19th century poet and abolitionist, John Greenleaf Whittier autograph letter signed and additional signature. Letter is datelined Amesbury, [Massachusetts] 1874. Whittier writes, ''My dear f'nd, Without the consumers of literature, of which thee call thyself one, what would become of the producers? Knowing what poor provender we set before you, we are very grateful when you 'eat asking no questions'. Thanking thee for thy kind words, I am very truly the fnd. John G Whittier''. Single-page letter is accompanied by a clipped signature, ''John G. Whittier / Amesbury''. Letter measures 4.5'' x 7''. Signed slip measures 5.75'' x 1''. Both are mounted to a sheet of plain paper to an overall size of 6.5'' x 8.25''. Some fading to ink on the letter, a tiny tear to right edge and buckling from mounting. Very good.