ALS in his native language, signed “Bapu’s blessings,” one page both sides, 6.25 x 8, 1932. Gandhi writes from Yeravada Prison to his friend, Dr. Behram Navroji Khmbatta in Gujurati. In part (translated): “I was thinking of you and wondering why you hadn’t written and your letter arrived, from which I presume you are keeping well…. I am not aware that I have a habit of sleeping with my arm under my head. perhaps I do so sometimes. After receiving your letter, I made a conscious effort, and I can say with certainty that I haven’t placed my arm in such a position. But it hasn’t had any effect. Nobody can fathom the cause. As a precautionary measure, I have again stopped writing with the right hand, yet it pains. If your massage will relieve the pain, I can get permission to have it done here. But let me know how it should be down…. But there is no need to worry about my hand. It is not as if I can’t use it. Certain movements cause pain. The surgeon here believes it is a sign of old age and there is no remedy. During old age, one gets several kinds of weaknesses. I am not worried. At the moment, there is a new doctor here. He believes he can relieve me of the pain. Let me see what happens. You must both be at peace….” Earlier in the year, Gandhi had been imprisoned in the Yeravada Central Prison, Poona, for civil disobedience on behalf of Indian rights. In very good to fine condition, with areas of toning, intersecting mailing folds (short partial separations touching a few words) and a few small edge chips. The writing is clear and dark. JSA/John Reznikoff Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
