TLS signed “R. E. Byrd,” one page, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, September 23, 1933. Form letter, sent to his old classmate at the University of Virginia, Roy D. Bayly, soliciting donations for an upcoming expedition. In part: “Two years ago I began preparing to go back to the South Polar regions…We are sailing in a few days and I still lack the funds necessary to pay for supplies vital for the safety of my men…You helped make my last expedition possible for which you have my enduring gratitude and I hope that you have felt that your backing of our undertaking was worth while…Would you this time be willing to supply me with some Eskimo Parkas (or coats) which would, of course, help insure the safety of some of my crew. The cost of these parkas are $75.00 each. If you are not able to do this, could you supply a sleeping bag at $50.00, or a pair of Eskimo boots at a cost of $10.00. If this is not practicable, I would indeed be grateful for anything you could give. Our expedition has no funds with which to purchase these necessary supplies…Won’t you help me again as you did before?” In the lower left, Bayly has written, “Byrd was a classmate of mine at Univ of Virginia and sat next to me in an English Litt class. I sent him $100.00 RDB.” Scattered light toning and creasing, and several edge tears, otherwise fine condition. During his second expedition from 1933–35, Byrd almost died after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning due to a poorly vented stove. RRAuction COA.
