BARNUM P T Autograph Letter Signed Barnum Secretarial Letter

Sale 1965 - Lot 20

Unsold

Estimate: $ 200 - $ 300

BARNUM, P. T. Autograph Letter Signed, "Barnum," Secretarial Letter to the Reverend C. D. R. Meacham, asking his advice whether he should purchase "a natural fish which in due time changes into a quadruped" for his musuem, but expressing concern that its name will hinder the attraction and asking, "when I come to advertise my Tadpole or Pollywog, how will that sound?" 1 page, single 8vo sheet, ruled paper; usual folds. With the original envelope. New York, March 1872

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"I wish for advice in regard to the purchase of a natural fish which in due time changes into a quadruped. I think it must be an interesting object to add to my Museum, but the price is large and the name I fear will not be inviting to most people, especially to those versed in natural history. I know it may be asked, What's in a name? A thing of such properties must be a thing of interest, it may be said, and naturalists will flock to see it. This may sound well, but when I come to advertise my Tadpole or Pollywog, how will that sound? . . . P.S. I have just discovered that a Tadpole is the germ of a Toad as well as a Frog."