Description:

Harriet Martineau ALS Re: The Singing Hutchinsons Plus Prominent Abolitionists & Writers

A 2pp autograph letter signed by British writer Harriet Martineau (1802-1879), as "H. Martineau" at the bottom of the second page. July 27, [n.y.] but probably 1846. Ambleside, Westmorland and Furness, Cumbria, England. On laid watermarked bifold paper trimmed to a completed size of 3.875" x 5." Expected wear including even toning and flattened paper folds. Isolated pin holes found on the third inner page and a few pencil inscriptions from a former collector. Else near fine. Accompanied by a vintage carte de visite showing Martineau doing needlework, based on an albumen photograph taken by Ambleside photographer Moses Bowness (1833-1894), ca. 1855-1856. Backstamped verso. Isolated flyspecking, else near fine. 2.5" x 4.25."

Harriet Martineau wrote this letter to an unidentified correspondent, in part:

"Thank you for the papers you have sent me, which are very interesting. I hope to see Mr. Burritt either here, if he comes way before I leave home, or in London, if we are there at the same time.

I think, thank you, that my friends and I prefer the image of Abby impressed on our memories to any likeness that cd be shown her, not that she is gone. She is a sweet creature.

I will inclose the slips to Mrs. Howitt , + tell her it is by your desire…"

Harriet Martineau had supported her family as a freelance writer since the late 1820s, when, as a young, unmarried woman, she began publishing the articles, novels, and essays on contemporary political, social, economic, and religious topics which would soon secure her fame. One of the most well-established and highly respected British female writers of her era, Martineau attracted a brilliant social circle which included many other writers, activists, and intellectuals. Some of the individuals alluded to in Martineau's letter are:

1. "Mr. Burritt" - almost certainly referring to Elihu Burritt (1810-1879), an American abolitionist, temperance supporter, and pacifist who lectured extensively in England from ca. 1846-1853.

2. "Abby" - almost certainly referring to Abby Hutchinson (1829-1892), one of the "singing Hutchinsons from New England," a singing troupe of New Hampshire siblings who sang patriotic, religious, and abolitionist songs. The singing Hutchinsons were comprised of 16-year-old Abby, an alto, and her brothers, who sang, wrote songs, and played stringed instruments. The quartet toured throughout Great Britain for a year, from 1845-1846, where they befriended many enthusiastic supporters including Charles Dickens. They were invited to perform at Ambleside by Harriet Martineau in mid-June 1846.

3. "Mrs. Howitt" - almost certainly referring to Mary Howitt (1799-1888), Martineau's friend, the British female writer and translator, whose most famous poem is "The Spider and the Fly" (1829).

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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