^Lot 589 Henry James

ALS, two pages both sides, 4.5 x 7, 21, black-bordered East Eleventh Street letterhead, March 31, 1911. James writes to his “dear Louisa,” of Stamford, Connecticut, in part: “I have been very sorry to hear through fliar [sic] of Olivia’s illness…& I scrawl you this word to tell you both…in spite of being unwell myself & shut up in my room…and now I am sorry to say, I can’t do much to add to it as I am still in rather a poor way, or unless I am better in a day or two shall make the best of my way back to Cambridge. (I have been much better or this is an unexplained relapse—only one of so many!) I have taken passage back to England for June 14th & may be able to be in New York for another try before that. I know well how to participate in her burden of affliction,” adding the post script, “I was able to see a few days ago…Walsh’s wife & children—especially the very pretty & charming daughter—engaged to our Boman, whom I also saw. They all seem very happy & very rich!” James then adds a sentiment, vertically along the left edge of the first page, “I see that the 2d half of my letter has repeated some of the first but pardon a sick man!” In fine condition, with a bit of trivial smudging to some of the text. Accompanied by the original envelope, addressed in James’ hand.