Lot 1283
(Lincoln, Abraham) John Hay (1838-1905) American diplomat and writer; Lincoln's private secretary. Autograph Letter Signed ("John Hay"), two pages, octavo, Washington, D.C., Nov. 18, n.y. On engraved stationery, to "Mrs. Price," regarding a Lincoln letter she has for sale. In part: "…I would like to have the letter and am willing to pay a good price for it…and yet the price you ask is greatly beyond its value. I have been buying all the letters of Mr. Lincoln I could find for sale for several years and have never paid more than Fifty Dollars…." A later penciled note at the top of the letter. Affixed to the inside of the integral leaf is a printed invitation from "The President & Mrs. Lincoln," requesting "the honor of Mr. Browning's company at dinner on Wednesday Dec 25th at 6 o'clock…." On the back of the integral is an engraved visiting card from Secretary of State Seward and his wife. Overall soiling and toning; staining down one margin. Although not pleasing to the eye, still quite legible. About fair.
Estimated Value $250 - 300.
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| Realized $138 |
