American writer (1783-1859). Autograph manuscript unsigned. No place. 8vo. 1 page.
$ 1,608 / 1.500 €
(77954)
A manuscript page from his book A History of the Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus, published in 1828. The famous author wrote: “in the noses of some of the natives. On being asked where this previous metal was procured, they answered by signs, pointing to the south, and Columbus understood them to say, that a king resided in that quarter, of such wealth that he was served in great vessels of gold. He interpreted all their imperfect communications according to his previous ideas and his cherished wishes.
They spoke of a warlike people, who often invaded their islands from the northwest and carried off the inhabitants. These he concluded to be the people of the main land of Asia, subjects to the Grand Khan who, according to Marco Polo, were accustomed to make war upon the islands, and make slaves of the natives. The rich country to the south could be no other than the islands of Cipango, and the king who was served out of golden vessels must be the monarch whose magnificent palace was said to be covered with plates of gold. Having explored the island of Guanahani and taken in a supply of wood and water, Columbus set sail in quest of the opulent country to the south, taking seven of the”. The ink is dark and the extreme upper right corner is missing; the condition is very good. This manuscript was removed from the 1895 Author's Autograph Edition of Irving’s Works, published by Putnam..
American writer (1783-1859). Autograph Manuscript, unsigned Np, [1830]. 1/2 page, 8vo; moderate brittling overall, nearly complete horizontal tear affecting second line of text (without loss), faint marginal discoloration from prior matting, remnants of prior mounting at upper and lower edges verso.
$ 1,286 / 1.200 €
(87874)
A working draft of the last 14 lines from chapter XVII of his Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus, abridged version, with several holograph emendations. In full: "given the name of Rio del Oro. Here, as the seamen were ranging the shore, they found the bodies of three men and a boy, one of whom had a rope of Spanish grass about his neck, & another, from having a beard, was evidently a European. The bodies were in a state of decay, but bore the marks of violence. This spectacle gave rise to many gloomy forebodings, and Columbus hastened forward to La Navidad, full of apprehensions that some disaster had befallen Diego de Arana and his companions."
Schriftsteller (1783-1859). Autograph notes (fragment). O. O. Ca. 167:45 mm.
$ 536 / 500 €
(937453/BN937453)
The lower end of a page containing fragmentary notes, probably for his satirical "History of New York" (1809): "as successful in negotiation as open force like Publicola - see Red book. under Politician: Transpose the dissertation on treaties to the first part of his reign. Alter his speech & make it positive & hard upon the people. Give the old one if possible to Van Twiller. Give hints about the Law of the Locrians [...]".