[ Autographs ] PHINEAS T. BARNUM (1810-1891) American showman who opened his circus, "The Greatest Show On Earth", merged with James Bailey to form Barnum and Bailey Circus. A.L.S. with his excessively rare full signature: "Phineas T. Barnum" on his embossed Waldmere letterhead, 1p. 8vo., Bridgeport, Dec. 29, 1888 to his biographer F. J Bonnelle. In part: "...It gives me great pleasure to learn that I have in the least degree contributed to the happiness of yourself & wife as well as that of the young lady of your house. With complimentsof the season...". Very good. E400-600 An eyewitness account of the Titanic disaster on Carpathia letterhead!