American writer (1842–1914?) best known for his vivid short stories (including the classic “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”) and his satirical The Devil’s Dictionary. In 1913, while traveling with Pancho Villa’s troops during the Mexican Revolution, Bierce disappeared, his ultimate fate remaining a mystery to this day. ALS, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, March 8, 1897. Bierce writes from Los Gatos to renowned fellow poet [Edwin] Markham. In part: “I have your letter of the 6th, enclosing Doyle’s verses—which amuse me and are herewith ‘returned with thanks’—the fate of most of his verses I fear…. From something in your letter I fear there was a previous one. If so it is ‘gone glimmering.’ During my week’s absence and illness in Berkeley my post office box here was robbed of nearly a week’s accumulation—‘lots of letters,’ the postmaster says. Thank you for your kind offer of service, of which I should not hesitate to avail myself if needful. Will you kindly send my typescript ‘pomes’ if you’ve finished boring yourself with them? I hope you did not feel obliged to read many of them, and don’t feel obliged to say anything of their quality. I know them….” Small, faint stains touching a few words of text, otherwise fine, bright condition. R&R COA.
