GEORGE WILLIAM CURTIS - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 06/26/1869 - HFSID 273102

GEORGE W. CURTIS
The 19th century journalist affectionately declines a summons, written on June 26, 1869
Autograph Letter signed: "George William Curtis.", 4p, 5x8, conjoined leaves. North Shore, Staten Island, New York, 1869 June 26. To "Mr dear Mr Mellen". In full: "Your most friendly note came while I was still at Ithaca, - and I have been obliged to move myself to disappoint you, and that in the face of the most persuasive pecuniary, as well as friendly, summons. But it is plain to me that I cannot come so far even for so short a time. I am almost too much a vagabond for a family man even now. Yet you may be very sure that I shall decline no invitation with more sincere regret, - nor would I this if I could properly avoid it. The little [two words illegible] steadily, I think, and we are all in good spirits over our prospects. At our two houses we are all well. - we all remember you most kindly and send our most cordial regards. Very truly Yours". George William Curtis (1824-1892) was the lead editorial writer (1857) and then editor of "Harper's Weekly" (1863). He was in favor of emancipation, equal rights for Blacks, Native Americans and women, civil service reform, public education and environmental conservation. Curtis, who declined an invitation to become editor of the "New York Times", was known for speaking on the critical issues of the day, and he authored some 40 books and pamphlets. Lightly creased with folds, light vertical fold at the second "e" in George. ¾-inch separation at upper blank margin and two-inch separation at lower blank margin of mid-vertical fold. Reinforced with tape at perimeter of first page. Heavily penned, minor show through of ink, ink blot at blank area on first page. Overall, fine condition.