Letter from James Shaw to Samuel B. Reed, January 9, 1860

In this letter from January 9, 1860, James Shaw writes to Samuel Reed encouraging him to send samples of trilobite fossils from Joliet, Illinois. He also asks that Reed keep him in mind when he returns to Muscatine, Iowa and gets "among the 'coal plants.'" In return for Reed's efforts, Shaw promises to send him "packages as valuable as you may send me."

MtCarrollIlls

January 9 1860

S.B. Reed Esq.
Dear Sir

Yours of 12th Dec./59 came to hand during a temporary absence from this place. I have not, I think, a supply of such specimens as you will collect in the vicinity of Joliet — especially would I like to get some of the trilobites found in that region. Send me a package any time you can — directed by express to Freeport, and drop me a line at the time you do so. I hope you will remember me when you go back to Muscatine and get among the "coal plants".

I am having a large collection of corals and other fossils of this neighborhood made, and will be able to send you packages as valuable as you may send me.

I am respectfully
Yours in the cause of science
James Shaw