American writer (1842–1914?) best known for his vivid short stories (including the classic ‘An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge’) and his satirical “The Devil’s Dictionary.” In 1913, while traveling with Pancho Villa’s troops during the Mexican Revolution, Bierce disappeared, his ultimate fate remaining a mystery to this day. Uncommon ALS, two pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, no date. Letter to Mr. Markham, most likely Edwin Markham. In full: “Your letter has just been handed to me and I’ve only time before the mail to ask you not to come up next Sunday and I cannot be here on that day-unless driven back by sickness from San Francisco. I have to go there tomorrow. Can we not call it an engagement for the Sunday affair? Unless I hear from you to the contrary I shall so consider it. Let me hear from you anyhow. Nothing but an infrangible engagement would keep me from seeing you Sunday.” In fine condition, with central horizontal and vertical fold, one through a single letter of signature, uniform shade of mild toning to both pages, and a few wrinkles. RRAuction COA.
