Two items: ANS on the bottom of a letter sent to him, one lightly lined page, 5.5 x 8.5, Adams & Ford Boots and Shoes [Cleveland] letterhead, the original letter dated March 25, 1878. Edward P. Lord requests Barnum’s autograph. The showman responds: “My greatest and best show on earth will visit Cleveland this summer transported on 97 railway cars of my own. I shall accompany it. Truly yours….” Barnum has also signed on both sides of the original 4.5 x 3 ivory card Lord enclosed: “Truly yours, P. T. Barnum, Bridgeport, Ct., April 4, 1878,” and “Truly yours, P. T. Barnum,” Barnum adding his personalized date stamp. Accompanied by a period albumen photo of the Adams & Ford building. Intersecting folds and small, faint stain to margin of letter, otherwise fine, bright condition; both sides of the card are crisp and very fine. Terrific examples with unusual eye appeal! Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
