Details:

Elizabeth F. Ellet autograph letter (ALS), one page, approximately 7.75” x 5”, written from 474 Broadway and dated simply “Oct 25th.” Ellet forwards a poem intended for publication and discusses the recent tragedy experienced by fellow author Mrs. Dana, whose father and mother both passed away while she was abroad. Her reference to Ms. Dana is Mary S. B. Shindler, a fellow poet, writer, and Southern editor.

The letter reads in full:

Dear Sir,

The accompanying lines are addressed to Mrs Dana, author of “The Northern Harp”, &c. who sailed week before last in the Northerner for Charleston. Having just heard of the death of her father, before she reached home, her mother also was laid in the grave. I have reason to believe it would give her pleasure to see the lines in the Home Journal; and if you have a place to spare, they are at your services. If convenient to let me see the proof, I should be obliged, but it is not material.

Yours truly,
E. F. Ellet

474 Broadway
Oct 25th

Best remembered today as one of the earliest female historians in the United States, Ellet broke significant barriers in American letters. Her landmark work, The Women of the American Revolution (1848-1850), was among the first major historical studies devoted entirely to the contributions of women and remains an important source for Revolutionary War scholarship. Through her extensive correspondence and literary activities, Ellet was connected to many of the leading writers and intellectuals of her era.

Overall condition is very good for its age, with expected folds, scattered toning, and minor handling wear. The letter exhibits irregularly torn edges and has been affixed to a slightly larger backing sheet.

Elizabeth Fries Ellet (1818-1877) was an American author, historian, poet, and biographer widely regarded as one of the pioneering female historians of the nineteenth century. Born in New York, she achieved lasting recognition through her groundbreaking three-volume work The Women of the American Revolution, which documented the contributions of women to the American independence movement. Ellet published numerous historical, biographical, and literary works during her career and maintained correspondence with many of the leading literary figures of her generation. Her scholarship helped preserve countless historical accounts that might otherwise have been lost and established her as an important figure in early American historical writing.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11615 1416248-1