Seton, Ernest Thompson. An important archive of correspondence to Robert Miller Christy (‘My dear Bob’), comprising more than 250 autograph or typed letters, postcards, and related papers, documenting — in an often candid and personal tone — their shared interests as naturalists, plans for expeditions, thoughts on the theory of evolution, recent propositions in binomial nomenclature, Manitoba, Thompson’s stay in Paris, publishing matters, finances, politics, travel, and personal life, the majority dated, 761 pages approx., 260 x 200mm, or smaller, 1881–1916 AN EXTENSIVE AND RARE DOCUMENT OF THE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN TWO RESPECTED NATURALISTS Note: Ernest Thompson Seton (1860–1946) was a British Canadian artist, naturalist, and author of the much-loved book, Wild Animals I Have Known (New York: Charles Scribner’s 1898). Robert Miller Christy (sometimes simply ‘Miller Christy’, 1861–1928) was a respected authority on the archaeology and ornithology of Essex, author of Manitoba Described (London: Wyman & Sons, 1885), and the elder brother of Gerald Christy (1865–1944), and Eva Christy (b.1870). This correspondence predates the activities of Gerald Christy in his successful company, The Lecture Agency Ltd, and suggests an earlier point of contact for the two men. The correspondence commences when Seton and Miller were in their early 20s and reflects a close friendship with a personal and enthused tone, opening with details of life in Canada, ‘Manitoba is very low just now — the frost did some damage — but the harvest was considered an A1 return. Wheat went down, down + down till it now is a long has been…’ (27 December 1884), and expressing support for Christy’s book, ‘Accept my hearty thanks for copies of “Manitoba described”. I have read it with much interest + think I can say that you have expressed no sentiment which I cannot endorse. Your views of Canada + Canadians are fair and unbiased. Your condemnatory reference to the “party-curse” of Canada I more than endorse.’ (26 June 1885). Seton goes on to give news of his various commissions, ‘Things are smiling round my environments just now — I have about two months work ahead of me + it is coming in daily so that I ain’t going to be slack. The class of work is chiefly natural history illustration. I have now on hand to illustrate the Century Encyclopedia Dictionary, Merriman’s Mammals…, Ridgway Rare Birds, Chamberlain and Selous Canadian Birds, Turner’s Report of the Exploration of Labrador…’ (27 April 1886), while Christy pushes for a major undertaking, to which Seton responds, ‘Now for the Polar Expedition — I am going to begin by throwing cold water on it. There is no one in creation would be more pleased to go than your servant. I would give the life of my mother-in-law to start at once, but:— I see several serious objections. 1st. We are without experience in northern travelling + would not know what sort of an outfit to prepare. 2nd I am just beginning to get a good business connection + smash it would all go again if I left N.Y. for a year. 3rd I am just beginning to overcome my intense craving for a life in the woods (…) 4th Neither of us are sufficiently well known as scientists, to inspire confidence in the subscribers. 5th Arthur could not go next spring as his exam comes in April (…) 6th A knowledge of Chinook, of Geology, of surveying + of short hand — should hang around somewhere in the party, and it will take time to acquire these. 7th If I wait another year until more proficient in pen and ink sketching, I can get a lot of commissions from Century, etc. to execute in far north.’ (23 June 1886). His initial reservations aside, Seton offers encouragement for finance, ‘Yes, I believe in asking a good figure. Aim high always, never shoot a rabbit in a deer bush! We can raise $2000 for expedition. What about photographs? They are good but I am not fond of taking them. How about dividing the proceeds, supposing Mr Backhouse to take one share, how would you fit his share? Brodie has just written me asking to join him in an expedition to Manitoulin Id, Lake Heron. How shall we arrange to remunerate another supposing that he accompanies us.’ (26 June 1886). Later, Seton discusses issues facing colonists, and possible solutions, ‘The N.Z. port are getting desperate over the rabbit plague. The rabbits are driving the settlers out — Having heard that the rabbits in Canada are from time to time exterminated by some disease, they have written for information re. the possibility of introducing the disease. The matter referred to the Commission of Agriculture, who in turn referred it to Brodie, who replied — The rabbits in Canada are kept down by the following agencies. Cystoid parasites, external parasites + predaceous animals chief among which are the Lynx, Fisher, Marten Mink + horned owl…’ (10 July 1889). Seton also shares his endeavours to travel, ‘I am working hard at illustrating, am following every line I can think of, am cussing and swearing, am offering my collection of Canadian Birds to British Museum for 100 (1500 birds) + my mammals 65 for 6.00. Am out nights robbing new roosts, go to church now for the sake of odd quarters I can yank out of the plate as I drop a stool-pigeon nickel... as soon as I hit £50– I transpire in Europe’ (11 October 1892), and the challenges facing artists, ‘In 1884 I was commissioned by The Historical Society of Manitoba to make a collection of plants of Manitoba — + the remuneration fixed by them at $50, the government having promised the necessary funds. You yourself aided me with it during your short visit in July. The collection was made according to specifications; in fact I sent more than the required number. I deposited it with Hughan, who received it for the Society + it was promised satisfactory — payment was deferred because they were out of funds — and each year in application it was deferred for the same reason. The Society now denies the existence of the bargain, on request I foolishly sent them my original communication in Dr Byers handwriting he being President then — + they deny ever receiving it — though I doubt not they have destroyed it. When I was there in September 1892 I saw the collection still in their hands. If though you will strengthen my hands by a deposition under oath stating as much as you can remember of the affair I will be much in your debt…’ (16 May 1894). In later years, Seton offers empathy in times of crisis, ‘Your sorrowful letter reached me yesterday. I cannot say much old fellow but that I truly sympathise with you in your accumulation of sorrow. Poor girl she had a hard life — a hard row to hoe — + the hardest load of all to carry when her health was shattered. But you worry me in saying that I disliked her. I honoured her for her properly loyal devotion to you…’ (29 July 1896), and shares details of his married life, ‘Your kind letter of Aug 4th overtook us at Chicago en route for the mountains for a two-month hunt. The girl is now a good shot and a good rider. We have been spared the affliction of kids + no more where we list. We will be beyond the reach of mail most of the time. We have just finished and sold a marvellous book. It is called Wild Animals I Have Known. A rotten title, but the best we could bet on. Your copy will reach you before Xmas.’ (22 August 1898). The effects of his increasing fame in America are also noted, ‘In re. ‘Seton’. If I change it will be written always Ernest Thompson Seton. This has the advantages of style to change + of prudent as I used to be so styled until the conspiracy of my very pious friends led me unto the top A.O. 1887.’ (14 October 1900), and reflections on common acquaintances, ‘I had forgotten about Roosevelt having lived with you. He is a wonderful man, and heading a great national movement for the preservation of forests and wild animals; is doing what he can, and that is no little, to make an out-door people of the Americans. He is the youngest president we have had, and certainly was born under a lucky star. I may see him soon and will tell him what you said about the Essex hounds.’ (2 April 1902). The correspondence comprising: 1881: 11 letters, all signed by Seton including one signed ‘Ernest Evan Seton of Wintown’, addressed either to ‘Christy’, or ‘XY’ (both Miller Christy), including one with several sketches inside, including Noah’s Ark, crests, animals, people, etc., another with 2 sketches of a bird eating a fish, another with the sketch of the sole of a boot, one on stationary from Belle Acre House, Belper, and others discussing various topics, including one discussing Seton Visiting Christy in Walden (Saffron Walden). 1882: 3 letters, 2 addressed to Bob, and the other to ‘My Dear Foster’, all signed by Thompson, all featuring an address in Manitoba to the top, including one with a sketch of a Map. 1883: 5 letters, all addressed to Bob, all signed by Seton, addresses to top New York & Canberry, including a 12-page letter with newspaper cutting, and others discussing topics including a Farm, and another possibly including a poem. 1884: 3 letters, 2 addressed to Bob, the other with no evident title, signed by Seton, 2 with addresses in Manitoba and the other from New York, including one with a drawing on the Tombstone and Grave of J. Ruskin (died 1871), and others discussing various topics. 1885: 4 letters, all addressed to Bob, all signed by Seton, 1 addressed from New York, the others from Gleu Cottage, Howard Street (Canada), including one seeming to discuss various Canadian Wildlife with reference points, possibly to be used in the writing of one of either Men’s books, and others, along with 2 letters from the ‘National Association for Promoting State Directed Emigration and Colonization, both addressed to Robert Miller Christy, signed possibly by Alfred Simmonds. 