American Quaker poet and abolitionist (1807–1892) best known for such works as “Barbara Frietchie” and “Maud Muller,” which includes the immortal line, “For of all sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these: ‘It might have been!’” ALS signed “John G. Whittier,” one page both sides, 4.25 x 7, August 19, 1882. Whittier writes to Mrs. A. C. Truesdale in San Francisco. In full: “There is strength and poetic feeling in the enclosed lines, but some of the lines seem stiff and labored. The 4th verse is defective—heart & heart do not rhyme, and ‘most’ does not express the meaning. The thought of the next verse is fine, but in the last two lines it is hardly admirable to speak of the ‘judgement-day Nemeses’ of the sea. I like the last verse. I have told thee plainly how the verses seem to me. But I am really no critic of my own or others’ writings. I am very truly thy friend….” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Whittier’s hand. In very fine condition. R&R COA.
