This first series contains extensive correspondence between Rees and his colleagues from across the country and abroad. Beginning in 1880 as the newly appointed "Director of the Observatory," Rees seeks and gives advice as plans are made to construct an observatory for the department on the mid-town Columbia College campus, and later on the Morningside Heights campus. Most carbon copies of Rees' letters are preserved along with original letters from a variety of senders including Columbia faculty members, contractors, astronomical instrument makers, and scholars.
Box 1 Folder 1
1880-1882
Box 1 Folder 2 to 10
1883-1891, (9 Folders)
Box 1 Folder 11
1892 January-May
Box 1 Folder 12
1892 June-December
Box 1 Folder 13
1893 January-May
Box 1 Folder 14
1893 June-December
Box 1 Folder 15
1894 January-May
Box 1 Folder 16
1894 June-December
Box 1 Folder 17
1895
Box 1 Folder 18
1895
Box 1 Folder 19 to 21
1896, (3 Folders)
Box 2 Folder 1
1897
Box 2 Folder 2
1899
Box 2 Folder 3 to 5
1900, (3 Folders)
Box 2 Folder 6 to 9
1901, (4 Folders)
Box 2 Folder 10 to 13
1902, (4 Folders)
Box 2 Folder 14
Undated