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Lot #385
Orville Wright

Wright declines an invitation, fearing train travel will aggravate an “old injury”

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Description

Wright declines an invitation, fearing train travel will aggravate an “old injury”

TLS, one page trimmed in size to 7.25 x 8, personal letterhead, March 22, 1930. Wright writes to Mr. Johnson. In part: “Please pardon my long delay in answering you letter … inviting me to attend the ceremonies at the Colonnade of the Hall of Fame at New York University. Travel is difficult for me. As a result of an old injury, the vibration of railroad travel brings on attacks of sciatica. For this reason I can not tell in advance whether or not I would be able to make the trip….” The condition Wright describes may well be related to his aviation accident on September 17, 1908, which killed his passenger, Lieutenant Thomas Selfridge—the first airplane fatality. Blank lower portion of sheet trimmed away as noted, otherwise fine condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title:
  • Dates: #328 - Ended December 12, 2007