Hunter S. Thompson typed letter signed ''HST'', with funny, acerbic content about his ''failed'' literary prospects, and also a mocking riff on what type of gun his friend Paul Semonin should buy. Dated 4 November (1963) from Woody Creek, Colorado, letter, with Thompson's hand-annotation, reads in part, ''Sir...I should advise strongly against the purchase of a Hessian Drumloader 12, especially since you plan to go around busting up marriages...It is also a fact that you might bust in on some irate husband in quick possession of a more modern weapon, capable of cutting you down like cheap meat.

For the likes of you I would suggest the .357 magnum in a snub-nose model...Loaded with dum-dums it is quite capable of blowing out the back of a man's head at 50 or 100 yards. For a few more dollars you may purchase a light shoulder-holster with a spring-clip for quick draws.

A Luger is nice, but tricky to handle and much given to jamming at times of crisis. You should only purchase a Luger after first laying hands on a dependable killer...may the devel [sic] take the unsuspecting. / Quite professionally, [signed] HST / Mister Magnum''.

Thompson then adds a lengthy postscript, ''...My life leaks worse than your roof. I am without funds or expectation of same. If there were a Bowery in Woody Creek I would be on it. As a failing artist, unable to come to terms with the capitalist warlords, and a man with no great liking for the system as it stands, I feel quite ripe for conversion to any banner capable of giving an honorable translation to my foul and vengeful feelings. Up the Republic! And Fuck All! / I will attempt to communicate at a later date, when rage, hysteria and poverty have somewhat abated. In the meantime, hello to all the fellas in your fraternity...'' Single page letter measures 8.5'' x 11''. Toning and brittleness to paper, overall very good condition.