Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888), whose "Little Women" made her one of the most beloved American novelists of the 19th century, writes on matters of direct professional significance in this two-page ALS from Concord. The letter, dated November 27th and addressed to "Dear Mr. Dunnum," reads across both pages: "My engagements with Roberts Bros. will not allow me to write continued tales for any one at present. I have some more sketches taken from my foreign letters, like those printed in the 'Independent'. If things of that sort would suit you. By the first of January I could begin some short articles should you desire it. I'm afraid I shall be known as 'Hospital Alcott' if I write any more in that vein so I've given it up. For short contributions I receive ten dollars a column. Yours in haste / L.M. Alcott."
The letter is a crisp document of Alcott managing her literary career with characteristic directness. The self-deprecating joke about being known as "Hospital Alcott" — a reference to her Civil War nursing memoir "Hospital Sketches" (1863) — shows her anxiety about being typecast. The rate of ten dollars a column for short contributions is a precise and useful piece of American publishing history.
ALS, two pages, brown ink, each page approximately 5 x 8 inches, dated Concord November 27th (no year); addressed to Mr. Dunnum (IMG_264.jpg, IMG_265.jpg). Light toning; paper sound; overall very good condition. Estimate: $2,000-$3,500.
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