Joséphine BAKER considers herself French: “I love France.” 1935.

Josephine BAKER (1906.1975)

Autograph letter signed to Valentine Fauchier Magnan.

Two pages in-4°.

New York. [1935 according to a note in the shelf]

"You know that I love France and it's my country."

Josephine Baker launched her career and successes in New York.

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"Dear dear Madame Fauche Magnan, how are you? Here I am in America, what a life here , everyone is having fun, I think of you all the time and I say to myself if only I could find a telephone, but alas that is impossible.

I've already had a lot of success here before I even start; I'm just practicing to do great things. Your film could be a huge success here, because it has everything it takes. There's an operetta going on right now with three hundred artists and 400 animals… what a shame you're not here to see it, but who knows, maybe later. I hope so.

I don't like Americans, but I have to say they're very, very nice to me. It's all because I'm from Paris ; they have such incredible respect for all French artists. Excuse me if I consider myself French, but you know I love France, and it's my country.

I sang on the radio Thursday; they gave me a thousand dollars for two songs . See how much money you can make here, and you should, take advantage of it. I received such a lovely telegram from Mrs. Lebel when I left […] I send you lots of love and kisses. Here is my address: 43 East 66th ^Street , Apt. A. Josephine.

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Note: For easier reading, we have corrected J. Baker's spelling.