Short story writer born William Sydney Porter (1862-1910) known for his use of the surprise ending. ALS signed “Sydnee Porter,” two pages, 5.25 x 8.25, no date. Letter to friend and fellow writer Ann Partlan, in part: "Please let's postpone our dinner this evening, because I've got to go over to Jersey to meet an old Texas pal of mine who is coming in. He has a book…that I am to help him sell. You won't mind, will you? Would have called you on phone, but I've forgotten the No. except that it had lots of 5's in it. Call me up, & say 'all right,' if it's convenient." Includes a two-page ALS from Partlan referencing this letter, in full: "O' Henry was a great admirer of Rose O'Neill's work and expressed a desire to meet her. When Mrs. Wilson returned from Europe I told her of O. Henry's wish and she was greatly pleased. I arranged a little dinner party and invited both of them. Mr. Porter called me on the phone that afternoon and told me how delighted he was to know that at last he was to meet the best 'black and white' illustrator in the country. At the hour appointed came the letter saying that he had to go and meet the 'Texas Pal' who needed his assistance. This was very typical of the man, he would ignore hospitality, common courtesy—anything to go to one in need." In fine condition, with light soiling and handling wear, and small mounting remnants on the reverse. One of Porter's oldest friends, Partlan was a journalist who wrote for Success magazine and is credited with influencing Porter's decision to write about the shopgirls of New York.
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