A rare autograph note signed by noted nineteenth-century photographer Mathew W. Brady (1822-1896) as “B” in pencil in the upper blank margin of an unsigned autograph letter of Elijah L. Cook, nephew of pioneer photographer Charles D. Fredricks, 4pp, 5” x 8”. 587 Broadway, N.Y., November 25 [1865.]

At the end of the Civil War, the interest in battlefield photographs waned and Brady suffered a number of financial setbacks.

Brady writes in full:

“You will notice by the words underlined that the money was to have been handed to Mrs Fredricks – that is why I sent it to him instead of Mrs F direct. B.”

Underlining of words in purple ink most probably by Brady.

Cook wrote in part, “Dear Brady: My desire was to have written you before but have had those d—n chills several times since your letter of the 16th was recd which was not until the 21st as I was too unwell to come to town. My Uncle before he sailed spoke to me of the note and told me how to act about it. the money is to be given to my Aunt by me for her household expenses in addition to what my uncle sends her. And now I’ll tell you how you can arrange it, as I have read your letter to her. If you send on the interest and $200- (more if you can) to me on or before the (5th) fifth of Dec. it will be credited on the old note and a receipt given you for it. (She has left the whole thing to me as she says I know more about it than she does) the balance you can pay in two or three months, so much per month – as you can afford it. of course the more the better … I would like to postpone my marriage for 2 months if it were possible, as it would give me a chance to settle up with Funston, when there is considerable due me, and also to get my money from our old artillery Brigade of which, thank God, there is now a chance … We are to be married down in the Country. I would like to have you & wife come on if you could, but it will be a very quiet affair. I shall begin to send out Cards about the 8th. Keep all this to yourself…”

From 1855-1875, the studio of Charles D. Fredricks (1823-1894) at 585-587 Broadway operated as Fredricks Photographic Temple of Art, the largest and most stylish photographic gallery in New York City. In 1859, Fredricks introduced cartes de visite photographs to the United States and became the American agent of French photographer F.R. Grumel, inventor of the photograph album. Fredricks brought suits against anyone who infringed upon Grumel’s patent. He also supplied photographic templates for the illustrations in “Frank Leslie's Illustrated,” the first periodical that made pictures its selling point. When his studio was destroyed by fire in 1875, Fredricks relocated to 770 Broadway.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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