April 2024 Auction Ends Thursday, April 25th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2024
Hunter S. Thompson typed letter signed, dated only Wednesday but identified by its recipient Paul Semonin as written on 30 December 1959. Thompson mentions that he's moving to Puerto Rico to work as a sportswriter (for ''Puerto Rico Bowling News''), that he's going on a quiz show (alluding to the Charles Van Dorn ''Twenty-One'' scandal at the time), and running into his future wife Sandy Conklin that sparked an attraction between the two. Letter reads in part, ''...Your trunk and duffel bag will be sent to Puerto Rico tomorrow. I leave Idlewild Monday midnight......somehow hired, job titled: Sportswriter. / You will have no choice but to come to San Juan for to claim your belongings.''
He continues, ''Also go on quiz show Monday at three-thirty. ABC......I don't think you get it in Louisville......Tough. I guess the home folks will be deprived of a royal spectacle. / Ran into Sandy Conklin the other day......I think I shall top her before I go.........I will top everyone when I get to Puerto Rico. / But I'm really doing you, Semonin. This will go down as one of the great doings of the new decade. Keep on your toes. If you're not down there by the time your things get there, I'll send them on to Caracas. / Yours with beach beetles, HST [signed] HST''. Single page measures 8.5'' x 11''. Some toning and rust from paperclip impression; overall very good condition.
Hunter Thompson Letter Signed From 1959, Writing He'll Be on a ''quiz show Monday'' -- Thompson Also Mentions Running Into His Future Wife, Writing ''I think I shall top her''
Click above for larger image.