Description

Description: In a self-deprecating manner, the poet James Russell Lowell hopes the seven “trifles” he pens for Miss Davis are “worth more as autographs” than as verses.

One three line “trifle”,  on a separate 2” x 4 ½” piece of paper,  which accompanies his two-page autograph letter signed, reads: “A colourable pretext for the war. / This is a negro’s war, some say & write: / No war is black that saves [?] our honor white. / 16th  Decr 1862.  J. R. Lowell.” The sentiment expressed therein echoes his early prediction that debate over slavery would lead to war.

Lowell writes in full:

“My dear Miss  Davis, I have written these trifles for you this afternoon, & only hope they may be worth more as autographs than they are as verses. I tried to write upon the Cards & found myself fettered by the material, So you must please pardon my not complying exactly with your commands. Accept my deepest sympathy in your good work  & believe me / truly yours / J. R. Lowell.

P.S. They should all be dated ‘17th Dec’ – I find – but that does not matter. You sent me six cards, I have sent seven autographs. Pray keep the last yourself with my kind regards, if you would like it. / J.R.L.”

Autograph letter signed is written on a folded sheet of 7” x 9” ivory laid paper with a “De La Rue & Co, London” embossed stamp at the left top corner. Item #A02019

James Russell Lowell (1819-1891) was an American romantic poet, critic, and, later, an ambassador to Spain and England. He also taught at Harvard for 20 years. His well-known works are the A Fable for Critics (1848) and The Biglow Papers (1848). He was the first editor of The Atlantic Monthly and with Charles Eliot Norton, the editor of North American Review (1864-72). Although an abolitionist, his opinion about freed slaves vacillated over time; he believed in the superior intellect of whites.

Condition: Mailing fold lines, otherwise very good condition.