Buck (Pearl S.)

Autograph letter signed ('Pearl S. Buck') to Miss Gertrude Tuttle, thanking her "for writing that you liked what I had to say [during a lecture at the Astor Hotel]. I value this, for others, of course, will not all like the speech. It is to be published later in Harper's, at their request, and my publishers wish also to print it in pamphlet form, so it will be available, if wanted" one page, some yellowing and foxing, 4to, mounted onto a larger, browned album page affected by some chipping to margins, original mailing envelope affixed to the left-hand side, n.p, n.d. (but envelope postmarked Ithaca, 7 November 1932); together with a typed letter from Buck to Miss Tuttle, reading in part "On July 7th of this year China commemorated the third anniversary of the Japanese invasion. For three years the people of China have endured and resisted with all their strength the same forces which are now devastating Europe. Today the Chinese spirit is undiminished in spite of years of suffering almost unalleviated and as yet unequalled. In recognition of this brave spirit, I am inviting you to join a group of one thousand American women who wish to express their sympathy for the women of China who, throughout these terrible years of unspeakably barbaric invasion, have won the respect of all the world. Each of these American women is giving $100 or more toward saving the lives of thousands of Chinese women and children who are dying for lack of the simplest medical supplies...These American women will form the Women's Committee of Tribute to China, and their names are to be inscribed in a Book of Hope, together with the assurances of the immediate shipment of the medical supplies so critically needed for the wounded, the sick and the homeless...I am appealing only to outstanding women of known human sympathy. I am sure you will give your warm response", one page, light creasing and yellowing, 4to, 401 Graybar Building, New York, 20 August 1940. (2)