp dealer. This discovery led me to locate one of his advertisements, revealing his specialization in foreign stamps. While the advertisement showcased only a small portion of his stamp inventory, it was evident that his primary focus was on dealing in common, low-value stamps.

It is unclear how much effort John put into collecting stamps, or whether he collected stamps at all. However, he must have shown some interest in collecting them, at the very least. Did he develop an interest in collecting Japanese stamps due to his father's connection with Japan?

Julie & John G. Morse Covers to Ripley Hill Road

 While these two covers may not hold significant historical value, they provide insight into the residential location of John G. Morse. To gain a deeper understanding of his life in relation to his father, Edward S. Morse, we must follow his footsteps beyond this address, as he also lived elsewhere. Notably, the Ripley Hill address is intriguing because it stands just across from the site of the 1775 Battle of Concord. Furthermore, it's worth mentioning that Russell Robb, the developer of interest, was the husband of Edith Owen Morse, the daughter of Edward S. Morse, and John G. Morse is listed here as an insurance appraiser

We have obtained the following information from 'The Massachusetts Historical Commission': 

"Ripley Hill Road was one of the first residential areas subdivided in Concord around the time of the First World War. The developer was Russell Robb of 709 Monument Street , who laid out a winding road east from Monument Street up the hill just north of the Boston & Maine Railroad. Here he subdivided several large lots for the building of large Colonial Revival homes. Ripley Hill Road was officially accepted by the town in 1918, but some of these houses were built a few years earlier. The first house was built in 1914 for John G. Morse, an insurance appraiser."

As for Dr. Gideon K. De Forest letter cover, he specialized in rheumatic diseases. This suggests that Mrs. Morse likely consulted him for arthritis or rheumatic treatment. 

Patrick W. Robb - Russell Robb - Edward Morse Connection

 

Three postal covers bear addresses for Patrick Robb (postmarked 1859), Russell Robb (postmarked 188?), and Mrs. Robb (postmarked 1898).

Russell Robb's cover has a return address: Box 268, Salem, the very address Edward Morse maintained for an extended period. The cover intended for Patrick Robb, directed to Iowa, lacks a return address. However, the acceptance postmark from Detroit, Mich., strongly suggests its origin within Robb's extended family, known as the Bagleys.

Regarding the cover dispatched to "Mrs. Robb" within British India, the sender's identity remains shrouded in mystery. The distinctive handwriting style, particularly the capital letters "R" and "B," serves as a unique clue, ensuring that the secret's unraveling is merely a matter of time.

Edith Owen Morse, daughter of Edward Morse, married Russell Robb in 1898. Russell is the son of Patrick W. Robb and Catherine Newbury Robb.

Female Anti-Slavery Society of Salem - Stamped Envelopes Ca.1860

In the collection of ephemera from the Morse accumulation, two covers related to the Female Anti-Slavery Society of Salem (1832-1866) have been discovered. One of these covers is addressed to Adeline Roberts, a member of the society who served as its corresponding secretary, treasurer, and a committee member. This cover bears an embossed return address from Adams, Sampson & Co., Directory Publishers, Boston. Given that the company operated from 1858 to 1865, and based on the use of this particular stamp, we can estimate the date of this cover to be around 1860.

The second cover, also dating to the 1850s, is addressed to Miss (unreadable) Roberts, Secretary at the Female Anti-Slavery Society. The sender appears to be Reverend Augustus Woodbury (1825-1895), a well-known abolitionist of that era. This is indicated by the inked inscription "A. Woodbury" on the verso of the cover and the penciled "Woodbury" on the front. 

Mystery surrounds the identity of this second Miss Roberts. Apart from Miss Adeline, who was occasionally referred to as Adelaide or Adaline, there is scant evidence of another Roberts associated with the Salem Anti-Slavery Society. Nevertheless, this society thrived for over three decades, boasting a membership roster that spanned hundreds, and many of its dedicated members have regrettably faded into the annals of forgotten history.

