COHASCO, INC.
ESTABLISHED 1946

 


MAIL BID SALE

Catalogue No. 70

Please note sale provisions.



1. Americana

 

The Father of American Fiction - and an Inspiration to Poe

1-1. A Long-Lost Letter of Charles Brockden Brown – America’s First Professional Writer of Fiction, and foundational author of American Gothic horror.

Superlatively rare, lengthy A.L.S. of Charles Brocken Brown, Philadelphia, Dec. 31, 1792, 3 pp., 6 3/4 x 8. To fellow Quaker William Wood Wilkins, his closest early friend, sharing local lodgings with Brown in 1791-92. Penned at just 21 years of age, while unhappily employed as a legal apprentice, near the precipice of committing to a literary life, here hinting at the gloomy tone of his writings. Indeed, Brown’s incipient works of fright and horror were later credited by Edgar Allan Poe, Hawthorne, Longfellow, Whittier, and Frankenstein’s Shelley as influencing their own styles. (Brown is even speculated to have been an initial inspiration for Poe’s move to Philadelphia. ) A scholarly o.p. biography (book accompanies lot) writes of these crossroads in Brown’s life: “Without money and the necessities of life...Brown stood firm in his conviction that he was right...the persistent inner urge to become an author by profession.” Indeed, Brown would become the Father of American Fiction - the first professional, successful American novelist - and the ”first American writer [in any genre] to develop an international reputation”--library.bowdoin.edu. “Brown saw this opportunity for creating a purely American fiction, and he seized it...”--Charles Brockden Brown: Pioneer Voice in America, Clark, 1952, p. 155. “His Gothic romances in American settings were the first in a tradition adapted by two of the greatest early American authors, Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne”--1911 Britannica. A scholar at Georgetown University has noted that undergraduate students often say that Brown reminds them of Poe – before realizing that Brown plied his wordcraft a generation before Poe.

In full:

“I received a letter from you yesterday, in which you kindly express the doubts and apprehensions which the failure of your former letter produced. That it failed was, I now perceive, the fault of neither of us. There ought to be some fixed and settled method of conveyance between us or we shall both of us be in perpetual uncertainty. I have hitherto sent my letters by the Trenton stage boat, and not knowing that there was any more expeditious or convenient method. You would acquit me of all blame, if you knew how often, since I despatched my last, I have called at this boat in expectation of receiving an answer, nor was your supposed silence less productive of uneasiness to me than, as you kindly assure me, my seeming neglect to you.

“The newspaper you mention I have no opportunity of seeing. Some days since, I was told by Bringhurst that he saw my name in this list. I knew that there was a letter in the office for me, which had come from the West Indies, but about which I was less solicitous, as I had received a copy of it by a private hand, but after this information I enquired for and received it, not knowing but that this was the only one that belonged to me. Let me know how you propose to transmit your future letters, and nothing but inevitable obstacles shall hinder me from obtaining them, as seasonably as possible.

“Your request that I should send to you some literary articles for the gazette which you patronize, does me much honour, but though all my hours are employed in trifling, my trifles are of too gloomy a complection and of too personal a nature to suit your purpose.

“William Wilkins is one to whom I owe more obligations than I shall ever be able to discharge. He is not to be charged with ingratitude who wants not inclination to return benefits for benefits, though his situation deprive him of the power. I shall never forget my treatment by his hospitable family and the pleasures which I derived from his company while here.

“How delicate a thing is friendship? What human creature is absolutely exempt from weaknesses and foibles? It was our misfortune, my dear William, that our foibles were too nearly alike, or rather ought it not to be deemed a happiness since our connection offered so fair an opportunity and so many motives subduce them.

“Since your departure I have frequently reflected on my behaviour during your residence with me, and now, solemnly and deliberately acquit you of any faultiness and impropriety in your behaviour to me, and as heartily condemn myself. I know that, before we parted, the warmth of your friendship was greatly and reasonably diminished; absence, I hope, has in some degree restored it, and whenever we meet again be assured that the affection and esteem which reigns in my bosom shall have its due influence upon my conduct.

“Surely I, on whose gratitude you have many claims, cannot excuse myself from trifling in order to oblige you, and yet you could not impose upon me a task more difficult. The essence of such composition is wit; that I have no wit, not so much as would out-bulk a pea or outweight a scruple, is no late discovery, nor is it least hasty to perceive that though it out-balanced or overtopped a mountain, yet in my present way of thinking all my attempts must necessarily fail. The pedant or the king would be too conspicuous. They would too easily suggest to the reader’s fancy the fable in which the ass, stupidity, exposed himself to contempt and punishment, by endeavouring to imitate the sportive gambols of the squirrel, wit.

“But my friend, you cannot want an auxiliary in this undertaking. The prosecution of it cannot conduce less to your amusement than advantage; at present I will not lay you under the necessity of sacrificing your own judgment to politeness. Were you in the same situation and I were able to make the same request to you which you have made to me, and you were to comply with my request, I could not excuse myself from publishing those whippings, of skimmed and water-sprinkled milk, however poor, stale, and blue they should appear.

“But this inability may not forever be continued, howsoever I am able, depending upon my inclination to oblige.

“I cannot write any more at present, Yours, Charles B. Brown.”

--From “modernized” transcription in “Unpublished Letters of Charles Brockden Brown and W.W. Wilkins,” by Brown biographer David Lee Clark, University of Texas, “Studies in English,” XXVII, June 1948, pp. 101-103; republished in Collected Writings of Charles Brockden Brown, Vol. I: Letters and Early Epistolary Writings, Philip Barnard, Elizabeth Hewitt, and Mark L. Kamrath, eds., 2013, pp. 211-213, 904.

The newspaper mentioned by Brown is the Mail, or Claypoole’s Daily Advertiser, a short-lived publication of John Dunlap’s former partner; as is famously known, their Philadelphia shop printed the first Declaration of Independence broadside. Brown’s reference to a squirrel and wit, in his fourth-from-ultimate paragraph above, is drawn from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In his letters to Wilkins, Brown “regularly experimented with fictional narratives...”--Collected Writings..., p. 917. Wilkins, a friend of Dolley Payne (later Dolley Madison), died not long after receiving this letter, at age just 23. In Collected Writings..., the editors note, “Brown’s letter is a reply to Wilkins’ of Dec. 25. This one of the rare cases in Brown’s correspondence where [the text of] both letters have survived.” Indeed, Wilkins’ letter survives at the University of Texas; the present letter of Brown, replying to Wilkins, is described in Collected Writings... thusly: “The manuscript of this letter is not available [until rediscovery in 2021] and Clark’s transcription (published 1948)...(is) the only currently known text...The letter was apparently part of the William Linn Brown collection that Clark examined in the 1940s [William Linn Brown (1805-1889) was Charles’ son], but was not included in that collection when most of it was donated to the University of Texas. The fate of the manuscript letter and its whereabouts are unknown....” However, elsewhere it is stated that Clark “apparently first obtained the papers in the 1920s or 1930s”--p. 900. A trade announcement pasted in Clark’s full-length biography of Brown, published 1952 (complete book accompanies), states the book is “based on materials given to the author by the grandson [William Linn Brown, Jr., born 1847] of Charles Brockden Brown.”

The other two Brown-to-Wilkins letters transcribed in 1947-48 (or perhaps as early as the “1920s or 1930s”) later emerged in a catalogue of noted dealer Kenneth Rendell in either 1983 or 1990, now “in an unknown private collection” (as at 2013). In fact, those two - plus the present letter -had been directly offered in 1977 by the niece (and daughter by adoption) of Brown’s great-granddaughter; copies of correspondence accompanies. Even by that late date, Brown had not yet become fully re-appreciated, and elevated to his singular standing in American literature. Brown’s letters and materials reside in a handful of institutions, but anything in his hand is seldom seen on the market. RareBookHub records only two items at auction from 1860 to present, appearing in 1887 and1904! Far rarer than Poe on the market, the present letter offers an opportunity to obtain the first Charles Brockden Brown recorded at auction in some 118 years.

Minor wear and handling, else about fine. Condition report gladly furnished. With two modern books: Collected Writings..., Vol. I, 2013, 960 pp. • Charles Brockden Brown: Pioneer Voice in America, Clark, 1952, 363 pp. $14,000-24,000 (Letter + 2 books)

1-2. Daniel Webster exclaims, “This is the New World! This is America!”

Pamphlet, “Mr. Webster’s Address at the Laying of the Corner Stone of the Addition to the Capitol; July 4, 1851.” Gideon & Co., Washington: 1851. 29 pp., including table comparing U.S. in 1793 with the country in 1851. 5 3/4 x 8 3/4. One of the great orators at his most flowery, his address consuming some two hours: “...Hail! all hail! I see before me...a mass of faces, glowing with cheerfulness and patriotic pride...This is the New World! This is America! This is Washington! and this is the Capitol of the United States!...another beholding of the Birthday of our Nation...Among the first colonists...their hopes were limited to the enjoyment of a safe asylum from tyranny, religious and civil...On other days...we may be party men...likes and dislikes, and we may maintain our political differences...sometimes with angry feelings. But to-day, we are Americans all....” Addressing rumblings of Southern secession. A magnificent address on the inspirations for and prophecies of the Founding Fathers, drawing heavily on their spirituality. Covers with handling marks, vertical fold, internally very good and clean. $30-45

1-3. “Regiment of Riflemen” across the American Frontier.

Highly attractive and fairly significant partly printed and manuscript muster roll, Dec. 1817, 15 1/4 x 20, detailing manning of Forts Armstrong, Clark, Crawford, Edwards, and Osage, posts at Belle Fontaine (Penna.) and Belle Point, and recruiting station in St. Louis. Headed “Monthly Return of the Regiment U.S. Riflemen, commanded by Col. Thomas A. Smith” (but signed as Brig. Gen. at conclusion). With neatly penned entries for 31 officers, indicating fort or duty station of each, number of men of various ranks (including “Music[icians]”) at each location, and number of sick, “in arrest,” absent - and one deserter. Interesting remarks for some officers: “Absent for the recovery of his health...At New Orleans for recovery of his health...At Philadelphia, ordered to join his Regt...At Belle Fontaine, attached to regimental band...2 sick in Hospital at Belle Fontaine...In pursuit of deserters...Absent without leave.” Light handling wear and marginal toning, old folds, very minor foxing, else about fine, and appealing for display. At this time, the forts listed were on the frontier. Fort Armstrong had just been built the previous year on Rock Island, Ill., to defend the upper Mississippi Valley from British traders. Fort Edwards, on the east bank of the Mississippi, in Warsaw, Ill., was actually dismantled and moved in the year of this document. $160-200

1-4. A White and Choctaw Couple, Cheated under the Dancing Rabbit Creek Treaty.

Assemblage of 22 printed reports to Congress, many dramatic and even bloodcurdling, 1830-1907, all but one 19th century, spanning the hottest decades of conflicts with Indians. Typically 1-2 pp., one report 59 pp. Including expenditures for Indian wars, payments of “Indian depredation claims,” reports of massacres (including two on murder of Dr. Marcus Whitman), and rescue of captives. A sampling: “Education of Cheyenne Captives” - the recapture of 5- and 7-year-old white girls, money for their care to be taken from the Indians’ appropriation. • Settlers on Round Valley (Calif.) Indian Reservation. • Petition of a white man married to a Choctaw, who taught other women to knit and weave, cheated of their land allotment under the Dancing Rabbit Creek Treaty. • A 15 pp. claim of a white Alabamian for 100 acres of corn, 200 cattle, 350 hogs, houses burned, and other goods destroyed in Creek Indian War in 1813-14 – still being heard in 1870, “...on principles of equity and justice....” • Dramatic account of woman who survived massacre by Blackfeet Indians, during her group’s 1864 migration to Montana Territory. Learning their language while in captivity, she “understood their designs toward the whites....” • 1860 appeal on behalf of survivors of Sublette Cut-Off massacre, their party “unmercifully butchered by the Utah Indians. Men, women, and children shared the same fate....” With separate printed objection by future Confederate Postmaster Gen. John H. Reagan; while expressing sympathy, he opines that “if we allow this indemnity to persons who voluntarily risked their lives and property by attempting to cross the great plains, through the Indian country, it would be dificult to say why we should not indemnify our citizens who, remaining at their homes, are invaded and murdered and robbed by the Indians...and how we are to obtain the money for their satisfaction.” • An 1839 hearing of the 1787 case of a group who secured a permit from Tennessee Cherokees to pass on their boat with their families, “heavy articles of property,” and “three Negroes” - but were still attacked and massacred. • Claim of a contractor carrying mail on the perilous route between Independence, Mo. and Santa Fe, whose men were killed, and mules carried away. • Staggering chart detailing 450 claims for Indian depredations, with names, amount claimed, date, place, “tribe or band,” and disposition, filling 59 pages. Much more. Some loss of small blank fragments at spines where removed from old bindings; one report toned to light mocha but fine, balance fine to very fine. $220-280 (22 pcs.)

1-5. “The customs some ladies have, when warm, of...throwing off their bonnets....”

Manuscript notebook of moral precepts for the conduct of young ladies, 4 1/4 x 5, Jan. 21, 1878 in old pencil on p. 1. Simply bound in homemade old evergreen paper wrappers, (34) pp. closely penned in petit hand, easily legible. Exhaustive discussion of the proper way for young women to dress and behave, in helpful prose, perhaps a fair copy of an article intended for publication, or a lengthy sermon. Unsigned. “...The customs some ladies have, when warm, of powdering their faces, washing them with cold water, or throwing off their bonnets that they may cool the faster, are all very destructive habits...and make a beautiful face hideous forever. The person when overheated, should be always allowed to cool gradually...without any more violent assistant than a fan. Streams of wind from open doors & windows... are all bad & highly dangerous applications. These impatient remedies are often resorted to in balls & crowded assemblies, thence arise sore throats, coughs & fevers....” Much more advice for Victorian era women. First and last written pp. with dust-soiling, balance very good; blank cover and endleaf nibbled at lower right corner and light-toned, else generally very satisfactory. $55-80

1-6. Dinner is Served – for Mexican War Heroes.

Letter in hand of a skilled scribe, Bloomfield Centre (Mich.), Dec. 13, 1847, inviting Maj. Andrew T. McReynolds of Detroit, to a dinner in honor of Mexican War heroes. Bearing names (in clerical hand) of twelve leading citizens of Detroit, Mich., all members of the “Committee of Arrangements.” “...Wishing to express their admiration of the splendid victories of our armies in Mexico in such a manner as shall give pleasure to said army propose through you and such others...as may be near to us to tender said expression...We invite you to a public Dinner with our citizens at the house of Henry Bishop....” Other Committee members included Rial Irish, Alonzo Snow, and other Michiganders. With Maj. McReynolds’ A.L.S. on page 3 of lettersheet, replying and accepting. 8 1/4 x 10 1/2, in uncommon shade of grey-blue ink, perhaps chosen to compliment the grey paper; integral address-leaf, hand-delivered. The flowery language of the invitation is matched by McReynolds’ reply: “...I take great pleasure in accepting your invitation, and will be most happy to meet my fellow citizens of the Town of Bloomfield...for this manifestation of patriotism....” Irish-born McReynolds was Capt. of 3rd Dragoons, breveted for gallantry at Contreras and Churubusco; he later led the 1st N.Y. Cavalry for three years in the Civil War. Internal mousechew at one blank fold junction on second folio, some handling wrinkles, else very good. • Newspaper, The American, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Jan. 9, 1847, 4 pp., 19 1/2 x 27. Boldly decorative Mexican War-themed masthead, woodcut of a camp scene, officer in tent bedecked with flag, cannon on each side, a horse being tended by a black servant, soldiers drilling in background. On lap of officer seated in tent, a scroll bearing, “Let none but Americans be placed on guard tonight.” Mexican War news, urgent message from Pres. Polk to increase size of Army, loss of Brig U.S.S. Somers - which killed Secretary of the Navy, New Year’s carrier poem by Thomas Alexander filling an entire column, and more. Delightful woodcuts of carriage, railroad cars loaded with coal, wood, lath, and “lime cement.” Light, narrow band of toning across half of masthead, hard vertical fold, else about fine. Splendid for display. $120-160 (2 pcs.)

1-7. Civil War-date Water Wheel Advertising – with testimonial from the Shakers.

Advertising circular for “Improved Water Wheel, patented July 8, 1856,” by John Tyler, W. Lebanon, N.H., c. mid-1862. Closely set on 8 pp., 8 1/2 x 11, black on pale grey, uncut at top but easily opening to 17 x 22. At top, finely engraved composite views of the invention, including two cutaways, revealing a design ahead of its time, in style of a turbine-like blower fan still made over a century later. Exhaustive description in about 5 point type. Larger directions for setting the wheel, and thirteen advantages: “...Best percentage of power for the water used...Not liable to freeze up...We challenge the world to beat this wheel for cheapness, durability....” Inside, many testimonials, 1859-62: “...With 16 square inches of water, 26 ft. fall, I (have) 3 circular saws, 3 wood lathes, 1 planer, 1 hollow arbor, 1 broom handle lathe, etc....” The Trustee of Society of Shakers praises the Tyler Water Wheel, writing from Enfield, N.H., “...having quite a number of the Wheels in use...and having a portion of them since 1854 in constant use...having required no repairs to the amount of 25¢...it is the best Wheel in my knowledge for steady power...entirely free from clogging with anchor ice, leaves....” Waterstains along vertical folds, some fraying of blank top and bottom edges, minor fold wear, else about very good. A rather engaging exposition of antebellum American engineering and industry. $60-80

1-8. Collecting Autographs in 1862: Refraining from cutting down his large Washington document.

Unusual A.L.S. of noted clergyman J. Henry Dubbs, Prof. of History, Franklin & Marshall College. Allentown, Pa., Mar. 20, 1862, 4 3/4 x 8, 4 full pp. To “My dear Madam” (fellow autograph collector Mrs. Thomas D. Green). “Having sole charge of a congregation of about a thousand communicants, I have had little time...Your kindness is really greater than I deserve...But are there no other autographs which you desire...You have mentioned but about half a dozen, besides signers and generals...I think I can send you a good George Taylor in a few weeks, and I feel quite sure of getting a Patrick Henry for you...Have you a fine letter of Thos. McKean in your collection...D(itt)o David Rittenhouse...You say you have a full grown letter of Caesar Rodney. What sort of letter is it?...You have taught me a lesson concerning pairing...The document of Franklin Pierce which you sent me was so large that i was compelled to ‘suspend the constitution’ and remove some of the superfluous titles and appendages. The Washington I preserved entire...If I should ever come to the East I would take great pleasure in looking over your autographs of distinguished Germans...I could soon tell whether your German specimens are valuable or not...Your autographic friend....” (George Taylor is one of the more elusive Signers.) Very fine. • With sheet, apparently in his correspondent’s hand, listing the six names wanted “for Mr. Denham.” Also with biographical notes, penned on verso of an unrelated manuscript. (Also see Lot 28-3.) $55-75 (3 pcs.)

1-9. The Other Half: Selling Door-to-Door in the Gilded Age.

Interesting manuscript “Ordinance to license Peddlers,” Springfield, Ohio, 8 x 12 1/2, opening to 8 x 25, 3 pp., July 6, 1871. Docketing, signed by City Clerk and Pres. (of City Council), indicating law was published in two named local newspapers. Penned in a highly unusual and decorative, backslanted hand, probably by a left-handed scribe. Intended to crack down on itinerant hucksters and tramps, by licensing peddlers who “vend goods and merchandise from house to house...,” for a dollar a week. Old folds, some file and handling wear, else very good, and suitable for display, both the hand and the text eye-catching. $40-55

1-10. Founder of a Fortune – Making Shovels.

A.L.S. of New England industrialist Oliver Ames, North Easton (Mass.), Oct. 7, 1844, 7 3/4 x 9 3/4. To Landon Moore & Co., Salisbury, Conn. “We have not received any iron from you for a long time; and as it is about time for us to lay in a stock of iron for the winter, I want you to let me know whether you intend to send me any more....” Black “North Easton / Mass.” c.d.s., manuscript 12 1/2 and “Single” at lower left of address panel. Original folds, lacking blank circular fragment on address leaf where opened, else fine. From a family of blacksmiths, Ames’ father had supplied guns in the Revolution; his brother was appointed by George Washington as first superintendent of the new nation’s first Armory, in Springfrield, where Oliver began his vocation. Founding the Ames Shovel Works, Oliver amassed “a great family fortune”--wikipedia. Uncommon. $50-70

1-11. Going to the Big City – Life of a Pre-Civil War Salesman.

Antebellum Midwestern travelling salesman’s notebook, his journey evidently beginning with a $2 fare to reach Waterloo (Iowa?), onward to Louisville, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and N.Y. Including druggist’s supplies, paints, pigments, hardware, clothing, and more, 1840, then 1852-54, 37 pp. written, 4 x 6. Mostly in a fluid, legible hand. 25 pp. in pencil, some light, balance in ink. Combination cash book, product inventory, expense record, diary, and list of people to call on, for his buying and selling trip in Mar.-Apr. 1854. Goods listed include copal varnish, rotten stone, “ivory black,” “chrome green,” “1 pill machine,” and much more. “Memorandum for N.Y.: Inquire about our Relatives in the Eastern States on our Father’s side...Inquires for Mr. Orchard, Call on Comstock & Bros., Call on Doct. Lucius Comstock, Call on Sands Druggist... Enquire for a book...How to make the best of both worlds....” In “Memo. for Louisville: Call on Agent of S&W. Inquire price of small box of Carpentry Tools, also of Setts of Knives & Forks...Mrs. Wembley wishes one of the Shawls, Drab or Tan Color...a handsome worked Collar, also thin muslin....” Next page begins his travel expenses: “Fare to Waterloo, $2.00...Ferry to Chickasaw .30, Porter to Boat .20... pencil .10...Fare to Vincennes 2.50, overshoes 2.25.” Return stops from N.Y. included Baltimore, Wheeling, Evansville, Mount Vernon, Paducah, Eastport, and Florence. A separate trip included Vincennes, Terre Haute, Indianapolis, Baltimore (16.00 fare), Crestline, Pittsburgh, and Alton. The numerous names of customers, suppliers, and other details provide opportunity for further research, and perhaps ultimate identification of the writer. Last page pencil smudged, varying light handling and tip wear, but net good plus. In older auctioneer’s lot pocket. $60-85

1-12. Counting Sheep in Pre-Civil War Maine.

Unusual manuscript account book of either Hugh or Wentworth Ross, probably around Kennebec County, Maine, 1859 and 1860 printed calendars on front endleaves, written1860-61, listing prices for sheep and names of buyers. A number of pages headed “Paid for Sheep.” 3 1/4 x 7 1/4, about one-quarter of 100 pp. written, in pencil. Pocket-style, flexible brown grosgrain calf self-cover, with leather tongue to close. Cambridgeport, Mass. maker’s name blind-stamped. Much arithmetic; notations on related subjects: “Going to Bangor Expenses...Going to Exeter...Mark of Calf Skin sent by P. Hubbard....” Wentworth Ross is mentioned in 1814 estate affairs of a gentleman in Clinton, Kennebec County, Maine. Undertaker’s voucher nested, upon Ross’ passing, 1892, Detroit, Maine. Binding and covers understandably worn but very satisfactory, pencil variously rubbed or somewhat light, but legible. $50-70

1-13. From Riches to Rags.

Dramatic indenture, Oct. 10, 1810, settling debts of once-wealthy N.Y.C. merchant William A. Wallace to William Bayard and Roswell Colt, and appointing them as his attornies. 10 1/4 x 16 1/4, 5 written pp., on handsomely laid cream sheets with pictorial 1804 watermarks. Wallace, the one-time partner of tycoon Nicholas Low, here deeds all of his property, business, ships, and cargoes of the schooner Alert and brig Batavian, “save the wearing apparel of himself and his family...By reason of recent losses and disappointments is unable punctually to discharge his debts....” Wallace honored his debts - including $8,713.27 owed to J.J. Astor - by signing over his possessions and estate in exchange for $1. Low & Wallace exported tobacco, textile fabric, lumber, pearls, flaxseed, rosin, and other goods to Cuba, England, Ireland, Madeira, Trinidad, and elsewhere. The Wallace Patent, as it was known, held 28,000 acres on the old N.Y. frontier, at times witnessing Indian wars. Old folds, minor browning at folds of schedule of debts and on filing panel, else fine. $110-130

1-14. A Franco-American Swashbuckler.

Signature of B(enjamin) L(ouis) E(ulalie de) Bonneville, the fascinating French-born explorer of the Rockies, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming; blazer of parts of Oregon Trail, Mexican War hero, commander of Santa Fe, and subject of Washington Irving’s book, Adventures of Captain Bonneville in the Rocky Mountains and the Far West. Also in his hand: “Approved / Col. 3d Inf(antry) / Comdg. Column,” c. 1855-60, probably while in New Mexico. 2 x 4 1/2. On ivory. Very fine and clean. Bonneville and his brothers were godsons of Thomas Paine, who bequeathed the family 100 acres of his New Rochelle, N.Y. farm. Elusive. $200-275

1-15. Jefferson Davis authorizes Payment for Rent and Food to John Sutter.

Printed Report of Sec. of War Jefferson Davis, Dec. 12, 1854, 5 1/2 x 8 3/4, 18 pp. “...to examine claims contracted in Calif. under Lt. Col. Frémont in 1846-47.” On Frémont’s submission of claims totalling $960,614.91 and 1/3rd of a cent, adding that investigation of his bills should take place on the scene in Calif., not in Washington. Expenses included horses and cattle of first, second, and third quality, “rifles, superior,” “pistols, per pair,” Bowie knives, “saddles, bridles, and spurs,” “corn, per fanega” (an arcane measure of 1.58 bushels), and more. Authorizing “pay and equipment as mounted riflemen, finding their own horses and forage, of the volunteers serving under command of Capt. Frémont....” 8 pp. of highly interesting, closely-set tables of claimants, nature of claim, and amounts allowed, disallowed, or otherwise questioned. Including “rent of quarters” from J(ohn) A. Sutter, $7,200, and again for Sutter’s provision of “subsistence, etc.,” $2,632.75. Just two years later, in 1848, gold was discovered on Sutter’s land. “In the subsequent rush, his workmen deserted, his sheep and cattle were stolen, and his land occupied by squatters,” leading to his bankruptcy--Webster’s Biographical. Toning on several leaves, removed from binding, else fine. A fascinating glimpse of changing fortunes: one wonders what Frémont’s men thought in retrospect, realizing that their cots had been atop the still-slumbering future epicenter of the Gold Rush. $80-110

1-16. A Sioux Battle at Bluewater.

Antebellum printed report of Sec. of War Jefferson Davis to U.S. Senate, Feb. 20, 1857, 5 1/2 x 8 3/4, 4 pp. Report of Lt. Col. P. St. George Cooke, 2nd Dragoons, with his almost cinematic account of defeat of the Bois Brulé band of Sioux, at Bluewater, Nebraska Territory, in Sept. 1855. “...I was very much pleased with the daring of two young naked warriors, who rode much nearer and dared us to the fight...The enemy were now crowning the bluff beyond the stream...Our fire was driving the enemy with much slaughter over the cliffs where they had ascended....” The father-in-law of J.E.B. Stuart, Cooke broke with his Virginia family and joined the Union, becoming Gen. His saga gave rise to the Brother-against-Brother tragedy. Uniform toning, evidence of old circular label, else good plus. • Manuscript orders, Fort Cummings, New Mexico – located in Cooke’s Springs - in Cooke’s Canyon - leading to Cooke’s Pass - a narrow gap in Cooke’s Range, all named for Philip St. George Cooke. Aug. 6, 1882, 7 3/4 x 11. Ordering Troops F and H of 4th Cavalry, under Capt. Wirt Davis, to Brockman’s ranch the next day. Signed by 1st Lt. F. Wheeler, Post Adjutant, by order of Lt. Col. Forsyth. Printed red and blue vertical rules. Very fine. As antebellum Commander of the Mormon Battalion, Cooke had explored this area of New Mexico. Containing the region’s only large supply of fresh water for California-bound wagons on the Southern Emigrant Trail, and Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoaches, Cooke’s Pass was a perilous trap for Apache ambushes, gaining the name Massacre Canyon. Fort Cummings was established to protect these travelers; in the 1882 period, the fort was used as a camp in operations against the Apache. $110-140 (2 pcs.)

1-17. Carrying on the Monroe Doctrine - in the Land of the Incas.

A.L.S. of W.L. Marcy as Sec. of State, Washington, July 30, 1856. 7 1/4 x 11 1/4, 1 1/2 pp. Negotiated Gadsden Purchase, the last major land acquisition in Continental U.S., enabling a southern route entirely under American control. Credited with the phrase, “To the victor belongs the spoils,” defending Jackson’s nomination of Van Buren; as Gov. of N.Y., Marcy considered a “doughface” – a man with Southern sympathies, cognizant of cotton as a major export of N.Y.C. ports, and its use by upstate textile mills; a leader of the Hunkers, a pro-compromise-on-slavery faction of Demoratic Party. As Sec. of State a second time, Marcy witnessed the William Walker expedition to Nicaragua, Perry’s negotiations for naval and trade access to Japan, and a controversy stemming from the Crimean War. Here enclosing copy (not present) “of the answer of the Judge of U.S. for Northern District of Calif...accompanied by certain judicial proceedngs in Peru, which he was requested to read to a person interested in them...supposed to reside at San Francisco... Inquiries of the Judge for that person had not been successful...(I) offer to you a renewed assurance of my very distinguished consideration.” Rust outline of old clip at blank top, very light band of cream toning at top, evidently from flap once enclosing other papers, else about very fine. Seat of the Inca Empire, Peru remained the scene of strife over the centuries; though finally achieving independence in 1824, a border dispute festered for decades, not settled til 1942. $120-150

1-18. Old New Hampshire: “Pud(d)ing dishes,” “tooth instruments,” and more.

Interesting family group of over 88 documents from New Hampshire, 1785-1861, but mostly about 1795-1820. Most Concord, from papers of James, Abiel, and Hannah Walker. Principally manuscript receipts, sizes about 1 1/2 x 4 1/4 to 6 x 7 1/4, plus several legal size, but mostly smaller strip or check size. Some interesting and charming: “Received of Abiel Walker, Guardian of Joseph Walker, $3 for Stage fare to Bristol & back to Concord. Robert Morse, by Wm. W. Simpson,” 1833. • “...for Assessment on Share No. 5 in Federal Bridge,” 1798. • “Tuition, 4 weeks @ 15¢ pr. Week,” Isaac Flagg, 1797. • “To tuition of your daughter, one term $3...,” Francis M. White, 1810. • Another for daughter, 1817. • Another, “To pump 14 feet $2.80...Handle and spout .37...,” 1810. • Delightful partly printed bill for enrollment of Georgie L. Wells at Abbot Collegiate Institute and University for Young Ladies, Fifth Ave., corner 34 St., N.Y., 1861. $250, including French and Latin. • Her bill for 1862, here adding “Instruction on Piano Forte by Prof. Besy.” • Billhead of Washington Williams, “Dealer in English, West-India and American Goods, Paints, Window Glass...,” Concord, 1827, two deckled edges. • Invoice to Miss Hannah Walker, “1 pr. Silver Table Spoons $6.00...3 Tea Spoons 2.50, pr. Salt Spoons .50...,” 1819. • “Tuition of your daughter for one month, $1.00,” 1813. • Two receipts signed with “X” of George Arlin, perhaps a day laborer. • Receipt of Nathaniel Walker, receiving $50 from Abiel “towards my summer wages.” • Receipt for “plough, 5.00,” 1824. • For “2 in. pine plank and Board, $10,” 1842. • ”2 1/2 days splitting and setting stone and...fix the hog pen, $3.50,” 1842. • ”House rent...$10 pr. quarter, Left without paying,” 1846. • “Recd. of James Walker 4 pair of men(s) Shoes which is in full for 2,000 of Brick Delivered at Durgin Brick yard in Concord,” 1790. • “Six Chairs £3...,” 1795, probably the only Concord document here using British funds. • Lengthier bill, 17 items including paper, codfish, sugar, muslin, mackeral, “bake kettle,” and five varieties of tea, 1826. • Attractive bill, 1817, 7 1/4 x 11 3/4, 23 items, including “1/2 Gall. N.E. Rum” 38¢, 1/2 pint Brandy 19¢, Silk Twist & Buttons 19¢,” gloves, pepper, “raizens,” shawl, sole leather, and more. Very fine. • Longer manuscript household inventory, 7 1/2 x 12, 2 1/2 pp., n.d. but c. 1825-40. “...iron kettle 75¢, gridiron 25¢, coffee mill 50¢, milk pan 17¢, lot of brown ware 2.00, pud(d)ing dishes 51¢, looking glass 40¢, 4 foot table with oil cloth covering 2.00, dust brush 10¢, pair spectacles 30¢, set of tooth instruments 50¢, silver watch and key 4.00, 70 lbs. of sheeps wool 23.80...,” and more. Fascinating record of contents of a well equipped N.H. kitchen and home – probably Walker’s. Some ink drops, fold wear, but about very good. • Extensive manuscript account of Abiel Walker with merchant Francis N. Fisk & Co., 1829, 8 x 14 3/4, with quantities and prices. Including “N(ew O(rleans) sugar...rice... shirtings... Blue B. Cloth...1 stick twist...denim...1 pr. thick shoes...early peas...” and more. Sizeable number of different signatories, certainly of local history interest. Understandably varying condition with scattered wear, one legal document mousechewed along fold, but satisfactory to V.F., and mostly good to fine; the petit sizes of many items render them charming for display. $225-300 (about 93 pcs.)

1-19. Preachers including “E. Everett Hale.”

Account book used as a church journal, June 22, 1845-June 25, 1848. (34) pp., 6 3/4 x 8, slate blue paper covers, palest grey rules. Listing each date, preacher, book, chapter and verse of Biblical verses, title of sermon, with highlights on facing pages. Place not stated, but evidently Mass., possibly Salem vicinity. Preachers including Dr. O(ctavius) B(rooks) Frothingham (the most frequent), Mr. E. Peabody, E. Everett Hale (on Apr. 9, 1846, speaking on John 20:23), Newell, Alger, Jason Whitman, McFontaine, et al. A substantial biography, Octavius Brooks Frothingham - Gentle Radical, by Caruthers, was published by University of Alabama Press, 1977. A recent Harvard graduate, Frothingham would not be ordained til 1847, therefore his frequent public sermons here must have been among his earliest. His colleague, Edward Everett Hale - author of Man Without a Country - was the grand-nephew of Nathan Hale. In the same year Hale appears in this journal, he became pastor of Church of the Unity, Worcester, Mass. Other church news includes “General Washington’s Birth Day,” and “Amelia Langdon Harris joined the church.” (She appears in Personal Recollections of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War, by her husband James R. Gilmore; in 1860, he was described in the census as a “Gentleman,” with assets of $80,000 - over $2 million in current terms. “Wealthy, connected...and willing to use his contacts in the South to help the Union, he met many times with Lincoln and carried out missions for him...”--modern copy of foreword to book accompanies.) In coffee-and-cream ink, in a neat, slightly flamboyant hand. Additional partial leaf pinned at rear to accomodate final entries. Minor wear, first and last leaves split at top of spine fold but threads holding, and very good. Surprisingly rich associations, inviting further research. $65-90

1-20. “2 Chickens Thanksgiving day 30¢...17 lbs. Pigg Pork....”

Manuscript farm “Account Book With John Smart, begun Apr. 6, 1811,” vicinity of Newmarket, apparently N.H. Ooccasional use of dollar sign confirms American. Listing amount earned for produce, labor, and rent – signed in one spot with his “X.” 6 x 7 1/4, sewn, 8 pp. written. “John Smart Cr(editor) for Produce, labour &c. turned in towards the Rent of Farm...By 3 days work done in mooveing [sic] to the Newfields 2.00, By boarding 3 persons 4.50, By fencing...with 2 hands & Y(o)k(e) Oxen 2.67, Making the fence down to farm 1.50, Plowing 2 hands & 4 oxen 1.67, Pluck 24 1/2 Doz. Eggs @ 10 cts. 2.70, 6 Quarter Lamb wt. 42 lbs 2.52, Hauling Goods & Hogg from L(amprey?) River to N.F. [Newfields, N.H.?] 2.00....” Much more, including “46 B(ushels) Potatoes, 17 lbs. Pigg Pork, 18-6/16 lbs. Butter, Corn, Beef Hide & Tallow, 2 Chickens Thanksgiving day 30 cts.... Keeping my Colt...6 Sheep with their lambs to be delivered some time in May next 18.00....” Including detailed inventory of estate of Joseph Doe of Newmarket, signed Robert Clark, with values of “Small cow...flax brake...grind stone...cart wheel...cyder mill...1 cheese safe & 1 churn....” 1817 statement signed with mark of John Smart, receiving inventory “to be delivered when called for by said Doe, unavoidable accidents excepted.” A center of the colonial New England shipping trade with the West Indies, Newmarket exported salted alewives from the Lamprey River, dried fish, and timber. Many ships were built in Newmarket for the Royal Navy, using local trees. Return cargo to Newmarket included whale oil, molasses, and rum. Cover soiled, moderate waterstains throughout, some portions penned in lighter ink, but still very satisfactory and suitable for display. $130-160

1-21. “To learn the art, trade and mystery of a Cabinet maker....”

Manuscript contract for indentured servitude, N.Y.C., Sept. 30, 1786 (but curiously not filed til Feb. 26, 1788), 2 pp., 7 1/4 x 12. Contemporary copy, “Oyer.” Charles Bush, tavern keeper, on behalf of his teenage son-in-law William Barry, arranging Barry’s five-year apprenticeship to Robert Carter, cabinet maker, until the age of 21. Barry “doth voluntary of his own free will...to learn the art, trade and mystery of a Cabinet maker... shall not do wrong to his said master...He shall not waste his master’s goods nor lend them unlawfully; he shall not commit fornication nor contract matrimony...Dice or any other unlawful gains he shall not play. He shall not absent himself day nor night...without his leave, nor haunt ale houses...and the said master shall use his life endeavour to teach....” Carter was a renowned cabinetmaker and joiner, during the Revolution the partner of the famous furniture maker Thomas Burling. In 1787-93, the now-solo Carter was located on the long-defunct Fair St. in Manhattan. “(Carter’s) importance is underscored by the fact he headed the cabinetmakers in the N.Y. Federal Procession of 1788, celebrating the ratification of the Constitution”--New York Furniture at the New York State Museum, 1984. This same Museum’s collection includes a Queen Anne mahogany highboy attributed to Carter. Monticello speculates that chairs respectively purchased by Jefferson and Washington, with “fine carved ornament” in a design “especially popular in N.Y.,” may have been made by Burling or another (N.Y.) cabinetmaker in the same style (Carter). Split at center fold, breaks but no separations at three horizontal folds, light uniform cream toning, else about fine. $160-220

1-22. An “Almost” Signer of the Declaration.

Ornate signature of Geo(rge) Clinton, first Gov. of N.Y.; termed “a fiery young radical and defender of freedom of speech and of the press”--Monaghan in Dictionary of American Biography. A member of the Continental Congress in 1775, Clinton lost the honor of signing the Declaration in July ‘76 when Washington sent him to command the Hudson Highlands that month. In letters under his nom de plum Cato, Clinton clashed with Alexander Hamilton, believing that New York was giving up more than it stood to gain. An ally of Aaron Burr, Clinton was V.P. under Jefferson and Madison. Clipped from official document, 1789, 1 1/4 x 3 1/2, with his trademark paraph. Some toning, one blank corner lacking, else good. Ex-Paul C. Richards. $90-120

1-23. Godson of James Monroe – and a Dropout from R.E. Lee’s Class.

Autograph Endorsement Signed of Col. James M(onroe) Taliaferro, a descendant of one of America’s first important Italian-American families, settling in Virginia in 1637; godson of Pres. Monroe; West Point classmate of Robert E. Lee (though withdrawing to become an antebellum Virginia Senator). Mar. 3, 1882, 4 x 7 1/2. Three-line docketing by Taliaferro on verso of manuscript promissory note for $17.44; front signed by borrower W(illiam) Sandidge of Amherst County, Va., a merchant and Amherst Postmaster - under both the U.S. and Confederate Governments. Crisp subminiature blind-embossed stationer’s mark showing U.S. Capitol. In coffee-and-cream ink, on cream, ruled in blue. Small stain, pocket fold wear, else good plus. $75-100

1-24. Director of the F.B.I. remarks on a Pre-Covid Bug.

T.L.S. of F.B.I. chief J. Edgar Hoover, on his personal stationery, signed “Edgar,” June 8, 1971. 7 x 9 1/2. To Mrs. Edward Fenton, Huntington, N.Y., addressing her by nickname “Gamby.” “...greatly appreciate your kind remarks...Please tell Edward that I did receive your message...In the extreme press of business I was not able to return it. It was indeed kind of you both to remember my Anniversary in this manner. I am glad that the bug that has laid you low is now gone and hope you are both feeling hale and hearty. If you do get to Washington later this month, I hope my schedule will permit me to have the pleasure of seeing you.” V.F. • With envelope, printed cornercard “Director....” Some postal wear, coffee cup(?) stain, else V.G. $50-70 (2 pcs.)

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2. Colonial & Revolutionary War

 

2-1. Relic of Fort Ticonderoga.

Highly attractive hand-forged iron hook, colonial to Revolutionary War period, dug within walls of Fort Ticonderoga by well-known archæologist, collector, and dealer Frank Kravic, probably in 1970s. Flat facets, descending to hand-worked chevron arrows to resist pulling from wood or earthworks, terminating in dull point. 4 7/8” length, 1 5/8” maximum width. Primitive but high-grade metallurgy for the eighteenth century; presumed cleaned, else rich multi-tone dark chocolate, and about fine. Captured by the Americans just weeks after the action at Lexington and Concord, the taking of Ticonderoga has been credited to Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen, among others. Though called “the Gibraltar of America,” it was retaken by the British in 1777; “American military leaders on the ground realized that Ticonderoga was impossible to defend...”--Boatner. Splendid conversation piece. $60-85

2-2. Knife Found around the old Scalp Point, N.Y.

Moderately large handmade iron belt knife, c. 1750-1780, excavated in Crown Point area by archæologist Frank Kravic, probably in 1970s. 9 1/4” long, 1 1/8” maximum width, long feather style. Some scaling and thinning from some two centuries of weathering, tortoise-shell browns, else very satisfactory and suitable for display. Kravic markings in white paint, as often done by archæologists, “CP / NY....” White string-tied label, in Kravic’s hand in red, “...Crown Point / N.Y. Collection.” About 7 miles from Ticonderoga, Crown Point - originally named Pointe à la Chevelure (Scalp Point) - was a strategic stop en route from New York to Canada. Once proposed as capital of the territory under the French, it was captured by the Green Mountain Boys in 1775. The ruins of the forts are preserved today. $90-120

2-3. Flintlock and Musket Balls from area of Lafayette’s Headquarters.

Trio of dug relics in envelope labeled “Flintlock pistol ball, flattened .69 calibre musket ball, & full round .69 cal. musket ball. Tent area between Oak Hill residence & herb garden. One digging. / Gen. Lafayette’s Rev. War headquarters, Wayne, N.J.,” thus mid-1778. Envelope dated in pencil 7-(19)88 (much worn), its reference number H-378 suggesting these artifacts were fruits of a larger archæological project. Eggshell white with pale bluish marbling. First and third items with three chips in all, likely from firing, else all very fine and clean. Only 19 years of age when he came to America, Lafayette was “motivated by romantic ideas of the American revolt...thirsting for la gloire...(He) spoke only a few words of English and had never heard a shot fired in anger...”--Boatner. These things changed, of course, and in the years and decades to come, he became a hero. In his 1824 tour of America, he was met by “demonstrations of frenzied enthusiasm without precedent or parallel in American history...”--Monaghan. $55-80 (3 pcs.)

2-4. An Essential Item in a Colonial Cupboard.

Original early American horn cup, 1 gill, rum measure. Revolutionary War period or earlier. 3 3/4” maximum height, 1 3/4 x 2 1/4 diameter across top. Old bright red glazed wax on underside, as a sealant against leakage; some crumbling around periphery, but about 80% intact. Two small period holes at top, for suspension. Lovely naturally mottled tortoise-shell tones, from almond to deep caramel. Light wear, else fine. From an old collection, originally found in N.H. Wonderful conversation piece, displaying nicely. $65-85

2-5. Petit Colonial Powder Horn.

Delightful small early American priming powder horn. Revolutionary War period or earlier. Four round-head brass finishing nails at base. Hand-fashioned wooden thumbscrew-style plug to open. 3 1/4” maximum height, 1 1/4” base diameter, tapering to 3/4” at top. Some superficial smoothing of horn along about 1/3 of lower circumference, where held by user, as the plug was removed with his other hand. Varied patination, from dirty blonde to deepest mahogany brown-black. One concave recess, perhaps a natural imperfection, else good. No patriot or frontiersman would be without this essential. From an old collection, originally found in N.H. $60-80

2-6. Colonial Snuff Box.

Charming handcrafted snuff box, 18th century style, original ebony-lacquered papier mâche. 2 1/4 high, 3 1/4 wide, pancaked egg shape, with hinged lid. Working squeeze-to-open pinlock mechanism. Containing wood mortise and dispenser, with onlay. Very minor crackling and flaking of lacquer, mostly around lock and on dome, else satin-finish patination and fine. A quintessential accoutrement in the age of independence, appearances of the snuff box in art, literature, and even motion pictures set in the eighteenth century cementing its iconic status. Splendid display. $150-250

2-7. Pair of Flint Strikers.

Two early American flint strikers, one made from a worn file. Rev. War period or earlier. Each 3” long. Elongated “C” style, one with loop. One with patination of surface corrosion; repurposed file with some brighter metal. Both fascinating examples of American pre-industrial hand craftsmanship. From an old collection, originally found in N.H. $75-90 (2 pcs.)

2-8. Eighteenth-Century Pocket Knives.

Two early American pocket knives, different styles, both with interesting construction: 3 7/8” long. Hand-forged brass cup washers shrouding iron nails. Turned finial at end of hardwood body. Blade bent about 1/32”, tip not quite dropping into channel, moderate use, else original surfaces and good plus. • 4” long, scythe-shaped blade nesting in matching-contour body. Some reflective gloss on simple carved “speed lines”; blade with thunder-grey bluing, cutting edge bright. Small hook for suspension. 1” torsion crack in wood emanating from a nail, else about V.G., with honest use and character for display. From old collection, originally found in N.H. $130-180 (2 pcs.)

2-9. When New York protected the public’s money: An Audit Uncovering £1 Shortfall.

Manuscript document, “held at the City Hall...,” N.Y.C., Aug. 10, 1724. 6 x 8 1/4. Those present: “Robert Walker, Esq., Mayor; Francis Harison, Recorder; Hermanus Vangolder and Frederick Philipse, Aldermen.” Col. Robert Lurting and Capt. Ebenezer Willson as auditors, implored “to make their Report to this Court with all Convenient Expedition.” On verso, their signed finding, of shortfall of £1.18.10. Deckled edge, browned along horizontal fold, small nibble at blank right corner, else about very good. Philipse was said to have been, at one point, the richest man in Old New York (and his wife the richest woman). New York City streets are named for Walker and Lurting. $55-75

2-10. “High Sherriff of the City of N.Y.”

Three related manuscript documents, N.Y.C. Mayor’s Court, Dec. 20, 1728. Datelines at top possibly in Dutch. Henry Beekman, “high Sherriff of the City of N.Y. Complaines against John Hyer, cooper,” and William Hyer, cordswainer, regarding £10 debt; also spelled Heyer in second document. Each 1 p., 7 1/2 x 12. “Current money of the province of N.Y., which to him he oweth, and from him he unjustly detaineth....” Each browned, brittle, cleanly separated at center folds, and split at others, else more than satisfactory. Darkly penned and displayable once positioned within a protector or on a mat. • With: N.Y.C. Mayor’s Court, Sept. 28, 1706, Joseph Ishmail vs. Richard Thomas, unpaid debt. 1 p., 7 1/2 x 12. In coppery brown ink, a trifle light but as penned, on lovely cream. Three deckled edges, interesting watermark. Dust-toned on filing panel on verso, else fine. • Mayor’s Court, Aug. 16, 1724, Lawrence Garaner vs. Bacock, unpaid debt. 1 p., 7 1/2 x 12 1/4. Uniform sand toning, folds starting, but sound, darkly penned, and about fine. $90-130 (5 pcs.)

2-11. Rum and “Strong Waters” from “His Majesty’s Plantations in America.”

Printed Act of George II, (1742), essentially establishing a modern free trade zone to “...to impower the Importers or Proprietors of Rum or Spirits of the British Sugar Plantations to land the same before Payment of the Duties...,” 7 1/2 x 12 1/4, (8) pp. Woodcut on p. 1 of battle scene, showing swordsmen clashing. Specifying “...Duties...upon all Strong Waters, Brandy, Spirits, or Aqua Vitæ, imported from beyond the Seas...in ready Money...Rum or Spirits of the Growth or Manufacture of His Majesty’s Plantations in America....” Stipulating that “Rums &c. landed without a Warrant shall be forfeited,” with “one half to the King, the other to the Informer...,” casks to be marked, and other terms. Similar London warehouses continue to this day for storage of physical silver and other commodities. First leaf separated, old English library stamp on p. 3, else fresh and excellent. Very scarce. $55-80

2-12. The Bible of a Patriot Massacred by “Tories & Indians” in the Revolution.

A chilling item: Heavy, incomplete New Testament Bible, printed 1767, bearing following inscription in a florid period hand on verso of title page: “Elias Roberts who was owner of this Book, Departed this Life July 3rd A.D. 1778 / In the 52d year of his Age, Being inhumanly Massacred by a Number of Torys & Indians on the Susquehanna Settlements.” Roberts was conspicuous among those killed in the horrid Wyoming Valley, Penna. massacre at old Forty Fort. Penned on inside board in old hand on remnant of endpaper: “His Book / Bought May ye...Susanah....” Printed by Mark Baskett, “Printer to the King’s most Excellent Majesty...,” London, 1767, 8 x 10, unpaginated but about 3” thick, incomplete (and possibly very much so). Original chocolate-brown rigid fiberboard covers, detached, much worn, with rounded corners. First 46 pp., including fateful inscription, miraculously intact as a disbound segment and generally very good; next third of Bible shaken, some leaves loose and marginally tattered, smaller number with internal tears and defects; balance of two-thirds of Bible rebound, from Psalm 93 to Daniel (lacking text thereafter), with ancient, heavy braided rope. Offered with all faults, the value and interest deriving from its provenance. An early settler of Bristol, Conn., Elias Roberts and his son emigrated to Pennsylvania’s Wyoming Valley with other Connecticut Yankees. Roberts was killed in the 1778 massacre, but his son, sick at the time with fever, was one of the few to survive. “An Indian came into his room and brandishing a tomahawk was about to kill him; something in (Thomas Roberts’) helpless condition appealed even to the heart of a savage, and he helped the sick man to escape....” Making his way back to Bristol, news of the atrocities had reached the town before his arrival. One can only imagine the shocking scene, when “one evening while the family were at supper, Thomas appeared at the door. Emaciated, sick and alone, he had endured the hardships of flight to face his family with the dread news of their father’s death. Elias Roberts was father of Gideon...one of the pioneers in the clock business in Bristol. Those Yankee clocks are known now all over the world.”--The Historical Record of Wyoming Valley..., Vol. 7, p. 22. Wyoming Valley remained a subject of controversy between Conn. and Penna. until 1800. • With book, Indian Horrors or, Massacres by the Red Men, by Henry Davenport Northrop, 1893, 600 pp., pictorial grey cloth with all-over lurid scenes of Indian atrocities, stamped in gold and black. Including content and full-p. woodcut of Wyoming Massacre. “Being a Thrilling Narrative of Bloody Wars with Merciless and Revengeful Savages, including a full account of the daring deeds and tragic death of the world-renowned Chief, Sitting Bull, with startling descriptions of fantastic ghost dances, mysterious medicine men, desperate Indian braves, scalping of helpless settlers...A fascinating history of the Indians from discovery of America to the present time....” Full-page plates on cream enamel, variously printed in rhodamine red or forest green; additional woodcuts. Prefatory photograph of Chiefs Standing Bear and Plenty Scalps. One of the most dramatic cover treatments of the late nineteenth century we recall, intended to grab attention on bookshop shelves. Shelf and corner wear, 1/4” horizontal tear at lower portion of cloth spine, average wear at head and tail of spine, text uniformly toned, but cover displayable, and generally good. $250-325 (2 pcs.)

2-13. Text of Washington’s First Communiqué mentioning the new Declaration – on July 10.

Two volume set, Official Letters to the Honorable American Congress, Written, during the War between the United Colonies and Great-Britain, by his Excellency George Washington, Commander in Chief of the Continental Forces, now Pres. of the United States. Samuel Campbell, N.-Y.: 1796. 4 1/2 x 7 1/2, 296 + 311 pp., sprinkled edges. In fresh 3/4 brown-black fine leather bindings, judged c. 1970s based on identification of watermarked endleaves, bright gilt tooling, red spine label, forest-green ribbed boards; the signatures perhaps remaining unbound up to that time, as they are crisp, with only random leaves in Vol. I with foxing. Stamped on blank flyleaf, “C(arlos) A. Waite, U.S. Army,” a Mexican and Civil War hero, serving some 44 years in the Army. An important compilation, beginning 1775, and including Washington’s missives of July 3, 4, 5, 8, and 10, 1776, and continuing to Dec. 1778. Mention of the momentous happenings in Philadelphia do not appear til his letter of July 10, 1776: “I perceive that Congress have been employed in deliberating on measures of the most interesting nature...Agreeable to the request of Congress, I caused ‘The Declaration’ to be proclaimed before all the army under my immediate command...The measure seemed to have their most hearty assent....” Horizontal overfold in leaves of Vol. I, softening to a debossed channel, apparently occurring on press, then impressed further into book under pressure when press-sheets folded; green paper boards with some darkening, else overall very fine. Scarce, with added ownership association: Waite was severely wounded in the Mexican War; two months before Fort Sumter, he assumed command of Dept. of Texas, when Twiggs, his pro-Southern predecessor, surrendered to the Confederacy. In a chain of events culminating in Gov. Sam Houston declining to follow Twiggs, all of Waite’s Texas officers were taken P.O.W. at their San Antonio headquarters in Apr. 1861. Lincoln offered 50,000 men to Waite - to keep Texas in the Union, and to Houston - to help him regain his governorship. Thus ended the public career of one of the foremost men in Texas history, and the demise of Dept. of Texas, til recreated after the war. Retired in 1864, Waite was posthumously breveted Brig. Gen.; he could certainly identify with the long odds faced by the subject of the present books – George Washington. A quintessential item for a Founding of America collection. $450-600 (2 vol. set)

2-14. A Black Patriot who Served on both Land and Sea – and at Valley Forge.

Partly printed pay order for black soldier and sailor James Columbus, here for his service “in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army, the Sum of £11.2...paid to him...in Gold or Silver, or Bills of Credit...on or before (June 1), 1785....” Conn. Treasury-Office, June 1, 1780, 4 1/4 x 7 1/2, signed by J. Lawrence, Treasurer. Variously signed by verso by J. Lawrence, Saml. Lawrence, Wm. Lawrence, R. Butler, and Jno. Jeffery, for interest received annually from 1781 to 1788; further interest paid 1789 penned vertically on front, in pink. Understandable wear along vertical fold but holding, some edge nicks, edge fray along blank right margin, usual hole cancel, here thoughtfully placed at lower left, far from Columbus’ name; pleasing toning, and good. Splendid for display. Documents relating to black soldiers in the Revolution have always been sought after, not only for their scarcity but also for the subtexts and backstories that can sometimes be discovered. James Columbus – perhaps taking the name of the explorer – was among the very few blacks to serve both on land and sea in the war. Listed as black in the definitive work-in-progress on the subject, Forgotten Patriots - African-American and American Indian Patriots in the Revolutionary War, published by D.A.R., p. 274, their source Fire Cake and Water: The Connecticut Infantry at the Valley Forge Encampment, by Boyle. Enlisting in Mar. 1777, Columbus’ substantial file in the National Archives - 73 pages long - shows him “On board ship” by July (full copy accompanies on CD). He was back on land with the 5th Conn. in time for Washington’s winter encampment at Valley Forge, and is listed at ValleyForgeMusterRoll.org (modern copy accompanies; his name recorded as “Pvt. Jeames Collumbus,” evidently mangled by a semi-literate clerk). Taken prisoner in Apr. 1778, and not released til August, in 1781 Columbus’ company “marched to the South(w)ard [the Yorktown campaign], under the command of the Marquise la Fayette”--The Record of Conn. Men in the Military and Naval Service During the War of the Revolution..., Johnston, p. 352. Serving in the storied 2nd and 5th Conn. Regts., records show Columbus serving with a host of other black soldiers whose names are recognized by historians, including Jack Congo (on the very line above Columbus--Johnston, p. 197), Cash Affrica, Pink Clark, Caesar Fiddler, et al. Curiously, he also seems to have briefly served in the 1st Maryland. With CD containing over 16 MB of research files, including avenues not yet fully plumbed, such as his possible service under Alexander Hamilton in Virginia. Acquired in first half of 1970s, and off market since. Black pay orders have become more elusive in recent years; a major private collection of some 200 names (in which Columbus is lacking) was recently acquired by Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, removing a very large block of material from entering the market again. Columbus’ exceptional resume of land and sea service, his capture, presence at Valley Forge, and march under Lafayette form a rich tapestry. $2900-4000 (with research files)

2-15. Mission Impossible – 1778.

Manuscript receipt headed “Schooner Spy,” this crossed out and “Sloop Dolphin” written above, Norwich (Conn.), June 3, 1778, about 3 3/4 x 8 irregular. (The “fine sloop” Dolphin had previously been British, captured the previous year on Long Island Sound by the Spy.) Signed by Elijah Bliss, “To 21 Meals Victuals to Z(efe)niah Hatch & Cornelius Savage...£1.11.6... Recd. the contents of Jabez Perkins.” Hatch was “a sea-captain and traded with the West Indies...”--untitled but older family history imaged at wikitree.com. Savage had been a Pvt. in 3rd Conn. Regt., 3rd Co.; modern research reveals he also served on land with Mohegan Indian soldier Simeon Chichoy (also recorded with other spellings), and Amos Qui, almost certainly black or Indian (and unlisted in Forgotten Patriots....) Docketed “Elijah Bliss bill / Schooner Spy...,” this left uncorrected. A modern, privately-printed monograph recounts the reason for one vessel being crossed out in this document: “The Conn. Council of Safety planned to send the schooner Spy to the West Indies in the Spring of 1778...in company with the sloop Dolphin, to procure a cargo of barrel staves, hoops and lard. But the plans were abruptly altered and the Dolphin made the trip alone...caused by receipt of an emergency message from the Maritime Committee of the Continental Congress, which called on Conn. to provide ‘a suitable packet to carry dispatches to France’...”--Naval History of Fairfield County (Conn.) Men in the Revolution - A Tale Untold, by Elsie Danenberg, Fairfield Historical Society, 1977. The meals for sailors aboard the Dolphin are reflected on the present document. Such privateers were noted for their flair - and success; in the previous year, the value of property captured by American mariners had reached nearly $1 million. The “important mission” of the diverted Spy: to deliver “the ratified copy of the peace treaty with France into the hands of a grateful Benjamin Franklin.” Lightest toning at left edge, else fresh and excellent, and lovely for display. Unusual association with Indian (and possibly black) soldiers. Modern research accompanies. $225-300

2-16. Celebrated Revolutionary War Almanack.

Bickerstaff’s Boston Almanack, “For the Year of our Redemption, 1779, (B)eing the Third Year of American Independence...Calculated by Benjamin West, Esq., A Student in Astronomy at Providence.” Printed by E. Russell, “Danvers, near Boston.” 4 x 7, (24) pp. Charmingly comingled within weather forecasts are anniversaries of important events of the Revolution to date: Jan. 2, “Battle at Princetown, 1777”; Mar. 17, “British Army drove from Boston, 1776”; Apr. 19, “Battle Lexington, 1775”; July 4, “Independence declared, 1776.” Beginning of lengthy poem on pp. 12-16, “from an ingenious Manuscript, lodged in the hands of the Publisher, entitled, ‘America Invincible’”; the poem was continued in almanacks of 1780-83. “As the present difficulty of procuring paper will prevent a large edition, those Gentlemen who are desirous of subscribing for the above ingenious Poem, are requested to leave their names....” List of “Roads to the principal Towns on the Continent from Boston; with the names of those who keep the best houses of entertainment,” showing foremost tavern in each place. Ancient thread, edge chipping, loss only of part of second (and third?) lines of imprint on p. 1, light mocha patination from handling, else complete and satisfactory. In handsome tri-flap slipcase, custom-made in early 1970s, title and rules gold-stamped on red cloth, lovely multicolor fishscale lining, the slipcase as new. Early American Imprints, First Series, 16166. Nichols p. 60. Morrison p. 56. OCLC 270545133. No copies on abebooks. RareBookHub locates only four copies at auction: an incomplete example in 2013, and others in 1975, 1915, and 1906. Of utmost rarity on the market. $3800-5400

2-17. Including Pay Order to a 3-Day Soldier in the Revolution.

Interesting variety collection of 9 Revolutionary War pay orders for war supplies and wages, each with its own story. Comprising 8 manuscript and 1 partly printed, Conn., 1779-83, all but one war date (the latest May 1, 1783, for attending court martial at New London as a witness in 1782). Including two bearing the same date, Aug. 13, 1781 (one on seldom-seen mint-green paper). 3 1/2 x 7 1/2 to 6 1/2 x 8 1/4. 33 signatures in all, including two signed by James Church, two by (Maj. Gen. Jedidiah) Huntington, two by Hez(ekiah) Rogers, one boldly countersigned by Oliv(er) Wolcott, Jr. as auditor, one by Saml. Woodbridge (on verso), three by Sam Wyllys, et al. Huntington wintered with Washington at Valley Forge. Rogers served as Huntington’s aide-de-camp, later a signer of constitution of Conn. Wolcott became Washington’s Secretary of Treasury, following Alexander Hamilton. Woodbridge served a total of three days in the Revolution - in the Lexington Alarm; here he signs for £2,000, evidently providing supplies to the Connecticut Line, said to have been Washington’s favorite. Wyllys commanded a regiment at the Siege of Boston, later succeeding his loyalist father’s 66-year term as Secretary of Conn. Group with pleasing rich cream toning, light handling, else very good to fine. • Document signed by Russel Chapel, 1780, “Please to deliver Capt. Zulmon Reed the Securities due to me for Balance of my past Services of his. Recei(p)t shall be yr. Discharge.” In 1775, Pvt. Chapel served five months in Northern Dept.; five years later, he still had not been fully paid. Trimmed at the time to irregular shape, and two apparently unrelated signatures erased (with a dull knife) to reuse paper for the present content! Some toning, else good. One of the more overt examples of Revolutionary War adversity paper we have seen, far more common in Confederate usage. A curated assemblage, perfect for display or teaching. $240-300 (9 pcs.)

2-18. Prelude to the Summer of ‘76: an Order for “Lead and Powder.”

A.L.S. of (Col.) Matthew Talcott, “Committe(e) for working the Mine,” Middletown (Conn.), Jan. 29, 1776, 4 1/2 x 7 1/2. “I was Lately with his hon(or) the Governor [Trumbull], for Powder to use in The Lead Mine and he said he would give verbal orders for three hundred...to Receive which I have sent the Caire [sic] hereof Mr. Tho. Danforth by whom Pleas(e) to Send the Lead and Powder....” A.D.S. on verso of Thomas Danforth, the renowned colonial pewterer, Norwich, Jan. 31, 1776, itemizing four casks of powder with prices: “Recd. of Jabez Huntington four Casks powder, which I promise to carry to Middletown & there deliver to Mat(t)hew Talcott. The Wait [weight] of sd. powder is 336 pounds....” Docketed “Colo. Mw. Talcott / order for powder, Jan. 29, 1776....” Danforth was patriarch of one of colonial America’s foremost families of pewterers. His Norwich shop, opened c. 1733, offered pewter and other metal tableware. His son, Thomas II, “is often called Connecticut’s most important pewterer not only for his exemplary skills, but also for his training of apprentices...”--dar.org. • Talcott, son of a previous Gov. of Conn., was a sea captain and ship owner, and by May 1775 a Lt.-Col. of the 6th Conn. Regt. At the time of this letter, he had advanced to Col.; in the Summer of ‘76, he commanded the 23rd Regt. in the campaign around New York. Talcott resigned that Fall, perhaps because of his age, 63. • Jabez Huntington, scion of the eponymous Puritan family, became “owner of a fleet of vessels which carried on trade with the West Indies. By 1774...there was grave danger of war with England. Jabez realized that if he chose the side of the colonies, it would involve the wrecking of his business, danger for his home, and separation from his mother country. Of his seven children, all bearing Biblical names, the eldest [future Maj. Genl.] Jedidiah...The father called this family about him. After an earnest prayer, he solemnly and firmly stated that he had decided to throw in his lot with the colonists...”--Founders and Leaders of Conn., Perry, 1934, pp. 274-275. Appointed in Dec. 1776, Jabez Huntington would become the top Maj. Gen. of the Conn. Militia. Minor showthrough of rich brown ink on verso, pleasing uniform cream toning, else fine and attractive. Danforth manuscript material is rare. $400-475

2-19. A Signer of New Hampshire’s own April 1776 “declaration” Oath.

Manuscript receipt, Concord, N.H., Mar. 4, 1782, 2 x 7 1/4, signed by Robert Ambrose, a locally prominent signer of New Hampshire’s own pre-July 1776 “declaration of independence.” Receipt for payment by Select Men of Concord “...for my Service as a Juror.” Termed the “Association Test,” in April of that year New Hampshire’s Committee of Safety issued the colony’s own “declaration” - in the form of a loyalty oath for males above 21, to “defend the liberties and properties of inhabitants of the United Colonies.” (“Lunatics, idiots, and Negroes” were excepted.) A surprisingly large number of N.H. loyalists refused to sign; after war’s end, they left for British territory, most migrating to New Brunswick. Ambrose was also active in Concord politics. Interesting list of Parish and tax sums on verso, together with doodling of a stone wall(?) by “Tim.” From papers of James, Abiel, and Hannah Walker. Minor toning at left and right margins, else fine. For the 1776 completist. $60-80

2-20. Too Little Too Late: Repealing the Stamp Act.

1776 printed repeal of George III’s earlier, incendiary “Act for charging a Stamp-duty upon Inland Bills of Exchange, Promissory Notes, or other Notes...and for granting new Stamp duties....“ 7 3/4 x 12 1/2, (12) pp. Eyre and Strahan, “Printers to the King’s most Excellent Majesty,” London: 1776. Detailed impression of arms on front page, flanked by lion and unicorn. The Stamp Act had been a major impetus to revolution by the Americans. Here amended to resume in Aug. 1783, applying to “every Piece of Vellum or Parchment, or Sheet or Piece of Paper...,” it would be rendered moot when the war ended in April of that year. Removed from bound volume; title leaf separated, several minor chips at blank edges of second leaf, some soft wrinkles first two leaves, else fine. • With, further discontinuance of duties on import of tallow, hogs-lard, and grease, from Mar. 1776 til Mar. 1779. 2 pp., single leaf. Very fine. First enacted by the British in 1765, the Stamp Act required tax stamps on newspapers, legal documents, pamphlets, playing cards, and other items. The Sons of Liberty promptly organized resistance throughout the colonies. The following year, Ben Franklin declared before the House of Commons that the Stamp Act cannot be enforced. Though it was repealed a month later, in its place came 1767’s hated Quartering Act, and the Townshend Revenue Act, placing duties on glass, painters’ colors, paper, and tea – and the fuse was lit. $130-170 (2 pcs.)

2-21. Killed with the Slave he had Freed - Fighting Traitor Benedict Arnold.

Significant manuscript pay order, Mar. 12, 1781, for Col. William Ledyard, the American commander soon killed in the one-sided massacre at Fort Griswold, Conn. that September, in the battle for New London. 6 3/4 x 8 1/2. Signed by Eleazer Wales, Sam Wyllys, and John Lawrence of Pay Committee; endorsed on verso by David Avery, also killed at the clash, fighting turncoat Benedict Arnold. Commanding a force of just 84 men - black and white - the story of Fort Griswold is chillingly told in a modern article:

“...Suffering heavy casualties against the overwhelming British numbers, Col. Ledyard and his remaining troops retreated to tiny Fort Griswold, equipped with only a few small cannons. The Americans eventually ran out of ammunition; and when the British charged the fort, the Americans used their rifles as clubs, fighting back the British with only bayonets and pikes. The British began scaling the walls of the fort; upon reaching the top, the British officer leading the attack – Major Montgomery – was speared and killed by black patriot Jordan Freeman. The British rushed over the walls and quickly overran the fort, overpowering the few remaining Americans.

“A British officer then asked the American prisoners, ‘Who commanded the fort?’ Colonel Ledyard replied, ‘I did once. You do now,’ and handed his sword to the British officer, as was customary with a surrender. The British officer then took Ledyard’s own sword and thrust it through Ledyard’s body all the way to the hilt.

“That act was witnessed by all the remaining Americans, including black patriot Lambert Latham. (When the flagpole of the fort had earlier been shot down by the British during the battle, Latham grabbed the American flag and held it high until he was captured.) Latham had stood silently with the other American prisoners, but upon witnessing the coldblooded murder of his commander, Nell records what next occurred: “Latham retaliated upon the [British] officer by thrusting his bayonet through his body. Latham, in return, received from the enemy thirty-three bayonet wounds, and thus fell, nobly avenging the death of his commander.” The British – angered by the loss of so many of their soldiers at the hands of so few Americans – promptly slaughtered all the remaining Americans left in the fort, including Jordan Freeman. Interestingly, Freeman had been a slave of Col. Ledyard, the commander of the fort, but had been freed by him. As a free man, Freeman had remained in the area and married. When the region came under attack from the British, Freeman chose to stay and fight for America side by side with the man who had once been his owner...”--“Erased from History: Black Patriots of the American Revolution,” Milwaukee Independent, 2017.

Benedict Arnold had personally ordered Ledyard’s brother, Ebenezer, taken hostage and carried away to New York. Signer Wales, a physician and minister, fought at Bunker Hill and Valley Forge. Wyllys was son of the Gov. of Conn. Old quarter-folds, else fresh and very fine. A story within a story, and a seminal item in the history of this dark episode of the Revolution. $250-325

2-22. “Salt Peter” for Connecticut’s Powder Mill – 1776.

A.D.S. of Elias Grave, Selectman (and officer in town militia), Guilford (Conn.), attesting to “a Quantity of Salt Peter [sic] offered for inspection by John Grave of Guilford (Conn.), the maker thereof...,” Dec. 30, 1776, 5 x 6 1/2, 1 full p., with additional endorsements on verso. “...366 weight is well and Carefully inspected and according to my Best judgment and Skill...pure, Clean and Dry, free from any Corrupt mixture...Salt Peter is Received for the use of this Colony....” At lower left, in hand of Eneas Munson, “Powder Mill, New Haven,” Jan. 23, 1777: “Reinspected the above Salt Petre & find its Quality as above Certified...” but only 363 1/2 lbs. On verso, statement of Isaac Doolittle, New Haven, Jan. 15, 1777, warranting salt petre to be dry. In 1776, Doolittle had been appointed Inspector of Firearms by Conn.’s General Assembly, and, with his business partners, made “large quantities of gun powder” (wikitree) at his mills; a clockmaker by trade, he designed important mechanical components for David Bushnell’s Turtle, the Americans’ Revolutionary War submarine! Statement in another hand, signed by salt petre’s maker John Grave, Feb. 4, 1777: “Recd. order on Treasurer in full of the within Salt petre...” based on the lower weight. With interesting modern research on Elias Grave and his service in the 1755 Crown Point expedition. Light wear at old quarter folds, short reinforcement on verso with archival tape, uniform wheat patina, smudge on “December” by Elias Graves’ hand, else very good. Brimming with Revolutionary War associations, “Salt Peter” and its various stylings appearing three times on front. $275-375

2-23. A Fifer of the Same Name.

Revolutionary War pay order, Conn., June 1, 1782, to “Mr. William Roberts.” Partly printed. Johnston’s index (Record of Conn. Men...1775-1783) lists only one William Roberts: a Cpl. in Judd’s Co., 1777-79, and a fifer, Jan. 1777 to end of war (p. 261), in the celebrated Col. Moses Hazen’s Regt., called “Congress’ Own.” Roberts was taken prisoner in Danbury Raid, 1777. This pay order’s prefix “Mr.” might suggest its recipient was the fifer; Johnston’s reference work has been reliable, but further research is desirable to positively attribute the Roberts here; pay orders to fifers are uncommon. Manuscript notations on verso showing interest payments to 1791. Typical hole cancellation. Top border lacking, as trimmed from press sheet; some fold wear, one large ink drop, else good. $45-65

2-24. Wages of Revolutionary War era “Chaplin,” Drummer, et al.

Unusual manuscript document listing wages of fourteen ranks, officers and enlisted men, from Col. to N.C.O.s in pounds. Including “Chaplin £25, Surge(o)n £25, Surgens matte [sic] £12, Drum(m)er £6.15....” N.d., but complete, large watermark of arms, with lamb(?) in lower left quadrant will shed light. 7 x 7 1/2. Pencil probably in hand of Charles Hamilton, c. 1980s, “Wages in Revol. Army, 65.00.” Ink stains at bottom edge, old folds, some toning and wear, else good plus, and displayable. Revolutionary War chaplain-related documents are very scarce, both American and British. $130-160

2-25. Wrappers to replace lost or burnt pay of Revolutionary War Soldiers – with Cash Affrica association.

Unusual group of six manuscript wrappers which once enclosed Conn. Treasurer’s pay notes to Revolutionary War soldiers, 1783-87, to replace documents lost or burned. Some with arithmetic and other notations. About 5 1/2 x 7 1/4 to 7 x 8. Including curious sheet addressed to James Wadsworth, Hartford, folded and repurposed as wrapper, marked in persimmon ink, “Treas(ure)r No. 7363, Daniel Durkee taken out of Bundle No. 1 before Oct. of 1787 for which duplicate note [not present] has been issued by Act of Assembly....” Probably the same Durkee who served in the 13th Conn. Regt. - joining the militia for just three weeks in 1776, in the New York campaign to aid Washington. “Canterbury” in pencil. • Wrapper, “The within note [not present] given to Moses Hall said to be lost and a Duplicate given by Act of Assembly taken from Bundle No. 14.” “Wallingford” in pencil. Moses Hall, Sr. apparently served the entire duration, first appearing in records as a Cpl. in 1775. • Receipt for “1 - £10 Note...In the name of Jonathan Hamil of Plainfield,” 1794. • Wrapper, penned both sides “Jabez Story, 1 Note 54.7.6...,” with arithmetic. Request by Story, “Sir, Send the oald Noat and two Surtificats [sic] For me....” • “Treasry. No. 114...given to Daniel Munro(e)...obtained by Act of Assembly a 2d Set of Notes representing the 1st Set was burnt...Taken from Bundle No. 3....” With arithmetic on verso. Munroe served in the Conn. Line, 1778-83; in 1781-83, his fellow soldiers in Capt. Chapman’s Co.. 2nd Regt., included black Pvts. Cash Affrica and James Columbus--Record of Conn. Men...During the War of the Revolution, Johnston, pp. 328, 352. The three traveled together to Capt. St. John’s Co., Conn. Light Infantry, which would be present at the siege of Yorktown. (Munroe is not listed in Forgotten Patriots..., though new names of black soldiers occasionally still come to light.) • “The within given to Edmund Forster said to be lost and a Duplicate...taken from Bundle No. 16.” Extensive arithmetic on verso, calculating interest “before 1782” and to 1788. Highly interesting. • With, detailed bill to keeper of Newgate prison, Conn., 1826, for newspaper advertisement giving “notice of the running away of four convicts from Newgate Prison, $1.25,” signed by publisher. Endorsement the following year, signed by Chas. Pond, possibly Prison Keeper. $150-200 (7 pcs.)

