- 2003
DAVID CROCKETT. AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED, 1 JANUARY 1835, TO HIS PUBLISHERS CARY & HART
估價
25,000 - 35,000 USD
招標截止
描述
- Autograph letter signed ("David Crockett") to Messrs. E. L. Carey and A. Hart,
2 pages (9 3/4 x 7 3/4in.; 252 x 198 mm) on a single leaf, "Washington City," 1 January 1835; light browning, a few short marginal tears or chips not affecting text. Framed with double-sided Plexiglas.
來源
William F. Gable, of Altoona, Pennsylvania (American Art Association, 13 February 1924, lot 280)
Condition
2 pages (9 3/4 x 7 3/4in.; 252 x 198 mm) on a single leaf, "Washington City," 1 January 1835; light browning, a few short marginal tears or chips not affecting text. Framed with double-sided Plexiglas.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
拍品資料及來源
Seeking an advance on his next book. Writing in one of the many roles he adopted during his fifty years, that of enthusiastic if unschooled author, Crockett updates his Philadelphia publishers about his latest project: "Gentle men I here enclose you the Title page of the new Book and It is my wish if it does not pleas you as you have the other Book and perhaps may think of some thing that may pleas you better you are at liberty to make any thing to Suit your Selves Mr Clark think this one will do though you know Best." Congressman William Clark of Pennsylvania was assisting Crockett with his writing in at least an editorial capacity.
"I have given Mr Clark my whole towar to the east and Back and I have no doubt but that it will make much more than Mr Clark thinks it will do of this you can be the Judge when you see it[.]
"You wrote me that you would expect a draft at sixty days after date for 150 dollars If you could make it two hundred it would be a great accommodation to me that this time and I would feel under lasting obligations to you I do not wish to deceive any buddy, on next tuesday I am compeld to pay the money and if you can sen me your acceptance for what you can do It will save me the trouble of getting and indorser on it … I hope you will have time to send it on to me by tuesday so that I can get my self out of this tite place[.]
"I enclosed you Mr. Asquads [that is, the artist Samuel S. Osgood, see lot 2005] letter a few days ago—and you shall have the whole of the work before the time a greed upon Mr Clark has been engaged in the Business of investigating the post office department so that he could not keep pace with me[.]
"I am preparing a Circular address to my Constituents which I am of opinion would compose an interesting part of my Book of this I will leave you to Judge when you see it[.]"
Carey (Crockett has it "Cary") and Hart had previously published the bestselling Narrative of the Life of David Crockett . . . written by Himself and were eager for a sequel. The book here described, An Account of Col. Crockett's Tour to the North and Down East was published in 1835 and, as Crockett predicted, also enjoyed a wide success, with further editions in 1837, 1839, 1845, and 1848. The extent of Crockett's authorship of the books bearing his name has always been in question, but this letter includes an important hint that the work of William Clark could as correctly be thought of as that of an editor rather than a ghostwriter.
"I have given Mr Clark my whole towar to the east and Back and I have no doubt but that it will make much more than Mr Clark thinks it will do of this you can be the Judge when you see it[.]
"You wrote me that you would expect a draft at sixty days after date for 150 dollars If you could make it two hundred it would be a great accommodation to me that this time and I would feel under lasting obligations to you I do not wish to deceive any buddy, on next tuesday I am compeld to pay the money and if you can sen me your acceptance for what you can do It will save me the trouble of getting and indorser on it … I hope you will have time to send it on to me by tuesday so that I can get my self out of this tite place[.]
"I enclosed you Mr. Asquads [that is, the artist Samuel S. Osgood, see lot 2005] letter a few days ago—and you shall have the whole of the work before the time a greed upon Mr Clark has been engaged in the Business of investigating the post office department so that he could not keep pace with me[.]
"I am preparing a Circular address to my Constituents which I am of opinion would compose an interesting part of my Book of this I will leave you to Judge when you see it[.]"
Carey (Crockett has it "Cary") and Hart had previously published the bestselling Narrative of the Life of David Crockett . . . written by Himself and were eager for a sequel. The book here described, An Account of Col. Crockett's Tour to the North and Down East was published in 1835 and, as Crockett predicted, also enjoyed a wide success, with further editions in 1837, 1839, 1845, and 1848. The extent of Crockett's authorship of the books bearing his name has always been in question, but this letter includes an important hint that the work of William Clark could as correctly be thought of as that of an editor rather than a ghostwriter.