FREDERIC REMINGTON - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED - HFSID 290434

FREDERIC REMINGTON
Apologizing to a friend because "That jug simply belonged in my collection ... I can't rearrange the eternal fitness of things."
Autograph Letter signed: "Frederic", 1 page, 5x8. No place, no date. To "Dear Joel [Burdick]", in full: "The jug came all right. It's a d--- shame to crowd your friends as I do but that jug simply belonged in my collection and I had to be there. I can't rearrange the eternal fitness of things. Come out some time and see it. The 'Palmer' is fine. I got lots of 'loot' on our trip didn't I? Yours". Frederic Remington (1861-1909), a prolific Western artist, was chiefly known for his portrayals of the Old West, where he traveled extensively. His works, which usually depicted cowboys, Indians and horses, are notable for their authenticity of detail. Beginning in 1886, Remington produced more than 400 illustrations for the nation's ten leading periodicals, including "Century Magazine", in which Remington illustrated articles written by his friend, Theodore Roosevelt. Sent to Cuba in the 1890s by newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst, who was actively promoting war with Spain, and returning in 1898 to cover the U.S. campaign against the Spanish, Remington was appalled by war's cruelty. However, he produced a memorable sculpture, The Bronco Buster, in tribute to Teddy Roosevelt's leadership of volunteer "Rough Riders" at the Battle of San Juan Hill. (The sculpture was presented to TR by his men as the unit prepared to disband.) Joel Burdick, who met Remington at Yale in the late 1870s, exchanged letters with the artist over many years. Horizontal mailing fold. ½" moisture stain at upper right corner. ¼" ink stain at right edge 2½" from top corner. Otherwise, fine condition.