AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED (ALS)

Bridgeport, CT, 29 August 1890. Letter. Normal creases from folding; some bleedthrough of ink. Near Fine. A 2-page letter on two 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" sheets of Barnum's Marina letterhead addressed to Mrs. [Alice Graham] Lanigan and SIGNED as "P. T. Barnum." Barnum discusses a sketch being written by Mrs. Barnum and an unnamed neighbor (who might possibly be fictitious). In part: "I have thought you had better look over the article.... This lady in quiet conversation with Mrs. Barnum drew out the account of her training at school, & it seems a pity to strike it out-- Most of the description of Waldemere [Barnum's estate] might be omitted & then it must be left to your discretion to cut out what you feel you must do. I must see the proof & submit it to our neighbor ... before it goes to press. Mrs Barnum is a splendid writer. I have tried long to get her to write over her own name with but little success-- but she gives considerable for charity & might I think be induced to write for pay-- all of which she would conscientiously add to her charitable fund. But this is all entre nous.