Description:

Eugene Field
Chicago, IL, January 9, 1887
Eugene Field Comic ALS: "I have been so busy and, at the same, so grumpy that writing to anybody has been quite out of the question"
ALS

A 3pp autograph letter signed by American writer Eugene Field (1850-1895) as "Eugene Field" on the second page. Beautifully inscribed on laid watermarked bifold stationery. Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds, with scattered minor splits along some. A paper clip impression and partially erased pencil notations at upper left. Else near fine. 4.125" x 6.25." Accompanied by a complete typed transcript. Provenance: Ex-Charles Hamilton, 1975.

Eugene Field wrote this delightfully funny letter to friend Etta in Kansas City, thanking her for her recent Christmas wishes and inviting her to visit. With great content relating to Field's busy domestic and social life, mentioning his wife Julia Sutherland Comstock Field (1856-1936) and many others, including English theatrical company player Wilson Barrett (1846-1904).

Field wrote in part:

"Julia has been dinging away at me for the last fortnight to get me to write you, thanking you for your generous Christmas remembrances. I have been so busy and, at the same, so grumpy that writing to anybody has been quite out of the question. Meanwhile you have probably done considerable abuse of me - all of which will come to an end when I tell you that your gifts were charming…"

Field's teasing and comic letter prefigures the spirit of his later satire. While Field made his literary reputation as a children's book author, he cut his teeth working for Midwestern newspapers, like the "Chicago Morning News."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 4.125" x 6.25"
  • Medium: ALS

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