Robert Peary Autograph

Autograph letter signed, one page, 8 x 10 inch, "Remsen St." (New York), 2.05.1897*, to Mr. Skinner - concerning an appointment, written and signed in dark ink "R. E. Peary", attractively mounted (removable) for display with a photograph, shows Robert Peary in a full length portrait as explorer (altogether 16,5 x 11,75 inch), with mild signs of age wear - in fine to very fine condition.

"My Dear Mr. Skinner;
   If you would be so kind as to drop me a line on your return from Nashville I can then say when I can have the pleasure of coming to you.
   I am so fixed just now that it is almost impossible for me to make a definite appointment two weeks ahead.
   Wishing you a very pleasant journey I am 
      Very sincerely - R. E. Peary"

* In April 1897, Peary (who was working as an engineer for the U.S. Navy) received orders to report to the Mare Island shipyard in California. This would have meant the temporary end of his Arctic plans. Peary fought for a five-year leave of absence to continue his expeditions. Thanks to the personal intervention of U.S. President William McKinley, this was granted shortly thereafter. Just a few months after this letter, in the summer of 1897, he set sail on the S.S. Hope for his fifth Greenland expedition to retrieve the enormous, 100-ton Cape York meteorite and bring it back to New York.