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Lot #582
Walt Whitman Autograph Letter Signed

Handwritten invitation by Walt Whitman to visit his Camden home

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Estimate: $4000+
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Description

Handwritten invitation by Walt Whitman to visit his Camden home

ALS, one page, 5.25 x 7.75, September 22. [no year]. Handwritten letter to a gentleman, written from his home at "431 Stevens Street, Camden, N. Jersey." In full: "Seeing your arrival & temporary stoppage announced in the paper, I send you my address, in hope you may give me a call. It is very easy to get to, by Market St. ferry." He adds a postscript, in full: "I shall be in, every day this week from 9 till 11, & from 2 to 4." In very good to fine condition, with trimmed edges, and old repairs on the reverse to fold splits and loss to the upper right corner.

The address here given, 431 Stevens Street in Camden, New Jersey, was the home of Walt Whitman's younger brother, George Washington Whitman. Walt lived there from 1873, when he suffered a paralytic stroke, until 1884, when he moved into his own house at nearby 328 Mickle Street. While living on Stevens Street, Whitman entertained such world-renowned subjects as the writers Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker, and the painter Thomas Eakins. The recipient of this letter-though now unknown-must have been famous enough to have his comings and goings announced in the local papers. An intriguing, boldly penned letter from the influential bard.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts
  • Dates: #631 - Ended March 09, 2022





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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