1888 John L. Sullivan Twice-Signed Handwritten Letter and Related Items

Auction: Fall Classic 2022

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1888 John L. Sullivan Twice-Signed Handwritten Letter and Related Items

Seven-page handwritten letter, dated December 4, 1888, signed twice by former heavyweight boxing champion John L. Sullivan, who was known as the “The Boston Strong Boy.” This is a lengthy missive, which might not be a letter, but a document meant for publication. The reason we believe that is that it is not addressed to anyone and the first page features blue-line editorials. Each page is numbered by Sullivan, but the numbered pages do not include a page "6," indicating that one page is probably missing from the narrative. While the text is difficult to follow, it appears that Sullivan is defending his legacy as a fighter. In part: ". . . . It is a quite a treat for me to know that the public takes an interest in me as in days gone by and in appreciation of that fact I shall endeavor to hold preeminent in this confidence I assure my friends and the public at large that I never will be satisfied until I show to the world that I am Kilrain's and Mitchell's superior in the orthodox circle this is no bombastic blow about me and that I can leave to the people as they have seen enough of me. . . ." The document is signed twice, once as "Mr. John L. Sullivan" and again as "John L. Sullivan." Both signatures, along with all the text, are scripted in pencil and grade 8/10. Each page of the letter (6x9.25"), written on "Grand Union Hotel (New York City) stationery, displays two horizontal mailing folds, toning, edge tears and creasing. In Good to Very Good condition. Included with the document are two John L. Sullivan related items. The first is a handwritten telegram transmittal slip from Sullivan (NOT in Sullivan's hand) that is dated "Dec 20," but the year is not filled in (8x5"; GD-VG). The second item is a handwritten letter, dated January 15th (no year), to Arthur Lumley, who was Sullivan's friend and manager. The writer is proposing a fight for Sullivan (4.25x6.5", folded; EX).Sullivan fought Charlie Mitchell in 1888 and Jake Kilrain in 1889. He retained his bare-knuckle heavyweight title in both bouts, battling Mitchell to a thirty-nine round draw and defeating Kilrain after Kilrain's second conceded before the 76th round could begin. Sullivan, considered a legendary pugilist in both the bareknuckle and gloved style of fighting, is credited with helping popularize the latter. He participated in the last world heavyweight title fight with bare knuckles, beating Kilrain in a grueling battle of 75 rounds, and in what is generally considered to have been the first gloved bout for the world heavyweight championship, losing to James J Corbett in the 21st round. He is truly an icon and innovator and is often regarded as America's first sporting celebrity and superstar. Indeed, it can be said that his popularity was responsible for assisting the advancement of American sporting journalism and coverage. He is an original member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame in the first induction class of 1990.