Predating the advent of organized collegiate football by two decades, this letter holds the distinction of being the earliest reference we have seen in print to the sport. Elegantly scripted correspondence dated, "New Haven, Ct. Nov. 17th, 1849," discusses personal matters at some length before coming to the historic text, "...the students here are every day more or less engaged in the football game, though I have as yet taken no part in it. It is rather violent and dangerous several fellows here have been maimed for life by being to zealous in the game..." One of the most impressive football pieces we have had the honor of auctioning, in splendid NRMT condition.