Flamboyant showman whose exotic exhibits included midget Tom Thumb, Swedish Nightingale Jenny Lind, and the counterfeit Feejee Mermaid. Early ALS, one page, 8 x 8, January 11, 1834. Early letter from Barnum at age 24, to B. Smith. In full, 'The bearer (my clerk) is on a lottery tour and I have told him (confidentially) to call and sell you a large [?]. I sold in the last lottery one [?] of 400, one of 300, one of 100. I think you had better take a package of a lot of whole tickets just for luck.' He also adds a short postscript, signed 'P. T. B.' In full, 'N. B. Redding has elected 2 sets of delegates and we shall undoubtedly have two connections on Wednesday. The more the merrier.' In very good condition, with pencil notations to bottom, scattered toning and creasing and some light edge wear. COA John Reznikoff/University Archives and RRAuction COA.
