Description:

John Pierpont Morgan
New York, NY, November 4
Rare JP Morgan ALS Endorsing "thoroughly educated... honest and straightforward" Applicant!
ALS

Autograph letter signed, by John Pierpont Morgan, written on his personal stationery from 219 Madison Avenue, today the site of the Morgan Library, dated November 4 (year unspecified). The letter is penned in black ink in Morgan's flowing script and features his signature prominently as "J Pierpont Morgan." Some toning, with expected folds and some scuffing which does not affect the bold signature. The letter measures 3.875" x 5.875" folded.

The letter offers a personal recommendation for a young acquaintance, Clarence McIlvaine, who is under consideration for a position in a literary department. Morgan expresses his full support and allows his name to be used as a reference and vouching for the candidate's integrity and intelligence. He describes the applicant as "a gentleman to the backbone, intensely interested in his pursuits, thoroughly educated, and beyond all, honest and straightforward."

In full:

"My dear Sir,

My young friend Clarence McIlvaine tells me that there is a prospect of his being selected to fill an important vacancy in your literary department. He has asked me to allow the use of my name as a reference, which I have gladly assented.

I wish, however, to say a few words in his behalf to you personally and unknown to him.
If on consideration you decide to give him the position, I am sure you will never regret it. You will find in him a gentleman to the backbone, intensely interested in his pursuits—thoroughly educated and beyond all, honest and straightforward and deeply bound up in his efforts for success—his mother is in a fair measure dependent upon his exertions and his home surroundings are of the very best.

I am sure you will excuse the liberty I take in writing you personally on this subject.

Yours very truly,

J. Pierpont Morgan"

John Pierpont Morgan (1837–1913) was a titan of American finance, known for shaping the modern banking system through his firm, J.P. Morgan & Co. He played a pivotal role in stabilizing the U.S. economy during financial crises, orchestrated the creation of corporate giants like General Electric and U.S. Steel, and was instrumental in consolidating the railroad industry. Beyond his financial influence, Morgan was a passionate art collector and philanthropist, amassing a vast collection of rare books, manuscripts, and artworks. His personal library, now the Morgan Library & Museum in New York City, remains one of the world's premier institutions for historical documents, housing treasures such as original manuscripts by Dickens and Mozart, ancient Mesopotamian tablets, and an exceptional collection of medieval illuminated manuscripts.

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: 3.875" x 5.875"
  • Medium: ALS

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April 23, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000