Details:

Charles Sprague Sargent autographed handwritten letter (ALS), dated March 22, 1874, addressed to English botanist and taxonomist Maxwell T. Masters in London. Written from 45 Albemarle Street and signed "C. S. Sargent" at the conclusion.

In the letter, Sargent writes to Masters regarding an upcoming exhibition at the Garden of the Royal Botanic Society. Having learned that admission tickets require a voucher from a member of the Society, Sargent asks Masters for assistance, explaining that he is uncertain whether he knows anyone who holds membership. An interesting piece of correspondence between two prominent 19th-century botanists, reflecting the professional connections and scientific exchanges of the period.

Accompanied by an unsigned original vintage photograph depicting Sargent seated alongside prominent American horticulturist and philanthropist Horatio Hollis Hunnewell (1810–1902), an important figure in the development of American horticulture and a benefactor of Harvard University's Arnold Arboretum. The photograph depicts the two men seated together in a garden setting surrounded by flowering shrubs. The reverse bears a handwritten identification of both subjects.

The letter measures approximately 5.25 x 8.25 inches. Fine condition. The accompanying photograph exhibits age-related handling wear, including creasing and chipping along the edges, with a larger area of paper loss at the upper right corner.

Charles Sprague Sargent (1841–1927) was an American botanist and dendrologist who served as the founding director of Harvard University's Arnold Arboretum from 1872 until his death in 1927. Under his leadership, the Arboretum became one of the world's foremost institutions devoted to the study and cultivation of woody plants. Sargent was instrumental in documenting the trees and shrubs of North America and authored numerous important botanical publications, including the monumental 14-volume Silva of North America. He also played a significant role in the development of American forestry and the conservation of native trees, helping establish the scientific foundations of modern dendrology.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11705 1419279-1