Just two years after the Civil War, this historic handwritten letter is dated October 22nd, 1867 from A.F. Greenwood President of the Young America Base Ball Club. It is a "challenge" from the Young America Base Ball Club of Keokuk, Iowa. They are challenging a fellow Iowa baseball team to either a "friendly game" or a "match game for the bal.l" They are of course speaking of the highly desired painted trophy game balls of the period. Can you image how serious those match games were? They are certainly not a "friendly game." Incredibly detailed two-page letter asks for the names of their "First Nine" and lists each and every member of theirs with positions. Asks if they will bring an umpire "not belonging to their club" or they can supply one. 7.75x9.75". Letters of this age and content simply do not exist in private hands.