Mar 19, 2015 - Sale 2376

Sale 2376 - Lot 207

Price Realized: $ 5,500
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 3,000 - $ 4,000
23-YEAR OLD WRITES TO HIS MUM STEVENSON, ROBERT LOUIS. Autograph Letter Signed, to "My dear Mother," delighting in books by [William] Robertson and Dugald Stewart and comparing the latter to [Thomas] M'Crie, noting that he is not attracted to life in "Auld Reekie" [Edinburgh], noting that [Sidney] Colvin is to leave at the end of the week, relating that Madam Lassetsky believes that his own character is symbolized in the song "Dumbarton Drums," remarking that his nickname has become "Berechino," and closing with reassurance that he is recovered from parting. 2 pages, 8vo, grid ruled paper, written on the recto and verso of a single sheet; paper clip stain at upper edge, folds. [Menton], 1 March 1874

Additional Details

". . . I find Robertson; and Dugald Stewart's life of him a source of unquenchable laughter. D. Stewart is not much better than M'Crie, and puts me much in mind of him. . . .
"I suppose you are now home again in Auld Reekie; that abode of bliss does not much attract me, not a bit.
"Colvin leaves at the end of this week, I fancy.
". . . Mme Lassetsky has a theory that 'Dumbarton Drums' is an epitome of my character and talents. She plays it, and goes into ecstasies over it, taking everybody to witness that each note, as she plays it, is the march of Berechino. Berechino is my stereotype name in the world now. I am announced as M. Berechino; a german handmaiden came to the hotel the other night, asking for Mr. Berechino . . . supposing in good faith that such was my name. . . .
"Your letter came. O I am all right now about the parting, because it will not be death, as we are to write. . . ."