PARK BENJAMIN SR. - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 12/26/1839 - HFSID 55779

PARK BENJAMIN SR.
Prominent eighteenth century writer and editor sends letter of thanks to the University Institute of the University of Vermont who had just elected him an honorary member, signs his name in black ink
Autograph letter signed: "Park Benjamin" in black ink. 1 page, 7¾x10. New York City, New York. December 26, 1839. Addressed to B.F. Mower Esq. In full: "Sir, I acknowledge the receipt of your letter, informing me of my election to an honorary membership in the University Institute of the University of Vermont. Be so good as to signify to the society my acceptance of this token of their appreciation and my best wishes for the prosperity and happiness of each of the members. I am, with respect, Your humble servant". Park Benjamin, Sr. (1809-1864) was an American poet, journalist, editor and founder of several newspapers. Born in British Guiana in South America, Benjamin was sent at an early age to study in New England, eventually graduating from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut; initially he studied law in Boston, but later moved to New York to begin a career in editorial work. In 1839 he partnered with Rufus Wilmot Griswold to produce The Evening Tattler, a journal which published fiction, poetry, foreign news, local gossip, jokes and New York police reports; Benjamin later founded The New World and other editorial ventures before focusing as a lecturer, public reader and periodical writer, and became close friends with writers such as Oliver Wendell Holmes, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Edgar Allan Poe. He died very young at the age of 55 just after the birth of his son Park Benjamin Jr.; despite his widespread fame during his lifetime, Park Benjamin Sr. was virtually forgotten, known only through his sonnets such as "The Old Sexton" which is often anthologized. His son went on to become a writer, patent lawyer and physician in his own right. Toned. Creased throughout. Slightly worn throughout. Normal mailing folds. Small tear in top margin. Toned adhesive stains on verso. Lightly soiled. Otherwise, fine condition.