LS, one page, 8 x 10, September 23, 1837. Offered here is a letter signed by the patriarch of the fabled Astor family of American businessmen, John Jacob Astor (1763-1848). Through lucrative dealings in fur, real estate, and opium, John Jacob Astor became the first millionaire in the United States. Upon retiring from his various professional endeavors, Astor sought to “culture” himself, and thus began supporting the ventures of men he found particularly admirable. Mainly, Astor was interested in the presidential campaign of Henry Clay, and he deemed worthy the works of poet Edgar Allan Poe and ornithologist John James Audubon. In fact, for his own efforts in the field of ornithology, Astor was honored by the Ornithological Society of London. The wealthy entrepreneur acknowledges the Society’s recognition in this very letter. Directed to Harry Chester of the London-based group, this retained copy of the original message reads in part: “I … am particularly gratified by the compliment paid me by the very respectable Society of which you are Secretary. Please tender to the gentlemen whom you represent and accept for yourself especially my grateful acknowledgement of the honor done me. It will always give me pleasure to promote by any opportunity the objects contemplated by the Society ...” Mr. Astor signed the page with a full name example of his signature, which is clear, dark, and unaffected by any faults whatsoever! The letter itself delivers very good display characteristics despite generally unobtrusive intersecting folds, wrinkling, and light instances of scattered soiling and staining. RRAuction COA.
