American author (1783–1859) best known for his stories “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “Rip Van Winkle.” ALS, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.75 x 7.75, no date. Irving writes to Miss Rebecca M. Lane. In part: “I hope you will not disappoint me of your promised visit this winter…. You can arrange with Sarah as to the time…. Sarah [his sister] came to me last evening perfectly delighted with her visit and in love with you all. I wish you would see more of her, or rather let her see more of you: she is almost as enthusiastic about you as she used to be about Fanny Kemble [British-born actress and author, 1809–1893, who emigrated to the U.S. in 1832, married statesman Pierce Butler, and later published the well-known antislavery memoir Journal of a Residence on a Georgia Plantation]…. She has nothing of brilliant [sic] or striking to offer in return, but she has a pink, true, affectionate heart…. I feel much obliged to your mother for her attentions to Sarah; they have completely won her heart….” Accompanied by an antique portrait engraving. In good condition, with intersecting folds (slightly touching signature; scattered partial separations with early tape repairs, some touching text), wrinkling, and light soiling. The writing is dark, and the signature otherwise unaffected. R&R COA.
