American author (1836-1902) best known for his colorful tales of California pioneers, including the much-anthologized story 'The Outcasts of Poker Flat.' ALS, one page, 5 x 8, The Overland Monthly letterhead, October 18, 1870. Handwritten letter to Messrs. Sheldon & Co., declining a position. In full: "Permit me to respectfully decline your offer of $4,000 per year for the exclusive use of my name and thirty pages per mo. in The Galaxy." In fine condition, with a few small stains. On the reverse, a note in an unknown hand discusses Harte's rejection: "It may be just as well, but I expected this. From a letter he has sent me I judge he regarded the proposition almost as an insult. You can't deal with men like him by the page. He will undoubtedly go to Fields, Osgood & Co., who offer him #5000."
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$75.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
