This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/26/2022
HAMMETT, Dashiell (1894–1961). Autograph letter signed (“SDH”) to Prudence Whitfield while stationed at Fort Richardson in the Aleutians, 15 January 1945. 2 pages, 4to (279 x 216 mm), rectos only, written in pencil on lined paper, folds visible, inked numeral at upper corner of first page and verso of last. In 1942, Hammett enlisted in the Army Signal Corps. and was stationed in the Aleutians where he wrote “The Battle of the Aleutians” in 1944. He was discharged in September 1945, nine months after the date of this letter. In it, Hammett writes to the wife of Raoul Whitfield (Prudence was rumored to have been Hammett’s lover for a short time), a fellow “Black Mask” writer and one of Hammett’s closest friends, reflecting on his time during the war: “Pru darling… There have been times when I took the war more seriously, but right now its more serious aspects aren’t in the forefront of what I like to call my mind. Much love is in the fore–front, however.” With a recount of his daily schedule: “…when the 1st sergeant came through the barracks, blowing his whistle and yelling, ‘Everybody out! God–damn it, even Hammett’s up!’ so I swallowed that insult…”