Autograph Letter Signed

Probably the most famous 19th century American journalist, he of "Go West, young man" immortality, founded and edited "The New Yorker" (1834-41), then the renowned "New York Tribune" (1841), whose popularity gained its editor's oft-expressed views wide influence; ran as Democratic presidential candidate in 1872, but was soundly defeated by incumbent U.S. Grant. Slightly damaged ALS, 2pp, 5" X 8", n.p., 1871 [?] November 20. Very good. Addressed to Ralph Meecker. Slight mounting trace along top edge of second page, where the right margin is also closely cropped, affecting the "ley" in Greeley. An unusual defacement consists of two small side by side "windows" (the leftmost measuring 1¼" X ½", the rightmost ½" X ¼") neatly excised near the top of the first page, just above "Dear Ralph." While censorship in letters normally consists of the removal of the recipient's name or signer's name, this defacement appears just below the "New-York Tribune" letterhead, the larger whole to the left of "Nov. 20," (where some writers indicate the city from whence they write) and the smaller to the right of the same phrase (where the letter's year would have appeared). Above this latter whole "1871" has been added in another hand, then crossed out. (Four or so words on the verso are affected by this.) All this suggests that for some reason the defacer didn't want anyone reading the letter to know where or when it was written -- odd since the letter is not controversial in content, but rather written to a gardener or landscaper! Reads in part: "About my planting, if I could have a bushel of Hickory Nuts, a bush of best nuts, and a bushel of White oak Acorns, planted on my lot.... I would also plant White Pine and Black Locust seed if I could get it to... show vitality. I prefer these kinds; but I would also set out another, send young Sugar Maples... if I could get them at a decent price. I would plant some young Hickory and young White Oaks if not too dear...." Discusses order and scheduling these. Accompanied by a superb contemporary 5½" X 8½" steel engraved portrait. Despite strange damage, an interesting, fairly attractive letter.