TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11, November 6, 1917. Letter to E. F. Rice, in part (spelling corrected): "Unless the Grim Reaper comes along, your notes will please the future generation, as well as our present readers of magical lore. In describing tricks, please let me have all false moves, so that I can follow same. In your last letter you mention the watch tied to rabbit, and how the oat can was changed for the rabbit can on back of table, but you failed to say, how he fixed the watch to his assistant so she could fasten it to the rabbit to get it ready for the exchange. While reading the trick, thought how much slicker it would have been, to have the oat can filled with oats, and instead of hiding it for a second to make a switch, it could be fixed, so that a bag a la black art, it could be as you would pass it, you could manage to release the bottom of the oat can, oats would fall into the bag, and at the other end of table, the rabbit can which would be trifle smaller in circumference, with the aid of a string trap, could be 'inserted' by simply pulling a string, and slowly elevated into the oat can. Can you follow the trick, and what do you think of my method?? I will say that it is a clever trick. Either way. I told Harry Kellar about that glass pot, and he laughed very heartily at it. He will make his last appearance on any stage this coming Sunday night." In fine condition.
This remarkable letter focuses on a variant of the iconic 'rabbit-in-a-hat' trick, with Houdini demonstrating his facility for improving upon existing methods. He also makes mention of the legendary Harry Kellar's last show. On November 11, 1917, Houdini organized a Society of American Magicians benefit show to support the families of those who died in the sinking of the USS Antilles by a German U-boat (considered the first American casualties of World War I). Houdini convinced Kellar to come out of retirement to perform at the benefit, and he was triumphantly carried off the stage after his last public appearance. An exceptional, detailed magic letter by the great Harry Houdini.
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