Autograph letter signed ("J. R. Lowell") to "Unknown Collector!"; Cambridge, 9 March 1860
From the Bart Auerbach Collection. 2 full pages, 8vo. Traces of mounting on verso of integral leaf, else fine. Item #409440
An amusing response to an autograph collector requesting an autograph manuscript poem (and who apparently sent an inkstand along with his request): "... You shouldn't have sent me the inkstand–for I don't like being deadheaded, & moreover I learn from an advertisement that my autograph is only worth seventy-five cents–was, that is, two years ago, perhaps by this time not more than a quarter dollar..." (BA) Lowell's antipathy towards autograph hunters was well known. He provides a litany of reasons why he hates fulfilling these requests, ironically while fulfilling the request.
Price: $350.00