Description:

Holmes Oliver 1809 - 1894 Oliver Wendell Holmes signed and autographed complete poem, The Two Streams
Four pieces:

1) a single page signed, dated, and autographed poem, "The Two Streams", 4.5" x 7". Scripted entirely in the hand of Oliver Wendell Holmes on stationary with his letterhead address of 296 Beacon Street (Holmes' later address in Boston). Dated "March 24, 1882', and signed "Oliver Wendell Holmes". Near fine with expected center fold and light faded handling marks.

2) A printed copy of the poem "The Two Streams" on a sheet 5" x 7.5" with small corner tear.

3) Single page ALS, 4.25" x 7", signed by Oliver Wendell Holmes as "OWHolmes", and dated "March 24th, 1882". Expected center fold, with soft faded handling marks, else near fine.

4) Accompanied by a lovely engraving of his portrait, 4.5" x 7.25", with a small touch of faint foxing.


A stunning example of this poem, penned in its entirety by Holmes, with a small note along the bottom "Written about 1860" which references the date of the poem's publication. Holmes scripted the poem with incredible care in maintaining a beautiful, autographed presentation of his poem, considering proper paragraph spacing, and prose indentions. It is clear his intent was to fully showcase his poem for the recipient. Accompanied by a typed copy of this poem on a similar page size which would pair perfectly framed together for display! Holmes wrote to Mr. Laurence noting his interest in sending him his autographed poem as shown below:

"Dear Mr. Laurence

This Poem is in all the recent editions of my poetical writings, but I thought you might like it in autograph

Very Sincerely Yours

OW Holmes

Boston

March 24th, 1882"

The Two Streams can be taken both literally and metaphorically. Literally, it is talking specifically about two river streams running across Oregon and into the Pacific Ocean. Metaphorically, the poem is about two children going in different directions after leaving home.

No matter what the interpretation, The Two Streamsevokes incredible imagery, Oliver Wendell Homes autographed poem is shown in its entirety below:

"Behold the rocky wall
That down its sloping sides
Pours the swift rain-drops, blending, as they fall,
In rushing river-tides!


Yon stream, whose sources run
Turned by a pebble's edge,
Is Athabasca, rolling toward the sun
Through the cleft mountain-ledge.


The slender rill had strayed,
But for the slanting stone,
To evening's ocean, with the tangled braid
Of foam-flecked Oregon.


So from the heights of Will
Life's parting stream descends,

And, as a moment turns its slender rill,
Each widening torrent bends,—


From the same cradle's side,
From the same mother's knee,—
One to long darkness and the frozen tide,
One to the Peaceful Sea!"

Accompanied by a beautiful engraved portrait which would present perfectly, framed together.

From the Robert Batchelder collection.

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 1960s. This piece will include his inventory folder containing his handwritten notes.Robert's highly diverse background and amazing achievements include a long list of important societal 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 in his memory.

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June 14, 2017 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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