2-26. Two Signers on One Document.

Attractive manuscript document signed by two Signers of the Declaration, Roger Sherman and W(illiam) Williams, together with Oliver Ellsworth, Andrew Adams, Joseph Spencer, Jonathan Sturgis, and James Wadsworth, each beneath their names, receiving expense money. “Debenture of the Upper House of Assembly, May Sessions 1785,” (probably Hartford), Conn., 7 3/4 x 12 1/2, 1 1/2 pp., docketed. Also signed at conclusion by George Wyllys, “Secret(ar)y.” Not signing: Benjamin Huntington, Stephen M. Mitchell, William Hillhouse, Erastus Wolcott, and John Treadwell. Interesting (Liberty?) bell watermark. Sherman was the only Founding Father to sign all four foundational documents: the Articles of Association, Declaration, Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution. One of the Committee of Five, Sherman likely spent part of that long overnight on July 4 and 5, 1776 in Dunlap’s shop, “superintending and correcting the press” during printing of the Declaration, variously assisted by Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, and Robert Livingston. • Williams’ marriage to the daughter of Gov. “Brother Jonathan” Trumbull united two of Connecticut’s foremost families. “The little War Office in Lebanon (Williams’ hometown), in which were held over twelve hundred meetings of the Council of Safety, became a veritable workshop for the two devoted and self-effacing patriots...The little War Office, with its old-fashiond gambrel roof, fairly takes rank with the more magnificent Independence Hall in Philadelphia and Faneuil Hall in Boston as a cradle of Liberty...”--Founders and Leaders of Conn., Perry, pp. 243, 256-7. • Ellsworth, “the forgotten founding father” (--New England Historical Society), was delegate to both Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention, chairman of committee organizing Federal judiciary, and Washington’s Chief Justice of Supreme Court. Ironically, the only encyclopedia entry ever submitted by John F. Kennedy was his Britannica biography of Oliver Ellsworth. “In 1847, thirteen years before the Civil War, John Calhoun praised Ellsworth as the first three founding fathers (including Sherman and Paterson) who gave the United States ‘the best government instead of the worst and most intolerable on the earth.’”--The Life of..., Brown, 1905, pp. 164-5. • Andrew Adams was a delegate to Continental Congress, signer of Articles of Confederation, and nominally termed a Founding Father (though the definition remains highly subjective; the phrase was actually coined by Warren Harding!). • Joseph Spencer fought in French & Indian War, a delegate to Continental Congress, the first Brig. Gen. of Conn. troops upon the Lexington Alarm - and one of eight Brig. Gens. appointed by Congress to lead the American Army. Passed over for promotion to Maj. Gen., Spencer resigned; persuaded to return by William Williams et al, he would again resign in 1778. Indignant when Congress questioned his cancellation of an amphibious attack on Rhode Island upon compromise of his plans, Spencer demanded a court of inquiry - and was exonerated. • Jonathan Sturgis served in Congress 1786, and Congressman during Washington’s first term. His May 1776 letter to Washington, on his local Committee’s apprehension of Tories, and Washington’s reply, are published at the National Archives’ FoundersOnline. (George praised Sturgis: “...Your zeal & activity...is truly commendable...to root out...such abominable pests of Society....”) Sturgis oversaw 42 grandchildren and 63 great-grandchildren! • James Wadsworth was member of Committee of Safety, Maj. Gen. in Revolution, member Continental Congress 1784 – and opposed adoption of the new Constitution. • George Wyllys was Sec. (i.e. Gov.) of Conn., and scion of “the leading family in Hartford, if not in the colony...Five generations lived in the fine mansion built in 1636 on Wyllys Hill....” Uniformly toned to pleasing caramel, rich reddish-brown ink; lacking lower right tip, barely grazing last numeral on page, slight breaks but no separations at folds, else very good. A fascinating gathering. $675-900

2-27. A South Carolina Signer of the Declaration.

Conclusion of legal D.S. of South Carolina Signer Carter Braxton, Nov. 30, 1787, 3 3/4 x 7 1/4. N.p. but probably S.C. In clerical hand, “The Plaintiff in this Action being duly sworn maketh oath that the above account as stated against the defendant is just and true, that he hath received no part thereof, nor is indebted to the defendant in any other account whatever.” Braxton’s somewhat unique signature, beside “Seal” embellished with simple penwork. With attestation of Andrew Aggnew, with showthrough of two thickly drawn cancellation stripes on verso, ink erosion where emerging on front. Old vertical fold distant from Braxton’s signature, curious dark green descender from portion once above, some handling wear, old mounting on cream sheet, else very good plus. A contemporary of young Thomas Jefferson in Virginia’s House of Burgesses, Braxton began his fourteen-year term at age 25. “Credited with preventing bloodshed in the dispute between Gov. Dunmore and Patrick Henry’s militia over the seizure of colonial powder in the spring of 1775,” Braxton remains somewhat of a enigma: while a Signer, there are few references to him in the Journals of the Continental Congress”--Boatner. “The women of the blood of ‘King’ Carter (Braxton’s grandfather)... became the mothers and grandmothers of a most extraordinary number of distinguished men. It is hard to believe that pure chance should have made the five daughters of Carter (one of them Braxton’s mother) the ancestors of three Signers, three governors, and two Presidents”--Freeman in Boatner. $425-575

2-28. From Custom House to the Poor House.

Ironic partly printed form, “District of the City of New-York,” Oct. 20, 1795, 4 1/4 x 7 3/4, signed by former Revolutionary War General John Lamb, Collector, ruined by a customs caper. Also signed by John A. Hardenbrook, swearing to accurate count of all goods consigned to him by Samuel Marsh, Jr. of Hartford in ship Portland, arriving from Bristol, a notorious British slave-trading port. A New York wine merchant, Lamb became a leader of the Sons of Liberty after passage of the hated Stamp Act. After the Battle of Lexington and Concord in 1775, Lamb and Isaac Sears seized the military storehouse at Turtle Bay, today the site of the United Nations. Serving under Benedict Arnold, Lamb was wounded at Battle of Quebec, later commanding the artillery at West Point for two years. He was Officer of the Day when Washington fired the first cannon launching the siege of Yorktown. Praised by Washington, Lamb and his artillerymen fought with distinction through the war. A leading Anti-Federalist, Lamb collaborated with Patrick Henry and others opposing the Constitution. During his tenure as postwar Collector of Customs of Port of N.Y., a large shortage occurred, when his deputy embezzled tax revenue. Lamb was held responsible, resigned, sold his lands to cover the lost funds, and in 1800 died a poor man. Lacking semicircular portion at upper left, perhaps when paper seal was removed to cancel, affecting three printed characters; two bookworm holes in blank margin, some toning, deckled edges, else good plus. $160-220

2-29. Dressed as an Indian in the Boston Tea Party.

Attractive signature of Tho(mas) Melvill, an enduring icon of the Boston Tea Party, among those dressed as Indians, hurling tea into the water. A close friend of John Hancock and a Son of Liberty, Melvill fought at Bunker Hill, serving there as Gen. Warren’s aide and messenger. “A well-known and charismatic figure in Boston”--cbp.gov, and grandfather of Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick. Here signing beside printed “Naval Officer,” his actual title in the Customs Collection District of Boston and Charleston, to which he was appointed by Madison in 1814. 3/4 x 3 1/2. Album mounting remnants on verso, two glue spots away from signature, flattened fold through initial “T,” else about fine and suitable for display. Scarce. $110-140

2-30. Signed Twice by Secretary of the Top-Secret Loyal Nine, and a Planner of Boston Tea Party.

Attractive partly printed D.S. twice by John Avery, an unheralded member of the colonial rabble-rousers The Loyal Nine and Sons of Liberty, here signing as Sec. of Mass.; also signed by Gov. Caleb Strong. Boston, Dec. 13, 1802, 9 x 14 1/2. Large petalled paper seal. Demonstrating how elections were conducted in early Federal America: Certifying the votes for a Congressman, by citizens of Greenwich, “Hampshire North District,” Mass. Instructions required an “open Town-Meeting, sort and count the votes, and form a list of the persons voted for...seal up the said list, certified by you, and transmit...to Sec. of this Commonwealth, within 14 days....” Of thirteen candidates, the victor, Col. Hugh McClallen, garnered 508 votes, but three received just 1 vote each, with Benjamin Smith not far behind, at 2 votes. Old folds, moderate wear from considerable handling, but still pleasing for display, and good plus. The first Sec. of Commonwealth of Mass., Avery had been Deputy Sec. of the Province of Mass. Bay under Sam Adams. Shrouded in secrecy, Avery was one of nine patriots forming The Loyal Nine in 1765. Operating clandestinely, little is known of the group, leaving little in a paper trail. Avery - a distiller by trade - was the group’s Sec.; fellow members included Sam Adams’ cousin Henry Bass, printer of the Boston Gazette Benjamin Edes, and others. The Loyal Nine “incited, organized, and managed mob rule in the streets of Boston to protest the Stamp Act. These patriot mobs used tactics of fear, force, intimidation, and violence...and targeted pro-Stamp Act supporters...hanging effigies of public officials...They are credited with establishment of the Liberty Tree in Boston’s Hanover Square...”--accompanying modern research. Merging with the Sons of Liberty, of which Sam Adams is often credited as founder and leader, and Paul Revere a collaborator, Avery was present at the first meeting to plan the Boston Tea Party (though he is not proven to have participated; many who destroyed the tea took the secret of their participation with them). Rich association. $130-180

2-31. “The Irish in the American Revolution....”

Two books: The Irish in the American Revolution, and their Early Influence in the Colonies, by James Haltigan, pub. by Patrick J. Haltigan, Washington, D.C.: 1908. 6 x 9, 619 pp. + 10 index. Green cloth with black leather tips, green clover endpapers. Preliminary glossy plate with crossed Hibernian and American flags, in red, blue, green, yellow, and metallic gold. Frontispiece of George Washington with tissue guard. Plates on enamel of Commodore John Barry, Gens. Montgomery, Sullivan, Knox, Wayne, and Charles Carroll of Carrollton, and Charles Thomson. Extensive treatment of the Irish in each of the colonies; chapters on “the Irish race” in Continental Congress; lengthy discussions of Irish in major battles and campaigns of the Revolution, and more. In closing, “...The Irishmen of the present day are still marked by these sterling qualities, and they may be depended upon through all future generations to fight....” Ex-lib numbers on spine (only). Tear at spine covering, easily reglued, bump at lower right corner of last 20 or so pp., hinges worn inside and out but holding; internally fine and clean, and in all, good plus. Essential for the researcher. • With, An Ecclesiastical History of Ireland, “from the Introduction of Christianity...to the Commencement of the Thirteenth Century,” by Rt. Rev. P.J. Carew, Philadelphia: Eugene Cummiskey, 1838. 5 1/2 x 8 3/4, 437 pp., original full calf, black spine label. Covers detached, shelf wear, spine label a bit chipped and requiring regluing; internally, light foxing at lower half, uniform ivory toning. In all, a satisfactory reading copy, easily upgraded upon basic conservation. $120-150 (2 pcs.)

2-32. Pocket Edition of Franklin’s Autobiography.

Petit book, The Life of the late Dr. Benjamin Franklin, written by himself. Boston: 1830. 3 3/4 x 6, 98 pp., black ornamental frame on olive-green paper over boards, plain linen spine. Woodcut frontispiece of a young Franklin deep in thought, at table with seven men and women, teapot in center. Inner front hinge open, moderate foxing throughout, cover waterstained, but evidently much enjoyed by an admirer. Printed around the English-speaking world, this Boston printing is surprisingly rare on the market. $45-65

2-33. Indicting American Behavior after Independence.

British anti-American tract, “American Encroachments on British Rights,” by Nathaniel Atcheson. London: 1808. In two installments, (66) + (40) pp. 5 1/4 x 8 1/4. Detailed “Observations on the importance of the British North American Colonies...Mr. Baring’s Examination, and a defence of the Shipping Interest...factious conduct in their opposition to the American Intercourse Bill.” Decrying effect of American conduct since independence on “the King’s West-India settlements.” Disbound from larger volume, occasional minor edge defects, some leaves shaken, else internally about fine. Very scarce. $75-100

2-34. Unusual Pacifist Pamphlet on Evils of the Revolution.

Early anti-war tract, “Evils of the Revolutionary War,” (attributed to Charles King Whipple by Cushing), New England Non-Resistance Society, Boston, 1839. 4 x 6 1/4, 16 pp. “What, all war wrong? Yes, says the Peace man. Then the war which gained American Independence, our glorious Revolutionary war, was wrong! It was...You take it for granted...that we could never have freed ourselves from British domination, except by war...We should have attained independence...if we had not resorted to arms....” Arguing that a pacific policy, and greater spirituality, would have proven victorious, without the asserted loss of 100,000 lives in the Revolution. Dark coffee(?) stain at upper left most leaves, blank top margin probably trimmed when bound in plain cream wrapper, with bold marker “Evils - Revolutionary War...,” else good. WorldCat records only one example, at American Antiquarian Society. RareBookHub finds no copies at auction or in dealer catalogues, 1860-present. Sabin 103300. $85-110

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3. Colonial & Revolutionary War Currency

 

– Fresh to the market, from an established collection acquired intact prior to 1975 –

In early 1777, $1.25 in Continental currency would buy $1 in gold or silver coins.
By Jan. 1781, it would take $100 in Continentals to buy the same dollar’s gold or silver.
Hence, the popular expression, “Not worth a Continental.”


3-1. $1/6 Continental Currency.

Feb. 17, 1776. Friedberg CC-19. With Ben Franklin’s woodcut, “Mind Your Business,” on front, and Fugio-style circular links on verso. Six-digit no. very light but evidently 553352. Pane C. Signed by Ben Jacobs in rich brown, important patriot in colonial Pennsylvania (but not Jewish, “that theory debunked several years ago”--Stack’s Bowers Aug. 2021 ANA Auction, at Lot 20030). Lacking moderately large piece of upper right corner, other corners rounded, much circulation wear, reverse design barely visible, though certainly a very light impression from the outset. The first note we recall handling bearing Jacob’s signature. PMG Very Good 10. One of the more valuable of all Continental notes (notwithstanding condition). $400-525

3-2. Higher Grade $2/3 Continental Currency.

Feb. 17, 1776. Friedberg CC-22. With Ben Franklin’s woodcut, “Mind Your Business,” on front, and Fugio-style circular links on verso. No. 384695. Pane B. Signed by B. Brannan in Concord-grape maroon. Printer’s trim at left vertical into border, else fresh, the slight uniform darkening judged from rub against other printed sheets when ink still wet, and with eye appeal. PMG Choice Uncirculated 63. Only four finer in PMG Population Report. The most recent example in this grade at Stacks Bowers sold for 5520.00 in Mar. 2020. $4400-5000

3-3. $7 Continental Currency.

May 20, 1777. Friedberg CC-68. Circular woodcut, “Serenabit,” depicting small village amidst rolling hills. Tree motif on verso was among the “nature print designs popularized by Ben Franklin”--Friedberg. No. 88390. Signed by Geo. Hopes and Jno. Biers, both in mid-brown. Several long blue strands, a telltale signature of Ivy Mills, the Chester, Pa. maker of paper for Continental and some Penna. currency. Trace of horizontal fold, apparently once wet, imparting burled appearance, mounting hinge toning at four corners on reverse, but still a charismatic example. PMG Very Fine 25, “previously mounted.” The second most valuable of the eleven series of Continentals. $375-450

3-4. $7 Continental Currency – Rare “York-town” Note.

Apr. 11, 1778. Friedberg CC-74. Circular woodcut, “Serenabit,” depicting small village amidst rolling hills. Tree motif on verso was among the “nature print designs popularized by Ben Franklin”--Friedberg. No. 78130. Signed by J. Garregins in purplish brown, and V. Franck in coffee-and-cream. Gentle undulation along top horizontal edge, likely from cutting by printer from press-sheet; two tips rounded, two square; small amber touches at four corners on reverse, where once lightly mounted, else a superior example of a rare type. An especially crisp impression, the delicate artwork in border and on reverse displaying its intricate detail. PMG Extremely Fine 40, “previously mounted.” Fifteen other examples all grades in PMG Population Report. $1200-1450

3-5. One Shilling & Six-Pence Connecticut Currency.

June 19, 1776. Friedberg CT-209, as Nine Pence. Circular type within square woodcut, “Connecticensis Sigillum Colon,” enclosing three stylized Charter Trees. Printed by Timo(thy) Green, New London, whose press was regaled in over a century of scholarship as the first printing press in America, until a single letter was found in archives in the 1960s with a fleeting, contrary statement. No. 15357. Signed by T. Hamlin in light plum, and on reverse, “Registered / J. Porter, Compt(roller).” Never folded. Upper right corner diced into tips of printed border, and trivial evidence of acute-angle cuts at two lower tips, all likely from printer’s hand-separation beyond stroke of his scissors; some tortoise-shell mottling, impression a bit lean. PMG Uncirculated 62, “corner tip missing.” $275-350

3-6. Connecticut Currency: Three Denominations from the same Series.

Oct. 11, 1777. Three, Four, and Five Pence. Friedberg CT-215, 216, and 217. All high condition, and almost certainly signed and numbered on the same day. On so-called blue paper, in fact here a mossy-green-grey, sometimes seen on a few eighteenth century newspapers. Circular type with variant square woodcut, “Connecticut / October,” here with one Charter Oak only. Probably printed by Timo(thy) Green, New London, whose press was regaled in over a century of scholarship as the first printing press in America, until a single letter was found in archives in the 1960s with a fleeting, contrary statement. Comprising: 3p, no. 31391. Wide 1/2” bottom margin, with deckle edge. One iron gall spot in center. PMG Choice Uncirculated 63, “minor stains.” • 4p, no. 31379. Wide margins top and bottom, generous at right, and ample at left. Some dispersed mottling, characteristic of paper mill. PMG Choice About Uncirculated 58, “minor stains.” • 5p, no. 31378. Very minor light mottling confined to woodcut, else nicely centered, generous margins top and bottom. PMG Choice Uncirculated 63, “minor stains.” All signed by C. Phelps in pink, and endorsed on reverse, “Registered / J. Porter, Compt(roller).” The combination of superior condition and dates signed, deduced from close numbering, is highly desirable. $500-725 (3 pcs.)

3-7. Rare Nine Pence Connecticut Currency.

Mar. 1, 1780. Friedberg CT-219. Printed by Timo(thy) Green, New London, whose press was regaled in over a century of scholarship as the first printing press in America, until a single letter was found in archives in the 1960s with a fleeting, contrary statement. Moderately low no. 2646. Signed by S. Williams in burgundy, and T. Hamlin in light raspberry. Weak at half fold; hole cancel, removing upper left quarter of woodcut, four fragments lacking around edges including upper left corner, but still presenting well, with good impression. PMG net Very Fine 20, “hole cancelled, splits.” All grades of this note “rare” and unpriced in Friedberg. Only five other examples all grades in PMG Population Report. $150-220

3-8. Fifteen Shillings Delaware Currency.

June 1, 1759. Friedberg DE-67. Fifteen Shillings. Printed by Ben Franklin. “To Counterfeit is Death” on reverse. No. extremely light but perhaps emergent under very high magnification. Signatures very light but recognizable with comparison. Once separated at horizontal fold, mended on verso with stamp hinges, over fifty years ago; loss of 1/4” surface at upper left, corners broadly rounded, and much worn, but entirely collectible. PMG net Very Good 10, “severed and reattached, tape.” Only about 6,000 notes said to have been printed. Twenty-four other examples all grades in PMG Population Report. Most pre-Revolutionary Delaware notes are notably scarce (or rare), and often in low grades when encountered. $220-300

3-9. $1/4 Georgia Currency.

1776. Friedberg GA-69. “This Certificate intitles the Bearer to One Quarter of a Spanish Milled Dollar....” “Quarter Dollar” in anti-counterfeiting frame. No. 759. Signed by V. Andrew, Wm. Evans, and “Wade” penned vertically, all in milk chocolate. Half fold. Wide margins at top and right, the former in an irregular arc from printer’s trim by eye. Marginal and internal creases, some moderately light handling evidence, else suitable for display. PMG Very Fine 25. No auction records found in archives.stacksbowers.com. $300-350

3-10. Rare Fifteen Shillings New-Jersey Currency.

Apr. 23, 1761. Friedberg NJ-143. Pane A. Red and black. Printed by James Parker, Woodbridge (N.J.). Faint no. 364XX (as discerned by our cataloguer), an infrequently-seen numbering convention. Signed by Jno. Rodman, and two others, all very light but identifiable with research. Three parallel vertical folds; once separated at central half fold, old repair on reverse with milky-white philatelic hinging paper, corners rounded, much handling abrasion, but still an elusive note. PMG net Very Fine 20, “repaired, paper pulls.” All grades of this note “rare” and unpriced in Friedberg. Only five other examples all grades in PMG Population Report, of which only one higher. $180-240

3-11. Eight Shillings City of New-York Water Works Currency.

Aug. 25, 1774. Friedberg NY-171. Pink and black. Printed by H. Gaine, a noted printer of the Revolution. Low no. 992. Signed by W. Hicks and J. Watts, Jr. in brown. Never folded. Minor tip wear, possibly a duplex paper - effectively used as an anti-counterfeiting measure - reverse side curiously uniformly pale brown, the obverse warm cream. PMG Choice Extremely Fine 45. None higher in PMG Population Report; depending upon when their database was updated, this very example may be the finest graded by them. $180-220

3-12. Very Rare $1/4 New-York Currency.

Aug. 13, 1776. “Two Shillings” at top. Friedberg NY-200. Printed by Samuel Loudon. No. 5762. One signature faded but identifiable with research, other C. Van [?] Jr. Curious impression, light at left half, moderately rich black at right half. Quarter folds. Internal short tear across legs of standing Knickerbocker in woodcut; limp with much wear. PMG Very Good 10. All grades of this note “rare” and unpriced in Friedberg. No auction records found in archives.stacksbowers.com. Unpriced at Greysheet. Only four other examples any grade in PMG Population Report. $170-220

3-13. $5 New-York Currency.

Aug. 13, 1776. “Five Spanish Milled Dollars” in text. Friedberg NY-204. Printed by Samuel Loudon. No. 14773. Signed by Benj. Newkirk and Alexr. Webster, in dark brown. Off-center vertical crease, judged a press wrinkle rather than a half fold; else retaining crispness, presenting nicely. PMG About Uncirculated 55. Higher grades of this note “rare” and unpriced in Friedberg. PMG Population Report shows only two examples higher. $600-725

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4. Confederate

 

4-1. Robert E. Lee’s Double – and Confederate Cousin: “...my papers are destroyed & lost.”

Very scarce postwar A.L.S. of R(ichard) L(ucien) Page, an antebellum U.S. Navy officer, Commander in both U.S. and Confederate Navies, then Brig. Gen. in Confederate Army, defending Mobile Bay. Subsumed by the fame of his cousin, Robert E. Lee - to whom he had a startling resemblance - Page was in the rarified ranks of those Confederates who served as both C.S.A. Naval Commanders and Generals. Joining the U.S. Navy in 1824, Richard Page served nearly continuously, including as Commander in the U.S.N. Africa Squadron, til Virginia seceded in 1861. He was initially given a special assignment to organize the Virginia Navy. Following some three years in the C.S.N., Page joined the Army. In Aug. 1864, his 400 men and 26 cannon at Fort Morgan were met by the Union’s 10,000-man, 200-cannon force. Refusing to surrender, he held out for two weeks, finally relinquishing only upon running low on gunpowder. Unwilling to hand over his sword, he broke it over his knee. Believed by the Union to have further destroyed munitions at Fort Morgan after he agreed to surrender, he was imprisoned at the notorious Fort Delaware til long after Appomattox, not released til Sept. 1865. (The only other Confederate readily found with dual Navy-Army commands is Raphael Semmes, Capt. of the C.S.S. Alabama, the most successful commerce raider in maritime history. Semmes did act, fleetingly, as a temporary Brig. Genl. in Apr. 1865, but his Army appointment was neither submitted to nor confirmed by the Confederate Senate - nor could it have been. His Army status as Brig. Gen. “was at most an informal arrangement” made four days before Lee’s surrender at Appomattox--wikipedia. Semmes had insisted that his parole, in May, include the Army commission in anticipation of being charged with piracy.)

Datelined “91 Freemason St., Norfolk (Va.),” Jan. 2, 1893, 1 1/4 pp., 5 3/4 x 9 1/2, penned in oak brown on blue-lined tan sheet. To J.T. Dennis. Referring to Fort Morgan, his last stand. “I find it impossible to ans(wer) your request satisfactorily as my papers are destroyed & lost. I can give you only in part the Names of the Cols. under my command at the...defenses of Mobile Bay...Col. Gee of Alabama, stationed at Fort Morgan [Page’s headquarters]. Col. A. Jackson of Tenn., at Fort Morgan. Col. C.C. Anderson at Fort Gaines. Col. Williams at Fort Powell. Col. T. Clanton stationed...part of the time. This is the best I can do for you....” In the epic reference work Confederate Military History, author (and noted Confederate Gen.) Clement A. Evans wrote, “The defense of Fort Morgan, under the command of Gen. Page, is one of the most celebrated instances of heroism in the history of the war.”--Vol. 3. Old tan album mounting remnant and short tape stain at blank bottom of verso, modest discoloration on front; lacking blank upper right corner and rice-sized fragment at blank right edge, old folds, some toning, perhaps from items once facing letter in scrapbook, but still about very good. Noted as “a desirable signature” in Reese. Unlisted in Boatner. Unlisted in Sanders. Unlisted in Seagrave. Very scarce, certainly with content relating to his most famous saga, called one of the foremost exemplars of heroism. $400-550

“(I) supposed the South would apprise the parents of Cadets
before throwing them into active service.
I am so devoted to the cause of the South
that I am willing however that my sons may do battle for their country...”

4-2. Two Weeks after Sumter, the War Comes to V.M.I.

A remarkable, richly textured A.L.S. of soon-to-be Confederate Gen. A(lfred) E. Jackson, penned just two weeks after Fort Sumter, on his son’s sudden propulsion from V.M.I. cadet into active service, and Tennessee’s balancing act in choosing between Lincoln or the seceding states. From Jonesboro, Tenn., Apr. 26, 1861, 7 3/4 x 9 3/4, 3 full pp. To Robert M. McDowell (at V.M.I.), Lexington, Va. “...Our profound gratitude for the interest taken in our dear son Eugene and the kind sympathies so feelingly expressed...It is true I had anticipated that the Corps of Cadets would be called into Service if Virginia was threatened with an invasion by the Lincoln government, but supposed the South would apprise the parents of Cadets before throwing them into active service. I am so devoted to the cause of the South that I am willing however that my sons may do battle for their country or whatever position they can render most efficient service. I had previously to receiving any information of the Cadets being ordered to Richmond (upon learning that Virginia was in apprehension of a conflict with the Federal troops) tendered my own and the services of an older son than Eugene, and expressed the opinion that almost any number of men within the power of Tenn. to spare from home service could be sent to the relief of Va. if needed, but Gov. Letcher has declined to accept the tender at present.

“Sen. [and future Pres. Andrew] Johnson, Lincoln’s Southern ally, has returned home within the past few days (having remained at Washington City until the war policy was fully inaugurated) and I understand is urging an armed neutrality on the part of Tenn., between the North and South, and proposes to canvas the State in advocacy of this position. What effect his counsels are to have upon the Rabble voters I cannot tell, but I think nine-tenths of the intelligent patriotic men of Tenn. will reject his counsels with scorn. I look upon this as but an indirect method to strengthen Lincoln, and fetter the action of Tenn. in sending troops to the relief of the Seceding States. I regret to inform your friend & relative T.A.R. Nelson, Esq. is coinciding with Johnson in recommending this position. We will try and procure the best talent of the State to expose the fallacy & wickedness of this policy by a Southern State. I last night returned from a trip to Western North Carolina, and am happy to inform you that all is right in N.C., and but one sentiment prevails, and that is that all the Slave States should be united & should without delay prepare for the conflict with the common enemy.

“Our Legislature convened yesterday, and it is supposed will pass the Ordinance of Secession immediately without a convention and refer it directly to a vote of the people. Unless Johnson & his colleagues can revolutionize public sentiment, it will be adopted by an overwhelming majority. If they fail, I think our best population will leave the State to seek more congenial homes. Enclosed please find $10 [not present] which Eugene writes us you were kind enough to loan him before leaving Lexington...This additional act of kindness, with the many courtesies, friendly solicitude & council extended to Eugene by Mrs. McD., yourself & family. Eugene writes to his Sister, Mrs. McD. has been a Mother to him. Mrs. J(ackson) bids me...to tender to her the heartfelt gratitude of a distressed Mother for the Motherly solicitude & councils to her absent son. Mrs. J. & daughters are greatly distressed that one so young as Eugene should be exposed to the hardships & perils of a Soldier’s life and shed many tears in the perusal of your sympathetic letters...(Eugene) may have left an acct. unsettled. If so, it will be attended to. Should Eugene not return to the Institute, I presume there will be something due him, as I advance(d) $400 to Col. Smith and he has only been at the Institute, besides furnishing some $30 for Pocket Money...Mrs. J. unites...in the hope that we may some day be privileged to repay your kindness to our dear Son...P.S.: If Eugene has left any articles of clothing or room furniture, please take items into your possession....”

Jackson entered Confederate service in Sept. 1861. Nicknamed “Mudwall,” Jackson “spent most of the war pursuing guerrillas and pitching small battles...”--wikipedia. For a time, his brigade included a company of Cherokee Indians and North Carolina “mountain men.” He also led raids into Kentucky and Virginia, “attacking both Union loyalist civilians and perceived bushwackers...After the war, Jackson was impoverished and rented land in Va., which he cultivated with his own hands. Pres. Andrew Johnson granted Jackson a special pardon...because of kindness shown by Jackson to Johnson’s family in East Tenn. during the war. Because of the pardon, Jackson gradually regained enough of his property to return to Jonesboro, Tenn....” Integral address-leaf bearing 3¢ Scott #26, its top margin covered by old white tape, to reattach 1 1/4 x 5 1/4 strip of final page of letter; loss of ends of two lines, brown staining of tape, but signature unaffected and fine thus, and overall good. Jackson letters unpriced in Seagrave. $2400-3200


4-3. “This terrible catastrophe now upon our country...American freedom is in great jeopardy” – A Future Union General Shares his Dismay with a Future Confederate General.

Starkly prescient and powerful A.L.S. of W(illiam) B(owen) Campbell, remembered for his slogan “Boys, follow me!” as commander of the “Bloody First” Tennessee in the Mexican War, used again in his victorious campaign as the last Whig Gov. of Tenn. Staunchly opposing secession, Campbell refused the Confederacy’s offer of high rank, becoming a Union Brig. Gen. in 1862. From Lebanon, Tenn., Aug. 26, 1861, 7 3/4 x 10, 3 full pp. To Confederate Col. G(eorge) W(ashington) Gordon, also of Tenn. Marked “Private.” Gordon would be wounded and captured at the Battle of Franklin, and later Commander in Chief of U.C.V. “I have your kind letter and can only say that I am not engaged in raising a legion for the war. I would like to see you & talk with you about the state of our affairs. I have no doubt but that our views run in the same channel. But who can tell what is best to be done or what is to be the end of this terrible catastrophe now upon our country. I would serve my country if I was satisfied that I could do so efficiently - but how could a Brigade be armed in a manner to be equal with the enemy or so as to save them from the slaughter or disgrace, when engaged with a well armed force. I will not lead my fellow citizens needlessly to slaughter. It would only place us in a worse condition to be defeated. We are very deficient in arms but this may be overcome soon by the numerous small manufacture(r)s springing up, but it will require some time for them to make enough to supply than already enlisted & to keep up the stock. I have some hope that peace may be made without much more fighting. I confess to you that should the war be prolonged for a few years, I shall have no hope for the maintenance of civil liberty within north or south.

“I fear that our affairs are now in such a condition that American freedom is in great jeopardy [writer’s emphasis], and that the military will in future rule North (&) South. I know not that I can do anything, but as a humble son of Tenn. I would willingly make any sacrifice, could I but aid in saving our country from ruin. It may be that I may enter the service & when I shall do so I should be most happy to act with you & have your aid & support, and I thank you for the kind opinion you express of me, but I assure you that I distrust myself in this great crisis, and feel that I ought to follow rather than to lead. I would like to talk with you about our officers as I cannot write and ought not to write much that I could say to you verbally. I deeply sympathize with you for your sons who are in the service, and I feel much for our young men generally, for many of them have officers with but little qualification...Our men have done well so far, but they should not presume on the weakness or want of valor of one enemy’s time & discipline & drill will improve there & make the North warlike & formidable. We are just in the beginning of a tragedy & will have to prepare for much more terrible conflicts than has yet occurred. The North will fight some time before they will agree to a division and we must make up our minds to a long & a bloody war. Peace can only be made in a short period by some plan of reconstruction, and reconstruction cannot hardly be named only in view of the destruction of the Republican Party. I am always glad to hear from you & to serve you. Your friend....” Four smudges by Campbell’s hand, original folds, else penned in rich brown on warm cream, and very fine. A cornerstone Tennessee item. War-date letters unpriced in Seagrave. $475-625

4-4. Confederate Telegram to Beauregard on Defense of New Orleans – with his Reply.

Received copy of telegram from (Gen.) M(ansfield) Lovell, New Orleans, Feb. 8, 1862 (overwritten on 1861 header), to Gen. G.T. Beauregard (Bowling Green, Ky. added in period pencil). 5 1/4 x 8 1/2, on South-Western Telegraph Co. form. “I have a boom ready to stretch above Carrollton under fire of fourteen forty twos. Give your views to Maj. Pickett. Am preparing thirteen steamers for River defence.” Beauregard’s reply penned below, judged in his hand, signed once in ink, and with initials in pencil following postscript: “Recd. at 12 h.m. on 9th. Ansd. at 9 h(ours).P.M. on 9th. Can’t you fortify at Grand Gulf also / G.T. Beauregard / Put up shot furnaces(?) in Batteries / G.T.B.” Beauregard may have been referring to fire barges. A bittersweet exchange; the fall of New Orleans would bring career setbacks and stigma to both Confederate Lovell and Union adversary Butler. A New Yorker, Lovell had been recommended to Jefferson Davis, and was made a Confederate Maj. Gen. in 1861. Here mightily engaged in defending New Orleans, the Confederacy’s chain barricading the city had been floated on barges and hulks; it was partly destroyed a few weeks after sending this telegram. And about ten weeks later, Lovell was unable to prevent the Crescent City’s capture. With New Orleans lost to the Union by late Apr. 1862, Gen. Ben Butler “started his efficient and controversial military administration of the city...”--Boatner. Butler’s remedies for insults to the Stars and Stripes led to his “Woman Order,” bringing his recall. Meanwhile, a Confederate Court of Inquiry was held at Lovell’s request. It found that he had indeed “defended New Orleans energetically and competently with his green troops....” While a commendably skilled leader, “mounting political pressure resulted in his being relieved of command in Dec. 1862 for the loss of New Orleans...” He would receive no further command posts, ultimately returning postwar to N.Y.C. as an engineer, assisting former Union Gen. John Newton on the Hell Gate Bridge, a feat of design that remains admired today, using over 250,000 pounds of explosives. Docketed in clerical hand, “...Preparation for defence,” with red rules. Average fold wear, else very good. Ex-Carnegie Book Shop, 1970s; almost certainly from the 1915-16 sales of Beauregard’s Papers, by pioneer Philadelphia auctioneer Stan. Henkels. Request image. $650-900

4-5. No Bail for Murderer of a Confederate Superior Officer.

Printed Confederate General Orders, Richmond, May 27, 1863, 1 1/2 pp. The court-martial of Capt. John Q. Arnold for murdering Maj. T.W. Adrien, “his superior officer, by shooting him with a pistol loaded with powder and ball, which he then and there held in his hand...,” at Kingston, Tenn., Nov. 16, 1862. “Murder can only be punished under the Articles of War, when incident to some other clearly defined offense. It does not of itself constitute a military crime....” Arnold’s crime called for firing squad, but in a legal twist here, because the demised Adrien was not “in the discharge of his office” at the moment he was shot, “the department can only deal with offenses when they are properly presented through the established forms of the service...The proceedings, findings and sentence in this case must be set aside....” Characteristic foxing of groundwood adversity paper, else about fine. Unusual. • With, thick magazine, North American Review, Jan. 1890, 6 x 9 1/4, 144 + 32 pp. advertisements. Featuring lengthy “Duel” between free trade vs. tariff protection, argued by Prime Minister William Gladstone and Speaker of House James G. Blaine, respectively. Also, an appreciation of Robert E. Lee by Jefferson Davis, “The Border-Land of Science,” “The Future of Manufacturing,” “Truth about Female Criminals,” five articles comprising “Women’s Views of Divorce,” and more. Some marginal toning and creases of overhung cover, dust-toning of fore-edges, else internally clean and fine. $65-80 (2 pcs.)

4-6. A Texan Confederate sends “Love to all the Negroes.”

Lengthy letter of Confederate-allied Capt. L(ewis) G. Scogin, 3rd [Cavalry] Battalion, Texas State Troops, Houston, Oct. 19, 1863, 7 3/4 x 12, 2 full pp. To “My Darling Wife,” Annie E. Scogin, Sterling, Texas. With closing sentiment perhaps a unique in a Confederate letter. “...Last night, about 10 o’clock, we received orders to march to Beaumont. Consequently, I hasten to inform you of our departure, and wrote you a few lines, of a hurried character. But finding on our arrival at Houston that the cars were behind their time, gave me an opportunity of writing a longer letter...Yes my Darling, I would give more to see you than anything else in this wide world...But the time will soon roll round...I do not know the nature of the call demanding all the troops at Beaumont. Though I have heard that Banks was pressing as Taylor runs hard in that direction with a heavy force. I hope the Militia will get a chance to try their hand, for I am anxious to have their mettle tried. Do not give yourself any uneasiness for me, for I am not as desirous of making an exhibition of my Bosses...You may rest assured that I will not volunteer my services to get them out of a hard scrape...But you must do the best you can, and make all you can, for I am not making a cent. I have borrowed a hundred dollars since I left home, trading about so much, consumes a great deal of Confederate money. I can’t get a dollar for myself, nor the men...neither do I know when I can...Pay off all my debts. Raise all the hogs you can...I do not know that I will leave this place before morning...Jo and myself are here at headquarters writing...I am getting my papers up in good style...We are doing as well as any of us here at home in way of beef, bacon, flour, meat, molasses, potatoes, and Confederate coffee...My love to all the children, respects to friends and all the hands. And a thousand bushels to your secret little self...P.S.: Isaac and Mort are...doing well. Love to all the Negroes.” Penned in brown on blue-lined grey. Once separated at folds into its nine panels - likely from being read and reread innumerable times by his wife - but moderately well repaired, with older matte tape on verso, perhaps around 1970s. Two panels toned, else very good plus. • With his stampless yellow envelope, manuscript “Due 10,” Period endorsement in another hand, “Forwarded by Capt. L.G. Scogin, 3 Bat. T(exas) S(tate) Troops.” Light dust toning, hinge remnants on verso, some edge wear; flap intact, else about very good. As of 1850, Scoggin owned five slaves on his Louisiana farm. Arriving in Texas some time before 1863, he here sends “love to all the Negroes” on his Sterling, Texas farm. Letters of Texas State Troops are very scarce; his closing postscript is highly unusual. Despite Texas’ efforts for relief from the cost of payroll and supplies, funding for their State Troops was not formally assumed by the Confederate Army, hence Scoggin is unrecorded at civilwardata.com. Texas State Historical Association’s brief biography of Scoggin accompanies. $450-600 (2 pcs.)

4-7. A Confederate’s Journey from Vicksburg to Wall Street.

A.L.S. of Confederate Gen. Thos. P. Dockery, on his “Office of...Bonds and Stocks” letterhead, 49 Broadway, N.Y., May 25, 1888, 6 x 9 1/2, 1 full p. To Gen. M(arcus) J. Wright, Washington. “...I return the blank filled about as well as I can from memory. My old Army papers and records are down at my old house in Arkansas. I have no photographs of myself with me now in uniform, but I am having some Copies made from an old one, and will send you later on. Your friend truly....” Wright was commissioned in Apr. 1861, wounded at Shiloh, and saw much action. After the war, “he became agent for the collection of C.S.A. archives, a massive project spanning 1878-1917, as one of the main compilers of the Official Records...”--Boatner. The form which was subject of this letter was undoubtedly part of Wright’s research, and may have been published by him. Dockery fought at Corinth, later commanding the Confederacy’s “Middle Subdivision of Ark.” Captured at Vicksburg on July 4, 1864, he later signed the instrument of surrender for all remaining Confederate forces in Arkansas. Dockery was one of a surprising number of former Confederates who settled in and around New York City (and Yonkers), often finding considerable commercial success. Both Confederate Gens. Dockery and T.J. Churchill (see following lot) participated in the Brooks-Baxter War, a chaotic mini-war in Arkansas between political factions, following the disputed 1872 gubernatorial election. In its aftermath, “Democrats and allied paramilitary groups suppressed black voting, using a combination of intimidation, blocking blacks from the polls, and outright assassinations,” and Republicans, believing the election was illegal, nominated no candidates--wikipedia. (Both Dockery and Churchill were Democrats, but Churchill sided with the Republican Baxter.) Old soft postal folds, expertly inlaid in ruled cream sheet, and excellent. Very scarce and a choice example. $275-350

4-8. Surrendering Too Soon – then Too Late.

A.L.S. of Confederate Maj. Gen. T(homas) J. Churchill, Blenheim, Ark., Sept. 19, (18)91, 4 3/4 x 7 3/4, 1 p. To Ben. W. Austin. “I appreciate the honor of being elected an honorary member of your Society. Please tender my thanks for the same and with sentiments of my high regard and esteem...I send you photograph by mail.” Captured in the Mexican War, Churchill later fought in the 1st Ark. Mounted Rifles at Wilson’s Creek. While commanding in the defense of Arkansas Post, he was forced to surrender when, without his knowledge, some of his men raised the white flag. Undoubtedly crossing paths with Gen. Thomas Dockery (see preceding lot) at Jenkins’ Ferry, Ky., Churchill delivered a surprise attack along a ravine later named Churchill’s Draw. In 1864, he was one of three officers present receiving Thanks of the Confederate Congress for his actions. Following Kirby Smith to Texas in the last weeks of the war, he “unwillingly surrendered there”--Boatner. In the Brooks-Baxter War, Churchill emerged as Arkansas’ Democratic State Treasurer and later Gov. - though he had sided with the Republican Baxter. Penned in oak brown on blue-lined sheet. Mounted at corners to period leaf. Pale blue line and pink semi-oval at margin of mount, evidently offset from another item; light toning, else very good plus. Uncommon and a fascinating, well documented personage. $180-240

4-9. Closing the Confederacy’s Gateway to the Outside World.

Bound official (Report of The Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War, regarding) Fort Fisher Expedition. Jan. 12, 1865. 5 1/2 x 8 3/4, 8 + 260 pp., two paginated title leaves removed by bookbinder, as was once common practice. Forest green buckram, privately bound c. third quarter of 20th century. Also known as Ben Butler’s Expedition, ordered by Grant to close the port of Wilmington, N.C., “the last gateway between the Confederate States and the outside world...(Amid) suspicion of deliberate treachery, it should have been accepted as warning that the long-threatened collapse of transportation now was imminent...”--Boatner. Ending two days after the last Christmas of the Confederacy, in 1864, Southern losses were some 300 men, the Union’s just one, who drowned. Binding very fine, internally lightest cream toning, else fresh and excellent. Somewhat overlooked by historians amidst the torrent of events of late 1864 and early 1865, Fort Fisher marked the inevitability of the war’s outcome. $55-75

4-10. Jefferson Davis in Irons.

Important telegram from Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, Washington, D.C., May 15, 1866, in clerical hand on partly printed form of American Telegraph Co., 5 1/4 x 8. To Hon. Edwards Pierrepont, noted lawyer, friend of Lincoln, and Grant’s Attorney Gen. Received copy, at 145 Broadway, N.Y. “I am unable to answer your question in regard to Davis. The whole matter is in charge of the attorney general who is absent.” Exactly one week before, Jefferson Davis had been indicted for treason. Here, Stanton sends an evasive answer to Pierrepont, as Davis languished in ankle irons in Fortress Monroe, with no visitors, and no books except a Bible. There was, of course, more: As the year wore on, newspapers reported that a Congressional investigation “in relation to the alleged complicity of Jefferson Davis, Clay, and others, in the murder of Pres. Lincoln have developed one of the most villainous conspiracies ever concocted in the civilized world. Strange to tell it is not the conspiracy for the assassination of Pres. Lincoln and his cabinet, but an equally bloody and far more cowardly one, to murder...ex-Pres. Davis...” (modern copy accompanies). Near the center of this obscure plot was the bartender in what is today the Cohasco Building in Yonkers, using the alias Snevel, taken from a Dickens novel. Snevel fled the building, for a brief time becoming one of the most-wanted men in America. The plot-within-a-plot is still being unraveled today – Pierrepont knew the proprietor of the Yonkers “billiard saloon” – but suffice it to say that Davis’ incarceration remains a complex matter. He was finally released on bond in 1867. Ink erosion at large droplet in center, between words, else fine and dramatic. Evidently unpublished. $550-750

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5. Civil War Postal History

 

5-1. Sent on an Antebellum Steamboat.

Cover to prominent merchants “Messrs. Carroll Hoy & Co., New Orleans, La.,” U.S. star-die entire #U27, with purple oval handstamp “From Steamer M[ilton] Relf.” Manuscript “Freight,” “M. Relf,” and ink cancel. This vessel ran the Ouachita River, from Arkansas to Bayou Macon from 1859 til outbreak of the war; it was reregistered as a Confederate gunboat when hostilities began, but there is no verifiable Confederate contract with this vessel; the fate of the steamer is unknown--Way’s Packet Directory. Pleasing for display, with light mocha cover, persimmon orange 3¢ embossed rate, lilac handstamp, and warm brown ink. Old glassine hinges on verso, light handling evidence, else fine. Neatly pencilled notes on verso indicate a similar cover was offered in Robert Kaufmann’s Private Sale no. 4, Dec. 1978, at 450.00. $130-170

5-2. On the Packet “Lizzie Simmons.”

Watercolor-tan antebellum cover to “Messrs. John T. Hardee & Co., New Orleans,” U.S. star-die entire #U27, with four-line handstamp of “...Packet (Li)zzie) Simmons / Geo. H. Kirk, Capt.” in greenish blue. From 1859 til war’s onset, the vessel operated between New Orleans and the Ouachita River, thence between New Orleans and Memphis. In early 1862, it was converted to a Confederate gunboat, and renamed Pontchartrain, sunk by the Union on the Arkansas River the following year. There is no verifiable Confederate contract with this vessel--Way’s Packet Directory. Handstamp applied with bias, but identifiable. Old soft diagonal crease, hinge remnants on verso, minor handling, else about fine. $65-90

5-3. Pre-Sumter Confederate Usage.

Confederate usage of U.S. 3¢ star-die entire #U26, tied with (partly off-cover) blue c.d.s. “Hun(tsvi)lle Ala. / Mar. 19, 1861.” Eggshell white cover, addressed in an unusual hand to “Miss I.V. McCormick, Care of J.D. Wemple, Esq., Mansfield, La.” Moving to La. in 1838, Wemple served in the state’s Assembly, and oversaw the De Soto Parish Treasury during the war. During Reconstruction, Wemple was one of the four representatives carrying ballot boxes to Louisiana’s Starlight Plantation; “they would not permit any white man to be present”--genealogyvillage.com.... In the course of elections in which blacks were not only voting freely, but electing black candidates, the interference - and violence - was palpable. Glossy hinge trace at top center of front; diagonal tear at bottom through “Mansfield,” but barely visible when viewed flat; horizontal dust-toning on verso only, light handling, else good. $110-140

5-4. Two Different Frankings on a Turned Cover.

An appealing item, showing adversity usage, with fascinating association with a foremost South Carolinian: Outer use C.S.A. #11, delicate peridot green, tied with black “Charleston, S.C. / Sep 3...” c.d.s., with large black prewar-style (Due) “10” reused as Confederate postage due marking. To “Miss E.M. Ravenel, Care of Dr. Ravenel, Columbia, So. Car.” Dr. St. Julien Ravanel had graduated from the Medical College of S.C. in 1840, but his fascination with natural science led him to leave his practice. Heading a Confederate hospital in Columbia during the war, Ravanel “operated a lab that produced nearly all of the South’s medical supplies. He provided the Confederacy with most of the lime used during the war and even created the initial design of (“Little David”), a semi-submersible torpedo boat to help break the Union blockade...(After the war) he helped spark an industrial revolution that transformed Charleston into the world’s largest producer of fertilizer. The economic impacts of fertilizer production were profound. Recently freedmen were provided employment, planters unable to farm leased their land, merchants and shipping companies resumed their trades, and as a consequence, the economy of Charleston fared better than much of the South...”--northcharleston.org. • Front panel neatly folded back to reveal inner use C.S.A. #12, warm marine blue, tied with complementary blue Columbia c.d.s. To “Miss Rose M. Temple, Society Hill, S.C.” Internal loss of postage-stamp-sized fragment on blank back flap, where opened by a recipient; glue stains along seams on verso, uniform cream toning, else V.G., and splendid for display. $150-200

5-5. To a Soldier in North Carolina “State Troops.”

Confederate stampless, prewar “Paid 5” altered by postmaster, with matching black Fayetteville, N.C. c.d.s., “...1861,” barrel oddly rotated 180°. Buttery yellow. Lengthy address: “Mr. John C. Cameron / Carolina City, Cartirette [sic] County, N.(C.) / Care of Capt. R.B. McBal(l?), 7th Regt. of State Troops.” Cameron was actually a Pvt. in the 7th N.C. Infantry. Neatly reduced at right, dust toning, some corner wear, else good plus. $120-160

5-6. Captured Union Patriotic in Confederate Usage.

Attractive Union patriotic with full-height Miss Columbia holding flag, in red, blue, and duotone, evidently captured and franked by Confederate soldier “J.J. Dickens, Co. I, 12th N.C. Troops.” Superior strike of greenish-blue “Richmond Va. / May 3” c.d.s., with matching “Due 10” straightline handstamp. To “Mrs. Martha A. Carter, Westland P.O., Halifax Co., N.C.” Pvt. Dickens had first mustered into - and out of - the 1st N.C. Infantry in 1861, and later in the 2nd N.C. Infantry; his service in the 12th N.C. is unrecorded at civilwardata.com. Four old hinge remnants on verso, some pocket stains, wear at two corners but still fairly square, else good, and well suited for display. Such covers have always been desirable. $600-800

5-7. 11-Star Confederate Cover.

Hand-carried Confederate patriotic, boldly addressed to “Mrs. C.A. Humphris / Milledgeville, Georgia.” Cachet in slate blue, azure flag blue, and red, showing tent with 11-star flag flying; captioned “Camp McDonald” in red. New Dietz #TF-1. Sans verse. Attributed to printer T.S. Reynolds, Atlanta. Possibly from Pvt. C.L. Humphris, 8th Georgia Cavalry Battalion, State Guard, only in existence from Oct. 1, 1863 to Feb. 4, 1864. Tear at blank top, lacking fragment at lower right corner, soft vertical creases, some dust toning, wear, but satisfactory. $150-200

5-8. Confederate Cover from Big Shanty, Ga.

Confederate patriotic, manuscript “Big Shanty, Ga. / July 23 / Paid 5.” Boldly addressed to “Mrs. C.A. Humphris / Milledgeville, Georgia.” Cachet in slate blue, azure flag blue, and red, showing tent with 11-star flag flying; captioned “Camp McDonald” in red. New Dietz #TF-1 var. Sans verse. Attributed to printer T.S. Reynolds, Atlanta. Possibly from Pvt. C.L. Humphris, recorded in 8th Georgia Cavalry Battalion, State Guard, but here writing from a different regiment, as the 8th only in existence from Oct. 1, 1863 to Feb. 4, 1864. “War worn,” three corners frayed, nickel-size stain between flag and tent, smaller stain at lower left, some edge wear, toning, substantial wrinkle seen on blank verso only in lower left portion, but satisfactory, and desirable. Acquired 1960s and off-market til now. $500-650

5-9. A Confederate Rarity: “For Land & Life.”

Elusive design on postally used envelope front, “For Land & Life / Children and Wife,” within detailed black oval vignette of Confederate soldier holding 11-star flag in one hand, saber in other, cannonballs at his right. On moss-green. New Dietz #SN-4. C.S.A. #12a, 10¢ milky blue, multiply tied to “Chattano(oga) Ten(n) / Jul(y) 27” c.d.s., with four generous margins (trifle reduced at top when envelope trimmed to a front long ago). To “Mrs. H.D. Hughes, Conwayboro, So. Ca.” Six neat ancient hinge remnants on verso; light old pencil notations at blank lower left, the hand perhaps recognized by old-time philatelists; ink drops on addressee’s last name, minor toning, else fine, and the stamp appearing extremely fine. Only 9 examples in Dietz census updated c. 1985; this envelope front unknown to editorial committee, as acquired 1960s and off-market til now. This design, in any condition or color, only appears infrequently. If complete, about double our estimate of $650-850

5-10. Canton, Mississippi Datestamp with unusual endorsement “Chge. Box....”

Pumpkin-orange Confederate cover, “Canton Miss. / Jan. 18, 1862” c.d.s., with matching black “Paid 5” handstamp. To “Messrs. Carroll Hoy & Co., New Orleans, La.” Penned at upper left, “Chge. Box 36.” Dietz Catalogue Type III. In old dealer’s hand in pencil on verso, probably recognizable, “...Very fine strike of woodcut handstamp. Nice! $6.00.” Acquired 1960s, and off-market since. Five hinge remnants on verso, flap torn but complete, light handling, else fine plus, and displayable. A rail and logistics center during the war, many wounded soldiers were treated in Canton. Today “Canton is the oldest continuous, self-governed art colony in the country documented at the Smithsonian...”--cantontourism.com. $140-180

5-11. Variant Canton, Mississippi Cover.

Coincidental “Canton Ms. / Aug. 18” variant c.d.s., 1862 in later pencil, on mocha adversity cover. Vertical pair #7, 5¢ blue, neatly affixed at left, with two 6-bar fancy grids. Hairline margin at left, sloped at top with errant cut across top “Confederate States” by mailer, and two ample margins at right and bottom. To “Henry J. Leary, Esq., Care of John A. Pleasants, Esq., Richmond, Va.” Blind-raised embossing of thick contents once enclosed; two amber spots, perhaps molasses; some dust-toning, average postal wear, else very good. $100-140

5-12. The Lost “Bass Ledge” of the Old South.

Interesting adversity cover fashioned from a nautical chart, “Bass Ledge” visible where folded back; part of map’s ruled frame on verso of flap. Ivory white, with C.S.A. #12, 10¢ greenish blue, Three wide margins, and ample at bottom. Tied Danville, Va., partly off cover. To “Mrs. Mary A. Roberts, Yanceyville, N.C.” Some fray at lower left portion, dust-toning of face of cover, but still good, and fairly unusual. Bass Ledge evidently an archaic usage or a local feature; surrounding waters are designated just 3 3/4 to 18 ft. deep; no current use of the name readily found. $170-220

5-13. Scarce Early War Small-Town Marking – with “the reason I frank my letters....”

Persimmon-orange Confederate soldier’s envelope, manuscript “West View, Va. / May 5” (1861 or 1862) cancel with ms. “Due 10,” handstamped “10” in light purple circle. Penned across top, “Private I.G. Scott, Com(pany) G, 12th Regt. Ga. Vol.” Addressed in his hand to “Mr. Irby H. Scott, Eatonton, Putnam County, Ga.” Some edge wear, light fraying at three tips, handling evidence, else about very good. In old pencil on verso, “Chase 49.” • With enclosed manuscript slip of writer Scott, about 1 3/4 x 5, penned on blue portion from a larger sheet, to conserve paper: “The reason I frank my letters is that I have no change, and do not wish to have large bills changed in Shin plasters, which as soon as we leave here w[ill] be no account.” Scott was promoted to 2nd Lt. shortly before he was wounded at Second Manassas; serving through the war, he surrendered at Appomattox. Scarce small town marking. $250-325 (2 pcs.)

5-14. From Three Major Civil War Collections.

Goldenrod envelope to Confederate “Capt. George Wortham, Co. B, N. Carolina Vols., Norfolk, Va.” Good black “Oxford, N.C. / Aug. 27” c.d.s., with matching (but lighter) handstamped “Paid 5” in circle. Enlisting as a Capt. one week after Fort Sumter, the 38-year-old lawyer served in 12th N.C. Infantry. Transferring 1862 into Field & Staff of the 50th N.C. Infantry, Wortham rose rapidly to Col., paroled May 1865. Blind-embossed stationer’s diagonal dotted checkerboard logo on flap. In old pencil, “[Judge Robert S.] Emerson Coll[ection of Providence, R.I.] / E[zra D.] Cole [of Nyack, N.Y.] / 2.50 / 11/17/(19)37.” Acquired 1960s by third major collector, and off-market since. One brown and three white paper hinge remnants on verso; flap torn, some creases and handling wear, else darkly penned, clean, and appearing fine. $140-180

5-15. A Cover in Pursuit of a Confederate Captain.

Tan cover bearing C.S.A. #12c, 10¢ green blue, tied partial Salisbury, N.C. c.d.s., addressed to Raleigh, N.C. where Raleigh town cancel applied - and forwarded to Greensboro with bold pencil “For(war)d 10.” To “Capt. F.Y. McNeely (if absent) / Maj. McLane / Camp Stokes / Raleigh, N.C.” Francis M.Y. McNeely enlisted as a Capt. in May 1861, in 4th N.C. Infantry, serving in the Manassas Garrison, and Anderson’s and Winder’s Brigade; he resigned thirteen months later. Lacking flap. Edges and two corners understandably worn from its travels, some dust-toning, verso soiled, but satisfactory and interesting for display. $220-270

5-16. Later Wounded, taken P.O.W., and Hospitalized at Gettysburg.

Confederate kraft adversity envelope, manuscript “Little’s Mills, N.C. / Oct. 6/(18)62” with matching “Paid 10 cts.” To “Capt. B(enjamin) F(ranklin) Little, Co. E, 52nd Regt. N.C. Troops, Petersburg, Va.” The town’s name presumably given by the addressee’s family. A 31 year-old farmer when enlisting in the infantry in 1862, Little’s Company was known as the Richmond (County) Regulators. At Gettysburg, on the fateful day of July 3, 1863, Little was wounded, taken prisoner, and hospitalized. His later promotion to Lt. Col., upon the demise of other Confederate field officers there, was backdated to July 3. Transferred to Fort McHenry and Point Lookout, he was exchanged in 1864. He resigned that Summer, citing his Gettysburg wounds. Flap torn, trivial blind-panelled evidence of enclosure once within at right edge and corner, else remarkably well preserved, and excellent. At Gettysburg, on July 1 alone, the 52nd had already endured over 450 wounded, captured, and killed. A 1901 source recounts their continued combat on July 3: “...Between 1 and 2 in the afternoon our guns opened upon the enemy’s batteries and elicited a prompt and spirited reply. This artillery duel was continued for the space of about two hours without intermission, and the roar of the guns and bursting of shell were frightful to hear and dreadful to contemplate. A slackening of the enemy’s fire was taken advantage of to advance the column of attack. In obedience to orders the line moved gallantly and steadily forward under fire of our guns until it reached a point beyond which it was unsafe to fire over our heads. Steadily the advance was made, and as steadily and coolly met with a murderous fire from the enemy’s cannon, charged with grape, shrapnel, and canister. Still the line advanced, and at every step our comrades fell on every side, killed or wounded. Still we advanced under the incessant discharge of the cannon, assisted by the infantry’s rifles, and had almost attained success, when by the overpowering force and almost impregnable position of the enemy, our lines were forced back, and then the slaughter was terrific...”--Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from N.C. in the Great War...,” Vol. III, by Adjt. John H. Robinson, ed. by Walter Clark, 1901. The B.F. Little Papers reside at University of N.C. Though Gettysburg is one of the most-studied battles in American history, its stories continue to emerge. $275-350

5-17. The Correct Way to Frank an Envelope – 1863.

Printed Union General Orders, Washington, Sept. 7, 1863, 4 1/2 x 7, 1 p. “...Letters written by an officer of the Government on official business...are to be passed free of postage. Such letters must be marked ‘official’ on the envelope, with the official signature of the writer underneath. By order of Sec. of War....” Thread holes where removed from binding, soft clip outline at blank right, else fine. $25-30

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6. Black History

 

6-1. A Free Black repairing “ye Highway” in Colonial Massachusetts.

Manuscript minutes of town meeting, Dorchester, Mass., Mar. 28, 1757, showing “Bennet Negro, 4 Days” among local citizens sharing maintenance of local road. 7 1/2 x 12 1/4, 1 p., signed by Town Clerk Noah Clap. “At A Meeting of the Select Men...of ye Town of Dorchester...the Surveyors of ye Highway...had each one his proportion...which he is to repair as ye Law Directs. To Mr. Ebenezer Clap the way Round ye Swamp....” Listing 21 local citizens and “ye original division of the ways”; “Bennet Negro, 4 Days” is listed last, with space above and below his name, lending it additional conspicuity. In all, seven members of the Clap family are represented, together with Moseleys, Bishops, Birds, et al. Modest toning at upper portion, soiling of docketed quarter-panel on verso, else very good, and highly suited for display. Manuscripts relating to free blacks before the Revolution are now uncommon. $325-400

6-2. “The Negro equalled by few Europeans.”

American Museum, Or, Universal Magazine, Dec. 1791. Founded by Mathew Carey, and considered by some the first successful magazine in America. Both its subscribers and contributors included a number of Founding Fathers. 5 1/2 x 8 3/4, (56) pp. present, lacking title page and 12 pp. “Second Appendix.” “Selected prose” includes concluding 18-pp. chapter of rather vivid fiction translated from French, “The Negro equalled by few Europeans”: “...Rage and despair animated me...He dragged me himself to a distant room, where I saw a negro extended on the floor...Roused with shame...for this waste of barbarity, they followed me; and I now beheld the last instant of my danger. I seized the instrument which I had kept concealed. Approach me! I said. Theodore turned pale, and recoiled....” Also, “Some conjectures respecting the first peopling of America,” “Meteorological observations made in Philadelphia,” “Observations on the prospects of America,” “On Public Happiness,” and more. Disbound, some foxing and toning, else good plus. Very scarce. $75-100

6-3. “On Afric’s bleak shore, From the insolent Moor...Submissively bow’d to the American Star.”

Newspaper, Niles’ Weekly Register, Supplement, Apr. 20, 1816, 8 pp., 6 x 9 3/4. About 6-page coverage of creation of controversial “National Bank,” with full text of Act of Congress creating (Second) Bank of U.S., signed-in-type by H(enry) Clay. Also, festive visit of Commodore Decatur to Norfolk, with lyrics of song written for occasion, praising victory over the plague of piracy: “On Afric’s bleak shore, From the insolent Moor, His bloody, stained laurels in triumph he tore, Where the Crescent which oft spread its terrors afar, Submissively bow’d to the American star...Decatur draws nigh, His name strikes like lightning - in terror they fly....” The previous year, Decatur’s treaties with Algiers ended ransom and tribute, bringing piracy under control. (It is estimated that about one million whites had been enslaved by the Barbary States; few saw home again.) Uniform sand toning, else little-handled and very fine. $65-85

6-4. Carte of an Elegant Black Woman – by the Brady of the South.

Compelling carte portrait of an attractive young black woman, identified in period hand on verso as Alice Rebecca Brown, in lilac ink. Flamboyant imprint on pale pink, “Cook / Charleston, S.C.,” his name also imprinted on front lower mount. Judged c. 1865-75. Wearing cloth bow in her hair, earrings, an interesting wide bracelet, two rings on one hand, and finely tailored dark satin dress, with white frilled collar and cuffs. Photographer George Smith Cook became celebrated as “the Southern Mathew Brady”--The N.Y. Times online Opinionator, Feb. 11, 2011; copy accompanies. Cook rose to national notice when South Carolina’s Gov. granted special permission to visit Fort Sumter, to photograph Robert Anderson and his men. Though the bombardment would not begin for two months, “for photographers, the war began on Feb. 8, when the enterprising Cook, accompanied by one or more assistants - accounts differ - got his portraits of Maj. Anderson and other Union officers. Cook would go on to be one of the South’s most celebrated wartime photographers. During the conflict...the images Cook did shoot, particularly those of Charleston Harbor, are as stunning as any produced during the war...It was perhaps, then, fitting that the honor of snagging the war’s first photograph; and later, according to at least one expert, the world’s first combat photograph, fell to Cook. Born in Conn. in 1819, he was orphaned as an infant and adopted by his grandmother. At 14, seized by wanderlust, Cook began working odd jobs along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. In the late 1830s he studied art in New Orleans, and briefly made a living painting portraits of wealthy citizens. But he soon became entranced by, and eventually mastered, the techniques and optical theories of Louis Daguerre, Joseph Niépce and other French pioneers of the new science of photography....” Cook managed one of Brady’s N.Y. studios in 1851-52. He appears in a plethora of both period and modern literature, but examples of his photographs on the market are elusive. A trifle light, some greyish scuffing around blank margins both sides, characteristic of clay-coated board, else about fine. A wonderful, rare item thus. $170-220

6-5. Tintype of a Black Girl.

Tintype of black girl, possibly with lazy eye, about 11 or so years of age, seated on plush studio armchair. Wearing sweater-vest over dress; though likely her best article of clothing, one large button is lacking, with an apparent large tear in fabric. About 2 1/4 x 3 1/4, out of square as cut by photographer. Dark, but with good detail, long mild diagonal crease at lower right, small semicircular exposure of peridot-green base metal at edge, else about fine. (Illustration in this catalogue lightened for web printing.) Found around Troy, N.Y. $110-150

6-6. “The odious Slave Trade.”

Two items: Newspaper, The Spectator, N.Y., Sept. 10, 1800, 4 pp. Front-page discussion on “the odious Slave Trade: ...the noble efforts made by Britain in 1792, had not their due effects, when, to the honour of that country, an abolition of the dreadful traffic was strenuously pleaded for, with all the force of manly eloquence as well as christian energy...The grand community shewed themselves united on the best of principles. Had the abolition taken place at that favored period, the British nation would not now be stigmatized, as an accessory....” The text continues with a harrowing account of a murderous mutiny aboard a ship bound for the West Indies. “Shall the avarice of individuals continue to disgrace the nations by such shameful traffic?...” Ads include $20 reward for “Runaway Negro wench named Matsy near Red Hook, N.Y. who went off with one of Chancellor Livingston’s black men called Jupiter alias Kilsby, to whom she pretends she is married.” Reporting on virtues of metallic versus wooden tractors (i.e., medical devices). Deckle-like chipping of blank fore-edge, pleasing patination, else about fine. • Pamphlet, “The Contest in America,” by John Stuart Mill, Boston, 1862, republished from British Fraser’s Magazine, 32 pp. 4 3/4 x 7 1/2. The British philosopher and ardent abolitionist - who has appeared in subjective lists of the top ten geniuses of the modern era, with Einstein, Mozart, et al - here supporting the Union, and discussing treatment of slaves by both sides. “We, the emancipators of the slave - who have wearied every Court and Government in Europe and America with our protests...to prevent the enslavement of the negro....” Analyzing “the white oligarchy of the South” and their secession from the vantage point of a brilliant Briton. Minor dust toning of covers, else fine. $60-80 (2 pcs.)

6-7. Valuing Virginia Slaves from $20 to $850.

Manuscript appraisal recording number and values of seven male and female slaves, Washington County, Virginia, Apr. 1, 1815, 7 1/2 x 8. “List of lands with their improvements and dwelling houses and Slaves, owned by Joseph Cole, Capt. One farm on both sides of the South fork of Holston River, joining Timothy Main and James McGill...House of wood, one log Kitchen, two log Barns, and four log Cabins, value ($)2000. One other tract with a mill joining John Sims(?) and Samuel Akins...490 acres...a Grist Mill, Saw Mill...unimproved part mountain land. Seven Slaves of the following description: Males, 2 between 12 and 50 years of age, ($)850; 2 under 12 years, 500; Females, 2 between 12 and 50, 600; 1 over 50 years, 20.” Penned on leaf from a larger ledger, trimmed by writer upon completion to conserve paper. Two small insect holes in margin of bottom soft fold, else fine. Cole was “Capt. of a company of Patriots at King’s Mountain in the War of the Revolution...”--A Standard History of Oklahoma..., Thoburn, 1916, p. 2058. Moderately early slave content; the bulk of slave-related documents are in the 1840s and ‘50s. $150-180

6-8. A Free Born Woman, Daughter of a free Mulatto.

Manuscript document attesting that “Lydia Divan is the offspring of Henny Taylor, a free Mulatto woman and that the said Lydia Divan is a free woman, the said Henny Taylor being a free born woman,” as sworn by John Rhine “on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God....” Frederick County, Md., Nov. 21, 1817, 6 1/2 x 7 3/4. Signed by (Justice of Peace) George Rohr, a member of “Old Defenders of Baltimore,” and an Orderly Sgt. in 3rd Regt. Md. Militia, mustering to that city’s defense in the period including Key penning the words to the “Star Spangled Banner,” in Sept. 1814. Deckled edge. Toning at three vertical folds and two horizontal edges, else very good and displayable, “Mulatto,” “free woman,” and “free born woman” appearing conspicuously. $110-140

6-9. A “Coloured Man” Manumitted.

Manuscript document attesting that George Wilson “Coloured man now before me is the identical George Wilson manumitted by John Crum,” as sworn by William G. Cole “on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God....” Frederick County, Md., Oct. 19, 1853, 4 1/4 x 7 3/4. Crum served in the Revolution, in Col. Baker Johnson’s Maryland Regt. Signed by (Justice of Peace) James Kerrigan, Jr. Penned on interesting glazed shell-grey, ruled in palest blue. Tan edge toning, V-crease at one blank end where folded, else fine. The British spelling of “Coloured” is seldom seen on such documents. $90-120

6-10. Slavery a “‘blessing’...is not only strange, but monstrous....”

Two printed speeches, bound together with original string, pagination consecutive, 20 pp. in all, 5 3/4 x 9 1/4: C(assius) M(arcellus) Clay in House of Reps., Jan. 1841, eloquently and powerfully opposing repeal of 1835 law “to prohibit the importation of slaves into this state.“ “If slavery is a blessing, by all means repeal this law; but if it be an evil, as I hold, as held Jefferson and Henry and Madison, and all the illustrious statesmen of the world from 1776 to the present day, then you dare not touch that law which stands like a wall of adamant, shielding our homes...from more than all the calamities that ever Barbarian invaders inflicted upon a conquered people. The gentleman from Breckenridge avows slavery to be a ‘blessing’...with the sanction of Deity. This is a strange doctrine to be heard in any country, but to urge it here, among Kentuckians...is not only strange, but monstrous....” • With speech of Mr. Giddings, House of Reps., Feb. 9, 1841, opposing removal of Seminole Indians from Florida. Light grey damp spotting at lower margin, some dust-toning last page, else little-handled and about very good. $70-100 (2 pcs. bound together)

6-11. Former Charleston Slave Trader – and Commander of Dorr’s Rebellion.

A.L.S. of H(enr)y D’Wolf, Bristol, R.I., Dec. 4, 1843, 1 p., 7 3/4 x 10. To Cranson & Potter, “Rhode Island Representatives in Congress.” “A young friend and connexion of our family, Mark Anthony D’Wolf Allen, is about making application for admission into the U.S. Navy, and has asked some recommendation of his numerous friends to further his views. It is with great pleasure that all those who know him bear testimony to his estimable moral worth...and have shown their desire to serve the young gentleman, by addressing the Secy. of the Navy. If you can in any way consistent with your duty, advance the object...you will oblige him as he only wants an opportunity....” Hand-delivered; docketing on verso. Numerous old folds, short tear at top margin, file curl at blank left margin, else very good. A supporter of Dorr’s Rebellion (see lot 6-23), D’Wolf chaired a meeting in R.I. in June 1842, discussing military plans for their People’s Party uprising. Research details how a hotel-tavern was chosen as headquarters for the Rebellion. As Dorr’s return to R.I. drew closer, rumors circulated that citizen patrols would guard the village, and the rebellion’s soldiers would arrest the Lt. Gov. Days later, the real government of R.I. declared martial law throughout the state. The Rebellion’s troops, equipped with cannon, “piles of scrap iron,” “stacks of rifles,” and musical instruments, with an American flag flying, all came to be commanded by the present letter’s writer, “Gen.” Henry D’Wolf. All of D’Wolf’s men were unpaid volunteers, including three blacks in the commissary. Years before, D’Wolf had been a large-scale importer of slaves in his family’s own ships, bringing at least eighteen cargoes of African captives - numbering some 10,000 slaves - and selling them in commission houses mainly in Charleston and Havana. When U.S. importation of slaves ended in 1808, D’Wolf returned to R.I. In all, showing the complexity of antebellum history. With modern research. $140-180

6-12. The Leading Issue in 1844 Presidential Campaign: Texas and Slavery.

Printed House of Representatives document, “Annexation of Texas - Resolutions of Legislature of South Carolina, in favor of the annexation of Texas to the U.S.,” Feb. 19, 1844, 1 p., 5 3/4 x 9. Transmitting the pre-Christmas instructions of S.C.: “...Sound policy, the vital interests of the people of the U.S., and their just rights, require that steps should be promptly taken by the Government of the U.S. for annexation of Texas to the Union....” Some creases at blank left margin where removed from old binding, moderate waterstaining along top edge, some toning, but very satisfactory. The Texas “annexation question became one of the most controversial issues in American politics in the late 1830s and early 1840s. The issue was not Texas, but slavery...In 1838, John Quincy Adams...staged a 22-day filibuster that successfully blocked annexation...At this point, pro-slavery Southerners began to popularize a conspiracy theory that would eventually bring Texas into the Union as a slave state...The Texas question was the major political issue in the Presidential campaign of 1844...”--DigitalHistory.com. Ironically, less than twenty years later, South Carolina would seek to remove themselves from the same Union, slavery again at the fore. Uncommon. With modern research. $60-85

6-13. Said to be Second Only to Lincoln in Winning Black Freedom.

