Miller Christy ALS 1895 5pp Letter Pryors Chelmsford Maps Hudson Bay Paris For Sale

Offered here is a complete 5-page Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) by Miller Christy (1861–1928), the respected English naturalist, antiquary, and historian of Essex.

Dated February 7, 1895, and written from:
“Pryors, Broomfield, Nr Chelmsford”

This is a substantial, content-rich letter and a strong example of Christy’s scholarly correspondence.

This letter centers on Christy’s active research into historical maps and charts, offering a rare look into late 19th-century antiquarian and cartographic study.

Key points include:

• Preparations for a research trip to Paris
• Coordination with a European contact for assistance
• Review and selection from a catalogue of charts
• Compilation of a targeted list of map/chart numbers
• Specific geographic focus on:
  • Hudson Bay
  • Davis Strait
• Reference to the French naval archive:
  Dépôt de la Marine
• Discussion of delays and challenges in accessing archival materials

This places the letter directly within Christy’s known work in early maps, exploration, and historical geography.

Miller Christy was a noted English scholar known for:

• The Flora of Essex (1885)
• Research on early printed maps and exploration
• Contributions to the Essex Field Club
• Work in natural history, antiquarian studies, and Quaker history

His correspondence is collected for its connection to British scholarship and early cartographic research.

• Author: Miller Christy (1861–1928)
• Date: February 7, 1895
• Format: Complete 5-page handwritten letter
• Origin: Pryors, Broomfield, near Chelmsford, Essex, England
• Size: approx. 5 × 7 inches per page
• Condition: Very good antique condition; light toning, minor wear, fully legible with a strong signature

A standout example due to:

• Full 5-page format (complete letter)
• Early, clearly dated example (1895)
• Strong cartographic and exploration content
• References to Hudson Bay, Davis Strait, and French archives
• Insight into 19th-century research methods and international scholarly networks

Ideal for collectors of:

• Cartography & map history
• Arctic / exploration history
• British antiquarian scholarship
• Autograph manuscripts