American sculptor and illustrator (1855–1933) especially known for his depictions of the Civil War. ALS signed “J. E. Kelly,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 6.5, February 7, 1913. Letter to F. Hopkinson Smith about his friend and fellow artist, Edwin Austin Abbey. In part: “I forward proof from Abbey’s watercolor. Nast tells me Abbey told him that it was his first—Enclosed is a copy of Abbey’s letter which is a great comfort for me to have.” Staple holes to the upper left and filing holes to the left border, light scattered soiling, and a few pencil notations, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by the typed copy of Abbey’s letter referred to, which mentions some of Kelly’s influences—Walt Whitman and Winslow Homer. RR Auction COA.
