KEROUAC, Jack (1922-1969). Autograph letter signed (“Jack”) to Ed White, [1 August 1964]. Unpublished.

Octavo. Single leaf; recto only; bearing impressions from a letter written on the preceding page; faint mark from paperclip; pencil. With envelope addressed in autograph, postmarked Northport, New York.

"That sure is a purty cabin...”

Kerouac responds to White's preliminary drawing for his “purty” mountain cabin with one word – a decisive “fine” – after offering a few more comments on design and needs (“running water and plumbing is a good idea,” “cast iron stove instead of wasteful fireplace”). The hideaway house in Florida was mostly built, “so our Irving Kerouac Retreat be next on agenda when all’s well, and all will be well.” But the Florida house turned out to be Jack’s last stopover.