Auction Date:2010 Nov 10 @ 19:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
American politician (1860–1925), three-time presidential candidate, secretary of state under Woodrow Wilson, and one of the attorneys in the 1925 Scopes Trial. TLS signed “W. J. Bryan,” one page, 8 x 5.5, personal letterhead, August 6, 1923. Letter to Francis Jenkin Olcott. In full: “I am not sure whether I have answered your letter; I think I have, but at the risk of rpitiion [sic], I write now to express my deep appreciation of your kindness in sending me the very interesting folk lore you have discovered. It would seem that some of the aborigines had descended to almost as low a plane as some of our modern thinkers who glory in a jungle ancestry. The modernists, however, have less excuse because they have a chance to know better.” At the bottom, Bryan adds a short handwritten postscript: “Since dictating above I have your second letter & am returning pages sent.” In very good to fine condition, with edges likely lightly trimmed, intersecting folds, light overall toning, a bit heavier along bottom, and some light creasing and wrinkling.
Bryan believed the theory of evolution undermined Biblical teachings. He also viewed Darwinism as an ‘evil force’ that promoted hatred and degraded mortality—sentiments he believed prevailed in Germany and was one of the contributing factors to World War I. Around the time of this letter, Bryan ran unsuccessfully for the position of Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the USA to continue his fight against evolution. Mostly likely, he was corresponding with Mr. Olcott regarding this crusade. His greatest role in the debate, of course, would come two years after writing these comments, via the highly publicized 1925 Scopes Trial. The jury quickly returned a guilty verdict with the defense's encouragement, and Bryan won the case. A great letter with a fabulous reference to evolution and mankind’s “jungle ancestry.”
Auction Location:
5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
Previewing Details:
Visit www.RRAuction.com
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
20% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
Up to $100 $10.00
$101-$500 $15.00
$501-$1,000 $20.00
$1,001-$3,000 $35.00
$3,000-$10,000 $45.00
Over $10,000 $100.00
Payment Details:
No Info Available
Accepted Payment Methods:
- VISA
- Master Card
- Discover
- Money Order/Bank Draft
- Check/Cheque
- PayPal
- Wire Transfer
Buyer's Premium
A 20% buyer's premium will be added to each winning bid, with a 2% discount for those paying by check, cash, or money order.
Your bid is a contract
Placing a bid online means you agree to abide by the terms and conditions listed by RRAuction.
Payment methods accepted
Money Order, Cashier's Check, Personal Check, or Wire Transfer.
Payment for items won in auction 363 is due by Monday, November 22, unless prior arrangements have been made. Late payment may result in suspension of your bidding privileges.
Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, or Discover are only accepted up to $5,000 without prior arrangement: please contact Mandy Eaton-Casey.
Further descriptions
You can call us or email us if you'd like us to answer questions about these items.