Uncommonly lengthy and early A.L.S. of leading abolitionist and a founder of Republican Party, Charles Sumner, Boston, Aug. 4, 1846, 2 1/2 pp., 7 1/4 x 7 3/4. From the inception of Sumner’s ascent to the public stage, and his anti-slavery stance. Charmingly accepting invitation to lecture at Bangor, Maine Lyceum. “...(I) feel that I ought not to go so far, to deliver a lecture. One should speak like an angel, methinks, to justify an expedition of more than two hundred miles. Anything I should have to say would exhale, freeze, or otherwise lose the little vitality it might have had, long before I reached Bangor. And yet I should like to see Bangor...I am tempted & will try to come some time before Dread winter comes...I hope to write a fresh lecture in Sept. If this should not be written, I propose to give one on ‘The Employment of Time’....” Large elaborate crest watermark, on palest green lettersheet; possibly trimmed by Sumner from a much larger sheet to save paper, else about fine. Two words on p. 2 corrected by Sumner, light handling. Though brought up “in the old Puritan style” in a large anti-slavery family, it was at age 23 that he gained his first impression of slavery on traveling to Washington. Sumner’s speech on July 4th, 1845 put him in the public spotlight; four months later he made his first anti-slavery speech, in Boston. He took the controversial view that slavery was not a local evil, but a national one. It was undoubtedly the publicity from these orations that elicited the invitation from Maine, the subject of this letter. Elected to the Senate, “he was an uncompromising, fiery, and persistent antagonist of slavery...His argument was...that slavery was not recognized in the Constitution...(The attack on Sumner by Preston Brooks in the Senate) crystallized sentiment against slavery more, perhaps, than any other single event had done up to this time...Next to Lincoln he undoubtedly did more to win freedom for the colored race than any other man...”--accompanying 3 pp. bio from an old encyclopedia. With catalogue cutting, probably Paul C. Richards, judged c. 1975-80. • With, newspaper, Salem (Mass.) Register, Apr. 28, 1851, 4 pp. Editorial on election of Sumner “by that ominous majority of one...The long agony is over...The Free Soilers were duly elated...The corrupt, demoralizing and unprecedented bargaining, by which his election was brought about, will be a...stigma...He was an especial pet of the late Judge Story... (Sumner) does not belong to that rabid, radical, fanatical class of destructives with which extreme he has been often ranked.” Report from Mass. Legislature on Sumner’s election, with mention of Committee on Slavery; it required 26 rounds of balloting before Sumner finally squeaked by, with the precise 193 votes needed. Also, return of John Paul Jones’ body to U.S. from Paris, with a lengthy, flattering anecdote about him during the Revolution; Presidential warning to “all good citizens against another proposed invasion of Cuba.” Many illustrated ads, including “Oxygenated Bitters” with testimonials from politicians. Uniform cream toning, old folds, else fine. $275-375 (2 pcs.)

6-14. Letter to a Major Slave Auctioneer: “...I like the woman I purchased from you very much....”

Letter of Hugh M. Nelson, “Near Millwood, Clark Co(unty), Va.,” Mar. 23, 1850, 8 1/4 x 10 1/2, 1 1/2 pp. To infamous “R.H. Dickinson & Bro., Auctioneer, Richmond, Va.,” handling half of all slave sales in the largest slave-trading center in the Upper South, Richmond--Library of Virginia, virginiamemory.com. Integral stampless address-leaf with olive-green “Millwood Va.” c.d.s., manuscript “Mar. 24” in center, and large ms. “5.” “I sent a Negro woman to you to sell for me...ever since the 17th of Feb. and have written no less than three times to you about her, and have not yet received an answer (from) you with regard to her. I will thank you as soon as you receive this to write to me and let me (know) whether you even got her. If you have, I will thank you to let me know if you think she will sell for about what I gave for her, my price $650. I wrote you in my letter to keep her about ten days and unless Mr. John Pape [else Pope or Pass?] of Hanover wrote to you to send her up to Hanover to him, to sell her to the highest bidder for cash if you haven’t sold her as yet. Unless she will clear me $650, I will thank you to send her up to Beaver Dam Depot, Hanover, Mr. Philip Nelson, and I will pay all expenses. I like the woman I purchased from you very much and should like to get her husband. I have several servants which do not suit me which I intended for you to sell for me & to tender others in there soon but I have had so much difficulty about hearing about this one that I had better sell them up here for what I can get. I shall hope however to hear from you by the return mail.” Beginning in the 1830s with general merchandise, by the mid-1850s they auctioned slaves exclusively. In 1856, the Warrenton Whig reported that Dickinson’s volume “reached the enormous sum of two millions (of dollars)” in slaves – about $220 million adjusted for inflation; their commissions totalled some $50,000. Penned in tea-brown on palest blue glazed manifold paper. Nibbled along right vertical margin, affecting parts of last words on about 8 lines, else about fine. In 1862, Stonewall Jackson would make his headquarters in Millwood’s Carter Hall. A significant artifact from the files of the firm heavily responsible for the shift in enslaved black population from the Upper South to the deeper South’s cotton and sugar plantations. The Library of Virginia’s superb website offers “To Be Sold,” a dramatic, authoritative online exhibition on the subject, mentioning Dickinson. $200-275

6-15. A Rare Illustrated Runaway Slave Broadside – the Owner (or his eponymous son) Killed at Gettysburg Eleven Years On.

Significant “Fifty Dollars Reward” poster printed for Alabama planter Levi Parks, “Parks’ Landing, Wilcox Co(unty), Ala.,” Apr. 1852. 12 x 17 irregular. An elusive use of not one but two woodcuts of fleeing slaves, one male, one female, each 3/4 x 7/8, both unmistakably black, and both carrying their belongings wrapped in a cloth bundle suspended from a stick. Printed in haste and in ephemeral numbers, runaway broadsides rarely bore illustrations; where infrequently used, they were usually ordinary printers’ devices used on other jobs, such as a pointing hand. Fold wear through Camden, Ala. imprint, but identified as (Printing Office of) The Southern Republic. Parks may be father of Levi J. Parks who fought in 11th Ala. Infantry, “probably killed” at Gettysburg: “Born in Ala., this married 30-year-old farmer from Pleasant Valley, Washington County, Ala. [about 75 miles from Wilcox County; the 11th Ala. Infantry was commanded by Col. Wilcox], enlisted June 11, 1861 at Saint Stephens, and was present with his unit from Harpers Ferry to Salem Church...Present [at Gettysburg on] July 2, he was reported captured on his company’s record of events card and his service record, but there are no Federal or further records concerning him and it is assumed he was probably killed”--Confederate Casualties at Gettysburg: A Comprehensive Record, Busey & Busey, 2017.

In full:

“Ranaway from the subscriber, on the 17th Sept. last, my negro fellow Stephen. He is between twenty-five and thirty years of age, is about six feet high, copper colored, high fore-head, will weigh about 170 pounds, pleasant countenance, had a goatee when he left, and is a fine looking negro. I think he is making his way back to Virginia. He can read but I do not think he can write. I purchased said boy last winter in Montgomery. He was brought from Virginia or Maryland. Said boy has some use of tools, and was purchased as a rough carpenter.

“The above reward will be paid for said boy if apprehended out of the State, and $25 if within the State, and confined in jail so that I can get him. Levi Parks

“P.S. It is possible that the said negro has been decoyed away by some white man, and is now passing as his property. If so, the above description of the negro may tend to the arrest of the negro and thief - for the arrest and conviction of whom, a handsome reward will be paid in addition to the above. L.P....”

The 1860 Slave Census - its final year - shows Parks with 40 slaves. As of about May 1861, 90 bales of cotton were being stored on “Levi Parks’ plantation, value $6,133.80”--Cotton Sold to the Confederate States..., U.S. Dept. of Treasury, 1913, p. 96.

Very heavily worn and once separated at several panels and horizontal folds; stains, tears, some marginal mousechews, upper sixteenth panel with “F” of “Fifty Dollars” flattened before 1918 at an angle, but in all, miraculously the only lacking text is part of imprint at bottom. Mostly-blank lower horizontal portion reattached with old tape. Period docketing on verso. Old $10 price in pencil, perhaps c. 1940s. • On verso, a stolen horse broadside affixed to verso of this runaway slave broadside, applied more than a century ago, as backing to hold the latter together. “$100 Dollars Reward...Stolen...a heavy made Bay Roan Mare...a natural pacer...She is with foal...and $50 for apprehension and delivery of thief at my farm...,” F.M. Bell, Weston, Platte County, Mo., Jan. 2, (18)58. Though somewhat forgotten today, Weston was home of Ben Holladay, the Stage Coach King. By 1849, the town was “steamboat headquarters of the West,” serving 225 steamboats, and by 1855, Weston was second only to St. Louis in size, for a riverport town--hmdb.org.

The pair ex-celebrated collection of Philip and Elsie Sang, Part 2, “Highly Important American Historical Documents...,” Parke-Bernet sale 4179, 1978, with their original auction label affixed to outside of Sang’s sturdy print protector (broadside easily slides out), black cloth binding edge for Sang’s binder (not present). Interestingly, this exact example photographed and transcribed in Library of Congress’ Printed Ephemera Collection, but from a “negative photostat” only, marked 1918.

Depictions of slavery in antebellum printing were commonly seen in books, tracts, and engravings issued by anti-slavery societies. But seldomly did slave owners place such images on their own printed materials, such as this runaway broadside. RareBookHub reports an “illustrated” runaway broadside with just one woodcut (ours has two), and without the Gettysburg association, for a female, Va., 1851, fetching $10,800 at Cowans, 2017. Dramatic core Americana. See image in catalogue; larger color image on website or by e-mail. $9000-12,500 (2 pcs., back to back)

6-16. The “unmerited triumph of Slavery” – 1854.

Printed letter from A.G. Curtin, chairman of Whig State Central Committee of Penna., Bellefonte, Sept. 1, 1854. 7 3/4 x 9 3/4, black on slate blue. To Whig supporters asking them to “give a day to your Country,” to get out the vote. With premonitions of the strife ahead, though calling it “the bloodless battle to sustain Freedom and safety of the Union...The conservative elements in Penna. are all united in harmonious and energetic action to stop the plunderers of the Public Treasury...The freemen of Penna., shocked at the recent illegitimate and unmerited triumph of Slavery, in passage of the Kansas and Nebraska bill, have united with us...in this the great battle of Freedom...and...preserving inviolate the Union...We are at war with no ordinary foe...the Democratic party is now organized....“ Curtin was Penna. Gov. during Civil War. Minor marginal tears at folds, one crease in blank portion, else very good. $45-60

6-17. “Murdered by his [Black] Servant and Burned up in the flames of his House....”

Dramatic letter from “Whitfield,” Aldie, Va., Dec. 27, 1856, 6 1/4 x 8, 1 p. To Miss Kate C. Nult, Tudor Hall, P(rince) W(illiam) Co(unty), Va. / Care of L. Mardees.” “I arrived home safely after having a very cold snow and found Mother very uneasy about you and Alice. She expected to hear of you being frozen. Prepare yourself for bad news. On Christmas night Mr. George Green was Murdered by his Servant and Burned up in the flames of his House. The negros were all arrested and lodged in Jail to await their tryal, and on the same night there were two fires in Middleburg and straw yard belonging to Mr. English and a House belonging to Mr. Chancelor(?) and I just heard that Grandfather’s Barn has been set on fire by an Incendiary. Their barn and Carriage House were burned up and also 400 Barrels of Corn.” The 1856 Presidential campaign debuted the very first Republican candidate. Featuring an anti-slavery plank, the party’s contender, John Frémont, was smeared by Democratic rumors of his intent to incite slave insurrections. Overreaction throughout the South resulted. Several smudges by the writer’s hand, else excellent. • With buttercup-yellow envelope, Scott #11 with three good margins, soft wrap where stamp affixed just beyond right vertical edge of cover; lightly applied red Aldie c.d.s., with slight run from period moisture, perhaps a few drops of rain (or the reader’s tears) at the alarming news. Attractive all-over chain-link watermark. Very light edge toning, soft corner postal crease, else fine. One of the more unusual slave-related letters we recall. $220-270 (2 pcs.)

Logbook of an Anti-Slaver Man-o-War

6-18. Flagship of America’s Africa Squadron vanquishing the Slave Trade.

Manuscript logbook, titled in contemporary hand “Journal of a cruise in the U.S. Ship St. Louis,” July 18, 1856-Dec. 31, 1857, about 270 written pp., original hard marbled boards, 1/2 calf, 8 1/4 x 13. Penned in clear, attractive hands, with red rules for highlights. Contemporary pencil lettering on front flyleaf, “U.S. Ship St. Louis, West Coast Africa, J(ohn) W. Livington, Commander,” embellished with hand-drawn filigree. (Livingston was, in fact, the Senior Commander of the Africa Squadron by 1857. He was made Rear Admiral eleven years later.)

With a remarkable history, the ship was the first American man-of-war to carry the flag into San Francisco, in 1839, and was present at Singapore when the first commercial treaty with China was being negotiated. In 1844, the St. Louis provided a landing party of her Marines and sailors to suppress Chinese rioting against American interests, in the very first U.S. military landing on Chinese soil.

This 1856-57 logbook is from her service as an anti-slaver, one of just four ships on tag-team rotation in the Africa Squadron. Though the Squadron was a nod to popular abolitionist sentiment, official support was intentionally minimized, partly because of pro-slavery sentiment within the Navy Department, making the ships’ job more trying. Sailing from New York in Nov. 1855 “to help suppress the slave trade along the western coast of Africa,” she returned in Feb. 1858--Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, Vol. VI, 1976, p. 244. Exhaustive detail of the daily operations of this Navy ship on elite duty far from home. Reflecting much activity and drama in its role off the coast of Africa, including surveillance, interception, and boarding of ships. The Navy’s Annual Report for 1855 recorded the departure of the St. Louis, noting “...the slave trade south of the equator is entirely broken up...”--Message from the President of the United States..., 1855, Part III, pp. 5-6. Notwithstanding this glowing assessment, the issue of slavery was becoming red-hot in America. In 1857, within the timeframe of this logbook, the Dred Scott Decision was handed down, inflaming abolitionists, and helping set the stage for the Civil War. The period captured in this logbook was also a critical one in naval - and geopolitical - history, with ramifications into the present time. The treaty with Japan had recently been ratified, and America’s role in the world was growing.

Entries commencing at Palmas, Grand Canary Islands; Porto Grande, Island St. Vincent; Porto Praya, capital of Cape Verde Islands; Porto Novo, Dahomey (today Benin, whose shore was known as the “Slave Coast”), settled by Portuguese as center of slave trade; Prince’s Island; Little Fish Bay; Elephant’s Bay; Benguela (Angola); Monrovia (Liberia); and Madeira. Just a few extracts from the first half year:

Aug. 14, 1856: “At 9 the Summary Court Martial convened for the trial of Thos. Graham...The Prisoners were brought to the Mast & their Sentences read to them & put in execution. 8 to Mid(night) swell from S.W.” • Aug. 28: “...to board an English Barque at anchor off Porto Nova, 2 English Brigs, Barque & Portuguese Barque...Saw a vessel at Anchor off Badagry, sounded several times in 9 fathoms water...Lightning to the west.” [Slavers would sometimes fly a Spanish or Portuguese flag to elude interdiction.] • Sept. 1: “Master took the following compass bearings: Madam Ferrara’s House....” • Sept. 29: “Target overboard...Commenced firing as fast as the Guns would bear making good shots but not hitting the target....” • Oct. 12: “At 4 P.M., the southern pt. of Little Fish Bay...in chase of a Ship & Barque standing to the North. Hoisted our Ensign when the vessels showed American colors...passed under her stern & spoke to the Whaling Barque Globe, Capt. Trappe of New-Bedford, 15 months out with 400 Bbls. of Oil. Sent a Boat with the Master on board the Globe...proving to be the American whale ship Emma C...with 1000 Bbls. of Oil....” • Oct. 13: “...Boarded the Whale Barque Kanawah, Capt. Terry from Greensport, Long Island...600 Bbls. of Oil bound on a cruise... An Eclipse of the Moon. At 12 nearly a Total Eclipse....” • Oct. 15: “Receiving water from shore. Painting iron work outside...Hoisted the Portuguese Flag & fired 21 guns....” • Oct. 29, in Angola: “At 8 the Portuguese War Sch(oone)r together with the Merchantmen in port dressed ship. Sent an Officer to inquire the cause of celebration. Learned that it was the birth-day of the King of Portugal. At 9 hoisted the Portuguese Colors at the fore in honor of the Birth Day of Ferdinand...Fired a salute of 21 guns....” • Oct. 30: “Confined Geo. C. Shaugnessy, Sea(man), for disobedience of orders.” • Nov. 4: “Summary C(ourt) M(artial) convened for the trial of Jas. Bogart. The French Commodore visited the ship. On leaving saluted him with 13 guns, which was returned by the Frigate Jean d’Arc with the same number. (Interesting mention of other 9- and 11-gun salutes.) • Nov. 17: “Confined A.C. Graves in single irons for insubordinate conduct reported by Lt. Duvall....” • Nov. 22: “Confined J.H. Yew in double irons for disorderly conduct.” • Dec. 28: “John Moreland departed this life...Called all hands, bury the dead, read the funeral service, & committed the remains of Jno. Moreland to the deep. Lightning & misty about the horizon.” • Inlaid coroner’s inquest into demise of Francis Gibbs, “ 1st Class Boy,” killed instantly when “a gun loaded with powder & balls” held by another sailor accidentally discharged. • Much, much more.

Upon the outbreak of the Civil War, ships from far and near were summoned home, and the focus changed from anti-slavery efforts in Africa, to emancipation in America. In Apr. 1861, the St. Louis helped reinforce Fort Pickens, then joined the blockade of Southern ports. Fitted with new guns, “she criss-crossed the Atlantic, cruised the African coast...in search of Confederate commerce raiders...She returned to Port Royal, S.C., on Nov. 26, 1864, for service in the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Three days later, sailors and marines from St. Louis went ashore at Boyd’s Landing to participate in the combined Army-Navy thrust up the Broad River...to assist Gen. Sherman as he approached Savannah at the end of his march across Georgia...”--Dictionaryof American Naval Fighting Ships.... Charming watercolor-blue pictorial label of “W.H. Maurice’s Blank Book and Stationery Establishment, No. 123 Chestnut St...Philadelphia.” Nineteenth-century inscription on flyleaf, “Presented to U.S. Grant Post 327, Dept. of N.Y., G.A.R., by Bernard Callaghan, Member of the Post who Served in the U.S.N.” Callaghan served over five years in the Spanish-American War period; he was admitted to the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in 1914, receiving $10 pension monthly. Spine covering mostly perished, boards understandably worn, binding shaken, internally with some light toning, else clean, and very good to fine, the ink varying from mellow mocha to deep brown, and almost every spread suitable for display. Presumably the only logbook of an American anti-slaver on the market. The vigilence and dedication shown in fulfilling their mission is impressive. A rare artifact showing America’s internationalization of anti-slavery efforts, and important primary source evidence. With ship’s history, courtesy Naval Historical Center, 1979, and other research. $2200-3200

6-19. McClellan and Miss Columbia protecting a Southern Black.

Magazine, Vanity Fair, N.Y., Nov. 23, 1861, (12) pp., 8 1/2 x 11 1/2. Modeled on Punch, the first American iteration of Vanity Fair, still published today. Delightful pictorial masthead with cherubs and leaping pixies holding herald trumpets. Page-one cartoon, “Rebel Marketing,” showing chicken farmer confronted by men bearing bayonet and pistol: “What’s the price of Chickens?” Full-page of woodcut panels mocking “Defenders of Fort Delmonico” (a celebrated Manhattan restaurant), and of McClellan in suit of armor defending Miss “Columbia, and her children” - a black man - as they come upon a Confederate lion. Jokes, advertisements, anecdotes of the war. Some handling, else good. $45-65

6-20. Including Low-Circulation Order of Corps D’Afrique – and Musicians’ Pay at West Point.

Very scarce printed General Orders No. 3, “H.Q., Corps D’Afrique, Six-Mile Island, Ohio River,” June 20, 1863, 4 3/4 x 7 3/4. “...All official correspondence must be addressed to the Chief of Staff, and not to the Genl. Comd’g. By Command of Maj. Genl. Savage; J.J. Hayes, Brig. Genl. & Chief of Staff.” Evidently produced on rudimentary field press, part of first two lines printed in mid-grey, the black ink not yet uniformly distributed across type; toning at narrow band of blank right margin, else excellent. • With four unrelated printed Orders: War Dept., Washington, Feb. 1, 1864, on “the issue of fuel” to civilian employees. “...The fuel issued will be considered as public property, and will not be sold or given away....” • Same, Apr. 4, 1864, reporting Congress’ appropriations for support of Military Academy [West Point]. Including “pay of officers, instructors, cadets, and musicians, $117,176...For pay in lieu of clothing to officers’ servants, $60 [these servants often black]...For...expenses...fuel and apparatus, forage, postage, telegrams, stationery...printing..., $41,280...For targets and batteries for artillery exercise, $100....Warming apparatus for barracks...Rebuilding public wharf....” • Washington, May 1, 1864. A rarely-seen “Memorandum,” in style of a general order, but printed on white, vertically ruled in pale blue. Listing new numbers for “orders announcing transfers to Veterans Reserve and Signal Corps....” An oddity. • Q.M.’s Office, Washington, July 21, 1866, 3 pp. “The post of Ft. Snelling, Minn...will be discontinued and broken up immediately [emphasis as shown]...All property and funds...will be taken possession of by Chief Mustering Officer of the State...Books, records, and papers relative to drafted men and deserters, will also be taken possession of...by the State....” Some with very light, uniform cream toning, else all fine. $140-180 (5 pcs.)

6-21. “...The strength of slavery was its weakness....”

Civil War pamphlet, “National Celebration of Union Victories - Grand Military & Civic Procession - Mass Meeting at Union Sq., New-York, Mar. 6, 1865.” 5 3/4 x 9, 72 pp. Printed by George P. Nesbitt, cor. Pearl and Pine Sts. “The surrender of Savannah, fall of Charleston, re-possession of Sumter, and other brilliant successes of the Union arms, induced a number of prominent citizens to issue the following call...”: Proceedings of celebrations in Gotham, including description of parades, text of speeches, letters received from dignitaries, list of all participants (including “Steinway & Sons - 450 Workmen representing the manufacture of a Piano on the Route...L. Schepp, 282 Greenwich St., four-horse Truck distributing Coffee in packages to the Public...”), description of fireworks display, and more. With a wealth of eloquence by speakers: “The crime of the rebellion was the offspring of...a greater crime – the crime of human slavery...Who, but the Omniscient, could have seen that the strength of slavery was its weakness...The stain which had fallen upon the American name has been washed with blood and burned with fire, til it scarce remains, except as a memento of man’s wrong and God’s justice...” (p. 35). Cover detached, marginal chipping and tears, dust-toning; cover and first two leaves lacking lower right corners, all text with uniform ivory toning, else very satisfactory. Rare on the market, and an unusually early full-blown victory celebration, predating Appomattox by over one month. $55-80

6-22. The First Civil Rights Act – 1866.

A significant landmark in the annals of American freedom: Printed General Orders, War Dept., Washington, July 21, 1866, 4 3/4 x 7 1/4, 6 pp. “An Act to protect all persons in the U.S. in their civil rights, and furnish the means of their vindication.” “All persons born in the U.S. and not subject to any foreign Power, excluding Indians not taxed, are hereby declared citizens...and such citizens, of every race and color, without regard to any previous condition of slavery or involuntary servitude...shall have the same right, in every State and Territory in the U.S., to make and enforce contracts, to sue...to inherit, purchase, lease, sell, hold, and convey real and personal property, and to full and equal benefit of all laws...as is enjoyed by white citizens...It shall be lawful for the President...to employ such part of the land or naval forces of the U.S...to prevent the violation and enforce the due execution of this act....” Signed-in-type by Speaker of the House Schuyler Colfax, and Pres. of Senate Lafayette Foster, followed by earlier resolutions of House and Senate, passing legislation. Four period binding holes in blank margin, old soft vertical fold, else very fine and clean. Although passed in Apr. 1866, and here officially published for circulation in July, this first Federal law defining citizenship, and affirming protection for all under the law, was not ratified for four years! Principally written to protect civil rights of blacks brought to or born in America, the contentious law had been actually passed in 1865, but vetoed by Pres. Johnson. When it passed in Apr. 1866 - as recorded within the present item - it was again vetoed, but a two-thirds majority overrode; it was the first time that Congress ever overrode a Presidential veto for a major piece of legislation. It took the 13th and then 14th Amendments to give Congress sufficient constitutional power to finally ratify this seminal legislation. Thence prevailing for nearly a century, it was magnified by the additional major civil rights bills of the 1960s. The Act of 1866 would endure even later, cited and carrying the day in a landmark 1976 Supreme Court case. Very rare thus; most early postwar orders are scarcer than war date. WorldCat locates no examples (though it may reside within unitemized bound volumes). No copies at auction found by RareBookHub. With modern research. $650-850

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6-23. Civil Rights and the People’s Constitution – 19 Years before the Emancipation Proclamation.

Excessively rare small handbill-style scrip relating to freedom, constitutional sovereignty, and “middle-class radical” Martin Luther of R.I., with utterly fascinating context in the annals of both black and white history. Providence, Sept. 27, 1844, 2 1/2 x 5 1/2. Boldly headed “Liberty Stock,” issued by the separatist “Democratic State Central Committee of R.I.,” entitling the bearer to pay “10¢ to cancel a fine imposed by the Supreme Court...on Martin Luther...sentenced to pay a fine of $500...and imprisonment for six months...for serving as moderator at a town meeting under the People’s Constitution, Apr. 18, 1842, and also to enable Luther to prosecute his suit at law, now pending before the Supreme Court of the U.S., in which is involved the great National Question whether said constitution under which he acted as moderator was or was not rightfully adopted.” Signed-in-type by Walter R. Danforth, Chairman. Five insect holes in blank lower left margin, tiny chip at blank top egde, old half fold, light pocket toning, else good plus.

Luther’s appointment with civil rights and legal history began when he, with Thomas Dorr - of the eponymous Dorr’s Rebellion - and others, created an unofficial constitution to replace Rhode Island’s colonial-era charter, having been rebuffed by the state’s Assembly. Seeking to prevent the public from voting on Dorr and Luther’s People’s Constitution, the Assembly criminalized the People’s Party election, with severe penalties for those voting. Had it not been for the events of Apr. 18, 1842, cited in this scrip-handbill, Luther may have remained unknown to history. On that day, he was chosen election moderator, presiding over the meeting, curating votes of fellow citizens. Thomas Dorr was elected governor - at the same time that separate elections were being held elsewhere in R.I. under the official, old charter – choosing a different governor. “With two constitutions, two legislatures, and two governors, R.I. stood at a constitutional impasse, with Luther caught in the middle...On May 17, Dorr and his followers, including Luther, unsuccessfully attempted to seize Providence’s city arsenal...The charter government declared martial law...,” naming traitor Dorr and his “deluded adherents”--From extensive modern research accompanying. The saga would take many dramatic twists and turns, Luther’s case ultimately heard before the U.S. Supreme Court. Luther acted as his own counsel. Both he and Dorr landed in prison, Luther enduring six months solitary confinement and hard labor. “Luther’s cases involved important principles of American democracy...(and helping) to constitutionalize the idea of popular constituent sovereignty....” Rhode Island blacks played dramatic roles in quashing Luther and Dorr’s uprising – by “suppressing a rebellion that they once had every intention of joining because of its egalitarian ethos...Frederick Douglass maintained in his autobiography that the efforts of black and white abolitionists ‘during the Dorr excitement did more to abolitionize the state than any previous or subsequent work’....”

The new, official constitution which arose from the Luther-Dorr affair would not “abridge any man’s rights on account of race of color. This legal triumph, the only instance in antebellum history where blacks regained the franchise after having it revoked, was rooted both in...Providence’s black community, and in the revolutionary rhetoric that was part and parcel of [Luther and] Dorr’s attempt at extralegal reform.”--“Strange Bedfellows - The Politics of Race in Antebellum R.I.,” Chaput & DeSimone, 2010. The first example we have handled. WorldCat locates no examples. $250-325

6-24. A Late Letter of Black Visionary Booker T. Washington.

Manuscript L.S. of Booker T. Washington, on his letterhead as Principal, “Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute for the Training of Colored Young Men and Women,” Tuskegee Institute, Ala., Feb. 8, 1913, 8 1/2 x 11. To Rev. J.A. Terhune, Millerton, N.Y. “It will be a matter of great assistance and encouragement to us if you can help us again this year. I do not like to suggest or ask this, but...while our students bear their own expenses of board in cash and in labor and also provide for their own books, clothing and travel, they are wholly unable to pay the cost of teaching. We shall be very grateful for any amount that you may be kind enough to send us.” The Institute’s Board included Seth Low, Theodore Roosevelt, Sears-Roebuck Pres. Julius Rosenwald, et al. One semicircular fragment lacking at blank lower right, blank corner crease, light wear at two bottom folds, else a particularly attractive example, with uniform ivory toning. Washington’s autobiography Up From Slavery remains a landmark work in modern American literature; he was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1945. $220-270

6-25. The Sad Story of Maine’s Interracial Island.

Cabinet photo with old pencil identification on verso, “Malaga Island, rock garden, 1875,” 4 3/4 x 7. In Maine’s Casco Bay, Malaga Island was “site of an interracial community from the Civil War til 1911, when residents were forcibly evicted...It is now an uninhabited reserve owned and managed by Maine Coast Heritage Trust...”--wikipedia. Intriguing view of simple clapboard houses flanking a manmade pyramidal berm, in front of which a small structure which appears to have been badly damaged in a storm, lacking two walls, its roof twisted upward, the floor heaved, and four long logs pitched into a hole with rocks. Two older men in suits inspect the scene; their complexions invite speculation. Good contrast, moderately sharp. On original caramel mount. Few minor blind surface marks in sky field, light tip wear, else fine. Subject of a newspaper exposé in the 1890s, stories were published of a “degenerate colony” on Malaga, including use of tobacco and tea. In the early twentieth century, the state built a school, provided a teacher, “and began focusing...on the unorthodox community.”--wikipedia. Coming to view the interracial island as a blight on the state’s reputation, the Gov. ordered abduction of its men, women, and children, forcing many into institutions. “Missionaries helping the islanders had negotiated to buy the island from its private owner...but the governor outbid them...It is speculated that this was a personal retribution against the missionaries, who had defeated him in a bitter political fight over Prohibition.” In 2010, Maine finally issued an official statement of regret - but failed to notify descendants. Moving social history. $70-100

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7. Civil War Autographs

 

From a Major Collection of Civil War Autographs

- Part V, "L-M-N" -

Between the 1890s to 1920s, William M. Shaw (1878-1948), a Sherman, Texas dry goods and clothing merchant, formed a collection of autographs of Civil War Generals. In many cases, despite the paucity of autograph dealers in those early days, he was successful in locating examples of officers killed in action.

For others, he sought their signatures by mail. Shaw precisely mounted most items on a rigid white linen-embossed card, 3 1/2 x 5, usually with a typewritten biography mounted on verso. Some cards are toned; the signatures are almost invariably unaffected.

Such magnificent collections seldom come to market at this late date; whether you are beginning a collection, or filling in names, the Shaw Collection represents a special opportunity. Letter of provenance on request for each Shaw item. A small number of names were lacking in Shaw, and added from another old collection in the 1970s.

(Ranks shown at beginning of each description are the highest attained in career.)

7-1. John B. Page.

Of Vermont. Union Sharpshooter. Postwar Gov. Enlisting as a Pvt., Page served for some 2 1/2 years in the 1st and 2nd U.S. Vol. Sharpshooters; wounded at The Wilderness, 1864. Presentation signature on ornate State letterhead, “Executive Chamber,” with vignette of Green Mountains, moose at top of border. Also in his hand, “Montpelier, Oct. 4, 1868. I am Respectfully Yours....” Mounted on cream sheet. 5 3/4 x 8. Variant Vermont emblem in color, postage-stamp-size, from old book, affixed at lower right. Some glue stains along two margins, else good plus. Sharpshooter-related material is scarce. $45-65

7-2. John McA(uley) Palmer.

Of Ky. Union Maj. Gen. An early defector from Democrat to Republican, Palmer was a delegate to the ill-fated 1861 Washington Peace Conference. Leading a host of brigades, corps, and divisions in Armies of the Mississippi and Ohio, “he asked to be relieved (in 1864) after an altercation with Sherman, brought on by his refusal to take orders from Schofield whom he considered to be junior...”--Boatner. Later Gov. of Ill., and 1896 Presidential candidate of Gold Party (also known as National or Sound Money Democrats). In dark grey on ivory card, mounted by Shaw. Listed but curiously unpriced in Seagrave. Uncommon. $75-100

7-3. John G. Parke.

Of Pa. Union Maj. Gen. Burnside’s Chief of Staff at Fredericksburg; led at Vicksburg; again Chief of Staff of IX Corps at the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, James River campaign, and Petersburg, and commanded Army of the Potomac during Meade’s absence in the 1864-65 new year. Continuing in the Regular Army, and Supt. of West Point, Parke did not retire til 1889. “A very pleasant-looking man and liked apparently by everyone”--Lyman, in Boatner. Signature with “Maj. Genl.” in his hand, from document; in red, in another period hand: “Washington, D.C., May 9/(18)65 / Comdg. 9th Army Corps.” (Boatner states Parke commanded District of Alexandria from Apr. 26-June 5 of that year.) Double red ruled frame. Light muted waterstains, his signature in trifle light coffee-and-cream, else about very good. Floated on cream Strathmore paper when added to Shaw Collection in 1970s. $55-80

7-4. John G. Parke.

A.L.S., Washington, Jan. 14, 1874, 4 3/4 x 7 3/4. To “Mr. B. Perry,” evidently an autograph-seeker. “...In reply have respectfully to subscribe myself,” signed as “Major of Eng(inee)rs, Bvt. Maj. Genl. U.S.A.” (Parke was Asst. Chief of Engineers.) Soft bend at blank lower left corner, “Parke” in later pencil above his signature in old hand (perhaps his correspondent’s), else fine. • With carte of Parke, seated, in uniform. By Anthony, from Brady. “Parkes” (sic) in period ink on lower mount. Rich sepia tones, double gilt border. Two rubber-stamped file numbers on verso of noted 20th century collector, toned band on blank bottom of verso, else fine. A nice duo. Moderately scarce. $180-220 (2 pcs.)

7-5. S(amuel) W. Parker.

Of Ind. Antebellum Whig Congressman. 1851-1855. In brown on mocha, 1 1/4 x 2 1/4, probably cut from an envelope. Mounted on slightly larger light green, with old “329” penned above, evidently a collector’s reference number. Very minor dust-toning, else fine. $15-25

7-6. (John “The Gallant” Pelham).

Of Ala. A.L.S. of Jno. Pelham, presumed son of the eponymous illustrious Confederate officer killed in action at Kelly’s Ford, 1863. The writer here on his judicial letterhead, Anniston, Ala., Mar. 3, 1905. 8 x 11. Interesting Scotia Bond watermark. To collector W.M. Shaw. “I am in receipt of yours...making inquiry for signature of Maj. Jno. Pelham. Dr. C.J. Owens of this city is preparing a book of the life of Maj. Pelham that will be issued shortly that will, I think, contain a facsimile of the signature. Possibly he can supply you with an original if you write him for it.” Robert E. Lee had said of Pelham at Fredericksburg, “‘It is glorious to see such courage in one so young’... Blond, blue-eyed, and handsome, his modest manner belied his early fame, and he had begun to develop new artillery tactics with his Stuart Horse Artillery...‘As grand a flirt as ever lived (Lee’s Lieutenants), he was the beau ideal of the Confederacy...”--Boatner. Original mailing folds, trivial ink drop at blank right, else excellent. • Reply envelope supplied by Shaw, 2¢ pink postal stationery, good Anniston flag cancel. Shaw’s purple typewritten filing notation on verso, “Judge John Pelham....” Some postal evidence, else V.G. Maj. Pelham unlisted in Sanders and Seagrave. A splendid memento for the completist seeking representation of Pelham’s name; his autograph is exceedingly rare. $75-100 (2 pcs.)

7-7. John Peller.

Of Minn., born in Germany. Union Adjt. and Lt., 1st Minn. Infantry. In the evening of July 2 at Gettysburg, more than two-thirds of his regiment’s engaged men were killed or wounded. Peller was among the eight of his regiment “severely wounded.” Close of A.L.S., “the 12th inst. (Re)spectfully... Adjt. Genl.” 1 x 3 3/4, double red rule on three margins. Ancient “50(¢)” in pencil on verso. Carbon smudge at right, just touching last letter of his name, else fine. Rare by virtue of obscurity. Material of Minnesota troops is understandably uncommon. $65-90

7-8. L(ouis) H. Pelouze (II).

Of Pa. Union Asst. Adj. Gen. and Bvt. Brig. Gen. Severely wounded at Cedar Mountain, spending the last two years of the war as Asst. Adj. Gen. of Depts. of Va. and N.C. Pelouze was present at deathbed of Lincoln at Peterson House - across the street from Ford’s Theatre - and escorted the body back to the White House. Signature at conclusion of manuscript slip in clerical hand, “Hd. Qrs. 1st Div., Dept. of Rapp(ahanock), Front Royal, Va., June 19, 1862 [seven weeks before he was wounded]. Approved and Respectfully returned to the Brigade Commander. By order of Maj. Gen. Shields....” 2 3/4 x 3 1/4. Some dust-toning, old dealer’s notes in pencil each side, else very good. Uncommon Lincoln association. (Interestingly, his son Louis III became a pioneer semi-pro baseball player, in the 1880s, later a N.Y. diamond dealer; his sporting exploits appear at sabr.org.) $70-100

7-9. J(ohn) C(lifford) Pemberton.

Pa. Quaker.-born Confederate Maj. Gen. Declining Winfield Scott’s offer of a colonelcy in the Union Army, Pemberton organized cavalry and artillery of his wife’s native Virginia. War-date close of A.L.S., robin’s-egg blue rules, “Very truly & very s(incerel)y y(ou)rs...Brig. P(rovisional?) A(rmy?).” Dateable thus between June 17, 1861-Jan. 14, 1862. 1 1/4 x 4 1/4. “He counseled the abandonment of Fort Sumter...(and) given command of Dept. of Miss., Tenn. and East La. ‘Placing Pemberton in command in Miss. must rank as one of Jefferson Davis’ major mistakes.’”--Horn in Boatner. At Vicksburg, Pemberton was “harassed and bewildered not only by Grant’s brilliant strategy but also by conflicting instructions from his superiors, Davis and Johnston. The South, humiliated by the twin defeats of Gettysburg and Vicksburg, suspected treason....” Toning at right quarter, parts of double red rules, else about very good. (Not to be confused with John Stith Pemberton, a creator of Coca Cola, whose Confederate service was considerably less controversial.) $120-150

7-10. Tho(mas) F. Pendel.

Celebrated guard at Lincoln’s White House beginning Nov. 3, 1864, one of four selected from Washington’s Metropolitan Police as a special guard. Also in Pendel’s hand, “White House, Nov. 3, 1864 / July 19, 1898.” (In 1902, Pendel published his memoir, Thirty-six Years in the White House.) In walnut brown on eggshell-white card. Ward Hill Lamon, Lincoln’s close friend and personal bodyguard had become increasingly fearful. Pendel became one of the four men in the initial security detail: “To provide a special guard for Lincoln, four police officers from the Metropolitan Police were detailed for duties at the White House in late 1864 and early 1865...Trusted employees served wherever they could be most useful to presidential families - as doorkeepers, watchmen, stewards, and ushers...”--whitehousehistory.org. Pendel was promoted with personal input from Mary Lincoln. “Her son Tad was quite fond of the guard; Pendel comforted him on the night of the assassination, laying beside him in bed until the boy fell asleep”--chicagohistoryresources.org. Pendel’s account of the fateful carriage route to Ford’s Theatre appears in period statements. During his long tenure, he would also experience the assassination of Garfield. Excellent and very scarce. For the Lincolniana completist. $90-130

7-11. W(illiam) N. Pendleton.

Of Va. Confederate Brig. Gen., known as the preaching Chief of Artillery, first for Johnston and Lee, then for Confederate Army. Teaching math at West Point shortly after his own graduation in 1830, he became an ordained minister, overseeing churches and schools in Alexandria, Frederick, Md., and Lexington. Continuing to preach during the war when not directing the guns, “similar to Lee in looks, he was frequently mistaken for him”--Boatner. Signature in warm dark brown on mocha adversity paper, as Chief of Artillery of C.S.A. Clipped from field document, 2 x 2 3/4. In another hand, in light but legible grey, “Hd. Qrs. Art(iller)y A(rmy of) N(orthern) V(irginia) / Dec. 4, (18)64, Respy. forward...Brig. Genl. & Ch(ief) of Arty.” Dampstained, lacking blank lower left corner, two feathered edges, perhaps where once removed by hand from larger document; floated on onion skin (now wrinkled on verso) when added to Shaw Collection in 1970s, else satisfactory, his signature very good. $275-375

7-12. E(dward) A. Perry.

Mass.-born Confederate Brig. Gen. A highly interesting and overlooked figure, Perry was born in New England, attended Yale, and practiced law – in Florida. Severely wounded at Frayser’s Farm, and sent home to recover, he returned as commander of a demi-brigade: three Florida regiments. Leading them at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, he contracted typhoid and missed Gettysburg. Returned to command his Florida men at the Wilderness, Perry was again wounded. A postwar critic of carpetbag rule, he was Gov. of Fla. Close of letter, “(sinc)erely / E.A. Perry / Brig. Gen.,” in dark brown on tan, vertical blue-grey rules. 1 x 2 1/4. Album mounting remnants on verso, dark pink rules along top and bottom edges by 19th-century collector, else very good, with compelling eye appeal. $110-150

7-13. A(lfred) Pleasanton.

Of D.C. Union Maj. Gen. Prewar Indian fighter; commanded cavalry widely, including at Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Brandy Station, and at Jefferson City during Price’s raid. Working at I.R.S. after the war, “but in a conflict of authority was asked to resign; later became a railroad president”--Boatner. Attractive signature with “Maj. Genl.” in his hand, in coffee-and-cream. 1 1/4 x 4 1/2, pale blue rules, with double red border added by 19th-century collector. In another hand at bottom, “Milwaukie, Wis., Aug. 7, 1865.” Light glue toning from old mounting, else fine. $70-100

7-14. David D. Porter.

Of Pa. Union Admiral. At age 11, sailed with his father, Commodore David Porter, to the West Indies to suppress piracy. Commissioned at 14 in the Mexican Navy, the son went on to join his foster brother, Adm. Farragut, in the 1862 capture of New Orleans. After an action-packed career, he served as Supt. of Annapolis. Signature in deep brown on cream card, with “Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy” also in his hand. Probably war date, as he was promoted to Vice Admiral in 1866, then Admiral of the Navy four years thence. 2 1/2 x 4. Soft embossing between middle initial “D” and “P,” perhaps a dime that once rested beneath card in a wallet; very light ivory mottling, else fine and suitable for display. $120-150

7-15. Horace Porter.

Of Pa. Union Brig. Gen. Chief of Ordnance of Army of Potomac, and Depts. of the Ohio and Cumberland. Grant’s aide-de-camp and Medal of Honor recipient; Porter’s postwar articles about Appomattox “combine(d) wit and information in an agreeable mixture”--Boatner. In rich brown, on ivory card, 2 x 3 1/4. Choice. $50-70

7-16. J.M. Poyntz, M.D.

Of Ky. Confederate Surgeon. From Richmond, Ky., postwar Maj. Gen., Ky. Div. of U.C.V. Signature, with “Surgeon Dept. S. West. Va.” also in his hand. 1 3/4 x 3 1/2. Curiously lacking blank upper left corner; card apparently trimmed along top edge, else fresh and very fine. Rare. Unlisted by civilwardata.com. $65-90

7-17. Geo. D. Prentiss.

Of Ky. Journalist and Unionist during war. Note Signed, Louisville, May 1, 1868, 3 3/4 x 5. To autograph seeker Jos. F. Porter. “It is but a small favor that you ask, and I grant it with pleasure....” Interesting blind-embossed stationer’s crest, griffin atop crown. Light mottling, old pencil “MC” at bottom, else good plus. $35-50

7-18. Jno. S. Preston.

Of Va. Confederate Brig. Gen. A Harvard graduate and successful planter in antebellum S.C., Preston invested his fortune in art - and married a sister of Wade Hampton. In the 1849-56 S.C. legislature, he became known as a “radical champion of states’ rights”--Boatner. Sent in Feb. 1861 - two months before Fort Sumter - to urge Va. to leave the Union, Preston was one of Beauregard’s volunteer aides-de-camp at Sumter and 1st Bull Run. Commanding the Confederate prison camp at Columbia, S.C., he was “unhappy with the job, (but) so efficient that Seddon named him head of Bureau of Conscription...,” holding that post til Mar. 1865. Going to England upon collapse of the Confederacy, Preston returned in 1868 but remained “completely unreconstructed”--D.A.B. Signature, closely trimmed, 5/8 x 2 3/4. V-shaped rust lines of old clip at right, just touching cross of “t” and last letter of “Preston,” else very good. Scarce. $55-75

7-19. James L. Pugh.

Of Ala. U.S. Congress 1859-61, Confederate Congress 1861-65, and U.S. Senate 1880-97. A Democrat Presidential elector in 1848, 1856, and 1876, Pugh briefly served as a Confederate officer, before his election to both the 1st and 2nd Confederate Congresses, where he regularly criticized Jeff Davis. Signature in blue-grey on dark cream card, “Alabama” also his hand. All-over album mounting evidence on verso, faint toning of two seams of 20th-century envelope, else very fine. $40-60

7-20. C(adwell) W. Raines.

Of Texas. Enlisted 1862 as a Pvt. in Gano’s Texas Cavalry Battalion, later a teacher, county judge, editor of the 1896 landmark work Bibliography of Texas: a Descriptive List of Books, Pamphlets, and Documents Relating to Texas...since 1536, and prominent Texan. A.L.S. as Texas State Librarian, on blue-engraved letterhead of “Dept. of Agriculture, Insurance, Statistics and History, State of Texas, Austin,” Oct. 12, 1904, 5 1/2 x 8 1/4. To William Shaw. “Your inclosed letter to Adj. Gen. (John A.) Hulen was turned over by that gentleman to me...As to the generals reported to be dead. There are only four survivors as you will see by the marks after the names...& some of these may be dead....” • With, T.L.S. from Shaw (see left) on letterhead “Collector - Autograph - Coin - Stamp,” to Adj. Gen. Hulen, Austin, enclosing “list of the Generals of the Confederate Army that I wish to get the address of those that are known to you or your dept...Any that are dead please...(give) place that a relative lives....” • Shaw’s list of 23 Texan generals (illustrated on page 50), typewritten in purple on his letterhead, including Wharton, Rosser, Bagby, Baylor, Hamilton Bee, DeBray, Ector, Gano, Hardeman, J.E. and Richard Harrison, et al. Typewritten endorsement signed by Adj. Gen. Hulen, referring questions to Raines. Written by Raines next to each name, their towns as of 1904, or “D” indicating demised, in ink and pencil variously. • Envelope with engraved cornercard, “Dept. of...History, Austin,” and sound 2¢ red Washington, very much off-center, with part of adjoining stamp. Light toning, the Raines letter with pillowing creases from folding, envelope with edge dust-toning, else all about fine. While born six years after the Civil War had ended, Hulen was Commander of 1st Texas Vol. Cavalry; in the Spanish-American War, he rose to Brig. Gen., and for his service in World War I, received the D.S.M. The context herein spans Texan leadership from the Civil War to the 1930s (when Hulen attained the highest rank in the Texas National Guard). A flattering and charming photograph of Raines and his wife in the Texas State Library may be downloaded at texashistory.unt.edu. Actual round-trip correspondence of Shaw - a pioneer early 20th-century Civil War autograph collector - is sparse, and shows his method of obtaining signatures. $90-130 (4 pcs.)

7-21. F(rancis) M. Ramsay.

Union Rear Adm. In 1863, his gunboat held off some 4,000 Confederates at Milliken’s Bend, La. At Vicksburg, Ramsay commanded a battery of heavy guns mounted on scows, in exposed positions before the city. As the war wound down, he assisted in mine removal from the James River, and was present at Richmond’s fall. Postwar Supt. of Annapolis. Choice postwar signature on cream card. Excellent. Not in Sanders or Seagrave. $55-75

7-22. S(tephen) D. Ramseur.

Of N.C. Confederate Maj. Gen.; said to have been the youngest Confederate general at one point. Graduating West Point in 1860, he resigned his commission four days before Sumter, joining the Confederate artillery. Seriously wounded at Malvern Hill, and again wounded while leading at Chancellorsville, Ramseur went on to command at Gettysburg. For the third time, he was wounded at the dreaded “Bloody Angle.” Married a little over a year – and a Maj. Gen. for just four months – on Oct. 18, 1864 he had learned of the birth of his daughter. The next day, Ramseur was mortally wounded at Cedar Creek, and demised a day later at Union Gen. Sheridan’s Winchester headquarters. A superior signature, in dark brown on rich cream. The finely laid paper suggests it is from a prewar letter, which if correct would perhaps make this the only prewar example of Ramseur’s hand in private hands. With “Brig. Genl. &c.” in late 19th century collector’s hand recognized from numerous other Civil War autographs we have handled; “Brig.” lightly abraded and corrected by collector to “Maj.” 1 x 2 7/8, mounted on piece of tan blotting paper, with mirror image of an unrelated message on verso: “I hope soon to write [some]thing...,” from “Walt....” Three minor parallel vertical creases seen only when held at an angle, evidently occurring when removed from an album and remounted over a century ago; unojectionable toning around left half, else very good plus, and notably dark. Ramseur is in the top tier of rarity among Civil War generals’ autographs, lacking in most collections. A google census finds an envelope addressed by Ramseur to a family member, thus only technically “signed” (1995); a “substantially faded” and impaired signature (2021); and a D.S. on browned and silked adversity paper (2021, 6,250.00). RareBookHub finds no other examples, 1860 to present. “An extremely rare signature”--Autographs of the Confederacy. Sanders lists only “L.S./D.S.” at 13,000.00. Our present example ex-Carnegie Book Shop, early 1970s. Image page 6. $4000-6000

7-23. Geo(rge) D. Ramsey.

Of Va. Union Maj. Gen. Zachary Taylor’s Chief of Ordnance in Mexican War, Ramsey commanded Washington Arsenal til 1863, then named Chief of Ordnance for U.S. Artillery til retiring in 1864. Highly attractive signature, with “Brig. Gen. U.S. Army” also in his hand. On pale cream card, red and brown ruled border by old-time collector. 75¢ price on verso in pencil. Mounting traces on verso, else excellent. $40-60

7-24. R(obert) Ransom (Jr.).

Of N.C. Confederate Maj. Gen. A West Pointer, he had taught cavalry tactics there; commanded both Ransom’s Bridge and Ransom’s Div. at Fredericksburg. Three times relieved because of health during the war, he still did not surrender til May 2, 1865. Bold signature on endorsement from document. In another hand, “Hd. Qrs. Dept. of Richmond, May 5, 1864. Reply forwarded. A/8....” Ransom had just arrived in Richmond the month before, “to fight Butler at Bermuda Hundred and defend the city from Sheridan’s and Kautz’s raids...He joined Early in the Shenandoah Valley but was relieved because of health...”--Boatner. Some mottling of mocha-toned adversity paper, vertically ruled in pale tan, 2 1/4 x 3 1/4. Red rules by 19th-century collector. Floated on onion skin (now wrinkled on verso) when added to Shaw Collection in 1970s, else good. $240-300

7-25. John H. Reagan.

Of Tenn. Confederate Postmaster Gen. Serving in Texas militia and legislature while still a student, Reagan became Postmaster Gen. five weeks before Fort Sumter, serving through the war, adding the post of Sec. of Treasury in Confederacy’s final months. Captured with Jeff Davis, he became a U.S. Congressman and Senator later years. Signature on portion of partly printed receipt, with “June 28th” (1900) and “U.S. Senator” also in his hand. Dark blue on warm cream. 2 1/4 x 4 1/2. Old folds across unwritten top and right corner, pleasing edge toning, and about fine. Suitable for display. • With 1894 envelope to Dr. John O. Scott, Sherman, Texas, with “John H. Reagan” in old pencil identifying contents; all markings probably Scott’s; neither are in Reagan’s hand. Red 2¢ Washington; Texas cancel, town indistinct but identifiable with research. Torn open at blank left, postal soiling, but an interesting artifact. Also found among Shaw Collection, and presumed to have contained signature. (Scott and Shaw were in same town; they may both have been collectors, and traded items.) $90-130 (2 pcs.)

7-26. James B. Ricketts.

Of N.Y. Union Maj. Gen. Commanding a battery at 1st Bull Run when wounded and captured, he was exchanged six months later. Wounded again at Antietam, Ricketts went on to lead at Cold Harbor and Petersburg; by Cedar Mountain, in 1864, he received his sixth wound of the war. Signature on endorsement leaf, from printed document. In field hand, “Hd. Qrs. 3 Div...June 7, 1865 / (Respect)fully forwarded...Bvt. Maj. Gen. Comdg.” Pale blue and black printed rules; double red ruled border added by 19th-century collector. Signature in coffee-and-cream, clerical text a bit lighter but entirely legible, gloss of old mounting glue on verso, else good plus. Uncommon. $45-65

7-27. R(oswell) S. Ripley.

Of Ohio. Confederate Brig. Gen. A graduate and math instructor of West Point, Ripley commanded the “reconditioned” Forts Moultrie and Sumter after their capture in 1861--Boatner. Arguing with both Pemberton (see his autograph earlier in this section) and Beauregard, an effort to replace Ripley was vetoed by Jefferson Davis; instead, he was given a brigade by Robert E. Lee. Severely wounded at Sharpsburg, Ripley was sent back to S.C., to command in Charleston. “His fractious disposition once more embroiled him in arguments,” but the citizens of Charleston and Gov. Bonham saved his job. Close of letter, “Your obt. Servt...B(rig.) Gen.,” a rank he held from Aug. 1861 to the end of the war. “...Hd. Q(rs.)...” in pink on verso. Lower left quadrant lacking, the addressee’s name perhaps torn away, red rule at top by 19th-century collector. Floated on onion skin (now wrinkled on verso) when added to Shaw Collection in 1970s, else moderately dark and satisfactory. $140-200

7-28. B(everly) H. Robertson.

Of Va. Confederate Brig. Gen. Led his cavalry brigade at 2nd Bull Run and Antietam; fighting at Gettysburg, he was relieved of his Knoxville command “owing to mutinous remarks to his brigade”--Boatner. Signature on endorsement from document, probably S.C., shortly after his removal from Tenn. In field hand: “Hd. Qtrs. 2 Mil(i)t(ar)y Dist(rict), Jan. 19, 1864. Respectfully forwarded...Brig. Gen. Comdg.” 2 x 3. Floated on onion skin (now wrinkled on verso) when added to Shaw Collection in 1970s, late 19th-century collector’s double red rules, some toning, else very good, and suitable for display. $180-240

7-29. Geo(rge) M. Robeson.

Of N.J. Secretary of Navy 1869-77; defense lawyer for Lizzie Borden; Gov. Mass. Signature on ivory card. With old-time stamp dealer’s file card, priced at 75¢. Choice. $20-35

7-30. John C. Robinson.

Of N.Y. Union Maj. Gen. Serving on Utah expedition against Mormons, he wrote that it was a plot to “denude the eastern states of troops, so that a dissolution of the Union might be easier”--Magazine of American History, 1884. Commander of Ft. McHenry when 6th Mass. was attacked in Baltimore, he “secretly supplied his 60 men to withstand siege, and the mob...did not attack the garrison...”--Boatner. Commanding at Gettysburg, Robinson lost a leg while leading a charge at Spotsylvania. Receiving Medal of Honor for Laurel Hill, on the 100th anniversary of his birth - in 1917 - a statue was dedicated at Gettysburg “where he held...five C.S.A. brigades at bay for four hours.” Presentation signature in Waterman blue on blue-lined ivory, “Very truly Yours...Maj. Genl., U.S.A. R.A., Feb. 26, 1887.” 3 x 4 3/4. Thin spots at blank upper left and right corners, where removed from album, old wide vertical fold through first name. Fine and clean. A much-understudied personality. $90-120

7-31. R(obert) E(mmett) Rodes.

Of Va. Confederate Maj. Gen. Severely wounded at Fair Oaks, again at Antietam, Rodes crossed paths with Stonewall Jackson and J.E.B. Stuart, turning his corps over to the latter “upon Jackson’s order, with good grace”--Boatner. Leading at Gettysburg, Rodes was killed leading counterattack at Winchester, Sept. 1864. Signature and “Brig. Genl.” on endorsement from document, 2 x 3. In field hand: “Hd. Qrs. Rodes D(iv.), 3 Mar. 1864. Respectfully forwd. / 3063....” Parts of double red rules of 19th-century collector, some tan toning from old album mounting, Rodes’ signature and rank light but legible, else very satisfactory. “An extremely rare signature”--Autographs of the Confederacy. $400-500

7-32. W(illiam) S. Rosecrans.

Of Ohio. Union Maj. Gen. Commanding the eponymous Rosecrans’ Brigade as early as June 1861, in the little-cited Army of Occupation. His defeat while leading Army of the Cumberland in 1863 cost him his command. Rosecrans still was one of just fifteen officers given Thanks of Congress during the war. “Having a testy disposition and hot temper...able to do without sleep almost entirely during a campaign...”--Boatner. From a letter, “Yours truly...,” curiously sans title but believed postwar. In coffee-and-cream on blue-lined ecru, 1 1/4 x 3. “T” folds, two angular creases, perhaps by his hand, else about fine. $65-80

7-33. W.S. Rosecrans.

Splendid signed cabinet photograph, in older age, “W.S. Rosecrans, Bvt. Maj. Genl. U.S.A.” in brown, on ivory lower mount. Shown in wool jacket with bowtie, looking wistfully to left. All edges gilt. Very minor foxing and toning of mount, some superficial handling marks on emulsion, else very good. On pale yellow verso, in old pencil, in hand of dealer who sold it to renowned Brooklyn collector Rev. Cornelius Greenway c. 1940s: “Catalog $5. Mary Benj(amin) A.N.S. $5, carte...in uniform $10....” Greenway had a superlative collection of signed photos, together with letters and documents from many fields of endeavor, and never-to-be-seen-again early Lincoln material. His collection was sold at Parke Bernet in May 1971. Rosecrans signed photos are very scarce. $240-300

7-34. L(awrence) S. Ross.

Of Iowa. Confederate Brig. Gen. Seriously wounded in Indian fighting, Ross was appointed a Capt. in Texas Rangers by Sam Houston, later serving as his aide-de-camp. Switching sides in 1861, Ross rose quickly from private to Col., leading at Atlanta. “Returning penniless to Texas’ Brazos Bottom, he made a small fortune from his plantation...,” Gov. of Texas 1887-1891, and Pres. of Texas A&M--Boatner. A.N.S. on verso of incomplete letter from Belmont Perry, attorney in Woodbury, N.J., 1886, trimmed by Shaw to 3 1/2 x 5 3/4, asking Ross, “For personal and literary interest I am endeavoring to complete a Roster of the General officers of the Army...” (truncated here). On verso, Ross’ reply is completely preserved: “I was made Brigd. Genl. Cav(alr)y C.S.A. Dec. 1862. L.S. Ross.” Interestingly, his date corrects Boatner, who gives the appointment date Dec. 1863. Penned in dark brown on cream. Tear and thin at blank left, where once mounted, else fine and scarce. $90-120

7-35. Edw(ard) W. Rucker.

Probably of Tenn. Confederate Col. of 7th, 14th, and 15th Tenn. Cavalry, 7th Ala., and 5th Miss. Served with Gen. Forrest in Tenn., and with Gen. S.D. Lee at Nashville. Highly appealing signature, in mahogany brown on mocha card. Choice and very scarce. Lacking in Boatner and Seagrave; listed in Reese, p. 200. $75-100

7-36. Thos. H. Ruger.

Of N.Y. Union Brig. Gen. Leading his 3rd Wisconsin Regt. in Shenandoah campaign; commanded a division for all four days of Gettysburg. Sent to N.Y. to combat the Draft Riots, Ruger later fought widely, including Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, and Franklin; postwar Supt. of West Point. War date endorsement from letter or document, with “Respectfully, Your Obt. Servt.” in field hand. Brown and tan double-ruled border by 19th-century collector, with annotation “Bvt. Maj. Gen. Comdg.” (but his brevet, on the day of Appomattox, was as Brig. Gen. only). Ancient $1.00 price in pencil on verso. Light toning along two margins, else moderately dark signature, and very good plus. $80-120

– Shaw Collection to be continued in next Auction –

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8. Numismatic & Currency

 

8-1. Ordering William Henry Harrison Congressional Gold Medals for the Presidential Campaign.

Two William Henry Harrison campaign-related items: Pro-Harrison campaign lettersheet, Feb. 1, 1841, postally used, bearing large mezzotint facsimiles of obverse and reverse, each 2 3/8” diam. (about actual size), of Congressional Gold Medal depicting William Henry Harrison, issued 1818. With six line description printed below, honoring Harrison and Isaac Shelby, “later Gov. of Kentucky...(for) defeating the combined British and Indian forces...in Upper Canada, 1813....” Bearing note of Jason(?) Ellsworth, East Windsor (Conn.), 7 1/2 x 9 3/4. “I have enclosed in this Letter $300 [not present!]. Please to write me when you receive this.” Dated about a month prior to Harrison’s inauguration, this letter likely relates to his order for new strikes of the 1818 Congressional Gold Medal, due to interest in recollecting his earlier military prowess. If this was the case, then Ellsworth may have been reselling the medals; $300 was a considerable sum then. Harrison was chilled on Inauguration Day, was further chilled on Mar. 24, and passed away on Apr. 4. Dark pink Hartford c.d.s. on address leaf. Old folds, some long creases, ivory toning, else about very good. The medallic art charming, and lovely for display. The original medal depicted here remained in the Harrison family until fairly recently, selling for about $225,000. With modern research. • Anti-Harrison newspaper, The Rough-Hewer, “Devoted to the Support of the Democratic Principles of Jefferson,” Albany, N.Y., Apr. 16, 1840, 8 3/4 x 12 1/4, (8) closely-set pp. Intended to be published for nine months only, til end of campaign season, here supporting Van Buren. With dire, page-one warning:

“The effects which will ensue from legislation, usurped by a junto, are even more alarming than that black catalogue of grievances, which will perpetually justify the Declaration of Independence. Only the one-thousandth part of the nation retains, in reality, a political existence...The five million are only allowed, once in two years, a kind of political spasm; and after one day’s mockery of importance, sink again into its lethargy...Corrupt combinations for deceiving and plundering the community. A paper junto will increase taxes...and pays no taxes...It erects paper contrivances to acquire wealth for itself...seizing every occurrence for producing unequal wealth...It will distract the public mind, detach the national confidence, by falsehood...and take advantage of the confusion generated by its own arts, avowedly to erect monarchy under the pretence of restoring order....”

Nearly 3 columns inside, painting Harrison as “an old gentleman...over 67 years of age... answering no questions as to his views of public policy,” and unfit for office. Claiming that Harrison’s administration would be run by a committee of “political managers, to whose custody he would be consigned....” Much more. Subscriber’s name “D. Bush” boldly penned in margin. Old folds, else crisp and excellent. Very scarce. $250-325 (2 pcs.)

8-2. 1794 Dollar at Auction – in 1891.

Three fascinating coin catalogues, 1891, 1891, and 1927: “Catalogue of Several Numismatic Collections...U.S. Coins in Silver and Copper, Colonial Coins, Historical Medals, 10,000 Foreign Copper Coins, comprising the entire stock of a European dealer, Ancient Coins, Medical Medals...,” at auction by Geo. A. Leavitt & Co., 787 & 789 Broadway, N.Y., Mar. 7, 1891. 6 1/4 x 9 1/2, 22 pp., tan cover, black on cream text. Including two 1794 halves, lot of 427 Copperhead Civil War tokens, and much much more. Dust toned covers, moderate handling, else very good. • “Catalogue of a Collection of U.S. and Colonial Coins, Rare Dollars...Washington Coins...Colonial Notes, Paper Money...Silver Coins of Greece and Rome, Antiquities, etc....” Geo. A. Leavitt & Co., 787 & 789 Broadway, N.Y., June 2, 1891. 6 1/4 x 9 1/2, 21 pp., desert-rose laid cover, black on cream text. Rubber stamp of Scott Stamp & Coin Co.. N.Y., namesake of the reference catalogues still published today. Including proof trade dollars, brilliant proof halves, 1797 gold Eagle, 1794 dollar with four-line description, two 1794 halves, 1796 quarter with proof surface, 1794 “perfectly unc.” half dime, a range of 1793 and ‘94 cents and half cents, and other enticing items. Covers separated, some toning and chipping, else good. • Narrow booklet, “...Public Sale of Rare Coins...Mail Auction,” Dec. 15, 1927, M.H. Bolender, Orangeville, Ill. 3 1/2 x 8 3/4, (12) pp. Including U.S. coins and currency, a genuine proof Confederate half, foreign, Indian relics, and more. Perhaps the earliest use of a buyer’s premium we have seen, here 5%. Last leaf and back cover separated, some browning, else good. All are very scarce. $60-80 (3 pcs.)

– Texas & Confederate Currency –
Fresh to the market, from an established collection acquired intact prior to 1975

8-3. $1 Republic of Texas Note.

Manuscript Mar. 1, 1841. Criswell Texas A1. No. 4426. Pane B. Austin. Ceres seated, Indian brave left, petit eagle at bottom. Signed by James B. Shaw, Texas Comptroller for twenty years, and J(ames) W. Simmons, Treasurer (i.e., Secretary of Treasury of Texas), a fascinating figure: The Charleston-born, Harvard-educated poet had been co-editor of Southern Literary Gazette with William Gilmore Simms. Simmons’ brother died at the Alamo. Internal, closed cut cancels; no ink cancels. Rectangular stains from three pieces old tape, less conspicuous if light color mat placed behind. Foldover at upper left tip, creases at two other corners, else very satisfactory example of an historically significant note printed on thin paper. PMG net Very Fine 20, “Cut cancelled, tape repairs.” $325-400

8-4. $3 Republic of Texas Note - Rarity 7.

Manuscript July 1, 1841. Criswell Texas A3. No. 5972. Pane A. Austin. Ceres seated beside Lone Star shield, cotton plant at left. A well-used example of this infrequently seen note, miraculously with three good margins (the right with wallet overfolds on the thin paper), and about two-thirds of the bottom (plus a sliver of the note below), the loss from the wavy hand of the scissor-wielding printer’s apprentice. Internal, closed cut cancels; no ink cancels. Rectangular stains from three pieces old tape, less conspicuous if light color mat placed behind. Diagonal press cylinder crease at lower right; other handling creases and wrinkles, but still a collectible example of a desirable note. PMG net Fine 12, “Cut cancelled, tape repairs.” Rarity 7. No examples in any grade found at PMG Population Reports. $350-450

8-5. $50 Confederate Note with $1.501/2 Interest Marking.

Aug. 28, 1861. Friedberg CS-6 variant. Criswell T-6. Pallas and Ceres seated on cotton bale, Justice holding scales at left, George Washington at right. Variant reverse, imprinted in black “Bank of the State of Georgia / Savannah, June 25, 1862 / Received the amount of within note, with $1.50 1/2 interest to date,” signed by W. Cumming. No. 1370. Pane B. Signed by Ro. Tyler and E. Elmore. Two small clean circular cancellation punches, one just left of central vignette, the other at Washington’s right ear. Manuscript “Cancelled...” in pink ink at left. Old eighth-folds, pocket wear seen on verso, else the payment markings adding considerable conversational and display interest. Had the holder delayed redemption much beyond 1863, most or all of the face value would have been lost. PMG Choice Fine 15, “cancelled.” $1200-1500

8-6. $50 Confederate Note.

Sept. 2, 1861. Friedberg CS-14. Criswell 62/T-14. Moneta at center seated among treasure chests, two sailors in oval at left. Blank reverse. No. 1548. Pane D. Outer hairline border slightly in at bottom right, where trimmed with printer’s scissors; else good borders, with part of border of adjoining note. Warm, nearly caramel color, with crisp black imprint, the vignettes and security designs retaining detail. An especially nice display specimen for both general or advanced collectors. PMG Choice Very Fine 35. $160-200

8-7. $20 Confederate Note.

Sept. 2, 1861. Friedberg CS-21. Criswell 146/T-21. Bust of Vice Pres. Alexander Stephens; intricate peridot-green filigree and pantographs. No. 12108. Pane W. Grain of rice-size fragment lacking at upper right edge, narrow old philatelic hinge reinforcement on verso; two square tape reinforements on verso along central fold, nearly invisible til held to light, else still a pleasing, creditable example. Rarity 6. PMG Very Fine 20, “cut cancelled, tape repairs.” $275-375

8-8. $10 Confederate Note.

Sept. 2, 1861. Friedberg CS-25. Criswell 168/T-25. No. 30202. Pane Y. Hope standing with anchor. Sec. of State Hunter and Sec. of Treasury C.G. Memminger. Interestingly hard letterpress impression. Trimmed at slight angle by printer, just touching outer rim of “Ten” oval at upper right; “rust” noted, but believed brown band toning from leather wallet; fine fraying of edges under magnification, else presentable, with character. PMG Fine 12. $170-240

8-9. $10 Confederate Note – Solid Pink.

Sept. 2, 1861. Friedberg CS-26. Criswell 177/T-26. No. 59599. Pane W. “X” in solid, dark pink, both sides. Vignettes as for preceding lot. Strong half-fold, visible on verso, with lighter folds to eighths; fairly inconspicuous “X” cut cancels, some handling, light tan toning at right margin, else clean. PMG Very Fine 25. $275-325

8-10. $10 Confederate Note – Chain Mail Pattern.

Sept. 2, 1861. Friedberg CS-26. Criswell 213/T-26. No. 8437. Pane W. “X” in baby-pink fine chain-mail pattern, both sides. Vignettes as for preceding lot. A handsome example, with banknote-black impression, numbers penned in rich brown, signatures in mocha. Margin slightly arced across bottom, else margins ample. Folds barely detectable under magnification, perhaps once pressed, else a pleasing note. PMG Very Fine 30. $350-450

8-11. $10 Confederate Note.

Sept. 2, 1861. Friedberg CS-29. Criswell 237/T-29. No. 17769. Pane G. Slave picking cotton in center, insets of dog guarding strongbox, and small boat bearing bales of cotton, sailing on placid waters through an idyllic landscape. “Previously mounted,” with remnant of postage-stamp-size paper hinge on blank verso. Pinhole in “10” cartouche at upper left, but could be taken as part of design; left and right margins in, but as trimmed by printer; numerous parallel vertical folds, else suitable for display, with warm light caramel tone. PMG Very Fine 20. Unpriced and “very rare” in high grades. $475-625

8-12. $5 Confederate Note.

Sept. 2, 1861. Friedberg CS-34. Criswell 264/T-34. No. 27453. Pane Y. Memminger in center, Minerva standing at right, her arm on a pedestal topped with large “5.” A pleasing example, with four clear margins, and uniform ivory tone. Light orange wallet(?) stains along 3” of bottom right edge, ascending 1/2”; some light spots, but all stains subdued on front. Old twelfth folds and one diagonal, evidently pressed prior to acquisition around 1960s, and in all, a visually attractive example, with crisp impression of delicate artistic and pantographic security details. PMG Very Fine 25. $325-400

8-13. $5 Confederate Note – Desirable CU 63 with Intriguing Bundle Notation.

Sept. 2, 1861. Friedberg CS-34. Criswell 268/T-34. No. 10796. Pane H. Memminger in center, Minerva standing at right, her arm on a pedestal topped with large “5.” Nearly unimproveable impression, imparting velvety black detail. Watermarked “CSA” in script. Bottom margin lacking, as trimmed by printer, but precisely even hairline margin beneath lower line of type, “Receivable in payment....” Else one slightly wider and two ample margins. An intriguing pencil notation on verso, in old hand, perhaps by printer Keatinge & Ball, this note probably once atop a bundle: “...M1093 HH CSA large thick p / 1.00.” Upper right corner with tiny dogear (easily flattened if reencapsulated), other three sharp. Trifle warmer cream patination along right edge, else a vellumy tone and quite appealing. PMG Choice Uncirculated 63, “annotations.” Grades above CU 60 unpriced. Five examples this grade in PMG Population Report. $1900-2400

8-14. $5 Confederate Note.

Sept. 2, 1861. Friedberg CS-37. Criswell 284/T-37. No. 51827. Pane H. Sailor at center with bales of cotton. Memminger at left; at right, Ceres seated holding large numeral “5,” and Justice standing, with her scales. Parchtone-like tortoise-shell mottling, closely trimmed at right to inner hairline border; two ample borders, plus unusually wide at bottom. Old vertical folds to eighths, fine fraying along bottom edge, else evocative appearance for display with documents or relics. PMG Choice Fine 15. $90-130

8-15. $2 Confederate Note.

June 2, 1862. Similar to Friedberg CS-43, but listed under “Act of Apr. 18.” Fully listed in Criswell 338/T-43. No. 52109. Pane 10. Personification of South striking down Union. Judah P. Benjamin at left. Forest-green overprint. About twelve small pinholes, only seen when held to light. Considerable wear, and thunder-grey-black, but remarkably sharp tips; three margins vary from hairline to touching, but generous at left. PMG Very Good 10. An uncommon variety, only priced up to VF 20. $160-220

8-16. $100 Confederate Note – with (Mis)registration Mark.

Dec. 2, 1862. Friedberg CS-49. Criswell 348/T-49 (correcting the old pencil “348A” on verso). No. 91989. Pane D. Lucy Pickens in center; two Confederate soldiers at left, surveying from a hilltop; Sec. of War George Randolph at right. Exquisite security design on verso in mint green, “Circulating Treasury Note...,” with printer’s “T” cutting guide at bottom, indicating substantial upward misregistration on this note. Some localized pulls at bottom edge, past border, in but clean at right margin, and generous at left and top. Old quarter folds, else an unusually clean note for the grade, with ivory opaline color. PMG Choice Fine 15. $275-325

8-17. $100 Confederate Note - with Part of Next Note on Press Sheet.

Apr. 6, 1863. Friedberg CS-56. Criswell 403/1/T-56. No. 3693. Pane C. 1st Series. Lucy Pickens in center; two Confederate soldiers at left, surveying from a hilltop; Sec. of War George Randolph at right. Elaborate security design on verso in mint green, “Circulating Treasury Note....” Vertical surprint in red, “Apr., 1863.” Odd trim by printer, in at top, just clearing “Confederate” type arc by a whisker, but full margin at bottom, plus part of next note on press sheet - this effect also seen on verso in its green borders. Very soft traces of vertical eighth folds, else a fairly fresh appearing note, with visual appeal, its trim and stray marks of red numbering machine making it a conversation piece. The Richmond printer must have been working under duress. PMG Very Fine 30, “Annotations” (“Criswell 402, Rarity 4” in old pencil in blank corner of verso, almost certainly using the original, first edition of Criswell; this note is, in fact, Criswell 403/1, Rarity 6). $170-220

8-18. $100 Confederate Note - with Press and Finishing Oddities.

Apr. 6, 1863. Friedberg CS-56. Criswell 403/4/T-56. No. 2628. Pane C. 1st Series. Lucy Pickens in center; two Confederate soldiers at left, surveying from a hilltop; Sec. of War George Randolph at right. Elaborate security design on verso in mint green, “Circulating Treasury Note....” Vertical surprint in bright orange-red, “July, 1863.” Tight trim at top, possibly slipping on a hand cutter at Keatinge & Ball, but three just-clear margins on other sides. Microfine 1 1/2” horizontal overfold at left, from press cylinder, else a clean, fresh example in superior condition, reflecting difficult conditions at the Richmond printer. Though numbered, surprinted, and signed, this might have been put aside and withheld from distribution, accounting for its superior condition. PMG Uncirculated 62. $325-425

8-19. $50 Confederate Note.

Apr. 6, 1863. Friedberg CS-57. Criswell 414/5/T-57. No. 63397. Pane XA. 1st Series. Jefferson Davis portrait. Vertical surprint in deep red, “Aug, 1863.” Apple-green panel underprints. Ornate verso in green, with early Gothic lattices. Light vertical eighth folds; some soft diagonal creases, only apparent on verso. Diagonal stripe on verso of black ink from press. Top edge trim descends from ample margin into small text, as stack of sheets shifted under blade; hairline at right, adequate at two other edges. Triangular chip at upper right corner, at terminus of old fold, else cream patina, and attractive. PMG Very Fine 25. $110-140

8-20. $100 Confederate Note.

