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An autograph letter signed
of financier John Jacob Astor, III, penned on his gilt-accented monogrammed
mourning letterhead, 4pp. measuring 5" x 8", Geneva, Switzerland,
August 29, 1877. Astor writes an emotive letter Henry A. Ferguson, possibly the
Hudson School landscape painter.
Text:
In part: "My Dear Mr. Ferguson…I cannot
tell you how intensely disgusted I was, on my arrival here this afternoon, not
receiving your letter, and learning that we had been so near each other for a
week, without meeting. My visit to Venice, was a most agreeable one for me, but
I dined alone four days out my week, when it would have made it delightful for
me, to have had you with me…After leaving Venice, I went to Bologna &
Florence, & then turned north stopping at Genoa, Milan, Como & Lurin,
& last evening found myself out of Italy…". Astor complains of the
inadequacies of his wardrobe, but brightens: "…I shall forget all the
discomfort & remember many beauties of art and nature that are most
compensating. I found letters here today from Mrs. Astor & Willy, both are
well…". Signed J.J. Astor
John Jacob Astor III
Astor was a member of the fabled Astor family of businessmen and financiers and
eldest son of William Backhouse Astor Sr. (1792-1875). Astor was one of the wealthiest men in America. He also served in the Union Army during the Civil
War, attaining the rank of brevet brigadier general. After the war, he returned
to focus on the management of Manhattan real estate.
John Jacob Astor III (1822-1890) is remembered for his commitment to the arts and, in 1887, presented a substantial bequest to the Metropolitan Museum of Art along with his wife's collection of valuable laces.
Henry Augustus Ferguson
Henry Augustus Ferguson (c.
1842-1911) was a painter of the acclaimed Hudson Valley School, working in both
watercolors and oils. He spent much of the 1870s working abroad, and towards
the end of the decade split his time between Cairo and Venice
Darkening to top left
corner and a couple of fold tears at margins, overall very good. Offered with
the original transmittal cover from which the postage has been excised.
This item comes with a
Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd
party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as
well as numerous auction houses.
John Jacob Astor III Signed Letter on Personal Letterhead
- Age: August 29, 1877
- Size: 4pp. measuring 5" x 8"
- Condition: As pictured
- COA Included
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All stocks and bonds on this site are being sold as historical collectibles and do not represent any rights of ownership of the company indicated on the certificate. No transfer of ownership will be received and the certificate represents no intrinsic value other than as a collectible.
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