American Historical Ephemera & Photography

The collection features 8 autograph letters signed by Jenny Lind, who also signed using her married name, "Jenny Lind-Goldschmidt." Highlighted letters include:

Autograph letter signed ("Jenny Lind"), written in French. Berlin, 23 February 1845. 2 1/2 pages, 8vo, on bifolium. Not translated, but appears to be a personal letter addressed to Emma von Scholz in which Lind sends thanks and mentions Mme. Mendelsson (some creasing, wrinkling, inlaid). -- Autograph letter signed ("Jenny Goldschmidt"). Clifton Hill House, 28 April 1864. 3 pages, 8vo, partial separation at central fold. She thanks an admirer for sending her flowers and excuses the fact that she must leave them behind when she travels. She writes, "...I am almost sure that you will not think me ungrateful if I leave them behind...as I was afraid of their beauty being crushed in the railroad..." -- Autograph letter signed ("Jenny Goldschmidt"). Argyle Lodge, Park Side, Wimbledon Common, SW, 29 April 1862. 4 pages, 8vo, folds. Addressed to Mrs. Creswell. She discusses the illness of Mrs. Creswell's eldest boy, stating, "May you be spared the anxiety of seeing him suffer and may God restore him to you and make him strong." Lind also writes about her children, who she describes as "so like little Elephants - so strong!" -- Autograph letter signed ("Jenny Lind-Goldschmidt"). Oak Lea, 24 October, n.d. A letter to Mme. Buecke (?), in which she references Mr. Goldschmidt. 3 pages, 8vo, mounted on cardstock. -- 4 ALsS written in German, dating to 29 September 1880, 4 December 1880, 30 March 1885, and 13 February 1890. They have not been translated. 

[With:] Jenny Lind's Swedish Melodies. New York: William Hall & Son, 1850 (scuffing, wear to cover; contents very good). -- FOSTER, G.G. Life of Jenny Lind. New York: Dewitt & Davenport, 1850 (some wear to paper wrappers; some pages loose, toning, occasional spotting and toning). -- Engraving entitled "The Prima-Donna." -- CDV of Otto Goldschmidt, Jenny Lind's husband, possibly autographed by Goldschmidt on verso. Uncredited (toning to print and mount). 

Known as the "Swedish Nightingale," Jenny Lind was one of the most popular singers of her time. She worked closely with composer Felix Mendelssohn.
On 15 February 1852, Lind married the pianist Otto Goldschmidt in Boston, MA. 

[Also with:] 2 ALsS by Sir Jules BENEDICT (1804-1885), pianist, composer and conductor. He accompanied Jenny Lind on her American tours (1850-1851). Includes: Autograph letter signed ("Jules Benedict") on stationery with mourning border. 2 Manchester Grove, 22 April 1869. 1 page, 8vo, old folds, light wear. Benedict writes to John Horsley about a full length picture of the Archbishop of Canterbury. -- Manuscript note in Benedict's hand. 2 Manchester Square, 16 December, n.d. 1 page, 8vo, small section clipped from top edge of letter. Benedict discusses matters involving a "family party."