Handwritten telegram in pencil, signed with the playful pseudonym “Winnie Howard,” one page on an 8.5 x 7.25 Marconigram form, August 15 [early to mid-1930s]. Hughes writes from aboard his yacht, the Southern Cross, to Molly Flagg [likely New York debutante Molly Flagg Knudtson, 1915–2001, who later became a Nevada cattle rancher and writer] in Newport. In full [verbatim]: “Arriving eight tonight will you come out for dinner or have you any better suggestions.” Small rust stain and hole and mild handling wear, otherwise fine condition.
The Southern Cross was Hughes’ floating bachelor pad at this time. While sailing down the Hudson River or anchored off Long Island, he chose this secluded locale to entertain many young New York City socialites, including Miss Flagg. His unique moniker, "Winnie Howard," is not unlike other such signatures intended to endear and entice his female companions. Hughes is scarce in any handwritten form, with this telegram format the first we have seen. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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