1886: 6 letters, addressed to ‘My Dear Christy’, and ‘My Dear Bob’, all signed by Seton, 5 with address ‘51 East Street, New York’, the other with an address in Philadelphia, including a 7 and a half page letter, an 8 page letter, and another with sketches including of 2 men climbing a tree to get to a nesting bird, the men seemingly named Johnny and Billy, and others, of various topics. 1887: 13 Letters, addressed either to ‘Miller Christy’, ‘Miller Xy’, ‘My Dear/ Dear Xy’, ‘Dear Bob’, or ‘Dear Christy’ (all for Robert Miller Christy), all but one signed Ernest Thompson, all with address of 86 Howard Street, Toronto, (Ernest Thompson’s long time family home until his marriage in 1897), including some discussing Manitoba, and other topics. 1888: 6 letters, all addressed to ‘My Dear Bob’, all signed by Ernest Thompson, with addresses including 86 Howard Street, 74 Clinton Place, New York, and other addresses, discussing various topics. 1889: 10 letters and a partial letter, addressed to ‘Bob’, and ‘Christy’, all but one signed by Ernest E Thompson, addresses including 86 Howard Street, Canada, 74 Clinton Place, New York, and Springfield-on-the-Credit, including a 16 page letter, one with seemingly a price list written by Seton inside, and others discussing various topics. 1890: 7 letters and 6 Postcards, the postcards all addressed to Miller Christy, 20 Bride Street, Ludgate, London (or Londres), all but one with French Postmarks for Paris, the other with a red 1/2d stamp, Saffron Walden, one with a drawing labelled ‘Brighton’, the others of General conversation, and the letters with addresses from Howard Street, New York, Saffron Walden and Paris, all signed Ernest E Thompson or simply Ernest, the 2 Paris letters from December, the others letters including one discussing a visit to Glasgow, Scotland, and others of various topics. 1891: 16 letters and 12 Postcards, the postcards all addressed to Miller Christy, 9 to 20 St Bride Street Ludgate, London, 2 to Maltese Road, Chelmsford, Essex, and one to Priors, Chelmsford, Essex, all with Paris postmarks, one also with St Dominique, including one with a sketch of North America, and others of various topics, and the letters mostly written from Ernest’s time in Paris in 1891, of note a letter from Toronto discussing Wanted Information on Gibraltar (then Spelt Gibralter), an attached typed piece to the letter reading ‘Information wanted, amount expended by the British Government since taking possession, with details as far as possible as to what was expended for Garrisons &c and what for permanent improvements and fortifications. If the old records are difficult to get at, those since 1800 might answer the purpose, another letter, from France with an unusual writing style for Seton, and a letter to Miller Christy from John Enoch Thompson (the older brother of Ernest Thompson Seton.) 1892: 7 letters and 6 postcards, the postcards all addressed to Miller Christy from Ernest Seton, 3 from France, to 20 St Bride Street Ludgate, London, all with Paris postmark, and 3 to Priors, near Chelmsford, Essex, one from France and the other from Toronto, Canada, discussing various topics, one interestingly signed ‘Yours till death’, and the letters, all signed by Ernest, mostly sent from Paris, discussing various topics, including one with the punctuated sentence ‘What do you suppose she is doing?!!!!!!!!???, and another sentence similarly punctuated later in the same letter. 1893: 4 letters and a postcard, the postcard signed by Thompson Seton, sent from 86 Howard Street (Canada Postmark), addressed to Miller Christy, Esq, 20 St Bride Street, Ludgate, London, discussing a payment sent from Seton to Christy, and the letters all sent from Howard Street, signed by Ernest Thompson, of note a 4 page letter written on Government of Manitoba paper (from after Seton’s appointment to the Government of Manitoba as a Naturalist), discussing a payment from Seton to Christy (dated before the postcard), and 2 others discussing various topics. 1894: 10 letters and 5 postcards, the postcards all addressed to Miller Christy, 20 St Bride Street Ludgate, London, with Paris postmark, signed simply ‘Ernest’, discussing various topics, and the letters sent by Seton from both Paris and Howard Street, discussing Manitoba, and other various topics, of note one letter written on his government printed paper, and another with unusual comically large handwriting. 