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Both letters are beautifully penned in black ink and dated 15 and 18 September 1924, written just days apart. Horwill thanks Beach for accepting and commenting on one of his articles, confirms satisfactory payment, and provides his forwarding address in London. In the second letter, Horwill expresses appreciation for the received check and agrees to contribute future pieces from London.
Horwill writes:
> “I am much obliged to you for your acceptance of my article & for your kind comment on it… The rate of payment you offer will be quite satisfactory to me.”
And later:
> “I shall certainly be glad to respond to your invitation to communicate with you occasionally from London when there seems to be an occasion for an article.”
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✒️ Author Background
Herbert W. Horwill (1860–1935) was a noted English author, linguist, and essayist. Best known for Proper Words in Proper Places: Notes on the Art of Writing English and The Usages of the United States, Horwill was an influential stylist and observer of Anglo-American linguistic differences. His correspondence often reflects his transatlantic career and relationships with literary editors in the early 20th century.
Stewart Beach (1893–1966) was a prominent American editor and literary critic who worked for The New York Times and edited anthologies of American writing. These letters likely date from his editorial tenure at The Bookman or other literary publications.
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🏨 Historical Context
The Hotel Albert at Eleventh Street and University Place was a hub for artists, writers, and musicians in Greenwich Village. It became a well-known haunt for literary figures—making these letters a snapshot of that bohemian era’s cross-Atlantic literary network.
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📦 Details
Date: 15 & 18 September 1924
Location: Hotel Albert, New York
Recipients: Mr. Stewart Beach
Condition: Excellent, with clear, bold ink and embossed hotel letterhead.
Length: Two single-page letters, each approx. 8.5” x 11”.
Signature: Both signed Herbert W. Horwill in full.
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💡 Significance & Value
An uncommon literary correspondence between two early 20th-century men of letters — illustrating the relationship between British essayists and New York editors during the interwar literary scene. The Hotel Albert connection adds desirable historic resonance.
