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Manuscripts

John Heath letters to William Heath Davis

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Description
Two letters written to William Heath Davis, Jr., to New York publishing agent John Heath regarding Davis's work Sixty years in California (1889). In the first letter, dated July 6, 1889 (HM 77911), Heath replies to Davis's stated intention to visit New York and have his work "in the market" there. Heath advises Davis to talk to him before making any publishing agreements, and offers to put Davis in touch with references verifying Heath's character and credentials. The second letter, dated August 8, 1889 (HM 77912), contains Heath's reply to Davis's inquiry for ways to improve his book, which he plans to "revise & enlarge." Although Heath had not yet seen a copy of the work, he advised Davis to make it as "attractive and interesting as possible." He speculates that the greatest interest in California existed among residents of the "eastern and middle states," since he believed that emigrants from Eastern states made up most of California's population. He suggests that these readers would be more "inclined and willing to believe" Davis's statements on current conditions in California since he was not a "land grabber, nor an Emigrant Solicitor." Heath concludes by suggesting that might be able to meet with Davis should the latter visit New York. Also included with the letter are two envelopes that appear to have come from other letters.
Type
Manuscripts(Opens in new tab)
Production date
1889.
Call number
mssHM 77911-77912
Creator
Heath, John(Opens in new tab)
Provenance
Gift of Andrew Rolle, July 18, 2012.
Find out more
View in the Library catalog(Opens in new tab)

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