African-American expatriate singer and dancer nicknamed “Black Venus.” By the 1930s she was so successful she had her own nightclub. In 1937 she became a citizen of France, and during World War II she worked with the Resistance against the Nazis. She adopted 12 children, partly because she couldn't have any of her own and partly because she believed in equality for all. She died in 1975 and was given a state funeral in Paris. ALS signed “Josephine B. and her tribe,” four pages both sides, December 9, 1965, with any spelling or grammatical errors intact. A letter to Mr. Zwolsman regarding her financial situation, which appears quite dire. In part: “I wanted you to understand my gratefulness in your concern. so don’t scold me spending such a sum for the cable. I meet the financial groupe I spoke to you about in Paris, but really their pretensions are too much….to sign such papers to be able to get the first and urgent 35000,000 A.F. need now polus the rested in three weeks to one month, all of this seems uncertain and not very serious therefore I ask your advice…I of course refused, to be able to keep the Midland but the financial situation is a real disaster…Their I telephoned the other freind of Monsieur Louis Lavaysse (the person who wants to work my land and whom I met through my friend le General Boriscat) this Mr. Floirot who is a personality here in France in the Financier world came to midlands I would sell him the midlands or a part of it…I get a sum of money to carry me over untill the big sum comes - that will cover the whole financial situation plus, the school, etc. etc. But don’t forget life goes on here at the midlands - we are sinking and sinking we don’t want that do we - that the telephone be cut off, elec, etc. heating, no money for the future Xmas, no salary is paid, I wanted to send the children for thier 10 day winter holiday, but that too cannot be…Do naturally as you think best, do your very best when you meet our good friend from Amsterdam - I will be going to Copenhagen /Friday and will be there Saturday and Sunday will be coming back here Monday if you want to see me cannot come to Cophehagen - I can meet you in Paris but I won’t bother you any more now.” In fine condition, with several words in the text are underlined in red pencil, two file holes to left edge, staple holes to upper left edge, a faint rusted paper clip impression. R&R COA.
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