ALS signed “Your loving & devoted Mother,” one page both sides, 8 x 9.75, July 26, 1917. Handwritten letter to Howard Carter ("My dearest boy Howard") from his mother, Martha Joyce Carter, in part: "Your welcome letter received this morn, have been most anxious to hear from you by what you say I feel you do not receive my letters." She updates him on forthcoming visitors and domestic life, and continues: "I so often wish I could have a talk with you as you are so good & sensible—about all things." In fine condition.
In 1914, Lord Carnarvon received permission to dig in the Valley of the Kings. Carter led the work, undertaking a systematic search for any tombs missed by previous expeditions, in particular that of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun. However, excavations were soon interrupted and delayed by World War I. Carter spent the early war years working for the British government as a diplomatic courier and translator. He would enthusiastically resume his excavation work towards the end of 1917.
