ALS, one lightly-lined page both sides, 5 x 8, May 19, 1856. Barnum writes from his famous New York museum to the firm of Curtis and Scribner regarding a financial matter. In part: "I understand that the furniture of E. T. Nichols is advertised for Sheriff's sale. I am not sure whether my mortgage covered it or not. Of course you can see my reference to the mortgage. Mrs. Stratten is very anxious to have the money due her, so that the estate of her deceased husband can be settled. . . . I cannot understand what can prevent you selling it. . . . The mortgage gave us the right of immediate benefaction and sale. Will you please to explain why the sale has not taken place." Barnum adds a lengthy postscript, signing “B” at the conclusion, in part: "I shall soon be relieved from all legal liabilities . . . under the 2/3 Bankruptcy Act, leaving it to me to give them what I please. It will not take me long to make another fortune. . . ." At this stage in his eventful life, Barnum had recently retired. Faced by insistent creditors, he rekindled his entrepreneurial spirit, eventually assembling the “Greatest Show on Earth,” which evolved into the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. In fine condition, with light even toning and light vertical bisecting fold, just touching first letter of signature. R&R COA.
