American novelist (1894–1961) best known for detective and mystery classics such as the Sam Spade series (including The Maltese Falcon) and The Thin Man. Uncommon TLS signed in pencil, “SDH,” one page, 8 x 10.5, March 1, 1945. Letter to Prudence Whitfield. In part: “This isn’t likely to run to any great length. It’s fairly late in the morning and I didn’t get to bed yesterday and my antique eyes are heavy. I waited up to hear FDR’s speech, which wasn’t broadcast till kind of late, and then Vilhjalmur Stefansson, who’s temporarily in these parts, came in for a while to talk and then, what with one thing and another, the day had gone and I was still in an at least a partially upright position…I haven’t got much of anything you could call news. Things happen, I reckon, but I’m never there…not at the right time anyhow.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds and an ink notation to the upper left corner. RR Auction COA.
