1887 Assistant Director of the Geological Survey of Canada Doctor Robert Bell Letter Thanking Trinity Historical Society For Honorary Membership

On offer is an 1887 handwritten letter on letterhead from the office of Robert Bell, M.D.LLD. Assistant Director, Geological Survey of Canada. From Dr. Bell to Ben W. Austin Esquire, Secretary, Trinity Historical Society of Dallas, Texas, he is writing thanking the Society for making him an honorary member. 

Discernible text reads:

Ben W. Austin Esq.
Secry. Trinity Historical Society
Dallas Texas
Dear Sir,
I have much pleasure in acknowledging receipt of your letter of 25th… and in accepting the nomination of the Trinity Historical Society as a non-resident - or Honorary - Member.
It may be in my power to be of service to you from time to time and if so it will give me much pleasure to do what I can to promote your interests.
The above is my permanent address.
When I am away on my northern explorations, letters are forwarded to me or kept there till I return. When I have a photograph taken I will send one to your library.
Yours faithfully
Robert Bell

Dr. Robert Bell (1841-1917) was a scientist, explorer, professor, and civil servant. In 1861 he earned a civil engineering degree from McGill University and the Governor General’s Medal. He studied for a further two years at the University of Edinburgh. In 1863 he was appointed professor of chemistry and natural sciences at Queen’s College, Kingston. He was one of the pioneers in the geographical and geological exploration of Canada. He named over 3,000 geographical features. Bell received the  King's Gold Medal of the Royal Geographical Society of London and the Cullum Geographical Medal of the American Geographical Society of New York. He had a 52-year career Geological Survey of Canada (GSC).

Benjamin W. Austin who was at one time the secretary of the Northwestern Literary and Historical Society in Sioux City and later, the functioning as secretary of the Trinity Historical Society in Dallas, Texas, 1885-1894 often promoting the honorary or non-resident membership in the society and requesting autographs, photographs, and pamphlets. According to Professor André De Tienne, Austin assembled his collection by deceptive methods, for instance “making them [people] believe that they were being honored with a membership in non-existent scholarly societies, such as the Northwestern Literary and Historical Society, or the Trinity Historical Society in Texas.”

This two page letter is written on a folded paper card, flat size 10-½ x 8-¼ inches folded to 5-¼ x 8-¼ inches. on the Geological Survey of Canada, Ottawa letterhead. Dated 1st March, 1887. Has been previously glued to a manuscript book, is age-tones, and possesses minor page markings. Good condition.

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