HOLMES, OLIVER WENDELL. Three letters, each Signed, "O.W. Holmes" or in full, to various recipients, including two ALsS and a LS. The first, to [George B.] Emerson, listing the members of a committee formed by the Academy of Arts and Sciences who are to report on the subject of phonography [transcription of speech, e.g., Isaac Pitman's shorthand]. The second, to Dr. [Edward Everett] Hale, sending a postcard [not present] and requesting that he send it to Reverend Thomas Hill. The third, LS, to an unnamed recipient, confirming that he is the writer of "The Last Leaf." Together 4 pages, 8vo or small 8vo; folds. (SFC) [Boston], 15 May [1846]; 6 April [1888]; 30 April 1890
15 May [1846], to Emerson: ". . . By 'that last committee' I suppose you to mean the Phonography one. It appears from the record that two subjects viz. that of Phonography and the application of the languages of Europe with those of the North West Coast of America were referred to the following gentlemen as a Committee to take them into consideration and report upon them to the Academy [of Arts and Sciences]: "Messrs [George B.] Emerson "[Francis] Bowen "[Willard] Phillips (Judge P. I suppose) "J[ohn] C[ollins] Warren "[Samuel] Swett "[Oliver Wendell] Holmes [Sr.] "Dr. Warren moved the appointment of this committee, and I rather think takes some interest in the subject."
