AUTOGRAPH LETTER (AL) of Consolation for the Loss of a Brother at Sea

Boston, 9 November 1870. Letter. About Fine. Two-page AUTOGRAPH LETTER on both sides of a 4-1/2" x 7-1/4" sheet to "My Dear Davis," possibly Lt. Charles Henry Davis whom Dana had previously represented in court. In addition to being the author of TWO YEARS BEFORE THE MAST, Dana was a practicing lawyer specializing in maritime law, especially justice for seamen. This particular letter is very personal and seems to be complete, though it is not signed by Dana who is consoling Davis for the loss of his brother at sea. In full: "I wish to offer you my condolence on the loss of your distinguished brother -- for I suppose there is no longer hope. This comes close [to] home to me; for I made the passage out in the [?] only the second before her wreck. I came to know the captain and officers well, as is my wont at Sea, and the qualities and condition of the [?]. A few months ago, I lost a brother, long an invalid, who had for years given up the hope of [?], and who died a death of lingering pain. You are, at once, by a sudden wrench from life, called to mourn a brother, in the full vigor of conscious merit and ability to act. Lo, one way or another, there [?] of life and death, -- of the certainty of nothing mortal and material are taught us." Most Dana letters are regarding legal matters. Seldom is found one with such personal content.