134

BARNUM, PHINEAS T.

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:1,000.00 - 1,500.00 USD
BARNUM, PHINEAS T.
(1810 - 1891) American showman who opened his circus, "The Greatest Show On Earth", merged with James Bailey to form Barnum and Bailey Circus. Superb content A.L.S. "P. T. Barnum" on his Waldemer letterhead, 1p. 8vo., Bridgeport, Nov. 30, 1887 responding to a letter from a young lad. In part: "…I don't often get time to answer letters - but yours is so kind & I love children so dearly, & your photo shows you as such a bright boy. I hasten to tell you my 'Greatest Show on Earth' will next year be larger, funnier and more marvellous than it ever was before. It will not perhaps get to Portland till late in the season - as we go West first…" Light toning, blank integral leaf mounted, very good condition. In the same year as this letter, Barnum had formed the Barnum and Bailey Circus with James Bailey, creating what he called: "the Greatest Show on Earth". Possibly the best Barnum letter attainable!