Mar 07, 2024 - Sale 2661

Sale 2661 - Lot 42

Price Realized: $ 469
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 700 - $ 1,000
THE SHADOW OF HIS FATHER: "THERE ARE DISADVANTAGES IN A DISTINGUISHED PARENT" HOLMES, OLIVER WENDELL; JR. Autograph Letter Signed, "H," to Lady Clare Castletown ("Beloved friend"), flirtatiously discussing the difficulty of putting her out of his mind, complaining of the work that had awaited him after their time together, and expressing bitterness at having to respond to continued queries concerning his father [who died four years previously]. 3 pages, 4to, "Supreme Judicial Court" stationery; folds. With the original envelope. (SFC) Boston, 8 September 1898
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". . . I wrote to you a short diary . . . which I hope you will receive this week and another later . . . . I hate to have you worry about my little discomforts, although I love you for it and for other things too numerous to mention. They merely meant somewhat less sleep, an article which I would gladly exchange for the joy of being with you. And in the day while I was with you it didn't hurt. There will be no forgetting how, you may be sure. Forget! My life is too much enriched by knowing you. . . . So this p.m. I shall go back . . . and try to forget you for an hour or two per diem by the aid of a bike, but it will be a solitary bike and that is conducive to reverie. And I shall be more likely to break my nose from forgetting to watch the road than to succeed in my attempt. Of course, I find all sorts of details to be attended to, including . . . letters to be answered. The number of people that bother me about my father is still considerable: asking for bookplates, autographs, and especially genealogical details to prove that they are cousins. There are disadvantages in a distinguished parent, not to mention the peculiar charm of being introduced by people of a certain age as one's father's son.
". . . [N]ow that I am away you will be charitable and remember only what was sweet and dear to you. Do assure me that the pain of separation does not outweigh the joy of confidence and belief in this abiding. . . ."