Feb. 17, 1864. Friedberg CS-65. Criswell 490/T-65. No. 85183. Pane A. Lucy Pickens in center; two Confederate soldiers at left, surveying from a hilltop; Sec. of War George Randolph at right. Handsome all-over “Hundred...” design on verso in aqua. Red handstamp at upper right, possibly European; red offset on verso, indicating multiple notes were stamped thusly at one time. Four thin margins. Press cylinder wrinkles on lower portion, conspicuous only on verso. Very minor handling evidence, else suitable for display. A trying year for the Confederacy: $200,000,000 was authorized, “but the actual amount issued was probably ten times this figure...”--Criswell, 2nd rev. ed., p. 75. PMG About Uncirculated 50. $110-130

8-21. $1 Confederate Note - EPQ.

Feb. 17, 1864. Friedberg CS-71. Criswell 576/T-71. No. 37342. Pane B. Portrait of U.S. then-Confederate Sen. C.C. Clay of Ala. Pink security underprint. One light diagonal cylinder crease, and four faint ripples, discerned only on verso. Left margin just into design, else two good and one wide margins. Ink descender at about 12 o’clock, from signature flourish on note above, but trimmed to singles. Else a very fresh, aesthetically superior note for any issue. PMG Uncirculated 62 EPQ. $160-190


8-22. Pre-Federal Washington “One Cent” - and Hard Times.

Two items: Double-headed “Washington / One Cent,” undated but in Red Book between other Washington pieces of 1783 and 1784. A perplexing example, with pockmarks both sides, perhaps used for target practice with a bb gun long ago! Obverse: five crescent-shaped craters away from bust, and more on breast. Reverse: Aim “improved” here, with about a dozen on bust, and one substantial gouge on rim at about 5 o’clock. Honest, more or less uniform wear, about G4, this condition perhaps persuading the marksman that the coin was expendable. A conversation piece, perhaps the most “experienced” pre-Federal issue we have seen in a long time. (Some coins with chop marks have far more surface area affected.) • Copper Hard Times token, (1833), 29 mm. Obverse: “Copy of a Medal / Awarded to / Robinson’s / Jones & Co. [Attleboro, Mass.] / For the Best / Military, Naval, Sporting & Plain Flat Buttons.” Leafy ornaments, beaded edge. Reverse: “American Institute / N.Y.” with richly detailed seated Liberty, laurels, cap, and pole, leaning on shield surmounted by eagle and symbols of industry and science, including ship and spinning wheel. Some wear on devices, else rich chocolate toning, and judged F15. Examples in Boston Museum of Fine Art. HT 153. Low 76. $45-65 (2 pcs.)

8-23. 1¢, 2¢, and 3¢ Medley.

1857 1¢. flying eagle. Possibly cleaned, as legends darker than fields on obverse (only). Judged VG8. • 1865 2¢, warm chocolate toning. One small verdigris spot on reverse, within “Cents”; “We” characteristically weaker than “In God...Trust,” else sharp definition of bars in shield, and judged VF20. • 1865 3¢ (trime), evidently dug, with two-tone coffee and matte copper-nickel blend. Surprisingly intact channels in “III,” rims complete, some soft details of hair, and judged at least VG10. $50-65 (3 pcs.)

8-24. First Year of the Seven Years’ War.

1756 silver thaler, Bavaria, Maximilian III Joseph, who sided with Maria Theresa in the Seven Years’ War. Obverse: rampant lions flanking elaborate crowned coat of arms. Legend “D.G.MAX.IOS.U.B &P.S.D.C.P.R.S.I.A. & EL.L.L.” About 41 mm. Old loop at 12 o’clock for suspension. Uniform surface wear, judged about G5/VG10, the reverse retaining most features within shield, pleasing patination, with pink undertones. Edge milling from nearly complete to worn smooth. A charismatic example. $25-35

8-25. Western Trade Tokens.

Group of 19 Idaho trade tokens, of two issuers: 15 alike, “Crescent / T&T Weiser / Good for 12 1/2¢ in Trade,” 8-petal scalloped shape, about 1”, stamped aluminum. Weiser News Co. was a cigar store in the town of the same name; Crescent was their pool hall, enlarged in 1916; T&T represented its owners at the time, the Townley Bros. The establishment reportedly continued til the 1950s. “Cigar stores often had a card game going where the tokens were used in gambling instead of poker chips or cash to avoid the laws. Also, good cigars were priced at ‘two for a quarter’ or 15¢ each, so a customer might pay a quarter and get one cigar for now, and a token good for a cigar (or 12 1/2¢) that could be spent later.”--cleo2.tripod.com/weisernews.html. • 4 alike, “R. Morel / The Idaho / Good for 12 1/2¢ in Trade,” four-leaf clover shape. No record this item readily found. Fractional-cent tokens were sometimes used by saloons and pool halls, to encourage customers to continue spending to round amounts. Such tokens also functioned where coins were scarce; denominations below 5¢ were often elusive in circulation in the 19th century West. Four with interesting clips for fractional cents (as sometimes seen on ancient coins!); varied light handling, some devices low-relief from manufacture (not wear), else fine and better. Distinctive shapes. $90-140 (19 pcs.)

8-26. The French Revolution and its Aftermath.

Currency from French Revolution period: Assignat de Cinq Livres, with blind-embossed seal, watermark, and printed signature. Series 302. Wide margins top and bottom, jumbo at left and right. Faint trace of soft horizontal crease, trifle black ink smudge at blank margin, else fresh and uncirculated. • Assignate de vingt-cinq (25) Livres, two blind-embossed seals, watermark, printed signature. Series 2550. Two soft horizontal creases, perhaps from wallet, moderate pale-leather toning, else generous margins and appearing fine plus. • Partly printed Napoleonic Orders, on vellum, Paris, (c. 1793). 9 x 13. Fine vignette of soldier at top. Promoting, and detailing the services, campaigns and actions of Capitaine Joseph Roger, issued in second year of French Republic. Signed by Minister of War, and on behalf of Napoleon, by Secretary of State as First Consul. Long ago removed from late 19th-century posterboard, adhesions on verso, some thin spots; mottled, toned, much handling evidence; ink light but just legible. About satisfactory. $45-60 (3 pcs.)

8-27. Lovely Enameled Music Pendant.

Oval cloisonné on copper award pendant, “London Academy of Music / Causa Honoris” in midnight blue border. In center, richly embossed medley of bells of three horns, a harp, and organ pipes, overlaying an open musical score. About 1 x 1 3/8. Judged c. 1915-1925. Perhaps presented to students upon completion of their course of study. Looped for suspension (blue ribbon not present). Beautiful medallic-art quality, the pages retaining fiery orange glow, the instruments with warm brassy patina. Verso blank, outline of older price label (present), else extremely fine. $30-45

8-28. “Exhibition of Art Treasures” – 1857.

Exquisitely struck medal, “Exhibition of Art Treasures / Opened at Manchester by His Royal Highness Prince Albert, May 5th, 1857.” 1 1/2” diam. White metal. Plain edge. Obverse: Frieze of the Three Muses, one with harp, surrounded by treasures of antiquity. Reverse: finely detailed view of the three massive, arched halls, certainly architectural splendors of the time. Attributed to medallist John Pinches. Numerous contact marks, but some brilliant mirror surfaces behind devices, and an example of early Victorian medallic art, intended to flatter the subject of the exhibition. $40-55

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9. History of the South

 

9-1. Signed by a Forgotten Founding Father of Virginia – 1621.

Charming, slender manuscript strip, probably London, July 27, 1621, 1 1/2 x 13 1/2. Signed by (Sir Franncis) Egiok, a signer of at least the historic third Charter of Virginia Company of London, of 1612. Referring to (Lord Lionel) Cranfield (1st Earl of Middlesex) as receiver of all dues, fines and other profits accruing to the King [James I], from grant of licenses, or pardons, for sale of wine in taverns. The Lord to pay part of the sum collected and received by him. Predating the Mayflower Compact, the Virginia Company Charter, having established jurisdiction over Jamestown, then extended the Company’s rule further - from the shores of Virginia to Bermuda. “A stockholder was assured that his purchase of shares would help build the might of England, to make her the superpower she deserved to be. The heathen natives would be converted to the proper form of Christianity, the Church of England. People out of work could find employment in the New World. The standard of living would increase across the nation. How could any good, patriotic Englander resist?...The English rose to the bait. The gentry wished to win favor by proving its loyalty to the crown. The growing middle class also saw stock purchasing as a way to better itself. But the news was not all good. Although the population of Jamestown rose, high settler mortality kept profits unstable. By 1612, the Company’s debts had soared to over £1000...The Virginia Company of London, so far as achieving its aims as a profitable stockholding company, was a dismal failure. Despite numerous creative and desperate attempts to make Virginia stable and financially successful, the investors never achieved a profit, while the colonists suffered from the factionalism and mismanagement by the administration on the other side of the Atlantic. But other motives for establishing Virginia were achieved. England’s territory was increased vastly and the new land could be settled and its natural resources harvested. Spanish colonial enterprise in the New World was challenged. England’s laws, language and religion were transplanted to a new place, laying the foundations for what would become the United States of America.”--nps.gov, Jamestown link. Egiok is recorded as residing in “Virginia Colony” as at 1612 and 1619. It is interesting to speculate that if Egiok was present at meetings in Jamestown’s church on July 30-Aug. 4, 1619, this signature is among the finite number of surviving autographs of someone present at the very first representative legislative assembly in what would become the United States - more than a century before Jefferson and the House of Burgesses. Old half fold, some light dust toning, else about fine, and a splendid item for an early Virginia - and early American collection. Documents with Virginia Company association are rare. RareBookHub database of some 12 million market records, 1860 to present, finds nothing with “Ejiok” as either “author” or in “description.” $250-300

9-2. When North Virginia was New Albion.

1837 reprint by Peter Force (while also Mayor of D.C.), of 1648 pamphlet, A Description of the Province of New Albion [North Virginia], “And a Direction for Adventurers with small stock to get two for one, and good land freely; And for Gentlemen, and all Servants, Labourers and Artificers to live plentifully. And a former Description re-printed of the healthiest, pleasantest, and richest Plantation of New Albion in North Virginia...,” by Beauchamp Plantagenet. 6 x 10, 35 pp., untrimmed in string-tied signatures, never bound in Force’s Tracts... Relating Principally to the Origin, Settlement, and Progress of the Colonies.... Force also famously reprinted the Declaration. Light foxing, else fine file copy. Scarce thus. Sabin v. 15, p. 185. $35-50

9-3. The Mayor of Harper’s Ferry – Viciously Killed by John Brown’s Men in the Raid.

D.S. of F(ontaine) Beckham, Mayor of Harper’s Ferry at time of the 1859 raid, and the most prominent of the five men killed by John Brown’s men. Also a county magistrate and B&O station agent, Beckham’s murder so infuriated the citizens of Harper’s Ferry that they seized one of Brown’s men who had been captured, and riddled his body with bullets. Jefferson County (now W.V.), Oct. 15, 1849 (ten years and a day before the Raid), 5 1/4 x 6 3/4. Partly printed summons for Alex Hunt, to appear at McManus Storeroom, to answer for $15 debt to James Riley. Rather astonishingly, Beckham’s death led to the only enduring liberation of slaves accomplished by John Brown’s raid: Beckham’s will had stipulated freeing of five of his slaves. • Two multiline payment endorsements on verso by George Koonce, who also played a dramatic role at Harper’s Ferry: In a confrontation on Apr. 18, 1861 - just days after Fort Sumter, the U.S. armory there was being guarded by only 42 U.S. Army soldiers. As it was being approached by 2,000 Virginia troops, Koonce responded to the Army’s request for help, and led local militia in stopping the incoming men. This gave time for the Army to burn the Arsenal and armory. Losing his home and business for his pro-Union involvement, Koonce and his men fled north, not returning to Harper’s Ferry til the Union regained control the following year. Koonce later served in state politics. Trimmed four sides, perhaps by an old-time collector, light uniform cream toning, else very good plus. Beckham (and Koonce) material is very rare. RareBookHub finds only one market appearance of a Beckham-signed item, a summons, at Alexander Autographs, 2021, realizing 1000.00. $450-650

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10. Civil War

 

10-1. As Civil War engulfs Virginia: “Summer’s gone!...”

Moving autograph album of Miss Harriet Crebs, Union (Monroe County, now in W.V.), 1858-64, with manuscript poems and sentiments of friends, mostly in ink, including a formal invitation from an admirer to take a walk, and other inserted mementos. 6 3/4 x 7 3/4, unpaginated but about 1/2” thick, romantic and evocative steel engravings bound in, robin’s-egg blue separator leaves; red morocco, fancy gilt filigree and frames. “Keepsake Album” title page, red and bronze powder, imprint of J.B. Lippincott & Co., Philadelphia. Inserted handbill for performance, offering $1,000 to anyone “in any part of the World, where the English language is spoken, who will...excell Master Ralph Bingham, Monologist, Humorist, & Violinist....” • Elegantly penned letter to Miss Crebs from admirer Wm. P. Rodefer, hoping for “the pleasure of an evening walk by accompanying him...Perhaps I have asked more than you will be pleased to grant....” • Prose to her from the same courter near rear of book: “One who has seen the depth of feeling that is hidden beneath that merry smile....” • Poems to her include, “...Distrust mankind, with your own heart confer, And dread even there, to find a flatterer.” • Dried four-leaf clover at poem of Jan. 9, 1860. • A bittersweet entry on penultimate leaf, the war now raging: “Summer’s gone! And with it perished many a fond hope! Aug. 31, 1862.” “Russel” in pencil, probably in Harriet’s hand. Front board and first leaf separated but present, some handling stains and wear, but generally very satisfactory, exuding enormous charm, capturing the years that swept away the Old South. $140-180

10-2. Grant Ascends to Command of Dept. of Tennessee.

Union General Orders, Oct. 16, 1862, forming Army of Tennessee, and appointing Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant commander. Signed-in-type by Adjt. Gen. L. Thomas. Excellent. Grant had only recently risen to public conspicuity, following his performance at Fort Donelson, Shiloh, and Vicksburg. • With carte of Grant, “made by Brady” in older pencil notation on verso. Imprinted with offers of G.W. Tomlinson, Boston: “Album Flowers, very choice, 50¢ per set; “Foreign Birds, very beautiful, 50¢ set; Fruit and Flowers of Holy Land, very desirable, 50¢....” Light handling evidence, else very good plus, with pleasing cream and brown tones. • Partly printed Union form letter, Jan. 29, 1863, informing Sen. James Dixon that Cpl. Joseph Tucker, Jr. of 1st Conn. Artillery Regt. has been granted leave til Feb. 11, “when he is ordered to report in person at the Station of his Co. or be considered a deserter.” Signed in ink by A.A.G. E.D. Townsend. Minor handling, else very good plus. With modern photocopy of suppressed photo of Townsend guarding Lincoln’s coffin, and capsule bio. $110-140 (3 pcs.)

10-3. Setting the Stage for Gettysburg: A Key General Order.

Significant printed Union General Orders, Washington, June 27, 1863, with early news of Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker’s relief of command of Army of Potomac, and appointing George Meade in his place. Signed-in-type by A.A.G. E.D. Townsend. Viewed as a critical change as the Battle of Gettysburg loomed, the underlying secret order from Washington - on which this printed order was based - had been entrusted to Stephen Vincent Benét, Sr. It is doubted that Hooker received word of his removal by the date of this order, as June 28 - the following day - saw him planning “to stop Lee’s invasion by cutting the vulnerable Confederate line of communications.” Hooker ordered Slocum’s men to operate against Lee’s rear troops. “When Halleck countermanded these orders, Hooker, who had come to feel unbearably hampered by interference from Halleck, asked to be relieved. The administration had been looking for an opportunity to replace Hooker with a minimum of political repercussions...”--Boatner, p. 333. Notwithstanding the outcome at Gettysburg - Lee having “won the first two days and lost the third...the Army of the Potomac too badly hurt to administer the knock-out” - historians will continue to ponder what might have been, had Hooker remained in command. Tan marginal toning, else very good. • With, General Orders No. 300, Washington, Sept. 4-5, 1863, datelined Executive Mansion, signed-in-type by Lincoln. In the wake of Gettysburg, here changing earlier orders which prohibited export of “arms, ammunition, and munitions of war,” and of “all horses and mules....” Arms may now be re-exported to their places of original shipment, and “live stock raised in any State or Territory bounded by the Pacific ocean may be exported....” Uniform light mocha toning, else very good. $180-240 (2 pcs.)

“...in the great battle of the War, on the 2d of July 1863,
your heroism and valor indisputably saved the day...”

10-4. A Farewell from a Commander “in the great battle of the War” – Gettysburg.

Moving manuscript Union General Orders No. 5, H.Q., Fifth Army Corps, (Va.), Mar. 24, 1864 - the day after the Mine Run operation concluded, 7 1/2 x 9 1/2, 1 1/3 pp. Circulating field copy, notation in purple, “To be read at the head of each Battery”; clerical signature of Maj. Gen. George Sykes, commanding Artillery Brigade, announcing his abrupt removal from duty, and praising his men’s performance, particularly on the second day of Gettysburg. “...By direction of the War Dept., I am relieved from duty with Army of the Potomac. In obeying an order so wholly unexpected, I part from you with the profoundest regret. We have been associated together since your organization as a Corps; we have shared all the campaigns in this glorious army; and for nine months it has been my pride and distinction to be your Chief. The history of your achievements adds a lustre to the history to your Country; and in the great battle of the War, on the 2d of July 1863, your heroism and valor indisputably saved the day...Your manly virtues, courage and patriotism, will still be conspicuous in campaigns to come; and that the insignia borne upon your flags and worn upon your breasts will in the shock of battle always be found in the thick of your country’s foes.” Signed by Capt. P(aul) F. Mason (of N.H., here serving in 22nd Mass. Infantry based on research); wounded at Rappahannock the previous year. With modern copy of photograph of Nason. Taking command of the Fifth Corps, replacing Meade just three days before the Battle of Gettysburg began, Sykes’ men fought there bravely, but he was criticized by Meade and Grant for the Battle of Mine Run just concluded the day before this farewell address (--Boatner), and reassigned to the remote Dept. of Kansas. The present General Orders marks Sykes’ bittersweet high point; serving in the Regular Army after war’s end, he died at age 57, while commanding at Fort Brown, Texas, and is interred at West Point. Orange stains at two spots and along folds, perhaps from mucilage of envelope (not present), two old folds, minor handling wear, else about very good. $240-300

10-5. Memories of Gettysburg: “I saw the Rebs lying behind the stone wall....”

Postwar manuscript recollections of Battle of Gettysburg, by former Union soldier V.F. Benson, printed blank date “...188_,“ 2 pp., 8 x 9 1/4. Describing attempt by Confederate troops to capture Union artillery at Gettysburg, narrating five “figures” (illustrations, not present, sent him by his correspondent, apparently writing a book). “I saw the Rebs lying behind the stone wall. I was not more than fifty feet from them. They could easily (have) shot us but we let on that we did not see them. They probably did not want us to know they were there, thinking perhaps our forces would advance. They were ready for us. The Horse was taken back...for a pack horse, all of our cooking utensils & Haversacks...Danl. Cole of Co. I got very crazy...jumped the horse...fell off horse, started for Rebeldom. I can remember how the Johnnies cheered when the Horse reached their lines. The Gun & Caisson referred to could be plainly seen by Finlan...The Rebs were trying to get the Gun away by having a long cable fastened to it & pulling it over the Hill at Barnyard. I unfastened the Rope from the gun. There was about 30 of us that pulled the gun & caisson down. I was through the Trostle House & saw the dead & wounded there of both sides...Sergt. Flynn & I used a dead Horse as breastworks...The Rebels retreated towards Peach Orchard & while Lt. Ashenfelter & I stood on a large rock...I was hit on the foot by a spent ball. I jumped & hollared so high & loud. Lt. laughed until the tears rolled down his cheeks...The shot that hit me came from the wood(s). As for Rebbels being in front of us, I think I saw as many as any engagement we were ever in. I could give you probably much better information if we were on the field together... The Res(erve) 1st Brig. especially seemed to be independent of the main army. We had a kind of a roving commission...Time will bring our deeds out if we do not live to see it....” Considerable staining from spilled tea(?), some short edge tears, lacking two blank tips, else satisfactory. $200-250

10-6. Splendid A.L.S. of celebrated Union Brig. Gen. Joshua Chamberlain.

Medal of Honor recipient for Little Round Top at Gettysburg. Wounded so grievously before Petersburg that his death was actually reported in some newspapers, Chamberlain not only recovered, but continued to defy danger. While commanding Union troops at the procession of Lee’s infantry surrendering at Appomattox, Chamberlain initiated one of the most dramatic scenes of the Civil War, by ordering his men to come to attention, out of respect for the capitulating Confederacy.

As Pres. of Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine, June 5, 1880, 5 1/4 x 8 1/4, 1 1/2 pp. With full signature, plus postscript signed with initials. An important letter, attempting to help reverse a miscarriage of justice. To his controversial colleague Gen. F.J. Porter, subject of the Porter Case, cashiered from service in 1863 “for disobedience, disloyalty, and misconduct in the face of the enemy” at 2nd Bull Run. It took fifteen years for a board to reexamine the evidence; in 1882, the original sentence was reversed by Pres. Arthur. Finally, in 1886, Porter was reappointed, but without back pay; he resigned two days later – the “battle over the battle” having gone on for some 23 years.

Chamberlain writes: “My dear General, I sign & send to Genl. Gilman Marston of Exeter, N.H. the petition already signed by Genls. Slocum & Smith. There is no one immediately within my reach whom I can ask to sign, & have it done in season for the meeting of the A. of P. I will however try to get Genl. Francis Fessenden of Portland to sign a paper like it, though he was not in our army. I heard only one expression, & that highly favorable & sympathetic towards you, at my recent meeting with many officers of the Old Army at Philadelphia. [P.S.:] I thank you for various papers, Reports & Speeches, &c. I believe you will have your full vindication yet. J.L.C.”

Chamberlain never wilted from difficult situations: Five months earlier, in Jan. 1880, he physically wrested control of the Maine State House, occupied by armed citizens protesting the gubernatorial election. Braving threats against his life, Chamberlain’s conduct so impressed both sides that he was offered appointment as U.S. Senator. Penned in mid-brown on blue-lined pale ivory lettersheet. Blind-embossed stationer’s wreath crest. Tiny rectangular fragment of old tan paper mounting hinge at blank upper left top, original quarter folds, minor smudge at lower right, else fine. The Civil War Dictionary notes, “...The Schofield Board (1887) concluded after a year’s investigation that Porter was relieved, tried, and professionally ruined for failure to obey an impossible order. The board stated that Porter’s attack order...‘was based...upon expectations which could not possibly be realized’...The Board...commended him for not needlessly sacrificing his own troops (in order to protect his own reputation). As for Steele’s accusation that Porter ‘...ought not to have stood idle with 10,000 men during the whole afternoon, while a battle was raging close at his right hand,’ the Board reported: ‘The display of troops made by Porter earlier in the afternoon had...all possible beneficial effect....’” Ex-Charles Hamilton’s Waldorf-Astoria sales, 1970s. $2200-3500

10-7. Civil War era Comic Book.

Delightful incomplete but excessively rare “Uncle Bantam’s Funny Books, for the Amusement of his little Nephews and Nieces,” Davis, Porter & Co., Philadelphia, 1865, the unnamed author probably Heinrich Hoffmann. Gathering of 8 pp. (of up to 56) + wrappers, 7 3/4 x 9 3/4. Pink and brown-black on yellow wrappers. Multiple illustrations on each page, hand-tinted in raspberry, aqua, yellow, and pink watercolor. Similar in content to the later “Goops,” these are comic poems about misbehaving children. The travails of Prying Will, a nosy boy who falls into a vat of jam, Tom Bogus, the sweet-tooth, who ate so much molasses that he washed away in a rainstorm, Phoebe Ann, the proud girl, who held her head so high in contempt but she stretched her neck out of shape, and Discontented Lucy, who ran away to live in a nest of birds until hunters found the nest. “Such toothaches sugar caused to Tom, I hope you ne’er may feel; The dentist was obliged to home, And make this Tommy squeal....” Publisher’s advertisement of other “Wonderfully Funny Books...to amuse children...” on back cover. Chipping, edge tears, and some insect spots on cover; loss of two lower portions of back cover, but affecting border only. Text with sun-toning of margin, stains, discoloration, and handling wear; spine reinforced with late 19th-century white on chocolate pinstriped cambric ribbon. Still satisfactory, with enormous charm, lovely color, and displayable. WorldCat locates only one copy, at Yale, theirs apparently also incomplete, lacking 16 pp. Still very rare and suitable for display, such as it is. • Satirical magazine, The Tickler, by Toby Scratch’em (George Helmbold), Philadelphia, July 26, 1809, 4 pp. (usually encountered as single-sheet issues), 10 3/4 x 17. An odd Federalist publication, its articles blurring the line between “news” and wit. Including “Dr. Godbold’s Vegetable Balm of Life,” “Treachery and Murder, or a Second Judas Come(s) to Light,” and “A Melancholy Occurrence“ anecdote involving “Switch Tail Sammy” and Lawyer Tittyboy. “At the late Mayor’s court, a negro was called up as a witness...The court...inquired of Notquiteblack whether he knew the fellow. ‘Yes,’ replied Notquiteblack, ‘he is one of my acquaintances.’” Lengthy ad of Dr. Dyott, “Professional Dentist...renders teeth white & beautiful...fills up those that are hollow....” Poem, “Let us all be unhappy together.” Foxing, glue stain along blank spine from old binding, some wear, but satisfactory. $110-150 (2 pcs.)

10-8. New England’s Replacement for Uncle Sam in the Civil War.

Carte size Civil War photograph of artist’s wash drawing of “Brother Jonathan posting up his Foreign Account for 1862 & 63.” An early personification of New England - the revered Jonathan Trumbull of the Revolution - versus Uncle Sam. With three ironclads just off shore and the battered Fort Sumter in the distance, flying a white Confederate flag. Brother Jonathan, dressed in the style of Uncle Sam, leans on a 450-lb. cannon as he enters figures in columns headed “England” and “France” on a slateboard. No imprint. Double pink-ruled border. Minor loss of parts of rules at left margin, possibly from an old hinge; small mounting stain on blank verso, trivial tip wear, else very fine, and highly interesting. Very scarce. $55-75

10-9. “It is more than five months since we were last paid....”

Letter of Union soldier L(aurens) W. Wolcott (of Batavia, Ill.). Writing from Corinth, Miss., Jan. 24, 1863, 4 pp., 5 x 7 3/4. To father. “Although I have written repeatedly I have heard nothing from home...Have you heard from Henry since the battle of Murfreesboro? I have seen lists of the killed & wounded in several other Ill. regiments, but not the 42nd...We do not get mails or newspapers with regularity & the latter sell from 15 to 25 cents each. The break in the road between here & Columbus was nearly repaired when a storm came in & washed out the dirt which had been filled in where the rebels had burnt the trestle work, leaving it worse than the rebels had done...We are being paid today for the months of July & Aug. It is more than five months since we were last paid, & there are nearly five months pay still due...Do not know how long it may be before we are again paid...I have got a rubber blanket. I bought it from a member of a new regiment from Indiana, for a dollar which I borrowed from the Capt...P.S.: Another mail & nothing for me. Please invest the enclosed in postage stamps....” Wolcott served over three years in the 52nd Ill. Infantry, enlisted as a private in 1861, advancing to 1st Lt. in 1864. His regiment suffered heavily in the siege of Corinth. Old folds, else darkly penned and fine. $50-70

10-10. Union Frock Coat “with dark blue velvet collar and cuffs....”

Printed Union “handbill or notice” in style of general orders, “to hasten and encourage enlistments in the Invalid Corps.” Provost Marshal Gen.’s Office, Washington, June 11, 1863, 2 pp. “Men Wanted for the Invalid Corps - Only those men whom from wounds or the hardships of war, are no longer fit for active field duty will be received in this Corps....” With description of uniform, including details of frock coat, pantaloons or “trowsers,” and cap. Old amber tape stain along blank spine and right edge, some handling, else good plus. An uncommon variant form. $30-40

10-11. Taking no Chances in Aftermath of New York’s Draft Riots.

Unusual ornamental printed General Order of famed 71st Regt. “N.G.S.N.Y.” (National Guard of State of N.Y.), N.Y., July 24, 1863, 1 p., 7 1/4 x 10. Large crisp vignette of their rather elaborate coat-of-arms, an eagle atop a crest, flanked by two soldiers. Called into service to quell the Draft Riots, here relieving all but three companies, “always however leaving a guard of at least ten men at the Armory. The Companies will report for duty, fully uniformed and equipped, in white belts, at 6 o’clock...on the days specified...Passes will not be granted...except to attend to personal necessities, and then for not more than 15 minutes...A suitable place in the upper part of the Armory, will be selected for a guard house, and all delinquents will be kept there in close confinement....” Signed-in-type by Commander, Col. Benj. L. Trafford. Lacking blank tip at upper left where waterstained, older pencil notation “Save,” one fold, else very good. Rare and attractive. • 71st Regt. Valentine’s Day program: “Grand Promenade Concert - Military Music on Sat., Feb. 14, 1863 at [Brooklyn] Academy of Music, by 71st Regiment Band.” 5 x 7 3/4, 3 pp. Finely lithographed arms of 71st, charming Gothic Revival corner ornaments, stylish typography. Printed by Folger & Turner, 118 John St., N.Y. Selections, conducted by H.B. Dodworth, included “71 Regiment Quick Step,” “Collocation of National Air,” and ten more. Amber outline stain of old envelope’s clasp (not present), some amber spots elsewhere, but very good. $110-140 (2 pcs.)

10-12. Exempted from Service “by reason of asthma.”

Civil War draft papers of Amos C. Blodgett of Templeton, Mass. Comprising: Partly printed letter drafting him, Provost Marshal’s Office, July 27, 1863, ordering Blodgett to report. Signed by Capt. and P.M. D.U. Merriam. Toned with much pocket wear, else satisfactory. • Certificate of Exemption “on account of disability,” Aug. 25, 1863, granted to Blodgett “by reason of asthma, and...exempt from service under the present draft.” Signed by Merriam and two of members of Board of Enrollment. Lesser pocket wear, and good. • Form letter, Provost Marshal Gen.’s Office, Washington, Sept. 1, 1864, reimbursing Blodgett $3.72 travel pay. Very good and clean. • Large envelope to Blodgett, printed franking “Provost Marshal General’s Office, Official Business,” with printed signature of P.M.G. James B. Fry, and “Washington...Free” handstamp. Tear at blank edge, postal creases, else about good. $65-85 (4 pcs.)

10-13. Scarce Mention of Colorado Cavalry.

Printed Union General Orders, Washington, Aug. 5, 1863, 5 x 7 1/4. Listing six privates “undergoing sentence of a General Court Martial, (who) are pardoned by the Pres., and will be released from arrest and returned to duty,” including one of 1st Colorado Cavalry, plus one from Ind., two Ky., one Mo., and one Penna. Lincoln was notably compassionate, often remitting sentences, even where significant offenses had been committed. Some toning, else very good. $30-40

10-14. From Famine to Feast: The Union Fort Guarding the Approach to Alexandria.

Partially printed Union ordnance quarterly return for the recently-established Fort Blenker, Va., Dec. 31, 1863, with a remarkable back-story. Opening to 12 spreads, 10 x 18. Columns for several dozen types of ordnance, under classes of field guns and howitzers (smooth bore and rifled, iron, steel, and bronze), and siege, garrison, and sea-coast guns (smooth, mortars, and rifled, in cast iron). With 58 fascinating sub-types, from “6-pounder gun, model 1840, ‘41, 3’ 67” to “200 pounder Parrott, 8’, bore,” the oldest models 1839. Subsequent, different spreads for “Artillery Carriages,” with 62 additional sub-types of field carriages, barbette and casemate carriages, and iron mortars; plus, “Artillery Implements & Equipments,” with about 200 additional sub-types of “fuze” and gunner’s implements, handspikes, harness, ladles and staves, pendulum hausses, hammers and staves, woolen sponges, sponge covers, etc.; and, 34 sub-types of “Artillery Projectiles unprepared for service”; 33 sub-types “...with their appendages prepared for service”; and more. A veritable field catalogue of perhaps every variant of artillery, projectile, powder, and supply in the Union arsenal at the zenith of the Civil War. Overfolds at several edges at rear, oil stains on outer file wrapper, understandable handling, but good plus and displayable. The fort had originally been named for Gen. Louis Blenker, who supervised its construction in 1861. First fighting in the Bavarian Legion, and exiled to America in 1849, his six-week march with Frémont in West Va. became famous. “Due to neglect by the War Dept., the 10,000-man command was lacking basic military necessities, including maps. They suffered great hardships and were reduced to looting and thievery. He commanded this division from Apr.-June 1862...”--Boatner. The Fort was renamed for Gen. John Reynolds, killed on the first day of Gettysburg, however this document - six months on - continues to use its original name. Very scarce; the first item of this format we recall handling in many years. $140-180

10-15. Abner Doubleday’s Day Job.

Printed Union General Orders, Washington, Jan. 25, 1864, 4 1/2 x 7 1/4, 13 pp. Describing arraignments, charges, and verdicts of citizens and soldiers who have committed significant crimes, each in considerable detail, the Military Commission for the first case headed by Maj. Gen. Abner Doubleday, as its Pres. (Additional cases in document were presided over by Maj. Gen. Heintzelman.) Credited with inventing and naming baseball as early as 1835, Doubleday aimed the first gun fired in defense of Ft. Sumter. By the time of his leadership of this criminal tribunal, he had commanded at 2nd Bull, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and headed the I Corps when Gen. Reynolds was killed at Gettysburg. Here Doubleday’s case concerned a citizen stealing $600 from a Maryland house, doling out 10 years at hard labor. Heintzelman’s cases included a contraband (black) being kidnapped and sold by a military post employee, the buyer then confining the former with ropes, “and reduced to slavery”; a Q.M. employee taking 137 lbs. sugar, 78 lbs. coffee, 243 1/4 lbs. beef and mutton, 37 lbs. ham, 11 lbs. bacon, and other food for his family’s use (imprisoned til $500 fine paid); and case of contractor supplying short count of 25,000 “dark blue flannel blouses” for the Army, the quality inferior (acquitted). Two irregular holes where bound for desk use, affecting parts of several words (but not Doubleday’s name near top), first leaf hinge separating at spine, two tears in blank margin, one soft vertical fold, light cream toning, still about fine. General Orders bearing Doubleday’s name, especially conspicuously on page 1, are moderately scarce. $90-120

10-16. Conduct Very Unbecoming – and Cowardice.

Two Civil War printed general orders: courts-martial, Feb. 4, 1864, 6 pp. with charges, verdict, and sentencing of Capt. Jesse Armstrong and Lt. James A. Miller, 7th Indiana Vols. Quoting their argument of “the most obscene and insulting character... a ‘damned liar’ and a ‘damned [expletive deleted here] ass’...a drunkard and a gambler...,” upon which one struck the other in face, kicking him in stomach. Both were found guilty. Mousechew at blank upper left margin, light handling, else very good. Such raw language was rarely spelled out in Civil War general orders. • Another court martial, Mar. 6, 1863, 1 1/2 pp., specifying charges, pleading, verdict and dismissal from service of Capt. Walter Ives of 70th N.Y., for cowardice during Battles of Antietam and Fredericksburg. With the enemy before his regiment and the battle in progress, Ives vanished until “after the expiration of said battle.” Light cream toning, else very good. • Pamphlet, “Morgan’s Raid in Indiana,” by Louis W. Eubank. Indiana Historical Society, 1955. 59 pp. Original line art. Internal nibble through last 4 pp. and back cover, else very good. $65-85 (3 pcs.)

10-17. A Bugler at Lookout Valley.

Partly printed Union muster roll for Co. H, 33rd Regt., Massachusetts Vol. Infantry, at Lookout Valley, Dec. 31, 1863-Feb. 29, 1864. Opening to 21 x 31. Signed by Capt. Edw(ar)d B. Blasland. Extensively filled on one side with names, enlistment information, “last paid,” and other details of three officers, 13 N.C.O.s, and 53 privates - plus bugler Joseph Suguski of Medfield, Mass., and the unusually named Celesta Kadrac of Burlington. Hometowns included Boston, Boxford, Brookline, Cambridge, Lowell, Lynnfield, Marlboro, New Bedford, and others. With remarks about most: “On leave from Hospital at Nashville,” “Lost 1 Canteen, value 41¢,” “Tried for desertion - found not guilty; lost 1 knapsack, 1 canteen, extra issue clothing...,” “expense of arrest $10,” “Convalescent Camp, Bridgeport, Ala., Oct. 26, (18)63),” “Lost 1 gun sling, 25¢,” “Sick near Monocacy, Va., June 25, ‘63,” “Detached on Division Pioneers,” “taken prisoner,” and other notations. Tears at fold junctions, some handling and edge toning, filing panel on verso heavily toned, else surprisingly good, the written side suitable for highly interesting display. • Another Muster Roll, Co. H, Apr. 30-June 30, 1863, signed by Lt. J. Henry Williams, July 17, 1863. One soldier “wounded at Gettysburg.” Split at multiple folds, toning and handling wear, but a survivor, still usable for research. $90-130 (2 pcs.)

10-18. Tabulating Soldiers’ Votes in the “other” Election of 1864.

Large format 1864 election poll-book for Co. F, 49th Regt., Pennsylvania Volunteers, voting at camp near Winchester, Va. on Oct. 2, 1864; administered by fellow soldier-electors representing Beaver Township, Snyder County, Pa., “being in actual Military Service, under the requisition of the Pres. of the U.S...To the best of our ability we will studiously endeavor to prevent fraud, deceit or abuse....” 16 pp., 12 x 16 1/2. Black on mocha cover, sulfur-yellow paper spine, partly printed leaves ruled in pink, aqua, and forest green. With oaths of officers acting as judges. “Tally paper” showings various local Pa. candidates, including for Congress and Clerk of Orphans’ Court, receiving just one vote each! Rather interesting example of the elaborate lengths to obtain and document the votes of the very few Snyder County natives in Company F, far from home. (The voting for President would take place several weeks thence.) Signed at conclusion by three officers. Two file crimps beside old half fold at bottom center, wrapper dust-toned, some wear, internally very good and clean. The care taken here - some 158 years ago, and during wartime conditions - seem more elaborate than in modern times. $65-90

10-19. Gen. George Meade’s Copy of “Official Army Register.”

Bound together: Official Army Register for 1864, its internal cover with his name boldly pencilled at top, “Geo. Meade / USA.” (Perhaps in his hand, but this lot priced assuming it is not. Image gladly furnished.) Published by order of Sec. of War, Jan. 1, 1864. 5 1/4 x 7 1/2, 153 pp. + folding table, “Organization of the Regular Army...,” with numbers of all ranks, from Maj. Gens. to Medical Cadets, and Trumpeters. Copious lists, including 1863 resignation of Maj. Gen. James A. Garfield (p. 102), vacation of Meade’s commission as Maj., upon his appointment as Brig. Gen., and complete roster of all Union general and field officers, including hundreds of names familiar to Civil War collectors. In period ink on p. 39, interesting updating of officers of “9th Regt. of Infantry.” Brown cover bearing Meade’s name with chipping along top and right edges, just touching concluding strokes of “e” and “A”; subtitle page somewhat soiled; some foxing at spreads containing folding tables, else marginal cream toning, and internally fine. One lateral edge of spine label slightly pushed, not readily seen head-on, else binding excellent. Given command of Army of the Potomac just two days before Gettysburg, Meade “showed remarkable courage” (Boatner). It is speculated that Meade was given the fateful promotion for political reasons: born in Spain, he was disqualified as a Presidential candidate. • Official Army Register for 1865, Inscribed “Presented by Hon. Chas. O’Neill, Jan. 18, ‘67.” O’Neill a 15-term Republican Congressman from Pa., including 1862-65. 152 pp. + folding table. Mid-20th-century binding, claret cloth, black spine label. $225-300

10-20. Ephemeral Printed Narrative: “...A desperate battle ensued....”

Very rare Union soldier’s printed first-hand memoirs, A Short Narrative and Military Experience of Corp. G. A’Lord... [note his French Canadian usage], “Formerly a member of...125th Regt. N.Y.V. [Infantry]...Gen. Wool’s 1st Corps in the Potomac Army...A Four Year’s History of the War....” Undated but 64 pp. version attributed 1864; printed Troy or Schenectady, N.Y. 3 3/4 x 5 1/2, 80 pp., light desert-rose wrappers, sewn, black and white text, his portrait on cover. Already 42 years old at enlistment, a teacher in Troy, he fought at Harper’s Ferry. The author’s spine injured in Martinsburg, W.V., while “surprised by some rebel cavalry...obliged to jump a large ditch, being wounded...unable to walk...” (p. 13), he implores that “...he depends entirely upon the proceeds of his books for support of himself and family.” Permanently disabled and honorably discharged, he sold these pamphlets for 10¢ each. On inside front, “A Heart-Rending Scene - Corp. G. A’lord taking leave of his wife and family for the seat of war,” showing them embrace as the train waits. Quite cinematic in parts: “...A desperate battle ensued, our boys carrying the heights by storm...and producing a perfect panic among the Rebels. They fled in disorder across the river. The loss of the enemy in killed and wounded is estimated at 500...”--p. 52. At rear, text of Constitution, and list of U.S. Internal Revenue stamp duties. Paper covering at top of spine torn, short old tape repair at bottom of spine; covers dust-toned, lacking blank lower right corner and fragment at right edge; back cover lacking lower left corner; else internally surprisingly fresh and fine. All editions rare on the market. The Antietam campaign - of which the capture of Harper’s Ferry was a key part - “is considered by some to be the turning point of the war. Although not a tactical victory, it was the improvement in the North’s military fortunes for which Lincoln had been waiting to announce the Emancipation Proclamation. This changed the entire aspect of the war from a political affair to preserve the Union, to a crusade to free the slaves...”--Boatner. Excessively rare on market: Rare Book Hub records only two copies of any edition, Eberstadt in 1937, and Merwin Clayton in 1911! $250-350

10-21. Site of the Failed 1864 Peace Talks.

Attractive stereo photograph of site of unsuccessful 1864 peace conference to end the Civil War: Clifton House, Niagara Falls, N.Y. Rich sepia tones, on duplex vivid orange over chartreuse card. Imprint of John P. Soule, 199 Washington St., Boston. Postwar. The hotel of choice for the most prosperous of Niagara’s hundreds of daily visitors, it was the domicile of Jenny Lind for three months in 1851, who often sang from its balconies. Hosting the much-under-studied and ill-fated Summer 1864 peace conference to end the war, George Saunders, a Confederate agent in Canada, invited newspaperman Horace Greeley and other Lincoln critics to meet at Clifton House with Southern representatives. Greeley had been convinced by a man known as “Colorado” Jewett that the negotiations would be in good faith. In fact, the Confederacy was hoping to undermine Lincoln’s reelection chances. Greeley wrote the Pres., urging him to accept the offer; Lincoln appointed him as his agent, but also sent a letter to the Confederate emissaries, welcoming peace if the Union were restored, slavery abolished, and the military unified. These preconditions were rejected, and the Northern Democratic press accused Lincoln of sabotaging the talks! Some tan handling evidence on emulsion, where placed into and removed from stereopticon, else fine. $45-65

10-22. “Can a State Secede?” – Inscribed by one Massachusetts Governor to Another.

Late Civil War pamphlet, “Sovereignty in its bearing upon Secession and State Rights,” by Emory Washburn, inscribed by him at top of cover to Hon. A.H. Bullock, each a Gov. of Mass. Printed Cambridge, 1865, before Appomattox, 5 3/4 x 9 1/2, 36 pp. Author Washburn was a Harvard Law school professor and Gov. of Mass. 1852-54. Bullock was Gov. 1871-73. “We are in the midst of war. Every loyal man believes that the contest will be soon ended with the suppression of a causeless rebellion...What is then to be done with the ‘seceded States’?...” Discussion of “How the states became local sovereignties...The Constitution the act of the people, not of the states.” A distinguished legal scholar, Washburn - whose history of the Mass. Supreme Judicial Court is still considered foundational - concluded that states have no power to secede. Somewhat brittle; old soft vertical fold, tan covers toned, separating at rear hinge; light toning internally, some front and rear leaves dogeared and brittle at bottom tips, else good plus. Bartlett 5659. II Harvard Law Catalogue 872. $90-120

10-23. A Private Signs with “X” – 21 times.

Partly printed Union document, 1st Battalion, Penna. Volunteers, (Feb. 3 and 12), 1864, 10 x 15, listing clothing and equipment issued to new enlistees Pvt. James Goodwin on one side, Pvt. James Goff on verso. Goodwin’s “X” signed beside each and every one of the 21 line-items, showing description and “money value” of his brand new suite of dust coat, shoes ($2.05), blanket ($1.27), socks (64¢), canteen (41¢), and more. In bold hand at bottom, “Settled Apr. 30, (18)65.” On verso, Goff has signed beside twelve items, with matching number of signatures in purple of his Sgt. as witness. Tear at bound edge affecting no text, lacking one blank corner, minor light edge stains, else very good, and displayable. $50-65

10-24. Gen. Butler vs. the Chaplain.

Pamphlet signed at top of cover by Gen. Benjamin Butler, “Official Documents Relating to a ‘Chaplain’s Campaign (Not) with General Butler,’ But in New York,” Lowell, Mass.: 1865, 48 pp., 5 1/2 x 9. Inscribed to “Rev. Theo. Elson D.D., With compliments Benj. Butler.” Defense of Butler’s actions in imprisonment of Chaplain Henry N. Hudson of 1st N.Y. Vol. Engineers, for deserting and libeling Butler, then in command of Dept. of Va. and N.C. To make matters worse, Hudson was A.W.O.L. for some three months in 1864, then issuing a “scurrilous amd abusive pamphlet...66 pp., entitled, ‘A Chaplain’s Campaign with Gen. Butler’....” The evidence presented here is that prior to the Chaplain leaving his post, Butler “had never seen or known him, or of him”! It was soon discovered that the Chaplain “had been amusing himself in traveling in Eastern N.Y. and Western Mass. for more than three months, while his regiment was in the field in face of the enemy....” Front cover with fine chipping, just touching the final “r” of “Butler”; lacking back cover, last page lightly toned, else internally fresh and fine. Uncommon, especially signed. $80-110

10-25. Civil War Reunion.

Handbill announcing annual reunion of 3rd Mass. Light Battery and 22nd Regt. Mass. Vols., Melrose, Boston, Dec. 10, 1903. 8 1/4 x 11. Orange and black, on tan; replica of “5th Army Corps - Army of Potomac...” medal at top; at bottom, vivid Leslie’s-style scene of artillery battery charging, amid explosions. “Yourself and Ladies earnestly invited...Renew memories of long, long ago....” Several chips at blank edges and one corner, else V.G. Suitable for display. Rare ephemera. $45-60

10-26. Civil War Fraud at Fort Lyon - being Pursued in 1875.

L.S. of Grant’s Attorney Gen. George H. Williams on Dept. of Justice letterhead with formal script, Washington, Feb. 26, 1875, 1 1/4 pp., 7 1/2 x 9 3/4. To Sec. of War William H, Belknap, returning “the original papers (not present) with reference to alleged frauds at Fort Lyon,” requesting “report of Maj. Jacob Downing referred to in the letter of Maj. T.J. McKenney of July 15, 1864....” Belknap (or an assistant) replies in margins, with blue pencil callouts, and sentences in pencil, “The letter of advice is what is wanted - Report herewith, but letter of advice is not.” Highly interesting docketing panel in red, scarlet, and brown, in several clerical hands, with black “War Dept. received...” datestamp. Attorney Gen. Williams had been Oregon Sen. before the war; Belknap was forced to resign the following year. Fort Lyon evidently referred to the complex in Colorado, established in 1860, also known as Fort Wise (a different Fort Lyon in Virginia was closed in 1861). Following a Colorado flood in 1866, Fort Lyon was rebuilt in nearby Las Animas, Colo., remaining a military post til 1897. Short breaks but no separation at folds, old dampstaining of first leaf, with about half of body blurry but legible, but very satisfactory. A true working document, traveling three times before coming to repose in War Dept. files. $75-100

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11. Manuscripts & Ephemera

 

11-1. Color Printer’s Proofs of Exotic Locales.

Attractive pair of full-color, mirror-image chromolithographed press proofs of prominent printers McLaughlin Bros., c. 1895-1905, on eggshell white cards, about 7 x 9. “Job 1066.” Each with color registration marks at four margins; one with cyan, grey, magenta, and pink color blocks at top. Depicting: Suspenseful scene of two men, perhaps in North Africa, facing off with long curved swords, as about a dozen watch in a semicircle, a moderately ornate edifice behind. Most onlookers with cerise fezes, white robes, one in strawberry-red pantaloons, another in pink costume. Very light old waterstain on left half, else very good. • Three men and a woman, disparately colorful, she barefoot in a tiger-print skirt. One man smoking a cigarette, Western-style jackets over their native leggings and wraps, variously. The buildings in background have European architectural cues; the scene might be in French Indochina. Appears very good and clean. Both in older, simple black wooden frames, trifle different profiles, under glass, probably done around mid-century. Highly interesting for display. McLaughlin was known for their colorful presswork; their press-proofs are very scarce. $80-110 (2 pcs.)

11-2. An American in Tokyo sends impressions of Japanese Seals cut in Crystal.

Unusual, lengthy letter of a notable American art collector and socialite, penned from Tokyo, Mar. 1, 1888, 5 x 8, 4 pp., with total of 5 Japanese seals variously impressed throughout the letter in black, red, blue, and pale blue. (The crystal seals are not present.) Penned by Peyton (van Rensselaer of N.Y.), to sibling Jules. “The above is an impression of a stamp – in yo as it is called in Japan – that I have had made for you and that Mrs. Fearing is going to take to you. The characters read Ren shu, as near ‘Van Rensselaer’ as I could get. Ren means lotus, and shu swamp...a place where the water is shallow and where the lotus grows. The lotus is the emblem of excessive purity and virtue, and when good Buddhists die, they feed on lotus in glory. I think the stamp rather a success and the sentiment good. An impression takes a little time to dry on foreign paper and does not take as well as on Japanese...If you have used blue ink - niku we call it - take care and remove as much of the color, by wiping...and the same of course with red. The stamp is cut in crystal and is very well done by as good an artist as there is in Tokyo, who thinks much of his reputation and does no inferior work. This also in the best style of material and elegance. It cost with the inks about $54...I had one made for Mrs. Fearing and show it to you here in red [with two impressions made by the beneficent writer]. It reads something between he and fi, a sound we don’t have in English...I hope the stamp will please you. Give my love to your boys and their financees, to Annie, Ada, and Frank...If your impressions do not dry fast enough, dry them with blotting paper gently.” Minor breaks at folds, else fine and charming. • With envelope, local stationer’s blind-embossed marking on verso, “Berrick Bros., No. 60 Yokohama.” Hand-carried by the returning Mrs. Fearing. “Acct. of Japanese seal / P.J.” in period hand. Flap neatly removed by recipient, edge toning and pocket wear, else good. Peyton van Rensselaer and his wife were major art collectors, museum patrons, and socialites. A singularly rare 19th century account of this exquisite Japanese art form. $170-220 (2 pcs.)

11-3. Paintings for sale at the Panama-Pacific Expo, 1915!

Souvenir pamphlet, “A Brief Guide to the Dept. of Fine Arts, Panama-Pacific International Exposition, San Francisco,” 1915. 5 x 7 3/4, 64 pp. Describing the art treasures on display, from Old Masters, to Early American, European influences, Dawn of Modernity, French Impressionists, then-Modern, and more. “...Most of the works exhibited by artists are for sale at studio prices...The attention of collectors and art lovers is especially directed to this unusual opportunity for securing works of enduring value....” While prices are not shown, judging by the illustrious artists represented, one could have thrown the proverbial dart and procured a painting which would today be worth a fortune. 1915 Alameda, Calif. Public Library rubber-stamps and old label. Toning of cover, soft corner crease in text, else very good. Very scarce. $40-55

11-4. “That beautiful woman who takes her noon-day walk....”

Rare, avant garde small-press magazine “Bruno’s Weekly,” Apr. 1, 1916, from the early Bohemian nascency of New York’s Greenwich Village, “edited by Guido Bruno in his garret on Washington Square.” 4 3/4 x 8, (16) pp., pale yellow wrappers, groundwood text. On cover, cartoonish linoleum-cut-style portrait of man with wildly fashioned porcupine-like moustache and thick beard. Inside front cover ad for “Bruno Players at Charles Edison’s Little Thimble Theatre, 10 Fifth Ave., Greenwich Village, N.Y.” Articles include:

“Concerning the Fashions of Our Girls”: “...There are always people extant who have no ideas whatever, who wouldn’t know what to do with their lives if they couldn’t pattern themselves after the lives of others...But the dominating spirit is that of freedom...The abandonment of rigid, tight-fitting shapes...the road to complete liberation from set traditions...Never in the history of fashions could one see so many fundamentally differently clad women on the same street...Just take a walk on Fifth Ave. in the noon hour...Every once in a while we see a striking creature in a style of her own...We are not flirts but we cannot help to turn around and look...And our girls here in N.Y. seem to have waited for this word of liberation that permits them to follow their own tastes...If you sit in the subway, let your eyes pass in review along the rows of feet [i.e., womens’ shoes]....” From Bruno’s “London Office”: “The war draws off more and more young men. It has made savage inroads on our artistic talent....” Describing sculptor Jacob Epstein, “It is a case with this artist of the idealism of the Jew working in the atmosphere of English practicalness...This is nearly always the case with the Jews...Without them where would modern art be?...”

Lengthy article, “In Our Village - Spring and Poets,” with delightful banter on the parade of characters passing under the editor’s Greenwich Village “garret”: “...A few couples of Italian lovers had come out from ‘Little Italy’ around the corner...Strange things are happening in the Village. Not only poets convene here but all the peculiar characters...seem to have a rendezvous on the Square. There is, for instance, that beautiful woman who takes her noon-day walk....” Much more. Ads include a monthly magazine “in which we say just what we think...” published by Norman Bel Geddes, the future celebrated architect and industrial designer, pioneer of streamlining. Leaves browned, all neatly separated along fold at spine, some marginal chipping, else satisfactory. Editor Guido Bruno is subject of the 1976 biography, The Romantic Ghost of Greenwich Village.... $70-90

11-5. Scathing Great Depression Cartoon Satire.

Issue no. 2 (of only seventeen published) of Americana magazine, N.Y., (1932), 9 1/4 x 12, (32) pp., yellow wrapper. A grandfather of modern political and social satire publications, with cartoons on every page. Artists included John Sloan, Majeska, et al. One entitled “Modern Messiahs” showing bizarre likenesses of Mussolini, Stalin, Hitler, and Gandhi; awareness of the perils of the first three was a rarity in America this early. Front cover separated, some handling wear, else good. Rare. No examples on abebooks. • “Current Events, The National School Newspaper,” Oct. 7-11, 1935, 9 1/2 x 13, (8) pp., black on tan. “Would the Suez Canal be Closed in Case of War?” Much more. On last page, “Boys and Girls! The Big, Thrilling Book of Adventure free if you join Jr. Literary Guild: Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze...Show your parents this page and let them see the pictures of the famous Editorial Board...the greatest authorities on books for young people in the country....” A far cry from today’s news. Some short edge tears, else very good. $45-60 (2 pcs.)

11-6. Fancy Billheads – Antecedent of Stanley Tool.

Group of 5 variant billheads of Stanley Rule & Level Co., “Manufacturers of Boxwood and Ivory Rules, Spirit Levels, Try Squares, Bevels, Gauges, Bench Planes, etc...,” New Britain, Conn., 1871-78. 4 3/4 x 8 1/2 to 8 1/2 x 8 1/2. Black on ivory, terms printed in red. One with different warehouse address on Chambers St., N.Y. All to Fuller & Parish, Norwich, Conn. Four with descriptions and prices, one a year-end statement. Including “dock fenders...cattle ties, no rope...l(igh)t strap...h(ea)vy strap....” Two with dark coffee(?) stains, one with wear at one fold where wrapped around bundle of other bills by customer, others fine and clean. Stanley would become an American institution, their tools found in millions of workshops. $45-65 (5 pcs.)

11-7. Fancy Billheads – Parker Shot Gun and other Connecticut Industries.

Group of 6 different billheads, 1875-77. 4 1/2 x 8 1/2 to 8 x 8 1/4. Parker Bros., “Sole Mfrs. of the Parker Breech Loading, Double Barrel Shot Gun - Also the Boynton Rotary Lithograph Press,” W. Meriden, Conn., 1874. Mouse nibble along blank top margin, show-through of strokes of brown quill tested on verso by clerk, else fine and moderately ornate. Parker Brothers “are widely considered the finest and most collectible American shotgun”--wikipedia. Parker was the gun of choice of Annie Oakley et al. • Landers, Frary & Clark, New Britain, for “1/2 doz. Ale Cocks, 10.00....” Full-width bird’s-eye view of factory, variety of horse-drawn open and covered wagons in yards; the front elevation painted “Warehouse 298 Broadway, N.Y.” (steps from Cohasco’s longtime office some three-quarters of a century later). • Sargent & Co., New Haven. Detailed vignette of their lock factory on water. • I.W. Carpenter, dealer in ice, Norwich, Conn., unusual logotype of High Gothic type stylized to suggest ice. • Milo Millard, “Oak and Chestnut Timber and Lumber...,” Merrow Sta., Conn. for “carpenters pins....” Light nibble along one blank fold. • L.F. Goodyear, “Mfr. of Carriage Axles...Elliott’s Patent Sewing Machine Casters...,” New Haven. Surprinted in red, “Goodyear & Ives, successor.” Defects as mentioned, else fine and clean. $65-85 (6 pcs.)

11-8. Fancy Billheads including Duplex Woodcuts in Butterscotch Ink – N.Y.

Group of 9 different billheads, all but one from N.Y.C., 1874-79. 4 1/4 x 7 to 7 x 8 1/2. Splendid Auburn Tool Co., “Mfrs. of Bench Planes, Moulding Tools, Plane Irons, Skates, Handles, &c.,” with composite woodcut of six woodworking tools. Interesting descriptions and prices, including “3 Rosewood Planes, 9.00 (ea.)....” • Le Roy Shot & Lead Mfg. Co., Water St., N.Y.C., partly printed statement. • F.L. Kneeland, 70 Wall St., “Agent for the Sale of Dupont’s Gunpowder - Sporting, Blasting & Shipping Powder....” Formal script. • E.A. Goddard, 48 Beekman St., “Sammis’ Patent Lemon Squeezers & ‘The Bee Gimlet.’” Four views of their devices “for cutting and squeezing whole or half lemons.” • Lewis L. Squire’s Sons, “Ship Chandlers & Mfrs. of Cordage, Cor. Roosevelt & Front Sts.” For “2 coils Manila rope....” • Meriden Cutlery, “Mfrs. of Superior Table Cutlery,” 49 Chambers St. “Terms Cash, in N.Y. Funds, with liberty to draw accordingly.” For “1 doz. Key Rings, 1.00,” plus 6¢ postage. • R.E. Dietz, “Mfr. of Tubular and other Lanterns, Jack Chain, ‘Catch ‘Em Alive’ Mouse Traps,” Fulton and Cliff Sts. Butterscotch ink. Vignettes of their 6-story building, and “No. 17 side lamp.” • Variant Dietz, with highly unusual promotional copy on verso as well: five additional product woodcuts, and complete “List of Goods.” • De Grauw, Aymar & Co., “Importers of Chains, Anchors, Bunting & Wire Rope / Mfrs. of Cordage and Oakum.” 42 South St. • Small statement of Gilbert & Bennett Mfg. Co., 273 Pearl St., probably plunged into shadow by future 3rd Avenue El. Auburn billhead with minor wear and toning at left margin, else balance fine and better. $80-110 (9 pcs.)

11-9. Fancy Billheads – Massachusetts.

Group of 4, 1874-76. 4 1/2 x 8 1/2 to 6 3/4 x 8 1/2. Desirable pictorial Fairbanks, Brown & Co., “Mfrs. and Dealers in Railroad, Hay, Coal and Store Scales,” 2 Milk St. - “Old South Block,” Boston. At left, woodcut montage of four types of scales; at right, two woodcuts of “Money Drawers.” For “30 ton 30 ft. Iron Frame R.R. Track Scale in exchange, $475.” On verso, two woodcuts of Old South Church and Old South Block. Two tears at blank top edge where once tied in bundle with other paid bills, else very good. • Greenfield Tool Co., Greenfield, Mass., “Mfrs. of Bench Planes & Moulding Tools...Extra Cast Steel Plane Irons....” Woodcut of their wooden toolbox, with five sizes of planes atop. For “100 lbs. Ox Shoes, asst., $13....” • R.T. Dodge, “Oars, of all Kinds” in beaded Gothic type, Boston. • American Rubber Co., “Mfrs. & Jobbers of Rubber Goods...,” Boston. Delightful vignette of their building, flanked by two others. Minor corner dust toning, else balance fine and better. $40-60 (4 pcs.)

11-10. Wust’s Celebrated Chromolithographed Playing Cards.

Incomplete deck of 48 playing cards bearing “(C.L.) Wust” star trademark, Frankfurt, c. 1860s, the joker and 15 royal suits beautifully chromolithographed, vivid colors of their Renaissance attire. Illustrated cards comprise three different “2 of spades,” and four different “2 of diamonds.” • Plus pictorial cards 1-7 and 9-21, each with two superb wood engravings of a grand ball, boat excursion, a photographer’s studio, horse race, game of nine-pins, soldiers drilling with flutists at the fore - and mystery, each tinted in aqua blue, pink, coral, and yellow, variously. All cards with matching caramel and teal plaid designs on versos. Few unillustrated cards with fingerprinting, else fine and better, the joker, 7 royal suits, and 20 pictorial story cards strikingly attractive and fine to excellent. Among the most exquisite playing cards made. RareBookHub locates only one auction appearance of any of Wust’s playing cards, a deck (of Swiss costumes), in the Patino Collection, “one of the greatest collections of playing cards ever held in private hands.” $120-160 (12 + Joker + 15 royal suits + 20 pictorial)

11-11. Buying “Sound Old Gouda Cheese” from “No. 1 Crooked Lane.”

English account book, Dickensian London, 1837-1838, flexible glove-leather covers, 3 3/4 x 6, (52) pp., about half written, medium to light pencil and dark ink. Apparently of Messrs. Hobbs, Ashley & Co., Lock Manufactory (nested is typographically ornate invitation card to their employees’ dinner, 1860, at “Mr. Stanndard’s Rosemary Blanch(?) Tavern...”). Including notes for a cellar: “...Bolt for Privey, Padlocks, Kings Staples, Bricks 30, Sand, Storm sink...Old Barge House, Christchurch...Iron bar 14 feet, 1 1/4 In. thick Nut & Screw....” On inside back cover, simple pencil sketch of what appears to be design for a pivoting bar to block a very wide doorway, “14 ft. 8 in.” Elsewhere, “Paton & Charles, 148 High St., Wapping...Chest retnd...To exchange, Marrott, No. 1 Crooked Lane: 14 Brass Wire in 1/2 oz., Bacon Sides, Sound Old Gouda Cheese, 1 Cart(wheel?) Edam...Canvas Roller, Pencil points...About 2 Cart of Cheshire or Cheddar Cheese...3 best Capers in Jar...5 Currie Powder, 3 Long Pepper, 3 Bitter Almonds. 1 single Gun Flint...1 doz. Sash tools, 1 gross Mop Handles, 3 Dandy Brushes, Rope Mats nos. 3 & 4, 1 or 2 Hhds. of Bright Raw Sugar....” (Foods possibly to feed their employees.) Pencilled list of “Trains from London.” Hobbs, Ashley was a noted manufacturer of fire- and burglar-resistant safes, cash boxes, iron doors, locking latches for heavy doors, and “the celebrated American permutating or changeable-key bank lock, manufactured expressly for the use of bankers...Absolute security...479,001,600 changes....”--with interesting modern copies of their advertisements, 1859 and 1862. Moderate pocket scuffing of covers, minor internal handling, else fine. With research, the Hobbs connection may be confirmed. • Also with period business card of “Mrs. Robert H. Evans / Fancy Shell-work maker...Nassau, N.P., Bahamas.” Black on milk-white bristol. Blue album mount on verso, else very good. Very rare. $200-250 (3 pcs.)

11-12. A Visit to the Last Dauphin of France and Daughter of Marie Antoinette.

Fascinating manuscript political and travel diary of evidently high ranking British diplomat “Mr. Lovell - Saint Martins Lane,” (Covent Garden), shuttling between Paris and London, Jan. 1, 1824-May 31, 1827. 4 x 6 1/2, (46) pp., sewn. On lower portion of cover, “Le Genl. Neipperg & M. Louise,” certainly Count Adam von Neipperg, Austrian general and diplomat, who married Archduchess Marie Louise after Napoleon’s death in 1821. Entries boldly penned in rich browns, datelined London and Paris, with fascinating content on British and French royalty, dining with dukes and knights, death of French King Louis XVIII and his funeral, dissolution of Parliament, formation of the short-lived Canning government, and other intrigues. Just a sampling: “Jan. 1824...On the 6th of this month Capt. Malin of the Cambridge sailed for South America with the different Consuls for Lima, Valparaiso & Peru, by which we have acknowledged the Independence of those States...Tues. 13th, dined at Sir G. Talbot. Met there Prince...Left Dover in the Steamboat at 10 & arrived at Calais at 3 P.M. with the English Messenger Pegler...Arrived at Paris at 9 P.M., just 30 hours, at Hotel d’Europe...Dined with Sir C. Stuart....”

“On (Jan.) 27th I went to the Duke d’Angoulême [eldest son of King Charles X, and last dauphin of France, his wife the “Orphan of the Temple” - and daughter of Marie Antoinette] & was graciously received...April 26: Left Paris... arrived at Beauvais at one...Apr. 28: sailed from Calais in the Spitfire packet at 1/2 before 9...arrived in London between 12 & 1...Aug. 4: Went to see the Naval College, which seems to be kept in very good order - in peace time 70 Boys, in war 100...Dined with Sir George Martin, the Admiral of the Station. Sir James Lyon is the military Commander...Aug. 23: I arrived in Paris...lodge at the Hotel des Princes. This house as full as it can hold. Dined with Sir C. Stuart. Aug. 25: Tour de St. Louis, but the King was very ill, & hardly able to go through the business of the day...I began with my Cabriolet... The King still in a very uncertain state of health...Sept. 6: Went with Ambassador to the fête des Loges which is kept in the forest of St. Germain, a very pretty gay thing, & which lasts three days...Sept. 12: The King considerably worse & toward evening supposed to be dying...All the theatres & Public offices ordered to be shut & prayers in all the churches for him. He now & then takes some bouillon...Sept. 16: The King died this morning...All the Royal family left Paris immediately for St. Cloud, according to the etiquette here, & the Palace was thrown open from 10 til 6 for everybody to pass through the King’s room & to see him laying in his bed. Sept. 17: The new King Charles 10th received all the Foreign Ministers at St. Cloud...The (late) King’s carriage was covered with Violet Cloth...The Duke d’Angoulême & Madame are now the Dauphin & Dauphine & have no longer any Maison of their own, being attended entirely by the King’s Servants...Sept. 27: The (new) King made his publick Entry & was well received, but the weather unfortunately was very bad...Oct. 18: Another riot in consequence of the Priest refusing to let the dead body of an actor, Philippe, to go into the church...Nov. 6: Sir C. Stuart left Paris after having been Ambassador here for nine years...The Enemies of England may rejoice. Men of higher rank may be appointed to this Court, but none of superior abilities...Feb. 15, (1825): ...leave was given to bring in a bill to put down the Irish association by a majority of 155....”

“Mar. 2: The Catholick Question carried last night by a majority of 13...Sept. 6: The King of Prussia came to Paris the end of this month & the independence of St. Domingo was acknowledged by France....” Much more. Initially barred from advancement in life because of poverty, by 1827 George Canning became a fourteen-week Prime Minister, having fought a duel, planned seizure of the Danish fleet, shielded Greece against Turkish aggression, and figured in other high drama. Tear at lower spine into first leaf with small fragment lacking, old repair with red wax, some pocket-toning of page 1, else internally fine. Worthy of further research. $200-275

11-13. The Business of Butter – 1798.

Surpringly lengthy printed Act of Parliament, reign of King George III, amending an “Act to prevent Abuses and Frauds in Packing, Weight, and Sale of Butter...,” June 21, 1798. 7 1/4 x 11 1/4, 2 pp. Ornate Royal arms at top. Concerning irregularities in the butter business, including “concealing the Place of Abode of Coopers making Vessels for Butter...Dairymen or other Packers of Butter for Sale...the Cheesemongers...selling Butter on their own account....” Requiring butter “vessels” to bear the “Christian Name and Surname” of its maker, “his or her Place of Abode or Dwelling....” Two corners overfolded, light toning at top edge, removed from binding, else about fine. An attractive item relating to an uncommon (but important) subject. $40-55

11-14. Journal of British Gentry’s Salmon Fishing Expedition - and unfriendly Russians.

Manuscript journal of Alice Heber Percy, July 12-Sept. 6, 1898, accompanying her husband Algernon Heber Percy of Hodnet Hall, presume unpublished. Chronicle of their salmon fishing adventure in the northern reaches of Norway, with richly detailed entries - including mention of unfriendly Russian settlers. Beautiful period binding, polished, deep chocolate brown half calf and marbled boards, gold-stamped red leather cover and spine labels; unusual evergreen moiré paper endleaves. 6 1/2 x 8, 63 numbered pp. Arriving at Hammerfest, the couple endured uncomfortable conditions, freezing cold - and opposition from Russian settlers, but caught some 804 lbs. of salmon. In her clear, bold hand, Alice meticulously documents their adventure, from the hour they boarded their first train in England. Once at sea, “...the precipice, and the huge cliffs looked exceedingly fine, half screened by heavy, dark clouds, broken here and there by stormy gleams of light, the sun trying to break through the mists... We find a Norwegian Lapp family taking a passage; the man has been sent home from an Alaska expedition crippled with rheumatism...Passed the Arctic Circle at 9:30 P.M...A smart English Steam Yacht followed us for awhile, and turned into the Fjord, near the Glacier...It is the first hot summer day that we have had...The Arctic colouring of the mountains and the Sea is beautiful, and the sunshine is delicious...The Prince of Monaco’s large Steam Yacht is here. And the Prince of Naples came in with his Yacht; he had been shooting in Spitzbergen. Also the Orient pleasure Steamer Lusitania came in, and anchored. We watched a crowd of curious looking people go ashore...In the evening we called at a small Station where there was a Whale Factory. We saw many pieces of Whale in different stages...in the process of making manuke. The smell was enough to make one sit up, it was quite terribly strong. Up to now we have not seen a whale in these waters; when I was here 15 years ago there were plenty...They have been hunted and driven away into deeper and safer water....” Finally arriving after several changes of boats, they “saw Reindeer feeding...The snow will not melt this year...Everything wringing wet, our luggage was dumped down...We collected drift wood, and contrived to light a fire with peeling of...birch wood... whilst we put up two of the Tents...The Rod and Gauntlet gloves changed hands, he dropped the fly into the water and had a fish on directly. The Salmon ran hard, and fought strong, giving Algy plenty to do...It was most exciting...He proved to be a 34 lb...It was a hard fight....” Much, much more, as their adventure unfolded. On final page, her detailed inventory of “Fish caught 1898,” with location, date, by whom, and exact weights - 804 lbs. in 14 days. Very light shelf wear, mostly at bottom of marbled edges, else internally clean and excellent. With two photocopied maps showing region traveled, and page from Burke’s Landed Gentry describing the Heber Percys lineage from 1463. Ex-Remember When Auction. Perhaps a candidate for publication or dramatic adaptation. A delightful item. $275-350

11-15. Wyoming County, Pennsylvania Scrapbook.

Depression-era adversity scrapbook, Tunkhannock conspicuous, with 1905-44 newspaper clippings (most 1930s) pasted in Civil War era account book of Rufus Decker, Mehoopany, Pa., his manuscript entries on first 7 pp., Apr. 1, 1864-Feb. 19, 1866. Mounted at rear, 1867 Wyoming County jury duty notice to Decker. 7 x 12, about 1 1/4” thick, marbled boards, black buckram spine. Entries including “10 bushels of Potatoes $6.25...2 yds. of red flanin [sic]...20 lbs. of buckwheat flower 60¢, 1 paper of tobacco 14¢, half gal. of sope...Nelson Finney, 12 days work 50¢....” Clippings include large number of obituaries (1943 photo-business cards nested at rear of book suggests scrapbook maintained by Walter H. Jarvis, Register and Recorder of Wyoming County, or Floyd Dymond, J.P.). Also, mobilization of local National Guard unit, and fascinating collection of newspaper column ”Look out! It’s a Racket,” each describing workings of a different scam, with line drawings, some with cartoon caricatures of blacks. “If you have been victimized by swindlers, write this paper....” Last 21 leaves unused. Cover edges and spine understandably worn, usual toning of clippings, else very satisfactory, with a wealth of interest and information for local historians. $55-75

11-16. Excessively Rare Miniature “Direct Mail.”

Delightful gathering of 8 miniature specimen booklets, each just 2 x 3, (16) pp., issued by E.T. Hazeltine, Warren, Pa., advertising patent medicines. Promoting Piso’s Cure for Consumption and Remedy for Catarrh. Comprising 3 copies “The Old Musician,” black on pink wrappers, (16) pp., c. 1887. • 5 copies “Calendar,” Apr.-Sept. 1890, golden and cocoa brown wrappers, highly stylized typography, (16) pp. Typesizes variously estimated as 4, 5, and 6 point. Unrecorded by WorldCat. • In original postally-used mailing sleeve, to “Postmaster, Newcomb, Essex Co., N.Y.,” bearing 1¢ Franklin postage stamp, Scott 219 (earliest documented use Feb. 1890), dull blue, bullseye-in-two-concentric-ring fancy cancel, tied to address face. Booklets excellent, sleeve with some uniform postal soiling and wear, but stamp intact, and good. Excessively rare, WorldCat locating just five examples of various dates of these calendar booklets. $65-90 (8 pcs. in sleeve)

11-17. The Men of Steel sing “By the Watermelon Vine.”

