Author of The Red Badge of Courage and Maggie: A Girl of the Streets, he also served as a war correspondent in Cuba and Greece, experiences he drew on when crafting his famous short story The Open Boat. Very rare ALS, one page, 4.5 x 7, Ravensbrook letterhead, June 18, 1897. Letter to an unknown recipient. In full, “I cannot understand that a sentence from me would be of interest to anybody and in the matter of signing my name I conceal my desire to write some kind of gorgeous and over-topping epigram.” Archivally double suede matted and framed with a portrait of Crane, to an overall size of 17.5 x 14. In fine condition, with a bisecting horizontal fold and a trivial strip of toning through a letter of date at bottom left. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.