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Lot #500
Washington Irving

“Almost as enthusiastic about you as she used to be about Fanny Kemble”

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Description

“Almost as enthusiastic about you as she used to be about Fanny Kemble”

American author (1783–1859) best known for his stories “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “Rip Van Winkle.” ALS, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.75 x 7.75, no date. Irving writes to Miss Rebecca M. Lane. In part: “I hope you will not disappoint me of your promised visit this winter…. You can arrange with Sarah as to the time…. Sarah [his sister] came to me last evening perfectly delighted with her visit and in love with you all. I wish you would see more of her, or rather let her see more of you: she is almost as enthusiastic about you as she used to be about Fanny Kemble [British-born actress and author, 1809–1893, who emigrated to the U.S. in 1832, married statesman Pierce Butler, and later published the well-known antislavery memoir Journal of a Residence on a Georgia Plantation]…. She has nothing of brilliant [sic] or striking to offer in return, but she has a pink, true, affectionate heart…. I feel much obliged to your mother for her attentions to Sarah; they have completely won her heart….” Accompanied by an antique portrait engraving. In good condition, with intersecting folds (slightly touching signature; scattered partial separations with early tape repairs, some touching text), wrinkling, and light soiling. The writing is dark, and the signature otherwise unaffected. R&R COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title:
  • Dates: #335 - Ended July 16, 2008