TLS signed “Shirley Temple Agar,” two pages, 6 x 8, personal letterhead, November 30, 1949. Emotional letter of response to a fan concerning her divorce. In part, “I was fully conscious of the reaction my filing for a divorce would arouse in so many people who have been my unseen friends and supporters since I was a little girl. My decision has been heartbreaking to me and was not made until I prayed and hoped things could be otherwise…I thought first of my baby. She means all to me. Then I thought of those who loved me and who would feel that I was disappointing them in seeking divorce. For two years I have made every effort to save my marriage., so you can know I have not been hasty. The trivial matters you have read about in the press certainly could not cause my decision. The reasons go deep and hurtful in my heart and that is why, knowing full well that I would be judged in many degrees, I concluded I just could not go on any longer…I want you to know that neither career, fame nor anything in this world means more to me than love and respect. Please don’t let rumors, innuendoes or cruel gossip influence you. I just want to assure you that I would not have taken this step without exhausting every means to avoid it…I have written much more than I intended when I started this letter to you.” In fine condition, with bisecting horizontal mailing fold and some light edge wrinkling. R&R COA.
