BRET HARTE - DOCUMENT SIGNED 11/14/1883 - HFSID 272574

BRET HARTE. Partly Printed DS: "Bret Harte" as Counsul of the United States of America at Glasgow, 4p, 8x10½, conjoined leaves, with 7x8 sheet affixed to docket panel. Glasgow, Scotland, 1883 November 14. Harte has signed on right inside page, which is headed: "Form No. 145." Invoice for a delivery of one case of brocade to Philadelphia via the steamship Indiana. Filled out in front on purple ink. Stamped receipt ("Dec 5, 1883") of the Custom House of Philadelphia on first page. Docketed on front page, on verso of integral leaf and on separate sheet. Also signed twice by John Wilson, a representative of Stewart, Moir & Muir, the shippers. A Notary Public has witnessed Wilson's signature on Form No. 145. Also signed by a representative of the Philadelphia Custom House and initialed (unknown hands) in several places. Harte had been appointed Counsul of the United States at Glasgow in 1880. American author and poet Bret Harte (1836-1902) is best remembered for his tales of California mining camps. His first works of both poetry and prose appeared in "The Californian", a literary journal edited by Charley Henry Webb. In 1868, Harte became the editor of "The Overland Monthly", a literary magazine focused on the pioneering spirit in California. His story, "The Luck of Roaring Camp", appeared in the magazine's second edition and brought nationwide fame to Harte. His other works include Outcasts of Poker Flat (1869), The Luck of Roaring Camp and Other Sketches (1870), Mrs. Skagg's Husband (1873) and Tales of the Argonauts (1875). Extremely popular in both the U.S. and abroad, Harte was appointed United States Counsul to the town of Krefeld, Germany in 1878 before serving in the same capacity in Glasgow. During his 30 years in Europe, Harte continued writing his captivating stories until his death in England in 1902. Worthy of further research. Creased with folds, light vertical fold at the flourish of the "e" in Harte's signature. Shaded at folds, which have numerous separations. 1¼-inch separation at upper blank portion and 2¼-inch separation at lower blank portion of mid-vertical fold. ½-inch separation at right margin at upper horizontal fold, 1¼-inch separation at right margin at lower horizontal fold. 2-inch separation at lower horizontal fold at blank left margin. Lightly soiled. Ink smudged at several words on Form No. 145 (all legible). Attached docket sheet, which is on thin paper, has mid-vertical fold. Chipped at blank edges and at upper portion of fold. Overall, fragile condition.