American sculptor (1819–1911) whose works have had a lasting influence on monumental sculpture throughout the US. ALS, one page, 5.25 x 8.25, Boston, May 17, 1883. Letter to P. T. Barnum. In part: “As you suggest, it would be better to defer the beginning of the Bust until after your return from New York…If in the meantime you would send me any good photographs you may possess of your self, it will aid me in becoming familiar with your face; as it is many years since I last had the pleasure of seeing you.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds (one vertical fold passing through a single letter of the signature), slight paper loss to the upper border, and pencil notations scattered throughout. Accompanied by an unsigned original carte-de-visite depicting one of Ball’s sculptures of Abraham Lincoln. RR Auction COA.
