Letter from James Whyte Davis to Ed Talcott photocopy, 1893 July 27

Images(2)

Letter from James Whyte Davis to Ed Talcott photocopy

Date1893 July 27

DescriptionA copy of a letter dated July 27, 1897 from James Whyte Davis to Ed Talcott regarding Davis's tombstone engraving. The two page letter is handwritten.

Object numberBL-1948-00030

Correspondent Davis, James Whyte, 1826-1899

Subject Talcott, Edward, 1858-1941

Attributes

Classificationsmanuscripts (documents)

Collection NumberBA MSS 044 Correspondence collection

Dimensions8.5 x 13.75 in.

Copyrighthttp://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

TrannscriptionNew York July 27 1893 / B. Talcott / My good friend, / Referring to our [lately?] conversation on Base Ball, I now comply with your request to write you a letter on the subject then pro- posed by me, and which you so readily and kindly offered to take charge of, after my death, namely, to procure subscriptions to place a Headstone on my grave. / My wish is that Base Ball players be invited to subscribe Ten Cents each, and no matter how small a sum is collected, it wil be sufficient to place an oak board with an inscription, on my resting place, but whatever it may be, I would like to as durable as possible without any ornamentation - simply something that "He who runs may read." / The 'Knickerbocker' Base Ball Club was formed in 1845. I joined in Sept. 1850. At that time it was the only organized Club in the United States. I was a member for thirty years, and the only one claiming so long a membership: my excellent friend Mr. Samuel H. Kissam being next in duration of membership, and who would gladly assist you in your undertaking. / The cognomens of "Father of Base Ball" "Poor old Davis" and "Too Late," as applied to me, are well known to the Base Ball fraternity. / All my relations and imm- ediate friends, are well informed that I desire to be buried in my base ball suit, and wrapped in the original flag of the old Knickerbockers 1845, now festooned over my bureau and for the past eighteen years, and / interred with the least possible cost. / I suggest the following inscription on wood or stone. / WRAPPED IN THE ORIGINAL FLAG OF THE KNICKERBOCKER BASE BALL CLUB OF N.Y. HERE LIES THE BODY OF JAMES WHYTE DAVIS A MEMBER FOR THIRTY YEARS He was not "Too Late" Reaching the "Home Plate" BORN MARCH 2 1826 DIED / I should be pleased to show you my Glass Case containing the trophies of my Silver Wedding with the old Knickerbockers in 1875, and which I intend to bequeath to you, should you so desire, as a mark of appreciation of the kindly act which you have undertaken to perform. Kindly acknowledge receipt of this. / And I am Yours sincerely and thankfully James Whyte Davis / (Transcription created by virtual volunteers during the 2020 pandemic).

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