American woman (1860–1927) who was tried and acquitted in the 1892 axe murders of her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts. The saga ultimately become one of the most celebrated unsolved cases in the history of American crime. Very rare ALS signed “L. A. Borden,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7, October 7, 1898. Letter to Mr. Kenney. In full: “I have been thinking over what you said this morning and I do not wish to make you go to Mr. Cook if it is unpleasant for you. I am very willing for you to have the house if you take it out of the neighbor-hood and have it away by the 15th of April. In the meantime you can use all up stairs if you wish for your own family. My price is $1000 and I shall not want to pass papers or have it out of my control till the first of April. You will not need to see Mr. Cook at all unless you want to, and take as long as you like to decide, at least I can give you until De. 1st. By that time I should like to know. This is all I have to say and I do not feel that I can change anything.” In fine condition.
After her acquittal in June of 1893, Lizzie moved to Maplecroft, an enormous Victorian home at 306 French Street in Fall River’s fashionable Highlands neighborhood. Borden reportedly purchased other properties around French Street, including the lot abutting Maplecroft that held Mr. Kenney’s small house and garage in 1897. In a 1985 interview, Kenney’s granddaughter Elizabeth claimed that Lizzie wanted the lot cleared: ‘an annoying letter was sent requesting the house be removed. It was moved to Hanover Street.’ This letter is presumably referring to the same matter. Autographically scarce and highly sought-after, this is only the fourth letter written by Miss Borden that we have ever offered—a highly desirable piece from the American folk legend. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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