BRYAN, WILLIAM JENNINGS. Group of 7 items to his publisher's secretary Prosper D. Fenn: 5 Autograph Letters Signed * Autograph Letter, unsigned * Bryan. The First Battle. Signed and Inscribed. The letters, signed "Bryan" or "W.J. Bryan," and one unsigned, concerning the publication of speeches. Together 16 pages. 4to or oblong 8vo, personal stationery; condition generally good. One with the original envelope. The book: "For P.D. Fenn / of Chicago / W.J. Bryan / with his complements / Mrch 19-97," on presentation page. 8vo, publisher's cloth, lower half of backstrip perished; front hinge cracked, first gathering including inscribed leaf detached, scattered chipping to edges. Chicago, (1896). Lincoln, NE, 1897-99
Nd: "I enclose the article by Mr. [James B.] Weaver [not present]. It is a very strong one. Have it set up and the proof sent to Gen J.B. Weaver Colfax Iowa. Also send me a copy of proof. We will arrange about the $100 compensation when I see [publisher W.B.] Conkey. . . ." Nd: "I enclose a corrected copy of my Washington Speech ['America's Mission,' delivered to the Virginia Democratic Association in 1899 and published in First Battle; not present]. I wish you would have it set up just as it is here & send me proof. . . . I suggest that you divide my contributions into two chapters. The first chapter entitled 'Speeches and Interviews' and the second entitled 'Newspaper Articles.' . . . I think it is worth while to include Johnson among the republicans. . . . Allen & Weaver speak for the populists & Butler also if he has made a speech. Towne for Silver republicans. . . ." 1 February 1899: ". . . The book is not going to be as long as I thought it would be. The preface will take one page, the index one page, and my speech at Washington . . . will cover probably 5 or six type-written pages . . . . I thought it would be wise to have the dedication printed over a faint cut of the flag. . . ." Nd: "I enclose a speech of Carl Schurz at Chicago University [not present]. He is a prominent German & it would be well to include him. . . ."
