Irish-American novelist (1818-1883). Autograph letter signed. Ross-on-Wye (Herefordshire). 02.01.1877. 8vo. 1½ pp. With autograph envelope.
$ 2,672 / 2.500 €
(83064/BN54498)
To the London barrister Frank Blandy, who had wanted to arrange a meeting with Mayne Reid, asking him what the request was about: "I owe you an apology for not having written to say that I was hindered by circumstances, from going up to London, as I had intended ere this. I am still uncertain as to when I may get to the metropolis, therefore if you will kindly give me some idea of the queries, upon which you desire to see me, […]“. - Thomas Mayne Reid emigrated to the U.S. in 1840, aged 22.
After various employments in different parts of the country he started his literary career in 1842 as a journalist for the Pittsburgh Morning Chronicle. In 1843 he moved to Philadelpha for three years, working as a journalist. There he met Egar Allan Poe, who became a drinking companion. Mayne Reid joined the First New York Volunteer Infantry during the Mexican-American War (1846-48), also working as a correspondent. He was severely wounded at the Battle of Chapultepec on 13 September 1847. In 1850 he moved to London and started publishing his immensely popular adventure novels, mostly inspired by the American West. - Traces of folds. With rust stain from a removed staple. The envelope clipped for the stamp and with several deep tears..