WILLIAM HIRAM RADCLIFFE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 09/02/1895 - HFSID 35374
Price: $400.00
WILLIAM HIRAM RADCLIFFE
The young college electrical engineering student writes affectionate
letter to friend, signs name twice in black ink
Autograph letter signed twice: "Will" and "W.H.R." in
black in. 6 pages integral leaf, 4½x7 folded, 7x9 flat. September 2, 1895. In
full: "You dear little Peach!:- You cannot imagine how lovely Old Grandpa
felt after you left - indeed, the place seemed deserted and still more so when
both Father and Mother went on their northern trip leaving me in charge of the
house. Well, it was according to my directions that they both went at the same
time, so they could not be blamed for it, but on the other hand, praised, for
the observance of their son's wishes. However, their son had a purpose in so
wishing. He wanted to celebrate just a little while home and though now would be
a good time to do so. Accordingly on one of the moon-lit evenings of the past
week a select few of his most intimate friends passed the evening with him - let
me here say. Root-beer was not served. I cannot say I had a "peachy" time
as my grand daughter was not here to make it so, but whatever means the next
best, that it was. I hope you will not refer to it in your letter to "many" as
she is entirely ignorant of it and perhaps it is just as well she should be.
Now, Peachy, I must tell you how I enjoyed your letter - read it this three or
four times; was awfully sorry to hear you didn't enjoy your trip down. Hope you
will forgive me for asking you to make that promise about "talking to old men".
Perhaps you would have enjoyed the sail more had you not made it. Really, I
don't ask you to do so again. I have not taken many "constitutionals" since you
left. Principally because breakfast is always waiting when I come down and then
Grandpa is getting very old and does not care about waking alone. Saturday
evening, darling, I received the book you sent and yesterday, instead of going
to Church, spent the time in pursuing it. Really it isn't half bad and contained
many excellent things. It is a profitable book to read just before having for
College and I am glad you thought of it at so fitting a time. I think the author
must have been a very enthusiastic member of the "Blue Ribbon Society" as he
seems to think that whenever a man spends money foolishly he spends it for
drink. Did you notice that when you read it? Now I disagree with him here. I
know a certain class of me do - but invariably it is the "hod - carrier class"
and so does not apply to men in general. There are many things beside liquor
that the average man out to look out for, or he will find "one leg a little
shorter, than it really ought to be." Now Peachy, you will find those verses I
promised to send inclosed in this letter. Hope you will succeed in finding or
making a time for it. If not, I may be able to help you. Thanking you very, very
much for the book and hoping to hear soon, I am Your loving Old Grandpa".
Post script: "Remember your promise, dear, in regard to my
letters". 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.
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