JOHN BURROUGHS - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 08/28/1893 - HFSID 254651

JOHN BURROUGHS
Author and naturalist John Burroughs wrote this letter from his home in West Park, New York in 1893. He replies to the recipient's letter, which "finds me just opening my grape campaign, which promises to be a trying one", and adds that he can't visit because "my domestic matters have all gone wrong".
Autograph letter signed: "John Burroughs". 2 page, 5x8, 1 sheet folded, front and verso. West Park, New York, Aug. 28 1893. In full: "My Dear Herbert-Gilderist: You kind note finds me just opening my grape campaign, which promises to be a trying one. The Country is flooded with peaches, & grapes have to take a back seat-. The long draught [sic] injured my crop to some extent, but not as seriously as I at one time feared. I think I can come to you the latter part of Sept. I am [illegible] to Southampton by a rich & pretty widow (I was there in June) & I think I shall go. I should be glad to go to West Hills with you. I had hoped to have you here this summer if you could come, but my domestic matter have all gone wrong & I see no hopes of their [illegible]. Let me congratulate you in the completion of your picture & hope that it will bring tou both fame & money. With sincere regards". Burroughs moved to West Park, New York in 1873, where he operated a farm and kept a cabin called "Slabsides". He lived in West Park until his death; in fact, he died on a train on March 29, 1921 while returning there from a winter retreat in California. Slabsides is now part of the 170-acre John Burroughs Sanctuary. Burroughs (1837-1921)was a naturalist and prolific nature writer, penning over 243 essays on his association with birds, resulting in his nickname, "John o' Birds". A friend of Walt Whitman, Burroughs also wrote Notes on Walt Whitman as Poet and Person (1867), the first Whitman biography. In all, he penned 441 essays that were collected in 23 volumes. These works include Birds and Poets (1877), Literary Values (1902), Ways of Nature (1905) and Camping and Tramping with Roosevelt (1907). Tape remnants at left edge. Lightly soiled. Fold and creases (not near signature). Otherwise in fine condition.