JOSEPH JEFFERSON - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED - HFSID 85908

JOSEPH JEFFERSON
Jefferson handwrote, signed and dated this letter in answer to a question about the Civil War
Autograph letter signed "J J". 3 pages, 4¾x7¾ (one sheet folded). Addressed to "My Dear G." In full: "I could not find the 'Lost Cause' relating to Forrest, but I have written another which I think is pretty near the same thing - the one about Perry goes in just before my Australian Experience - his wife (Perry's not Australias) is the present Mrs. Agnes Booth - perhaps it might do as well to mention that. Do you think so? Will you please send the enclosed photos [not included] to Mr. Dicks? Sincerely,". The Lost Cause was an 1867 book about the American Civil War by Edward A. Pollard, and "Forrest" is possibly Nathan Bedford Forrest, a brilliant but controversial Confederate cavalry leader who was one of the founders of the Ku Klux Klan. Jefferson's "Australian Experience" was probably performing Rip van Winkle in 1861, the start of the Civil War. Agnes Booth was married to Junius Booth and was an in-law of John Wilkes Booth. On stage since the age of three, American actor Jefferson (1829-1905) starred with Laura Keene's company in 19th century stage successes such as Our American Cousin, The Cricket on the Hearth and The Rivals. His most famous part was the title role in Rip Van Winkle (from 1865), which playwright Dion Boucicault adapted for him. Lightly toned and creased. Folded thrice vertically and unfolded. Worn, toned and torn along folds. Otherwise in fine condition.