[Literature] Whitman, Walt Autograph Draft Letter

About Auction

Live

Books and Manuscripts

By Freeman's

May 20, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-05-20 12:00:00 2021-05-20 12:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Books and Manuscripts https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/freemans/books-and-manuscripts-6906
A collection of books and manuscripts. Curated by Darren WInston, Head of the Books and Manuscripts Department at Freeman's. Freeman's info@freemansauction.com

View Full Catalog (132)

• Lot Description

  Washington, (D.C.), July 1, 1869. One sheet folded to make 4 pp.; 8 x 5 in. (203 x 127 mm). Draft of an intimate autograph letter by Whitman, unsigned, on Attorney General's Office lined stationery, to friend and Civil War soldier, Alfred Pratt: "I am still in here in Washington, & work in the same office. My health is good, and there is nothing specially new or important with me since I wrote last. Dear boy I would like to see you, that we might be together once more, even if but for a little while. I have thought I would try to journey out your way, for a few days, but it don't seem likely just at present. Dear boy I hope you are well,--you must write me a good long letter all about yourself & your affairs.--I send you my love, & to your parents also--Tell them I hope yet to meet them some time...I too have not forgotten those times when you lay sick in the hospital--& our love for each other--such things are not easily forgotten--Some day I will come out there, & we will see each other again." Numerous emendations in Whitman's hand (most of which included in the finished letter); creasing from original folds.

  Together with:

  Pratt, Alfred
  Autograph Letter, signed
  Williamson Wayne Co., N.Y., May 1, 1869. 2 pp.; 7 7/8 x 5 (200 x 127 mm). Autograph letter signed by Pratt to Whitman, on N.Y. Military State Agency stationery, writing to inquire about his health, and to catch him up on personal matters: "Dear Father Whitman, I have faith to beleive (sic) that you're a live yet and I should like to Hear from you..."; with original postal envelope. Creasing from orignal folds.

  An intimate exchange of letters between one of America's greatest poets and a former Civil War soldier.
  
  Whitman and Pratt first met in Ward C of Armory Square Hospital in Washington, D.C. sometime in 1865. During the Civil War, Whitman would spend days wandering the hospital wards, talking with injured soldiers, bringing them gifts like fresh oranges and licorice, and providing them company while they convalesced. Pratt and Whitman corresponded for years after his release from the hospital and discharge from the army, updating each other on their lives, and awaiting the day that they would finally get to meet again. Whitman also corresponded with Pratt's parents, and he entertained ideas of staying with them at their farm in Williamson, in upstate New York, to get away from the routines of life in Washington. Sometime in 1870 Pratt moved to Kansas with his wife, their last known correspondence was on January 20, 1870.
  
  The finished letter, also dated July 1, 1869 can be found in the Charles E. Feinberg Collection of the Papers of Walt Whitman, 1839–1919, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., and it is printed in Walt Whitman, The Correspondence, ed. Edwin Haviland Miller (New York: New York University Press, 1961–1977), 2:82.

• Shipping Info

  • No lot may be removed from Freeman’s premises until the buyer has paid in full the purchase price therefor including Buyer’s Premium or has satisfied such terms that Freeman’s, in its sole discretion, shall require. Subject to the foregoing, all Property shall be paid for and removed by the buyer at his/ her expense within ten (10) days of sale and, if not so removed, may be sold by Freeman’s, or sent by Freeman’s to a third-party storage facility, at the sole risk and charge of the buyer(s), and Freeman’s may prohibit the buyer from participating, directly or indirectly, as a bidder or buyer in any future sale or sales. In addition to other remedies available to Freeman’s by law, Freeman’s reserves the right to impose a late charge of 1.5% per month of the total purchase price on any balance remaining ten (10) days after the day of sale. If Property is not removed by the buyer within ten (10) days, a handling charge of 2% of the total purchase price per month from the tenth day after the sale until removal by the buyer shall be payable to Freeman’s by the buyer. Freeman’s will not be responsible for any loss, damage, theft, or otherwise responsible for any goods left in Freeman’s possession after ten (10) days. If the foregoing conditions or any applicable provisions of law are not complied with, in addition to other remedies available to Freeman’s and the Consignor (including without limitation the right to hold the buyer(s) liable for the bid price) Freeman’s, at its option, may either cancel the sale, retaining as liquidated damages all payments made by the buyer(s), or resell the property. In such event, the buyer(s) shall remain liable for any deficiency in the original purchase price and will also be responsible for all costs, including warehousing, the expense of the ultimate sale, and Freeman’s commission at its regular rates together with all related and incidental charges, including legal fees. Payment is a precondition to removal. Payment shall be by cash, certified check or similar bank draft, or any other method approved by Freeman’s. Checks will not be deemed to constitute payment until cleared. Any exceptions must be made upon Freeman’s written approval of credit prior to sale. In addition, a defaulting buyer will be deemed to have granted and assigned to Freeman’s, a continuing security interest of first priority in any property or money of, or owing to such buyer in Freeman’s possession, and Freeman’s may retain and apply such property or money as collateral security for the obligations due to Freeman’s. Freeman’s shall have all of the rights accorded a secured party under the Pennsylvania Uniform Commercial Code.

• Buyer's Premium

  • Hammer Price	Premium (%)
    $0	29.00
    $600,000	23.00
    $3,000,000	15.00