Dean of the Society of American Magicians (1856-1938) who, along with Imro Fox and Servais LeRoy, was part of the famed billing 'Triple Alliance.' TLS signed “Frederick E. Powell,” one page both sides, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, February 2, 1934. Somber letter to collector and fellow magician John Dittmar, explaining his recent illness, his lack of work, and the worsening state of his wife, in part: "This past Xmas is the first in very many years that I sent out no Xmas cards. Nov. 23rd. I was taken sick with a very heavy cold. It was not long before it developed into a sort of grip with severe cough and headaches, sleeplessness etc. I had to call in a nurse as well as a doctor. I pulled out of the worst but was too weak physically to send out cards at the proper time, and so I had to let them go. I want to thank you for your remembrance. I am getting along very well now but still am not quite up to the mark. Business is well,—simply there is none. I did not have one single show around Xmas time. Had two booked for this month but both fell through. So it goes. Mrs. Powell is very miserable. I lose much sleep at night, as she is subject to such spells of crying and actually screaming. I have had to give her a sedative on numerous occasions. Her mind is absolutely gone. I am not sure she even knows me. She does not speak and has not said a word for months. How did the Thurston show impress you? Had you met Thurston before? How did he impress you? Let me know when you write me next. I do not think I ever met Hilliard who manages Thurston. I had read something about Joseffy being in Europe. I understand he made quite a hit therewith his Skull. Would like to see him much as I have not seen him for several years. Glad he has a big job in his regular line." In fine condition, with short splits to the ends of the horizontal folds.
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