Highly regarded American poet (1794–1878) best known for the much-anthologized ‘Thanatopsis.’ Civil War–dated DS, signed “William Cullen Bryant, New York, September 6th, 1864,” one page, 5 x 8, August 25, 1864. Bryant signs at the conclusion of an autograph request document issued by the Western Illinois Sanitary Fair Committee. In part: “As a means for increasing the fund for the benefit of our soldiers, and procuring a valuable and interesting collection, the Executive Committee have decided to respectfully request the Autographs of prominent persons.” In fine condition. Accompanied by an unsigned original carte-de-visite portrait of Bryant. RR Auction COA.
