AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851). Autograph letter signed ("John J. Audubon") to his son Victor. Pittsfield, [MA], 11 September 1844. One page, 4to (234 x 194 mm), with integral leaf addressed in holograph. Some minor pale spotting, remnants of previous mounting at corners on verso, mailing folds.

ADDING SUBSCRIBERS FOR HIS NEW BOOK ON NORTH AMERICAN QUADRUPEDS.

Informing his son that he has obtained more subscribers for their Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America: “I have obtained three more subscribers since my last to you… The subscribers are follows. —

1. Hble. Henry Shaw, Lanesboro (Pittsfield)

2. L. Pomeroy…

3. Thomas Allen, St. Louis, Mo. I have some hopes of another this day…”

Also reporting on his sporting activities, “We went fishing for Pickerel and caught 10… We go again tomorrow morning at 4 o’clock…” He also gives his forthcoming travel plans through Hudson and Troy, New York. And concludes: “I hope to find you all quite well. God bless you all…”

Victor Gifford Audubon (1809-1862) assisted his father, along with his brother John Woodhouse Audubon, in the creation of The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America. While he did contribute some artistic work to the project, his main function was to handle the business of producing and selling the work, along with the earlier The Birds of America. After his father's death, Victor continued to manage the business aspects in promoting his father's work.

Of the subscribers he mentions, Henry Shaw had served as a U.S. Congressman from Massachusetts and was at the time in the MA legislature. He was an unsuccessful candidate for Governor of Massachusetts in 1845. Thomas Allen was a successful St. Louis banker and railroad executive who later was elected to Congress.

AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851). Autograph letter signed ("John J. Audubon") to his son Victor. Pittsfield, [MA], 11 September 1844. One page, 4to (234 x 194 mm), with integral leaf addressed in holograph. Some minor pale spotting, remnants of previous mounting at corners on verso, mailing folds.