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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
- Description:
- Half-folded handwritten letter and envelope sent by Hazel Hope Pingree on behalf of her mother Frances Pingree to Mrs. Emma Stark Hampton of 970 Woodward Avenue concerning the funeral for Hazen S. Pingree, postmarked July 1st, 1901. Both the letter and the envelope are on black-bordered paper indicating mourning. The note reads: Mrs. Pingree would appreciate your [presence?] at the funeral services of her husband, which takes place on Saturday afternoon at two o'clock. Should you desire to accompany the family to the cemetery - carriages will be provided. Kindly reply.
- Date Issued:
- 1901-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Half-folded handwritten letter and envelope sent by Hazel Hope Pingree on behalf of her mother Frances Pingree to Mrs. Emma Stark Hampton of 970 Woodward Avenue thanking her for the roses she sent in condolence for Hazen S. Pingree, postmarked July 30, 1901. Both the letter and the envelope are on black-bordered paper indicating mourning. The note reads: My dear Mrs. Hampton, Mother wishes me to write and express to you our grateful appreciation of the beautiful roses which you so thoughtfully sent her, during the sad days of waiting. Yours most sincerely, Hazel Hope Pingree.
- Date Issued:
- 1901-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- This 4-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by William C. Maybury who was the Mayor of the City of Detroit. The paper is printed with the Executive Office letterhead at the top and shows a watermark that consists of a shield and crown emblem with the words, "Pure Linen Stock." The four pages were bound at the top with a narrow pink ribbon (not shown in the digital images). The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "December 31st 1900 Midnight To His Honor - The Mayor of Detroit in 2001 and to the generation whose privilege - and I hope pleasure - it will be to read the letters in this box contained. Health and Greeting - The papers herein contained and now for the first time brought to light by you - after a retirement of one hundred years - were prepared at my request by men and women prominent in the activities of Detroit at the close of the nineteenth Century. Our chief desire and purpose is to convey to you across the long span of the Century a brief and concise statement of the present and past conditions of the community in which we live and to give you as clear an insight as is possible into the social, religious, moral, commercial and political affairs of Detroit and of the times in which we live. There will be given to you testimony from living witnesses of the events chronicled and of conditions described. From testimony so transmitted you will be the better able to discern what advancement you have made from the modest beginnings of which we are witnesses. We are well aware that the century closing has been marvelous in its achievements and we might be fairly excused for believing that the ultimate limits of possibilities has been accomplished in many ways. But on the contrary we do not so believe, because the past has thought us that what seemed to be impossible has been already accomplished and we would therefore not be greatly surprised at more wonderful accomplishments in the future. We communicate by telegraph and telephone over distances that at the opening on the nineteenth century were insurmountable. We travel at a rate of speed not dreamed of then. The power of electricity has been marvelously applied while compressed air and other agencies are now undergoing promising experiment. We travel by railroad and with steam power from Detroit to Chicago in less than eight hours and to New York City by several routes, in less than twenty hours. How much faster are you traveling? How much further have you annihilated time and space, and what agencies are you employing to which we are now strangers? We talk over long distance telephones to the most remote parts of our own land, and with a fair degree of practical success. Are you talking to foreign lands, and to the islands of the sea by the same method? And thus throughout all the various pathways of human progress the papers in this box will bring to you a correct knowledge of present conditions, and possibly words more or less, prophetic of the future. How correct our prophecies may prove we know not, for we write them with hesitation and doubt, but yet with hopefulness. We write in full anticipation that you will stand upon a vantage ground of experience far higher and more resplendent than our own. We ask therefore, for those who assume to prophesy, your kindliest consideration, and judgment, especially when we assure you that our prophets are not without honor, even in their own Century and in their own times. If we may judge from the history of human life as so far told - and of all experience very few - if any - of the 300,000 souls now inhabiting Detroit - will live here when you open this box; which we so solemnly close. And yet it may be possible that such which we now accept from faith may be to you certainty and knowledge - and possibly that knowledge may be accompanied by consciousness that we are witnesses and even listeners to the voices that interpret our words. We humbly ask that you accept for usefulness all that may tend to information and to good, and that you may look most kindly upon that which time has changed or which may have passed out of the realms of live and living. May we be permitted to express one hope - in our hearts - superior to all others - that whatever failures the coming century may have in store - in things material and temporal - you may realize that as a nation, people, and city, you have grown in righteousness for it is this that exalts a nation. Respectfully and affectionately submitted, William C. Maybury Mayor Written hastily and in the last hours of the century at my home on the southwest Corner of streets now called 8th St and Lafayette Avenue - near where I was born."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society