Two Autograph Letters Signed from Consul Amos Perry to William Whitwell Greenough, one describing the critical response to his book 'Carthage and Tunis, Past and Present', the other about the Rhode Island Historical Society and Boston Public Library.
Both items good, on lightly-aged paper. Letter One: 2pp., 12mo. 31 lines of text. Perry begins by asking when the 'class meeting' is 'to come off'. He then informs Greenough that 'Poor Vose has paid his last debt', and that he has received a reply to his letter of condolence from Mrs Vose. He complains that he has 'not heard a word from Little, Brown & Co. in respect to my book. Those papers - the Advertiser & the Transcript are slow in bringing out their notices. My book evidently does not take well in Boston.' He reminds Greenough that he still owes $5 for his copy. 'I am not in haste. But sometimes it is better to speak of such little matters rather than let them drag on.' Letter Two: 2pp., 8vo. 50 lines of text. Regarding the 28th Annual Report of the Boston Public Library, 'the copy addressed by yourself to me is at my house, and the copy for this library is in its place'. 'Your library is immense, and to run it must tax the ingenuity of its officers and employes [sic] [...] You give Dr. Green a high seat in the temple of honor. I have hitherto known him only as an indefatigable worker. You show him to be rich and generous. His contributions to our society are very valuable.' Perry is 'still hard at work' and has 'no time for recreation'. He describes the work of organising the library of the R.I.H.S. 'We are filling gaps of every kind as fast as we can.' He addresses a bibliographical query to Greenough. 'Rider is the only man here to lend me any efficient support. He calls in for an hour or two once or twice a week. His knowledge of books - of their value and contents, and his skill and aptness in overcoming difficulties are of great advantage to me and to the society.' He invites Greenough to give a paper later in the year.