Two one-page autograph letters signed

1872. Two letters (5" x 8"); light browning and foxing; otherwise very good. Benjamin Penhallow Shillaber (1814-1890) was an American journalist and humorist. He was the original editor of The Carpet-Bag, a Boston humor magazine that attracted submissions from many prominent authors writing under pseudonyms. Shillaber was most well-known for his comedic character Mrs. Partington, a scatterbrained yet wise old woman who Shillaber featured in several publications. 1. Chelsea, May 21, 1872. Shillaber writes to Samuel A. Drake on the provenance of a press once used by Benjamin Franklin. Samuel Adams Drake (1833-1905) was a historian who published a series of historical surveys and Boston histories. "The press used... veritable article." 2. Chicago, December 25, N.Y. Shillaber writes to "Mr. Stone" to beg off an engagement in Plymouth where he is scheduled to appear on December 31st pleading "I am weary and travel worn and need rest." He mentions that he may be contacted at the Astor House in New York. "I find I am engaged... till a later period."