Highly interesting collection of 18 folders and deluxe booklets from banquets, annual meetings, and special events for senior executives of Carnegie Steel Co., Engineers Society of Western Penna., and American Iron and Steel Institute, 1902-1928. All from files of veteran Carnegie insider Thomas McDonald. Generally about 6 x 8 1/2 and larger. Including 8 elaborately printed dinner menus, including: Dinner to C(harles) M. Schwab, 1902, bound with large royal-red fine silk ribbon. Name of guest, Carnegie veteran Thos. McDonald in gold leaf stylized script. Menu included “Clear Green Turtle (Soup),” “Iron Age Punch,” and “Invincible Pudding.” • Menu and guest list for dinner given by Operating Officials of Carnegie Steel, Duquesne Club, 1925, with exquisite printed illustration of cherubs using telephone, holding light bulb and electric torch, floating above front of locomotive - hand-colored in pink, bright yellow, primrose yellow, orange, green, and greys. Table-soiling, else a striking high point of a blending of fine, commercial, and the printing arts. (Cost was evidently no object.) • Incomplete but strikingly attractive large menu, front cover and two steel-engraved leaves only, Carnegie Steel Co., 1918, with flags of fifteen World War I Allies, clustered in a flower-style arrangement, and steel-engraved in at least five colors, plus opaque white and genuine gold leaf, all in very high bas relief. Inlaid in above in silver leaf, an oversize medallion of a goddess. Easily one of the most striking, challenging, (and costly) exemplars of steel engraving we have seen. Some file blemishes at blank left area, possibly removeable by a conservator, else about very good. Worthy of display. • Including 7 song books from annual banquets, most cord- or string-bound, some with lovely steel-engraved cover motifs. One bordered and steel-engraved in silver flake, with still-modernistic Carnegie Steel logo, silver-stamped for attendee Thomas McDonald, seen in seating plan at prestigious Table 1, dining (and singing) with M. Cochrane Armour, Elbert H. Gary, Robert F. Lamont, Cyrus McCormick, Charles Schwab, and other captains of industry. One with numismatic-quality pewter-tone embossed onlay of a harpist, on imitation crocodile board; including “Dixie Land,” “By the Watermelon Vine,” “Has Anybody Seen Kelly?,” “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” and others. Some light soiling, handling, and defects, but generally very satisfactory to good. Fascinating mementos of the empire whose namesake rose from poverty to become one of the richest men in the world. $130-180 (18 pcs. + 1 envelope)

11-18. With Link to the Real Antagonist in “Les Misérables.”

Decorative partly printed broadside-style news-sheet, c. 1800-05, paying tribute to French commander (Georges) Mouton, who would later suppress the June Rebellion – the two-day Paris Uprising of June 1832 – immortalized in Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. 10 3/4 x 14 1/4. In French and Italian, printed in Turin. Allegorical woodcut figure at top, with “Liberté - Egalité - Libertà - Eguaglianza.” “Armée D’Italie / République Française / État-Major de Place / A Turin le 30 germinal l’an 7 de la République Française une et indivisible / (Georges) Mouton, Chef de Bataillon Commandant la Place....” At this time, the ancient city of Torino became capital of Dept. of the Po, under the newly-created French Empire. Some quarter-century later, Mouton would ironically crush a bid for liberty by his fellow Frenchmen. The saga would form the basis for Les Misérables, in its book, and later theatrical and motion picture adaptations. Seeing one King replaced by another, by 1832 French republicans felt that “their revolution, for which many of them had died, had been stolen...Leading up to the rebellion, there were significant economic problems...Food shortages, and increases in cost of living created discontent throughout the classes...The poor neighborhoods of Paris were devasted by (cholera), arousing suspicion of the government poisoning wells...The monarchy of Louis Philippe, which had become the government of the middle class, was now attacked from two opposite sides at once...The republicans were led by secret societies formed of the most determined and ferocious members of their movement. These groups planned to provoke riots...”--wikipedia. The insurrections were suppressed by Mouton, by then a Marshal and Peer of France. Three deckled edges. Printed slightly rotated, light toning along right vertical, very minor edge crimps, else fine plus. Excessively rare; no examples found on WorldCat. With modern research. $90-130

11-19. Avant Garde Typography: Curved Type, 1868.

Pamphlet, “Life Insurance Explained and Objections Answered by the National Life Insurance Co...,” Washington, 1868, 4 1/2 x 7 1/4, 24 pp. Black on slate-blue wrapper, with delightful early use of curved baselines for title, technically difficult at the time. Text type direction also pleasing, including very early appearance of an American forerunner of Helvetica in lists of officers and agents, including robber baron Jay Cooke, together with cohorts Dodge, Fahnestock, et al. Clean horizontal score, this copy likely at top or bottom of a stack in bindery, else very fine. $35-45

11-20. Story of the Palace Built by Nickels and Dimes.

Pamphlet, ”Above the Clouds & Old New York,” by H. Addington Bruce, deluxe souvenir for visitors to Woolworth Building, 1913, the year of its completion - and for a time the tallest building in the world. 6 x 10 1/4, (32) pp., blind-embossed cover. Many photos and illustrations, some in color; the full-p. rendering of the lobby is magnificent. A delectable guide to one of the great buildings of the century, with “the most complicated architectural terra cotta in the world.” Much on history of the site, from Dutch times. It remains hard to comprehend that such an edifice arose from the modest business philosophy of selling goods for a nickel and a dime – the five-and-ten-cent stores. Minor file darkening of cover, some edge nicks where overhung, else internally fine plus. $30-40

11-21. Capturing the Memories of Youth of a Long Island Girl.

1933-38 autograph book of Hazel Smith, containing poems and sentiments of friends in her senior year at Port Washington (N.Y.) J.H.S., then Gray Beech Camp, Wading River-Tanglewood (1935), and Grace Institute, plus notables Mrs. John Philip Sousa, the Lt. Comdr. and Capt. of U.S.S. Memphis, and Edwin Franko Goldman. 1933 Christmas inscription from her aunt and uncle: “Saw your own wood and it will warm you twice...This can be practiced through life and will make you self supporting in the world.” On a leaf imprinted “My Favorite,” Hazel has penned “Hero - Charles Lindbergh, Profession - Librarian and Journalist....” List of her 18 teachers, 1st-9th grades. Darkest green calf, 4 1/2 x 6. Multicolor enamel leaves, lending charming visual interest. Her quite pretty graduation photo mounted, now coffee-and-cream tones. Spine and leather tongue perished from years of handling in three venues, occasional light handling wear of leaves, else internally generally V.G. Signatures of Mrs. Sousa, the Naval officers, and Goldman all fine. $90-120

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12. Naval & the Sea

 

12-1. An Extreme California Clipper, “Witch of the Waves.”

Partly printed document, “Seaman’s Advance Security,” San Francisco, Dec. 21, 1872, 6 1/4 x 7 1/4, signed by J.D. Sherman, U.S. Shipping Commissioner. “One Day after Sailing of the Ship Witch of the Waves from Port of San Francisco bound to Burrard Inlet [within which lies Vancouver]...I promise to pay to George Wilson, a Seaman on board... $15 (Coin)...,” signed by N.A. Bachelder, presumed captain. Printed eagle seal of J.D. Stevenson, Shipping Commissioner, Port of San Francisco. On verso, four additional signatures, including the “X” of sailor Wilson, Commissioner Stevenson, a witness, and J. Laflin, who evidently advanced “the $15 in board, clothing & cash” to Wilson. Arc of spilled tea(?) though Wilson’s “X” and signature below, old folds, one central hole where spiked, else pleasing eggshell toning, and about fine. An “extreme clipper” in the California trade, Witch of the Waves enjoyed a flamboyant 34-year life at sea, setting an 81-day Calcutta to Boston record c. 1851. Her “cabins and staterooms featured luxurious finish work, the wainscot...rosewood, birdseye maple, satin, and zebra wood, exquisitely polished, with cornices and mouldings of white and gold...”--wikipedia. Few mid-nineteenth century forms of transportation have rivaled the clipper ship in public imagination. Clipper ship cards are costly; documents such as this are somewhat scarcer. A delightful item. $90-120

12-2. A Naval Curiosity – the Sea (De)fencibles.

Attractive, unusual partly printed notice, Providence (R.I.), July 15, 1844, 2 3/4 x 6 3/4. “Sir - You are required to attend a Meeting of the Sea Fencibles, at their Armory, Tues. Evening at 8 o’clock....” Signed by Sgt. J.H. Purkis, Clerk, adding in his hand, “Important business.” Docketed William Earle, presumed the attendee. Ornate early Gothic check-style ornamentation at left. Light dust toning at left, warm tan patination, else about very good. Operating mainly from the War of 1812 to the Civil War, Sea Fencibles - a shortening of Defencibles - were maritime units providing close-in lines of defense, and obstructing enemy shipping. At Fort McHenry, the sea fencibles manned the great guns, maintained the chain-mast boom, and acted as guards. A similar company of sea fencibles in Boston had comprised “unemployed merchant seamen alongside wealthier men seeking more interesting service than that offered by land-based militia...Fencibles service was elevated to something greater than a purely military role....”--wikipedia. A short-lived Confederate unit of sea fencibles performed coastal surveillance in Charleston. References to sea fencibles in any period are very rarely encountered; a document between the wars is elusive indeed. With modern research. $80-110

12-3. Piracy in the Caribbean, driving an American ship onto Rocks.

Two unusual manuscript legal documents relating to plight of Brig Bulia of N.Y., wrecked by local pirates on island of Saint Christopher, and the craft’s condemnation, survey, and contrived sale of its cargo at Basseterre, Mar.-Apr. 1810. According to maritime lore, the populace of some Caribbean islands acted as pirates, using surreptitious lights to drive ships onto the rocks – then buying the cargo cheaply at a “fixed” auction. Comprising: Manuscript headed “Saint Christopher” in a florid hand, “Certified Copy of the Register of the Brig Bulia,” 2 leaves, 12 1/2 x 16, original pasted crimp at top to join sheets. In hand of notary William Henry Male, his monogrammed blind-embossed wafer seal. “In Pursuance of an Act of the Congress of the U.S...Josiah C. Hook of...N.Y...together with Abraham Bussing & Francis H. Ellison of said City are the only Owners of the Ship called the Bulia...built at Chatham, Conn. in 1803...one deck and two masts... length is 69’ 3”, her breadth 21’ 10”...119 37/95 Tons...a square sterned Brig...no figure head....” Along right margin are penned the seventeen states, one per line. Moderate waterstains, minor wear at fold junction, toning, but good. • Manuscript headed “Saint Christopher, In Admiralty,” “Copy of Surveyor’s first report,” Basseterre, 1810, 7 1/4 x 12, 4 pp. Confirming that the ship “suffered very considerable damage in her Hull and that the sheathing is off in several places...in want of most of her running rigging...and most slings for the lower yard...two top sails...and one long boat and that her standing rigging is very much damaged...and entirely out of repair...before said Brig can proceed on her Voyage to America, and in order thereto the Cargo on board...must be unloaded....” A subsequent report, transcribed on next page, advises “...she has received much greater injury in her Hull than appeared to us upon our former survey duly addressed to this Honorable Court...The repair thereof...will amount to £1,300 which considerably exceeds the Value of the said Brig....” This followed by “Copy of the Order of Court,” ordering the ship’s tackle and “furniture” be sold by public auction for benefit of owners. Lengthy endorsement in hand of notary Jno. Lister “dwelling in this Island of St. Christopher.” Large wafer seal. Waterstains at right, else about very good. It is difficult to know the extent to which the sundry barristers, surveyors, and court officers were aware of the scheme engineered here, but it seems difficult to imagine they had no knowledge. The fate suffered by this American ship may have been a colonial-era equivalent of a modern-day speed trap in a small town. Discovered by Columbus in 1493, today known as St. Kitts, at the island’s center looms the nearly 3,800 ft. high Mt. Misery; this may not have escaped the attention of the ship’s owners. In all events, documents from St. Christopher are rarely encountered on the U.S. market. $150-200 (2 pcs.)

12-4. “No Ardent Spirits Allowed on Board.”

Impressive, oversize partly printed maritime document, on one side a detailed hiring agreement between Master Edmund Flinn and “Seamen or Mariners” of Brig Paulina of Boston, Sept. 2, 1848. Opening to 17 x 20, on pale blue, ruled in light orange. Charming woodcut of bales of goods on pier, awaiting loading on waiting ship. Signed by mate, cook, and six seamen upon boarding; six also sign below upon receipt of their wages. On verso, decorative broadside-style reprinting of “Act for the Government and Regulation of Seamen in the Merchants’ Service, passed...Jan. 4, 1790,” signed-in-type by Pres. Washington and Vice Pres. Jefferson. Large, superbly rendered eagle woodcut at top. Below, text of 1840 addendum to Act. Advertisement of printer of the novelty agreement-Act, Oliver Holman, State St., Boston, offering “Commercial Blanks...Nautical Works, Bowditch’s Navigator, Blunt’s Coast Pilot, Merchant’s and Shipmaster’s Assistant, Ready Reckoner, and Nautical Almanacs; Also...Stationery...Log Books, Seamen’s Journals...Log Slates...Quills... Jackknives...Mathematical Instruments, Thermometers, &c.” Pale yellow light-toning along two folds, else about fine. Both sides attractive for display, especially if framed with double glass. $70-100

12-5. Coffee on Board the “Amiable Creole.”

Exquisitely steel-engraved bill of lading, Port-au-Prince (Haiti), Nov. 4, 1796 - five years after the island’s slave insurrection, with silver dollar-size vignette of handsome ship, encircled by two wreathes. 5 x 9 1/4. For two hogsheads of coffee aboard ship Amiable Creole, bound for Philadelphia; the ship’s name suggests it regularly plied the waters to and from Haiti. Two deckled edges. Unusually fine laid pattern. Possibly engraved in France, a notable exception to the usual crudely printed shipping documents. Uniform warm sand toning, and fine. $45-60

12-6. A Form of Passport granting Protection – 1811.

Attractive partly-printed identification document, “No. 57,” District of Newburyport (Mass.), Apr. 22, 1811, 8 1/4 x 10, signed by Collector M. Little. “...William Edmunds, an American Seaman, aged 19...five ft., 9 in., having light brown hair, a light Complexion, blue Eyes and has a Mole near his left Shoulder, has this day produced to me proof in the manner directed in the act entitled, ‘An act for the relief and protection of American Seamen’...I do hereby certify, that the said Edmunds is a citizen of the United States of America....” Fine woodcut impression of Seal of U.S. Blind-embossed seal of “Custom House / Newbury Port” with three-masted ship. Four deckled edges. Some wear at fold junctions, browned along some folds, overhanging eccentrically deckled corner, else good plus, and interesting for display. Uncommon thus. $80-110

12-7. Variant Form of Passport – War of 1812.

Partly-printed identification document, “No. 7” within elegant currency-style scalloped frame, District of Fairfield (Conn.), Mar. 5, 1813, 7 3/4 x 12 3/4, signed by Collector Walter Bradley. “...Daniel Hatch, an American Seaman, aged 35...5 ft., 6 in. & half, Dark hair, Hazel Eyes with a Scar on his middle finger in his left hand, Light Complexion, Has this day produced to me proof, in the manner directed in the Act entitled, ‘An Act for the relief and protection of American Seamen,’ ...I do hereby certify, that the said Daniel Hatch is a Citizen of the United States of America....” One day earlier, Madison had begun his second term amid the continuing maelstrom of the War of 1812; a week later, he accepted the formal offer of the Russian Czar to mediate with Great Britain (who rejected the idea). Intricately folded by the sailor into (at least) 44 panels, old breaks at folds neatly reinforced on verso with apparently archival tape, toned to nutmeg tan, about five darker water spots, fine edge chipping, but satisfactory and evocative for display. Very scarce. $130-170

12-8. Manuscript Notebook of a British Sailor.

C. War of 1812 notebook, meticulously penned, comparing ordnance and other seafaring data of British warships. Judged early 19th century. 5 x 7 1/4, (38) pp. (some unwritten), sewn. Ruled in pink, peach, and brown, variously. Commencing with “Table of Ranges of Shot...with a charge of powder...range from the Deck of a Frigate...First graze 800 yds...If the charges be reduced to 1/4 the wt. of a Shot, the ranges from the same guns will further decrease in the following proportions....” Nested leaf lettered in a miniature hand, “Admiralty Rule for the Measurement of Tonnage.” Charts of “Weight & Length of English Iron Guns,” “Table of Grape Shot for British Vessels of War,” “Contents, weight & wize of Iron Water Tanks for British Vessels of War,” “Dimensions & Weights of Ancient Ship Ordnance, extracted from The Seaman’s Grammar, by Capt. John Smith, sometime Gov. of Virginia...,” “Weight of Anchors supplied to each class of British Vessels of War,” and “Dimensions & Weight of Chain...on board of British Vessels of War.” Possibly the notes of a young British sailor, clearly prepared with much care. Several leaves browned, but most remarkably fresh, and fine plus. $90-120

12-9. The Marine Corps Witness an Execution.

Exceptionally unusual L.S. of Thomas B. Swift, L(t.) M(arine) C(orps), Navy Yard, Gosport (today’s Norfolk Navy Yard), Va., Nov. 14, 1813, 7 1/2 x 9 1/2. Brown “Norfolk / Nov. 15” c.d.s. To Lt. Col. Franklin Wharton, the third “Commandant Marine Corps, Washington.” “On Fri. the 12th inst. I had an opportunity of carrying my men with those of the frigate to witness an example, which I hope will have a good effect on them. It was to see the execution of William Proctor of the 35th U.S. Infantry. He was shot that day at 12 o’clock. I am proud of having it in my power to tell you that the appearance of the Marines was such that it drew the attention of all the troops and spectators. The officers of the regiments were generous enough to say they were the best troops they had ever seen. I was gratified at this, not entirely on my own account, but for the interest and honor of the Corps, which I shall always maintain as long as I live.” The previous year, Lt. Swift had personally received the first sword surrendered by the British in the War of 1812. Clerical docketing. Later pencil filing notation below, “S(wift)” with date. About five small insect holes, considerable wrinkling, old folds, moderate foxing, some water spots at top, else bold signature with interesting paraph, and satisfactory. Early Marine Corps material has always been scarce; a letter with such content, between two especially distinguished Marines, is likely a singular rarity. $325-425

12-10. Criticizing Iron-Clad Monitors at Sea: 6 m.p.h., and burning 54 tons of coal daily.

Interesting pamphlet,”Speeches of Hon. Henry Winter Davis, of Maryland, on his bill for a Board of Admiralty in Navy Dept.,” delivered in House of Representatives Feb. 5-6, 1865. Washington: 1865. 6 x 9 3/4, (43) pp. Uncut. “...No vessel-of-war shall be built...nor any guns of new construction ordered...nor any engine adopted...” until plans submitted to board. “We are creating a navy at enormous cost; not increasing a navy...we are creating one...We are taught to believe that we are a great naval power. We have the semblance certainly; whether we have the reality is something that remains to be seen...We have 671 vessels-of-war...which leaves us exposed to overwhelming disaster if we stop there...In our fast American style we sneer at the slow motions and grave deliberations that mark every step of the great naval powers of the world, France and England....” Expressing concern about sending American iron-clads to sea, with their 6 m.p.h. maximum speed, and burning 54 tons of coal per day! Criticizing “monitor type” vessels, lacking rams or sails, and which cannot attack, or escape if attacked. Edges with file fraying, Library of Congress “surplus” handstamp, cover with dust-toning and several fingerprints, remnant of binding cord, else internally fresh and fine. • With, “Personal Narratives of Events in the War of the Rebellion - The Maryland Campaign with the Fourth Rhode Island,” by Henry J. Spooner, late 1st Lt. R.I. Historical Society: 1903. 5 1/2 x 6 3/4, 28 pp. In later white paper wrapper, judged c. 1975. Mentioning severe wound of future Pres. R.B. Hayes, and praising McClellan and Burnside. Well written: “...the sun blazing overhead and the road rough and deep with dust....” Internally excellent. Very scarce. $75-90 (2 pcs.)

12-11. Official History of the Ironclad Monitor.

Postwar printed report to Congress by Sec. of Navy, presented July 25, 1868, reciting detailed timeline of conception, process, and costs of the USS Monitor project, “so that,” in Gideon Welles’ words here, “the real facts should be made public.” 5 3/4 x 9, 10 pp., sewn. Discussing origin of the ironclad project in a special session of Congress on July 4, 1861, “pursuant to the proclamation of Pres. Lincoln” in which he recommended building “one or more iron-clad steamers or floating batteries.” Reprinting an 1861 report doubting that obstacles of “enormous load of iron...the great breadth of beam necessary to give her stability, the short supply of coal she will be able to stow...” can be overcome. Reciting the numerous designers’ concepts, proposals, and their costs, from $32,000 to $1,200,000 - for a single craft. Ericsson’s plan was one of three accepted, his costing $375,000. Light foxing, toning, some tip and handling evidence, else good plus. One of America’s earliest “Manhattan Projects.” Scarce on the market. $110-140

12-12. Navy “Office of Detail.”

Strikingly attractive post-Civil War Navy Orders, Bureau of Navigation, Office of Detail, Washington, Apr. 3, 1872, 8 x 10. Signed in purple by Chief of Bureau Dan’l. Ammen, ordering Commander John G. Walker, Boston, “to proceed to Washington City and report, in person....” Notation at bottom in bright red, signed again in purple, “Reported in person....” Lines in robin’s-egg blue. Strawberry-pink rubber stamp, signed by Pay Inspector, Boston, authorizing $45.80 in travel expenses. Some spread of first message from blotter, old folds, else fine, and the most colorful 19th-century Naval document we recall handling in years. $40-55

12-13. The Curse of the Arctic.

Two items: cabinet photograph with composite portraits of Commander Delong and seven named crew of “The Exploring Steam Yacht Jeannette and her officers,” including Surgeon, “Correspondent” (of the ship’s owner, newspaperman James Gordon Bennett), Pilot, and Astronomer. Probably issued in memoriam following the exploration ship’s entrapment in Arctic ice for nearly two years, 1879-81. The ship and crew were ultimately released from the ice - but then trapped again, the ship crushed and sunken 300 miles off the Siberian coast. In all, 20 of the 33 men perished, including Delong. In center, the vessel is depicting in happier times, surrounded by sloops in calm waters. Under her original name Pandora, the then-British gunboat had figured in the Civil War’s Trent affair. Light marginal toning, dime-sized spot on waters of illustration, faint spotting, perhaps from development by photographer, else very fine. • Printed speech, “The North Pole Aftermath,” by Rep. S.D. Fess of Ohio, 1915, 6 x 9 1/2, 27 pp. Comparing the claims of Robert Peary and Frederick Cook of discovery of North Pole. Supporting Peary’s claim, the Congressman declared Cook’s parallel claim to be fraudulent, and unworthy of investigation. With large, unmailed envelope bearing Fess’ printed oversize franking signature, and cornercard “The North Pole Aftermath...,” evidently intended to catch the attention of the recipient. Rust at two staples, some toning, else very good; envelope with offset from filing. Uncommon. $70-90 (3 pcs.)

12-14. From the Library of Admiral Dewey, the only American to attain the title Admiral of the Navy.

Limited-edition book from the library of Admiral & Mrs. George Dewey, Original Rhymes and Illustrations of the Seventh Regiment in Camp - 1897, by Amelie L’Oiseau, nom de plum of Amelia S. Byrd. Presentation copy, boldly inscribed on prefatory page, “For Mrs. Hazen / Compliments of Amelia S. Byrd“; Millie McLean Hazen married Adm. Dewey in 1899, after her husband Gen. Hazen died. Highly unusual black-stamped felt over tan canvas (“regimental cloth”) board, both imprinted in black with intentionally rustic lettering and art. (The dark grey felt represented the 7th’s uniform, the tan the military expression “under canvas” when in camp.) 8 x 9 1/2, 32 pp., black on ecru enamel text. Photographs and drawings of the Seventh Infantry’s camp life in Peekskill, N.Y., with poems and songs. Some moth damage along felt spine and back wrap, handling and toning of canvas, inside hinges cracked, else internally very good, the wear certainly occurring during repeated readings by Adm. and Mrs. Dewey, the book undoubtedly new when gifted to them. Less than a year after this book was printed, Dewey was commanding the Asiatic Squadron in Hong Kong when he received news of the declaration of war against Spain. Pivoting to the Philippines, Dewey was victorious in the Battle of Manila Bay, receiving a hero’s welcome upon his return to New York. Exceeding rare. No copies, signed or unsigned, at Abebooks or WorldCat. RareBookHub records only two market appearances, 1902 and 1904, Anderson Galleries, N.Y., neither signed nor with provenance, and the 1904 auction perhaps a relisting. $325-450

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12-15. Once One of the Most Famous Men in the World – the Duke of Wellington.

Two items: Pamphlet on piracy from library of the Duke of Wellington, Mémoire sur la nécessité...cesser les Pirateries des Etats Barbaresques, 1814, 18 pp., 4 3/4 x 7 3/4, in French, on necessity of dealing with Barbary pirates. Inscribed by author Adm. William Sidney Smith at top of first page to “His Excellency The Duke of Wellington...from Sir Sidney Smith...with his best respects,” London, Aug. 31, 1814, and signed again at conclusion, Dec. 29, 1814, with appelation in French. Old quarter folds, bound with green paper strip, some handling, else good. • Duke of Wellington’s Funeral Program, “Service and Anthems to be used Thurs. the 18th Day of Nov. 1852, being the day appointed for the Public Funeral of His Grace Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington, K.G. in the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, London, by Authority of the Dean of St. Paul’s.” 18 pp., 6 x 8 1/4. Printed for Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. Bookplate label of Alexander William Armour. Bound in standard brown library pressboard binder, black linen outer hinge strips, pale cream inner, judged c. 1930. Some uniform toning, older bookseller’s price sticker (40.00), else internally V.G. No examples at Abebooks. WorldCat locates only 6 copies, spanning Canada, England, Scotland and South Africa. Both items rare. $300-400 (2 pcs.)

12-16. Splendidly Illustrated Notebook of an Unheralded Artist-Sailor aboard a World War I Oiler.

World War I-period Naval Cadet’s manuscript looseleaf notebook of Quartermaster James A.R. Thomson, USNRF, 420 W. 119 St., N.Y., showcasing his considerable artistic skills in technical and realistic drawings, ink titling, and page layouts. (He must have had training in commercial art.) “Notes - Cadet Officer’s School and while in training aboard ship.” Includes his log aboard oil tanker SS Currier, from Bayonne, N.J. to Port Arthur, Texas, Oct. 4-12, 1917, then from Port Arthur to Beverly and Boston, Oct. 14-23, 1917. 6 x 9 1/2, over 200 pp., penned in his multifaceted combination of stylized lettered heads, highly legible script, and Einsteinian tables, embellished with superb drawings. In his period 3-ring binder, goat-embossed black fabricoid, 75 Nassau St., N.Y. stationer’s imprint, linen alphabetical tabs. Many pages of notes of basic naval lore (both sailing and steamships), his quite professional technical drawings of ship equipment, some shaded in pencil, including chain stopper and anchor windlass with Devil’s claw; an aerial view of “Docking at Port Arthur”; remarkably realistic, detailed drawings of some 26 different knots, hitches, bowlines, and spikes; his carefully drawn “International Flags and Semaphore Morse-Code” and compass by quarter points; side and top cutaway “section plan(s)” of the Currier with its features, holds, and details keyed in miniature, on larger nested sheet (fraying and browning of blank margin, art unaffected); lengthy description in his hand of “Internal Arrangement of Ship - Engine and Boiler Spaces, Watertight Bulkheads, etc.” (explaining why oil cargo must be placed as distant from boiler as possible, to avoid explosion), extensive mathematical computations for navigation, and much more. Binder’s metal backbone understandably rusty, some marginal toning and handling evidence, else surprisingly good. • With 36 pp. printed circular, Dept. of Commerce, June 8, 1917, “Rules to Prevent Collisions of Vessels.” Right margin browned and frayed. In all, the highest level of skill we have seen in any naval log or notebook, of any period, many pages suitable for display, and fascinating for study. $240-300

12-17. “The good sloop called the Peggy” – printed on paper with Royal Watermark years after War’s End.

Charming and curious partly printed bill of lading, July 12, 1798, 5 1/4 x 10 1/4, for shipment of “215 Boxes Sugar (and) 104 quintal Logwood,” from Havana to Philadelphia on “the good Sloop called the Peggy.” (The goods did not arrive til Oct. 1.) Decorative 1 5/8” high woodcut of three-masted ship, within vinery of capital “S(hipped).” Printed by J. Harrisson, almost certainly the same on Peck Slip, on Manhattan’s East River, with large crowned “GR” escutcheon watermark – the paper evidently left over from the Revolution! It seems less likely that the New York City printer was still purchasing English-made paper, when all of his customers still remembered the war. Plain paper strips on verso, where once tipped into account book, one internal hole, light dust-toning along two short edges, else very good. A conversation piece. $50-70

12-18. Raisins and “Strong Beer” for a Ship Bound for Norway.

Rare pair of printed pamphlet-style reports: “Expence-Book of the Ship Neptune, Robert Cobb. For her First Voyage to Norway, and Home again, 1731,” (4) pp. • “Expence-Book...Neptune...the Second Voyage to Norway.and Home again, 1731.” Both 4 3/4 x 7 3/4, numbered 6 pp. together. Listing all costs of voyage from London. Including “Paid the Smith...ten Barrels of Beer...two Sides of Bacon...12 lb. of Candles...Piloting in and out...Cook...Boatswain and Gunner...7 Men...two Boys...70 Tons of Bal(l)ast and Heaving in...Man looking after the Ship...Doctor’s Box...1/s Hund. Wt. of Raisins...to the Baker for Bread, Flower [sic] and Pease...mending the Chain...1/2 Barrel of Strong Beer...Ring-Money...Fish & Vinegar...an Anchor of Brandy...30 Deals...,” all showing their prices. “Expence Book” title added in period ink to both, in two florid styles. Some handling toning, cream patination, 1 1/4” tear on second title leaf, else about very good. Charming, and evidently superlatively rare. Not found in British Library. Unrecorded on WorldCat. Google finds no reference to the title or the voyage. RareBookHub reports no copies 1860-present. $275-400 (2 pcs.)

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13. Foreign Intrigue

 

13-1. James Bond’s Predecessor: A British Spy’s Letter in Code, 1764.

Fascinating eighteenth century spy’s cipher letter from Dudley Alex(ande)r Sidney Cosby, British envoy and spy, in Copenhagen, June 2, 1764, 2 1/2 pp., 7 3/4 x 8 3/4. Page 1 in code, with lines of numbers with corresponding text penned in hand of recipient, Sir John Goodrich, upon consulting his decoding book; balance uncoded. “...had I been able to obtain any light into the Affair you inquire about. I have reason to think the French Party exerted themselves on the occasion you mention merely to join...If I change in the French saving System with regard to the Danish court [these three words then crossed out by recipient] the treaty of the 11 of Apr...There seems to be a storm gathering in Island. The Turks begin to interest themselves in the affair & yes, if you hear anything relative to 2671 [this decoded to “H”] I shall be obliged...I hear from Spain that there is to be a change in the Ministry there. Monsr. Ariaga is to give up the Marine & Indies...a proof of the excess to which they push their present plan. Portugal has offered her beautiful Princess to the...Romans, but he prefers Mademoiselle de Bovine. At home nothing stirring...You are too well acquainted with this place not to know that there is no amusement here but what is imported....” Evidently hand-delivered by courier; docketed “...Received 9th [June], Answer’d 7th July, 1764.” The sender was “minister resident, to help the aged (Walter) Titley in his work, but after a year a cerebral affection obliged his return home”--British Diplomatic Instructions, Denmark, 1689-1789, Royal Historical Society, 1926, pp. 165-181. Remnant strips of grey and brown paper where p. 4 once tipped into letter-book; old folds, break but no separation along spine, short tear at blank bottom of first leaf, some toning and handling, else very satisfactory. Late 20th-century dealer’s pencil and price notations possibly in hand of Charles Hamilton. Perhaps the earliest letter in cipher we recall handling. Such letters were often destroyed following decoding. RareBookHub finds no Cosby material at auction or in dealer catalogues, 1860-present. $180-250

13-2. The King “usurping power through great taxes,” the populace having “scarce sufficient left to buy them bread.”

Period manuscript copy of angry, eloquent “speech made by Lord [John] Lucas in House of Parliament, Feb. 22, 1670, upon the reading (of) the Subsidy bill...” (known as the Treaty of Dover), 3 pp., 7 x 11. During reign of Charles II, objecting strenously to looting by politicians, through taxes and covert bribery. Partially in an interesting, rather intuitive shorthand, probably a retained fair copy. “My Lords, When by the providence of Allmighty God this nation...of his Rigall power, it was the hope of all good men that we should not only be restored to his M(ajes)ties Royall...lawes, but we should be fr(ee)d from those heavy burthens under w(hic)h we have labored so long...usurping power through great taxes exacted from us...and this was plenty of many throughout the Nation. Now there is nothing of this, but brick is required of us, and no [means] is afforded us to make it with, for that ye lands are thrown upon our hands...of little value is notorious to all the world...for all the money...is wholy vanished. The King’s proclamation...hath swept it all away, and of his now Ma(jestie)s money there appears but very little, so that in effect there is none left...and what supply is preparing for us, my Lords...unless it be of Copper farthings...If the vast sums given were all employed for the advantage of the king and kingdoms it would not so much trouble us as it doth. But we cannot without an infinite regret of heart, so great a part of it provided up in the purses of other private men and see them flourish...How many of his Ma(jes)ties happy restoration were worth very little or nothing, and now the same men purchase lands, keep their Coaches and 6 homes, their pages...and live in all the plenty in the world, while [others] have scarce sufficient left to buy them bread. And is this, my Lords, the reward... 3 Millions of money, a prodigious sum, and such, as if ye Lords shall not afford us relief, we must of necessity sink under the weight....” Much more. Called the “Merry Monarch,” King Charles II first took his seat in the House of Lords at age ten. Engaging in a multi-level game of chess on the map of Europe, in 1670 - the date of this manuscript - he secretly negotiated multiple agreements with the King of France. These included declaring himself Roman Catholic, to join in the war against Holland, and accepting “large subsidies from Louis XIV to favor the French queen’s claims to Spanish succession, and French designs on the Netherlands”--Webster’s Biographical. The subsidies - actually bribes - paid by Charles to Louis, and vice versa, provided the heated backdrop for Lord Lucas’ speech here. Among the children of Charles’ thirteen known mistresses was James, Duke of York, for whom New York was named. Mousechew at bottoms, affecting parts of last line on three pages; amber stains of old strips of cello tape at once-bound edges, but only affecting last two letters on each line, on p. 2 only; some waterstains, else darkly penned, and very satisfactory. Quite a conversation piece, reflecting the “rhyme of history.” $220-270

13-3. Signed by Master of the King’s Jewel House.

English legal document, with decorative signatures of five (and possibly six) members of Committee for the Publique, including Lord Howard and (Sir) Henry Mildmay, acting on behalf of “Commons House of Parliament,” Dec. 1649, Great Britain’s first year as a Commonwealth, upon temporarily abolishing the monarchy. 7 1/4 x 11 1/2. Rendering judgment on a £5,000 dispute involving a party from County of Yorke, of which £3,000 paid to Lord Viscount Say. Mildmay began as one of the King’s cupbearers, ascending to Master of the Jewel Office in 1618, then Master of the King’s Jewel House for some forty years. Termed by a contemporary as a “great flatterer of all persons in authority, and a spy in all places for them.” In 1660, he was called to account for the King’s jewels, robes, crowns, and sceptres – and attempted to escape. Confessing, Mildmay was sentenced to be drawn through the streets on the anniversary of the King’s sentence, with a rope about his neck, then returned to the Tower of London for life imprisonment. Exiled to Tangier, his elegant manor house, on 300 acres, was forfeited to James, the namesake of New York. At bottom, “Mr. Henry Darley” in contemporary hand (else his signature), presumed the noted Puritan of northern England with a dream of building a new Jerusalem, and friend of future leader of Parliament, John Pym, and of Loyalist turncoat Savile--“Yorkshire’s Godly Incendiary: The Career of Henry Darley...,” Cambridge University Press, 2016. “Roughly contemporaneous with the colonization of New England, some adventurers seeking wealth and religious freedom established a settlement in 1630 on Providence Island, a small, western Caribbean island off the coast of Nicaragua. To colonize Providence and other Caribbean islands chartered by King Charles I, these English Puritans formed the Providence Island Co., whose shareholders included deputy treasurer Henry Darley et al. By 1641, the colony had failed, unable to surmount the difficulties presented by poor soil, climate, and attacks by the local Spanish.”--Credit: Swann Galleries. “The adroit manipulation of the ‘state-clockwork’ which lay behind the Darleys’ success at Westminster was also evident at local level...The Darleys were apparently as close-fisted as they were acquisitive, provoking one contemporary to remark that they were ‘the worst to parte with money of any men breathinge’”--British Library, in Cambridge monograph. Light waterstains at center fold, some soiling, two light glue remnants on verso from mounting in letter-book, else good plus. England’s period as a commonwealth was brief, from only 1649-1660, roughly midway through some 111 years of Stuart rule, culminating in the formation of Great Britain. Fascinating. $170-220

13-4. Mutiny and the Decline of a Great European City, 1713.

Manuscript document with rich context: contemporary “Essay of a Copy of ye Articles lately signed by Maj. Gen. (Jos.) Sabine for ye quelling a Mutiny in ye garrison of Ghent on Fryday ye 12 of June 1713.“ 1 1/2 pp. on two leaves, 7 1/4 x 12. Docketed “_ / Gand” (the French spelling of Ghent, in today’s Belgium). Sabine the “Com(m)andr. in Chief of her Maj(es)tie’s Forces in Flanders hereby offers...Pardon to ye Prison(e)rs receiv’d this morning out of ye Provost’s hands, & to all others who are now Prison(e)rs...The Genl. likewise offers a Genl. Pardon to all those who have this day appear’d in Arms either for ye Rescue of ye Prison(e)rs, or for making Demands of Money or any Rights they apprehend to be due to them. The Genl. likewise promises ...to write imediately (sic) to his Grace ye Duke of Ormonde, for his Grace’s further Instructions in ye Affaire in Dispute...After these Concessions from ye Genl...he Requests & hereby Requires all Persons Concern’d...imediately to disperse...All officers to Conform themselves thereto....” “The late 16th and 17th centuries brought devastation (to Ghent) because of the Eighty Years’ War. The war ended the role of Ghent as a center of international importance...”--wikipedia. With this backdrop, Sabine was given command of Ghent’s Citadel, suppressing the notorious mutiny culminating in the present document. Returning to England, he was sent to confront the Pretender’s Army at Perth, Scotland. Old amber tape stains at parts of four edges of each sheet, where once mounted; light toning, else darkly penned and very good. Suitable for (re)display. $80-110

13-5. The Gold and Silver Mines of Salonika.

Manuscript mining report, on gold and silver mines in Salonika, Greece, owned by Mehmed Effendi Bevelaki, son of Lord Canin. In French, written by “Inginieur des Mines” Wilhelm Fischbach, in Galata (chief business district of Instanbul, on the Golden Horn), May 19, 1910, 2 pp. + 1 p. manuscript map in his hand, 8 x 10. Map of mines on top page, in black ink, pencil, and red and blue crayon. • With two A.Ls.S. of Fischbach, Galata, both May 19, 1910, 2 pp. in all. Referring to Omer Pacha, “Bosnie,” “la Cie. Rothschiele,” the mines of “Salonique” exploited in ancient times by “les Rois macedoniens,” and 140 grams of gold per ton. • Partial English translation of report, 3 pp., in another period hand “...I discovered there many underground passages and pits for the gold mines of the old Macedonian kings. It is very easy to extract ores like magnesium and ferruginous oxides...with particles of gold and globules of mercury...In the mountains...these crystals and particles of gold are watered down...The peasants pick up...and sell their findings every week in the marketplace, to the goldsmiths at Kelkitch [presumably proximate to Kelkit River in Turkey]...The sands of the river Galico... are richly exploitable for gold...Arif Pasha, the Gov.-Gen. of Salonica...engaged me and sent (me) to his mines in Albania...impalpable gold dust, very fine dust indeed...The Armenian revolution coming about, the enterprise was given up...Minister Selin-Pasha-Melhame asked for a commission of gold mine, too exhorbitant a bakskish....” Numerous place-names, perhaps clues for a modern Indiana Jones expedition! Salonika had been occupied by the Turks from 1430 to 1912; the dating of this lot, nearly at the end of this almost 500-year rule, offers food for thought. Old pin holes at top of translation, else all excellent. $190-240 (4 pcs.)

13-6. Coffee in Cuba.

A.D.S. of John Mountain, Vice Commercial Agent, U.S. State Dept., Havana, affirming testimony in dispute surrounding “a parcel of coffee,” sold by Cuban broker (Don) Buenaventura Sire to named Havana merchant. Aug. 30, 1824. 2 pp., 8 x 10. On delivering the coffee, the buyer said “he had not any money, therefore could not pay. In consequence of said nonpayment, an embargo was laid upon the Ship Governor Griswold, on board of which vessel the said Coffee had been shipped....” Large wafer seal with American eagle. Also signed by Sire and two others. John Mountain is mentioned in the modern work Race to Revolution: The U.S. and Cuba during Slavery..., by Gerald Horne. Coincidentally, in the same year as this document, Mountain found himself in the vortex of a bitter dispute after making “foul charges” on the floor of Congress, questioning the command by Commodore David Porter of his piracy-suppressing squadron--Proceedings and Documents of Courts-Martial...of Commodore David Porter, in the Suppression of Piracy..., 19th Congress, 1st Session. Light ink smudges at blank top, else about fine. $60-85

13-7. A Bound Treaty on Immigration between the U.S. and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

“Naturalisation & Consular Conventions between the U.S. and Austro-Hungarian Empire, 1870.” 9 3/4 x 12 3/4. Judged collated and bound in Vienna, and presented to Pres. Grant’s administration soon after, perhaps reaching the desk of U.S. Minister John Jay or Sec. of State Hamilton Fish. Original presentation binding in chocolate-brown pebbled buckram, russet calf spine and tips, gold-stamped red linen cover label. Tipped at inside front endleaf, official Austro-Hungarian printed notice, in Blackletter German, Latin, and English, (6) pp., Vienna, printed 1871. “His Majesty, the Emperor of Austria, King of Bohemia, and Apostolic King of Hungary, and the Pres. of the U.S., led by the wish to regulate the citizenship of those persons who emigrate from the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy to the U.S...and from the U.S. to territories of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, have resolved...to conclude a Convention....” Including agreement on when a citizen of one nation has transgressed his military duty and may be charged with desertion, and a “convention for mutual delivery of criminals (and) fugitives from justice....” Signed-in-type by John Jay, grandson of first Chief Justice, here U.S. Minister to Austria-Hungary, and by (Emperor) “Franciscus Josephus.” • Tipped, printed U.S. Presidential proclamation on naturalization in the Convention. In English and German, 6 pp., signed-in-type by Pres. Grant and Sec. of State Fish. • Bound in: printed facsimile of engrossed manuscript treaty, in German and English, (16) pp. • Facsimile of manuscript treaty, in Magyar and English, (31) pp. • Tipped at rear, printed proclamation entirely in Magyar, (2) pp., with original ornately scalloped, blind-embossed seal of Austria-Hungary. Signed-in-type by John Jay and “Ferencz Jozsef,” and in ink by “Kereskedelmi [Commerce] Minister.” • Pasted on a flyleaf is newspaper clipping summarizing terms of the treaty, over Jay’s name, with English-language dateline, possibly from Federal Register or similar Washington imprint, and suggesting that this bound volume was collated and bound in Vienna, the clipping added in the U.S. (Note also, on gold-stamped cover label, the alternate spelling “Naturalisation,” and final “s” added with pen to “Convention.”) Covers with handling wear, one nickel-size peeled portion of blank brown cloth; two documents tipped at front with some toning from green endpapers, text with light cream patination, else internally fine. Nearing its zenith in a run traceable to about 1156, the Austro-Hungarian Empire would vanish, almost overnight, in the aftermath of World War I. Fascinating. $175-275

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14. Transportation

 

14-1. A Large “Transportation” Tintype.

Very scarce full-plate tintype, 6 1/2 x 8 1/2, of buggy drawn by two fine horses (one turning its head to peer at the camera), on a riverbank, perhaps in autumn, before the snow fell. Stylishly dressed man and woman, he in narrow-brim hat, she with fringed lap robe, leather gloves, and hat with interesting ornamentation. Judged c. 1885-1900. Characteristically dark, but with detail, including axle hubs, and sheen of the horses’ flanks. Some blind creases in metal, minor corrosion along some edges, but still good plus. Pleasing for display, with interesting subjects and skilled composition. Tintypes of any kind in this size are infrequently encountered. $65-85

14-2. “Nathan Hale, Pres.” – of an early Connecticut Railroad.

Railroad transaction contract, contemporary copy, June 2, 1849, 8 1/2 x 14, 6 pp. + file leaf, original pink ribbon. Norwich & Worcester Railroad Corp. sells to Boston & Worcester Railroad lands in Worcester, Mass., adjacent to their respective “passenger stations,” with privileges to use their “Engine house and turning table.” Seller to build their own engine house, and cease paying rent to buyer; right to lay a new track to connect the two lines, passing through the joint station. Clerical signature of “Nathan Hale, Prest., Boston & Worcester....” Light edge toning, else very fine. From the first decade of substantial commercial growth of American railroads. $40-55

14-3. How the Center of the New Auto Industry could have been Hartford.

Printed Letter from Sec. of War “with a letter from Chief of Engineers, Report of survey of Connecticut River between Hartford and Holyoke, Mass.,” House of Representatives, Dec. 9, 1897, 5 3/4 x 9, 14 pp. With 7 large, elaborately detailed folding survey maps in four colors, preparatory to building a channel with three locks and movable dams. The Connecticut River Valley was already becoming one of the world’s foremost engines of the Industrial Revolution. It would shortly be known as the Brass Capital of the World, in addition to the region’s machining and manufacturing acumen. The major transportation project depicted here had been on the drawing board since 1824. Indeed, it was only by a series of historical quirks that Hartford was supplanted by Detroit as the motor vehicle center of the country. Removed from binding, last map nearly separated from threads, else maps fresh, very fine, and perhaps never opened. $90-130

14-4. The Truck Named for the Ironclad “Monitor.”

Rare deluxe catalogue, c. late 1910-11 Monitor Commercial Cars, Janesville, Wis., 6 x 9, 32 pp., handsome chocolate-brown linen-embossed cover, watercolor green and darkest brown, with blind-embossed art of the Union’s Monitor engulfed in smoke, and latest open-body Monitor Truck, piled with bales at a pier. Olive green and black text on matte cream enamel. “...The Monitor, a product from which all uncertainty has been eliminated... unquestioned superiority over the old method of horse transportation....” Several purple handstamps of Paterson, N.J. agent. Crisp full-page and smaller photographs of their models, including bread, open-side grocery, a stylish panel truck for the confectioner or florist, express, wicker body with screen sides, a 12-passenger bus, “Special Model A Car,” plus 20-24 h.p. motors and mechanical components. A high quality vehicle, this catalogue probably their first all-truck lineup; their Model B “dual-purpose car” would follow in 1911, but is not yet mentioned here. Minor wear of overhung corners of cover, minor handling evidence, else very good. Rare. $90-120

14-5. First Year of the Car “for the Business and Professional Man.”

Late 1907 Federal automobile sales sheet, Chicago, printed both sides, 8 1/2 x 11, black on pink enamel. Introductory literature intended for prospective distributors of this solid-tired high-wheeler. Attractive graphics, with cigar-smoking, bowler-hatted gentleman pointing to a photo of the car: “For The Business and Professional Man - The Model C Federal Runabout...A two-cycle, air-cooled vehicle with changes in speed obtained on the friction principle....” Photos on verso of chassic (sic) and motor, with extensive, closely-set technical text. “There may be others in your county desiring agency for our Autos. We may hear from them before we hear from you. Remember that the first sale in a county carries with it the agency for our Auto in that county....” One edge tear, minor fold wear, else good. Important provenance, in succession from two foremost private collectors of auto literature in America, Stan Yost and Henry Mathis; when possible, they had literature for every year of every make. The only Federal item of any description in either collection. By 1909, the marque ceased production. Rare. $90-120

14-6. 1919 Gramm-Bernstein Truck.

Mailer for Gramm-Bernstein, built in Lima, Ohio, Oct. 1919, 5 1/2 x 8, mailer opening to 16 x 22, orange and black on white. “This new ‘Quick Delivery’ model embraces in its make-up nineteen years of valuable experience gained in building high quality, heavy duty trucks for some 100 different businesses....” Panoramic photo of “The first fleet of motor delivery wagons ever produced and supplied to St. Louis Post Dispatch, 1907”; photos of their first 4-cylinder of 1906, still in use in 1919, and “Pres. Wilson at the White House inspecting the first U.S. standardized Liberty Truck, 1917. Product of G.B. factories.” When fully opened, dramatic photo of 1 1/2 Ton truck loaded with steamer trunks; six smaller photos of trucks, plus Continental Red Seal motor and Clark internal gear axle. Some wear at fold junctions, dust-toning of outer panels, else very good. $45-65

14-7. 1922 Mitchell – “A Flow of Power.”

Catalogue, 5 1/2 x 8, 16 pp. Built in Racine, Wis. Lovely apricot, pumpkin, apple green and black on white cover; pumpkin, apple green, black and white text. “The New F-50 Mitchell - A Flow of Power.” Attractive centerfold photo of Five Passenger Touring Car, against apple green panel with pumpkin frame. Five other models on individual pages, including Sedan with unusual V-windshield with four panes. “Mitchell cars are honestly built....” That year, a million-mile test was undertaken by some 109 Mitchells, bringing much-needed publicity, but 1923 would be the car’s final year. Very minor marginal dust toning covers, else a New Old Stock file copy in excellent condition. Important provenance, in succession from two of the foremost collectors of auto literature in America, writer Thomas Bonsall and Henry Mathis; when possible, they had literature for every year of every make. $70-90

14-8. Prewar Nash and Lafayette – “Fast as a fighting plane.”

Two catalogues: 1931 Nash, 6 3/4 x 10 1/4 oblong, (16) pp., red, grey, and black on white textured cover; bright red and black text. “The New Eight 80, Eight 70.” Full-page photos of these sleek, locomotive-like cars. Back cover removed for binding by National Automobile Chamber of Commerce Library, N.Y.C., as was their custom; then from library of William Todd, Mack Truck engineer in 1940’s, later Senior Foreman, General Motors. Some dust toning cover, else internally very good and attractive. • 1940 Nash and Lafayette catalogue, 8 1/2 x 11 oblong, (32) pp., phototone rotogravure. “Here Begins a New Adventure,” with nose of a streamlined Nash at night, its headlights piercing the starry sky. Raising the copywriters craft to new heights, it proclaims: “Fast as a fighting plane - is the effect of Nash’s airfoil design....” Featuring built-in bed: “When you go in a Nash you take your bed along...There are no late revelers next door, no noisy traffic. Just the music of rustling branches, the inspiration of a hundred million wide-eyed stars!...You can smoke all day in a Nash and never have to open a window....” Some spine blemishes where once bound by N.A.C.C. Library, then from library of William Todd. Very minor wear, else very good, with second-to-none copywriting! $65-85 (2 pcs.)

14-9. The Car that could have been part of GM’s Chevy-Pontiac-Buick-Olds-Cadillac Lineup.

Two items: 1919 Scripps-Booth sales folder, Six Cylinder Models, Detroit, here under Chevrolet management. 5 1/2 x 8, opening to 8 x 22, black and red on cream matte enamel. Large photos of four body styles. “A fascinating variety and an appealing eccentricity marked the cars of James Scripps-Booth. The scion of the newspaper publishing family...certainly made automobile history more interesting...”--Standard Catalog of American Cars.... Here the bodies are “exclusive Scripps-Booth stream-line... silver-plated mountings throughout...artistic dome-light...operated by...push-buttons...silk curtains to match upholstery...,” and retain the distinctive “silver” V-prowed radiator. Some handling creases, blank lower right tip frayed, light dust-toning, else fine. Ex-Bill Bailey and Henry Mathis. • Companion (1919) catalogue, Sixes, 7 3/4 x 8, 12 pp., maroon and black on ivory. 6 crisp halftones of models. “...The kind of car you would expect an alert business man to own....” Latest price slip tipped at inside back. Covers with some pocket creases, light stains; internally fine and clean. Ex-Bob Johnson, then Mathis. Despite the quality trim, and purchase of a car by Winston Churchill, the unreliability of some four-cylinder Scripps-Booths had inspired the epithets “Scraps-Bolts” and “Slips-Loose.” Had Alfred Sloan recognized the car’s potential, Scripps-Booth would have taken its place in GM’s lineup, perhaps continuing for many decades. $100-130 (2 pcs.)

14-10. “You can go anywhere you drive horses....”

(June 1916) Smith-Form-a-Truck oversize sales folder, 10 1/2 x 14, 4 pp., vivid, creative art in orange and black, with confetti borders, hints of pre-Deco motifs, and Beaux Arts female and Paul Manship-esque figures. “$350 and a Ford make a guaranteed One-Ton Truck - A New Era...for all forms of contracting and building...A Truck that Bridges Time...You will appreciate the ease with which two men can attach the Smith...to any Ford chassis in a few hours...You can go anywhere you can drive horses, and many places where horses cannot be used....” (Horses in urban haulage were still abundant in 1916; Studebaker continued making their wagons til 1922.) Seven photos of body styles. Believed designed for both insertion in trade magazine with coupon, and as freestanding sales literature; this example the latter, never bound. Purple Boston-N.Y. distributor’s handstamp on front. Modest wear at mailing folds, else suitable for framing, combining the impacts of maximal graphic design, typography, and salesmanship. Ex-Mathis. Rare thus. $65-85

14-11. Probably the Only Literature Issued – for a Car Never Produced.

(Summer 1914) Steco Cyclecar sales folder, “temporary address” Chicago, opening to 8 1/4 x 15, black and white. “The Little Colossus of Roads - The Car of Character.” An irresistibly cute car, following the cyclecar craze of the Teens, this with a 10 h.p. motor. 7 photos of car, plus bird’s-eye view of Maywood, Ill. factory. Extensive technical details, including absence of “that uncomfortable rocking motion so often experienced in motor cars of usual construction.” Notwithstanding the stop-action photo of a Steco at “35 m.p.h. through snow,” only a handful of prototypes were built. In Dec. 1914, the firm reported “we are still working at the problem of developing a genuine cyclecar.” The car’s timeline in Standard Catalog... ends there, accounting for this folder’s fresh, N.O.S. condition. $80-110

14-12. Swansong of the Sleeve-Valve-Engined Sterling-Knight.

(1925-26) Sterling-Knight sales folder, Warren, Ohio, 4 x 9, opening to 12 x 18, yellow and black on eggshell enamel. “The Sterling Worth of the Sterling-Knight Six - 80% of all motor troubles eliminated...While the Sterling-Knight Engine is of the same type used in famous European cars like Mercedes, Panhard, Minerva, Daimler, and Voisin, it excels them...One of the finest automobile power plants...in all the world.” 4 photos of models, 6 of motor and components. Purple handstamp of Cleveland distributor on outside panel. Obliged to operate on a cash basis during 1925 due to bank financing problems, the firm declared bankruptcy in 1926. This may have been their last sales literature. Some minor toning of clay-coated paper, else very good. Ex-Mathis, with date of purchase at Hershey, 1973. $70-90

14-13. Chalmers and the Hot Spot Motor.

1920 Chalmers sales folder, Detroit, 5 x 7 1/4, opening to 10 x 19 1/2, mocha and black on matte cream enamel. Full-side-view photos of four models, plus two of front and rear, and one of their “now famous Hot Spot Motor.” Damaged by the post-World War I recession, late 1923 saw Chalmers’ last production. Walter Chrysler’s design team was installed in the Chalmers plant, and Jan. 1924 emerged the first Chrysler. Large, clear impression of hot-pink rubber stamp of “...Mich. Distributors Maxwell and Chalmers, Curtis Airplanes...Woodward Ave....” Small label removed at top, and old pencil “Dup.,” perhaps ex-Detroit Patent Library; breaks but no separations at several folds, else very good, clean, and suitable for display. Ex-Mathis. $45-60

14-14. When America’s Largest Auto Factory was – Rambler’s.

Very scarce 1909 Rambler sales folder, Kenosha, Wis., Model 345, 6 x 9, 4 pp., pistachio and black on pale cream. Full-side-view photo on front, with specifications. “Noise has been eliminated...gasoline consumption reduced...Several hundred in daily use...Steering wheel is of mahogany...Body...finished in a beautiful rich shade of maroon....” Diagonal crease, very short edge tear and some soft crumpling, all in lower quarter; dust-toning p. 1 , else internally clean, and about good. Rambler, a brand name of Jeffery and Gormully, had already become the second largest bicycle factory in America. The first Rambler cars featured left-hand steering, a novelty. By 1906, the Kenosha factory cranking out Ramblers was the largest auto plant in the country, “and widely reputed to be the best equipped. Thomas Jeffery was sitting on top of the world...”--Kimes. Jeffery passed away suddenly in 1910; in 1914, the cars were rebadged Jeffery by his son. Selling out in 1917 to Nash, the Rambler name would not reappear on a vehicle til the late 1950s. Ex-long-time Hemmings Motor News editor David Brownell, then Henry Mathis since 1973. $60-85

14-15. “The modern motor car...a palace of comfort on wheels....”

1920 Westcott catalogue, Springfield, Ohio, 4 1/2 x 6, 28 pp., apple-green, orange, and black on eggshell card cover; orange and black on eggshell enamel text. “The Car with a Longer Life.” 6 full-p. photos of car, 8 photos of components. Milwaukee dealer’s imprint on cover. Ink smudge on blank back cover, else a N.O.S. file copy, and excellent. With a heroic history, the Westcott in the 1911 Indy 500 was “running like a watch” when the car ahead crashed, its mechanic thrown directly in the Westcott’s path. Its driver intentionally crashed his Westcott to avoid hitting him, becoming hero of the day. Burton Westcott was elected Mayor of his new home town of Springfield in 1921, but within six years both he and his namesake car were gone. Ex-Walter Miller, then Mathis. $50-75

14-16. “The World’s Greatest Light Car.”

Two items for 1914 Vulcan, Painesville, Ohio (though in fact built in the Sharon, Pa. factory of ordnance and auto maker Driggs-Seabury: Primitive handbill, opening to 7 x 7 3/4, black on eggshell enamel, with photographs of Model 27 Speedster and Touring Car. (The attractive Speedster is unrecorded in Standard Catalog of American Cars....) Short tear and creases at edge of horizontal fold, else very good. • Handbill, sized as an envelope stuffer, 3 3/4 x 8 3/4, black on eggshell. Large photo of chassis of 2-passenger Speedster, “Destined to prove itself the world’s greatest light car... 27 h.p...left side drive....” Purple handstamp of “...Factory Distributors / Phone 90 / Sheldahl, Ia.” Some creases at ends, else about very good. Termed “a fine automobile” in the Standard Catalog..., “it arrived in the midst of the American cyclecar debacle....” Its backer left the firm “in a fit of pique” in July 1914; within two years it was defunct. Ephemeral literature of an obscure marque. Ex-Mathis. $80-110 (2 pcs.)

14-17. Every Car Custom Built.

Daniels sales folder, evidently 1921, Reading, Pa., 3 x 7 1/4, 4 pp., midnight blue on cold-pressed eggshell white. Exhaustive specifications; every car was built to order - and costing up to $7,250 - hence unillustrated. “Coach work on all bodies unsurpassed and of unquestioned style...Special bodies to order.” A very high grade car, weighing about 6,000 lbs.; its radiator shell and core were one solid piece of pewter! Chicago agency handstamp. Very fine. Scarce. $45-65

14-18. First- and Second-Year Mercury.

Interesting group: Original bound sales agreement, appointing dealer for the brand new marque, Mar. 15, 1939, in Jefferson City, Mo. 8 1/2 x 11, (8) pp., in brown wrapper bearing Mercury 8 and Ford Motor Co. logos. “...Dealer agrees not to use the words ‘Mercury,’ ‘Ford,’ ‘Fordson,’ ‘Lincoln,’ ‘Zephyr,’ or any trade mark...other than dealing in Company products....” Signed in ink by Asst. Sec. of Ford, and Pres. of dealership. • One Mercury and two Ford “Confidential Bulletins,” 1940, 8 1/2 x 11, 4 pp. ea., black and white, comparing “Matchless Mercury” to Buick, and Ford Truck engines to Chevrolet. Minor corner wear, else all very fine. $75-90 (4 pcs.)

14-19. The Model T – as a Race Car.

Book, Model T Ford in Speed & Sport, based on the collection of Harry Pulfer, 1974, 5 1/4 x 8 1/2, softbound, 224 pp. Over 300 photos and line drawings. “The most authoritative and complete collection of speed and sport conversion information ever assembled on this most heroic of cars.” Among many other racers and builders, the Chevrolet Brothers customized the Model T. Minor wear, else about fine. $35-50

14-20. “Built in the West - for Western Work.”

Magnificent sales folder for Moreland Motor Truck Co., built in Burbank, Calif. Model E. N.d. but c. 1936. Opening to 15 3/4 x 21 1/2. In red, black, and shimmering silver (the ink is actually aluminum), on finely embossed coated. “In the entire U.S., this Company is one of only three truck manufacturers who have had a continuous existence under the same management for 25 years...Moreland pioneered the way in the West by accurate and daring engineering....” Photos include copper mining, fire engine, moving, Standard Oil, and lumber trucks. Some blind depressions, very minor file wear, else fine and lovely for display. Very scarce. $80-110

14-21. A Very Early American-Market VW Catalogue.

Split-window VW sales catalogue, in English, bearing imprint of their sole American distributor, Hoffman Motor Car Co., with showrooms in both N.Y. and Chicago. N.d. but believed mid-1950; only two cars had been sold in America the previous year. 7 x 9 3/4, opening to 7 x 48 1/2. Pumpkin and black on cream. Full-panel photos of De Luxe, Standard, and Sunshine Roof Sedans. “The popularity of the VW in the U.S.A. is growing rapidly every day.” Trying to sell the Beetles by requiring that each dealer buying a Jaguar from him also take a VW, Hoffman sold back his distributorship in 1953, a decision which he would regret. The “Baron of Park Avenue,” Hoffman “boasted of paying more taxes than anyone else in the country in the late 1970s”--The New York Times, Mar. 18, 2007. Minor handling evidence, light wear at one fold, else fine and clean. Handstamp of Niagara Falls dealer. Uncommon from this period of utter obscurity in America. Within about 22 years, the Beetle would surpass Ford’s Model T, as the highest-production single-make car in history. In some recent years, the Volkswagen Group has been the world’s largest carmaker by sales. $140-180

14-22. Swansong of the Mighty Michigan.

Rare last-year sales sheet of (1913) Mighty Michigan auto, Kalamazoo, 6 1/4 x 10, black with headline in their signature “Michigan golden auto brown,” on cream enamel. Full side view photo of Model 40, superimposed on enormous factory. “...In the face of all the fancy talk you hear every day, bear in mind the two big things: The car! And the factory behind it!...For a third of a century our concern has lead in the pleasure vehicle field. We are the largest manufacturers in this line, in the world...And that will still be here - making Michigan cars - a third of a century from today....” In fact, this would be the final year for the marque. Begun as Michigan Buggy Co., their first self-propelled offering appeared in 1904; serious production began in 1911. “‘300 Improvements - Is this Year’s Wanted Car’ blared ad headlines in 1913. Alas, by that time, a few officials in the company were wanted too...”--Kimes. Four executives were found by a grand jury to have pocketed $100,000 each from the firm’s velvet payroll; another lost company money at the racetrack. Production ended in 1913. Two folds for mailing, an ironic fingerprint at top, else about fine. $75-100

14-23. Studebaker of England.

Rare British Studebaker folder, believed 1922, evidently written, photographed, designed, and printed in the U.K., by Studebaker, Ltd., London. 6 1/2 x 9 oblong, opening to 9 x 19 1/2. Light green and black on white matte art enamel. “The Two Sixes - The Cars of Consistent Quality,” featuring Big Six and Special Six. Full-page photos of Special Six Touring, Special Six Sedan, and Big Six Touring. With specifications, written for the English market, with typically understated tone: “...The Big Six Studebaker is right up-to-date as regards improvements whilst conserving all the best features of previous models....” Some soiling of specification panel, toning at one original vertical fold, corner creases, else overall good and a very scarce form of Studebaker literature. $70-90

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15. Lincolniana

 

15-1. Vote-Selling – Literally in the land of Lincoln, Illinois.

Fascinating large cabinet photograph taken in Lincoln, Ill., captioned in ink, “Grand Jury - May Term 1890. Vote Sellers indicted,” depicting 21 men of varying ages, seated on wide steps for photographer, as two others look on from an open window and doorway. 6 1/4 x 8 1/2, stylized blind-debossed photographer’s logo. Tea(?) smudge on two words (only), evidence of old mounting hinge on blank verso, remnant of matching-brown paper framer’s tape at right tip, minor corner wear, else image in highly appealing coppery sepia, good sharpness, and about fine. With much visual interest. In a unique quirk, Lincoln, Ill. is the only town in America named for Abe before he became President. Helping plat the town, and practicing law there at various times between 1847-59, he had urged against naming it for him, saying, “Nothing bearing the name of Lincoln ever amounted to much.” The town had another encounter with distinction: In 1890, a ring of vote-sellers there were brought to justice. A modern copy of period newspaper article describes how “...next Wed. the grand jury will reconvene...where all defective indictments will be made good and a big batch of new ones be found...The investigation will assume a wide range....” Lincoln would likely have been pleased with the town’s pursuit of justice. • With, incomplete weekly magazine Pictorial War Record - Battles of the late Civil War, N.Y., Sept. 17, 1881, 8 pp. only, but with cover sketch by Thomas Nast, “Lincoln taking the Oath of Office in front of the Capitol” some twenty years before. Inside, complete lengthy text describing the scene. All leaves separated at center horizontal fold, some marginal dust toning, light wear, else suitable for teaching or display. $65-85 (2 pcs.)

15-2. Over 145 Words in Lincoln’s Hand – from a case lacking in Nicolay & Hay’s “Complete Works....”

Approximate middle-third portion of A.D. (never signed) in hand of Lincoln as a young circuit-riding lawyer, possibly his draft, (Menard County), Ill., Nov. 8, 1843 (the last of the court’s three-day term), 5 3/4 x 7 1/2. 17 1/2 lines, containing some 149 words on front, plus remains of docketing with about 10 complete words, “Wilcox...Petition...sale...Real Estate...(No)v. 8th, 1843...,” at least the date (and perhaps more) in his hand. Accompanying old-style photocopy of front of complete document - before the top and bottom portions were “parted out,” as was not uncommon in the old days - reveals Lincoln’s case involved “Isabella Wilcox, Admin. &c. vs. Eliza Wilcox, & others, heirs at law of Benjamin Wilcox, dec(ease)d / On Petition to sell Real estate...”; Lincoln represented the complainant. The full document was evidently one page only, as supported by docketing on verso, and was unsigned. Several strike-throughs, corrections, and added interlinear text (see photo, page 6) suggest this was Lincoln’s working copy. Two old horizontal folds, one with light toning, else in pleasing brown ink on cream, and about fine. Charming for display. • With original 1915 sworn affidavit of Ross A. Nance, Clerk of Circuit Court, Petersburg, Menard County, Ill., on his official letterhead, with raised seal. Attesting that “...From said records and files of this office...I find many documents and papers drawn in ‘long-hand,’ by said Abraham Lincoln, and having seen and studied such writing of the said Lincoln...hereby certify that the instrument of writing hereto attached, is an original, and was regularly filed in this Court, by the said Abraham Lincoln in his practice at this bar, and that the same is the hand-writing of...Abraham Lincoln....” Case and date in old pencil at top. Breaks but no separations at two folds, else very good. While no longer widely practiced, offers of single words in the hand of Lincoln (and a few other blue-chip names) still appear on eBay, sometimes matted or with a colorful modern display card, for 125.00 to as much as 695.00 each. This present document, of some 145-plus words in Lincoln’s hand, still represents a substantial word count. It offers a showing of his hand lengthier than many of his letters. As suggested by the fleeting three-day term of the Petersburg, Ill. court here, Lincoln legal documents from this venue are encountered on the market only by chance. Not found at PapersofAbrahamLincoln.org, using subject keyword “Wilcox.” Lacking in Nicolay & Hay’s Complete Works of Abraham Lincoln, 1905, enlarged and final edition, carried out at request of Robert Todd Lincoln. Finally emerged in its supplement, Uncollected Works of Abraham Lincoln..., Rufus Rockwell Wilson et al, 1948. Probably from the celebrated Rev. Cornelius Greenway Collection, Parke Bernet, Nov. 20, 1970. (Noted for his early Lincoln material, among Greenway’s treasures was a document signed by Lincoln’s black barber!) $6000-7500 (3 pcs.)

15-3. Lincoln Wins – and the “vaporings of the fire-eaters” – 1860.

Newspaper, The Dover Enquirer, N.H., Nov. 15, 1860. 19 1/2 x 23 1/2, 4 pp. On page 2, extensive coverage of election of Abraham Lincoln, in 5 full columns: “The Grand Result - Sure for Lincoln...169 [electoral votes]...The popular vote...can at present be only in round numbers...This great victory...is hailed as a revolution which is to restore the government of the country...to put an end to the power of the domineering oligarchy... Southern Bluster - The triumphant election of Abraham Lincoln creates much excitement among the slave oligarchy...Secession meetings have been held in several states...South Carolina is ready to ‘step out’ of the Union...All this bluster will doubtless end in smoke...The sensible men at the South are already laughing at the vaporings of the fire-eaters....” Lengthy front-page report from “Beirut, Syria”: “The shores of the Holy Land are now most scrutinizingly watched by the fleets of Europe, and those ports from which went forth ages ago the commerce of the world...are now filled with huge line-of-battle ships bristling with cannon and teeming with ardent marines, who are anxious to land and have a shot at the enemies of Christianity...to drive the Moslems and the Druse back to the deserts uninhabited by Christians, to the companionship of those wild bea(s)ts whose bloodthirsty nature would affiliate with their own. What changes have come over these cities of the Old Testament, whose streets were walked by the Prophets....” Much more. Several large woodcuts in ads, including an ornamental rack displaying nine caps and hats of a Dover wholesaler. Subscriber’s name trimmed at top margin, evidently by binder in 19th century, leaving “945 Broadway.” Uniform toning to pleasant sand, reducing effect of light waterstains; 3” break at top vertical fold, handling wear, but still very satisfactory, and a desirable issue. Rare. • With, later poster-style offset reproduction, judged c. 1915-35, of front page only of New York Herald, Apr. 15, 1865. 15 1/2 x 21. Blank verso. Black column rules, announcing death of Lincoln, the last news at 7:30 A.M. Worn along most of eighth folds, long rolled, and much handled. It is not impossible that this was intentionally “antiqued” when prepared, to be placed into the market as original (though there are fine clues that inform us otherwise). In all events, a conversation piece for the Lincoln completist. $130-170 (2 pcs.)

15-4. Walked from Boston to Lincoln’s First Inauguration.

Unusual full-height carte of “Weston the Pedestrian,” the noted walker whose first journey - entirely on foot, and spurred by a bet - was from Boston to Washington in 1861, through rain, snow, and mud, seeking to attend Lincoln’s Inauguration. (Covering 453 miles in about 208 hours, sources vary, but he apparently arrived late on Mar. 4.) Weston “walked his way to fame and fortune in the late 1860s, and infected the sports world with a ‘walking fever’ that raged for half a century. Largely because of Weston, walking contests for a time rivaled prize fighting and horse racing as an early big-money pro sport”--neatorama.com (also see lengthy articles at bbc.com, lehigh.edu, and ultrarunninghistory.com). Imprint of “Joseph Ward - Looking Glasses, Picture Frames, Photographs, Stereoscopes & Views, 125 Washington St., Boston.” Weston continued his long distance walks into his sixties; he appears youthful in this photograph. In light pencil on verso, “Mary Walworth, Claremont, N.H.” Some soft creases in mount at bottom; some modest tan spotting on front, more prominent on verso, perhaps from a table on which coffee spilled; else image very good and displayable. For the Lincoln completist. $60-80

15-5. Lincoln Approves Sentence to be “shot to death with musketry.”

Printed Union General Orders, Washington, Aug. 1, 1863, 4 1/2 x 7, 6 pp. Arraignment and verdict of Pvt. Barnett of 11th Penna. Vol. Cavalry, charged with “highway robbery, with assault and intent to commit murder”: While A.W.O.L., stopped a carriage with four (German) passengers, “and by force of arms take from them a large amount of money - say some $16,000, 2 gold and 1 silver watch, 1 diamond breast-pin, and a gold-headed cane....” Barnett then threatened one man with murder if he reported the outrage, and “did fire shots” while running away. Sentenced to be “shot to death with musketry.” The case was submitted to Lincoln, “who approves the sentence, and directs that it be carried into execution.” In another case, a Lt. of 1st Pa. Artillery to be cashiered, for embezzling $210.25 public money. Lincoln was notably compassionate in remitting capital sentences; he must have seen Barnett’s case as beyond redemption. Binding remnants along blank left edge, else about very fine. $70-90

15-6. Lincoln’s Secretaries of War and Navy.

Album leaf with signatures of both Edwin M. Stanton and Gideon Welles, both with dates in their hands, April 11, 1867. 5 x 7 1/4. Stanton in coffee-and-cream ink, Welles in oak brown. Caramel edge toning, else uniform warm cream patina. Fine. $170-220 (2 pcs.)

15-7. Lincoln’s Supreme Court appointee on Confederate Gen. Johnston – and mentioning Presidents Garfield and Arthur.

Lengthy A.L.S. of Supreme Court (Justice) Stephen J. Field, Washington, D.C., Dec. 23, 1881, 5 x 8, 3 pp. + 1/2 p. postscript. In coffee-and-cream on unimprinted ivory lettersheet. To “My Dear General (Irvin McDowell),” revealing Field’s unusual interest in Confederate Gen. A.S. Johnston, killed in action at Shiloh. Appointed in 1863 to the newly-created tenth seat on the Court, Field enjoyed one of the longest tenures of any justice, sitting til 1897. “His decisions important in development of constitutional law”--Webster’s Biographical. Here Field pens, “...I am much obliged to you for a copy of Gen. Simpson’s letter detailing the interview between Gen. Johnston and Gen. (Edwin V.) Sumner on the latter’s succeeding the former in command at San Francisco. But what I particularly desire is an account of your interview with Gen. Scott at the time that he informed you of his intended removal of Gen. Johnston from command of the Pacific coast. I was very much struck with the observation of Gen. Scott to you, which was...that ‘In times of great public danger all doubts with respect to the fidelity of men must be resolved in favor of the State.’ An account of the interview between you and Gen. Scott should be preserved...Mrs. Field and myself had a very pleasant time in Europe. We visited its principal cities, those most interesting from their historical association, their remains of antiquity, and their collections of art, including Athens. We also visited Constantinople and Smyrna...A Merry Christmas...P.S.: I am rejoiced to learn that you are not to be retired. It was the especial wish of Pres. Garfield that you should be retained, and I think that Pres. Arthur will carry that wish out. I intend to speak to Gen. Sherman on this subject when I meet him.” Johnston was replaced as commander of Dept. of the Pacific on Apr. 25, 1861. Civil War historian Stanley Horn wrote in the 1940s, “If there was any one thing on which everybody seemed agreed in 1861 it was that Albert Sidney Johnston was the Number One soldier of the continent. There are many Southerners today who agree with [Jeff Davis] that Johnston was ‘the greatest soldier, the ablest man, civil or military, Confederate or Federal, then living.’ Johnston’s outstanding and incomparable military merit has become axiomatic, and to question the legend now is sheer audacity...”--in Boatner. Old vertical fold, one tip dogeared, biographical notes of old-time collector neatly pencilled at blank bottom of p. 4; minor handling evidence and toning, else very good. RareBookHub reports no Field letters in their now-12-million-record auction database. A splendid letter of this very uncommon Justice. $550-750

15-8. The Strange Curse of Ford’s Theater.

Top panel of A.L.S. of N.Y. Sen. Ira Harris, with salutation on one side, and closing signature on verso, Washington, Jan. 15, 1866, 3 x 5 1/2. “...You will find me ready and willing to render you any service in my power....” Succeeding William Seward from 1861-1867, Harris’ daughter and son-in-law were in the Presidential box at Ford’s Theater when Lincoln was assassinated, and Seward was wounded. Not long after, Harris’ son-in-law murdered his daughter ... and Harris then married his son-in-law’s mother. Four red wax remnants on front, where once mounted to display signature side, light toning at one blank margin, else about fine. $40-50

15-9. Turn-of-Century Replica of Lincoln Notebook.

