Two Autograph Letters Signed ('Horatio Hale' and 'H. Hale') from the ethnologist Horatio Hale to the Boston merchant W. W. Greenough, discussing matters including a future Lowell Institute lecture. With carte-de-visite photograph of Hale.

All three items in good condition. Letter One: 22 December 1882. 7 pp, 12mo. On two bifoliums. In this letter Hale explains his reasons for turning down, despite the urging of his friends, the invitation to give 'six lectures, suitable for a Lowell Institute course'. He begins by apologising for not answering as a result of illness: 'this is the first time for ten years that I have been kept from attending my office by such a cause'. Since his 'Indian researches have become known' he has had many calls upon his time: 'I now find that I have been attempting too much. At sixty-five it is necessary for the strongest of us to husband his resources. These circumstances will explain why I have not promptly accepted Mr. Lowell's flattering and most acceptable invitation. The honorarium is ample - more, indeed, than I had expected.' Describes the work he has at hand, including a volume for Daniel Garrison Brinton's 'Library of Aboriginal American Literature'. Once that work is out of the way he will 'set about the lectures; and if in the winter of 1884-5, I should be able to deliver them, and Mr Lowell can then find a place for me, I shall be much pleased. If not, the work will probably not be thrown away. The subject will be "the Iroquois in History and Ethnology"'. Letter Two: 15 November 1886. 4 pp, 12mo. He is glad Greenough liked his 'Buffalo address'. Greenough's 'interest in linguistic studies is well remembered, and gives special value to your good opinion. The child-language theory has been well received, particularly in England. Huxley and Sayce both accept it, and write in very complimentary terms. Discusses his reasons for not being able to attend a 'celebration', and praises Boston for 'setting a noble example to the world in its public library'. It has been many years since he has had his picture taken. 'As soon as I can find time and courage for the operation, the first copy shall be for you, - or rather for Mrs. Greenough's album is she will kindly admit it.' The photograph, of a bearded, shrewd Hale, is 6 x 9.5 cm, in sepia, on a carte de visite, laid down on a piece of wove paper, 21 x 27.5 cm, with neat black border.