WILLIAM HIRAM RADCLIFFE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 08/02/1896 - HFSID 35384

WILLIAM HIRAM RADCLIFFE
The electrical engineering professor and author writes to his betrothed about the "Bohemian lifestyle" he has been living all summer, signs name in black ink
Autograph letter signed: "Will" in black ink. 12 pages integral leaf, 4½x7 folded, 7x9 flat. August 2, 1896. In full: "My dear "Sister":- I have just finished my afternoon nap and a rather long nap it was - as it is now almost five o'clock and if I am not greatly mistaken it was about 2:30 when I started in. Now, having given you an idea of the conditions under which I write, you must take them into account when reading this letter. Perhaps even now you do not thoroughly understand my case - so let me add -that - not having entirely opened my "peepers" I am still in a sort of comatose state and do not think I am in a condition to write; nevertheless, Grandpa thinks that sweet letter he received some time ago, deserves an answer by this time - so here goes - and may the fates be with us. I suppose there is no use telling you my sweetness - that we have had some extremely warm weather since the last letter. Indeed, there were several days together, that Grandpa did nothing but face and run in [illegible] he also devoured several novels in the meantime - in fact, they served as food for though. During those days Grandpa, like the devil, never cared to wander from his own fire-side, and was dead to the world form early morn till dewy eve. When he perceived the shades of night falling; gently falling o'er this world of sire, he would gather himself together and usually take a ride. As the son had now no opposition from his namesake he usually managed to enjoy himself. The last few days, however, have once again made life worth living and today, especially is everything that could be desired. Oh Peachy, I'm waking up slowly the only thing that would disturb me now is the dinner bell. So, as long as that doesn't ring your Grandpa is your Brother. The "doctor's little son" seems to have made an impression, judging from your last letter. Now, Det, I though it was the Doctor, himself but how stupid of me to think that - however, its clear as mud, now - all along he has ben paving the way for his "little son". How nice...for the son. I did not have the pleasure of meeting him when I was down, did I? Or was that fellow who came in New Year's Even the gentleman in question. To tell the truth, I've forgotten who you introduced him as. So you did not have an opportunity to test your skill at 516. Carlton Ave. as you had expected, but don't you care, Peachy, you will have an opportunity to test it some day. Perhaps not at 516 Carlton Ave. but somewhere else. Ah, there goes the bell - No, I'm mistaken it was mother "wringing" out the towel in the next room. I say Det, why don't you write - she swears, no declares she wrote the last letter - so then, dear, its your turn. I must say I have more trouble keeping you two people straight, than the law allows. Well I am positive this time, the ring I hear is the ring of the bell - so bye-bye for the present...My sweet 22:- here we are once more. Really, I must finish this letter tonight or die in the attempt. It is now nearing the incandescent hour of twelve, but of course, still Sunday - Aug 2nd. Have been enjoying the evening on the piazza in the hammock. Since the Day Boats now have their landing just across the river and in plain view from our house we have a fine view of the place at night - they have the place all built up, lighted by electricity and judging form the crowds that have visited the Place today are running a regular Mid-Way [illegible]. Too many places in above sentence signifying the same place, but forgive your brother. The smoke from his pipe got between his eyes and the paper and thus the error. Oh, Peachy - I am enjoying a perfectly Bohemian-life - just finished my second lunch at this ungodly hour, Sunday night, smoking, and writing to beat three of a kind. Well, to resume - speaking of hammocks - You asking did the one of last year still do service - No, my dear, we have been so extravagant as to invest in a new one, and really if I say it myself - it is a peach. As to the old one the campaign of last summer was too much for it - "it may have seen better da when it was in its prime." The day I roped up the new one I called up Mammies attention to it as "a hammock built for two". Yes says my Maternal Highness, and I know who the two are. Who are they, said I. Det and yourself, says she. And I smiled that same old smile. Well, Det, the coon arrived as I predicted - she had been here some time now and begins to feel fairly at home. Mother likes her very well and I am not at all displeased - in fact, she is not "half-bad". She had the queerest name "Samella". I have contracted it and call her "smell-er" not at all un appropriate during some of the warm weather. No, really, dear, I did not mean to crack such a joke Sunday night...but I am all right - It is Monday morning, so I know you will forgive me. But to come right down to business. When would it be most convenient for you to come and see your old Grandpa - my dear? If I am not mistaken the next moon does not appear till the first week in September - but that is a whole month off yet. An awful while for your old Grandpa to wait. I may be mistaken as to this -wish you would look it up. However, if you don't not care for moonlight rides - of course - that need not make any difference. So wish you would write soon and let me know which you would rather do, so I can arrange my dates accordingly. Think I had better close now or you will be tired reading this. So goodnight, my darling and may I see you soon, this hope alone sustains me. Most lovingly yours". 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.