ALS, one page slightly irregularly trimmed in size to approximately 6.25 x 8, January 1, 1839. Audubon writes from Edinburgh to William Norris in Philadelphia. In full: “Allow me the pleasure of presenting to your acquaintance, my eldest son Victor Gifford, who will in all probability spend some time in your City. He now returns to America with the view of settling there permanently. Six or seven years have elapsed since he last trod on our shores, and returning as He now does almost as a stranger, I beg of you to present him to any such of your own friends as you may think fit. My wife joins me in best wishes to your Lady and family, and I pray you to believe me my Dear Sir, with greatest esteem.” In very good condition, with trimming as noted, intersecting folds (vertical fold to last name), light wrinkling and handling wear, and light toning at corners from mounting remnants to reverse. The writing is clear and dark throughout.
A year earlier, Audubon had published his bird drawings in a publication titled The Birds of America. Although this 1839 letter mentions only the return of his son to the US, Audubon and his entire family would follow later that year and settle in New York City, where he and his sons, Victor Gifford and John Woodhouse, eventually published another book entitled Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America. Good personal content, composed in the publication wake of one of the most ornithologically significant works. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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