Description:

Key Francis 1779 - 1843 Star Spangled Banner author,Francis Scott Key early ALS, reflecting on the death of a devoted slave

AN EXCELLENT CONTENT, EARLY FRANCIS SCOTT KEY AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED TO HIS MOTHER IN WHICH HE REFLECTS ON THE RECENT DEATH OF A DEVOTED SLAVE AND HOW THAT EVENT HAS AFFECTED HIS PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY. HE NOW VIEWS DEATH WITHOUT ALARM AND FEELS THAT THE AFTER-LIFE IS A MORE GLORIOUS AND HAPPY


PLACE. KEY ALSO MENTIONS HIS BROTHER-IN-LAW ROGER B. TANEY, AND DISCUSSES THE POLITICAL ACTIVITIES OF HIS UNCLE PHILIP BARTON KEY

KEY, FRANCIS SCOTT. Author of "The Star Spangled Banner," lawyer. Autograph Letter Signed, 3 pages, 7" x 9", Georgetown, Dec. 12, 1807, to his mother, Ann Charlton Key. In this moving letter Key, who was only 28, writes of the recent death of Harry, his devoted slave, and how his own thinking has been

affected by witnessing that event. He also mentions Roger B. Taney, his best friend, brother-in-law, and future Chief Justice of the United States. The political activities of his uncle, Philip Barton Key, who had just been elected to Congress, are also discussed. The letter reads in part:

"It has been a great while since I heard from you & indeed it has been a long time since I have written, but whenever this happens I am sure that neither of us can attribute it to the want of an affectionate remembrance. I have had nothing interesting to tell you except the health & welfare of ourselves and our children...Frank now walks & stammers out a few words & begins to be very engaging. For all these blessings I hope to be thankful, & to be enabled to become less unworthy of them.

I told you when at Pipe Creek of poor Harry's illness_ÑÓit has ended as I for some time feared_ÑÓhe died the day before yesterday & after the strangest illness & in which there was more sudden & extraordinary changes that I could have supposed. I have felt much for him & shall miss him as long as I live_ÑÓhis attachment to me was most affectionate & devoted.

I have now seen, for the first time in my life, what it is to die, & I hope I shall often think of it_ÑÓawful as it is, it can be viewed (as it was even by this poor ignorant creature) without alarm. Few die with less guilt to answer for, with more composure or better hopes. I have

every reason to feel satisfied & to believe that he has left my service for one far more glorious & happy. I have told you, my dear mother, that upon such subjects & scenes I had seldom thought, but that I would overcome this shameful

& sinful negligence. I hope to repay your admonitions in the manner you most wish_ÑÓby becoming what you desire to see me.

I have not heard a word of Anne or Taney, but I suppose they are well & about preparing for their visit to

Annapolis.. .I had a letter a week or two ago from Aunt Menadier_ÑÓthey are all well at Bellevoir. It was an answer to one I wrote her informing her of the accommodation with my uncle. He, with my aunt & Mrs. Forrest, dined with us.

His election is not yet decided, nor I suppose will be until after his return from the court of appeals. He is making great speeches & acquiring great favor with all men of all parties, so that I am sure his seat is secure.

Our court is fast approaching, & I expect soon to be much engaged. Polly joins me in love to yourself & papa....

Your most affectionate son

FSKey"

Roger B. Taney and Anne Key had been married in the previous year. Taney later edited a posthumous edition of Key's verse, which included 1n the Introduction an account of how "The Star Spangled Banner" was written. The uncle referred to was Philip Barton Key, an important attorney and jurist who had recently been elected to Congress, and with whom Francis was associated when he began practicing law. Large 1 inch hold to margin not affecting text, in additional to several few small holes to second sheet. Else in fine condition, the writing dark and bold. The finest content letter of Key that we have encountered. From the Robert Batchelder collection. (priced by him at $5,500)

Provenance:

This remarkable piece is offered directly from the estate of Robert Batchelder, among the most important dealers of the 20th century who began his passion in autographs and historical documents in the late 1960's. Each piece will include Robert's original description indicating the noted retail price which could have been 20 years ago. in addition to his inventory folder containing his handwritten notes. Robert's highly diverse background and amazing achievements include a long list of important sociÕ©tal memberships, examples worthy of noting include an honorary member of the Society Cincinnati, a member of the Manuscript Society, the ABAA (Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America), the ANA (American Numismatic Association), the PAGCA (Pennsylvania Antique Gun Collectors Association), the PADA (Professional Autograph Dealer Association), and the UACC (Universal Autograph Collectors Club). He was a graduate of University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and served in the U.S. Army Air Force.

A portion of the commission on Batchelder lots will be donated to the Alzheimer's Foundation.

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