Description:

Harper Lee
New York, NY, June 16, 2004
Harper Lee ALS Re: Business in her Hometown of Monroeville, the Inspiration for "To Kill a Mockingbird"
ALS

Nelle Harper Lee (1926-2016). Autograph Letter Signed, "Nelle," 2pp, on a single sheet of stationery measuring 5.25" x 7.75", New York, June 16, 2004. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope addressed entirely in Lee's hand and signed as "Lee." Envelope is letter-opened at top and has minor ink smudging and expected soiling. Letter is very faintly toned at margins with a central horizontal mailing fold. Boldly written and in near fine condition.

Lee writes to her friend Tammy Rowell in Monroeville, Alabama, Lee's hometown and the inspiration for her 1961 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird."

In full:

"Delighted to get your note that, luckily for me, turned into 2 pages. Your fettle sounds fine, and I'm so glad to learn that your men are doing well, especially that Tim's taking a new course. In this life, don't miss an opportunity to learn how to do something, especially if somebody else is paying for it! You may not use what you learn now, but you never know when you'll need it...with the lights going off in Monroeville so often, he may be called upon soon!

Nothing much happening here, just cranking up to get hot. I stay shut up because a building is being demolished across the way, & dust blows in on me, I'll be glad to get home in August!

I can't see you taking out a loan to buy any business in Monroeville if business was like it was when I left. Looked like Walmart was getting it all, & any spare change went to the Pizza Hut. Why does Lou want to get rid of her shop? It couldn't be old age, could it? How's her face-lift holding up?

Don't know if you knew James Jeter, but I was really saddened by his death. He was such a decent man, and of course there's no finer person than Ila. From where I sit, he was all too young to go."

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: 5.25" x 7.75"
  • Medium: ALS

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