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Dear Cousin [Euphemia Gifford]

Author Lucy Bakewell Audubon (written as Bakewell) (American, 1787 - 1874)

Recipient Euphemia Gifford (English, 1765 - 1853)

DateNovember 7, 1804

Mediumpen and ink on paper

Dimensions9 13/16 × 16 inches (24.9 × 40.6 cm)

Credit LineBequest of H.J. Lutcher Stark, 1965

Object number11.103.6

ClassificationsDocumentary Artifacts

DescriptionOne sheet of paper, folded to make four pages. Writing on three pages. Recipient address and remnants of seal on fourth page.

Label TextIn January of 1804, the young Lucy Bakewell met John James Audubon. The two young people began spending time together. They explored the Pennsylvania countryside and enjoyed music and reading. By the time Lucy wrote this letter, John James Audubon had already asked for her hand in marriage. Lucy only briefly mentions Mr. Audubon in this letter. She did send her cousin a drawing Audubon made of the Bakewell home, Fatland Ford. Lucy and John had to wait several years before they could marry. They married on April 5, 1808.

ProvenancePurchased April 8, 1963 through (Nada Kramar, Washington D.C.) by H.J. Lutcher Stark [1887-1965]; bequeathed September 2, 1965 to the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation; accessioned to the Stark Museum of Art

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