AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED BY JOEL BARLOW

BARLOW, Joel. Autograph letter signed. Washington: 8 May 1811. One leaf, measures 8 by 8 inches, address, seal, cancelation and docketing by recipient on verso. $300.

Autograph letter signed by American founding father, poet and statesman Joel Barlow, author of The Vision of Columbus.

"In 1787 Barlow published The Vision of Columbus, an epic poem in nine books, ranging spatially and temporally from South America through North America and from the point of contact of Europeans and native peoples to the era just after the Revolution, culminating in a celebration of the future progress of the Americas in the arts, the sciences, and international commerce. The subscription list of the book was long, and it included such eminent Americans as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin as well as Louis XVI, king of France. Barlow became one of the first well-known English-speaking poets to discuss Columbus's entrance to the Americas as if it had been a heaven-granted mission that would, as the success of the American Revolution demonstrated, assist what was considered the necessary progress of all people" (ANB). The text of this letter reads, in full: "Mr. Ronaldson. Dear Sir, By desire of our friend Wm Lee I send you sixty dollars for his account — it is in 6 notes of ten dollars of the bank of Washington. With great respect, your obt svt, Joel Barlow. Washington, 8 May 1811."

Three small tears at edges from opening, not affecting letter or signature. Near-fine condition.