Autograph letter signed by P.T. Barnum, to Mr. Davenport. Bridgeport, Connecticut, 14 October 1881. 1 page, 8vo, on Waldmere line letterhead.

The famed showman responds to a donation request: "If I had not already more than exhausted a liberal charitable fund this season, I would have been glad to have given a favorable answer to your suggestion. At this moment several needy objects of charity are anxiously awaiting favorable new from the 'Big Show', and hoping that I may one day feel that I can constantly extend a helping hand. Sincerely hoping that the worthy object you have will not long be compelled to 'you begging'."

Previous catalogers have identified the addressed "Mr. Davenport" as an African American preacher soliciting donations for a Black charity.

Condition: mounting residue at center.

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