ELMER LAYDEN - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 08/23/1924 - HFSID 266266

ELMER LAYDEN.
One of Notre Dame's Four Horsemen.
Autograph Letter signed: "Elmer", 2p, 7¼x11. No place, 1924 August 23. To "My Own Sweetheart". In full: "This won't be a very long letter, but I am puzzled dear as to the reason for your not receiving my letters. I have answered every one you wrote. This is the fourth. I am hoping it is the train service that is holding them up. I figured I should hear from you today, and you would say you had received my letter. I sent it 'Special', so you wouldn't have to wait so long. I will get up early tomorrow, and try to see if I have word from. I surely hope you have received the other three letters by the time this reaches you. I received your letter in this evening's mail. It had a wonderful effect, as I was plenty tired from running around. The 'ads' are coming plenty tough like pulling teeth. We look for a bright future though. With your letters to help me, dear, they will have a hard time trying to discourage me. All I need is your help, and I'm all set. I am looking for a wonderful future if I can inveigle that little word - need I mention it again, I don't want to tire you - out of you. I liked your rule, dearest, but I think we will make our own rules. Then you won't be able to holler 'out of bounds.' I am glad that you are getting lined up for that Wisconsin trip. I will like nothing better, than the chance to see, and be with you for a while. I pray that everything turns out as you plan. Always Love, Always yours." On October 18, 1924, less than two months after this letter was written, Layden's Notre Dame defeated Army 13-7. Sportswriter Grantland Rice wrote, in part: "Outlined against a blue, gray October sky, the Four Horsemen rode again. In dramatic lore, they are known as famine, pestilence, destruction and death. These are only aliases. Their real names are Stuhldreher, Miller, Crowley and Layden…." Fullback Elmer Layden (1903-1973) was the fastest of the quartet. He served as Commissioner of the National Football League from 1941-1946. Fine condition.