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Lot 162

A GROUP OF 3 CURTIS LETTERS TO HIS DAUGHTER, BETH.
CURTIS, EDWARD S. 1868-1952.
3 Autograph Letters Signed twice ("Edward S. Curtis" integrally, and "Father"), 5 pp each for a total of 15 pp, 8vo, Kotzebue, Alaska, August 18 to 28, 1927 (one undated but listed as "Thursday"), to Beth Curtis, describing his work after she left the expedition,

30 June – 1 July 2021, 16:00 PDT
Los Angeles

Sold for US$892.50 inc. premium

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A GROUP OF 3 CURTIS LETTERS TO HIS DAUGHTER, BETH.

CURTIS, EDWARD S. 1868-1952. 3 Autograph Letters Signed twice ("Edward S. Curtis" integrally, and "Father"), 5 pp each for a total of 15 pp, 8vo, Kotzebue, Alaska, August 18 to 28, 1927 (one undated but listed as "Thursday"), to Beth Curtis, describing his work after she left the expedition, on lined paper, light creasing and toning, with August 18, 1927 telegram to Beth affixed to letter bearing the same date.
Provenance: Purchased by Dr. Billy Utley from Manford "Mag" Magnuson.

After Curtis's eldest daughter Beth left his expedition in mid-August, he continued to write to her, describing his visit to King Island, Cape Prince of Wales, and Little Diomede Island, and pushing his luck by continuing on as the weather grew colder.
The correspondence includes news of Curtis's travels and work: from August 28, "We have finished with the Notak and Konak. In a few days we will start up the Selawik. It is 110 miles up to the village so it is quite a trip but all inland so no trouble ... I do want to get a couple of whaling pictures I need them for variety. I now have about 145 numbered pictures so if I make 50 more I will have a fine lot to select from." Curtis also discusses family matters with his daughter: in the letter dated "Thursday," he writes, "I am so glad you had the talk with Billie. Perhaps as time goes on she will think less bitterly of me."

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