[Mathew Brady]

Mathew Brady (May 18, 1822 - January 15, 1896), notable American photographer of the nineteenth century, authentic, autographed vintage letter (ALS) signed on behalf of Brady by a secretary. Letter is two pages, front and verso, 5 x 8, dated December 22, 1878. Brady is considered the father of photojournalism as he took thousands of photos of the Civil War, including the surrounding scenes of many crucial battles.

Penned on Brady's National Portrait Gallery letterhead, the famed dictates, in full: "It affords me great pleasure to send you a portrait of your husband. It is pronounced to be an excellent likeness by all who have seen it. It would have been sent on some time ago but has been on exhibition in my Gallery. It will reach you in time to be wreathed with everygreen appropriate to the festival of Christmas-time & to show in a slight degree of my appreciation of the genius of the original. I hope to have a portrait of yourself as a companion picture whenever the opportunity occurs. Probably you may visit Washington this Winter & hoping to have the pleasure of seeing you & wishing yourself & Mr Townsend a happy Christmas & with many wishes to the little ones for their enjoyment of 'Santa Claus.' I am, My dear Madam, Very Respectively & Truly Yours, M. B. Brady."

In very good condition, with the usual mailing folds, mild toning, scattered light wrinkling and mild show-through from ink on verso.