August 8, 2013: Sports & Americana Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/8/2013
This one-page handwritten letter is dated Oct. 4, 1828 and entirely in the hand of Noah Webster. Documents signed by Webster are extremely rare and there's only been a handful to hit the market in the past decade. Webster would publish the first edition of "American Dictionary of the English Language" in the same year this letter was written. The letter was written to his friend, Sherman Converse, who was the first to publish his dictionary. It reads, "Dear Sir,
I wish to be informed whether you have received directions to proceed in the abridgment, according to my instructions, or what directions, if any, have Mr. Converse. It is important for me to know; as I have some further particulars to attend to, if you are proceeding in the work. I have consented that my ___ may be inserted in the margin at top or bottom, as you shall see fit; & it is my desire that the word may be divided into syllables – which I believe Mr. Converse will consent to. If you are going on, please to send me two copies of each sheet, as soon as corrected & fitted for the steno typers, that the words may be carefully inspected by myself & some friends. The sheets may be sent in the mail, as newspapers are sent. Please to answer this by the first mail, I oblige. Sir, Your obd. Serv, N. Webster" The letter is written in black fountain pen with the signature authenticated by PSA/DNA with a full letter of authenticity.
Noah Webster Signed Handwritten Letter (1828) (PSA/DNA)
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