Beschreibung:

Title: Autograph Letter from Jack London to Charmian Kittredge Author: London, Jack Place: Riovista [i.e. Rio Vista, CA] Publisher: Date: Oct. 26, 1903 Description: 9 pages (of 11, pp. 8 & 9 not present), in ink, on rectos only of 9 sheets of plain notepaper. 15.5x23.5 cm. (6x9¼"), held together with a paper clip. Jack London is on a cruise aboard the "Spray" with Cloudsley John, and is writing to Charmian from "Riovista, or rather, three miles below Riovista." A captivating letter, rich in detail, offering a picture of his close friend Cloudsley and some of their relationship, as well as his growing passion for Charmian: "We came pretty close to making it, this morning. Got under way in the dark, with a river mist hiding everything, & drifted along with light airs till the tide turned. But Cloudsley & I, after fresh salmon for dinner, (middle of the day), rowed on up to town. He smashed his thumb badly on the way, & had to get a doctor to dress it. And there I received two letters from you - two precious, precious letters. Do you know, this is the longest silence I have gone through with since the moment you were mine? Roast duck - roasted stuffed, etc., to a turn, by Cloudsley. He's an excellent cook, to say nothing of being a perfect man on such a trip as this. I am sending you Anna's [Strunsky] telegram. It was rather urgent, but it may be all in good fellowship... At any rate, I shall not see her till Ladies' Night; and then I shall see you too. But I should like to see you before Ladies night, Friday, Nov. 13th. Can't I have you Thursday night, Nov. 12th. The Sacred Grove, if it is clear and warm; the brown carpet, or anything you may suggest if it is rain or rainy. God! I should like to have you the whole night in my arms!... Dear Sweetheart, if you only knew the control I have to exercise to prevent my shouting out to Cloudsley, 'I am in love, man, I am in love, & I love Charmian Kittredge!'..." The letter ends "...You are to me as God, and I am to you what I nave never been to other living creature, your slave." Charmian has written in pencil, lightly, on the first page, "Slave". This letter contains a rare mention of Charmian by name in the early stages of their relationship, when they were still cautious about leaving written evidence of their feelings for each other. Lot Amendments Condition: A few short splits along folds, very good or better. Item number: 213743