Title: Autograph Letter, signed by John R. Bartlett, author of classic western travel narrative, on the Welsh discovery of America
Author: Bartlett, John R.
Description: 1 page Autograph Letter, signed. On State of Rhode Island letterhead. Approximately 9¾x7¾".To Daniel L. Jones, New York: "Since my return from my Mexican expedition two years since, I have resided in Providence, and now hold the office of Secretary of State. My manuscripts relating to the Welsh claim to the discovery of America have been for 3 or 4 years past in the hands of a gentlemen in New York. I will endeavor to obtain them from him, and if you desire to publish them and will do so in a good style, I will place them in your hands...I am sure that I have collected everything that has been written on the subject, and have besides visited the Indians (the Navajos) and others near the Gila who were once supposed to be the descendants of the Welsh Colony." Best remembered for his 1854 western Americana classic, Personal Narrative of Explorations and Incidents in Texas, New Mexico, California…, recording his travels while serving with the Commission that set the US-Mexican boundary lines after the Mexican-American War, John Russell Bartlett was also a notable American historian. His most esoteric interest was in the contention that Welsh explorers, led by their Prince Madoc, had sailed to America in 1170, three hundred years before Columbus, leaving descendants among the Indians of the southwest. Bartlett spent many years studying the theory, and this letter apparently led to the privately-printed publication of his monograph on the subject. With several embossed stamps from Long Island Auctioneer, John Sorgie.
Heading: Place Published: Providence, RI
Publisher:
Date Published: August 8, 1853

Creased, small tear at bottom; very good.