7 pages, on rectos only of 5 sheets of plain notepaper, 6x9¼, held together with a paper clip.
Jack London has just returned from Manchuria, where he was covering the Russo-Japanese War for the Hearst newspapers, and finds himself smack in the middle of divorce proceedings with Bessie, and rumors and innuendo fly. “Had given up all hope, spent 24 hours preparing my fight, and was just starting out on operations, and then I thought I’d give B. one last chance to reconsider. Instead of the five minutes for same, I spent 8 hours wrestling, and I believe she has broken down. At any rate, injunctions will be withdrawn, also complaint. And she is now considering whether she’ll apply for divorce or simple desertion. Shall get her conclusion tomorrow. I have already proved her lawyer a fool, and I do not think she’ll listen to him again. Guess you’d better postpone return till divorce is granted. Mate.” London writes further about the proceedings, and some of the mudslinging and rumors emanating from Bessie, among them the implication that Charmian is pregnant (he jokingly asks “By the way, have you been confined yet?” next to which Charmian has written “Her! Haw! A rumor started by Bessie, of course.”) That is on page 5, which is signed Jack, but London goes on for two more pages, including sarcastic comments on slanderous rumors being spread by Bessie: “I have been learning some things of myself too, since my return. I robbed Dr. Young of $400 cash. Also, in Alameda, I got a young boy in a park & made improper advances – a la Oscar Wilde. Now will you be good?”
Condition:
Some creasing, short tears and chips, more notably to earlier leaves, else very good.