Original Rebus Letter Drawn and Signed by J. Goldsborough Bruff, Famed Gold Rush Artist and Map Maker to Colonel George Talcott.
Washington DC, 1847. Item #98-6471
One page, 9.75 x 7.5, drymounted to stiff board, edge toning, tiny tear at top else a fascinating letter. Bruff writes Colonel George Talcott of the Ordinance Corps, US Army: "Dear Colonel, I hope you will excuse the liberty taken in this epistle, as if through your kindness I am fortunately successful, the interest of my cabinet is greatly enhanced. Being informed that there is at our arsenal a number of western arms, of various kinds, it occurs to me that I might borrow some to deposit in my collection, subject to your order at ____(?). If, Sir, you can consistently oblige me herein, the favor will be very highly appreciated by, Your Obedient and most Humble Servant, [signed] J. Goldsborough Bruff. Mr. B invites the Col. to visit his curiosity shop when convenient. C Street betw 9th and 10th, blue brick. To Colonel Geo. Talcott, Chief of Ordinance Corps, USA." The fascinating aspect to this letter is the substitution of words with pictures: a drawing of a deer for "dear," a drawing of a soldier on horseback for "Colonel," "Washington" is substituted for by a drawing of a lady washing clothes and a drawing of a one-ton weight, "western arms" is shown as a cowboy and two arms, "you" and "your" are shown as ewes, "be" is a "bee," "cabinet" is a cab + an eye + a net, "epistle" is a letter E and a pistol, "chief" is an Indian chief, "humble servant" is drawn as a black man bowing, etc. Bruff was a mapmaker and architect who left Washington in 1849 for the California Gold Rush; his journal is one of the best sources for life in the Gold Country. Talcott would become a General, and within a few years would be tossed out of the army on his ear for mishandling purchasing for the Ordinance Corps. Fascinating letter, very scarce and important. A real work of (lost) art.
Price: $5,000.00