Beschreibung:

Title: Two letters from George Balsley to his friend Bertie, written from New York, in one describing the America's Cup yacht race Author: Balsley, George Place New York Publisher: Date: 1899 Description: Autograph letters signed, on stationery of the New Hoffman House and the Astor House hotels, 6 pp. & 7 pp., respectively. 23.5x15 cm (9¼x6"). Interesting letters from a keen observer, detailing such sights as the Statue of Liberty, where he "climbed to its height and inscribed my name, address and date upon the forehead of the immense" statue, and wandered into "the midst of Chinatown... the Chinese... are a picturesque lot too, no two seeming alike, yet all so nearly alike that there seems to be just the same one everywhere..." In the second letter, he relates that he "took a steamer... for Sandy Hook to see the world famous Yacht Races... There will be five races in all and the yacht gaining 3 best out of five will win the American Cup... I was in view of the racing yachts Columbia and Shamrock all the way and when they reached the turning point I saw the Columbia reach and turn around the stake about 2 minutes ahead of the Shamrock..." He then describes an accident between the press boat he was on and another vessel, "the 'Monmouth' another swift boat was racing with us it seems, and ran alongside... and it seems tried to cross our course, and in doing so came crashing into our side. I was standing in the second deck when the collision occurred... People were rushing to and fro not knowing the extent of the damage..." Lot Amendments Condition: Some darkening and wear, very good. Item number: 283308