JOHN K. PAINE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 04/04/1892 - HFSID 46451

JOHN K. PAINE
He signs a lengthy handwritten 1892 letter to historian John Fiske, congratulating him on his "magnum opus," writing Fiske's name as a musical notation
Autograph Letter signed: "John K. Paine", 4 pages, 9¾x7¾ integral leaf. Cambridge (Massachusetts), 1982 April 4. To "Dear Brother Fiske [name begins as a bar of music]. In full: "I was truly delighted to receive your magnum opus with your pothook remembrance therein written down; and fell all the more pleased to know that you took the trouble to prepare the said copy for me before your much lamented departure from the mud and culture of Cambricke. I have begun to peruse the book, and I am astounded at the amount of research and learning stowed away between the covers. Now that you have discovered America, America will certainly discover your great abilities, or rather rediscover them, as they are already known in part. I congratulate you on having compiled this tremendous piece of work. I called to see Sister Fiske the other evening and enquired much about you and your peregrinations in the vast, undiscovered wilderness of the Western world. I have not heard of you, however, as among the Mormons. Look out what you say there. On Wednesday I start for Chicago to visit Theodore Thomas and lecture before the 20th Century Club on Beethoven and Schubert, introductory to Beet.'s Quartet in F minor Opus 95 and Schubert's octet played by Thomas' best men. I believe he is going to perform my Spring Symphony while I am there. He also sent for the Lament and wants to sing it. Strange to relate, Nitisch has announced said Spring Symphony for next Saturday, but I shall be a thousand miles from the Music Hall. I wonder how he will interpret it. I hope soon to finish the Columbian branch, and then I shall resume the composition on the opera. I look forward to your return and when you are here we must have a picnic somewhere - Waverly Oaks, Spy Pond or some other place where we can recall the days of yore. I hope you are having a pleasant and profitable tour. Perhaps you have heard of Mrs. Grant's death, about three weeks ago. As she was so great a sufferer for so long a time her death came as a blessed relief to herself and all the family. She is a great loss to us but we are consoled by the thought that she is at rest. Her patience was wonderful; she never complained of anything and bore her trials with true Christian resignation and confidence. She was an example to us all. Sister Paine wishes to add a line, so I will now say goodbye, with the hope to see you ere long. Ever yours faithfully." John Knowles Paine (1839-1906) was an American organist, composer and music historian (The History of Music to the Death of Schubert). Harvard University made him the first chair of music at an American university. His compositions, some mentioned in this letter, have been experiencing a revival, and many have been recorded. He sent this letter to John Fiske (1842-1901), an American philosopher and historian, a champion of Charles Darwin's theories and their compatability with religious faith. The "magnum opus" of Fiske's that Paine has started to read was probably The Discovery of America, published in 2 volumes in 1892. Lightly worn at edges. Otherwise, fine condition.