AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED (ALS): Lengthy and Important Letter Defending Jenny Lind
Charleston, SC: 28 December 1850. Letter. A four-page letter on all panels of a 15" x 9-3/4" sheet folded in half to General Morris SIGNED as "P. T. Barnum" with a postscript SIGNED "B" and marked "Confidential" by Barnum at the top front. Barnum writes Morris to clarify that a statement he is sending (not included) regarding the wealth of singer Jenny Lind "is altogether imaginary destitute of fact & calculated in my opinion to put her character in a false & injurious light before the public." Barnum goes on to describe Lind's financial and family situation in detail: "Jenny Lind has scarcely any relations living except her father & mother.... [She] never had a brother, notwithstanding the romantic stories of her meeting such a relative in Liverpool, that he followed the sea, received from his sister Jenny a handful of gold but declined returning and living on Jenny's generosity with his Massachusetts wife, etc. etc. Jenny had one sister, but she died some twenty years ago." Regarding her income, he states, "All of the funds received from her American engagement are sacredly set apart for the establishment of common schools in Sweden, and it is her intention to devote her personal services to the supervision and inspection of these schools.... A woman with such a heart would indeed be wealthy even if she possessed not a dollar in the world! My friend Morris I have marked this letter 'confidential' because I don't want to be mixing myself up in Jenny Linds private affairs -- still I know that my interests lie in the public having a correct mien of her nearly angelic character." Barnum brought the famous Swedish opera singer known as the “Swedish Nightingale” to the United States in 1850 without ever hearing her sing. Lind went on a 150-concert tour that sparked a nationwide craze, Barnum helping to make her a massive celebrity before she even stepped foot in America. The marketing genius sold Lind-branded merchandise including hats, tobacco, even children's cribs. After 9 months and roughly 90 concerts, she ended her contract with Barnum amicably and managed her own shows. An amazing letter from America's great showman about his most famous find. With transcript. Provenance: a note states it was "Purchased from Freeman (Peck) 3-17-47." Wrinkling, small pieces of tape at margin of last page not affecting text. Near Fine. Item #022631
General George P. Morris--co-founder of the NEW YORK MIRROR--was a prominent figure in New York media and arts.
Price: $4,500.00