EDWARD EVERETT HALE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 08/22/1874 - HFSID 35867

EDWARD EVERETT HALE
Edward Everett Hale wrote this letter from Perryville, Rhode Island in 1874 to acknowledge receipt of a manuscript at his publication Old and New - and to apologize for the seeming abruptness of an earlier reply.
Autograph letter signed "Edward E Hale.". 2 pages, 5x8, 1 sheet, front and verso. Perryville, Rhode Island, Aug. 22, 1874. In full: "My dear Miss Patton:- The manuscript which you sent Old & New, and your note dated June 17th,- arrived in my absence at the West - on a lay journey. This is the reason why I never received your note till yesterday. You must have thought the answer unnecessarily abrupt, - as coming from an old friend. I should not know you [illegible] two or three of the ladies who are in my class they that you are there. But I hope I shall hav [sic] the pleasure of seeing you [illegible] in Bangor or in Bos ton [sic]. In Bangor I have many very near friends- Always vry truly yours". Hale founded the publication Old and New in 1869. Hale (1822-1909, born in Boston, Massachusetts) was Pastor of the South Congregational Church in Boston (1856-1901) and Chaplain of the U.S. Senate from 1903 to his death. Hale, a prolific author of both history and popular fiction, is best remember today for his patriotic tale Man Without a Country (1863). Lightly toned and creased. Pen skipped in places while writing letter but not signature. Light nick at bottom edge of page 1. Folded in quarters and unfolded. Otherwise in fine condition.