1901 facsimile of ”Abraham Lincoln: His Book,” an ambitious, old reproduction - down to the artificially aged sheep leather binding - of Lincoln’s manuscript notebook c. 1854-58, with “clippings” and “handwritten notes,” including his views on the Negro in politics. The only journal known to have been kept by Lincoln. With 11 pp. explanatory note of J. McCan Davis. 3 x 4 3/4, unpaginated but about 1/2” thick; many pages intentionally blank at rear, mimicking the original. Limited edition of 250, printed by McClure, Phillips & Co., N.Y., now very scarce. “There are white men enough to marry all the white women, and black men enough to marry all the black women...A voice – ‘Three cheers for Lincoln’....” Spine (intentionally?) lacking and shaken, but internally clean and very good. Apparently lacking its slipcase. The principal clues to its later production are the fore-edges, colored apple-green. An exceptional creation which even today might fool the inexpert antique dealer or casual collector, leading them to believe they have happened upon a million-dollar item. Essential for the Lincoln completist. Old catalogue cutting, judged c. 1915-30. $60-90

15-10. Lincoln’s 1860 Running Mate.

Superb full signature of Hannibal Hamlin, with “Maine” also in his hand. A prewar Democrat in the House and Senate, his anti-slavery sentiment brought him to the new Republican Party. The first Republican Vice Pres., Hamlin supported the Emancipation Proclamation, and arming of blacks. His son, Gen. Charles, was at Ford’s Theatre on Apr. 14, calling out the artillery to quell the rumored uprising. 2 1/2 x 4. In medium oak brown, on rich cream vellum card. Excellent. $80-110

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16. Presidential

 

16-1. 50 Words in Jefferson’s Hand.

Splendid close of a Th(omas) Jefferson A.L.S., early in his first Presidential term, (Monticello), attributed as Apr. 17, 1801. Comprising signature plus 50 words: 36 words text + 6 words addressee “Levi Lincoln, acting Secy. of State” + 8 words crossed out by Jefferson. 1 1/4 x 6 7/8. Older mounting on stiff cream card. Penned in warm reddish-brown.

Commencing with “in my power to withold it was enough” crossed out by Jefferson, followed by “– as I cannot act here on the paper you inclosed me, I think it better to return them by post, to be resumed when with you. Accept assurances of my high & affectionate consideration & esteem.”

The preceding text of his letter referred to “mr. Madison” (note lower case), “the hands of the Secy. of the Treasury” (Albert Gallatin), “while I was Secretary of State...,” and “I should propose the referring the settlement of mr. Yznardi’s accounts...to...Pinckney” (probably the Federalist candidate for Pres. in 1804 and 1808). Especially interesting were the two sentences which preceded the text in the present lot: “As to mr. Greene he is no protegé of mine. If his patron has made a false catch at an office for him, and has missed it, I feel no obligation to mend it. I think it my duty to take up the subject de novo, & see whether we may not begin here the reformation of the judiciary federalism....” With full transcripts of this letter as recorded in the Jefferson Papers, and of Levi Lincoln’s two letters to Jefferson which elicited his reply. In pencil at upper left, notation of important dealer Kenneth W. Rendell (and former Pres. of Manuscript Society), “...($)250 / (19)67.” Modest striated show-through of old glue mount at left margin, else excellent and fresh. Off market since consignor’s acquisition in 1967. Needless to say, Jefferson material has retained its allure. At this time, he was battling the spectre of piracy, political intrigues of his adversaries, and the growing pains of a young America. A superior Jefferson example with context, in a relatively affordable range. $5500-7500

16-2. Jefferson Document Protecting America’s Frontiers.

Significant Thomas Jefferson Document Signed, as Secretary of State, on printed Act of Second Congress, First Session, “begun and held” Philadelphia, Oct. 24, 1791, approved Mar. 28, 1792. 9 1/2 x 16. Signed-in-type by Jonathan Trumbull, Speaker of the House, John Adams, Vice-Pres. of U.S. and Pres. of the Senate, and “Go: Washington,” Pres. “An Act supplemental to the Act for making farther and more effectual Provision for the Protection of the Frontiers of the United States.” “...That it shall be lawful for the President of the United States by and with the advice and consent of the Senate to appoint such number of Brigadier-Generals as may be conducive to the good of the public service. Provided the whole number appointed, or to be appointed shall not exceed four.” Boldly signed by Jefferson in rich brown, his quill lean on final two letters. Interesting “Sandy Run” watermark.

Embracing several firsts in America’s history – including the first-ever Congressional investigations, the beginning of the President’s Cabinet, and the first Brigadier Generals under the U.S. Constitution – this Act - signed by Jefferson as America’s first Secretary of State - was in response to Indian attacks and uprisings following the Revolution. In the previous decade, some 1,500 whites had been killed by Indians in Kentucky and the Ohio River regions. In 1791, Washington raised an Army regiment under the original Act “...for the protection of the frontiers.” In a climactic battle in November, the American forces suffered an astounding 98% casualty rate, the most dramatic victory of Indians over Americans in any Indian war, colonial or Federal period. News of the defeat reached Pres. Washington in Jan. 1792, setting off a firestorm, and triggering the first-ever Congressional and Executive-branch investigations in American history. “The President summoned a meeting of all of his department heads - Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph - and many consider this meeting of all of these officials together as the beginning of the United States Cabinet. All were determined to prevent such a disaster from ever happening again, and that the solution would be a military one. As early as Jan., Sec. of War Knox wrote that papers and plans would be ‘laid immediately before Congress for their consideration and decision’ that would be adequate to the occasion. This would involve significantly increasing the size of the small U.S. Army and dispatching the units to the frontier...”--Credit: The Raab Collection.

The outcome was the Act here signed by Jefferson.

So compelling was the importance of this issue to George Washington that he referred to the underlying Act of Mar. 5 in his (draft) Annual Address to Congress, later in 1792: “I have reason to believe that every practicable exertion has been made to be prepared for the alternative of a continuance of the War in pursuance of the provision made by law...I cannot dismiss the subject of Indian affairs, without recalling to your attention, the necessity of more adequate provision, for giving energy to the laws throughout our Interior Frontier...”--Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This Act’s frontier legacy would be magnified many fold when Jefferson ascended to the Presidency. He would oversee the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, in all doubling the size of the United States. It is not as widely known that the undermining of Hamilton by Jefferson and Madison, led to the foundation of the “Democratic-Republican” Party - and to Jefferson’s resignation from the Cabinet. Washington was so displeased that he never spoke to Jefferson again! Several hairline vertical creases from printing press, three old parallel horizontal folds, several soft wrinkles at blank bottom, else uniform warm ivory patina, deckled three sides, clean, and very fine. It is reported that a copy of each Act was supplied to the governors of the then-thirteen states. Only one other example of this Act is known to us. A handsome and important document, recalling America’s early contention with volatile border issues. $27,000-35,000


16-3. Zachary Taylor Claims a Violation of Army Regulations.

Interesting L.S. of a relatively young Z(achary) Taylor, Louisville, Ky., July 3, 1824, 7 3/4 x 9 3/4, 2 full pp. With “Lt. Col. / 1st Regt. U.S. Inf. / R(egimental) R(ecruiting) S(ervice)”(?) also in his hand at conclusion. To “The Adjt. Genl., U.S. Army, Washington.” Taylor mentions St. Louis, Council Bluffs (Iowa), the Missouri River, Cincinnati, the famed 4th and 6th Infantries, Gen. Henry Atkinson, and more. Showing Taylor’s mastery of detail and leadership skills: “In obedience to Dept. Orders no. 311 a copy of which is enclosed (not present) I have detached Capt. Mason, who has been relieved in the recruiting service by Lt. Noel(?), with forty two recruits which were made at this rendezvous, to St. Louis district for the 6 Inf. being a part of the one hundred which I was instructed by your letter of the 15th ult. to concentrate at his plan for that Regt. I consider the relieving Capt. Mason from the recruiting service by the Commanding Office of the Dept. as a violation of the 74(th) article of the Army Regulations, but I have no doubt he has accounted satisfactorily to the Genl. in Chief for this arrangement. Genl. Atkinson informed me that he wishes the balance of the one hundred recruits included for the 6 Inf. detached in time, should they be attained, to reach Council Bluffs before the Missouri (is) closed within that Captain Shaler and Lt. Noel, and take command of them and that he had requested I might receive instructions from Genl. Hd. Quarters to that effect. I informed the Genl. that I wished no additional instructions in regard to detaching the recruits in question, which I was in hopes to be able to do in August, that the only difficulty which could arise was in regard to the officers to take charge of them, that if Capt. Shaler and Lt. Noel were put on that duty previous to the arrival of the officers of the 4th Inf. a stop must be put to recruiting at this and Cincinnati. I have to request that you will give the necessary instructions to have the officers at the two last named places furnished in addition to shoes(?), with knapsacks & mess furniture agreeably to the estimates I forwarded some time since from Cincinnati....”

Commanders of the 1st Infantry included two future Presidents, one U.S., and one of the Confederacy – Taylor and Jefferson Davis. In the year following Taylor’s present letter, Gen. Henry Atkinson helped negotiate treaties with Indian tribes of the upper Missouri River, vowing perpetual friendship. Commanding the 6th Infantry since 1815, he led the Yellowstone Expedition; Wilkinson was in overall command during the Black Hawk War, in which Lincoln served. Council Bluffs would be an outfitting center for Gold Rush-bound adventurers, and became the eastern terminus of Union Pacific Railroad. Penned in rich brown on cream, with a dark, bold signature. Half-dollar-size honey-toned circular impression of seal on p. 1, much lighter on verso; triangular tips lacking at three corners, one just touching final extension of “f” in “Inf.” in Taylor’s hand; two smaller edge chips with no loss of text, old folds, else very good plus, and attractive. Letters of Taylor before the 1830s are elusive; of some 84 A.Ls.S. and Ls.S. reported by RareBookHub from 1906 to date, only 4 have been prior to 1824 (plus 1 of that year). Ex-Carnegie Book Shop, N.Y.C., c. 1970s, with photocopy of catalogue cover and description; off market since. $2300-3000

16-4. Native American Party endorsement: Zachary Taylor for President.

Newspaper, American Press and Republican, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 2, 1847, 4 pp., 18 1/2 x 23. “Latest war news.” On p. 2, highly attractive flag with ribbon “Native American,” endorsing “The People’s Candidate - For Pres. in 1848, Gen. Z. Taylor, of La. Native American Nominations: For Vice Pres., Gen. H.A.S. Dearborn...For Gov., Emanuel C. Reigart....” Much “Late and Important News from the Seat of War” in Mexico. “Meeting of Native American Executive Committee.” Editorials: “The Election Day - The dearest and most sacred legacy bequeathed unto us by our Fore-fathers...A new Era in our political world...All honest and thinking men are getting tired of the political excitements and party wranglings...No true Native American will ever suffer himself to be...frightened to vote contrary to his own opinion....” Another editorial: “Natives Beware!,” describing ill intentions of Whigs and Locos. “How could a Native American throw away his vote in a more dangerous and suicidal way, than by giving it to...the old Foreign parties?...” Ads for real estate embellished with tiny woodcuts of Pennsylvania Dutch-style buildings. Ad of Philadelphia & N.Y. Pekin Tea Co., “To Country Merchants,” with large woodcut of Chinaman seated on bales of tea, with Chinese characters. Corner folds, light toning, minor edge tears along once-bound edge, else good plus. • Certified manuscript copy of survey of 386 1/4 acre farm of William Cooper, Lancaster, Pa., May 29, 1804, 7 1/2 x 12 1/2. Bordering land of Solomon Jacobs; “hemlock” noted at other boundary. Lacking one blank tip, very light wear, else fine. $55-75 (2 pcs.)

16-5. Manuscript Announcement of Death of Zachary Taylor.

Manuscript L.S. of John Clayton, Sec. of State, headed “Circular, Dept. of State,” July 10, 1850, 8 x 12 1/2. To Robert W. Fox, U.S. Consul, Falmouth (probably England). “It has become my most painful duty to announce to you the decease of Zachary Taylor, Pres. of the U.S. This afflicting event took place on the 9th inst. at the Executive Mansion...at 30 minutes after 10 o’clock in the evening.” Taylor died after just over one year in office. Twelve days after signing this letter, Clayton would leave office, succeeded by Daniel Webster. His Clayton-Bulwer Treaty, guaranteeing the neutrality of Panama, laid the framework for America’s later construction of the Panama Canal. Hard center fold, two nicks at blank bottom edge, perhaps from a clipboard on which written; short tear at top, uniform toning, else very good. Unusual thus. $120-150

16-6. Taft Inauguration Ensemble, with mention of “security” at Capitol Building, 1909.

Group of Taft-Sherman related inauguration items, all with matching “Inauguration Ceremonies - Mar. 4, 1909” emblem, in original envelope, evidently from possession of a named family member of the new Vice President: Inaugural Ceremonies Program, Mar. 4, 1909, 6 x 8, 8 leaves, black on cream, in overhung matching cream card wrapper, Presidential-blue corded tie. Details of the galleries in Capitol Building, with order of procession to and proceedings on inaugural platform. “All doors of the rotunda will be closed...All persons...will be admitted only at the Senate bronze door....” Choice. • Steel-engraved invitation, 6 1/4 x 10, enclosing separate portraits of incoming Pres. Taft and V.P. James S(choolcraft) Sherman, all likely representing the best work of the Bureau of Engraving & Printing. Pleasing marginal toning, blank tissue guard leaf wrinkled, else excellent. • Petit steel-engraved Inaugural Ball program, 3 x 5, 4 pp. in card cover, white cord tie (tassel frayed). Music by Marine Band and Minster’s Orchestra. Dance card inside, including “Manila” waltz and the “Lincoln Centennial” promenade. On the menu: Cold Kennebec Salmon, Assorted Sandwiches, Miniature Rolls, Neopolitan Ice Cream, Presidential Cake, and many other sweets. Minor nick at blank bottom front cover, else excellent. • Card bearing V.P. Sherman’s photograph, “Sherman Notification Day,” Utica, N.Y., 1908, at his residence. 2 1/4 x 4 1/2. Black and red on cream. For “Mrs. Richard H. Sherman.” • Splendid carte photograph of Sherman, by Notman Photographic Co., Albany. Magnificently elaborate Gothic Revival border on verso in gold. printed in Paris, depicting Notman’s numerous medals, 1862-76, “Photographer to Her Majesty” (Queen Victoria). showing Taft’s future Vice Pres., here as a younger Congressman from Utica, with stylish mutton-chop sideburns. Sherman’s name boldly penned on lower mount in another hand. Some delamination of blank surface glazing at four rounded corners, else arresting contrast, signature in darkest brown-black, and fine. • All in original envelope, engraved “U.S. Senate” cornercard, large blind-embossed “Inaugural Ceremonies...” emblem on flap. Handling evidence and some desk soiling, else good plus. $160-220 (6 pcs.)

16-7. White House Announcement of Marriage of Woodrow Wilson’s Daughter.

Steel-engraved White House wedding announcement of marriage of Woodrow Wilson’s daughter Jesse Woodrow, to Francis Bowers Sayre, Nov. 25, 1913. Blind-embossed Seal at top, 5 3/4 x 6 1/2, cream. Original half fold, two fingerprints on blank verso, else fine plus. • With envelope postmarked day of the wedding, addressed in florid hand to Col. and Mrs. Charles McGandy, Washington. Blind-embossed White House cornercard. 2¢ red Washington postage stamp intact, unperfed top margin, flag cancel. Some foxing, else satisfactory. • Magazine, Publications of the Southern History Association, Jan. 1898. 6 x 9 1/2, 84 pp. Vice Presidents of the Association include “Prof. Woodrow Wilson,” Confederate Gen. M.C. Butler, Thomas Nelson Page, et al. “Unpublished letters of Andrew Jackson,” “Transfer of Louisiana to United States,” “Society of the Cincinnati in the South,” “Dismemberment of Virginia,” and more. Cover toned to dark green, spine and cover edges chipped, internally very good and clean. $75-100 (3 pcs.)

16-8. From the Desk of Woodrow Wilson – and a Senator’s stand on Law Enforcement and Women.

Pair of T.Ls.S. of Woodrow Wilson, both with his purple rubber-stamped signature, both from Princeton, N.J., 8 x 9 3/4, on cream. Nov. 15, 1912, soon after his election victory, to Rev. J.A. Terhune, Millerton, N.Y. “Your telegram of congratulation gave me peculiar gratification. I feel very much strengthened and encouraged by such confidence and support, and thank you with all my heart.” • Jan. 21, 1913, to Terhune, here in Ridgewood, N.J. “Allow me to thank you most warmly for your kind letter...The suggestion you make will be most carefully considered....” Folds and some postal wrinkles, else both very good and clean. • With, T.L.S. of Sen. Joseph S. Frelinghuysen of N.J., on Senate letterhead, Washington, Dec. 29, 1921. To Terhune, Ridgewood. “I deeply appreciate the kind words...on the statement of my stand on Law Enforcement before the Women’s Republican Organization of N.J. I feel that we have a hard fight ahead but I firmly believe that the forces of righteous government will win.” Light-toning on verso, some handling, else good plus. $50-70 (3 pcs.)

16-9. Behind the Curtain, a Plan for America to collaborate with German and Japanese Militaries.

Handsome T.L.S. of a young Franklin D. Roosevelt, on his navy-blue-engraved letterhead as Assistant Secretary of Navy, with bold signature in Capri blue on warm cream, fittingly complementing stylized Naval starred anchor insignia. Washington, May 18, 1914, 7 x 9 1/4. To Rev. J.A. Terhune, Ridgewood, N.J., thanking him for letter “regarding the candidacy of Mr. E.L. Barrett of Millerton (N.Y.) for appointment as postmaster at that place. I shall be very glad to see that it is placed where it will do the most good.” Terhune had previously been a constituent of F.D.R. when he was a New York Senator. The date of this letter was pivotal: Three days before, Col. Edward House had sailed for Europe on his “Great Adventure,” promoting arms reduction on land and sea. His plan included using the American, British, German, and Japanese armies to develop “waste areas” of the world. One day before House’s return, Archuduke Ferdinand was assassinated, launching the “War to End All Wars,” and scuttling the peace plan of which F.D.R. was certainly aware. The notion of the U.S. collaborating with the German and Japanese militaries - which might have changed the course of history - would become unthinkable. Attractive 4”-diameter Seal watermark. Original postal folds, else very fine and attractive. RareBookHub reports only three other F.D.R. letters of 1914. $450-625

16-10. Perhaps the Earliest F.D.R. Letter on Baseball.

Superior, very early T.L.S. of Franklin D. Roosevelt, as N.Y. State Senator – his first elected office. Albany – with baseball content. Mar. 6, 1912, 8 x 10 1/2. To Rev. John A. Terhune, Millerton, N.Y. On official letterhead, Roosevelt shown as “Chairman, Committee on Forest, Fish and Game,” beneath State Seal. “I beg to acknowledge your letter of Mar. 5th in regard to Sunday baseball and other similar legislation, which has been proposed. I can assure you that I will maintain the same attitude in regard to this legislation as last year. I do not personally think that the Sunday baseball bill will pass the legislature at this session.” Signature in milk chocolate on tan. Likely the earliest Roosevelt letter on baseball extant, and the only F.D.R. letter of any date on baseball we have seen. At this time, while immensely popular, baseball was riddled with corruption, with widespread gambling on games, and its compromising effect on players. After the problem came to a head in the 1919 World Series, Kennesaw Mountain Landis wrested America’s national pastime from the grip of gamblers, restoring the game’s reputation. (Landis’ expulsion of players on that year’s “Black Sox” technically remains in force to this day.) Short break at horizontal fold, soft crease at blank upper left corner, else about fine. Pre-1913 F.D.R. material (with any content) is very scarce; RareBookHub finds only four other such letters (one appearing at Parke-Bernet in 1944). A splendid centerpiece for a vintage baseball collection. $500-700

16-11. “In the days to come the heritage of the earth will be yours.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s first and moderately scarce book (unsigned), Whither Bound?, his 1926 address at Milton Academy, as Assistant Secretary of Navy. 34 pp., blue cloth with blind-embossed seal “The Cause Shall Not Fail.” Lacking d.j. (usually missing on this book). A lucid, wide-ranging elucidation on the revolution of science, the need to accept change, meritocracy, universal brotherhood, and memorializing the 22 Milton alumni who perished in World War I. “...Only a few years ago we were worrying about the day, soon to arrive, when there would be no more coal, and therefore, no more power or light? Scientists told us not to worry, that a substitute would be found in plenty of time to save us from utter freezing and darkness....” Some light foxing spots on first and last several leaves; endpapers browned, clear oval glossy spot on front board (perhaps bookbinder’s glue), minor white rub at bottom edge of blue cover, else fine. Only 1,000 printed. $110-140

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17. Political

 

17-1. Rare Southern Whig Ribbon from Campaign of 1868 – showing Henry Clay.

Scarce daffodil-yellow silk ribbon, imprinted in bluish-green “1839 / 1868,” above and below miniature oval albumen photograph of Henry Clay, within scalloped spring-green and white lace frames. About 1 1/2 x 5 1/2, plus glittery-gold bullion tassels and two gold bells, suspended from fancy gilded knots. Decorative grosgrain borders. Used in the postwar South, where Whig politics persisted into the 1870s. Here, Clay - their philosophical leader - is featured on the ribbon as the Whig Party’s symbol, though he had demised in 1852. The first date imprinted on ribbon, 1839, was a key year for the Whigs. Had William Henry Harrison not garnered the Whig nomination for Pres. in the 1840 campaign, Clay might well have reached the Executive Mansion. (Clay’s loss of the nomination nearly led to a duel with Winfield Scott, after Clay struck the latter during a card game.) During the tumultuous 1850s, the Whig Party went into serious decline, though it retained adherents in the South. By 1868 - the second date on this ribbon - the South was engulfed in poverty, and little else of the Whig Party was produced - or survives. In 1868, one Southerner lamented, “since the old Whig party had gone under there had been ‘no party to which an honest, good man could cordially attach himself’...”--“Persistent Whiggery in the Confederate South, 1860-77,” by Thomas B. Alexander, in Journal of Southern History, 1961; modern copy accompanies. Five pinholes at blank top, where once affixed to a header for wearing on a jacket; some soft creases in lower blank portion, light brown glue dots from original mounting of photo, else very satisfactory, pretty, and rare. $110-140

17-2. Fraud in 1868 Presidential Election – by Democrats.

Whistle-blower’s self-published pamphlet, “The Wig and the Jimmy: or, a Leaf in the Political History of New York,” by John A. Davenport (anonymously). N.Y.: 1869. Detailing political schemes of William “Boss” Tweed, A. Oakley Hall, John T. Hoffman, and other cohorts of the Tweed Ring, involving naturalization frauds, “repeating,” and sleight-of-hand in voting. Including criminals “Reddy the Blacksmith, Pickpocket, thief and Democratic ‘Regulator,’“ “James Myers, Till Tapper,” et al. 32 pp. with four engravings of mugshots. “...gross frauds on the elective franchise perpetrated by...the Democratic party in...N.Y. at Presidential election of 1868...The wicked and illegal conduct of the Judges and Thieves who aided, abetted or participated in the conspiracy....” Waterstain at upper left, uniform toning, some edge chipping but no loss of text, and very satisfactory. Timely. Sabin 18713. $40-60

17-3. Whigs harmful to Virginia Democrats and Democracy.

Unusual printed circular-letter to Pres. Polk’s Secretary of War William L. Marcy, Nov. 24, 1845, signed in ink by A.F. Cunningham, editor of Portsmouth (Virginia’s) New Era and Old Dominion newspapers, and headed “Private and Confidential” in his hand. 7 3/4 x 12 1/2. Complaining that as the sole Democratic publications in the region, his papers - and not those of the Whigs - should be getting printing patronage from Washington, in the form of advertisements of contracts. Cunningham explains that the letter is only going to a few Democrats in high places; printed below is text of letter he sent Polk four days earlier, describing warfare with Whig bureaucrats who are responsible for the newspapers’ woes. “They are the only papers in a large section of Virginia strictly democratic...They are peculiarly obnoxious to whiggery and whig office holders who do everything they can to destroy them...(The newspapers are) located...in the very town where the greatest Naval Depot of the Government is situated...Those old federal sea Captains, who are in every way injuring the administration...contrary to the wishes of the democracy....” Integral address-leaf in Cunningham’s hand. Uniform toning to mocha, old folds, else good. $45-65

17-4. An Antebellum Compendium of Political Corruption.

Rather riveting pamphlet whose publication was suspended by court order: The Lives and Opinions of Benj’n Franklin Butler and Jesse Hoyt, by William L. MacKenzie, who fleeing Canada with a price on his head, was working in exile as a customs clerk in N.Y., repelled by the corruption of Van Buren’s administration. Boston, 1845. The crimes - and times - of Butler, banker, U.S. District Attorney for Southern District of N.Y., and a founder of N.Y. University, and attorney Jesse Hoyt, ex-Collector of Customs for Port of N.Y. 5 3/4 x 9 1/4, 152 pp., black on moss-green wrapper. Detailing their crimes and schemes as a warning for 1846 N.Y. Constitutional Convention, with “anecdotes and biographical sketches” of a large number of prominent New Yorkers. Based on a trunk of letters found in an attic by the author, the book became a best-seller, some 50,000 copies in print – til its sale was halted by the “Deep State” of 1845. Covers with chipping at four corners, affecting border only; internally, chipped corners and heavy foxing on first 7 leaves, moderate foxing and some light waterstains elsewhere, but a better-than-reading copy, actually little-read. Lande S1423. Sabin H43436. TPL 7793. $90-130

17-5. “With what delight will the lover of mankind dwell on this period of history...” – the Election of George Washington.

Significant newspaper, Providence Gazette and Country Journal, (R.I.), Feb. 28, 1789, 4 pp., 9 3/4 x 14 1/4. Masthead with lovely vinery. From Baltimore, an early account of Washington’s election as President: “The important day in the annals of America is past...Perhaps that day has exhibited what has never happened before in any part of the globe: about three millions of people, scattered over a country of vast extent, of opposite habits and different manners, all fixing their hopes and wishes on the same man. With what delight will the lover of mankind dwell on this period of history....” Reports that two of Rhode Island’s electors could not attend the Electoral College, one with gout, the other unable to navigate the icy winter waters. “The other six electors met on the day assigned, at Annapolis, and voted for General Washington, as President of the U.S....” Virginia’s electors met separately. Other candidates John Hancock and John Jay received only one vote each! (The electoral votes would next be counted by Congress; this did not begin til Apr. 6.) On p. 3, “For the Providence Gazette, Extract from Journals of Congress...1774: ‘We will neither import nor purchase any slave imported, after the first day of Dec.; after which time we will wholly discontinue the slave-trade...nor will we hire our vessels...to those who are concerned in it.’ The foregoing resolution was part of an association agreement, honoured with the signatures of Stephen Hopkins and Samuel Ward - as well as with that of the great Washington.” News from Richmond, “...the Indians have agreed to Seveir’s (sic) proposal for an exchange of prisoners...A general pacification will follow.” Also, “How far the Precept to love our enemies is practicable” and “The Sailor’s Advice on Marrying.” From London, John Adams’ activities as Ambassador, and British fleet’s confrontation with Swedish Navy; a census of whale fishing. “...Fanatics in religion and politics are equally absurd; but reason hath no alliance with fanaticism in either case...The Friend to Reason...professes that since Adam’s fall he thinks all men are born slaves...and that life, liberty and property are secured to man by good government....” Curious ad in larger type, “Cash...for all Kinds of Shipping Furrs and Bees-Wax, by Samuel Young, At the Sign of the Negro Boy, a few Rods Northward of the Church, in Providence....” Two breaks at inside gutter and one edge margin repaired with old paper tape; full-width tear across second leaf mended with semi-opaque linen strips, both repairs suggesting they were done as early as middle third of 19th century; some blank fragments lacking along bound edge, lacking blank lower right corner of second leaf; moderate waterstains, but still satisfactory and entirely collectible, the old repairs rendering this a relatively inexpensive example with coverage of Washington’s election. Desirable content and rare. $450-650

17-6. On July 4th – “6 cheers” for George Washington at Cow Neck.

Anti-Federalist newspaper, Greenleaf’s New York Journal & Patriotic Register, 54 Wall St., July 15, 1797, 4 pp. Ornate masthead. Greenleaf’s was a strong enemy of the Federalist Party, occasionally hysterically so. Front page attack on Alexander Hamilton, making snide reference to Hamilton as a “lover,” a reference to Hamilton’s adultery scandal. Account of July 4th celebration at Long Island town of Cow Neck, formerly Stoning Town; description of each of 16 toasts following firing of guns, with number of cheers exclaimed for each: “...George Washington - May his services never be forgotten, 6 cheers...Congress - May they act in unison for the public good, 3 cheers...The Militia - May it always command respect, 4 cheers...May all wars and discord cease, 3 cheers....” List of 17 Acts passed by Congress. Browned, top margin bookwormed and damaged, miraculously with no loss of text, and satisfactory. • Another issue, Apr. 5, 1797, 4 pp. “Danger, or Loss of India.” Letter from (Napoleon) Bonaparte, much more. 4 pp. Some bookworm holes and tears at top, affecting only few words on p. 2; darkly toned to tortoise shell, but satisfactory. An obscure title, printed on Wall St. Uncommon. $45-65 (2 pcs.)

17-7. Pres. Monroe’s Victory Tour.

The Tour of James Monroe, Pres. of the U.S., through the Northern and Eastern States, in 1817...1818; together with a Sketch of his Life..., by S. Putnam Waldo. Hartford, 1819, 4 1/2 x 7, 348 pp., interesting goatskin-grained tree leather. Mezzotint frontispiece portrait of a young Monroe. Rather charmingly written by a descendant of Gen. Israel Putnam, in an ornate journalistic tone. Considerably worn, front cover loose but holding, top fragment of spine panel lacking, red label intact, two blemishes on front cover where old label or cloth tape removed, foxing throughout, most of blank endleaf lacking, but still a better-than-satisfactory reading copy, and the leather boards uncommon thusly. Howes US-iana W-29. Sabin 101012. $110-140

17-8. 1840 Presidential Campaign in Tennessee: “To the Charge!”

Anti-Whig pamphlet, “Advance Guard of Democracy,” (published by J.G. Harris), Nashville, Aug. 21, 1840, 14 pp., 6 1/2 x 9 1/2. Cover woodcut of seated Liberty, holding large flap, the pole with Liberty cap, sidewheel steamboat in background, captioned, “To the Charge! Tennesseeans! To the Charge!!” Beneath: “This is the time of strike! Illinois, Missouri, and Alabama have each given very large democratic majorities...The Nashville Convention on the 17th was a decided failure...Instead of 50,000, the procession numbered less than 5,000. Mr. Clay made a feeble effort...The Chickasaw Ambassador had the effrontery to address the people - and the whole batch of harrangues...The Sabbath was profaned by the beating of the drums, the firing of cannon, and the yelling and shouting of the boys and negroes...A matchless failure...Mr. Clay came here as a dictator to Tennessee, and so abused Gen. Jackson....” Articles on evilness of Whigs, and greatness of Democrats. Darkening of desert-rose cover, with considerable dust-toning, tea(?) stain at blank margin, spine and edges frayed, handling wear, but still satisfactory. Rare on the market, published for only five months, reflecting the incendiary political climate, Democrat John Tyler topping Van Buren that year. $70-90

17-9. Namesake of the Wilmot Proviso.

Signature of D(avid) Wilmot as Penna. Congressman; abolitionist, author of Wilmot Proviso seeking to prohibit slavery in newly acquired territories; a founder of Republican Party, Civil War Sen., and friend of Lincoln. Franking signature from envelope, Free” stamped in black just beneath. 1 x 2 1/2. Some roughness along blank top edge where flap removed, else fine. $65-90

17-10. A Trove of Antebellum Political Autographs.

Ensemble of over 55 signatures of mostly antebellum Congressmen, Senators (and 2 Cabinet members), on assortment of 5 leaves (containing 36 signatures), plus 21 as smaller cuttings from old autograph albums. Research of a sampling of names suggests gathered 1839-57. Cream album leaves; clipped signatures on variety of cream, lilac, and light green. Including J.C. Dobbin (Sec. of Navy under Franklin Pierce, 1853-57, beneath added hand-drawn scroll). • Hamilton Fish (N.Y.). • Wm. M. Gwin (Gwin and Frémont the first Senators from Calif., Gwin serving as Shadow Sen. 1849-50, then conventionally 1850-61. A physician, personal secretary to Andrew Jackson, and gold mining multimillionaire). • John Henderson (Porto Bello, Miss.; Rep. 1839-45). • W.L. Marcy (Sec. of State under Pierce and Buchanan, 1853-57; negotiated Gadsden Purchase, the last major land acquisition in continental U.S.; with drawn scroll “Sec. of State,” with vinery, likely added by the artistic autograph collector). • W.H. Roane (Richmond, Va.; grandson of Patrick Henry; Rep. 1815-17, Sen. 1837-41). • M. Crawford (Columbus, Ga.; the pencil marginalia “Last delegation fr(om) Ga., 1861” probably in pioneer dealer Mary A. Benjamin’s hand). • and more. Many are from New England. One album leaf with diagonal crease, a papermaking imperfection; leaves with edge browning, else fine to excellent. Basis for much interesting research. List prepared on request. $325-450 (Over 55 signatures on 5 leaves and numerous cuttings)

17-11. Chromolithographed Campaign Portraits of Grover and Frances Cleveland.

Pair of strikingly attractive, diecut, chromolithographed campaign portraits of Grover and Mrs. Cleveland, each about 9 x 12 1/4. On unusual highly calendared eggshell-white, flexible bristol board, its satin sheen imparting a lifelike lustre to their complexions, and especially to Mrs. Cleveland’s red rose and deep emerald dress. Red, white and blue flag surround, eagle at top clutching ribbon “Pluribus Unum.” No imprint, but a high-grade production, likely intended for shop windows or mounted on podium at a rally. Judging by her youth, more likely from Cleveland’s first campaign of 1884; he had the distinction of serving two terms - but non-consecutively, though he won the popular vote in three elections. An anti-corruption candidate, Democrat Cleveland also won a number of votes of Mugwumps, reform-minded Republicans. Some foxing on blank versos; Cleveland portrait lacking three tips, at periphery of bunting and at 6 and 11 o’clock of gold shield frame; inconspicuous 1/2” tear at 3 o’clock of both portraits; her portrait complete; some minor scuffing in delicate finish on Cleveland’s dark jacket, else both surfaces about fine. A seldom-seen form of 19th century Presidential campaign material, issued in limited numbers. $300-425 (pair)

17-12. Paying the Price for endorsing Winfield Scott for Pres.

Two 1852 campaign-related items: Printed “Remarks of Mr. Magnum, of N.C.. in explanation of his political position in relation to the Presidential election,” on Senate floor, April 15, 1852. 8 pp., 6 x 9 1/2. After endorsing Winfield Scott for Pres., the N.C. Senator announced his retirement from public life - because Scott was disfavored by his constituency. Denying his participation in “intrigues touching Presidential questions...I have a strong feeling of auld lang syne for my old friend...They have endeavored to ally him with Free Soil and Abolition influences....” Discussing differences between Democrats and Whigs. Uniform toning to mocha, uncut at top, two old folds, minor creases, else good plus. • Official partly printed form listing small-town electors, Nov. 1852 - apparently for Whig candidate Winfield Scott - for President and Vice Pres., chosen by town of Warren (Conn.). Including John F. Trumbull, who was active in Lincoln’s Connecticut campaign eight years thence. 7 1/2 x 9 3/4. Listing number of votes received by three slates of electors, 18 in all, who went on to choose a Pres. and V.P. in Electoral College. Signed twice by Presiding Officer David Strong. Two tiny internal holes affecting one word only on verso, inconspicuous if displayed on a cream filler, one corner folded, else very fine and attractive. $70-90 (2 pcs.)

17-13. “Perpetuation of American Freedom is our Aim.”

Daily American Organ, Washington, D.C., Aug. 7, 1856. 4 pp. 15 1/2 x 21 1/2. Newspaper of nativist American Party, at top of p. 2 supporting Millard Fillmore for Pres., and Andrew Jackson Donelson for V.P. Predicting disunion if Buchanan elected (he was - and there was). Page 1 platform: “...Americans must rule America...Native-born citizens should be selected for all...government employment...No person should be selected for political station...who recognizes...any foreign prince, potentate or power...Thorough investigation into ...abuses of public functionaries...Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence....” Verses of “The Workingman’s Song.” Article, “Mexico as it Was and Is.” Minor corner folds, else about fine and clean. Timely. $35-50

17-14. Masonic Directory signed by DeWitt Clinton.

Pamphlet, “List of the Grand Dignitaries, Grand Officers, Members...of the Supreme Council...of the 33d Degree...of Supreme Chiefs of Exalted Masonry...held in the City of N.Y...,” printed by W. Marks, 114 Fulton St., N.Y., 1826 (5826 on Masonic calendar). At conclusion of text, signed in chocolate brown by Gov. DeWitt Clinton as Pres. of Masons’ Committee of General Administration, by E(lias) Hicks, V.P., and J(oseph) Cerneau, Supreme Council Commander. 4 x 6 1/2, 36 pp., plain salmon wrapper, apparently as issued; removed from old binding. Lists of Masons visiting New York from around the country. Honorary Members include Simon Bolivar; coded entry for representative of Grand Lodge of Russia (p. 15), list of Grand Councils of Louisiana. S.C., Puerto Rico, Cuba, and elsewhere. In all, perhaps the paramount Masonic gathering for that year, showcasing their worldwide influence. Cover with table dusting, much foxing of pulp text, but good plus, and one of the more unusual Clinton items we have handled. With lot card from Cohasco catalogue 41. $110-140

17-15. The Inner Circle of the Most Contested Administration of the 19th Century – Rutherford B. Hayes’ Cabinet.

Signatures of eight members of Hayes’ Cabinet, on four ivory leaves from autograph album, 4 3/4 x 7 1/2, gilt three edges, some back-to-back. Most (or all) gathered in June 1878: Wm. M. Evarts (Sec. of State). • John Sherman, Sec. of Treasury. • Chas. Devens, “Attorney Gen., June 11, 1878” in his hand. • R.W. Thompson, Sec. of Navy, June 10, 1878. • Thomas Ewing, Sec. of Interior, Mar. 1880. • C(arl) Schurz, Sec. of Interior. • D.M. Key, Postmaster Gen., June 8, 1878. • Geo. W. McCrary, Sec. of War, June 10, 1878. • Plus, Sam. J. Randall in purple, Speaker of the House during Hayes adminstration, credited with codifying House rules and strengthening speaker’s power, his influence conspicuous to the present day. All very fine. An instant collection from the hotly contested election of 1876, finally resolved the following year, when opponent Samuel Tilden withdrew, fearing a new civil war. $90-130 (9 signatures on 5 leaves)

17-16. “Hayes & Sherman had better keep quiet...” or accompany Louisiana Scoundrels “to the penitentiary.”

Splendid, witty and wide-ranging A.L.S. of Gen. E(dward) G(eorge) W(ashington) Butler, the ward of Andrew Jackson upon passing of his father; married George Washington’s granddaughter, Eleanor “Nelly” Parke Custis Lewis; Gen. in antebellum Louisiana Militia. St. Louis, Feb. 16, 1878, 5 x 8, 4 full pp. To cousin Gen. William O. Butler, Carrollton, Kentucky; aide de camp to Andrew Jackson in War of 1812, received Sword from Congress, and succeeded Scott as Commander of Mexico. Discussing Andrew Jackson’s genealogy, Pres. Hayes, Sherman, et al. “Deeming it, from experience, useless to write to you & to that curt old Brother of yours...I take the liberty of giving you ‘a gentle hint’ by sending you the genealogy of Andrew Jackson’s mother. I now write to ask of cousin Tom & yourself any information tou may possession concerning Maj. Latons, Engineer of the Army before New Orleans; Maj. Gen. George W. Cullum, Corps of Engineers, author of the History of the Graduates of West Point, is writing a History of the officers of Engineers in the War of 1812...Gadsden joined Gen. Jackson’s Staff on the eve of my departure for West Point, in 1816; but I fancy, you & cousin Tom can tell me all about him. I have previously written to my learned friend, Hon. Charles Goyarré, historian of Louisiana & Philip II of Spain, who, ‘being of the manner born,’ & of French & Spanish extraction, can, doubtless, tell something of the person in question. Were you not greatly interested in the remarkable pedigree of the mother of our old Hero? I was even convinced that she was no ordinary woman. I sent the pedigree to Montgomery Blair [Confederate Postmaster General], nearly three years ago...to insert it in his promised Life of Jackson...I had the pedigree re-published in the St. Louis Evening Post, for the information of Mrs. Andrew Jackson, yourself & others...Gen. Harney, a friend of 64 years, will join us, & we propose having ‘a high old time.’ I shall be 78...it having pleased God to take from me my ‘illustrious wife,’ as the historians properly term her...I returned to my once happy home, where I passed 16 months, solitary & alone; but being taken down...Our Louisiana Courts are bringing those ‘Returning Bond’ scoundrels to grief, & Hayes & Sherman had better keep quiet, or they may accompany them to the penitentiary. England...has resolved to fight, & if she is not careful, Russia will give her trouble in the East, & Germany will take Holland....” Pale mottling, else fine. Unusual and very scarce. Butler’s correspondents, in his Papers at Louisiana State University, included Jefferson Davis, Andrew Jackson, Robert E. Lee, et al. An academic building at West Point is named for the Gen. George Cullum mentioned in this letter. $200-275

17-17. “American Communism is eminently constructive.”

Communist newspaper from Oneida commune, The American Socialist, Oneida, N.Y., Vol. I, no. 6, May 4, 1876. 8 pp., 11 1/2 x 16. ”What is socialism?,” and “How Large Ought a Home to Be?” Comparing themselves with the French Commune, “...American Communism is eminently constructive: its motto is Unity; its object is the perfection of society...its means are always peaceful - it may supplant, but never destroy.” Ad of a “First-Class N.Y. Restaurant,” near City Hall: “We use the fruits and vegetables prepared by the Oneida Community.” Ad for “The Oneida Community, packers of choice Fruits, Vegetables & Jellies...Heavy syrup made of the best white sugar....” Despite their businesses including lathe chuck manufacturing, pedigreed cattle, food, steel traps, a Turkish bath, the Oneida Community - like nearly all of the American utopias - were short-lived. Uncut, few minor edge tears, else fine and clean. $25-35

17-18. “McKinley Declares Free Silver Menaces American Industry.”

Magazine, Money, Aug. 1900. Then-avant garde cover logotype. 6 x 9, (32) pp. Extensive exploration of the gold vs. silver debate - a prime issue in 1900 election, with statements by McKinley and Roosevelt. Including state-by-state analysis of Senate races, speculating on gold vs. silver lineup. “You believe then...that silver never drops below par in gold?...Suppose no notes in the general fund of the Treasury could be used for this purpose?...” Fear that government bonds could be paid in silver, rather than gold. “The measure of value in all currency is the degree of convertibility into the world’s money.” Light dust-toning of salmon cover, light waterstain at lower spine, blind creases blank upper corners, else V.G. $25-35

17-19. Socialism in America – 1898 – with Batman-esque Artwork.

Rare advertising handbill promoting book, President John Smith - The Story of a Peaceful Revolution,” by Frederick U. Adams, 5 x 7 1/2, both sides of unusual powder blue-over-cream duplex sheet. Proclaimed by the mail-order publisher “A brilliant story based on scientific socialism...It shall be the duty of the government to guarantee employment to all who demand it.” Ominous Batman-esque artwork showing two men on a city rooftop at night beholding “the signal,” the sky illuminated by a distant searchlight projecting the word “Strike.” Reviewer Thos. E. Watson, Populist nominee for V.P. in 1896, and their Pres. candidate in 1904, notes, “...a thoughtful exposure of the present false social fabric.” The underlying 289-pp. book (not present) became popular, first published as a serial in the Chicago Tribune. Wear at two mailing folds, else very good. Dramatic conversation piece for display. $55-75

17-20. Radicals in America – and the illusion of cheap Chinese tea, 1880.

Three varied items: Book, The I.W.W. - A Study of American Syndicalism, by Prof. Paul Brissenden, ed. by Faculty of Political Science, Columbia University, 1920. 6 x 8 3/4, 438 pp. + addenda offering other Columbia titles for sale. Ex-library: originally in wrappers, rebound in orange-red buckram by 1960s. Extensive treatise on the Wobblies and radical labor history, from the Palmer raids to trial of its leaders. Light shelf wear, else V.G. • Pamphlet, “Our American Dreyfus Case - A Challenge to California Justice,” by Lillian Symes, pub. by Inter-Religious Committee for Justice for Thomas J. Mooney, Los Angeles, 1935, 2nd printing, 6 x 9, 48 pp. With “excerpts from substantiating documentary evidence...court decisions, letters, opinions of world authorities.” Lengthy list of clergy-members of Committee. Eloquent pleas from luminaries John Dewey, H.G. Wells, Sen. Burton Wheeler (“...Tom Mooney is the victim of one of the foulest conspiracies ever perpetrated in this country...”), N.Y. Evening World (“...It is not Mooney alone who is in prison, it is...American justice that is in prison”), et al. Browning of groundwood text, three leaves with folded corner, perhaps a bindery imperfection, else a N.O.S. file copy. • Pamphlet, “An Argument for a Protective Tariff - The Farmer’s Question...,” by Jonathan B. Wise, Cambridge, (Mass.), 1880, 5 3/4 x 9 1/4, 40 pp. A timely, in-depth examination of the plight of the American farmer, and “the illusion of cheap foreign commodities,” noting that America buys tea from China, but they purchase just half of its value from us. Disbound segment, light handling, else about fine. $90-120 (3 pcs.)

17-21. Ahead of his Time: An Abolitionist’s Call for World Peace.

Pamphlet, “The True Grandeur of Nations, reprinted from Addresses on War,” by Charles Sumner, World Peace Foundation, 1911. 5 x 7 1/2, 132 pp. Prescient effort by this organization, barely three years before the War to End All Wars would explode. A republication of Sumner’s work, originally delivered July 4, 1845, here appended with list of the Peace Foundation’s other publications. Stirring oratory by the famed abolitionist, here extending his reach beyond American shores to the world. “...Wars and fighting, with the false glory which crowns such barbarism...Beat down that brutal spirit which is the Genius of War...International Law expressly establishes the Arbitrament of War for determination of controversies between nations....” Pictorial drypoint bookplate of Arthur M. Schlesinger, prominent historian, pioneered fields of social and urban history, depicting a family on a farm beholding a shining city on the hill in the distance. (In 1929, Margaret Sanger was threatened with arrest if she spoke in Boston on birth control. She stood on stage, silent, with a gag on her mouth, while her speech was read by Schlesinger. His son was two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Arthur Schlesinger, Jr.) Spine covering dry with some tears, but easily repaired with acid-free paste; very light marginal toning inside, else little-read and fine. Rare; only modern reprints on Abebooks. • With, “The Duel between France and Germany,” by Charles Sumner, delivered in Music Hall, Boston, Oct. 26, 1870. Reprinted from “Addresses on War” for World Peace Foundation, 1911. (77) pp. “War, as conducted under International Law...is in all respects a duel...Authority of the German mind....” With Schlesinger’s bookplate. Two fragments of spine covering lacking, uniform edge toning, else very fine. $120-160 (2 pcs.)

17-22. “I pledge allegiance to the Roosevelt family and to the indebt(ed)ness for which it stands....”

Three anti-FDR campaign items, 1934-1936: Booklet, “Promise and Performance,” Republican National Committee, 64 pp., 8 1/2 x 11, 1936. Minor edge toning. • Booklet, “Frankie in Wonderland,” a fable based on Lewis Carroll, E.P. Dutton, 1934, 24 pp., 5 x 8. • Undated, parody handbill with vicious verse, “Roosevelt’s Promised Land,” black on pink, 5 x 5. Fine to excellent. $40-50 (3 pcs.)

17-23. “You have just heard Wendell Willkie....”

Last page of typewritten script for CBS radio broadcast of a talk by Wendell L. Willkie et al, boldly signed by him, during his 1940 Presidential campaign, as souvenir for a studio staffer. 8 1/2 x 11. “Announcer: You have just heard Wendell Willkie, Kathleen Norris, and Oren Root, Jr., speaking under the sponsorship of Associated Willkie Clubs of America. Listen to Mr. Willkie again tonight at 10:15 and at midnight...E.S.T...This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.” Announced in July 1940, members’ club dues - just 25¢ - financed Willkie’s local campaigns. In green crayon-pencil at top, probably in another hand, ”and don’t tell anyone you can’t!” Half fold, minor handling evidence, else very good. As the war raged in 1942, Willkie toured Egypt, the Middle East, Russia, and China, recording his experiences in One World. One of the more unusual Willkie items we have handled. $80-110

17-24. Prelude to Truman’s Full Term in the White House.

Deluxe program booklet, “National Young Democratic Dinner, 1948,” Mayflower (Hotel), Washington, May 14, (1948), 8 1/4 x 11, (24) pp., flag-red and blue on cream card cover, with photograph of Capitol Building inlaid within silver border, blue braided tassel, blue on eggshell coated enamel text. Photos of Dinner Committee including F.D.R., Jr., Margaret Truman, and future N.Y.C. Mayor Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Menu includes “Diamond back terrapin soup,” “Broiled swordfish steak, tartar sauce,” and “Chocolate Boston frozen egg nog ice cream pie.” Speakers “Deane Carroll, stage star; Henry Morgan, radio, screen, stage star,” Sam Rayburn, Edmund Brown of Calif., George Smathers of Fla., and radio address by Pres. Truman. Flattering color portrait of Truman laid in, rubber stamp on verso of Replica Arts, 14 E. 75 St., N.Y. Hard blind handling creases at bottom portion all leaves, light cover table soiling, but still pleasing, and generally V.G. • With sepia silverprint photograph inscribed “...To Charlie Markham / Gael Sullivan.” Markham appears on last page of program as Publicity Dir. for Committee on Arrangements, Exec. Sec. of National Convention of Young Democratic Clubs of America. Sullivan a listed guest, then Exec. Dir. of Democratic National Committee, 1952 campaign manager for Kefauver. • Special Pass to dinner, signed by Markham, Publicity Dir., 3 x 5 3/4, photo of Capitol in debossed circle, red serial number 8. Very soft crease, else V.F. $55-75 (3 pcs.)

17-25. The Man behind “Dewey Wins.”

Two political items: T.L.S. of Thomas E. Dewey, as Gov. of N.Y., Mar. 29, 1952, 7 1/4 x 10. “That was an elegant and delightful birthday greeting and so nice of you to think of it. It almost makes being fifty worthwhile.” Trimmed for framing, show-through of old mucilage, orange brushstroke beneath signature, but still an inexpensive example of the man behind “Dewey Wins” headlines. • Anti-Republican, anti-Goldwater pamphlet, 1964 Presidential race, “Through the Looking Glass, Darkly, A day with Pres. Barry Goldwater - A Political Fantasy” by Page Huidekoper Wilson. Issued by Americans for Democratic Action, 1963. 5 1/2 x 8 1/2, 22 pp. Clever, humorous satire, lampooning LBJ’s opponent, with an imagined day in Goldwater White House. Minor handling, else V.G. $35-50 (2 pcs.)

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18. World Wars I & II

 

18-1. On the Precipice of History – A Critically-Dated World War I German Broadside.

Ephemeral news broadside for posting in public places, issued by Bavarian daily newspaper Münchner Neueste Nachrichten, datelined General Headquarters (Großes Hauptquartier), Munich, Feb. 22, 1916, “nachmittags 3 1/2” (3:30 P.M.), 18 x 18. Blackletter, on yellow-green pulp. Munich imprint. Dramatically announcing latest war news from the Western Front, including Champagne, the region of numerous bloody battles spanning 1915-18. On this very day, the fateful Grey Memorandum - named for Britain’s Foreign Minister - was drafted in London: “Should the Allies accept [the proposal of a conference to put an end to the war] and should Germany refuse it, the United States would probably enter the war against Germany.” It is possible that the news here was intended to stir the German public, preparing them for a longer war – and what would become an even more catastrophic defeat, paving the way for World War II. Following Hitler’s rise to power, the newspaper was seized by the Nazis and used as a propaganda organ. Quarter folds, pale orange-to-pea green toning, else fine. Certainly a survivor; broadsides such as this were intended to be discarded by the end of the day. $130-170

18-2. Original Photos from the Cradle of World War I.

Ensemble of 15 crisply detailed original photographs of scenes from the Serbian front, in the area where the War to End All Wars was ignited. 4 x 6 and 5 x 7. Mostly sepia. Versos variously with rubber stamp of Feature Photo Service, 100 Fulton St., N.Y., label of Berlin press agency, and captions in German and English. Including destroyed railroad bridge near Belgrade; “small boys driving their sheep - To look at this picture, one would never think it was taken in the center of one of the most stupendous scenes of devastation and bloodshed in the history of the world”; “Captive Serbs”; “Transporting 4,500 captive Serbians”; “Germans have streets improved in Serbia”; “Germans in Serbian war zone”; and others. Several light; few lacking corners; newsroom handling, but good and better, and journalistic quality. With Cohasco Auction 37 ticket. World War I Serbian material is very scarce in the U.S. $250-325 (15 pcs.)

18-3. Doughboy’s Sunwatch.

Delightful folding “Sunwatch,” World War I era, made by Ansonia (Conn.) Clock Co. 2 x 3, in hinged integral lacquered brass case, with positive-snap tab. Brass-tone dial face, with latitude and longitude calibrations in black. Miniature inset compass at 6 o’clock. Detailed “Tables of Latitudes etc.” on white metal panel, set into inside lid, listing 31 U.S. cities, including date of equation, and number of minutes to be added to or subtracted from sun time: from Albany, N.Y. to Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Carson City, Denver, Detroit, Galveston, Los Angeles, and more. Inside dial, faceplate, and city panel very fine and pleasing. One soft dent on outer case, modest pocket rub but finish highly presentable. In original simulated-color board sleeve, showing a doughboy consulting his Sunwatch, the yellow sun in the sky overhead. (Rather astonishingly, the depiction in profile is much like someone in modern times mesmerized by their smartphone.) Fraying from use, the wide “Sunwatch” name about 50% present on one side, and 85% on other, but still displayable and like most “packages,” scarcer than its contents. $70-100

18-4. Winning the War to End All Wars: Field Map of Hindenburg and Purple Front Lines.

Large World War I folding Canadian Army situation map, showing “Enemy Organisation” as of May 25, 1918. Original linen backing. 20 3/4 x 36 1/2. Black, blue, and red. Showing trenches along Hindenburg and Purple Front Lines, together with keys for “railways probably in use,” ammunition and supply dumps, known German camps, bridges, and balloons. Showing “Telegraph Hill,” “Switch Front,” and much more detail. “4th Batt(alio)n CDN Engr.” on verso in blue crayon-pencil. Three days after this map was prepared, the Americans, with the French, won the first U.S. military success of the war, upon taking a small village. By Oct., the Germans had been driven to accept an armistice – but at a high price: in just the Battle of Meuse-Argonne, some 120,000 Americans perished. Only moderate field wear, cloth verso with some table wear, one overfold at corner, live area with one ink spot, else about very good, and suitable for display. $90-120

18-5. “An invasion of this region by the Russians, should they succeed....”

Two items: Self-cover map, “Land & Water Map of the War, & how to use it,” drawn under direction of Hilaire Belloc. Published by Land & Water, London: n.d. but war date. 6 x 8 3/4, 18 pp. text + 5 pp. index bound; large folding, 6-color map on linen, about 30 x 33, held in red on white cloth boards with blue cord. Numerous clues to wartime publication within lengthy text explaining “Use of this Map”: the Oriental Railway to Salonica, “the goal of all Austrian effort...Control of both railways is the object of each successive invasion of Servia by the Austro-Hungarians...Through Sweden, supplies can also reach Germany across the Baltic, which sea the German Fleet controls.” On the “great Austrian fortress of Cracow, an invasion of this region by the Russians, should they succeed in investing and passing Cracow, would be fatal to Germany (and) threaten the road to Berlin and Vienna....” Inside and outside covers with dust-soiling; water spots at lower left, average shelf wear, else map appears little-used and very fine. • With, pamphlet, “Interviewing the Authors of the War,” by Bernadotte Everly Schmitt, Chicago Literary Club, 1930. “This paper is based on confidential conversations and is privately printed. It is respectfully requested that no publicity be given to it....” 5 1/2 x 8 1/2, 41 pp. Forest green on mint green deckled flannel cover, black on ivory text. Fascinating. Trivial cover edge wear, else excellent. Limited printing of 550 copies, now understandably elusive: Abebook lists only one copy, at 300.00. $150-200 (2 pcs.)

18-6. Untouched by the Destruction: the French Riviera in World War I.

Group of 10 original silverprint photographs taken on a tour of the French Riviera in Jan. 1919 - just two months after the Armistice, each with interesting manuscript notes on verso; some with exact dates. 2 3/4 x 4, semi-matte, platinum-tone emulsion. Including Monte Carlo, Nice, and the French-Italian border. “...View of the Casino at M.C...These windows overlook Mediterranean.” • “Bird’s-eye view of Nice showing Y.M.C.A. Casino built out in the Med. Pyrenees Mountains in rear. Note promenade & excellent beach at extreme left. In...foreground is old Nice, first peopled in 530 B.C., now is ‘Little Italy.’” • “Nice - The large building is a hotel. Now being used as a U.S. Hospital (where) the boys are, so they can move around unassisted. They are sent home from here....” • “Large arrow in rock...points to the dividing line between France and Italy. I have my hand on stone road marker - one side has France, the other Italy....” • “Shore line looking into interior of Italy, taken from roof of Mrs. Waltham’s chateau (she is the watch maker’s wife). The chateau cost 12 million francs....” • “Hotel Negresco, Nice, at present used by Am. Officers down on leave. The entrance faced the Med.” • “Entrance to Palace and Court of Honor of Prince of Monaco. Very historic place...The Prince was in Paris interviewing Pres. Wilson this date, 1-12-(19)19....” • “Along the coast at Nice. Taken from promenade in front of Suisse Hotel.” Smoky mid-grey tones, some a trifle light but all with good sharpness and much interest. Trivial edge curl, else about fine. The tourist-photographer may have been from the Albany-Troy area. $65-90 (10 pcs.)

18-7. Cartographic Study of World War I-era France.

Group of 7 World War I period maps, c. 1911-1924, with then-state-of-the-art detail, variously printed or gathered by U.S. Army: Postwar reprint, marked “Secret,” of military situation in Verdun region on Sept. 1, 1918. Surprinted in red, “...Artillery Objectives up to 9th of Sept. 1918.” Printed in four colors in two languages. 28 x 44. Superbly detailed. “Printed at Base Printing Plant, 29th Engineers, U.S. Army, 1918, Reprinted by Engineer Reproduction Plant, U.S. Army, Washington Barracks, D.C., 1924.” Very light use, tear at central fold junction, perhaps from tight bindery fold, else about fine. • U.S. Army military map of Chambley region, Oct. 28, 1918 - just two weeks before Armistice, ”annulling ed. of Sept. 18, 1918.” Bold red dashed line, “Approximate Front.” Four colors in two languages. About 29 x 33. “...Base Printing Plant, 29th Engineers, U.S. Army markings.” Notations in blue and purple crayon-pencils on verso. Moderate edge fray, blank outside panel toned, refolded with some wear, else good plus and clean. • U.S. Army map of Cheminot region. Two colors, grey-black and tan. “...Base Printing Plant, 29th Engineers, U.S. Army 1918.” About 22 3/4 x 29. Wear at fold ends and junctions, some browned portions, probably sun-toning while in open map cabinet, else good. • U.S. Army double map of Montsec and Cheminot regions, adjacent maps neatly fastened together at time, with cream paper strips. Two colors. “...Base Printing Plant, 29th Engineers, U.S. Army 1918.” About 28 x 46. “Cheminot scale 1:50,000” in blue crayon on verso. Some short edge tears, wear at junctions, blank verso panels browned, else good. • Pre-World War I map, “Environs de Toul,” revised 1911-12; balance of maps from same source as others in this lot, therefore all presumed used by U.S. Army in World War I. 22 x 24. Intricately detailed topographic map. Legend in French. Black on cream. An ancient city, later known for its porcelain, wine, and brandy, finding itself under German occupation in 1870. Minor handling evidence, corner overfolds and creases, old rust outline on blank verso, else very good. A superior example of cartographic art. • World War I-era map of Lorraine, Basse-Alsace (Lower Alsace), and Vosges, France. N.d. but shows Alsace as German territory, therefore pre-1919. 28 x 36. Attractive, four colors, by A. Taride, Paris. Legend in French and English, including “Roads in bad condition,” “National frontier,” “Dangerous descent,” “Picturesque view,” and more. Moderate handling, else good plus. • Automobile and Cyclist’s route map of northeast France. 28 x 36. Including sites of major World War I battles: St. Mihiel - the first U.S.-led offensive of the War, Chambley, Verdun, plus much of Luxembourg, and part of Germany. Bilingual legends as preceding. Very minor wear, else fine plus. Imprints of the “Base Printing Plant...” are very scarce on the market. $160-220 (7 pcs.)

18-8. Target-Bombing German Battleships taken in Reparations.

Early aviation photographs: 10 highly interesting glossies of military aviation in early 1920s, from the Billy Mitchell era. 6 1/2 x 8 1/2, black-and-white and olive-sepia, variously; photo numbers in period black crayon-pencil on verso of most. Two with slug of U.S. Army Air Service Photographic School, July 1921; all apparently developed by a student at the school, and sent home to show his work, his humorous captions on verso of some. Including: Three of practice-bombing of German battleships by American Martin warplanes. • Two photos then-massive bombers on airfield, its V-16 motor uncovered, period ink notation on verso “One of our Baby Ships”; a dozen aviators standing beneath fuselage of a similar craft, “Another one of our Baby Ships.” • One of biplanes on field, “Some of the big birds.” • Three of crashed planes, one with its tail projecting upward (“Just a bum landing...”), another coming to rest against a tree (“Just a little smash up or down...”). • A pursuit plane diving at 45 degrees (“Just taking it easy”). Some softer focus, perhaps from the student’s camera moving while in flight or afloat, but all displayable. One with some lab development (else water) spots, one with clean marginal cut, probably when envelope opened; usual curl, else very good. $140-180 (10 pcs.)

18-9. World War I Aviation Scrapbooks.

Three scrapbooks, compiled 1935 by Hume Stephani, containing printed photos, illustrated articles, and cover art of British, French, and German WW I military aircraft, including vivid scenes of aerial combat, bombers, and Zeppelins. Organized by aircraft type - some unusual or obscure - including many full-color covers of popular magazines Aces, Battle Aces, Sky Birds, Sky Fighters, War Aces, War Birds, Wings, and others, most artfully trimmed for mounting, most with the vibrant colors that only letterpress could produce, until recent decades. Two binders with brass prongs, homemade brown kraft covers turned over board; one Woolworth looseleaf; about 8 x 10 1/2, about 150 pp. in all, plus numerous items nested. Oddities include “gun that shoots 33,000 shots per minute,” Junkers, Kondor, “Zeppelin Giant” winged airplane, Siemens & Halske single-seater, Pfaltz, Rumpler, Taube, and more. Also with numbered articles in “Planes of Destiny” magazine series, plus some smaller black-and-white drawings and clipped photos. Waterstains on some covers and flyleaves, contents generally fine, clean, and bright. Most leaves easily removed for display. Rewarding browsing, and perfect to accompany an early aircraft collection. $75-100 (3 pcs.)

18-10. World War II Aviators’ Map of Morocco.

Printed World War II aerial map entitled “Tangier,” prepared in anticipation of Allied invasion of Morocco and Algeria in 1942, “For use by War and Navy Dept. Agencies only - not for sale....” Created by British General Staff, Geographical Section, as part of Africa series, and published by U.S. Army. Multicolor, opening to 27 1/2 x 40, military grid. Sept. 1942. Moderately technical detail, and quite different from commercial maps. From Gibraltar in north, to Rabat in south, and from 50 miles into Atlantic in west, to Rokba in east. Some handling soiling, moderate oil and coffee stains, else very satisfactory and colorful. Considerable character, and certainly used in flight by American aviators. Now very scarce. Tangier was “once talked about in the same breath as London, Paris, and New York...”--The Guardian. • World War II in two postwar maps: “European Theatre of War 1939-1945.” • “Far Eastern Theater of War 1941-1945.” Published as set by Hammond & Co., each about 20 x 24. Color keyed, with dated arrows showing advances. Probably issued for classroom use. Unused, fresh, and as new. $70-90 (3 pcs.)

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18-11. Precision World War II Map of Ukraine, called West Russland.

Highly interesting group of 7 World War II maps, evidently Nazi file copies, most with place-name titles in bold pencil on verso, in German, in a distinctly Continental hand: German army map of West Russland, Nov. 1941 – including the very areas under siege at time of this cataloguing. 7 flat colors. Including all of Ukraine and its cities and towns, large and tiny, plus Russia as far north as Leningrad, and parts of Romania, Belarus, Poland, Lithuania, Finland, and more. 30 x 39. Printed in Vienna. Notes places of strategic value, including “Lokomotiv- u. Waggonfabriken,” “Petroleum,” and others. Intriguing bracket drawn on red pencil northeast of Yalta in “Krim” (Crimea). Some wear at fold junctions, else good plus. • German army map of Africa, showing former German colonies, and color-coded colonies of five other European powers, “1940-41.” Title printed on filing panel, “Afrika-Karte...des Oberkommandos der Wehrmacht....” 24 x 26. Showing entire African continent, plus the expanse of southern Europe and Asia Minor from Portugal to Afghanistan, all of Middle East including “Palestina,” and north to “Schwarzes Meer” (Black Sea), including Odessa and Mariupol. “Goldfelder” (Gold Fields) in yellow, “Diamantfelder” (Diamond Fields) in blue. Printed in Leipzig. 8 flat colors. Refolded. Moderate handling, else good plus. • British army linen-backed map of Louvain region, France and Belgium series, “Sheet 56 - Emergency edition of May 16, 1940.“ Remarkable detail. 25 1/2 x 34 1/2. Black, red, and green; blue coordinates. “Drawn and printed by 19th Army Field Survey,” scale 1:50,000. Very light handling evidence, else little-used. • German army map of occupied Lukow area of Poland, Dec. 1940. 27 1/2 x 36. Key in Polish and German. Refolded in field, moderate handling, else good plus. • Pair of Soviet maps, 1940. Each 12 x 18, lightly paste-bound at blank left edge as made, unfolding to 12 x 36. Moscow imprint. One topographical, other political, with all twenty republics. • Russian map of Dubrowka, (July?) 1941, 13 1/2 x 17 1/2. Highly detailed, including the myriad of marshes, but on a primitive offset press. Black, blue, and green. Some wear at center fold, else about V.G. All quite fascinating and timely. From an old Cohasco catalogue. $160-220 (7 pcs.)

18-12. When Russia Was an American Ally, sweeping westward past Kiev.

Allied psywar propaganda leaflet, c. 1944, 8 1/4 x 10 1/4. German one side, reduced front page facsimile of Nazi newspaper Volkischer Beobachter, Oct. 10, 1941. “Das war in 1941“ superimposed. On verso, map showing looming U.S.S.R. advance westward of July 15, 1944, with excerpt of radio talk, in German, by Lt. Gen. Kurt Dittmar three days earlier. Map includes “Kiew” (Kiev), Bialystok, Krakau, and Warschau (Warsaw, Poland). Old pocket folds, minor wear at blank bottom edge, else very good. $50-75

– Relics dug from World War II Battlefields –

18-13. Keys Lost in the Battle of Stalingrad.

Group of items recovered from site of Battle of Stalingrad, Aug. 1942-Feb. 1943: Stamped sheet-brass krim shield, worn on shoulder of Wehrmacht soldier. 2 x 2 1/4, curved, eagle at top clutching swastika. “1941 / 1942.” Extensive pitting, small corrosion perfs, but entirely recognizable and collectible. • Original split key ring containing 3 keys and 4 tags, recovered from Gumrak airfield, Stalingrad. Including one “WH” (Army vehicle) license plate metal tag, 3/4 x 2 1/4; two other numbered tags; tag with number insert perished; three keys, about size used for ignition and doors of vehicles of period. Moderate rust. • Two small tubular skeleton keys, hollow cores, with round metal tag, on unusual figure-eight ring. Heavier corrosion scaling, keys with traces of bright steel finish. In all, stark relics of one of the largest (nearly 2.2 million personnel) and most costly (up to 2 million wounded, killed, or captured) battles in the history of warfare. Spellbinding for classroom instruction. $80-120 (1 shield, 10 keys and tags on 2 key rings)

18-14. “Blood and Honor” - Dug at Bastogne.

Fairly scarce Wehrmacht Hitler Youth belt buckle cover, excavated from 12th SS Hitler Jugend positions, Bastogne battlefield, Belgium, probably late 1944-early 1945. Stamped, formed aluminum(?), 1 3/4 x 2 1/2. Semicircular “Blut und Ehre” (“Blood and Honor”) in relief at top, stylized eagle and swastika below, all enclosed by rope border. “M4/38” cast on verso. Integral loop for belt intact. Once having elite status, the Hitler Jugend division was pulled out of the retreating Nazi line in late 1944, and attached to the SS Panzer-Armee, preparing for Battle of the Bulge. Blunted at every turn by the Americans, near the end of 1944 the HJ - represented by this buckle - tried to capture Bastogne, with heavy fighting around the city. By Jan. 1945, as the noose tightened on the Nazis, the HJ - and most of the German forces - had been pushed back to their starting positions. Matte gunmetal patina, metal surrounding one of two pivot holes on underside apron jaggedly torn (perhaps a small-calibre bullet hole?), else very satisfactory. Dramatic. $80-130

18-15. Tickets from Hell.

Pair of Luftwaffe flying permit metal chits, recovered from Pitomnik airfield, Stalingrad “pocket,” permitting night flying only, to prevent further loss of valuable aircraft. Each 1 1/2 x 1 3/4, steel, painted white - the color reserved for Nazi officers, punched with simplified bird’s wings. Because of the Russian pincer attack, nearly a quarter million German, Romanian, and Croatian troops found themselves trapped in the resulting pocket. Supplying the pocket by air was impossible: besides the Nazis’ inadequate airlift capacity, appalling weather, and heavy Russian anti-aircraft fire and interceptions led to loss of nearly 500 German aircraft. (One plane that made it through had been foolishly loaded with vodka and summer uniforms.) The transport aircraft that did land safely were used to evacuate technical specialists, and sick and wounded, from the besieged enclave. The metal chits offered were the precious tickets out of Stalingrad; chits painted white were reserved for officers being evacuated. Heavily rusted, traces of original white paint remaining, but with context, startling for teaching and display. $45-65 (2 pcs.)

18-16. Low-Production Anti-Tank Projectile.

Rare dug German dart-head projectile from a Panzerbüchse 41 heavy anti-tank rifle, recovered from Waffen SS-Nord position in Salla, northern Finland. Forbidding turret-on-bell shape; two external flanges, designed to propel to high velocity of up to 1,400 meters/second. 1 7/8” high, 1” maximum diam. at bottom, 2.8 cm. After crossing the Finnish-Norwegian border in June 1941, the two SS regiments were thrown into battle with the Russians. The poorly trained Nazis lost some 700 men in the first two days. Uniformly coated with reddish-brown corrosion - the tip interestingly rust-free, perhaps a special alloy - and very satisfactory. Fewer than 2,800 such guns were made; this projectile is both unusual and elusive, and only an excavated or ex-museum example would be likely to reach the market. With modern background. $75-125

18-17. Eight Excavated Relics.

Group of 8 items: dug metal dog tag of a Nazi machine gunner, dug at Kurland Pocket, today’s Latvia, its bearer presumed a casualty of the brutal deep-freeze campaign on the Eastern Front. 2 x 2 3/4 oval, possibly aluminum based on appearance of corrosion, three original drilled holes, central channels to score and break in half, each hemisphere with the same stamped identification: “883 / 4.M.G. / J. Ers. Btl. 486.” Large “X” scribed across tag. About 30% of surface finish remaining, mottled grey where pitted, else satisfactory. • With, group of 7 assorted coat buttons, shoulder tab pip, and pin, all dug from Stalingrad trenches. Comprising: Numeral “2” on stipple background. • Same, numeral “3.” • Same, numeral “4.” • Two concave buttons, fine honeycomb stipple on white metal, one small, one large. • Shoulder tab pip, raised square of starfish-style leaves, 1/2”, probably copper. • Pin, 1936, 1 1/4” diam., white metal, Nazi eagle and swastika superimposed on part of plow. On verso, “Fries-Buester & Schild / Berlin....” Varied patination, the three white metal items with moderate toning, else very satisfactory. $55-85 (8 pcs.)

18-18. Tank Badge from Stalingrad.

Battlefield-dug, stamped bronze German Tank Assault badge, excavated from Stalingrad. 1 1/2 x 2 1/4 oval, eagle and swastika at top, tank in relief below. One loop on reverse. Microfine mica-like frosting from soil; mostly deep brown patina, brighter copper exposed at bottom portion, probably from careful cleaning after excavation, and very satisfactory. Estimates of combined casualties in the Battle of Stalingrad approach two million. Dealing crippling losses to the Germans (and Russians), the siege proved insurmountable for the Nazis. Becoming a turning point in the war, after Stalingrad, Germany had no further strategic victories in the East. The Nazi offensive became bogged down in house-to-house fighting, it ferociousness recounted in later works. $75-150

18-19. Tank Badge from Breslau.

German Tank Assault badge, this recovered from the Russian assault on Breslau, once part of German Lower Silesia, assigned to Poland by Potsdam Conference. Interesting white brass, 1 1/2 x 2 1/4 oval, eagle at top, tank in relief below. Lacking rectangular mount. Cleaned; medium brown toning, some light grey spotting from soil, else a rather crisper stamping than the example above, the feathers and tank tread showing little use in service before it fell onto the ground. In Feb. 1945, “months of waiting finally came to an end. The Red Army launched a ferocious attack on (Breslau), throwing hundreds of tanks into the fray...The battle soon turned into a brutal slaughter ...In the first three days alone, the Soviets lost over 70 tanks, as the conflict descended to savage street fighting...Vast stretches of the city were demolished so bricks could be used to strengthen defenses...But worse was to come. On Apr. 1 [just weeks before V-E Day], the Soviets launched a new offensive, and heavy bombardment saw much of the city engulfed in flames.”--The Siege: Three Days of Terror Inside the Taj Hotel, by Scott-Clark and Levy. $80-140

18-20. Nazi Close-Combat Award from Stalingrad.

