Interesting archive of correspondence from the newspaper baron and his Hollywood mistress sent to Mary Cassiday, dated 1941–1944, including three TLSs by Hearst, two TLSs by Davies, two Western Union telegrams sent by Davies, and a matte-finish 8 x 10 photo boldly signed and inscribed by Davies. Two of the Hearst letters are simply signed “W. R.,” with the other signed “W. R. Hearst.” These feature ordinary content, with Hearst sending thanks for gifts and saying that he hopes to see her soon; with his 1944 letter Hearst enclosed four candid snapshots of his family, including himself and Davies as subjects. The Davies letters are slightly more substantial, both signed “Marion” and dated 1942. The first, in part: “Those were the loveliest flowers that I have ever seen…But I am going to scold you when I see you (which I hope I will be soon) for spending your money. Didn’t I tell you to save your money? I do hope you can come up for W. R.’s birthday.” The second letter is about the birthday party, which Cassiday evidently could not attend, and mentions that Hearst is having stomach problems. In overall fine condition. Hearst had married Millicent Veronica Willson in 1903 and they had five sons together, but began to drift apart due to Hearst's very public affair with Hollywood actress Marion Davies. By the mid-1920s Davies's relationship with Hearst would largely overshadow her career, and his presence even affected much of her prolific body of work—many of her films were backed by his financial support, and his incessant efforts to promote her career were ultimately detrimental. RR Auction COA.
