Description:

Phineas T. Barnum
New York, NY, March 21, 1863
P.T. Barnum "The Art of Money Getting" ALS Written on Broadsheet of His Popular Lecture
ALS

Phineas T. Barnum single page ALS, March 21, 1863, "The Museum/N.Y." To Mr. Tinsley. On lightly toned broadsheet featuring numerous rave reviews of his lecture "The Art of Money Getting". 1p, measuring 9.75" x 7.75". Minor toning at top of broadsheet, file fold affects a few letters.

This lecture by Barnum was a roaring success when it was first given in London in 1859 and over the course of the following several years, the showman and circus entrepreneur was flooded with engagements to deliver the lecture across Great Britain, and the U.S. as well. This letter responds to such a request and Barnum notes he is doing more lecturing than he would care to.

In full:

"Museum March 21/63

Dear sir

Yours is received. When I do lecture I receive $50 and expenses. I don't like lecturing much anyway, I have already done more at it this season than I wished. I cannot say at present whether I can find a spare night within these weeks--but shall know by Wednesday of this week.

Yours truly
PT Barnum"

Phineas Taylor Barnum (1810-1891) was an American showman, businessman, and politician, who co-founded of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Before his iconic merge with partner James Anthony Bailey, however, Barnum was a notable museum owner in New York City, housing many of his most famous oddities within its walls. Heralded as one of the most popular attractions of its time, Barnum's American Museum was in operation between 1842-1865, at its peak boasting up to 15,000 visitors a day before the building was burnt down in the mid-1860s. This letter was written during this period of his Museum's peak, prior to the founding of the Circus, when his lecture "The Art of Money Making" was in hot demand.

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: 9.75" x 7.75"
  • Medium: ALS

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