Honus Wagner was a prolific writer of postcards, particularly to his wife Bessie Smith. This example, though not postmarked, was likely mailed from the Pirates Spring Training home in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is numbered 9. The postcard inscription reads as follows:
Hello Bess
This is the 9th postal and 1 letter I sent you since I have been here. Let me know how to address you as I think I must be sending these to the wrong address not hearing from you since I have been here.
Jay
Wagner married Bessie Baine Smith in 1916, and the Pirates trained in Hot Springs between 1901 and 1913, so it seems likely that despite the spousal familiarity in the salutations, this postcard was mailed before the two were married (not to mention Wagner's lack of knowledge of how to properly address the card). The card exhibits wear consistent with postal use, along with long-time storing away with other cards from the Wagner estate. Encapsulated and authenticated by PSA/DNA.