Gay American Poet Fitz Greene Halleck Autograph

Collectibles : Autographs

 

Fitz Greene Halleck (July 8, 1790 – November 19, 1867) was an American poet who was born and died in Guilford, Connecticut.

Halleck's first literary works of note were written with Joseph Rodman Drake. Some believe Halleck was in love with Drake. Halleck wrote of Drake: “He is perhaps the handsomest man in New York, - a face like an angel, a form like an Apollo…”

In his will, Halleck asked for the body of his friend Drake to be dug up and reburied with him. His wish almost came true in 1903, when plans were set to move the bodies of Drake, his wife, daughter, sister, and nephew to Halleck's plot in Guilford. A biographer noted that Halleck's last major work, "Young America", was both "a jaded critique of marriage and a pederastic boy-worship reminiscent of classical homosexuality."

Halleck and Drake wrote anonymously the "Croaker Papers" which were satires of New York Society, which was already overcome with excitement at being considered worthy of erudite derision.

Halleck’s longest poem was “Fanny,” another satire on the literature, fashions, and politics of the time. Published anonymously in December 1819, it proved so popular that the initial 50 cent edition was fetching up to $10. Two years later, its continuing popularity inspired Halleck to amend an additional 50 stanzas.

Drake had advised Halleck to pursue becoming a nationally-known poet. A medical student, Drake died of consumption at 25 and Halleck commemorated his friend's death with a mournful poem that is considered by many as his most heartfelt, beginning "Green be the turf above thee" (1820).

Halleck became the private secretary to John Jacob Astor and was appointed by him as one of the Astor Library trustees. He also functioned as Astor's cultural tutor, advising him on what pieces of art to purchase. The immensely wealthy--and tightfisted--Astor left Halleck an annuity of only $200, a meager sum which Astor's son William increased to $1,500. In 1849 he retired to his hometown of Guilford where he spent the rest of his life living with his older unmarried sister.

In April 1860, a lingering illness caused enough concern for Halleck that he gave instructions for his funeral and burial. Increasingly irritable in his later years, he often turned down requests for public appearances and complained about being pestered by "frequent appeals for letters to hard-hearted editors". People even named their children after the poet, much to Halleck's annoyance. He wrote, "I am favored by affectionate fathers with epistles announcing that their eldest-born has been named after me, a calamity that costs me a letter of profound gratefulness". Halleck's last major poem, "Young America", was published in 1867 in the New York Ledger. On November 19, 1867, around 11:00 at night, he called out to his sister, "Marie, hand me my pantaloons, if you please." He died without making another sound before she could turn around. He is buried at Alderbrook Cemetery in Guilford.

Autograph with sentiment "Yours truly" on 4 1/4" x 2 3/4" card. Mounting residue on verso with light toning. Dated in another handwriting "NY Apr. 8, '67. Comes with internet print photo.

Item ID: 00463