I’ve collected historical autographs and manuscripts since I was a kid.  I acquired the Chicago Rock Island Railroad archives – the contents of a 10 story building full of history – when the “line” went out of business (see May 15, 2014).  And for perhaps 30 years, I offered catalogs and listings of autograph material and was heavily involved with The Manuscript Society ( http://www.manuscript.org – see November 13, 2011). Clearly – manuscripts, archives and autographs have always been a big part of my life. But given my retirement – and thinking about the next “chapter” – I’ve been unloading the residuals of autograph material.   

There is, however, one item I’ve kept.  For a long time.   It’s not that “special” nor is it valuable.  It’s a cursive scribbling on a 4-1/2″ x 7-1/2″ blue-tinged sheet of paper from a little boy named “Nathaniel” to people in the town of Lyman, Maine. He’s looking for his lost dog:  “Lost – In this village a small spoted (sic) dog.  With red ears and a red string around the neck.   Whoever will return or give information of the same shall be suitably rewarded.”  It is signed “Nathaniel Hill.”  The letter is dated “January 19th 1854.”     

I look at this letter and think about the young boy who wrote it. And I wonder — did Nathaniel ever get his little dog back?  I sure hope he did . . . . .