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American writer (1842–c.1914) best known for his vivid short stories (including the classic ‘An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge’) and his satirical ‘The Devil’s Dictionary.’ In 1913, while traveling with Pancho Villa’s troops during the Mexican Revolution, Bierce disappeared, his ultimate fate remains a mystery. Uncommon ALS, one page, 6.5 x 7, April 18, 1912. Letter to publisher Walter Neale. In full: 'If you didn’t go down on the ‘Titanic’ you ought to receive revised proofs and final copy for Vol. XI on Monday or Tuesday. All’s well at the Olympian—how about Bensonhurst? I trust the ache is all out of your legs and that Mrs. Neale is well and happy.' In fine condition, with central horizontal and vertical fold, one through a single letter of signature, and some light haloing to a few words of text. Accompanied by an unsigned vintage Brown Brothers portrait of Bierce.
Neale was a Washington, D.C., publisher who was in the process of publishing Bierce's 12-volume Collected Works, part of the 'revised proofs and final copy for Vol. XI' referred to here. Surprisingly, Bierce here utilizes the adage that ‘comedy plus time equals comedy’...noting that if his publisher 'didn’t go down on the ‘Titanic’' that expected revisions would be arriving soon...a comment made four days after the tragedy. This was among the last business dealing the writer would address before his mysterious disappearance south of the border. RRAuction COA.
