HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 06/19/1858 - HFSID 202263

HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow sends an autograph letter asking for his nephew, Mr. William Longfellow to use the Harvard Musical Library on his behalf.
Autograph Letter Signed: "Henry W. Longfellow", 2p, 4½x7. Camb(ridge, Mass.), 1858 June 19. To Henry Ware, Boston. In full: "My nephew Mr. William Longfellow is desirous of making use of the Harvard Musical Library. If I have any privilege that way please transfer it to him, and I will be responsible for him." Folds, light vertical fold touches the "y" in Henry. Browned and chipped at blank edges, shaded at margins. Mounting remnant at upper blank edge. Overall, fine condition. Accompanied by original envelope, addressed by Longfellow to: "Henry Ware Esq/Boston", 4x2½, affixed to 4½x7 sheet, likely the separated original integral leaf of this letter. Envelope is lightly creased and soiled. Cut open at upper edge. Mounting sheet bears same shading and browned edges as letter. Overall, fine condition. American poet and linguist Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) graduated at 18 from Bowdoin College so adept at languages that he studied European languages overseas for four years following his graduation in 1825. In 1829, he became the librarian and the Professor of Modern Languages at Bowdoin until 1835. He joined Harvard's language staff following a second European tour (1835-1836), during which he was particularly influenced by German Romanticism. While at Harvard (1836-1854), Longfellow published his first works, including the poetic volume, Voices in the Night (1839). He attained fame eight years later with his narrative poem, Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie (1847). After 1854, Longfellow devoted his time to writing, producing such works as the poetic masterpiece, The Song of Hiawatha (1855), and Tales of a Wayside Inn (1863), which contained his famous poem, "Paul Revere's Ride". Wide acclamation enabled Longfellow to be self- supporting, a rarity for a 19th century poet and writer. Two items.