Two items: Bronze, clasp, 1 x 3 3/4, stylized oak leaf motifs above and below primitive crossed dagger and club. Berlin maker’s mark cast on reverse. Awarded for 15 battles of close combat, this coveted decoration went to 1/500 of 1% of the German Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS; of some 20 million Nazi troops, 36,400 received the bronze award (and fewer still the silver and gold). To qualify, all battles and their dates had to be documented by the commander, verified by the general, and authenticated by multiple divisions of the German war department. Somewhat uniform surface patination to medium copper tone, field replacement of steel pin, this too with rust, else satisfactory. Very scarce. (Gold examples valued up to $20,000.) • German Winter award medal – with bullet hole. “Winterschlacht im Osten / 1941-42” Eastern Front medal (sans ribbon), with semicircular bite of bullet, removing segment between about 3 and 4 o’clock. Possibly bronze, excavated in Kurland Peninsula (also spelled Courland), in today’s Latvia. 1 3/8” diameter. Original loop for suspension, atop helmet at 12 o’clock. Awarded for survival of the bitter deep-freeze campaign on the Eastern Front. Later, in 1944, Nazis from remnants of their Army Group North, found themselves isolated on the peninsula - known as the Kurland Pocket - by advancing Russians during the Baltic offensive. Remaining trapped til the end of the war, on May 8, 1945 they were ordered by the Wehrmacht to surrender to Leonid Govorov, commander of Leningrad Front. By the following evening, 189,000 Germans - including 42 generals - had been vanquished. Medal reportedly found in a pit at surrender site. Now-colorless corrosion under magnifying glass; cleaned and oiled following excavation (this process sometimes seen on colonial coins), about 10% white oxidation each side, but detail surprisingly good (notwithstanding the slice removed by the bullet!), and a startling conversation piece. Kurland had also been the scene of furious fighting between the Germans and Russians in World War I. $100-130 (2 pcs.)

18-21. Reconnaissance Pilot Award – perhaps from a Downed Luftwaffe Plane.

Battlefield-dug bronze Luftwaffe Reconnaissance Pilot award, key shaped, 1 x 3”, central circular wreath with raised eagle’s head, small swastika cast at 6 o’clock, arrowhead-style extensions of oak leaf sprigs (one broken and separated from battle damage but present) at left and right. Uniform darkening to deepest mahogany, lacking clasp on verso, but the two separated pieces displayable on carefully arranged felt, fabric, or foam backing, and very scarce in battlefield-found form, this excavated near Pitomnik airfield in Stalingrad. This Luftwaffe award commenced nearly a year before Pearl Harbor, given to Nazi aircrews completing twenty operational flights. By late 1942, the Germans had flown over 20,000 sorties over Stalingrad - sometimes 500 in a single day - but were losing massive numbers of aircraft; their bomber fleet alone had dropped from 480 to 232. Astonishingly, the Soviet losses in 1942 numbered 14,700 - but Stalingrad turned the tide of the eastern war in their favor. Rare. $55-90

18-22. Entertaining at Pearl Harbor and Schofield Barracks – 1941.

Base magazine, Hickam Highlights, Hickam Field, Oaho, Territory of Hawaii, Mar. 14, 1941 – nine months before Pearl Harbor. Weekly mimeographed publication, 32 pp., 8 x 10 1/2, by U.S. Army Air Corps personnel stationed at the ill-fated airfield. “First Anniversary Issue - Covers Hickam Field like pay-day, and four times as often!” Congratulatory message of Brig. Gen. J.H. Rudolph, bound in, on heavy oaktag. Satire, comics and pin-ups drawn by staffers, chatty news from each of the numerous squadrons based at Hickam, unit basketball and baseball scores, chaplain’s page. “The 72nd Bomb. Squadron combat crews are having quite a time down Morse Field way. They are there for a week of bombing, luaus, and good chow....” Hickam Male Chorus performances at Pearl Harbor, Schofield Barracks, Korean Christian Church in Honolulu, and other Hawaiian venues. Tongue-in-cheek “Advice to the Love Lorn.” Movie reviews of films playing in Hickam Field Theatre. Figures of total manpower of U.S. Army, some 867,000 including reservists. Full col., “Beware of Card Sharps,” describing their methods. Uniform toning, last leaf pulling from staples, else very good. Varied copies are held at U.S. Army War College (but lacking this issue), U.S.A.F. Academy Library (evidently one unspecified 1941 only), and Wisconsin Veterans Museum (unspecified vols.). Rare on the market. RareBookHub finds no issues of any date at auction or in dealer catalogues. $100-130

18-23. Japanese Propaganda Postcards upon Second Anniversary of Pearl Harbor.

Set of three WW II Japanese propaganda postcards, printed in Japan, in (rudimentary) full color. Issued on second anniversary of attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 8 (in Japanese time), 1943. Japanese captions, 2 sen postage stamp printed on address side, depicting prehistoric Japanese clay figurine of a warrior; postally unused. Comprising: Bombers over Ford Island in Pearl Harbor basin, ablaze with orange fury, and black and white smoke. Printed from oil painting by Yoshioka Kenji, based on Japanese Navy photographs looking northwest • British troops carrying white flag, about to surrender. It is not well remembered that Manila and Singapore were bombed on the same day as Pearl Harbor. • Japanese troops advancing beyond abandoned artillery battery, its guns pointed skyward. Cards excellent. • With original printed slip, entirely in Japanese, evidently describing each of three cards. All enclosed in Japanese paper sleeve, olive-green floral motif, Japanese text in brown. One end frayed, affecting part of four Japanese letters, else satisfactory. • Also with substantial clipping from 1965 Linn’s Weekly Stamp News about the Pearl Harbor 2nd anniversary postcards, and 1st anniversary stamp (issued a year earlier). Light pencil notation on blank lining of wrapper, “5.00 / Mch. 1967 from Peter Hagedorn.” $80-110 (3 pcs. plus descriptive slip, original sleeve, and later article)

18-24. Flag of the Rising Sun – with Drawings of Flowers and Sword in its Scabbard.

Japanese World War II-era flag. 15 x 17 1/4, on dense-weave ecru linen, two original braided string ties for flying or hanging. Numerous Japanese characters neatly penned around incendiary-red sun in center; moderately skillful drawing of helmet and sword in its scabbard in one quadrant, few cherry-blossom-style floral sprigs in another. The artistry suggests this was intended for presentation and display in a refined setting, perhaps for command staff or around war’s end; translation will shed further light. Intense red pigment has spread and offset into surrounding field somewhat from eighth- folded storage, few water spots, else very satisfactory, with surprisingly little field wear. $175-250

18-25. World War II Scarf-Maps for American Aviators over China.

Two matching U.S. Army Air Corps precision scarf-maps of China, designed as a scarf for fighter and bomber pilots in event they crashed. Intricately printed both sides on fine-weave silk-like fabric. Shades of yellow, orange, red, green, and blue. Black text and legends. 24 x 24 1/2. Army Map Service, “AAF Cloth Chart, first edition,” 1943. Jehol on one side, Shen-Yang (Mukden) on other, both maps bordering Manchuria. Old sixth-folds, else well-preserved, unused examples, one in fresh, minty condition, the other with modest pale orange spotting along one blank margin, with some creases, possibly smoothable with care. Superb for display; the pair permit both sides to be viewed simultaneously. China was an ally then; their rescue and protection of downed American fliers brought China massive retribution by Japan. $140-180 (2 identical pcs.)

18-26. Scarf-Map for American Aviators over China.

Different U.S. Army Air Corps precision scarf-map of China, designed as a scarf for fighter and bomber pilots in event they crashed. Intricately printed both sides on fine-weave silk-like fabric, in shades of yellow, orange, red, green, and blue, with black text and legends. 24 x 24 1/2. Army Map Service, “AAF Cloth Chart, first edition,” 1943. Covering river port of Tsitsihar (Lung-Chiang) on one side, Buir Nor on verso, both in eastern Manchuria. Old eighth-folds, two faint marginal spots, else well-preserved, unused, fresh, and excellent. $70-90

18-27. “Gyro tumbled due to flak bursts around the ship....”

Three late-World War II bombing campaign after-action intelligence reports, filed by U.S. flight crews. Mimeograph sheets with carbon copy details, 8 x 13, listing target cities Kall, Mayen, and Wuppertal, industrial cities in Germany. Dec. 27, 1944, Feb. 14, 1945, and Mar. 19, 1945, respectively. Entering “Lead team: Bomb(ardier), Pilot and Nav.,” Target, results, range, and fascinating remarks. “...Visibility very poor but could see check points very readily...picking up one after another. Followed river to railroad...bombs away 1504. Bombed A, B and C, 85% of bombs within 1000’ rad(ius)....” On bombing of Wuppertal, “Visibility poor, limited to 2-3 miles. Ground haze all the way into target...All flights but one made several passes over target before locating it...Bombed a target of opportunity because it was getting late....” Over Mayen, “...Gyro tumbled due to flak bursts around the ship. Decided to release on RR area...Personnel error...Unable (to) communicate with pilot interphone out...Our flight separated from box due to loss of power in one engine (icing)...Bombed casual after taking up heading back to base....” Splitting at lower half of vertical folds, toned, else very good. Very scarce. $70-100 (3 pcs.)

18-28. “The bullets sing over our heads...”: Massive Ensemble of over 500 Letters of U.S. Soldiers and Sailors.

A trove of over 500 letters to and from U.S. soldiers and sailors, almost all with envelopes, 1942-46, weighing over 20 lbs. An extensive resource of unpublished material for the writer (of both non-fiction and historical fiction), scholar, and as a teaching collection. Representing about six writers, with much correspondence to and from Wilmington, Del., plus Penna. and N.J. Some covers with free franks, censor markings, or on entires. About one-third of correspondence is to and from Pvt. John R. Rowe, Co. B, of the celebrated 49th Engineers [Combat Battalion], Platoon #3, [3rd Army], Camp Carson, Colo., later A.P.O. 403, Shreveport, La., and A.P.O. 230, N.Y. Mostly from his first twelve months, 1942-1943, describing the training that would soon be indispensible at one of the century’s greatest epochs: D-Day. Some six months following this correspondence, the 49th landed in the first wave at Utah Beach on D-Day, as part of Assault Force U, 110th Flotilla. In the Battle of the Bulge, Co. B notably constructed a 60-foot bridge, moving in and building it from scratch – working under mortar and shell fire for the entire two days. The 49th’s regimental history records Exercise Tiger, a “43 year coverup of the loss of 551 Army and 198 Navy personnel killed by German E boats”--6thcorpscombatengineers.com. Rowe’s 49th would be called the “Ghost Battalion” - always ahead or in the fight with other well known units, but somewhat forgotten in the writing of World War II history.

A few random samples, in Rowe’s effortlessly-readable hand: Mar. 13, 1943: “I was working in the pits putting up targets Fri. and you should hear the bullets sing over our heads...I used to wonder about the expression ‘like a hail of bullets,’ but that’s the way it sounds...just like hail hitting a tin roof....” • May 16, 1943: To his young son in Wilmington, “...You’ve got to be just as good a soldier back there, as I am out here....” • June 19, 1943: “We’ve had two false alarms...Our outfit is placed on the alert and on a given signal we have to tear down our tents, pack up and move out...I’m beginning to get quite tan...like a negro’s....” • Oct. 26, 1943: Describing war games in the Colorado mountains, “We were supposed to fight a delaying action battle against the 168th Infantry, and boy we set them crazy...Last night we blew craters in a road junction, then blew up a bridge and mined the surrounding area, and when they came to it this morning, we knocked out their scout car and two of their tanks, also plenty of their men with our machine guns and rifle fire....” • Jan. 31, 1944: From “Somewhere in England. I miss...the kids jitterbugging and their wisecracks...And do I miss Mom? Oh baby....” Rowe often signs with the three-dots-and-a-dash, “Until ..._ictory.” • Typewritten letter to Rowe on steel-engraved stationery of Allied Kid Co., Wilmington, likely his pre-war employer, from a lady friend with a writing style like Dashiell Hammett: “Do me a big favor? Just don’t mention that damned pension plan again...It’s a bigger mess than this war...You can imagine how this little floozie took that news. Bob Huston tried to avert cold blooded murder...The janitresses quit so that the office looks like the devil took a fit in it...Eddie Manelski and Joe Ducky both had babies - rather, their wives did. Seems to be an epidemic. I’d better get the hell away from here...The drying room lost its biggest attraction. Ruth Hindsley quit. Pretty soon this place is going to look like a home for the aged, what with the Army taking all our handsome young men (and I do mean you)...Ain’t it awful...Your sister-in-law. She’s cute, huh?...”

“Germany, Apr. 12, 1945” (lacking envelope): “We are moving through Germany so fast, we hardly get to see the names of the towns...We are going like hell. The Germans are stunned and amazed. They never thought an Army as large as ours could move this fast. We entered a town today and it was like watching an insane asylum turned loose. The slave labor that the Germans have had in this town was going crazy...I saw people hauling furniture, pots, pans, dresses, suits, bolts of cloth and millions of raincoats...People in their anxiety were loaded down with more stuff than they’ll ever be able to use. It was there, it belonged to the Germans, and they were free for the first time in 5 or 6 years. It was like a world gone mad...These Germans are scared to death. After all this time, that they’ve worked these people to death, starved and beat them, the tide has turned...This slave labor which the Germans brought here is a Frankenstein that has turned against them. And they are looking to the American Army to protect them from these people....” (It is likely that conditions for his correspondence in much of 1944 varied from impractical to impossible, hence absence of some dates from this hoard.)

What emerges even in an abbreviated review of the lot, in addition to well written news from camp and the field, is a palpable sense of family dynamics, and the strength of homefront spirit. Lot awaiting further study; an enticing opportunity for the writer, researcher, or collector seeking excellent value for money, and an activity bound to consume vast tracts of spare time! Condition understandably varies, some envelopes with postal wear, soiling, or tears where opened, but contents clean and generally very good to very fine. Cinematic potential. $400-650 (over 500 letters and envelopes of multiple writers)

18-29. The Last Man off Bataan.

Inscribed photograph of Philippine Gen. and Pres. Carlos Romulo, 8 x 10, shown leaning on stair rail, its spindles wrapped in rattan, perhaps in the Presidential Palace. “To Richard Condon of Ozone Park, N.Y., with the best wishes of...Philippines, Oct. 15, 1963,” on moderately light background. The last man off Bataan - site of the Death March, on Gen. MacArthur’s staff, Secretary Gen. of U.N., and Pulitzer Prize winner. Handling creases, probably from mail, else about very good, and a poignant pose. $90-120

18-30. “We Are Still Masters of our Fate.”

Staggering, complete boxed set of 12 LP recordings, “Winston S. Churchill - His Memoirs and his Speeches, 1918-1945,” comprising the original 1964 release, London Records. In original, British (racing) green, heavy-duty doored storage box, bearing label “...no. 1057 in this special numbered edition.” Each record in its original film-lined sleeve, with Churchill’s facsimile signature. Slipcase with full size, inlaid patinated sheet-brass title panel, with title in high relief. • Enclosing large-format, perfect-bound book, prepared especially to reside in box compartment, 11 3/4 x 11 3/4, 58 pp., profusely illustrated with historic photographs, on cream dull coated enamel. Speeches and addresses in this epic compilation, all in Churchill’s voice, include: 1918 Armistice: Follies of the Victors; Lurking Dangers - Adolf Hitler; Air Party Lost; The Causes of War; Mr. Eden’s Resignation; Collective Security - Munich; The First Month of War; Sinking of the Graf Spee; The Navy is Here; The Fall of the Government; The Battle of France and March to the Sea; The Deliverance of Dunkirk Commons - A Colossal Military Disaster; The Finest Hour - Home Defence; The Battle of Britain - Secret Session; The Atlantic Charter - Meeting with Pres. Roosevelt; We Are Still Masters of our Fate; Unconditional Surrender - This Is Your Victory; and more. Box with several modest superficial nicks on spine, retouchable with carefully matched PMS marker; slipcase with three short tears along top, framing metal inlay; else sample records viewed appear virtually as new, either handled by a connoisseur, or never played at all. Inordinately costly to produce, and one of the more substantial L.P. boxed sets of the era - of any description. $250-325 (Set of 12 records, in issuer’s box and slipcase, with book)

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19. Judaica & Nazi

 

19-1. “The Heretickes” of Judaism and other Sects – 1661.

Rare book in the annals of Judaica: Heresiography, or a Description of the Heretickes and Sectaries Sprang up in these latter times..., by Ephraim Pagitt, London, 1661. Sixth ed., 24 preliminary pp. + 279 pp. + index, 4 1/4 x 6 1/2, rebound in twentieth-century red buckram. Five partial-page “brasse plate” engravings of leading heretics. Woodcut headpieces. With “many new additions, not heretofore extant in print...(including) a large Letter written to Mrs. Trask to withdraw her from her Judaical Opinions, holding Saturday Sabboth, lately much spreading....” In 1656, the Jews had been permitted by Cromwell to return to England. This book devotes some 50 pages to the imprisonment of Mr. and Mrs. Trask and others, for their “Judaical Opinions” observing the Sabbath on Saturday. The Trasks may have obtained their concepts from the first Jews returning to England, ending centuries of expulsion. Including a speech delivered in Star Chambers against these Judaical Opinions, by Lancelot, late Bishop of Winchester. The Traskites among this early discussion of sects in England, also including Anabaptists, Jesuits, Divorsers, Familists, Antinomians, Seekers, Antisabbatarians, Robinsonians, and numerous others. Marginal toning, soiling, varied handling wear, but good plus, the binding flawless. RareBookHub reports a sparse market history, the most recent copies of any edition at Keys, a British auction (2013), then Swann (1979), Francis Edwards (1975), Sothebys (1949), Henkels (1914), Bangs (1896), Brinley (1879), and Bangs (1856). Only one copy any edition on abebooks (a 5th ed., in “poor” condition) at 750.00. No original copies worldwide of this edition located on WorldCat. English Printed Books 1641-1700. $950-1400

19-2. Assault on a Jewish New Yorker – 1728.

Early, unusual manuscript judgment of Mayor’s Court, City of N.Y., Dec. 4, 1728, regarding assault on Isaac Levy by Francis Silvester, “at the Dock.” 1 p., 7 1/2 x 15. “...did then & there beat, wound & evilly entreat so that of his life it was greatly despaired & other harm...against the peace...to the damage of the said Isaac £19 & thereof brings this Suit.“ The victim won his legal action: docketed “Judgment Entred.” Breaks but no separations at three horizontal folds, lightly browned, else about very good. $160-220

19-3. The Chief Rabbi on a pre-Statehood Land Dispute between “Foreign Settlers” and Arabs.

Historically potent T.L.S. of Abraham Kook, noted first Ashkenazic Pres. of Chief Rabbinate of the Holy Land, with unusual content on land litigation in Palestine, (Oct. 27, 1925). In Hebrew, with splendid signature. Also signed by Secretary Gen. Shmuel Aharon Weber. Full modern translation accompanies. Prophetically imprinted in masthead, “In the Holy City of Jerusalem may it be (re)built and (re)established.” To “...Head of the Exile Chief Rabbinate for the Jewish Community, G-d will live and preserve it / In the Holy City of Safed.” Kook’s letter is wrought with weighty, moving subtext. The colony discussed would have a history of enormous adversity, brief triumph, followed by tragedy between the two world wars – and ultimate abandonment.

Kook writes, “The Board of the Ein-Zeitim Colony has contacted us with a demand to be allowed to receive a land-lien loan mortgaging the foreign settlers’ land for payment of their share of the legal expenses in the trial of the Arabs’ descent on the Colony. Could the Honourable [name in Hebrew] investigate and demand ASAP whether or not the loan is necessary, or if it should be postponed until a message is sent from the Court to the Foreign Settlers with an extension...and a warning that if they fail to send it, the Court will give them a loan at the encumbrance of their estate with all the results of the bondage thereon, and if it does, then please allow the Board to borrow a sum of money that will prove to them its indispensability in the lien...and we will approve the aforementioned loan.”

The Ein-Zeitim Colony, established 1891 just north of the mystical city of Safed, was founded by members of the Seekers of Zion Society (Dorshei Zion), a Zionist pioneer group from Minsk. Having agricultural problems, they transferred their land to Baron de Rothschild, “with whose assistance 750,000 vines and many fruit trees were planted...The population in 1898 was 51. The 1922 census... recorded 37 inhabitants, consisting of 30 Jews and 7 Muslims. During the 1929 Palestine riots [just four years after this letter], three residents were killed, and the remainder left...”--wikipedia. Attempts to revive the village in 1933 and 1946 failed, eventually losing its entire remaining population and becoming part of a military base. The present letter is perhaps one of the only substantial primary source documents preserving the memory of this tiny colony, in the early decades of Zionism. Some handling wear, five punched holes at blank margins for binder, else good, and pleasing for display. Fresh to the market, from an old collection, assembled 1960s-80s. $375-525

19-4. Lampooning Hitler on the Home Front.

Two items: Humorous Last Will and Testament of Adolf Hitler of “Choimany.” Feb. 26-27, (1943), a printed giveaway to moviegoers at the Ravenna Theatre, probably N.Y., attending the “grand show” of “The Daring Young Man” starring Joe E. Brown, and “The Omaha Trail” with Pamela Blake and Dean Jagger. 8 1/2 x 11, black on buff. With 13 fanciful stipulations in Hitler’s imagined will, including: “To Goebbels and Goering, I leave 30 million marks (two dollars) to buy a gift for my mother and father who are getting married the day I die.” At bottom list of 13 similar requests is ad for two Hollywood movies at Ravenna theater. Reminding patrons that “this last will...is just wishful thinking and victory is still some ways off. In the meantime...relax and see this grand show.” Scarce ephemera, perhaps created by the theatre owner. Wrinkles at one corner, pocket folds, else about good. • Nazi newspaper, Reichssteuerblatt, Berlin, Sept. 18, 1937, 8 pp., 8 1/4 x 11 3/4. Eagle clutching swastika in masthead. Legal and government budgetary developments. Some toning, minor edge chipping, else good. $45-60 (2 pcs.)

19-5. From the Ruins of the Thousand-Year Reich, a Relic with the Dust of Defeat.

Nazi propaganda book, Jahrbuch des Deutschen Heeres, with text of Gen. von Brauchitsch and Maj. von Wedel, Leipzig: 1938. 6 1/2 x 9 1/2, 182 pp. 105 photographs. Drab-tan cotton over boards, red-stamped Nazi eagle and swastika. Printed on groundwood pulp, photos on white coated. With fascinating, detailed signed letter of provenance of then-Lt. Col. John Snead, Jr., General Staff Corps, describing his discovery of this volume: “...Near the end of May, 1945, I was a member of a 26-man Advance Party of the United States Group - Control Council sent to Berlin. The city was entirely Red Army occupied at that time. I was able to move freely throughout the devastated city to the extent that rubble from collapsing buildings had been pushed aside to make way for traffic. I drove my Jeep from the western edge of virtually total destruction...22 speedometer miles...I entered and explored Hitler’s bunker which was underground and very badly damaged by combat...Bits of German uniforms, especially lower sleeves and trouser legs burned off...were scattered everywhere...I noted a badly damaged library building nearby. Its roof had been destroyed...As I entered the building, a heavy rain began, obviously damaging the contents which included a very large number of books, most...identified as Hitler’s by his bookplate. I rescued a few books from the shelves on the ground floor and ran through the rain to my Jeep. Of these, one was [the named book offered here]. Its condition is partly, if not entirely, the result of the bombing and shelling of the library....” With copy of Snead’s Bronze Star commendation, for his “ground operations against the enemy....” Cover with some rain spots, spine covering torn but restorable, front inner hinge exposed but holding; text uniformly browned, else very satisfactory, with an almost cinematic provenance. $90-130

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20. Medical

 

20-1. Dorothea Dix to a Prospective Civil War Nurse: “Can you obey sometimes unreasonable orders?”

Assemblage of 49 manuscript and printed items relating to the Palmer family (linked to U.S. Grant’s), 1820-1917, their ancestral homes including Charleston, S.C. and Stonington, Conn. Including three scarce A.Ls.S. plus two related items of Dorothea Dix, celebrated head of U.S. Army nurses during Civil War, to whom Hannah L. Palmer applied and was accepted, these comprising: A.L.S. of D.L. Dix, Washington, Apr. 4, 1864, 7 3/4 x 9 3/4, 1 full p., with numerous words underlined by her (here in italic). To “My dear Miss Palmer, You are proposing for y(ou)rself a hard service - but yr. Letter makes me wish...to call you...I think y(ou)r...womanly spirit, and Christian virtue may do much good. Probably I shall send for you - if you can endure mental trials, privations, and but a few discouragements. Will you describe y(ou)rself rather exactly to me: are you large or small - delicate or apparently strong, physically? Can you obey sometimes unreasonable orders? Can you exercise tact and be silent when speech would not [allow] evils discussed? Let me hear from you soon. Yrs. cordially....” On verso, also in Dix’s hand: “I have already 3 good Miss Palmers in the Service: so y(ou)r name comes commanding your application to a certain extent.” Light internal tear at one fold junction, else excellent. • Original official envelope, evidently addressed in Dix’s hand, to “Miss H.L. Palmer (Nurse).” Steel-stamped franking signature of J.K. Barnes, Surgeon Gen. Pencil notation “Miss Dix,” presumed in recipient’s hand. Tear where opened at left, toned, some purse stains, but satisfactory. Barnes was Surgeon Gen. of the Army, 1864-1882, and attended Lincoln after Ford’s Theatre.

• Second A.L.S. of Dorothea Dix, in pencil, Washington, Apr. 13, (18)64, 7 3/4 x 10, 1 1/2 pp., on glazed, laid, blue-lined paper. From nurse Palmer’s papers (emphases are Dix’s): “Miss Palmer will at earliest day possible report for duty at 430 - 15th St., Washington. Transportation from Elmira(?) to this city is enclosed [not present]. Dress should be plain. Calico & Gingham dresses are worn by the Nurses. Plain linen color is neatest. Aprons are needed. Bonnet strongly fastened is preferred...Hats are objected to. Miss Palmer must judge what under-garments will be supplied for pursuing neatness of assuring personal comfort. Advisory for Washington...baggage check. Take St(reet) Cars in front of Depot and ask Conductor to let you off on 15th St. near N. York Ave., 2 doors north of which is 430 - 15th St. There you are to come. If unexpectedly delayed, write immediately...D.L. Dix.” With postscript. Much handling, modest toning, and 1 3/4” break at one fold, else good, and legible.

• Third A.L.S. of Dix, on her letterhead “Office of Women Nurses, U.S. Hospital Service,” Washington, Jan. 7, 1865, 5 x 8. “The Bearer Hanna(h) L. Palmer - a Nurse enrolled in the service of United States Genl. Hospitals - is entitled to purchase a Soldier’s Ticket for transportation, over any Military Boats in the United States. D.L. Dix,” as “Supt. U.S. Hospital Nurses.” Penned in rich brown. Some blind pillowing of central panel from her tight fold, else very fine and attractive. • Printed Circular signed-in-type by Dorothea Dix, Washington, July 14, 1862, 5 x 8, approved by Surgeon Gen. William A. Hammond. Setting the age bounds for Women’s Dept. nurses in military hospitals at 35 to 50. (Dix felt that younger nurses might be taken advantage of in such settings.) “Only women of strong health...not liable to sudden illnesses, need apply. The duties of the station make large and continued demands on strength. Matronly persons of experience...superior education and serious disposition, will always have preference; habits of neatness, order, sobriety, and industry, are prerequisites...Compensation, as regulated by act of Congress, 40¢ a day...Dress plain...without ornaments of any sort. No applicants accepted for less than three months’ service....” Excellent. Evidently meeting Dorothea Dix’s standards under fire, Hannah Palmer was on duty for nine months at Washington’s Columbia Hospital, under Dix’s direction. Becoming National Sec. of the National Association of Civil War Nurses. Palmer is included in Our Army Nurses: Interesting Sketches, Addresses, and Photographs of nearly 100 of the Noble Women..., by Mary A. Gardner Holland, 1895. • A.L.S. of D.H. Casback, Canastota (N.Y.), Apr. 25, 1864, 7 3/4 x 9 3/4, 1 p. To Hon. F.E. Spinner, Treasurer of U.S., Washington. Evidently nurse Hannah had applied for two jobs that month, anxious to serve her country; Spinner - known for his iconic signature on Civil War-era currency - was the first government figure to employ women in clerical jobs. “Allow me to introduce to you by letter Miss Hanna(h) L. Palmer, an intelligent, worthy, young lady of our village, whose loyalty and patriotism, has prompted her to tender her services to the Govt. of the U.S. As she is a stranger in your city, I take the liberty of referring her to you, knowing...your willingness at all times to do acts of kindness....” Excellent. Dorothea Dix’s job offer was realized first. • With orange envelope hand-delivered to Spinner, several large greenish-blue (ink?) spots, else very good.

The Palmer family arrived in Charleston, S.C., from England, in 1629, then moving to “Rehoboth, Plymouth Colony” in 1642, Seekonk, Mass. in 1645, and Pawcatuck, Conn., 1655. Some other highlights: Manuscript family genealogy, commencing with “Walter Palmer, born in 1580, the immigrant ancestor of the Stonington Palmers...,” to 1731. Much 17th century American detail. 8 x 12 1/4, 4 pp. In hand of Richard A. Wheeler, evidently a Stonington historian, to nurse Hannah Palmer, c. 1860-1880. Some tears, browning, else very satisfactory. • Manuscript list of birth, marriage, and death dates, variously, of family members 1704-1810. Judged penned c. 1825-40. Worn at folds. • Manuscript list of birth dates of Palmers, 1704-1780, “copied from the old Bible...” c. 1875-90. • Fascinating manuscript list, “Gen. U.S. Grant’s connection with your Palmer family is as follows...,” c. 1870. • Ornate engraved law license granted to Hannah’s father, Joseph S. Palmer, signed by Ambrose Spencer, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Judicature of N.Y., Oct. 27, 1820. Parchment, cream starburst seal on pale pink silk ribbon. Imprint of G. Fairman, Albany. Large vignette of Justice holding scale. Appealing natural mottling, and very good. Palmer was also a sheriff, farmer, justice of the peace, and postmaster. Hannah would not be born til 1827. • Printer’s specimen title page and index for Palmer Records - Proceedings...of the Palmer Family Reunion...,” Stonington, Conn., ancestral home of family since 1653, his descendants numbering thousands by the 1881 gathering, 8 pp. (two leaves). In duplicate. • Handbill-style invitation to 1882 reunion, with wildly ornate verso, one of the most spectacular examples of the late 19th-century typographers’ art we have handled. • Two highly ornate pictorial certificates of Hannah’s membership in Palmer Reunion Association, 1882, 6 1/2 x 9 1/2, consecutively numbered, the first with red rubber stamp correcting “Pawtucket 1653” to “Stonington...,” the second with the printing error corrected. Signed by three Palmer family members. • Draft will of nurse Hannah L. Palmer, Canastota, N.Y., Nov. 25, 1907, 3 pp., probably in her hand. • Handbill-size printing of “Pres. Lincoln’s Address at Gettysburg, Nov. 19, 1863,” 5 1/2 x 8 1/2, letterpress on warm cream, large Old English watermark “Essex Mills” (made by Hudson Valley Paper Co., Albany). Judged c. 1900-1915, perhaps around the golden anniversary, by a small upstate printer. Some toning, mailing folds, else good plus, and rare ephemera. • And other items. Most evidently bequeathed by Hannah to sister Mary Fox, once neighbors in Canastota, N.Y., Mary later in Azusa, Calif. Nurse Hannah never married; a photograph of her capable countenance is easily found online.

All items nicely arranged, unmounted, in large, attractive Light Impressions binder, tan sailcloth over boards, with green buckram tips. Dorothea Dix letters are elusive; RareBookHub reports only three at auction. $2000-2700 (49 items, in modern binder)


20-2. Psychiatrist in Lincoln Conspirator’s Trial embarks on Grand Tour – of Insane Asylums.

Unusual, extensive manuscript travel notebook, “Notes on Visit to European Hospitals,” entirely in the unusual but clear hand of (Dr.) Chas. H. Nichols, pioneering N.Y.C. psychiatrist (then termed medico-psychologists), who helped defend Lincoln assassination conspirator Lewis Payne at trial, pursuing the then-controversial diagnosis of moral insanity. July 6-Aug. 26, 1889, “Vol. I”. 7 x 9, 119 pp., blind-embossed loden green pasteboard covers. Penned in a uniquely styled but large, legible hand in brown, on leaves ruled in light blue. An detailed, eloquent account of his journey “by direction of the Governors of The New York Hospital,” first to Queenstown, Ireland, then many other Irish, Scottish, and English insane asylums, “for purpose of examining the plans, construction, fitting up and furnishing of some of the best, especially the most modern institutions for the insane in Great Britain and on the Continent of Europe,” to incorporate these features into the proposed buildings in White Plains, N.Y. “as substitutes for those at Bloomingdale in the City of N.Y...” (the now-forgotten name of that Manhattan neighborhood). Dr. Nichols planned to study architectural features which can be “introduce(d) into plans of a new department for the insane at New York Hospital...Inquire what system of sewage disposal is in use...Observe modes of management....” Beginning at the Lunatic Asylum in Cork, Nichols (and his wife, along for a most unusual summer vacation) noted a Turkish bath, an amusement hall, and new dining hall large enough to serve “all the patients of both sexes at one time...The wards are heated by open fires...The wards present a cheerless aspect, but probably more cheerful than the homes the great majority of patients have been accustomed to...Dr. Dugan attributes the absence of the insane odor...to use of Turkish baths...Five of six of the 1,000 patients being Catholics...This Institution...presents nothing for imitation in the new Bloomingdale, except...an infirmary and a Turkish bath...I saw in the kitchen the best provision for cooking potatoes, in a chamber fitted with steam under pressure, that I have ever seen anywhere...With his small ratio of attendants to patients would in all probability have his rate of mortality considerably increased if the (window) screens were removed... Patients of this Asylum appeared better nourished and more comfortable than they were when I visited five years ago....” The Nichols then visit the lunatic asylums in Dublin, “the officials of whom I made inquiry...spoke in an impulsive, rapid and, to me, indistinct manner....” Next arriving at St, Patrick’s Hospital, Ireland’s first institution for insane, established 1745, its physician was “absent at the sea-side with a party of his patients.” A nearby private asylum allows patients to reside there “for little or nothing” when their funds have been exhausted. Proceeding to facilities in Edinburgh, Yorkshire, Northampton, Gloucester, and elsewhere in England; their Continental inspections were evidently in subsequent notebook(s) which are lost. Old shelf markings on inside front board known to be ex-Medical Div., N.Y. Hospital, White Plains, N.Y. Covers separated at hinge score, first leaf and center signature shaken; first leaf toned, balance fine. Nichols began at Bloomingdale in 1849, and was an early Pres. of the American Medico-Psychological Association, 1873-79, then known as Association of Medical Superintendents of Institutions for the Insane. As of 1890, he is recorded as Medical Supt., Bloomingdale Asylum for the Insane, 112th St.--Polk’s Medical Register & Directory of the U.S., p. 740. Nichols passed away in Dec. 1889, his trip evidently a wearing experience. An impressive biographical sketch and flowery tribute appear in Annual Report of Dept. of the Interior, 1890. (His national stature originated from his 1852 selection by Pres. Fillmore to design and superintend construction of a government hospital “for the insane of the Army and Navy.”) Using a then-novel definition of insanity, Nichols examined and ultimately supported the legal defense of a Lincoln conspirator, Lewis Payne, who had stabbed Seward and four others. Nichols contended that Payne suffered from moral insanity. A substantial - and mesmerizing account of Nichols’ role at the trial appears in the modern book, The Abraham Man: Madness, Malingering, and the Development of Medical Testimony, by Lande. Quite fascinating; behind Nichols’ diplomatic posture are practical descriptions of the approaches of care for the insane approaching the end of the nineteenth century. $325-400

20-3. Groundbreaking Work on Insanity and “public asylums for maniacs.”

Fascinating book, A Treatise on Insanity, “in which are contained the principles of a new and more practical nosology of maniacal disorders than has yet been offered to the public...,” by Ph(ilippe) Pinel, termed the father of modern psychiatry in some sources. Translated from French by Dr. D.D. Davis. Sheffield (England): W. Todd, 1806. 5 x 8 1/4, (55) pp. translator’s introduction + 288 pp., rebound in early 20th-century in mocha buckram. Steel-engraved composite plate of head. Pinel was among the first to treat insane humanely; he dispensed with chains, placing his patients under care of specially selected physicians. This book considered one of the foremost medical classics, giving impetus to humanitarian treatment of the insane--Garrison & Morton’s Medical Bibliography: An Annotated Check-list of Texts illustrating the History of Medicine. “...Some of my unfortunate patients laboured under the horrors of a most gloomy and desponding melancholy. Others were furious, and subject to influence of a perpetual delirium... Symptoms so different, and all comprehended under the general title of insanity...Few subjects in medicine are so intimately connected with the history and philosophy of the human mind as insanity... Public asylums for maniacs have been regarded as places of confinement...The managers of those institutions, frequently men of little knowledge and less humanity, have been permitted to exercise toward their innocent prisoners a most arbitrary system of cruelty and violence...Regular physicians have indulged in a blind routine of inefficient treatment....” Case histories, discussion of types of insanity, and treatments. “The successful application of moral regimen exclusively, gives great weight to the supposition, that...there is no organic lesion of the brain nor of the cranium....” Unusual folding table of selected patients with their trade, cause, and behavior; including a gardener, his insanity brought on by “disappointment in love,” with “two relapses on seeing the beloved object.” Other cases provoked by “excessive ambition” and “loss of property” (albeit perhaps in the French Revolution). Curious late 19th century pencil notation on flyleaf, “We cannot draw a line between Sanity & Insanity....” Old manuscript notation on title page, “Property of New York Hospital.” At rear, gift and accession dates in 1884. Blind embossed impressions on flyleaf and half-title, “Medical Div., N.Y. Hospital, Westchester Div., White Plains, N.Y.” In pencil below, “Withdrawn 6-15-(19)73.” Library pocket removed at rear. Some discrete old pencil or ink brackets and check marks, to note text. It is reasonable that this book was handled by Dr. Nichols (see preceding lot). Average shelf wear, else internally with pleasing uniform cream toning, few leaves with minor dogears by reader, and about very fine. Hook & Norman II, 1704; Hunter & Macalpine, pp. 602-610; Garrison & Morton, 4922; Wellcome IV, p. 388. RareBookHub records eleven copies at auction, between 1940-2012, all but three of them before 1986. $500-750

20-4. Photograph of a Medical Wonder.

Unusual cabinet photographer with caption printed in gold on plum, “Barney Baldwin, Broken Neck Wonder - The only living man in the history of the world with a broken neck. Copyrighted 1888....” Ornate imprint on verso, “Eisenmann - Photographer, 18 W. 14 St., N.Y....” Showing the smiling medical miracle seated in studio, smartly dressed, holding cane, wearing a simple chin strap braced by an inverted-U apparatus over his cap. Purple tip chipped at blank lower left corner, upper right tip with neat, old glue repair on verso, some edge wear, else image a pleasing coffee-and-cream, and about very good. $60-80

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21. Legal

 

21-1. From the Reign of the Previous King Charles of England – 1663.

Manuscript legal document from reign of Charles II, (June?) 4, 1663, Midd(lese)x, now part of Greater London, 5 3/4 x 7 1/4. 6 lines text, in Latin. William Turner and John Wiggett, the sum of “6,000 Anglois,” and “Holland.” Signed twice by Will(iam) Howard, probably of the venerable “old English house standing at head of English Catholic nobility”--Webster’s Biographical. The only William Howard found in this timespan was beheaded for high treason, in 1680, entrapped in the Popish Plot, a fictitious conspiracy; his father, Thomas, was one of the first large-scale collectors in England, amassing statues, pictures, guns, coins, manuscripts, books, and more. A mortgage mentioning John Wiggett appears in the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust archives, 1698. Speckled foxing, grey album paper remnants at one blank edge on verso, else about very good. The recent ascension of the Prince of Wales to the throne has brought back the royal stature of King Charles (III). $65-85

21-2. From the Library of a Maryland Signer.

Book, Commentaries on the Laws of England, “Book the Second,” by William Blackstone. 12th ed., L. White and William Jones, Dublin: 1794. With ornamental printed ownership bookplate on front endpaper, “William Paca,” 2 x 3 1/4, pansy-style flowers in vinery oval (unsigned). 4 x 6 3/4, 524 + (19) pp. Appendix. Handsome original polished saddle-brown calf, two gilt on black spine labels. In custom-made, meticulously handcrafted folding enclosure, navy blue linen with robin’s-egg blue fancy-finish paper panels, in turn in complementary slipcase, navy linen with black goat-textured cloth, hubbed spine discretely gold-stamped “William Paca’s Copy,” red label. Pencil inscription on front flyleaf, “W.P. Kennedy, 1934.” At time of this book’s publication, Paca was U.S. District Judge for Maryland. He had been a member of Continental Congress, then Gov. of Md. late in the war. Front board detached, some foxing of spread with bookplate; internally, occasional minor foxing but generally clean, about 1/4” thickness of text block once indented (perhaps by corner of another book) but cosmetic only, one leaf wrinkled at lower right portion but complete and flattenable, else the binding a lovely tone for display, and internally about fine. Books from Signers’ working libraries have been perennially collected, and are fairly uncommon on the market. $250-350

21-3. Beginning with the First Act of the First Session of the First Congress.

Significant work, The Laws of the United States of America. In three volumes. Philadelphia: Richard Folwell, 1796. A comprehensive chronicle of laws of the new America, commencing with printing of Constitution, large ornate eagle woodcut, signed-in-type by “George Washington, Pres. and Delegate from Va.,” with names of all other delegates, and final resolutions of Constitutional Convention. Followed by all “Acts Passed at the First Session of the First Congress...begun and held at the City of New-York...fourth of Mar., ...1789...,” through Second Session of Fourth Congress, the early Acts signed-in-type by Washington and John Adams, Vice-Pres. and Pres. of Senate. Vol. 2 includes Declaration of Independence and Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union. Original full calf (repairs noted below), 4 1/2 x 7 3/4, 494, 576, and (478) pp., respectively, the latter plus an exhaustive unpaginated Index, attributed to Zephaniah Swift, “referring to all the volumes, and comprising in itself a complete Digest of all the Laws of the U.S.”--Evans. The full, contemporary text of laws, subjects including Aliens, Appropriations, Bank of the U.S., Coasting Trade, Copy-Right, Crimes, Debt of the U.S., Drawbacks, Duties, Fisheries, Seat of Government established, Relief in cases of imprisonment for Debt, Intercourse with foreign Nations, Intercourse with Indian Nations, Judiciary of the U.S., Legislature of the U.S., Military Establishment, Mint, Navy, Patents, Post-Office and Post-Roads, President of the U.S., Registry and Recording of Vessels, Seamen, Depts. of State, Treasury, and War, and Western Lands. Treaties, some with facing pages in French and Dutch; “Armistice Declaring A Cessation of Hostilities between the U.S. and Great Britain”; “...Treaty between the U.S...and the Sachems and Warriors of the Six Nations”; “Treaty of Amity and Commerce between His Majesty the King of Prussia and the U.S...”; treaties with “...the Head-Men and Warriors of the Cherokees” (“They shall also restore all the Negroes...”), Choctaw, Chickasaw, Shawanoe, Creek, and Delaware Nations, Emperor of Morocco, King of Spain, et al; Convention with His Most Christian Majesty [France]; printing of Northwest Territory Ordinance, and more. Volumes showing considerable shelf wear and use, scuffing, most tips rounded, foxing varying from absent to light to tortoise-shell. Vol. I: red spine label intact, wear at outer hinges, light mousechew at rear, else internally fine and clean. Vol. II: boards once detached, old repair with strips of brown linen, this glue now dry, title page reattached with old strip of white muslin, covering “U” of “United,” upper right portion of title page lacking, internally lightly foxed to fresh in places. Vol. III: inverted geometric cross scribed on cover, spine and hinges recovered in old brown linen, a window made for spine label, title page reattached with old strip of white muslin, two edge fragments of title page lacking, but affecting one letter only; most of text fresh, notwithstanding use (interesting provenance). Evans 31356, 32973. Sabin 39424. Core Americana. $700-1000 (3 vols.)

21-4. A Future Chief Justice handles a Breaking and Entering Case.

Interesting A.D.S. of young lawyer R(oger) B. Taney, who as Chief Justice would issue majority opinion in Dred Scott case. (Maryland), Jan. 15, 1813, 5 1/4 x 7 3/4. Entirely in Taney’s hand, in coffee-and-cream on rich ivory: “Jacob Wolfe vs. Henry Barkis. Trespass for breaking and entering plaintiff’s store, pulling down and destroying plaintiff’s fence, and with his cattle tearing(?) down, consuming and destroying ptff.’s grass. Mr. Ritchie - Issue as above....” Edge toning, else about fine. Attorney General, and advisor to Andrew Jackson, Taney’s appointments as Sec. of Treasury and a year later as Associate Justice were unconfirmed and rejected by the Senate, respectively. Soon after, he garnered confirmation as Chief Justice, succeeding legal titan John Marshall. In large part because of Taney’s role in the Dred Scott case, his name remains conspicuous in Supreme Court history. See following lot for Jacob Wolfe’s manumission of his slaves. $450-600

21-5. Two Negro Men Set Free by Jacob Wolfe – the plaintiff in Taney’s Court in above lot.

Manuscript document attesting that “the Negroes Anthony Junior and Stephen who are now before me, are the same that were manumitted and set free by Jacob Wolfe by his deed of Manumission dated 6th May 1819.” As sworn by John Wickham “on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God....” Frederick County, Md., Sept. 30, 1829 (ten years on), 7 1/4 x 8. Wickham is mentioned in the modern work The First Emancipator: Slavery, Religion, and the Quiet Revolution of Robert Carter, by Andrew Levy. Signed by (Justice of Peace) George Rohr, a member of the “Old Defenders of Baltimore,” an Orderly Sgt. in 3rd Regt. Md. Militia, mustering to that city’s defense in the period in which Key penned the words to the “Star Spangled Banner,” in Sept. 1814. Deckled at top. Three corrections in Rohr’s hand, uniform cream toning, else very good. Single documents manumitting more than one person are uncommon. $140-170

21-6. Murder he Wrote? A Book from Francis Scott Key’s Library.

Book bearing variant Key signature on front endpaper, “F.S. Key” in walnut brown, in a volume from his working law library: A Practical Abridgment of American Common Law Cases, argued and determined in the Courts of the Several States, and the United States Courts, “from the earliest period to the present time...,” by J.D. Wheeler, N.Y.: 1834 (Key’s tenure as U.S. Attorney for District of Columbia had begun the previous year, running til 1841, while continuing to handle his own clients). Vol. III (only), 5 3/4 x 9 1/2, 591 pp., saddle-brown polished calf, blind-stamped chain-link border framing boards, black and red spine labels. “Key” neatly penned at top of spine, perhaps in his hand. “Key” stamped in black at tail of spine, by binder, just above a narrow black label gold-stamped “Sulzbacher,” presumed the bookseller. Few pp. dogeared for reference; curiously, the book falls open to pp. 278-279, containing brief synopsis of a 1785 Maryland murder case.

It is intriguing to note that one year after this book’s printing, Key found himself prosecuting the very first attempt to kill a President - the failed assassination of Pres. Jackson on the steps of the Capitol. It is fascinating to speculate on whether the murder case which evidently attracted Key’s attention, colored his legal thinking on the attempted murder of the President. Some darkening of spine from his hand in repeated reference, covers with moderate shelf wear, some ink and coffee spots; internally a minority of leaves with foxing, balance generally fresh, and overall very good plus. The original glue securing the signed endpaper to front board has imparted a rather flattering pale caramel tortoise-shell mottling, adding unintended eye appeal to his signature. In addition to his renown for writing the lyrics of “The Star Spangled Banner,” Key’s family tree would include Chief Justice Roger Taney - his brother-in-law - and the writer whose full name was Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald.

RareBookHub reports 25 Key and Key-related items at auction, but none were books from his library (nor were any copies of this edition found, of any volume). Rare thus, and a splendid conversation piece, with considerable display patination. A splendid item, clearly handled by Key numerous times. Key’s law office in Frederick, Md. survives. $400-500

21-7. Sued by “The King” in New York City.

Colonial manuscript legal bill for services rendered in case of “The King ag. John H. Lydins - For Intrusion - Costs,” itemizing £272 in charges in N.Y. Supreme Court, Jan.-May 1762. 7 pp., 6 1/2 x 8 1/4. Voluminous listing of legal services and fees, 25 to 35 line-items per page. Including “Copy of Proceedings before the Council £1.8.6...Attendance & examining Wm. Rogers, Witness for the King, previous to the Trial 10...Copy & engrossing 7.11.6, Parchment 10... Argument on part of the Crown 16.6, Motion that Defendts. Council reply by first Thurs. 5...Copy of Paper Book to Defts. Attorney 3.15.9....” Lengthy list of other witnesses, including David Schuyler, Anthony Van Schaick, Nicholas De La Vergne, et al. Browned, brittle, chipping at top and bottom affecting text, affecting about six lines in all, else penned in rich brown in a legible hand, and satisfactory. Splendid for display in a law office. $65-85

21-8. An Imposing Jury – including George Washington’s first Postmaster General.

Manuscript court document, Mar. 27, 1793, signed by John McKesson, Clerk of N.Y. Supreme Court, listing panel of 24 jurors “struck,” with their occupations, “gentleman,” “merchant,” “distiller,” “druggist,” “auctionier,” “grocer,” etc. Including noted New Yorkers Henry Rutgers, Samuel Osgood (served at Lexington & Concord, first Commissioner of U.S. Treasury, and first Postmaster General of U.S.), Nicholas Cruger, and members of Stevenson, Dickinson, Ludlow, Brinckerhoff, Platt, Barnewall, Clarkson, and other families. McKesson’s flamboyant signature and paraph rivalling that of another John – Hancock. A political confidante of George Clinton, McKesson was Sec. to both N.Y.’s Provincial Congress and the colony’s Committee of Safety, and in July 1776 as Register of the Court of Admiralty. From the new State Assembly’s very first session in 1777, til 1794, McKesson served as Clerk of N.Y. State Assembly, meeting first in Poughkeepsie, then Kingston (the first capital of N.Y. State), N.Y.C. (first capital of the new United States), and Albany. Docketing notes jury sworn and case tried three weeks later. Some toning, else about very good. • Joined with a single thread and blind-embossed wafer seal to case’s “Plea of Trespass,” this curiously on vellum, 3 x 8 3/4. The fine text light but legible with deliberation, some pale orange and edge dust-toning, else satisfactory. $180-220 (2 pcs.)

21-9. Order in the Court – 19th Century Manhattan.

Substantial gathering of 48 legal documents from N.Y.C. and Brooklyn, 1870-1896, mostly 1888-up (plus one 1859), primarily N.Y. Supreme Court orders resolving varied cases, including discontinuance, plus a few show causes. Parties include Brooklyn Heights Railroad Co., Brookside Knitting Co., Supreme Sitting Order of the Iron Hall, Dunnelle Van Schaick (8 pcs.), et al. Variously manuscript or (early) typewritten. Signed by many lawyers, law firms, judges, and court officers of late 19th century N.Y. Mostly multi-page, folded, in partly printed filing wrappers. Some related sheaves tied in original plum grosgrain ribbon. Some with file and handling wear, occasional tears, six with mouse nibbles along top edge, else generally good to very good. Much reading for the legal historian. The moderately lengthy specimens of 19th-century typewriting are especially interesting. $120-180 (48 pcs.)

21-10. Battle of the Beer Vats.

Court documents involving prominent New Yorkers, N.Y.C., 1888-1896, comprising seven N.Y. Supreme Court filings involving three separate cases, one an order and consent of executor of Samuel J. Tilden’s estate, filed by Carter & Ledyard, counsel for plaintiff John Bigelow vs. N.Y. Balance Dock Co. (Tilden resided in Yonkers in a 99-room mansion, built by the same architect as the considerably smaller Cohasco building.) Most with several pages, bound within filing wrappers, with court markings. • Four interesting affidavits in case of Euphemia E. Kennedy, plaintiff, vs. William H. Burr. Involving disputed irregular sale of Burr’s brewery and its vats containing 5,000 barrels of beer. Role of noted attorney Samuel Untermyer mentioned as defense’s co-counsel. Burr asserts collusion between plaintiff and the sheriff conducting seizure and auction of brewery. A Chicago investor claiming ownership of the beer stated he was alerted by “Mr. De La Vergne” that the beer would be spoiled since its vats were to be sold separately. This may have been the proprietor of the then-world-famous De La Vergne engine works in the South Bronx, maker of massive stationery motors for breweries and powerplants; a single piston in one of their engines weighed over 100 pounds. (In a turn of history, Untermyer bought the Tilden estate, included the finest Persian garden in the Western hemisphere, recently restored. The 99-room mansion’s foundation is still visible in one spot.) Some dust-toning of wrappers, moderate handling wear, else good plus. The full story is likely to be highly interesting. $70-100 (7 pcs.)

21-11. An International Bankruptcy – 1808.

Manuscript document signed by 9 parties and witnesses, including principals of Brandram Templeton and Co., City of London, July 2-4, 1808, 3 pp. Appointing N.Y.C. merchants James Lenox and William Maitland as their attorneys, to obtain discharge of James Robertson of N.Y.C., in insolvency dispute. (Maitland had also been partner of William Seton, cashier of the recently-chartered Bank of N.Y., and husband of the future Saint, Elizabeth Seton.) Very fine impression of blind-embossed £1 British tax stamp at top; City of London notary wafer seal on p. 3; four wafer seals. Nibble at blank bottom left corner, light edge toning, else very fine. $45-60

21-12. A Scion of a Founding Father in a Landlord-Tenant Case.

Manuscript court opinion in named Supreme Court case, probably N.Y., n.d. but c. 1830s, 3 pp., 4 3/4 x 7 3/4, regarding motion by Robert L. Livingston to set aside default judgment, because his lawyer had left on a journey without rescheduling a trial. “Livingston asks that the default of the Court be set aside, and that he be permitted to defend as Landlord instead of the Tenant. We disclose enough to admit us to defend...not only without paying costs, but also that we have the benefit of our motion with costs...We do not now pretend that the default was irregular. We were mistaken as to the nature of the rule.” Minor fraying along blank top edge, toning at two folds, else V.G. The only “Robert L.” presently identified was born in 1812, great-grandson of the Robert Livingston who was final Lord of Livingston Manor. Robert L.’s involvement in this landlord-tenant case may suggest the “Anti-Rent Riots” of 1839, bringing to an end a two-hundred-year run of a feudal manorial colony in upstate N.Y. Scion of the famed Livingston family, including Robert R., one of the Committee of Five who drew up the Declaration of Independence. $80-110

21-13. Widows and Orphans Evict the Landlords.

Manuscript D.S. of James M. Hughes, Master in Chancery, of N.Y. Chancery Court, ordering sale at Tontine Coffee House of certain lots in downtown Manhattan, on behalf of mortgagee, “Corporation for Relief of Widows, and Children of Episcopal Church Clergymen in North America,” Jan. 19, 1802. 2 pp., 7 3/4 x 12 1/2. Property bounded by “the street called Van de Water”; two other lots “on the North side of Dock St. in the Dock Ward” of N.Y.C., variously of Anthony Ten Eyck, Andrew Varick, and Robert C. Livingston, “running to the little street which runs from Dock to Duke St....” The streets referred to were ancient even then. Signer Hughes was also Brig. Gen. of postwar N.Y.S. Militia, the commanding officer of members of N.Y.’s vaunted Cruger, Jay, Laight, and Wyckoff families. Toning of filing panel, light handling evidence, else about fine. $65-85

21-14. Fifty Cents on the Dollar, and other Legal Problems.

Group of interesting manuscript legal documents, N.Y.: Deposition, N.Y. Supreme Court of Judicature, Jan. 16, 1824. 3 pp. of questions + 5 pp. responses, in case involving $1,364.56 draft in favor of firm Robertson & Palmer, and left by defendant for collection. Only 50¢ on the dollar was offered in payment. 8 x 12 1/2. Interrogatories in Prosper Hosmer vs. Benjamin Babcock, administered by Charles H. Phelps and Artiman Hill. Signed by Dan. Lord, Jr., defense attorney, by three court commissioners (twice each), et al. Remnants of original canvas ribbon tie. Some chipping of bottom of first leaf, dust-toning of last leaf, some browning, edge wear at two folds, but still very satisfactory. • Ms. D.S. of John Webbers, grocer, and Oliver Webbers, “City farmer,” Oct. 28, 1787. Bond pledging to pay £172, 15 Shillings, 6 pence “Current Money of City of N.Y.”; debt will be voided if they pay the City £85, 7 shillings, 9 pence by Apr. 28, 1788. 1 p., 8 x 13 1/2. Two red wax seals. Also signed by witnesses Jno. Cozine and prominent merchant and Master of Chancery Francis Arden. Variously separated or nearly separated at folds, toned to tan, two offset stains from seals, else satisfactory. • N.Y.C. Mayor’s Court Judgment. William Moses vs. John Matthews, 1785. 1 1/2 pp., 7 1/2 x 12. Payment of debt in “Current Silver money of this Citty.” Likely British watermark showing rampant lions flanking coat of arms. Lacking bottom half of second leaf, two large waterstains, browned, split, and old tape. • N.Y.C. Mayor’s Court Judgment. Cornelius Crow vs. Paul Barwell, July 27, 1760. 2 pp., 7 1/2 x 12. Payment of £23 “for the Works and Labor, Art & Industry” of plaintiff Crow, asserting that Barwell “craftily...to deceive and defraud....” Attorney Whitehead Hicks was future Mayor of N.Y.C., 1766-76, and the first to appear before a committee of N.Y. Provincial Congress investigating domestic enemies in 1776. In his questioning two weeks before July 4th, Hicks conceded his loyalty to the King, and was obliged to resign, and placed on parole. Waterstained bands along two folds, soiling of docket panel, else surprisingly fine. $100-140 (4 pcs.)

21-15. After a Fire, a Hudson, N.Y. Merchant offers Land to Pay Debt.

Gathering of manuscript folio leaves assigning lands in payment of debts owed by Samuel Wigton, Hudson, N.Y. merchant and prominent Methodist clergyman. Wigton had recently been arrested; amounts owed the others “cannot now ascertain on account of the loss of his books...by fire.” “Broome County, late in Tioga,” N.Y., Mar. 29, 1809. 10 pp., 10 x 17, plus 2 pp. memorandum, Apr. 8, 1809, bearing five button seals. Sewn with pale green ribbon. Foreclosing land to Henry Ten Broeck (though signing as Ten Brook), Thomas V(an) Antwerp, and Jeremiah F. Randolph, of N.Y.C.; signed by all. Property to be auctioned in N.Y.C. if not otherwise resalable. Also signed by witnesses Jno. A. Dunlap and Wm. S. Stitt. Parties Daniel Smith and Abraham Russell not signing. Last two leaves split along spine, breaks along some horizontal folds, outer leaf with large hole at blank spine, modest edge wear, but still very good. $65-85

21-16. Dueling Lawyers in Cherry Valley.

Letter of William Becker, “Attorney for Defts. in Error,” Springfield (N.Y.), Oct. 20, 1824, to William Davis, Albany, in case of “The Judge of Herkimer ad(ministrator) - heirs of Rich(ar)d Van Horne.” 1 1/2 pp., 7 3/4 x 12. Integral address-leaf, with tiny “C(herry) Valley” brownish-red straightline postmark, manuscript “Paid 10.” Color unrecorded in American Stampless Cover Catalog, 3rd ed., 1978. “Mr. Seelye of Cherry Valley has given me notice...Mr. Conklin of your City has Seelye’s papers. And it is agreed...to submit the motion without argument...I deem it unnecessary to read the papers served...I wish to oppose the motion in toto, but principally to avoid the payment of costs. I think there is no merit....” Very light toning, else about fine. • Petition to “Justices of (N.Y.) Supreme Court of Judicature,” Dec. 30, 1816, 2 pp., 7 1/2 x 12 1/2. signed by Henry Markell, W.L. Cochran, and John Beardslee, of Manheim, Montgomery County. “There is no person in said town authorized to take affidavits to be read in the Supreme Court; and that citizens of said town, when they are necessitated to take such affidavits are subjected to great inconveniences; and further saith not....” Seeking appointment of Luther Pardee as Commissioner, to take affidavits in future. Toning, some ink droplets (three different inks used), else about very good. $50-70 (2 pcs.)

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22. Military

 

22-1. “Martial appearance will be made...” characterizing “the American Soldiery.”

Manuscript Army military orders, retained copy evidently in hand of Capt. Saml. Bliss. Third Division, Plymouth (County, Mass.), Aug. 8-15, 1797, 1 1/2 pp., 7 1/2 x 12 1/4. “A Division Court Martial will be held at house of Maj. Abiel Washburn in Middleborough, County of Plymouth...for the trial of Lt. Saml. Read of 2nd Regt...,” presided over by Lt. Col. S. Lorell, 3rd Regt., 1st Brig., and Maj. N. Hayward, Judge Advocate...The Brigade Maj... will deliver the Arrest....” Also expressing Maj. Gen.’s determination to put a stop to irregularities in election of company officers, directing all elections to be conducted by law. Stipulating separate parades of four regiments: “The Corps of Cavalry and Artillery will also parad(e) with the Regts... Lord’s Day excepted...The 2nd & 3rd Regts. will parade by towns this fall...The Maj. Gen. observes with much concern by the Annual Returns...a deficiency of Arms and Accoutrements...and in General of that of Bayonets and Cartridge boxes, articles easy to be obtained and absolutely necessary for Service...[The Maj. Gen.] flatters himself that martial appearance will be made in the field this fall, which has hitherto characterized the American Soldiery....” Clerical signatures of Maj. N. Hayward, aide de camp, and Maj. Wm. Sever, 2nd Brigade, 5th Div., ordering all vacancies of officers be “immediately filled agreeable to the spirit of the above.“ 1” tear along center fold, some foxing, modest edge wear, else about very good. $65-90

22-2. A Revolutionary War Privateer on the Eve of the War of 1812.

A.L.S. of George Cabot, a fascinating, colorful character, friend of the Founders, and a director of First Bank of the U.S. In his hand: “Office of Trustees of the late B(ank of the) U(nited) States,” Boston, May 21, 1812. 7 1/2 x 9 3/4, 1 full p. To George Simpson. “The bearer Mr. Payson, our late Teller, is charged with the Certificates of 2,019 shares in the Stock of the B.U.S. & with powers...to receive the dividends...Well satisfied with the safety of this arrangement as to think it unnecessary to associate any other person with Mr. Payson in the trust....” One week earlier, Madison had been nominated for Pres.; on June 1, he sent a war message to Congress, and the die was cast. Irregular left margin with no loss of text, loss of blank upper and lower right tips, some chipping, light toning, else about very good, and darkly penned. Going to sea by age 16, within five years Cabot was captain of his own ship. During the Revolution, Cabot ships were privateers, raiding British vessels to help finance the war. A member of the 1775 Mass. Provincial Congress, Cabot was a delegate to 1787 U.S. Constitutional Convention. A friend of Hamilton, Hancock, and Sam Adams – but not of Jefferson, who accused Cabot of seeking dissolution of the Union, and desiring a President for life and an hereditary Senate. Appointed by Pres. John Adams as America’s first Sec. of Navy, Cabot declined. Uncommon: after the War of 1812, Cabot “made no further public appearances and no longer maintained his correspondence with public figures”--The Life and Letters of George Cabot, by his great-grandson Henry Cabot Lodge, 1877. $120-160

22-3. Counting “Musquets” in War of 1812 – on the Day 1,000 Americans were Lost.

War of 1812 manuscript equipage report, “Return of Co. in 11th Regt., 3rd Brigade, and 1st Div. of Militia in Newhampshire” (note usage), docketed Oct. 13, 1812 – the day the “U.S. severely defeated in attack upon Canada at Queenstown, 1,000 men lost”--An Encyclopedia of American History in chronological order, Kull & Kull. 8 x 12 1/2. Totalling equipment of officers and men, including “1 Captain...3 Drums & Fifes, 40 Rank & File, 30 Musquets, 49 Bayonets, 49 Cartridge Boxes, 49 Scabbards & Betts, 50 Flints, 49 Haversacks, 49 Canteens.” General foxing, darker along three folds, small nibble at one blank margin, else satisfactory, with character for display. $90-120

22-4. 101 Rules of the Army in War of 1812.

Pamphlet, “An Act for Establishing Rules and Articles for the Government of the Armies of the United States,” (with “Rules and Regulations of War Dept.” and “Laws of the U.S., Relating to the Military Establishment”). Printed by R.C. Weightman, Washington City: 1812. 4 x 6 3/4, 88 pp. Deckled two edges. The copy of Capt. William Beatty, 25th Regt., signed twice by him, on title and last pages. Freshly enacted by Congress, the 101 rules earnestly recommend “all officers and soldiers diligently to attend divine service; and all officers who behave indecently, or irreverently at any place of divine worship” shall be court-martialed. Military chaplains absent without leave, and soldiers using “contemptuous or disrespectful words against the President...” shall be brought before a court-martial. “Any officer or soldier who shall strike his superior officer, or draw or lift up any weapon...shall suffer death....” Detailed rules on wide variety of other conduct and deportment, including desertion, false muster “of man or horse,” incitement to fight a duel, prohibition against sale of liquor to soldiers, legal procedures for capital crimes committed by soldiers, “any centinel found sleeping upon his post...shall suffer death,” forbidding destruction of citizens’ property while on the march, and much more. Signed-in-type by Thomas Jefferson when first approved 1806. Marginal toning throughout, nibble at blank upper right edge of title leaf, else internally fine and fresh, appearing little-used. Set in modern rubine red felt-finish endleaf-grade paper wrapper. Very scarce. $140-180

22-5. War of 1812-era Manual for Infantrymen - on a “Rational Method.”

A Hand Book for Infantry: Containing the First Principles of Military Discipline, founded on Rational Method...For the use of the Military Force of the U.S..., by William Dwayne [also spelled Duane in bibliographical sources], Adjt. Gen. in Army of U.S. Philadelphia: 1814. 5 1/2 x 8 3/4, 112 pp., 9 copperplate engravings (evidently lacking two or three); original moss-green pasteboard covers. Two period signatures of Samuel G. Demarest, one dated Mar. 15, 1816, with his manuscript listing of manual of arms penned on rear endpaper. Much worn throughout, covers with handling; text scorched and browned, foxing, but at least a satisfactory reading copy with considerable character, clearly carried with him, and studied and consulted extensively. • Found nested inside, manuscript receipt, “Cloaster” (likely Closter, N.J.; Samuel and other Demarests were prominent settlers in northern N.J.), Apr. 28, 1825, 3 1/4 x 7 3/4, Demarest paying Isaac Van Valen “20 Shilling(s) on a note....” Signed with recipient’s “X.” On verso, 32-line manual of arms in a fine hand. Very scarce. Only reprints currently on Abebooks. $70-100 (2 pcs.)

22-6. Americans “compelled to fly...lighted by the fires of their own houses....”

War of 1812-era printed “Speech of the Hon. Daniel Webster...,” House of Representatives, Jan. 14, 1814, 5 1/4 x 8 1/2, 13 pp. Webster’s first important speech as a new arrival in Congress, objecting to the bill “for filling the ranks of the Regular Army...” by offering a “very extraordinary bounty.” Reading almost any passage at random conveys Webster’s oratorical brilliance. “...It is too true that the frontier is invaded; that the war, with all its horrors...is brought within our own territories...the inhabitants...compelled to fly, lighted by the fires of their own houses, or to stay and meet the foe, unprotected by any adequate aid of government....” Alexandria imprint. Some foxing and wear, lacking blank corners of two leaves (perhaps when folded press-sheet opened by an early reader), else about good. Shaw & Shoemaker 33618. Sabin 102259. Not in MU Daniel Webster Speeches Collection. $60-85


The Summer of 1814 – Setting the Stage for the “Star Spangled Banner”

22-7. Pursuit of the British after Burning the White House and Capitol Building.

Significant D.S. of naval hero J(ohn) Rodgers, written in the heat of crisis, Baltimore, Aug. 30, 1814, urgently requesting the horses and equipment needed for his sailors to chase the British on land, after they had burned Washington. The final time that a foreign power captured the nation’s capital, the scorched hulk of the President’s Mansion required whitewash, giving rise to the designation White House. 7 1/2 x 9 3/4, as “Com(mo)d(o)re & Bri(ga)d(ie)r / Command(ing),” to “James Beatty, Navy Ag(en)t.” In full: “Required for the purpose of purchasing Horses and furniture [accoutrements] for the use of the Navy officers doing duty on shore, and for conting(en)t Expenses the sum of two thousand Dollars.” Clerical notation below, “Received Baltimore, 30th Aug. 1814 from James Beatty...$2,000 for the above...purposes and for which I am to acct. with the Navy Dept.,” with flamboyant signature of S(amuel) Hambleton, Purser. Rodgers’ title, in his hand, suggests that he was a commodore by sea, and a general officer by land, a rare combination.

The situation on Aug. 30 - the date of this document - was beyond dire. The British destruction of Washington was massive, the flames continuing for four days, finally extinguished but the city further damaged by a thunderstorm and tornado. Walter Lord writes, in his classic work, The Dawn’s Early Light: “(Rodgers) himself was a tower of strength these trying days. As senior officer of the U.S. Navy, his presence alone gave new heart to Baltimore, while his 300 seamen from Philadelphia were the first tangible evidence that help was on the way...(On) Aug. 30, Commodore Rodgers and the naval contingent left briefly in their futile attempt to stop the British squadron on the Potomac; (Sam) Smith fumed and stormed, urging Rodgers to come back immediately. Aug. 31, Q.M. Paul Bentalou announced he had no money and could get none from the War Dept...That same day he scored an especially characteristic stroke when the War Dept. ordered five 18-pounders at Fort McHenry to be transferred to Washington...Few of these reinforcements brought much equipage...Q.M. Bentalou was bombarded with demands for horses...(including) 14 for the Marines, 16 for Rodgers’ seamen. The Navy contingent, understandably, was unprepared for this kind of shore excursion, but Deputy Commissary Officer James Calhoun performed heroics in filling their needs. Somewhere he got them tents, canteens, camp kettles, knapsacks, all the things no one else could find...Hundreds of militia were without shoes...most of the Penna. companies didn’t even have ammunition...”--Lord, pp. 232-236.

At sea by age 13, by special permission in 1799 Rodgers sailed for Santo Domingo, saving many lives during a slave insurrection. In 1805, he compelled Tripoli and Tunis to sign a treaty abolishing slavery of (mostly white) Christians, and the levying of tribute on European powers. While in New York waters in 1811, a British vessel hailed by Rodgers responded with a shot. Rodgers damaged his opponent, but the incident is said to have helped provoke the War of 1812. In the Summer of 1814, as shown in the present document, he came to the rescue to defend Baltimore, his sailors serving on land. Two weeks after penning this request to pursue the British, the words to the “Star Spangled Banner” would be famously written by Rodgers’ fellow patriot, Francis Scott Key (note lot 22-9). Edge chipping at upper right, affecting final letter on three lines; blank lower left and right tips lacking, light uniform ivory toning, else very good. Dramatic. $700-900

22-8. An Army of 2 – a Fifer and Drummer – Save the Day.

Manuscript slip, “Abbie the Drummer, one of the American army of two in the War of 1812, we drove from our Shore two British Barges, Saved two large Vessels laden with Flour from Capture, and Crew from Prison, with fife and Drum. Abbie Bates, age 83, Scituate Harbor, Mass.” 4 x 4 3/4, n.d. but c. 1875. Penned on cream sheet, ruled in water blue, blind-embossed “Evadine” stationer’s crest; presume trimmed by Bates from larger sheet to conserve paper. Break but no separation at bottom of old vertical fold, else fine. Suitable for display. $225-275

22-9. With Period Account of Bombardment of “Fort M’Henry.”

Book, History of the American War of 1812, “from the Commencement, until the final Termination thereof...at New Orleans...,” printed by M’Carty & Davis, Philadelphia, 3rd ed., 1817. 4 1/4 x 7, 252 pp., plates, including copperplate frontispiece of “The brave Brig. Gen. Zebulon M. Pike, Who gloriously fell in his County’s cause Apr. 27, 1813, at York in Upper Canada.” Full calf, original red spine label. On front and rear endleaves, bold inscriptions of reader Henry Shannon, “his Book and hand and Pen, Jan. the 2 Day 1819,” and “his Book bought in Milton, Jan. 2, 1819...,” respectively. Signature of John Shannon on a flyleaf. Including “the Fall of Michillimackinack,” “Policy of Britain and America towards the Indians,” “Massacre at Chicago,” “Character of the American navy,” “Escape of the Constitution,” “Destruction of the Indian towns on the Wabash,” “Expedition against the Florida Indians,” “Attack upon Buffalo,” “Effects resulting from the burning of Washington, in Europe and in the U.S.,” “Bombardment of Fort M’Henry,” “Battle of New Orleans,” “Peace between American and Great Britain,” “Lessons taught by the war,” and much, much more. Describing the scene which inspired the “Star Spangled Banner”: “...On the 13th, about sunrise, the British commenced the attack from their bomb-vessels, at the distance of about two miles...The batteries at the fort were opened in return, but the firing soon ceased on the part of the Americans, as it was found that all the shot and shells fell considerably short. This was a most distressing circumstance to the troops in the fort, as it compelled them to remain inactive, though exposed to a constant and tremendous shower of shells...During the night, whilst the bombardment was most severe...From fifteen to eighteen hundred shells were thrown by the enemy...” (pp. 194-196). Typically lacking map called for in Howes, but which is not in the list of plates. Foxed throughout, tips bent, several odd scratches on front cover, almost suggestive of an abstract cartoonish face, else moderately tight and very satisfactory, with character, evidently treasured by its reader. Howes US-iana M-38. $120-150

22-10. Heroes of the War of 1812 – in a Salesman’s Sample Binding.

A printing oddity – two variant 10th editions of the same work, together in one publisher’s binding, The Military Heroes of the War of 1812: with a Narrative of the War, by Charles J. Peterson, pub. by Jas. B. Smith & Co., Phila., 1858. Both the 10th ed., but one 208 pp. (with Andrew Jackson frontispiece), followed by another of 232 pp. (with Winfield Scott). The preface to the second “book” states, “...In the following pages, the author has deviated in a measure from the plan heretofore pursued....” Many woodcuts. 5 3/4 x 9, darkest red-brown boards, handsomely blind-tooled, once-impressive gold stamping on spine (now much worn, lacking 3/44 x 1 1/4 fragment at its upper left). Red, blue, yellow, and grey marbled endpapers. Fore-edges hand-marbled with aqua fishscale pattern. Single worming through first six leaves at blank corner; boards considerably scuffed, hinges worn but block solid, child’s pencil scribble on one blank flyleaf, engraved plates foxed, else internally a few signatures with light foxing, but mostly fresh and clean. It is surmised that this was a salesman’s sample, intended to show the differences between the two variant printings (and perhaps to coax bookmen and readers to buy the new and improved 10th edition, even if they had the old 10th). In all, an intriguing book oddity and conversation piece; the 10th ed. is very scarce in any form. $45-55

22-11. With Official, Folding Map of Army Operations in Mexican War.

Printed Report to Congress, Jan. 17, 1849, Sec. of War William L. Marcy. 5 1/2 x 8 1/2, 13 pp. Enclosing large folding topographical “Map of Valley of Mexico with a Plan of the Defences of the Capital and the Line of Operations of the U.S. Army under Maj. Gen. Scott in Aug. and Sept. 1847.” Litho. by “J. & D. Major’s, 49 Wall St., N.Y.” With report of Gen. Winfield Scott’s campaign to Mexico City. “I am inclined to believe this is the first survey of it, by triangulation, ever made....” Map cleanly split at folds into three sections, small, medium, and large, but all present and restorable for display. Graduated tan toning, else map appears fresh; pamphlet with some foxing, removed from volume, else good. Very scarce. • Newspaper, New York Herald, Dec. 3, 1846. 4 pp. Lead story: “Our Relations with Mexico - Military & Naval Operations - The Vigorous Prosecution of the War...,” with exhaustive coverage of Mexican War and mention of Gen. Scott, all in 5 point type (or smaller!). Also, satirical page-one woodcut, “Fashionable Church-Going in N.Y.,” showing “Ticket Office” for benefit event for reverend. Toning and moderate waterstaining, mostly in margins, else good. Just ten days earlier, Scott assumed command of the Gulf expedition in Mexico. $180-220 (2 pcs.)

