ALS signed “Oliver Wendell Holmes,” one page, 4.25 x 6.5, October 14, 1891, affixed to a larger sheet. Holmes responds to an inquiry into a Longfellow poem, in full: “I do not remember ever hearing of Longfellow’s ‘Octogenarian’ and I do not any poem with that title nor do I find any such in the ‘House hold edition’ of Longfellow’s partial works. ‘The Dark Leaf’ was published in ‘The Amateur’ a Boston periodical, on the 26th of March 1831. I should like to see the poem of Longfellow’s to which you refer.” Matted with a photo and a quote from a J. R. Lowell poem in another hand to an overall size of 16 x 12. In fine condition, with scattered light toning and foxing. The ‘Octogenarian’ is an elusive poem indeed, as there remains no trace of the piece. An interesting letter with great reference to two literary masters. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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