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Woodrow Wilson Autograph Letter Signed...
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$1,125.00
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Description
Woodrow Wilson Autograph Letter Signed with original transmittal envelope addressed in his hand. Two pages of a bifolium, 5 x 7 3/4 inches, Judd Haven, Ontario, Canada; August 24, 1900. Wilson writes to James Carleton Young, Minneapolis, Minnesota, concerning books that Young had given him to inscribe. Signed, "Woodrow Wilson."In part: "You have no doubt been wondering what has become of your box of books. It arrived at this, my out-of-the-way retreat, last night, after sundry adventures. This is the first time I ever spent the summer in Canada, and when I ordered the books sent after me I forgot, in my innocence, all about custom officers. I have therefore drawn the package after me by means of various letters to sundry stupid officials. But it is here at last, safe and sound, and so soon as I can put the proper inscriptions in the volumes, I will forward them to you..."
James Carleton Young (1856-1918) was born in Iowa in 1856, the son of a prominent and popular Iowa Republican politician. After graduating from Cornell College (Iowa) in 1876, he immediately established himself in the real estate business, acting as an agent for various railroads intent on buying land for new lines. He was also a dedicated bibliophile, collecting books inscribed by their authors. Young's collection of inscribed books by authors from all over the world earned him the appellation "the King of Books." In addition, he was known to have assembled one of the largest collections of Henry Fielding's works at the time. The books to which Wilson refers in his letter probably are Young's collection of Wilson's books (he had published three books by 1900) that he sent to have inscribed.
In 1900 Wilson was a professor of jurisprudence and political economy at Princeton University. In 1902 he would be elected president of the university. Wilson vacationed in Judd-Haven, Ontario, Canada for several summers while at Princeton.
Condition: The letter has the usual folds and a thin strip of mounting remnant along the integral fold on verso, where it was likely hinged. Cancelled postal cover has light soiling.
Auction Info
2025 August 8 Historical Manuscripts Including Texana Signature® Auction #6322 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
August, 2025
8th
Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 12
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