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Original 1896 Handwritten Letter Signed by Am. Philosophical Society Member Albert H. Smyth
About the Item:
Up for sale is an original, handwritten two-page letter signed by American scholar, author, and prominent American Philosophical Society member Albert H. Smyth (1863–1907). The letter is dated February 25, 1896, and is written to the famous 19th-century book collector J. Dewitt Miller.
In this fantastic piece of literary history, Smyth tells Miller that he has "written a line in my 'Bayard Taylor'" (referring to his 1896 biography on the poet). He also notes that he is sending the book back via his servant, returning Miller's postage stamps, and discusses their mutual acquaintance, the essayist D.G. Mitchell.
Historical Significance:
• Signer: Albert Henry Smyth (Author, Professor, and distinguished Curator/Member of the American Philosophical Society, renowned for his work on Benjamin Franklin).
• Recipient: Jahu Dewitt Miller (Legendary late 19th-century bibliophile and book collector).
• Date: February 25, 1896.
Transcription:
N 126 South 22nd Street / 25 February 1896 / My dear Sir, I have complied with your request, and written a line in my "Bayard Taylor". I shall return it to you by the hand of my servant, and therefore ask your permission to enclose the stamps you sent me. Your name was not unfamiliar to me, as I have heard my friend D. G. Mitchell speak of you, and have seen the reprints of his early books which you from time to time have sent to him. / Very truly yours, / Albert H. Smyth / To Mr. Dewitt Miller
