This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/26/2021
BARNUM, Phineas Taylor. Autograph Letter Signed, to Bertrand Smith. Bridgeport, CT: Jan. 31, 1888. On a sheet of engraved Barnum & London Shows letterhead (11 ½ x 9”), enhanced in gilt, to Smith, a student at Ashville College (Harrowgate, Yorkshire, England), warmly remembering Smith as a young boy, “anxious to go with me and see ‘The Greatest Show on Earth,’ even before I had given it that fancy title.” Contemplatively, Barnum writes that now he is “so old and overworked that the doctors advised me not to write nor think to [sic] much…” and remarks that he “can hardly realize that you are a student in college!” But so the world rushes on…” Signed, “Your ancient friend/Phineas T Barnum.” With original mailing cover, which signed “P.T. Barnum” for the return recipient. Barnum rarely signed with his full first name.