This file consists of four autograph letters signed from Edward Ryan to Charles Lyell and Mary Horner Lyell. Brighton, Kensington and Bannouth, 3 September 1854, 9 March 1857, 27 December 1859 and 30 August 1872. With a portrait photograph mounted on cardboard carrier.

The letter sent to Charles Lyell concerns the appointment of a naturalist for the 1860 China expedition possibly desired by Charles Darwin and Lyell. Edward Ryan expresses difficulty in obtaining the required information due to people being out of town. He suggests that Darwin and Lyell write to the foreign office, recommending the zoologist Edward Blyth for the position if it becomes available. Letter dated 27 December 1859.

The three letters sent to Mary Horner Lyell are on various topics. One letter discusses Edward Ryan's unsuccessful attempt to gather information from his "Indian agents" and the likelihood of needing to send Lady Lyell's own "agent" back as a passenger (dated 3 September 1854). Another letter expresses pleasure in accepting an invitation to dine (dated 9 March 1857). The third letter expresses gratitude for a kind reminiscence and a gift received on Ryan's 80th birthday. He discusses their continued enjoyment of [Llyn] Cwm Bychan Lake, Wales, though it has been dampened by the recent loss of his nephew. The letter also mentions a visit to Harlech Castle. Dated 30 August 1872.