[Jack London, Charmian London] Autograph Letter signed by Captain Willard Kittredge, Father of Charmian Kittredge London

Wilmington, Los Angeles, California, 1869. Very Good. [Jack London, Charmian London] Autograph Letter signed by Captain Willard Kittredge, Father of Charmian Kittredge London, Willard Kittredge, Wilmington, Los Angeles, California, 1869, 7.5 x 9.75 inches, 1 pp.

Ink on delicate, translucent paper; bearing a "Bancroft" mark to top left corner, presumably name of paper mill, though I couldn't find any information on the company; one horizontal and three vertical fold lines; some edge wear, especially to left corners; overall in very good condition.

This letter is addressed simply, "Dear Judge," and though Kittredge inquires after the judge's wellbeing, a name is never mentioned. In the letter, Kittredge also talks about his wife and various matters with which he and the judge appear to both be involved, though the letter is somewhat difficult to decipher given that the ink bled through the thin paper on both sides. The letter is signed, "I remain as ever your Friend, W. Kittredge." Following his signature, he wrote, "P.S. Do you think you could help me in getting the appointment of P'ost [Provost] Marshall of Los Angeles?"

Willard Kittredge (1828-1886) was a U.S. Army captain, who initially enlisted in the Third California Infantry. From Find A Grave: "He participated in the Indian wars of Utah and won military honors in the fierce Battle of Bear Valley. He was afterward made Provost Marshall of Salt Lake City, which office he held with fidelity for two years, and resigned in 1866." He did not appear to have ever held the position of Provost Marshall of Los Angeles, despite his request to the judge in this letter.

After his resignation, Kittredge returned to California with his wife. In 1871, they had a daughter, Charmian Kittredge London, a writer, virtuoso pianist, and the wife of famed author Jack London.