As evidenced by this three-page letter, even in the menial task of inviting one to lunch, the written declarations of Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) are wonderful to read. Dated October 24, 1879, and penned entirely in Emerson’s hand on two adjoining sheets (5 x 8), the famed author writes to one Miss Duncan, “My wife begs you & your friend Miss T to come up next Wednesday in the 11 o’clock train which reaches Concord at 12, dine with us at 1, and they you will take the return cars at 2:25— Under such churlish restrictions do the cars themselves put us, as there is no train after this until one which leaves Concord for Boston at 8 P.M. & often waits much later at night. But I am afraid you will find an hour a superfluously long interview to give to such a hack of inkstands & dictionaries as my task is making me. Yours nevertheless (signed) R.W. Emerson.” The flowing, black fountain pen signature and inscription are followed by the postscript, “Send me word that I expect you.” This more-than-century-old remembrance carries age-induced handling faults in the form of mailing folds and light soiling, but these generally unobtrusive imperfections are overcome by the author’s consistently potent penmanship. Fine condition. RRAuction COA.
