^#586 ^Lot 614 Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr

Eminent American writer (1809–1894) best known for his collection The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table, and the much-anthologized poem ‘The Chambered Nautilus.’ ALS signed “O. W. Holmes,” one page both sides, 4.5 x 7, March 20, 1867. Letter to Mr. Winthrop. In full: “You must have been mystified by a note you got from me yesterday, if the post office did its duty. It was to Mr. Robbins that I should have written, and I must have written very hastily or I should have noticed the signature. The paper which he sent me with your approval is a most interesting one, and I am much obliged to yourself and Mr. Robbins for giving me the chance of making use of it, as I very probably shall in some way. It is curious to read their stipulations about ‘animalcula’ in the days of trichina and other beasts of the microscopic menagerie. I had great pleasure in studying over another paper which you lent me, and I find a strange kind of satisfaction in following their speculations of Cotton Mather, who seems to have touched almost everything, whether he admired it or not.” In very good condition, with toning and some dampstaining along hinge, some lightly affecting portions of text and edge of signature.