Printed and Manuscript Americana

"The above sketches I could have given to nobody else on Earth."

No place, January 4, 1847. Single sheet (integral leaf perished), 7 x 4 1/2 in. (177 x 114 mm). One-page autograph letter, signed by George Catlin to Captain William H. Shippard: "Dear Shippard I send you 'My horse Charley & I' like the other, the crude & original sketch, made at one colouring; and which I am ashamed to send you in such a state. I hope your dear children are all well. Yours very truly Geo. Catlin." With an autograph postscript by Catlin: "The above sketches I could have given to nobody else on Earth." With original hand-addressed envelope. Creasing from old folds; scattered toning.

Together with:

No place, (envelope post-marked 1848). Bifolium, 7 x 4 1/2 in. (177 x 114 mm). One-page autograph letter signed by Catlin to Shippard: "Dear Shippard I have this momt recd the first letters from my dear little children. No letter later than Thursday however. They were all well, and cheerful but their alarm has been great & of a most...kind for cheer. I don't know when I can get them and my collection here--as the Railways are all broken up. I am in much distress of mind love to all: yours sin. Geo. Catlin." Addressed on integral leaf by Catlin. Creasing from old folds; scattered soiling; small chip from wax seal.

Together with:

No place, Tuesday, no date. Bifolium, 7 x 4 1/2 in. (177 x 114 mm). Two-page autograph letter, signed by Catlin to Shippard: "My Dear Shippard I am sorry I was not in when you called. I spent the whole of Sunday looking over Mr. Waldrick's drawings, and have had the headache ever since. They are a treat for you, and he will be glad to see you. I go tomorrow at 1 o'clock with Sir Thos. Phillipps to call on him, and you must not fail to be at my rooms at that house. Yours Sincerely Geo. Catlin." With original hand-addressed mailing envelope. Creasing from old folds, two small closed tears along same (one affecting text); scattered soiling.

A fine group of autograph letters by American painter George Catlin to his friend and supporter Captain William Henry Shippard (1803-1865). Shippard was a British collector, lecturer, and semi-professional expert on Native American and Mesoamerican cultures.

Starting in 1838, Catlin began hosting lectures and exhibitions of his traveling Indian Gallery across the United States. His famous portraits of various indigenous tribes were inspired by his travels through the American West in the 1830s. When events in the United States stopped attracting the viewership he needed to stay financially sound, Catlin began an international tour through Europe in 1839. It was likely during his stops in London that Catlin first met William Shippard, and the two became close friends. Shippard would eventually buy some of Catlin's works from him.

After a few years of minimal success, Catlin again found himself strapped for cash, and on multiple occasions tried to sell his collection to the U.S. Government to preserve it for posterity, but all were declined. After living in Europe for a few decades, Catlin returned to America where he lived in relative obscurity until his death in 1872.