Peabody Academy of Science Cover Postmarked 1901

This envelope is addressed to the "Secretary of Peabody Academy of Sciences, Salem, Mass." by "Dr. Samuel G. Dixon from the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA." Dixon mistakenly(?) spells "Sciences" as "Sciencis." Although Edward Morse held the position of a director there, not a secretary, these titles are perhaps interchangeable. The envelope bears postmarks of Oct. 3, 1901, in Philadelphia and Oct. 4, 1901, in Salem. That is incredibly quick delivery! 

1897 Mary Beecher Morse - Sister of Edward S. Morse

 

The 1897-dated cover is addressed to John G. Morse in Salem, Massachusetts, and it bears an interesting return address. While today, Box Number 141 belongs to the Gorham Historical Society in Gorham, Maine, 04038, it was once the property of Mary Beecher Morse in the late 1800s. Her brother was Edward Sylvester Morse, making John G. Morse her nephew.

Mary Beecher Morse (1845-1938) entered into matrimony with Beverly Randolph Clark in 1868. The notion of Mary marrying someone named Beverly may seem peculiar at first glance, as Beverly is typically considered a feminine name. This prompted me to conduct some research. I uncovered a Beverly R. Clarke (male) listed as 38 years old in the 1875 Brooklyn, New York census, residing with his wife, Mary B. (Beecher), who was 30 years old. It's worth noting that in this census record, the surname is spelled as "CLARK." My research also unveiled the fact that "Beverly" is a name that can be used for both genders, a discovery I made only today. This brings to mind Johnny Cash's famous song, "A Boy Named Sue," which highlights the unconventional nature of names.

On the reverse side, there is a rudimentary map depicting a portion of Massachusetts, which indicates the positions of Newbury, Plum Island, Ipswich, and Oldtown. The identity of the cartographer remains unknown. However, the presence of lines crossing over these place names suggests that the map was created prior to the mailing of this letter, likely to prevent any confusion for the postal carrier regarding its intended destination. Nevertheless, it remains a mystery.

Four Unused Ca.1900 Edward S. Morse Envelopes

These circa 1900 covers/envelopes measure 90mm x 160mm and feature an embossed One Cent stamp bearing the likeness of Benjamin Franklin in both oval and circular designs. Additionally, they display an ink-stamped return address: FROM / EDWARD M. MORSE / SALEM, MASS. While the unused envelopes themselves are commonly found and lack excitement, the inclusion of the return address makes them a nice find.

Six Covers from John M. Gould ( Civil War Hero) to Edward S. Morse - Best Friend

John Mead Gould (1839-1930), a notable figure from Portland, left an indelible mark on history. Gould's legacy encompasses a multifaceted life that ranged from being a distinguished Civil War veteran to a respected bank clerk, an accomplished author, and a pioneering enthusiast of hiking in its early days. His enduring friendship with Edward Morse, forged during their time together at Bridgton Academy, speaks volumes about the depth of their connection.

Notably, Gould's influence extended to such a degree that Edward Morse named his own son (John Gould Morse) after his cherished friend – a testament to the profound bond they shared. Their camaraderie was founded on shared interests, with both men sharing a passion for the outdoors and the exhilarating pursuit of hiking.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of this remarkable story, "Hiking, Art & Science: Portland's White Mountain Club" authored by Candace Kanes presents an enlightening read. As someone who cherishes the experience of hiking myself, I can personally attest to the resonance of Gould's and Morse's hiking journeys. Their adventures not only echo through the past but also serve as a timeless source of inspiration for modern-day enthusiasts like me.

The covers/envelopes span a range of years: 1882, 1903, 1904, 1910, and two undated but ca.1900. Particularly intriguing is the 1903 cover, where Morse's middle name appears as "Suchpoetry" instead of Sylvester. Another piece from 1904 bears the inscription "Seboscodeganbuster." And the one from 1910 shows a question mark after Morse's first name "Edw ?". It's evident that Gould possessed a knack for humor, assigning such unique "nicknames" to Morse.

Of the collection, the piece from 1882 presented a puzzle. The return address, "Corbin Banking Company," was unfamiliar, and no immediate connection to Gould was apparent. Despite this, the handwriting undeniably matched other letters penned by Gould. This attribution gained further weight due to the fact that, as of March 18, 1882, Morse's presence was still in Salem, and his return to Japan was not scheduled until June of the same year.