MELVILLE, Herman (1819-1891). Autograph letter signed ("H. Melville") to Edward W. Bok, [New York], 10 December 1881.

One page, bifolium, 178 x 114mm mourning stationery. Chemise, blue half morocco slipcase.

Melville writes to future Pulitzer Prize winner Edward Bok honoring an autograph request: "Yours of the 5th Inst. Should have received earlier attention, but circumstances here prevented. — I am happy however now to comply with your request." Not published in Horth. Bok (1863-1930) was a Dutch-born American author and editor of Ladies Home Journal. In his youth, Bok was a prolific autograph collector. The use of mourning stationery in this instance may have been for the passing of President James Garfield, who was assassinated in September 1881.