New York realtor Charles Byrne was one of the founding members of the team that later became known as the Brooklyn Dodgers. This letter from his own hand features a rare signature as he died in 1898. Dated November 21, 1884 and handwritten to J. E. Clapp, the letter's content concerns putting together a team consisting of Becannon-P, Reipschlager-C, Orr-1st, Troy-2nd or SS, Ward-SS or 2nd, Hawkinson-3rd, Brady-R, Crane-C and Kennedy-L. The letterhead reads: "Brooklyn Base Ball Association" and features typical mailing folds, rating VG overall. The writing and "C.H. Byrne" signature in fountain ink grade 7.5/10. The Brooklyn team finished 60-84 in the American Association that season with a different roster.