1895: 12 letters and 13 postcards, the postcards all addressed to Miller Christy, 20 St Bride Street Ludgate, London, all but one sent from France, with Paris Postmark, the other sent from New York, discussing various topics, of note one with several pawprints and other drawings by Ernest Seton, and the letters including one sent from Hayman, Christy & Lilly (Robert Miller Christy’s Company) addressed only to ‘My old Man’, a letter from Ernest Seton addressed to ‘Old Man’, sent from Chicago, a drawing by Ernest Seton seemingly depicting him eating at someone’s ear, and other letters discussing various topics, and sent from various places. 1896: 6 letters and 3 postcards, the postcards all addressed to Miller Christy, 20 St Bride Street Ludgate, London, 2 sent from Paris one discussing Seton’s arrival in London, and the other sent from New York, and the letters mostly addressed to ‘My Dear Old Man’, ‘Old Boy’, ‘Old Fella’, or similar, discussing various topics, all signed by Ernest Seton Thompson, of note one enclosing a leaflet informing people of Ernest Seton Thompson opening his School of Animal Painting and Modelling, with price list for attendance. 1897: 2 letters and 2 postcards, one postcard sent from New York and the other from Yellowstone Park, both addressed to 20 St Bride Street Ludgate, London, signed by Ernest Seton, one sent while at Yellowstone and the other informing Miller Christy that Ernest Seton is back from Yellowstone, and the letters discussing various American people and topics. 1898: Letter, Signed by Ernest Seton, the stationary from The Elsemore, 1408 H. Street, Washington D.C., of general discussion. 1899: Postcard, addressed to Miller Christy, 20 St Bride Street Ludgate, London, sent from New York, discussing Christmas and the New Year. 1900: 9 letters and a loose letter cutting, 4 signed Ernest Seton-Thompson with a paw print drawing, the others signed without a paw print, including one written on U. S. M. S. ‘St Paul’ paper, another on St Ermins Hotel, Westminster S. W. paper, and a third on Hotel De L’Univers & Du Portugal paper, also of note a letter containing the family tree of Ernest Thompson-Seton, and others of various topics. 1901: 5 typed letters between Caspar Whitney and Miller Christy (2 with heavy water damage) and 4 letters between Ernest Thompson Seton, some signed with Pawprint drawing, and Miller Christy, of note a letter also containing a further letter between Mrs. W. H. Dickinson and Miller Christy, and others discussing various topics. 1902: 9 letters, all to Miller Christy from Ernest Thompson Seton, 5 signed with Paw print drawing, of note one discussing work and Setons Partner, another discussing President Roosevelt, and 2 written from hotels, The Morton and the Hotel Bucklen respectively. 1904: 2 letters, one typed and signed by Ernest Seton with pawprint drawing, discussing choosing a British Publisher for Seton's book ‘Two Little Savages’, and a written and signed with pawprint drawing letter from the Hotel Metropole. 1905: 4 letters, all signed by Seton with the pawprint drawing, 3 on paper from the Savoy Hotel, Embankment gardens, London (one with section cut out), and another of general discussion 1907: 3 letters, all signed by Seton with pawprint drawing, 2 addressed to Miller Christy, Blue House, Chignal, St. James, Chelmsford, Essex, and the other to Miller Christy, c/o Hayman, Christy & Lilie, 213 Farringdon road, E. C., London, Eng., 2 discussing a Manuscript (possibly titled Big Camp?), the other discussing other articles, probably for another book. 1908: 6 letters and 2 postcards, all signed by Seton with pawprint drawing, the postcards both sent from London to 115 Farringdon road, London, and the letters all typed, of note one also with 2 ‘certificates of posting a registered postal packet’, and the others discussing parts of a book, including sections of Game, Moose, Caribou, etc. 1909: 5 letters, all signed by Seton and 4 signed with paw print drawing, of note one sent from a hotel in Rome, and a typed letter sent to the Reverend Lionel B. Ford, presumably from Miller Christy, discussing sending the Reverend a copy of Wild’s book ‘Happy Prince’. 1911: 2 letters, both signed by Seton with Pawprint drawing, the paper from ‘Wyndygoul cos Cob, CT.’, discussing various topics. 1913: Letter from Seton, signed with a pawprint drawing, talking of a boy scout magazine, and the return from a trip to the mountains. 1915: Letter from Seton, signed Ernest. 1916: Letter from Seton, signed Ernest, mentioning the new year, and other topics of discussion. Miscellaneous paperwork, including various undated letters signed by Seton, ‘The King of Currumpaw’, signed by Ernest Thompson Seton, 1886 New York front page of a newspaper, inc. a letter written on Cunard Royal Mail Steamship “Etruria” stationary. (285 approx.) Condition: Various, some with foxing, discoluration, tears and creased, see photos. Category: Books, Maps & Manuscripts/Autographs & Manuscripts Estimate: 10000-15000 GBP