SARA AGNES RICE PRYOR - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED - HFSID 75908

SARA AGNES PRYOR
Sara Agnes Pryor, co-founder of the Daughters of the American Revolution, signed this rejection letter to an artist making pictures for one of her books. She adds that she could get prints by celebrated artists but "There is, unfortunately, no chance for me to hunt for them, as I am an invalid."
Autograph letter signed "Mrs Roger A. Pryor". 3 pages, 5x6½. In full: "Dear Mr Fridenberg, These pictures are very interesting - but not suited for attaching to manuscript pages. I enclose one [not enclosed], (which you need not return), as an example of what I need. I learn that inexpensive prints from celebrated artists may be had. There is, unfortunately, no chance for me to hunt for them, as I am an invalid. Perhaps Mr. Schans may have them. I wish only cheerful subjects beautiful children, or women, or flowers or landscapes. The book I am making goes to an invalid lady of fine taste. Sincerely yours,". Pryor (1830-1912), born Sara Agnes Rice, married secessionist Democrat Roger Atkinson Pryor, Viriginia's U. S. Congressman from 1859 to 1861 and briefly Confederate Representative from 1862, in 1848. She lived with her children in near poverty in occupied Petersburg, Virginia for two years while her husband tried to establish himself as a lawyer in New York, joining him there in 1867. Roger found success in Democratic circles in New York, but Sara knew he would be viewed with suspicion in both the North and South due to his past views, so she associated herself with a number of patriotic and philanthropic societies to deflect criticism. Her greatest accomplishment was co-founding the National Society of the Daughters of the Revolution in 1890. Sara became an author late in life, writing occasional magazine articles and the books The Mother of Washington and Her Times (1903), Reminiscences of Peace and War (1904), The Birth of a Nation (1907) and My Day: Reminiscences of a Long Life (1909). Lightly toned and creased. Pinholes at top end bottom edge, which do not touch signature or handwriting. Folded once and unfolded. Otherwise in fine condition.