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Lot #518
John J. Audubon

The famed ornithologist seeks backers for his last great work—“I have seen many persons here, but cannot tell whether I will have a single subscriber or not!”

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Estimate: $5000+
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Description

The famed ornithologist seeks backers for his last great work—“I have seen many persons here, but cannot tell whether I will have a single subscriber or not!”

Scarce ALS, one page, 7.5 x 9.25, June 22, 1844. Letter to his sons, Victor and John, in part: “I reached our good friend Capt. Cummings yesterday afternoon, and found all well. We contemplated going fishing early this morning, but it rained all night, and rains now; therefore we gave it up. I wrote to you all in the morning of yesterday, and advised Victor that he might draw on Barry & Bro for $1200 payable at Boston on the 25th instant. I repeat this, fearing that Victor might not having been in the city this morning, and wrote under that should that be the case, for Mallory to take the letter to Minnie’s Land. This would save time at least. Why has not Johny answered Capt. C’s letter containing money? I have seen many persons here, but cannot tell whether I will have a single subscriber or not! I go to Albany on Monday morning next and hope to be with you all on the 1st or the 2nd July. God bless you all, and Love to everybody.” In a postscript he adds, “Go to the city on the 3rd July and get a balance from the office. Take it home as soon as you can.” In very good to fine condition, with multiple intersecting folds, scattered creasing, and seal-related paper loss to the adjoining address leaf.

During this time Audubon was, with the help of his sons, preparing the ambitious The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America. Targeting a wealthy audience, they needed to gain subscribers in order to finance production of the three-volume work. They had signed up over two hundred subscribers by the summer of 1844, and the list reached three hundred by the time of publication. With a connection to the publication of his last great work and a mention of fishing, this boldly penned letter is rife with interesting content. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs And Artifacts Featuring Animation
  • Dates: #479 - Ended July 13, 2016





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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