Autograph Receipt Signed, plus Autograph Letter Signed.
Receipt, in Harte's hand with his name written out, dated "July 18th / 87", plus Letter to Messrs. Boosey & Co, dated "July 27th '97" Both one-page: the former on "15 Upper Hamilton Terrace N.W." stationery, the latter a bifolium with Harte's address of "Arford House, Headley, Hants" written by Harte.
Both of these documents, dated a decade apart, have to do with funds sent and received by Bret Harte (after 1885, Harte lived the rest of his life -- until 1902 -- in the UK; he never returned to the US, but he was very occasionally visited by his wife).
The 1887 missive, without a salutation, reads "Mr Bret Harte begs to enclose herewith his cheque for within bill [not included]. Please acknowledge same." The 1897 letter to Messrs. Boosey & Co reads "Dear Sirs: I have to acknowledge receipt of yours of 26th inst. including cheque for 5.4.2 omitted from your previous [?] as noted. With my thanks, Yours very truly, Bret Harte". Boosey & Co., founded in the 1760s, was a musical publishing firm (it continues today, after a 1930 merger, as Boosey & Hawkes); presumably, the cheque was in payment for a musical adaptation of a Harte tale -- Boosey did publish the libretto for an opera based on "The Outcasts of Poker Flats," but that was not until 1932.
Both letters are in fine condition, though there is minor foxing on the earlier one. Item #15851
Price: $200.00