American writer (1886–1918), best known for the much-anthologized poem ‘Trees,’ who was killed at the Second Battle of Marne at the age of 31. ALS, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, May 9, 1913. Letter to author Thomas Walsh, to whom Kilmer dedicated his poem ‘The Fourth Shepherd.’ In part: “The Churchman cannot print articles of length on subjects so little related to the church as your interesting study of ‘Salamanca,’ Today and Yesterday. I suggest that you send it with pictures to Lawrence Gilman of Harper’s Weekly or without pictures to The Yale Review…Several of your poems are in the ‘accepted manuscripts’ box…and others were recommended for acceptance by me some time ago…By the way—a sudden idea falls upon me!—why not send the mss. ‘Salamanca’ with pictures to Ambrose Raynes, National Geographic Magazine…Its acceptance would bring thousands of dollars!” In very good condition, with partial separations along intersecting folds and hinge, several smudges and ink spots to first name of signature, uniform toning, and some scattered light soiling. RRAuction COA.
