A scarce and intimate literary grouping from American poet, editor, and author Charles Hanson Towne (1877–1949), consisting of a one-page typed letter signed (“Charles Hanson Towne”) together with a separately handwritten poetic quotation in Towne’s hand. The typed letter, dated September 13, 1924, on personalized stationery from 165 East 60th Street, New York, is addressed to Mrs. W. A. Merritt. In the warmly personal correspondence, Towne thanks Mrs. Merritt for her July 21st letter, expressing gratitude for her praise and reflecting on the uncertainty writers often feel regarding whether their work reaches readers. He notes that he has copied one of his favorite quatrains for her enjoyment, accompanying the letter with a handwritten verse card. Included is the original handwritten poem excerpt titled “Harlequin”, penned entirely in Towne’s hand and signed beneath the verse. The reflective poem reads in part: “One thought, I know, shall comfort me when death follows me down the arches of the years…” The combination provides a compelling glimpse into Towne’s literary persona and correspondence with admirers during the height of his career. Towne was a prominent literary figure associated with Smart Set, Harper’s Bazaar, and other major American publications, and was known for his poetry, essays, and editorial work in early twentieth-century literary circles.
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C.H.T. 165 East 60th street: New York: September 13th: 1924. Dear Mrs. Merritt: Your letter of July 21st has only just reached me, as I have moved, and have been traveling. It has made me most happy. I have copied off one of my favorite quatrains, and hope you will like it. Your praise only serves to make me more humble—and thankful. We writers work so often in doubt and darkness, never seeing our readers, never knowing whether a little message has been received anywhere! And so, it is encouragement like yours which makes us keep on, valiantly. Thank you again. Faithfully yours, Charles Hanson Towne To- Mrs. W. A. Merritt. ________________________________________ Harlequin One thought, I know, shall comfort me when death Follows me down the arches of the years; I saw many laughters with my song breathe — I hid my tears. Charles Hanson Towne
