AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED (ALS)

Tuskegee, AL, 4 August 1931. Letter. Evenly toned with normal creases from folding. Near Fine. Lengthy 4-page handwritten letter on both sides of two sheets of 8-1/2" x 11-1/8" Tuskegee Institute letterhead to a young friend and aspiring poet, Ralph Douberly. Throughout the letter, Carver reiterates his enjoyment in being in Douberly and Douberly's friend Billy's lives, and being able to witness the evolution of their artistic talents. Some of the content seemingly supports the theory that Carver, who never married nor had children of his own, may have had a sexual interest in the young men he supported. In part: "I was especially anxious to know that you all arrived home safely, as there are now so many accidents on the roads. It was a genuine treat to have you two dear boys spend the night here. As I have said to you before, nothing is more inspiring and makes me happier than to have as my personal friends dear young people who have God given talents and destined to make their mark in the world.... I wish you dear boys would not feel timid towards me, as I am so proud of your talents, indeed you seem like my boys, and whenever you reach a mile-stone of attainment my heart will swell with pride.... I have just finished giving one of our neighbor's boys an oil massage, he wants to enter West Point Military School, but is 15 pounds under weight, and they won't accept him, the parents came to me and begged me to do it, I have given him six massages and he has gained 5 pounds." Towards the end of the letter, Carver responds to a few poems Douberly recently sent him: “The poems are rich and fascinating. The Dreamers of Dreams, is a true Vestigia, the way you have it arranged I like it very much. Your comfort style is good. The Young Poets' Dream is a gem. A beautiful piece of writing. Dust. In this poem your soul has been given more freedom & expression than in the others, I believe we will suggest a rearrangement of verses only when you come over again. It is truly beautiful. The Sea. is the gem of them all, new thought, airily written and makes a most striking appeal. They all are good…. Your splendid attainments and fine qualities make me very happy, as I see so much in the future for you.” SIGNED “G.W. Carver.” With the original envelope addressed by Carver and with an invoice from 2000 from the respected autograph dealer Robert F. Batchelder. (Inventory #: 022094)