WILLIAM HIRAM RADCLIFFE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 01/03/1897 - HFSID 35364

WILL RADCLIFFE
The Harvard student, who became the author of Telephone Instruments, sends affectionate letter to a friend, signs name in black ink
Autograph letter signed: "Will" in black ink. 5 pages integral leaf, 4½x7 folded, 7x9 flat. January 3, 1897. In full: "My darling Peachy:- Your box containing the many handsome Christmas gifts arrive on Monday of last week - I believe mammy acknowledged them the next day but, darling, you know neither Mammy or any one else could ever tell you how much I prize that sweet little paper-cutter - it was just what I needed for my desk and you were indeed a sister to be so thoughtful. Do not know whether I had letter thank you for it, o not - it is not very pointed but still rather than breaking the friendship - may the love, that binds us I will not attempt it. Was glad to hear you received the manicure set all right and that you were pleased with it - I meant all along "it" should be something else but it being impossible for me to get "it" sent that as an alternative -Will tell you all about it when I see you. Hope you passed a pleasant a New Years as you did a Christmas - the two days were vastly different here. Christmas was bright and scold, the sleighing excellent and altogether a typical winter's day. New Years on the other hand was neither bright nor cold and there being no sleighing made things rather dull around the river, however, afforded a veritable skating rink and hundreds enjoyed the sport. Having somewhat of a cold, myself, I did not go, but watched them from the parlor-windows which afforded an excellent view. I have only been skating twice this year. I think it was just two weeks ago yesterday that I skated the whole of one afternoon and again in the evening. So you want to know when I am coming. Well, if nothing prevents will be with you some time Tuesday afternoon of the present week - you said - "the sooner the better", so you must take the consequences. Hope the tooth=ache is a thing of the past - it must, indeed, be something dreadful if it makes you cross. I know enough about my dear little sister for than and if it isn't well by Tuesday we will have to administer some French treatment. Now, dear, I want you to get this letter tomorrow, if possibly, so will close and take it down to Rhinecliff - will bring your last letter down with me so we can settle up the conundrum question to-gether - think that will be better than trying to answer them on paper. Oh, by the way, I told my Mammy what your Mammy said about your coming up for her. She said "How nice that would be" and fully appreciated your Mammy's thoughtfulness. Now, my dear, will close hoping to see you all very soon. I remain. Your loving brother". William H. Radcliffe (b. 1873) graduated from Harvard University in May 1896, and worked as an electrical engineer and professor. Radcliffe wrote Telephone Instruments, Their Operation, Arrangement and Management in 1913 and Home Study Course in Practical Electricity in 1916. Normal mailing folds. Toned. Light surface creases. Slightly soiled. Otherwise, fine condition.