Short story writer born William Sydney Porter (1862–1910) known for his use of the surprise ending. ALS signed “Sydney Porter,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8.25, no date. Letter to journalist Marion Longfellow, niece of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. In full: “It was mighty nice of you not to forget all about having met me the next morning. I appreciate your permission to call again to see you and Miss Walsh; and am going to ask you to let me avail myself of the privilege very soon. I hope the curfew won’t ring so soon next time. I’ll send another note the first minute I find my own, and see if we can’t have an outing again.” In fine condition, with a few slight brushes to signature. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Porter’s hand. O. Henry is a particularly difficult literary autograph to obtain, this being just the second letter we have encountered. RR Auction COA.
