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Offered here is an excellent 5-letter archive of autograph correspondence from Prof. Robert Ellis Thompson (1844–1924), Editor-in-Chief of the American Supplement to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, written on J.M. Stoddart & Co., Philadelphia letterhead and addressed to Henry Hall, Esq., a contributor.
Dated between June and December 1882, this archive documents the editorial process behind the preparation of Britannica material, with direct references to article commissioning, illustration decisions, and payment for contributions.
📜 Content Highlights:
- Discussion of an article on “Clipper Ships”
- Reference to Mississippi River barge system
- Mentions of Col. Grosvenor in relation to authorship
- Editorial decisions regarding illustrations and publication
- Typed letter confirming manuscript receipt and proofing
Most notably, the final letter includes:
“I enclose check for thirty five dollars… at the rate of ten dollars a page including illustration.”
A rare and tangible insight into 19th-century publishing economics and contributor compensation.
🧾 Archive Details:
- (5) letters total
- Mix of handwritten and typed correspondence
- All signed R. E. Thompson
- Original publisher’s letterhead: J.M. Stoddart & Co.
- Addressed to Henry Hall, Esq.
📚 Historical Context:
Robert Ellis Thompson was a prominent economist and academic associated with the University of Pennsylvania and played a major role in editing the American Supplement to the Encyclopaedia Britannica—one of the most important reference works of the 19th century.
This archive captures the working editorial relationship between editor and contributor, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at how major reference works were assembled.
📐 Condition:
- Typical folds from mailing
- Some edge wear and toning
- Light staining and discoloration on a few sheets
- One letter with more pronounced edge wear/browning
- Overall complete and fully legible
💰 Why This Archive Stands Out:
- Cohesive multi-letter editorial sequence
- Direct connection to Encyclopedia Britannica
- Maritime subject matter (Clipper Ships)
- Includes documented author payment
- Strong academic and publishing provenance
