Lot 1596

SARAH JOSEPHA HALE

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SARAH JOSEPHA HALE

Estimate: $200 - $300

Starting Bid: $100

(0 Bids)

by Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
July 31, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
106 East Main Street, Suite 103
Elkton, MD, US 21921

SARAH JOSEPHA HALE
(1788-1879) Author of the beloved nursery rhyme ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb', Hale also famously campaigned for the creation of the American holiday known as Thanksgiving. Scarce, fine association A.L.S. ‘Sarah J. Hale' 3pp. 4to., Boston, Dec. 29, 1832, on integral address leaf letterhead to politician CALEB CUSHING, in part: ‘…Your letter of the 15 was handed me safely last Monday…The candid manner in which you have met my request for a biographical sketch of your late lamented wife is very gratifying to me. I shall with pleasure comply…The reason that inclined me to request the notice of her character with the notice of her writing was I felt sure these volumes tho possessing much merit did not do justice to the mind of Mrs. Cushing. The fact that they were written for her further imparts to them their peculiar excellence…The letters picture localities beautifully. They carry the reader step by step and show all that can be seen but the feelings of the woman's heart…portrayed with the vivacity or pathos which such a mind & heart as hers would have imparted had she been writing to any one except an honored father. At least it is thus the work appeared to me, and so I requested a sketch of the author that I might, by referring to the motives of her writing, set forth more impressively the real value of her example and talents…I thank you, Sir, for the offer of the portrait to accompany the sketch…' Caroline Elizabeth Wilde (1802-1832) married politician Caleb Cushing on Nov. 23, 1824. During her short life she wrote ‘Letters: descriptive of public monuments, scenery & manners in France & Spain', published just before her death on Sept. 28, 1832. Seal tear from opening, folds, else very good.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000