Scarce ALS signed “Beatrix Heelis,” one page both sides, 5 x 8, December 28, 1941. Letter to Mrs. Mahony Miller, the founder of the Horn Book Magazine who frequently corresponded with Potter. In part: “It seems an age since ‘Dec 7th’—We could hear your president’s every word distinctly. His speech was fine; direct and forcible in its simple statement. Only, all the time I listened I kept thinking—how many ‘Dec 7th’s’ there have been in Europe?…There are beginning to be local reports of sailors—saved and lost…There is just one thing to be said in favour of the Japs—they did not machine gun the rescues which the Nazis would have done! They, the Nazis, certainly choose to waste bullets in wanton cruelty…I posted you a transcript of 2 old unfinished tales belonging to the Caravan series, on Nov. 26th…More & more men are being called up. We have cause to be thankful to the Russians who have a large population to draw upon…There is plenty to eat and much to be thankful for—not least a relief that U. S. A. has at last realized and woke up before too late. I hope you are both well—as we are here—and may we all see the dawn of peace in 1942.” Central vertical and horizontal folds with a slight edge separation at the top, and toned mounting remnants to the upper corners, otherwise fine condition.
Potter lived in the countryside at Hill Top Farm in Near Sawrey for most of her adult life, including during wartime, where she felt relatively safe given the remote area; she did, however, believe that her estate was situated on the path of a bombing route, as planes were constantly flying overhead. There had been a brief scare earlier in 1941, when an entire print run of The Tale of Peter Rabbit was destroyed during a bombing raid on London. Potter's original watercolor illustrations for the books were returned to her at Hill Top Farm for safekeeping, given the diminished threat. One of the "old unfinished tales" she mentions sending was likely 'Wag-by-Wall,' a story she began in 1909 and intended for inclusion in The Fairy Caravan, but was never actually published. Near the end of her life, she granted Miller permission to publish it in a Christmas edition of The Horn Book. Between the mention of her work and discerning remarks on World War II—including an allusion to President Roosevelt's 'Day of Infamy' speech following the attack on Pearl Harbor—this is an immensely fascinating letter. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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