TLS signed “W. R. Hearst,” one page, 8.25 x 9.75, New York Journal letterhead, February 26, 1898. Letter to Richard A. McCurdy. In part: “Hon. Levi P. Morton, former Vice President of the United States, Hon. William C. Whitney, former Secretary of the Navy, Chauncy M. Depew…Rear Admiral Selfridge, General Nelson A. Miles, the governors of fifteen states, the mayors of forty-six of our principal cities…have accepted membership on a National Committee for the erection of a monument to the men who went down in the Maine. I should like very much to have you join.” Intersecting folds with several complete separations repaired with tape on the reverse, an area of paper loss affecting one word, soiling and adhesive remnants to a few areas, and some paper loss to edges, otherwise very good condition. The first major conflict precipitated by media involvement, the Spanish-American War was a turning point in the history of propaganda due in large part to Hearst’s involvement; publishing highly inflammatory, sensational accounts of Spain’s ruthless behavior—especially focused on the destruction of the USS Maine—Hearst whipped the American public into a frenzy of support for military intervention. The proposed memorial to the Maine to which Hearst refers in this letter was erected in 1912 in New York’s Central Park, where it remains to this day. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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