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Hawthorne, Julian
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- Description:
- Half-folded handwritten letter from writer Julian Hawthorne in Philadelphia, to Eli Ransom Sutton of the University of Michigan, dated May 2, 1902, concerning the proposition of writing a biography of Hazen S. Pingree. The letter is on Julian Hawthorne's stationery. The letter reads: 1208 Spruce St. Phila. May 2, 1902 My dear Sutton, I have looked through the type-written book you finally sent me. I am [?] written you briefly, agreeing, for reasons which I partially indicate, my object in doing so. I have received no communication since then from Mrs. Pingree or any one acting in his behalf; [?] since the correspondence hitherto has been between you and me, I will now number my first [?] on the subject, and thoughts[?] to it above. Let me say, in passing, that the book of memorabilia[?] has great [?] judgment and diligence, and would, I think, fulfill the [?] for which it was completed[?]. I wish also to express my [?] of our unfailing [?] and look [?] throughout these [?]. But Mrs. Pingree seems to have been maligned by his friends. The biography of a man like her late husband is a [?], and should not be treated or regarded like a matter of bargaining for a parcel of merchandise.. When I was first invited to consider the biography, I had no anticipation of such treatment as I have received. The proposition which I first made was [?] to the interests of both parties. It was desirable that the biography should be brought out in a form adequate to the reputation both of the subject and of the writer--a dignified and thorough book, such as would be generally recognized as a worthy and acceptable ambition[?] to the march[?] of our epoch. The sum I asked for my work--ten thousand dollars--would have repaid me in some degree for the [?] of labor which I wanted to devote to it; and I should have made such magnitude with the [?] as would have [?] to Mrs. Pingree returns[?] which would[?] in the [?] have [?] this expenditure[?]. No attention was paid by her to my proposition, and I understand that the letter was [?] to her. Meanwhile, time went by; and time in relation to the issue of a biography, in this hurrying and forgetting age, is of great importance. The book might now to be nearing completion, and to have been [?] thoroughly[?] [?] by the ambitious[?]. It has been constantly delayed, to its serious detriment; our [?] then next insofar, it might as well be [?] altogether. Especially is this the case in view of the fact that the widow of Governor Pingree has thought it [?] to publish a [?] manuscript of her late husband, instead of an [?] biography. She will truly incur the risk of ridicule form Gov. Pingree admirers, who knowing his financial circumstances, will question the motives of her conduct and such[?] to cast doubt upon her loyalty to him. I am bound to say, in justice[?] to myself, am not of [?] to the memory of Gov. Pingree, that the only thing which can now save this book from contempt and regret[?] will be my name-or that of some literary name as well known and of good standing-upon the page. I can [?] save it; but if the matter be further delayed, I will not save it, and I will feel compelled to decline to have anything to do with it. My reputation will not allow me to connect myself with a failure. I must ask a word about the financial aspect of this affair. I calculated my average[?] [?] from literary work in a year at $15,000. When therefore I undertake to spend four to five months on this biography for $2500. Mrs. Pingree will understand that I am [?] making her a percent of an equal amount. I would gladly give more than that if I could afford, for the sake of receiving[?] the memory of a Great American from [?] or misconception; but that is the limit of which I am able to do. Mrs. Pingree must [?] make no misconception as to the matters which have prompted me to make the concession I have made. I can make no more. If she wishes me to write the book, I must repeat that she take action upon my [?] at once[?]. A check for $2500 must be sent to me immediately, and an agreement drawn up to pay me one half of the sum received as royalties, after the said royalties shall have repaid her the advance to me of $2500. Unless I hear from her to this effect on or before May 10th, I shall conclude that she has decided not to go on with the negotiations, and will return the typewritten volume of memorabilia. Meanwhile I remain available [?] Julian Hawthorne Let me know how to [?] with the [?]
- Date Issued:
- 1902-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Handwritten letter with envelope from writer Julian Hawthorne in Philadelphia, to Eli Ransom Sutton of the University of Michigan, postmarked May 12, 1902, concerning the prospect of writing a biography of Hazen S. Pingree. The letter is on Colonial Press stationery, however the letterhead has been crossed out. The letter reads: 1208 Spruce St. Phila. April 23, 1902 My dear Sutton, I have [?] considered your letter, and this is what I think. You have been at a lot of pains about the thing, out of [?], and I want to do all possible in the [?]. If the book is to be such as I can be[?] in four months. I am willing to undertake it for $2500, and half of whatever royalties may come in after this sum has been [?] by then[?]. The $2500 to be paid to me upon the ratifying of this understanding. The materials on [?] to be sent to me here, and I will then engage to furnish[?] the complete copy for the book, 350pp on or before Oct. 1st 1902. If Mrs. Pingree consents[?] to this, I would like to have the above minimum[?] fulfilled in[?] once. Of course I regret, on other accounts besides my own. There the book is to be curtailed: it would have made a splendid 2-vol. work. But I will do my best with it out of regard for the subject, one of the best of Americans. As [?] work, I will only [?] to bear in mind that I am cordially mistaken in it, and should more than plan to [?] help then. [?] Julian Hawthorne
- Date Issued:
- 1902-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society