245. PHINEAS T. BARNUM Fine content, prophetic A.L.S. "P. T. Barnum" on his "Marina" letterhead, 1p. 8vo., Bridgeport, Jan. 29, 1891 to Russell T. Whiting in which the ailing showman predicts his death that would follow less than three months later. In part: "...I thank you sincerely for remembering me in my 81st year on what is perhaps my last sick-bed by sending me that pretty basket of delicious fruit. I appreciate & cherish this your last kind act...". Light, even toning, very good. Just before his death, Barnum gave permission to the Evening Sun to print his obituary, so that he might have a chance to read it. On April 7, 1891 he asked about the box office receipts for the day; a few hours later, he was dead. $400 - 600