22-12. White Paper from Zenith of the Cold War – and the Future of NATO.

Typewritten speech, “Historical Perspective on the current state of the Atlantic Alliance” (NATO), given by John J. McCloy, Nov. 7, 1968, on 19 leaves, signed at conclusion in rich midnight-blue fountain pen. Possibly prepared by an autograph collector, laboriously keyboarded on a manual typewriter of the period. “...Nuclear development toward the close of the war...compelled intensive planning for future forms of power...I have thought that at this particular stage in history it would be appropriate to direct these lectures to the relationship of Europe to the U.S., and particularly to the Atlantic Alliance...as it is now coming under review as the year 1969 approaches...Whether NATO can continue in its present form, if at all...remain largely unanswered questions that we must now face....” The subject of the relevance of NATO has again appeared in modern-day news. Assistant Sec. of War during World War II, McCloy opposed the A-bombing of Japan. He served on government committees that created the O.S.S. - later the C.I.A., and proposed the U.N. and war crimes tribunal. McCloy was largely responsible for interning Japanese-Americans, fearing sabotage, and for the decision not to bomb the rail lines to Auschwitz. Few leaves with corner folds, penultimate leaf with shaved fragment at blank lower edge, else about fine, McCloy’s signature attractive. Timely; one wonders whether McCloy had anticipated the events of the current day. $90-120

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23. Photography

 

23-1. Carte of Civil War-era Railroad Yard.

Carte photograph of small-town rail yard with locomotive, twelve open box cars, three buildings, and about eighteen men pausing for camera, most in uniform, including brass-buttoned engineer, and another in white. Fancy imprint on verso in plum purple, “Milo Hiler, Photographer, Lowell, Mich.” “Nason Haight” in old pencil. Single-word placename signboards on two structures may be decipherable under high magnification. Diagonal crease in lower left corner of image repaired with bead of glue, else pleasing warm cocoa toning, and about very good, with much visual interest. Cartes with railroad subjects are very scarce. $125-175

23-2. Photographs of a Grand Tour.

Splendid collection of over 95 original silverprint photographs taken on a varied trip around the world c. 1900, principally Japan, together with Burma, China, India, Ceylon, Hawaii, Greece, and Lapland. Some identified in contemporary pencil on versos. Remarkable for the superior choice of subjects, composition, sharpness, contrast, and detail; some photos are moderately artistic, others have a photojournalistic quality. Most are highly pleasing in content. The camera used was a fine one. Most about 3 x 5 1/4 to 3 1/2 x 5 3/4. Including highly ornamental temples, houses on stilts, a street in Japan (“Sugishima - Bicycle Repairer”), interesting variety of wheeled vehicles (none motorized) including different types of sedan chairs with bearers, rickshaws, oxcarts; one of the American women “in a Burmese costume. She is holding one of the huge cheroots that the women of Burma smoke. Beside Amy is a little Burmese woman of the poorer sort.” Concluding with dramatic views of Hotel del Coronado and Hotel Glenwood, Riverside (Calif.?). A few with edge darkening or creases, else almost all fine or better. In modern (non-archival) pocket pages. $180-250 (98 pcs.)

23-3. Riding the “Red Devil” at Old Coney Island.

Interesting cabinet-size real-photo taken in front of Brooklyn’s “Red Devil Rider,” one of Coney Island’s roller coasters, which opened in 1907. Showing crew of ten operators, posed beneath the attraction’s wide, decorative sign, “Operated by Automatic Elect(ric) Block Signal System - For the Safety of the Public,” bordered by rows of clear light bulbs. Showing six attendants in caps, one with his little daughter in sailor suit, two female matrons, manager in white shirt and tie - and two gruesome mannekins of the Devil himself peering at the group. Wooden gantry of the ride behind. Brooklyn photographer’s purple handstamp on verso. By 1915, some 600,000 people thronged Coney Island on weekends; when the subway arrived in 1920, that figure grew to one million. The Red Devil Rider, an independent ride lasting til 1926, was among the roller coasters with new safety features, including lap bars and under-wheels, to prevent the cars from leaving the track during negative G-forces. Edges trimmed, corners irregularly rounded, perhaps for a homemade frame or scrapbook, but dark sepia tones, with fairly good definition, and good plus thusly, its imperfections adding to the wild aura of the old Coney Island. $75-100

23-4. Visiting the Totem Poles.

Intriguing smaller cabinet-style photograph of four Indian totem poles beside rudimentary wooden buildings, Northwest coast. With four men, two women, and a little girl in fancy white dress, on an excursion, the women with parasols. Image size 3 1/2 x 4 1/2, on plain butterscotch mount. Judged c. 1895-1915, based on attire and the assortment of mens’ hat styles. Photo likely taken by another member of their party. Speculated by consignor to be in manner of the Tlingit. Much of verso peeled when removed from an old scrapbook, rice-sized nick at blank lower mount, two long scratches in bottom foreground of image, a trifle soft focus, else pleasing olive-dark tan tones, and good plus. An uncommon subject in vernacular photography. $45-65

23-5. Skating in Schenectady – 1906.

Three charming realphoto postcards showing scenes of Luna Park, Schenectady, N.Y. All postmarked Schenectady, Aug. 1906, to friends in DeWitt and Watertown, N.Y. “We were skating four times last week and like it better every time. Oh, how I wish you were here.” Another card shows skating circle with terraced pavilion overlooking: “Did you ever see this place before? How would you like to have a skate - a swell time....” • City streetcar at entrance of park. “Gran and I were down Sun. night...I am not working today...Enjoy your self.” Green Franklin 1¢ on each; one stamp with folded corner, incurred in mail. Coffee-and-cream tones, trifle light, minor postal wear, else very good. $45-60 (3 pcs.)

23-6. Golf Photos of the 1920s: Westinghouse Electric’s Great Gatsbys.

Two oversize Westinghouse Electric scrapbook-style souvenir photo albums, expensively prepared for post-outing presentation to golf-enthusiast attendees of “Meetings of Westinghouse (Sales and Works) Managers.” Comprising: ”Memories of Briarcliff,” Briarcliff Lodge, N.Y., Oct. 29-Nov. 3, 1923, 10 3/4 x 14, cloud-grey flexible leatherette cover, cord tie. 87 olivetone glossies, many of scenes of golf tournament, hand-mounted above detailed printed captions, some humorous, including 20-, 25-, and 30-year men. Nearly all golfers in stylish Bobby Jones-style tweed knickers of the day. Cover stamped for W.J. Bothwell, member of board of directors of The Electric Club, an in-house trade group; as of 1911, he had been a dynamo tester at Westinghouse’s East Pittsburgh factory. • With, “Memories of Backwood Inn,” Conference of Westinghouse sales managers at Oakwood Inn, Shawnee-on-Delaware, Oct. 10-14, 1927. 6 large photographs, including composite double-pager with heads of attendees retouched on cartoon bodies; witty poem by toastmaster H.D. Shute, working the names of attendees into verse; program, including talks on “Diesel and Gasoline Engine Prospects,” “South Philadelphia Problems,” and “Manufacturing Incandescent Lamps - The Simple Business,” and menu. One photo evidently lacking at conclusion, its glue mount dried and the item lost over the years. Minor wear, some photos a mid-orange persimmon tone, else fine. By the Twenties, Westinghouse had emerged from their bruising battles with Thomas Edison, reconciling the rivalry between AC and DC technologies, both companies becoming powerhouses. $130-170 (2 pcs.)

23-7. Factory Photo Album of a Forgotten Minnesota-Built Car.

Company album of 25 original glossy photographs showing feats and features of the Moore automobile of Minneapolis and Danville, Illinois, c. 1918, 8 x 10 1/2 oblong, gold on green covers, screwpost binding. Founded by a Ford dealer in Minneapolis seeking to build a competitor to the Model T, the Moore began in Minnesota two years before; the cars depicted here bear Minn. license plates. Over 600 cars were built, but Kimes cites it as “a little horror with corners on the body sharp enough to cut your finger.” This album probably compiled to entice investors; some office photos appear staged. Like a number of automakers, its namesake (and five other executives) would be convicted of misrepresenting stock. Fascinating range of photos, including the car at Minnesota State Fair; car being hoisted into upper floor of a Chicago office building; “Car Showroom” - probably that upper floor office; car bearing Minnesota plates with unusual striped upholstery, and stylishly dressed woman driver; “Pres. Geo. L. Moore’s Office,” Moore presumably at his desk; “Accounting Dept.”; “Mailing Dept.,” showing five women filling mail sacks, another pounding an ancient manual typewriter; “Sec. Gallagher’s Office,” showing the executive dictating into a Rube Goldbergian machine with long speaking tube; assembly rooms, paint shop (two men at work with brushes), “corner of experimental room,” and a new, white Moore pickup truck, also with Minn. plate. Cover crease, corner repaired with tape, some photos with corner wear, but generally good and better. The only literature of this marque we have handled, this both of automotive and financial interest. $375-500

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24. Theatre & Circus

 

24-1. The Destruction of Jerusalem – the Play.

Printed play, The Destruction of Jerusalem, by Titus Vespasian, “as it is Acted at the Theatre Royal,” written by Mr. Crowne. Printed for James Magnes and Richard Bentley, London, 1677. 6 1/2 x 8 1/2, in two parts: (56) + (67) pp. Attractive 20th century binding, fine glazed persimmon full calf, Lisbon binder’s label on inside rear board. Defects on title page and numerous leaves of first part expertly restored, with onlays and inlays, variously, but only one leaf lacking text (the ends of five lines); a few leaves had been crumpled and torn, others with relatively modest faults, before restoration. An inordinate amount of time expended, probably more affordable at Portuguese rates of the last century. Binding with some shelf and handling wear, but in all very satisfactory and with enormous character. Wing C-7385. $700-900

24-2. Inattentive young people “irresistibly taken with Performances” – 1710.

News-sheet, The Tatler, (London), May 2-4, 1710, single sheet, 7 1/2 x 13, by Isaac Bickerstaff. With 300-year-old advice for the problem of inattentive young people. Lengthy, florid obituary of Mr. Betterton, Shakespearean actor. “...There is no human Invention so aptly calculated for the forming a Free-born People as that of a Theatre...Young Men, who are too inattentive to receive Lectures, are irresistibly taken with Performances...I have hardly a Notion that any Performer of Antiquity could surpass the Action of Mr. Betterton...in which he has appeared on our Stage....” Ads include auction of “A Small Parcel of excellent Pictures, lately brought from beyond Sea...,” “Sale of Looking-Glasses by Auction...,” and “The Royal Beautifier; or the greatest Cosmetick in the World....” Four old binding holes in blank left margin, cinnamon toning, some old smudging of black printer’s ink on p. 1, else good. Scarce. $40-55

24-3. Contract for a Comedy – 1806.

Quite unusual manuscript theatrical contract, Feb. 8, 1806, setting forth actors playing each role in comedy “Speed the Plow,” and signed by ten players on verso, agreeing to “abide by...every contact the said standing committee shall deem absolutely necessary in acting said Comedy.” 7 3/4 x 11, 1 1/2 written pp., n.p. but probably localizable with research. Much worn, with heavy handling, fold and edge wear, some tears, one tape repair, waterstains, and other defects, but a still collectible conversation piece. $30-45

24-4. “The Daring Holmens” of Vaudeville and Circus.

Collection of 35 items, including broadsides (two in duplicate, one in triplicate), programs, and ephemera of the 1905-1911 American (plus Canadian and Mexican) tour of Holmen Bros., the celebrated acrobatic team and “comedy triple bar experts” touring with circuses and vaudeville, combining slapstick with their gymnastic feats. 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 to 7 1/2 x 23 1/2. Several illustrations. Called “the funny fellows with the big tricks,” in 1908 Variety wrote, “...As bar performers the brothers stand comparison with any yet seen. They have worked out several striking tricks...and the work is all gracefully finished.” Venues included: Albany; Braddock, Pa.; Chicago; Elmira, N.Y.; Evansville, Ind.; Harrisburg, Pa.; Kansas City, Mo. (Big Hippodrome); Little Rock, Ark.; Long Island, N.Y.; Milton, Pa.; N.Y.C. (N.Y. Athletic Club’s “Smoking Concert,” 1908); Newark, N.J.; Seneca Falls, N.Y. (newsprint program entitled “The Fair Aeroplane”); South Norwalk, Conn.; Tulancingo and Toluga (Mexico); Williamsport, Pa.; York, Pa.; London (“Amusement without vulgarity”) and Winnipeg, Canada; and others, including Gran Circo Payret, probably of Havana. • Plus two 20-pp. program booklets of additional appearances (with other acts). Some with edge tears or other defects, but generally good to very fine. Possibly their own (or their manager’s) file of ephemeral souvenirs of their wide show schedule. All rare, some possibly sole survivors. The Holmen act must have been quite good: they sometimes opened or closed a show. $350-500 (37 pcs.)

24-5. Gypsy Rose Lee’s Theatrical Tastes.

From estate of Gypsy Rose Lee: bound volume of New York Theatre Critics’ Reviews, 1949. 9 x 12, (226) pp., publisher’s binding, metal tongs in stamped red levant buckram. Including cast index. Weekly compilation of reviews of Broadway plays and musicals, that year a watershed of classic productions, including Death of a Salesman, Gentleman Prefer Blondes, South Pacific, and The Mikado. Reviews - offering an embarrassment of riches of sparkling and witty wordcraft - by the theatre critics of N.Y. Daily News, N.Y. Herald Tribune, N.Y. Journal-American, Mirror, Post, Sun, World-Telegram, and N.Y. Times. Light edge toning, tears along outer cloth hinge (certainly by the intensive scrutiny by Gypsy Rose herself), else about fine. It is reasonable that in 1949 - five years into a Hollywood and literary dry spell - she immersed herself in critiques of successful (and unsuccessful) theatre, seeking a new formula. Indeed, 1949 saw her television debut as host of “Think Fast.” Later, the 1957 book Gypsy inspired the play and movie of the same name. With photocopies of cover and lot page of 1978 Plaza Art Galleries auction catalogue, N.Y., including description and provenance of this item, and lot card from later sale. $130-180

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25. Air & Flight

 

25-1. The Steam Bird – “with Wings Flapped by the Action of Steam.”

A fascinating twist in Man’s quest to fly: Excessively rare printed Letters Patent, illustrating and describing the “Steam Bird” conceived by British barrister John Kinnersley Smythies, 1867, “...for the Invention of ‘Carrying Passengers through the Air by a Steam Bird or Flying Steam Engine fitted with Wings flapped by the Action of Steam,’” London: George Edward Eyre and William Spottiswoode, 1868. 7 1/4 x 10 3/4, 9 pp. (lacking final blank leaf, else complete), 4 large folding plates, each with original paper wrap at binding edge. An attorney, Smythies here attempted design of a steam-powered ornithopter, this the second of five patent specifications he published between 1860 and 1884. In Jules Verne’s 1886 aviation novel, Robur-le-Conquérant (Robur the Conqueror), Smythies’ Steam Bird is mentioned fleetingly. Smythies proposed to use “mineral oil, alcohol, or ether” to generate the steam. Despite his Herculean efforts, this rather spectacular invention apparently did not lift from the drawing board. Neatly disbound, quite fragile, plates toned and separating along folds, marginal browning, some edge chipping, and other defects, else little-handled, entirely collectible, and otherwise about very good. With deacidification and conservation, a superb eye-catcher for display. See Steam in the Air: The Application of Steam Power in Aviation during the 19th and 20th Centuries, Kelly, 2006, pp. 45-46; and Records of the Smythies Family, 1912, p. 47. WorldCat locates only a single copy worldwide (at U.S. Air Force Academy). $325-500

25-2. Record of the First Flight – from Orville Wright’s Possession.

Retained copy from Orville Wright’s private library of the exhibition literature for the first public showing of the Kitty Hawk, in June 1916, at M.I.T. Entitled “The Beginning of Human Flight,” printed by The Wright Co., N.Y. (and certainly written or edited by him), 6 x 9, 4 pp., chocolate brown on ivory enamel. Crisp photograph on cover of “The First Flight, Dec. 17, 1903, Kitty Hawk, N.C.,” lasting only 12 seconds. Signed after Orville’s passing in 1948 by his co-executor, H(arold) S. Miller, within design of large pictorial rubber stamp on p. 4, “From the private library of Orville Wright.” (Miller’s wife Ivonette was niece of the Wright Brothers.) Lengthy text, describing the brothers’ experimentation in designing the craft, “...the first in the history of the world in which a machine carrying a man had raised itself into the air in free flight...At that time there was no published data on air propellers. The Wrights designed these first propellers on a theory...worked out by themselves....” Marginal dust toning on pp. 1 and 4 from sitting for years on a table in Wright’s library, light wear, else very good. A wonderful artifact - with provenance - of one of the crowning achievements of modern man. Now rare. An example sold in Bonham’s major sale, “The Story of the 20th Century,” 2014, for 2500.00. WorldCat records no institutional examples (though Wright State University illustrates it on their website). $1600-2200

25-3. Period Images of Macon and the doomed Hindenburg.

File of 20 vintage photographs of lighter-than-air craft, plus 2 period Velox prints from newspaper halftones, 1 postally-used realphoto, and 1 unused color linen postcard. 1933-34. Including dirigibles U.S.S. Macon and Hindenburg. Various sizes, 2 3/4 x 4 1/2, 3 x 5, 3 1/2 x 5 1/2, to 8 x 10. With: 9 different snapshots of Macon, one rubber-stamped “First Flight”; another pencilled on verso “Arrival of Macon at Moffett Field, Oct. 15, (19)33”; two different views with same date. • Olivetone realphoto postcard of Macon in flight, taken from an airplane above. Postmarked Portland, Ore., 1934, sent to collector Bill Schneider as sample. “10¢ ea. This is just one of the views. I have closeups & distant, also picture of the fighting airplanes which are carried inside.” • Period panoramic brownprint of square-dot halftone photo, “U.S.S. Macon at mooring mast” in contemporary hand on verso. 5 1/4 x 10 1/2. • Fascinating shapshot of U.S. Navy Bureau of Aeronautics railcar stacked with full-length helium tanks for use on dirigibles. • 7 snapshots (two in duplicate) of Hindenburg, all somewhat soft-focus, probably taken with an inexpensive camera. On Velox paper. Several showing swastikas on rudder. • Unused postcard of Goodyear blimp Puritan over then-modest Miami skyline and an ocean liner; “R.H. Hobensack, pilot-Captain” in ink, perhaps his signature. Some photos with characteristic curl, one large with creases, another large with fine crazing and tip wear, else good to very fine, mostly in the fine range. Evidently all ex-noted aviation collector, dealer, and historian Bill Schneider. $400-550 (24 pcs.)

25-4. Relic of a Crashed Dirigible.

Durulum metal strut from celebrated dirigible U.S.S. Shenandoah, which crashed in a storm. 3/4 x 8 1/2, original tourmaline-green paint on proprietary aluminum alloy. Sheared at one end, perhaps from impact of the disaster, else in original condition, and fascinating for display. With auction card c. 1980s. $120-160

25-5. The China Clipper, signed by two American Generals.

Strikingly attractive photo-based print of Pan-American China Clipper in hot-embossed silver, purple, gold, and multi-shade red metallic foils, flying low over waterfront, backdropped by big-city skyline, apparently San Francisco. On white, 8 x 10. Boldly signed on lower white margin by Air Force Gen. Lauris Norstad (Ret.) and Army Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin. Norstadt rose to Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Commander of NATO during the Cold War; Gavin, nicknamed “Jumpin’ Jim,” was Commanding Gen. of the fabled 82nd Airborne during World War II - the first American airborne division, using glider and parachute infantry. At just 36, Gavin became one of the youngest generals in the War; he was portrayed in the motion pictures The Longest Day and A Bridge Too Far. Excellent, and magnificent for display, catching the eye across a room. • With pamphlet by one of Gavin’s mistresses, Martha Gellhorn, also known as Mrs. Ernest Hemingway (his other affair was with Marlene Dietrich): ”Vietnam - a New Kind of War,” by Gellhorn. 1966. Published by Manchester (U.K.) Guardian, 34 pp., illustrated. Report on her trip through South Vietnam, variously critical and supportive of U.S. war effort. Some foxing of outside back cover, else about fine. $90-120 (2 pcs.)

25-6. From Lindbergh’s Ticker Tape Parade in New York.

Original cloth banner, “Welcome Lindbergh,” white on red, from one of the spectacles of the century, Manhattan’s ticker tape parade for Lindy on June 13, 1927. Triangular, 10 1/4 x 14 1/4. In one New York Times breathless description of the event, “...The paper blizzard that greeted Lindbergh from the Battery to City Hall was the most spectacular Manhattan has ever let loose upon the great of the earth...Every conceivable kind of paper (was) shaken out of skyscraper windows in such abundance that several times the hero of the reception was obscured to the spectators...Cars following Lindbergh’s were hardly able to penetrate the thickness of the snowstorm when they tried to catch glimpses of the pilot....” Places at windows overlooking the parade route fetched up to $1,000. Very light old waterstains, else fine. Found in a Manhattan warehouse in the 1960s, and unconditionally guaranteed authentic. (Modern copies of six period articles accompany.) $65-90

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26. Old & Rare Books

 

26-1. A Rare Work by John Bunyan.

Exceedingly rare book, Sighs from Hell, or the Groans of a Damned Soul..., by John Bunyan, Glasgow: Carmichael et al, 1734. 11th ed. 3 x 5, 181 pp., original rustic full calf with interesting natural striations, burl, and speckling, and bound raw, without boards. Period notation on flyleaf, “Ad. Boyle / Cost 6 1/2 d.” Second flyleaf bearing contemporary musing, continuing on 2 1/2 blank pp. at rear: “No Gift, no Academical looming study...but that only which is operative & influential upon ye heart & life...can afford comfort & assure any man of salvation from wrath (Job 13:17). If ye know these things, happy are ye....” As a young man, Bunyan heard the call to faith; left with four young children upon his wife’s passing, and imprisoned at least twice for preaching without a license, he wrote nine of his books while confined, supposedly including the classic Pilgrim’s Progress and the more obscure Death of Mr. Badman. In the present book, he begins, “Friend, because it is a dangerous Thing to be walking towards the Place of Darkness and Anguish....” Covers warped, leather torn at upper spine but easily repairable. First flyleaf tattered with internal tear, but mostly present; lower right portion of first seven leaves variously dogeared and worn (including title page), occasional interesting notations of period reader, else internally about very good. Very rare: at time of cataloguing, Vialbri.net locates no copies of any edition 1650-1800, “from 145 sources” (including abebooks). RareBookHub records no copies of any edition 1650-1800. $500-700

26-2. An Feminist Writes, “...I dreamt...of equal rights, equal laws, a golden age....”

Book, A Narrative of the Events which have taken place in France, from the Landing of Napoleon Bonaparte, on the first of Mar., 1815, til the restoration of Louis XVIII..., Helen Maria Williams. Scarce first American ed., Philadelphia: 1816, 4 3/4 x 8, 247 pp., faded raspberry-pink linen, delightfully deckled two edges throughout. A very well written account by this American woman, in a remarkably fresh and modern style. “...Those who have witnessed the Revolution feel also a sort of weariness of the memory of what is past...We have lived not years, but ages of revolutionary life, and we are tired...To my then youthful imagination, the day-star of liberty seemed to rise on the vine-covered hills of France...I dreamt of prison doors thrown open, of dungeons visited by the light of day, of the peasant oppressors no longer - of equal rights, equal laws, a golden age, in which all that lived were to be happy. But how soon did these beautiful illusions vanish, and this star of liberty set in blood!...”--p. 5. Front cover light-faded, some wear and split along outer spine, but binding intact; internally, rich cream toning, and fine plus. Notwithstanding her dismay, the author later became a French citizen. American Imprints 39829. $150-225

26-3. A Book Safe.

Brilliantly convincing book safe, comprising a volume of about the late 17th-early 18th centuries, pp. 29 to end glued to form a block of paper – then expertly incised to create a wood-lined box for valuables. Tractatus de Verbi Divini Incarnatione, Vol. 2. Attributed to Carolo D. Vuitasse. Retaining original burled calf covers, endpapers marbled in coral, sulfur yellow, and aqua, and hubbed, richly gilded spine (bottom two panels mostly perished). Front hinge much worn, initials “AAH” etched on front board. Extensive, authentic wear conveys impression of an ancient volume, concealing the keys to dark secrets and riches it may have once held. An antiquarian curiosity, and ready to use. $130-170

26-4. Underpinning the Spirit of ‘76.

Influential book, vol. 1 only (of two-vol. set) of The Principles of Natural and Politic Law, by J.J. Burlamaqui, “Counselor of State, and Prof. of Natural and Civil Law at Geneva.” Translated into English by Thomas Nugent. 3rd ed., London: 1784. First published 1748. Original suede calf, 5 x 8, 312 pp. Signed ”S. Longfellow“ (perhaps Samuel, one-term Congressman and father of the poet). A brilliant compilation of the author’s “law of nature and nations,” a holistic melding of science (in its eighteenth-century sense), politics, faith, and the rights of man, which may have contributed to yearnings of the Americans, glimpses seen in Jefferson’s views. The author’s discussion of “the rights of man” predates Thomas Paine’s book given that title. Including “General Principles of Right,” “Of will and liberty...Liberty: in what it consists...Use of liberty with regard to good and evil... Why the exercise of liberty is restrained to non-evident truths...The proof of liberty drawn from our inward sense, is superior to any other...State of society...The ultimate end of man is happiness... Distinguish between a simple power, and right - General foundation of the rights of man...True foundation of sovereignty: power, wisdom, and goodness joined together...The end of laws is not to lay a restraint upon liberty, but to direct it in a proper manner...How many sorts of laws...Of justice and its different kinds...We should take care not to imagine that laws are properly made in order to bring men under a yoke (p. 99)....” Much exposition of the effect of a sovereign on liberty of his subjects. Boards scuffed and detached; half-title shaken and lacking upper right corner, probably an old ownership marking; many leaves foxed, others toned to shades of cream and tan, but internally about fine, apparently reflecting a variety of grades of paper used. This edition very scarce on the market. RareBookHub finds no copies this edition (and only two copies of other editions) at auction or in dealer catalogues, 1860-present. $150-225

26-5. Fine Bindings of Works of a Favorite (then Outcast) of Queen Elizabeth.

The Works of The Honourable Sir Philip Sidney, Kt., including Arcadia, The Lady of May, sonnets, and poems. London: complete in 3 vols. Vol. I, 14th printing, 1725; Vols. II and III, 1724. 5 x 7 3/4. Born 1554 and a contemporary of Queen Elizabeth, Sidney was ambassador to Emperor Rudolf and the Prince of Orange. A member of the Areopagus - a group writing English verse in classical meters - Sidney wrote Lady of May, with which his uncle entertained the Queen. Falling out of favor with Elizabeth after speaking out about her proposed marriage to duc d’Alençon, he penned his lengthy romance Arcadia, which proved both popular and influential for a century. Original glove-calf, tri-tone mocha-and-chocolate panels, double gilt rules, blind-stamped fleur-de-lis frames, six spine compartments; all edges scarlet, marbled endpapers. One spine label and three decorative compartment panels lacking, another label loose; boards on two volumes detached, third reaffixed with white tape at inner hinge. Some tip and shelf wear, but still charming, and potentially quite lovely upon recreation of spine panels. Internally, occasional very light mottling, minor nibble at blank edge of one title leaf, else remarkably fresh. Sidney was “tricked out of going with Drake’s buccaneering expedition...”--Webster’s Biographical; the following year, 1586, he was wounded while attacking a convoy on the Continent, and perished soon thereafter. Very rare on market. An Abebooks search for any edition, 1575-1900, finds only a sole copy of Vol. III. RareBookHub finds no copies of any edition at auction or in dealer catalogues, 1860-present. $900-1300 (Complete set 3 vols.)

26-6. “A Word to the Ladies.”

Entertaining segment, “A Supplement to First Part of the Gentleman Instructed; With a Word to the Ladies. Written for the Instruction of the Young Nobility of both Sexes.“ (Anonymous, with prefatory epistle of “I.Y.D.”; variously attributed to William Darrell or George Hickes.) London, 1727, 4 1/2 x 7 3/4, (126) pp., 2 woodcuts. Part of a three-part work. Instructions, partly in form of dialogue, setting forth the proper way for aristocrats to comport themselves. Admonishing ladies not to wander through life “in a Labyrinth of Amusements...Is it no harm...to lavish those precious Moments of Time that compose your Lives upon Balls, Masks, and Dressing?” (p. 115). Disapproves of ladies’ “little Trinkets of the Toylet...One would take a Dressing-room for a Toy-shop...Powders and Essences...Combs...She consults her Oracle, the Glass....” Blind dimpling of title and first six leaves, the text block once used as a shop pad; occasional minor foxing, cinnamon marginal toning, else about very good. WorldCat locates only one original example of the complete three-part work of this 1727 London edition, at University of Aberdeen (abebooks offers three examples). $60-80

26-7. Pictorial Catalogue of the Crystal Palace.

New York first World’s Fair - the Crystal Palace - pictured and described in The World of Science, Art, and Industry Illustrated / from Examples in the New-York Exhibition, 1853–54, edited by Prof. B(enjamin) Silliman, Jr., and C.R. Goodrich. 500 uncommonly finely detailed woodcuts; some exceptionally ornate typographic devices. N.Y., 1854. 208 pp., 10 1/2 x 13 3/4. At rear, full-color chromolithographed advertising leaf for “Baker’s Album for 1855,” embellished with gold leaf, printed by Sarony; some creases and light edge fray, still bright and presentable. Front petrified-forest-paper-over-board well-worn and detached, back cover lacking; spine perished. Internal toning, varying light to moderate foxing, some signatures shaken, front endleaves creased and waterstained, the volume’s second half progressively better, and a better-than-reference copy. With rebinding and some housekeeping, it would be a presentable example. The sheer variety of applied arts and sciences, depicted in these superior engravings, are instructive and enjoyable as they are. Fairly scarce: other than a puzzling fourteen offers by a single bookseller, perhaps of the same copy, RareBookHub reports only 16 other appearances since turn of the twentieth century, the most recent at Christies (2005) and New England Book Auctions (2007). Much reduced estimate, to permit cost-effective rebinding if desired. $130-180

26-8. “But it ain’t the time for sermons with the winter coming on....”

Boer War poem, “The Absent-Minded Beggar,” by Rudyard Kipling, N.Y., 1900. A deluxe printing by Brentano’s, one of two imprints contending for first American edition, this an unrecorded variant in dark grey wrappers. Hubbard-esque Uncial title specially drawn in red and black, red cord tie. Kipling’s call to help soldiers’ families. 5 3/4 x 8, 8 leaves (half deckled, half uncut), coffee text in shell-grey borders on cold-pressed cream art paper. Fragment lacking at blank lower left corner of cover, some edge wear; internally clean and very fine. The inimitable wordcraft of Kipling, in a delightful presentation; it would later be set to music by Sullivan. Livingston 224. $35-45

26-9. Merry Christmas from Robert Frost.

Robert Frost’s 1961 Christmas greetings in form of a booklet, with printed message inside: “Greetings at Christmas 1961 and Best Wishes for the Coming Year from Robert Frost.” Containing the first separate edition of his poem “The Woodpile,“ originally published 1930, (12) pp., 4 1/2 x 5 1/2, pictorial gatefold cover. One of 700 copies printed for his personal use. Four wood engravings in brown by Thomas W. Nason. Cover with short split along lower spine fold, some pale file toning on covers, else very good plus, and a lovely memento of the poet. Unlike most of his books, this was almost certainly handled by him, as he prepared the booklets for mailing to friends and fans. Crane B33. $45-60

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27. The Ancient, Medieval & Renaissance Worlds

 

27-1. The Oldest Manuscript Fragment We’ve Ever Offered.

Original fragment of a business document, c. 400 B.C., in Demotic script. Light grey on sand papyrus. Probably from Egypt. Remains of writing on one side, characterized by scholar as an “elegant script,” though understandably spartan; traces on verso. 30 x 75 mm (about 1 x 2, with additional 1 1/2” slender extension), in fact a substantially larger than usual piece. Fine, and a conversation piece. Color image on website or by e-mail. $90-120

27-2. Ancient Coin – 62-55 B.C.

Roman Republic. “Pavllvs Lepidus - Concordia.” Obverse: veiled head of Concordia. Reverse: Three captives, King Pereus of Macedon, with two sons and war trophy. C. 62-55 B.C. Denarius. Silver. 3/4” diam. Lepidus an early supporter of Julius Caesar. In March, 44 B.C., Lepidus, then Caesar’s Master of the Horse, warned him of a murder plot - the Ides of March. Insufficiently persuasive, Caesar did fall at the hands of a mob the next day. Lepidus, Marc Antony, and Octavius later divided Rome’s domains, Lepidus assigned Spain, with shared responsibility over Italy. (Shakespeare would depict Lepidus as a simpleton and drunkard.) Hint of bluing, with palest golden-yellow undertone. Planchet characteristically off-center, but much less so than a $260 example sold at Vcoins. Devices mostly smooth, but struck in strong relief, with good silhouette definition, and about Very Good. Similar to Crawford 415/1, Aemilia 10, Syd 926. $130-170

27-3. Ancient Coin – 41-42 A.D.

Judaea. Herod Agrippa I. Jerusalem Mint. Imprisoned in Rome for offending Tiberius, released by Caligula. Receiving tetrarchy of Galilee, and “rewarded with annexation of Judea and Samaria to his dominions; strongly pro-Jewish; caused death of Apostle James and imprisonment of Peter.”--Webster’s. Prutah. Interesting ochre-red bronze, with true milk chocolate tone. 9/16” diam. Crudely struck. Dug, with only some basic detail of a fringed canopy, and three ears of grain with date “sixth year.” Obscure variety, only two example seens among some two hundred Judaean coins at Vcoins. Cf. Ya’akov Meshorer, A Treasury of Jewish Coins (N.Y.: 2001), plate 52, no. 120. Fair 2, but still charismatic conversation piece, a gift to clergy or a young collector, or suitable for classroom use. Easily removed from 1960s hard plastic holder, with (incorrect) attribution to Archlaus in ink. $30-40

27-4. Ancient Coin – 64-65 A.D.

Nero. Struck in Alexandria Mint, Egypt. 64-65 A.D. Tetradrachm. Billon (alloy of gold or silver, with greater proportion of another metal, such as copper). 7/8” diam. Obverse: flamboyantly coiffeured bust of the volatile Roman Emperor, his family wracked by poisoning, assassination, and suicide. Nero’s “private life profligate...murdered Octavia (his wife) and her sister... accused of kindling fire that destroyed a great part of Rome; instituted cruel persecutions of Christians; discovered plot against him and brought about deaths of many Romans...Committed suicide”--Webster’s Biographical. Reverse: bust of Serapis, crowned with laurels; “LIA” (Regnal year 11). “During Nero’s reign, the debasement of Alexandrian coinage followed that of the Roman denarius after the great fire of 64 AD. A large number of billon tetradrachms were minted to replace existing currency. The silver which was recovered through this process was returned to Rome to mint denarii. to fund building programs.”--ancientcointraders. Two slight clips, these judged minting imperfections. Ttypical microfine porosity under magnification, else appreciable detail remaining, and Very Good. Similar to BMC Alexandria p. 19, 157-158; Dattari 253; Emmett 133; Kampmann-Ganschow 14.84; Köln 170. Milne 226; RPC I 5279; SNG Copenhagen 110. $160-220

27-5. Ancient Coin – 66-70 A.D. - Ancient Israel.

First Revolt, Jerusalem, 66-70 A.D. Vine leaf on branch, amphora (lamp) on reverse. Prutah. Bronze. Dime size. Rewarding speckled brown-black patination, devices strong one side, satisfactory on other, and judged Very Good. $40-50

27-6. Ancient Coin – 138-161 A.D.

Antonius Pius, Roman Emperor, successor to Hadrian. Cappaducia (modern-day Turkey), found in Caesarea. Bronze. 3/4” diam. Laureate head right. Adopted by Hadrian, Pius “enjoyed remarkably peaceful and prosperous reign - no wars, revolts, conspiracies of any kind recorded...”--Webster’s. Curiously nearly perfectly-formed circular verdigris spots both sides, else About Good. 1960s marking: BMC (British Museum Collection) 2207. $30-40

27-7. Ancient Coin – 161-180 A.D.

Roman Empire. Denarius, silver, Marcus Aurelius, 161-180 A.D. “Liberal avg v cos III.” 3/4” diam. Reverse: standing Liberalitas holding abacus and cornucopia. The nephew of Antonius Pius (see preceding lot), adopted by him, and married his daughter. As emperor, Marcus was noted for the “episode of the Thundering Legion...(and) fought barbarians...A man of gentle character and wide learning, yet an opponent of Christianity...”--Webster’s Biographical. Original die breaks along edges, striated scratches both sides, else his likeness retaining ample detail, bright lustre, and obverse Very fine, reverse Good. In c. 1970s flip with attribution by noted numismatists Harmer Rooke, 57th St., N.Y. An attractive and engaging coin. Similar to MIR 18, 194-4/30; RIC (Roman Imperial Coinage) III 221; RSC 413. (See enlarged photo on page 121 and on website). $40-60

27-8. Byzantine Coin – 582-602 A.D.

Maurice Tiberius. Theoupolis (Antioch), Year 12. 40 Nummia. Bronze. 1 1/16” diam. Obverse: crowned stylized bust, in consular robe, holding mappa and eagle-tipped sceptre. Reverse: large “M,” cross, and date. Deepest rich brown tone. Dug, else portrait with good definition, and judged Fine or better; reverse Very Good. A visually appealing coin. Similar to DOC 164; MIBE 96; Sear 533. $55-70

27-9. Crusader Coin – c. 1039-1125 A.D.

Lucca, Italy, the leading town in olive-growing Tuscany before the rise of Florence. Carried by Crusaders, and found in the Holy Land. Variously known as Henry III, IV, and V of Franconia, King of Italy, and Holy Roman Emperor. Denario, silver. About 1/2” diam. Random cobblestone-blocklike designs both sides, in relief; when enlarged under magnification, the artistic effect is Cubist! In c. 1970s flip with attribution by noted numismatists Harmer Rooke, 57th St., N.Y. CNI XI, Pl. 4, 28. Steel grey patina, and about Fine. $35-45

27-10. Coin of the Christian Orient – 1201-1222 A.D.

Antioch, Crusader state. Bohémund, the family name of the lineage of Norman princes and counts of Tripoli. Immersed in the brutal battles of the era, Bohémund was captured by the Moslems, his ransom paid – but his years saw the Crusaders lose their Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem in 1187. It remained under Moslem control from 1244 to 1917. Denier. Silver. About 5/8” diam. Stylized helmeted knight, with fishscale mail (armor) on neck, and crescent and cross. Reverse: large Maltese-style cross, small crescent. In c. 1970s flip with attribution by noted numismatists Harmer Rooke, 57th St., N.Y. Surfaces variously from smooth to very fine, in part reflecting crudities of mintage. Few verdigris spots, else net Very Good. Ref. Schl. III, 4. Similar to CCS 67d; Metcalf, Crusades 378. $55-70

27-11. Coin of Middle Ages – 14th Century.

Imperial free city of Schwäbisch-Hall, Germany. Heller. Sheet silver. Crudely made, squarish, with rounded edges, perhaps cut by hand. About 5/8” diam. at widest point. Open upright hand - interpretable as a Jewish motif - on obverse; on reverse, stylized cross with forked ends, within circlet, on square planchet. In c. 1970s flip with attribution by noted numismatists Harmer Rooke, 57th St., N.Y. Understandable graduated-greyed patination, else with some bright lustre, only lightly circulated, and Extremely Fine plus. See Carson, Plate 41, 657. Saurma 1364. $35-50

27-12. Sale of Real Estate – 1277.

Manuscript document, France, 1277, recording sale of parcel of land. “1270” in period hand at top, presumed the date of an underlying transaction. In Latin. About 4 1/2 x 5 irregular. Penned in an uncommonly tiny but skilled hand, to make use of an undersized piece of vellum. Blank bottom folded upward to form lip, to suspend ribbon and seal (not present). From reign of King Philip III, the Bold, “...pious but uneducated, influenced by favorites,” including his wife and mother--Webster’s Biographical. 1 3/4 x 2 3/4 amber stain in upper center; once folded to a small size, considerable fine graining, two overfolds of blank lip, handling patination, else very satisfactory, and a fairly early - and charming - example of a real estate document. $240-300

27-13. Rent – in 1467.

Moderately ornate manuscript legal agreement, France, Oct. 3, 1467, 1 p., 8 x 12 1/2. Reign of Louis XI “the Prudent,” fourteen years after end of the Hundred Years’ War (which lasted more than 100 years). Penned in nutmeg brown on ivory vellum, in a fine clerical hand. Two stylized signatures, one with elaborate signum. With partial transcription of Paris dealer; evidently a contract for rent of 15 sols, between Guillaume Gallet and Guillaume Exlart of Beaumoys. Old note on plastic protector, “Bought 2-3 years ago [i.e., c. 2005-06] in Paris for ¤130....” After trying twice to topple his father’s throne, Louis XI’s reign saw the “foundation of absolute monarchy of France, secured by arbitrary and perfidious measures”--Webster’s Biographical. With most of two vellum straps (seals not present). 1” internal cut which held additional strap in blank corner; old folds, dust toning, few small marginal stains, else good, with enormous charm for display in home or office. $120-150

27-14. Matthew, Timothy, and Mark.

Large fragment of a medieval manuscript leaf, Germany, 15th century, 6 1/2 x 8 1/2, its text including Matthew 18:31-35, Timothy 2:2-7, and Mark 4:24-29. In Latin. Probably from a missal (or possibly a breviary). About half of the original leaf, here with fourteen complete lines in each of two columns, in an unusually squarish, bulky sans serif gothic book hand. In warm purplish-brown, on vellum with both the color and texture of fine suede. 2” descender of a fish-hook flourish, in palest green; a shorter vestige on verso, with suggestion of what was once a bright green. On one side, a few letters touched in red; on verso, trimmed remains of several words in still-fiery red. Apparently reused as a book cover, two parallel scores where fitted; outward-facing side with some moderately small rounded spots, about six small bookworm holes not apparent if displayed on a tan background, else about very good; once-pasted side with white paper adhering along blank lower edge, darker stains, some words blurred and others mottled where in contact with book, this side fair. A conversation piece, with lections from three Books, in an interesting hand. $140-180

27-15. When Germany comprised Hundreds of Kingdoms.

Flamboyantly penned D.S. of Jonathan Altenburg on behalf of Friedrich Wilhelm, Duke of Saxony, Dec. 12, 1593, 2 pp. + address-leaf dated Feb. 8, (15)94 in another hand, 7 1/2 x 11 1/2. In German, in a highly stylized hand. Sent while Administrator of Saxony Electorate, Wilhelm was later found neglectful of his duties. Whether this was related to his fathering twelve children - by two women - is unclear, however his early demise at age 40 led to relative historical obscurity. Documents relating to him are understandably rare. Pencil notations probably in hand of Charles Hamilton. Toned to mocha; dark honey stain along vertical left edge where once mounted, closely trimmed at top affecting three loops of embellishment, else good. Falling into “numerous secular and ecclesiastical feudal units” during Germany’s period in the Holy Roman Empire, its weakness and political dissolution was accelerated by the Reformation. In the period surrounding Friedrich Wilhelm, “Germany split into Catholic and Protestant states which suffered greatly from the disastrous Thirty Years’ War,” beginning 1618--Webster’s Geographical. A conversation piece, sure to intrigue. $80-120

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28. Religion & Faith

 

28-1. Religious Foundations in the Old and New Worlds.

Two books: Delightful (and perhaps singularly rare) petit fine binding, Eucologe de Lisieux, réimprimé avec permission de M. l’Évêque de Bayeux [Euchology, liturgy, or prayer book of Lisieux], printed by F.B. Mistral, 1805, in Lisieux - the French town named for its ancient inhabitants, captured by Caesar. 3 x 5 3/4 x 2 thick, 814 pp., handsome original deep ruby full calf, elaborately decorated covers and spine with gold-stamped floral and egg-and-dart motifs. All edges gilt. On unusual palest seafoam-green paper, exquisitely typeset in delicate 7-point throughout, with abundant initial caps. A comprehensive guide to worship, with holidays, commentary, and indices, entirely in French, adapted to practices in this small but historic town, renowned for its medieval cathedral, and an Episcopal see til the French Revolution, just a few years before publication. Lower right portion of black spine label lacking, affecting only last letter in “Lisieux”; moderate use only, some superficial blind vertical scoring of spine, wear at tips, and darkening of calf to intense red where cradled in user’s hand; internally, some fading of turquoise blue bubbles in marbled design, exposed stitches at several places around middle of book, else text remarkably fresh and excellent. A charming item for display. An obscure title, rare in this printing. RareBookHub finds no copies of any edition at auction or in dealers’ catalogues, 1860 to present. • A Full Catechism of The Catholic Religion..., translated from German of Rev. DeHarbe, by Rev. John Fander. N.Y.: Catholic Publication Society Co., 9 Barclay St., 1880. 4 1/4 x 6 3/4, 327 pp., chocolate-brown cloth, decorative title stamped in black. Four signatures and cover label of period reader James Jenney, 137 Leverett St., Boston, and “Room 7, Boston College.” Much corner, hinge, and spine wear, some rubbing; inner hinge wear, some signatures loose but holding, lacking about half of pp. 183-184, some pencil notations, else very satisfactory with patination of a devoted student. $200-300 (2 pcs.)

28-2. An Early Sermon, 1690: “The Government is his....”

Printed pamphlet, “Christian Magnanimity - A Sermon Preached in the Cathedral Church at Worcester at the time of the Assizes,” By Rt. Rev. Edward [Stillingfleet], Lord Bishop of Worcester. Henry Mortclocke “at the Phoenix in St. Paul’s Church-Yard,” London, Sept. 21, 1690, 36 pp., 6 x 7 1/2. “...God will govern the World by his own Measures and not by ours. The Government is his, the duty of Submission is ours. Let us not then be peevish and quarrelsome....” Typographically interesting, the text slightly oversize, with four-line initial cap, and frequent but tasteful use of italics with ligatures. Cover browned and chipped, fragment lacking at left (blank except for ruled border); waterstain on first five leaves, some corners dogeared, else internally very satisfactory. WorldCat locates only six copies this edition. RareBookHub finds only one copy of any edition offered since 1860, by British bookseller Francis Edwards, 1975. $170-220

28-3. Religion in America.

Autographs of nine noted 19th-century religious figures: including signatures of Francis G. Peabody (close of A.L.S.), and Isaac Ferris, 108 E. 12 St., N.Y. • D.S. of Nathaniel W. Taylor Root. • Incomplete portion of A.Ms. of Henry W. Field, perhaps draft of an article for The Evangelist, of which he was editor for 44 years. • A.Ls.S. of Raymond Calkins (on both sides of card), M(ontgomery) Schuyler, N. Wiseman (inlaid, London), Benjamin Franklin DeCosta (3 pp., plus printed prospectus for his book The Conquest of the Wilderness; or, Chapters in the Maritime & Colonial History of New England..., 1 p.). • With A.L.S. of Sydney C. Partridge, 1926. With some biographical information. Evidently ex-Mrs. Thomas D. Green, autograph collector corresponding with clergyman-dealer J. Henry Dubbs, his reply offered separately in Lot 1-8. $70-100 (10 pcs.)

28-4. With Twenty Copper-Engraved Plates of the Martyrs – 1677.

Apostolici: or, The History of the Lives, Acts, Death and Martyrdoms of those Who were Contemporary with, or immediately Succeeded the Apostles. As also the Most Eminent of the Primitive Fathers “For the First Three Hundred Years. To which is added, a Chronology of the Three First Ages of the Church.” By Wm. Cave, Chaplain in Ordinary to His Majesty. First edition, London, 1677. 8 x 12, 335 pp. A triumph of bookmaking of the time, with two-color title page, over twenty exquisitely copper-engraved plates of the Martyrs by M. Burghers, and woodcut initials throughout. Handsome tobacco-brown full glazed calf, blind-tooled border. Three nineteenth-century English bookplates, two ornate, the third Salisbury Theological College, an old pencil marking noting that this volume relegated to the “Attic”! Spine covering dry with fine cracks, some loss at top and bottom segments, few minor wormholes in front cover, back cover with some scuffing, first 100 pp. with old diagonal soft creases, believed present when originally bound, light occasional handling evidence or soiling, else internally fine to surprisingly fresh and crisp. In all, a satisfying example of this rewarding work. “An elegant production of this work by the learned English scholar and divine; the text is the source for Oliver Goldsmith’s similar work issued 1774”--Credit: Doyle New York. Wing C1590. $140-180

28-5. The Journey of a Colonist from Presbyterianism to Quakerism.

Pamphlet, autobiographical “Memoirs of the Life of David Ferris [1707-1779], an Approved Minister of the Society of Friends,” Philadelphia, 1855. 4 1/4 x 6 1/2, 106 pp., lacking covers else intact. Describing Ferris’ conversion from Presbyterianism, and trips to Meetings on Long Island and eastern New York. “...I had heard...of a people called Quakers, but was unacquainted with any of them...At college for about a year, the rector...sent for me...concerning those reports...of my being a heretic...I now became increasingly thoughtful on religious subjects....” His family earlier settlers of Massachusetts Bay Colony, Ferris was born in Connecticut, moving to Delaware in 1737. Overfolded corner and ex-lib stamp on title page, first signature shaken, else internally clean and little-read. Scarce. $30-45

28-6. Rare New Jersey Imprint on Quakers.

Fascinating book recounting the New Jersey court clash between Hicksite and Orthodox Quakers. The Society of Friends Vindicated: “being the Arguments of the Counsel of Joseph Hendrickson, in a cause Decided in the Court of Chancery...New Jersey...to which is appended the Decision of the Court.” P.J. Gray: Trenton, 1832. 5 3/4 x 9, 167 + 90 pp., in contemporary plain brown boards, plum muslin spine. Erratum slip. A then-sensational affair involving a financial dispute when “the party to which Elias Hicks was attached [the Hicksites]” separated from “the opposite party, usually called the Orthodox.” “The case which is here reported, has excited a deep and lively interest among an extensive portion of the community....” Some soiling of boards, tip wear, minor sunning of blank spine, else internally an especially fresh copy, in superior condition. RareBookHub reports either five or seven copies any edition, last in 1990, then 1968, 1911 (two in Henkels’ sale of “Quakeriana,” perhaps the same two copies previously sold by him in 1896), and 1894 (selling for 10¢!). Felcone New Jersey Books no. 1435. $110-140

28-7. “The Holy Bible Illustrated.”

Excessively rare group of 17 assorted issues of this numbered large magazine format of the Bible, c. 1870, London (James Hagger) and N.Y., 10 x 13 1/4, about 24 pp. ea. Golden orange and black, then red and black on caramel pictorial covers. Ornate typography and Gothic border;black and white text. Each with magnificent hand-watercolored, steel-engraved frontispiece plate, tissue guard. Footnotes and references. Tops uncut; perhaps publisher’s samples. Some text foxing, minor cover toning and chipping; plates fine and lovely. Unrecorded by WorldCat and British Library. No sales this title found by RareBookHub, 1860-present. $475-650 (17 assorted issues)

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29. Financial

 

29-1. Alexander Hamilton D.S.

Magnificent Document Signed of A(lexander) Hamilton, as first Secretary of Treasury, on printed “Circular,” Aug. 31, 1792 – with context touching on the substance of Jefferson’s signed Act of the same year (Lot 16-2 in this catalogue). 7 1/4 x 9, opening to 9 x 14 1/2, with statement of monies printed on verso. “Agreeably to an order of the Senate of the U.S., passed on 7th of May last, a copy of which is herewith transmitted [not present], I have to request that you will furnish me, immediately...with the particular statements required...As Uniformity in the mode of stating the receipts and disbursements will facilitate the business, a form is hereto annexed as a guide. It is my desire that the Collectors will obtain and transmit at the same time similar documents from the Inspectors, Gaugers, Measurers and Weighers...from which salaries, fees or emoluments are derived.” Light toning along two folds, else a choice signature in milk chocolate on sand-tan, and about very fine.

Leading historian Forrest McDonald “argues that Hamilton saw his office (of Secretary of the Treasury), like that of the British First Lord of the Treasury, as the equivalent of a Prime Minister: Hamilton would oversee his colleagues under the elective reign of George Washington...”--wikipedia. Indeed, Hamilton had served as Washington’s Chief of Staff during the Revolution, drafting many of Washington’s orders and letters. Hamilton became the Founding Father of American economic policy; without his monetary guidance, and structuring of American credit and debt, it is unlikely that the fledgling nation would have sustained viability. His system of tariffs, collected by those referred to in this document, were the principal means of financing the frontier security Acts passed earlier in 1792. The “patron saint” of American economic philosophy, Hamilton’s Reports on Credit - though written in 1790 - were used as late as the 1950s by Asian countries modernizing their financial systems! A highly attractive Hamilton example. Purchased from Mary A. Benjamin, 1978; original invoice accompanies. $6500-8500

29-2. Purchase of Land for part of One of the World’s Most Famous Urban Complexes – Grand Central Station.

Original mortgage for what would become site of the New York Central Building, 230 Park Ave. at 45th St., N.Y.C., built 1929, called the Crown Jewel of Park Ave., and the tallest structure in Terminal City. Boldly signed by lender W(illiam) H. Vanderbilt, mortgaged to George Gilford, $40,000, May 2, 1870. 10 1/2 x 16 1/2, 4 pp. Interesting pink, purple, and brown-red rubber stamps on filing panel, of N.Y. Count Clerk. Upon satisfaction of mortgage, document cancelled by removing 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 piece from first leaf, corresponding to seal believed once present on its verso. Affecting right third of the 9-line terms of mortgage, but not Vanderbilt’s signature on facing page, and not affecting lengthy manuscript description of metes and bounds of property: “...along the easterly line of Fourth Ave. [i.e., Park Ave.] 100 ft. and 5 inches, Thence eastwardly along the centre lane of the Block 145 ft. and 6 inches....” Two bold signatures of witness W.J. Van Arsdale, member of the eponymous Old N.Y. family. Lengthy endorsement with blind-embossed seal, “Register of City & County of N.Y.” Old, neat repair of split along central horizontal fold, only a short break persisting; customary file-toning of docket panel, else clean and very good plus. A seminal Manhattan historical document; around the time that the current Grand Central Station was built, the smoke-belching trains were placed beneath Park Ave., and that boulevard began to assume its midtown mystique. The New York Central Building straddled Park Ave., with vehicles actually traveling through arches in the building itself. Supported by steel beams so large that they could not be transported over city streets during construction, each day over 700 trains passed beneath the building. By the end of the first quarter of the 20th century, Terminal City, the cluster of buildings atop the covered tracks, had become the most desirable office area in New York City. A number of the buildings around Grand Central came to be connected by “underground streets” - pedestrian tunnels - allowing Manhattanites to walk considerable distances in inclement weather without endangering their portfolios of ad agency pitches, purchases from nearby Brooks Brothers, or briefcases of blue-chip bearer bonds. The property, at this mortgage’s $40,000, soon proved to be a bargain. The building last sold for over one billion dollars (to the same developer of the Yonkers apartment tower now facing the rather smaller Cohasco Building). $1200-1600

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30. Newspapers & Publications

 

30-1. The Rebels “as powerful as ever” against Russia – 1671.

Three issues of London Gazette, Apr. 17-20, 1671, Oct. 2-6, 1673, and Nov. 2-6, 1676. Each 2 pp. (single sheet), 6 3/4 x 10 3/4. Recounting news of war between France and the “Imperialists”; troubles between Ottoman Empire and Venice. From Moscow, the Czar “sending down all the forces he could bring together” against “Rebels under the conduct of Stephan Radzin.” In England, “Yesterday we heard here a great many Guns...Two English Merchant men, the Loving Friendship...and Maryland Merchant...who lately came home with the Fleet from Virginia...were Attacked off of Orford, by two Dutch Capers...Engaged with the Enemy above four hours....” Tartars, “carrying with them great numbers of People, with other rich Spoyles” overtaken by the Poles; the prisoners (some destined for white slavery) “and the greatest part of their Plunder” recovered. Advertisements including “Wee are committed to give notice, that after the First day of May, His Majesty will not heal of the Evil, till the heats of the Summer be over: Of which all persons concerned are to take notice.” Scorched at upper left portion, one blank spine strip lacking, oatmeal toning, else very satisfactory. • Nov. 2-6, 1676: Front-page proclamation of King Charles II ordering arrest of his Ambassador to France Sir Ellis Leighton for taking bribes. Also, “Several English Fish Ships are arrived from Newfoundland...The young Archduchess of Austria, the Emperor’s daughter, is now treated as Queen of Spain...Shoot the Fireballs and Granadoes into (Stettin)...,” a Polish seaport under attack by Brandenburgh, then a significant power. “Another Fire in the place, by the effect of our Cannon....” Plus invasion of Sicily by France, peace talks between Ottoman Empire in Poland, and constant machinations and warfare across Europe. Two internal holes in blank margins, one possibly where once posted; light foxing, mocha toning, else very good. • With, indenture on heavy vellum, from era of King George II, James Warner assigning premises in the celebrated thoroughfare Pall Mall, to Thomas Pann, London, Dec.1, 1752. 24 x 30. Strikingly attractive, almost wildly flamboyant steel-engraved penwork embellishing “This Indenture.” Stationer’s cartouche, “Sold by Thomas Wainwright... Chancery Lane.” Strip of three dark blue revenue stamps. Seal and 7 1/2 x 10 lower left panel of sheet removed (perhaps an odd way of rendering document cancelled at a later date), some uniform darkening of outer panels, else still an imposing conversation piece, perfect for teaching. $80-100 (4 pcs.)

30-2. “The Future Destiny of the World.”

Horatio Greeley’s first newspaper. The New-Yorker, July 19, 1834, Vol. I, No. 18, 4 pp. Ornate title. Eloquent full column on p. 4, “The Future Destiny of the World”: “Europe is hastening to a democracy...Nations have outgrown their swaddling clothes...Now, all societies abandon monarchy...Sovereigns, by gradually submitting to necessary liberties, by detaching themselves without violence...The countries least prepared for liberal institutions, such as Spain and Portugal, are impelled to constitutional movements. In these countries, ideas outstrip men...The boldest doctrines on property, equality and liberty, are proclaimed morning and evening in the face of monarches, who tremble behind a triple line of suspected soldiers....” More news, fiction, poetry, and interesting advertising. Greeley later became famous as editor of New York Tribune. Fold junction wear, foxing, else about good. $35-50

30-3. All Aboard for Russia – 1832.

Newspaper, Shipping and Commercial List and New-York List, and New-York Price Current, May 30, 1832, (4) pp. Listing “Vessels Up for Foreign Ports,” ships leaving N.Y. and their destinations, including Canton, Puerto Rico, and St. Petersburgh, Russia; disasters, with short description of 20 shipwrecks); dozens of arrivals, including the Schooners Jew and Only Daughter from Philadelphia; New-York Price Current, prices of 65 commodities from Ashes, Beeswax, and Bread, to Whalebone, Wines, and Wool, with different varieties listed under each category. Also stock prices, and fascinating ads, including “Sallad Oil,” Letter Paper, Cotton Gins, Gold Leaf, and more. Old folds, light foxing and edge wear, else good plus. $25-30

30-4. Very Early Newspaper Published by a Woman – 1681.

Political newspaper, The Observator, In Question and Answer, London, June 25, 1681, “printed for Joanna Brome at the Gun in S. Paul’s Church-yard.” 8 1/2 x 13, 2 pp. (single sheet). Written in dialogue form by Tory pamphleteer Roger L’Estrange, a defender of the monarchy; previously charged with being a Papist, L’Estrange fled to Holland though acquitted. In Feb. of this year, he returned, here hurling invective against his opponents. “...It is a matter of Dangerous Consequence to the Peace of the Kingdom for these men to tell the world that they are resolv’d to defend the King and Church with the last drop of their Blood; whereas the Peaceable True Protestants would rather carry the Cause without a Blow striking....” Bottom margin with file wrinkles, lacking blank corner, else very good plus. $50-65

30-5. Aaron Burr.

Two newspapers: Weekly Museum, N.Y., Apr. 3, 1800, 4 pp. Verdict in trial of Levi Weeks, a notable case in which both Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr acted as counsel. War news involving Italian, Austrian – and Russian armies. Mousechew consuming 2 1/2 x 3 corner of second leaf; waterstain. • Impartial Observer, April 18, 1807. Richmond. 10 1/2 x 18, 4 pp. Front page devoted to John Marshall’s opinion in U.S. vs. Aaron Burr. “Col. Burr” in period reader’s hand. Also, Napoleonic wars, local elections in Richmond, and more. Edge and horizontal fold frayed, affecting text; scorched and browned 2 x 3 area with smaller hole through both leaves; else wanting, but important legal history and a rare title. $35-50 (2 pcs.)

30-6. “Advice to Young Ladies” and very early use of term “Jeans” – 1819.

Interesting group of early magazines and newspapers: The Black Dwarf, London newspaper-style weekly, Sept. 8, 1819. 8 pp., 8 3/4 x 11. “Hints to the Reformers of the British Empire...the real authors of the Manchester Massacre.” Also, “Value of Juries,” a letter from East Indies, and argument in favor of killing vicious bloodhounds. • Short-lived magazine, Punchinello, N.Y., Nov. 5, 1870, 16 pp. of jokes, cartoons, ads, interview with Horace Greeley, and concluding installment of “The Mystery of Mr. E. Drood“ by Orpheus Kerr. Humorous and satirical cartoon-style woodcuts in their own style, including “Our bad children on the border,” showing missionary and Comanche warrior, “Advice to young ladies,” suggesting arriving late at church so that all will see her new dress, and others. Only 39 issues were published. • Two virulent anti-Catholic pamphlets, “The Weekly Pacquet of Advice from Rome: or, the History of Popery,” Feb. 3, 1681/2. 8 pp., 5 3/4 x 7 1/2. “The wickedness of Pope Innocent the 7th, and Gregory the 12th - The horrid perjury of the latter...Wickedness of Pope John 23rd...Tis nothing but a Vision of Dragons in the Moon.” V.F. • “The Weekly Packet of Advice from Rome or, the History of Popery,” Apr. 6, 1682, 8 pp. Arguing for innocence of the “Blessed Martyr of Christ, Sir John Oldcastle.” Very fine. • Newspaper, Washington Republican, Salem, Indiana, Jan. 1, 1847. 4 pp. Arrival of steamer Cambria, cholera in France, downfall of Republic of Crakow, short story by Mary Fisher Ames, funerals of Maj. Ringgold and Lt. Cochran. Ads: “Onions Wanted - 500 bushels,” “White Beans Wanted - 1,000 bushels,” “Tailoring...Jeans and all kinds of fancy goods, 37 1/2¢...” – an early appearance of “jeans.” Heavy tea stains, foxing, else satisfactory and rare. • Washington Republican, Salem, Indiana, June 10, 1846. 4 pp. Including callup of militia, news from Mexico. Account of “a gentleman in the South” who thrashed the wrong son, for “the habit of gambling.” Some tea stains, foxing, else satisfactory and rare. $65-90 (6 pcs.)

30-7. For a Civil War-era Coffee Table.

Four items: Harper’s Weekly, N.Y., Nov. 13, 1858. Page-1 view of “New Brick Church in Fifth Ave.” (37th St.). Before the Civil War flooded the pages of New York’s press: Woman petrified into stone; robbers’ cave; corn husking in New England; demise of a princess; photographing an execution; proposed ban on hoop skirts, with cartoon on subject; “mysterious conspiracy.” Minor edge wear, V.G. plus. • Harper’s Weekly, Apr. 23, 1859. Front page facsimile of Mrs. Daniel Sickles’ scrawled confession to affair with Francis Scott Key, grandson of author of “Star-Spangled Banner,” leading to her husband’s murder of the Washington D.A. Details of the trial. Double-pp. engraving of N.Y.C., looking south from steeple of New Brick Church, with key to landmarks. Curl at top, uniform cream toning, few edge tears, else about V.G. • N.Y. Times, Jan. 7, 1863, announcing victory at Battle of Murfreesboro, the Confederate retreat “mobbish, their losses very heavy....” Continuing buildup of Union troops in New Orleans, “Rowdyism Rampant on Christmas Day.” Some wear along central horizontal fold, moderate wear along blank right margin, else good plus. • Harper’s Weekly, May 2, 1863, 16 pp. 2 pp. woodcut of Lincoln reviewing Gen. Buford’s Cavalry Division; 1 p. view of Lincoln riding with Hooker’s staff and unidentified woman, 1 p. engraving of bombardment of Fort Sumter by Union Navy, half-page engraving of sinking of ironclad Keokuk, and views of Charleston. A reference, teaching, or picture-sourcing copy only, defective, with top curl, edge tears, and toning. $50-70 (4 pcs.)

30-8. Edicts of the Sun King.

Three pamphlets, “Edit du Roy” (Edict of the King, Louis XIV), issued Aug. 1679 (40 pp.), Jan. 1685 (23 pp.), and May 1711 (8 pp.). Each 6 1/2 x 8 3/4 to 7 x 9 3/4, with finely detailed royal arms on covers, slightly different variant on each. Printed in Paris, three different printers to the King. One foxed, worn, and dust-toned; another with marginal toning, else good; the third in two segments, light toning, else about fine. • With, “Arrest de la Cour des Aydes,” Sept. 11, 1657, (7) pp., signed “Olivier.” Uniform mocha toning, one corner folded, else very good. The 73-year reign of Louis remains the longest in European history; “France at its zenith, his court the most magnificent in Europe, French letters and arts in their golden age”--Webster’s. $70-90 (4 pcs.)

30-9. Twelve Scenes from a Dictator Dreaming of Empire.

Broadside-style poster, for newsstand sale, “Douze Journées de Louis-Napoléon (III)” (Twelve Journeys...), 17 1/2 x 22 3/4. 12 highly detailed wood engravings, with lengthy captions in French of the Emperor’s trip through France, reviewing troops, visiting a hospital and the sick, at a banquet, a dramatic episode in his trip to Rouen, his visit to Ham, and more. N.d. but printed during his reign, c. 1852-70, by Plon fréres, Paris. “Prix: 5 centimes.” Called Napoleon le Petit, he had been condemned to life imprisonment at the Ham fortress in 1840, but escaped. Elected Pres. during the French Revolution of 1848, Louis Napoleon anointed himself dictator and Emperor Napoleon III. He “dreamed of establishing a Catholic and French empire in America, 1863-67, but his plans frustrated by the Mexican people, and threatening attitude of the U.S.”--Webster’s Biographical. Amber stain from old 2 1/2” tape reinforcement at center fold, several lighter tan stains, brown paper strip along verso of right edge, some handling and fold wear, but still good. Highly decorative and interesting. $45-60

30-10. The First “Dictatorship of the Proletariat” – Admission to the Revolution.

Press pass to Paris Commune for “Le citoyen Lafont Anturim, Journaliste,” Mar. 4, 1871, signed by “Mayer,” beside red circular handstamp “Le Major de la Place Vendôme / Republique Francaise - Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite.” 3 x 4 1/2, mocha on stiff cream card. Litho symbols of “Commune de Paris” - a Liberty cap on pole, and “Republique Universelle.“ Album adhesion to verso, pleasing uniform tan toning, else very good. A brief but bloody revolutionary episode, the Paris Commune rose and fell in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War. The present item is dated in the atmosphere of increasing unrest, two weeks before a Communist-socialist-anarchist mélange actually seized Paris. On Mar. 22, 1871, Place Vendôme, to which this pass granted admission, became site of a massacre of demonstrators calling themselves “Friends of Peace.” Arrests of journalists critical to the Emperor inflamed the crowds. Their demands included self-policing, suspension of rent, abolition of conscription and of capital punishment, and an anti-religious form of social democracy. The Marxist Engels would call the Commune the first exemplar of a “dictatorship of the proletariat.” $90-120

30-11. Showcasing Decorative Arts at the Very First World’s Fair.

British magazine, The Illustrated Exhibitor, Nov. 22, 1851, 20 pp., 6 1/2 x 9 1/4. 27 woodcuts, many highly ornate, of marvels of ingenuity and craftsmanship. Likely intended as a souvenir of Crystal Palace in London, the first World’s Fair. On p. 1, “Amazon on Horseback - A Basso-Relievo in Carrera Marble, by G. Max, Prague.” Descriptions and illustrations of goods exhibited by then-country of Saxony; “animal and vegetable substances used as food”; telegraphic communications; models of diving apparatus, a lighthouse, unusual fire escapes, and more. “Watherston & Broghen’s Gold, Enamelled and Jewelled Vase” describes “a tea service of Californian gold...festoons of diamonds, representing the rose, thistle, and shamrock...weighs 95 ounces, most superbly decorated with...pearls, rubies... sapphires, and emeralds...the largest gold cup ever manufactured in this country....” Several tips dogeared at rear, else very fine. $45-65

30-12. From Gold Rush San Francisco, Report of a Pioneer Clergyman.

Newspaper, Newark (N.J.) Daily Advertiser, Apr. 13, 1850, 4 pp., 16 1/2 x 22 1/2. Half-col. report from Gold Rush California, on dedication of a new church in San Francisco, then the personification of the Wild West. Overseen by “Mr. Hunt, the first clergyman who landed in California after its cession to the U.S...The first church of the Puritans on the Pacific Coast...The success of the church in this city of mammon...not by smooth sayings... but by plain, direct preaching...always adapting my theme to time and place....” Speech by Daniel Webster; railroad and stagecoach schedules. Edge chipping and tears, several into text at bound edge; light waterstains, else satisfactory. Scarce. $40-50

30-13. A Teaching Collection: John Wilkes Booth’s Father “a careless actor...” – And a Musical “White Negro.”

Group of 3 newspapers: New-York Mirror, “A Weekly Journal Devoted to Literature in the Fine Arts,” Nov. 3, 1832, 8 pp. Biography of Eli Whitney; “Letter from Russia by a Naval Officer,” “Extracts from a Manuscript Journal of a Trip to Paris in 1831,” travel essay on Weehawken, N.J. Theatre reviews, including a play starring John Wilkes Booth’s father: “Everyone knows him for an accomplished and powerful, though occasionally a faulty and careless actor. It is a pity he does not procure new pieces....” On last page, sheet music, “Nicholson’s Celebrated Waltz” for piano forte. Foxing, some light waterstains, else good. • New York Times, May 3, 1835, 4 pp., vol. 1, no. 295 (a predecessor of the “modern” New York Times which commenced 1851]. U.S.S. Constitution reaches Havana; bid for contractors for N.Y. & Harlem Railroad. Charming ferry and early railroad ads with woodcuts. Heavily waterstained, nibble along horizontal fold. • The Sun, N.Y., Feb. 19, 1835. Earthquakes, problems with litigiousness, war with France predicted (the U.S. ambassador ordered to leave France). Police blotter, with poetically lurid summaries of various drunkards and characters brought in by watchmen, the N.Y.P.D. still some ten years in the future. “Sally Ward...who had long led a life of dissoluteness and debauchery...flourished in the gaiety and gaudiness of vice....” Also, “A White Negro” on eastern coast of Africa who is an excellent musician; a bill in state legislature to prohibit yoking of a horse and hog together. Lengthy p. 1 ad of Robert Hoe & Co., “Press Makers, Machinists, & Printers’ Joiners...Shooting sticks, parchments, sheepfoots, candlesticks and snuffers....” Some foxing, else good. All perfect for worry-free classroom use or reading enjoyment. $45-60 (3 pcs.)

30-14. The Height of French Culture – before the Revolution.

Twenty-two copies of newspaper, Journal de Paris, Mar. 28-Dec. 31, 1785, variously (occasional consecutivity). 4 pp. ea., 6 3/4 x 8 3/4. All in French. Typographically refined mastheads. Variety of shades of rag paper, from watercolor-green, to creams and tans. All issues charmingly deckled two edges. In almost every issue, announcements of concerts and “spectacles” of “musique” by Haydn, Salieri, et al; “Théatre Italien,” “Palais Royal,” play by Moliere, comique, and much more. Bottom issue dust-toned and tattered; else occasional light foxing, and fine and better, the presswork and paper adding visual interest. Reflecting the flair of France, without whom American independence might not have been attained. $80-110 (22 pcs.)

30-15. Magazines for a Victorian Home.

Household Words, A Journal Conducted by Charles Dickens, 321 Broadway, N.Y., issues of July 4, 11, 18, and 25, 1857, gathered and sewn by publisher with decorative cover dated “Sept.” 96 pp., 6 1/4 x 9 3/4. Essays ranging from doctors’ bills to “The witches of Scotland” and “Superstitions and Traditions”: “The Aparctians...inhabit the frozen north. They are transparent as crystal, and their feet as sharp and narrow as skates...to get over the ice at a most tremendous pace...They clatter musically with their teeth...They worship a white bear....” Light waterstain affecting lower half of most of first two issues, tonng from tan to caramel, fragments of printed spine held by clear tape; typical handling evidence, else about good. • Yale Literary Magazine, Dec. 1841. 48 pp. Suede-brown wrapper. Students’ poems, fiction, literary criticism. “Let us in imagination go forward over a space of five hundred years, and conceive...(how) the men of that time will look back upon events of the (American) revolution....” Waterstains, else little-read. $35-50 (2 titles, 5 issues in all)

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31. Old New York

 

31-1. When New York exuded “opulence and power” – 1815.

Printed “Circular Letter of the Literary and Philosophical Society of N.-Y.; on the Subject of a Statistical Account of the State of N.-Y.,” 1815. Signed in ink at conclusion by “Pres.” (of the Society) DeWitt Clinton, 1812 Peace Party candidate for Pres.; Mayor of N.Y.C., Gov. of N.Y., head of the People’s Party. 8 pp., 5 x 8 1/2. Listing the Society’s interests in collecting information on New York’s Indians (including “their number, condition, manner, mythology, battles, weapons, utensils...”), soil, mines, trees, “number of sheep, swine, horses...,” fruit trees, “state of the Highways...and their police,” wild animals (including “serpents, tortoises, mammoth”), “the state of slavery,” and more. “The State (of N.Y.) is Atlantic and Western...the greatest rivers in North America flow, and vast chains of Mountains pass through it. In...commerce, opulence and power, it stands at the head of the Union....” Some light foxing and marginal toning, handling evidence, insect spots on cover, else very good, with dark signature. Promoter of the Erie Canal, “Clinton believed that infrastructure improvements could transform American life...”--wikipedia. A lovely New York item, on the precipice of its rise to Empire State. $100-130

31-2. New York Directory.

Nineteenth-century reprint by F.B. Patterson, 1874, of the 1786 original New York Directory, compiled by David Franks. 6 x 8, 82 pp., sewn. “A Valuable and well Calculated Almanack; Tables of the different Coins...as to render an Exchange between any of the United States plain and easy; The names of all the Citizens, their occupations and places of abode...Physicians, Surgeons...Professors, &c. of the university of Columbia College, Rates of postage, Arrivals and departures of the mails....” Utterly charming list of residents of Gotham, still a small town, including Alexander Hamilton (twice), John Jay (as “Sec. for Foreign Affairs, 8 Broadway”), et al. Contemporary signature of Walter Howe. Some tears at spine, text block neatly floating, having originally been only tipped to rear cover by bindery; uniform toning, internally fine. $75-100

31-3. Land “at a place called Gallow’s Hill,” New York.

Deed of release “To all Christian People,” signed by Isaac Hoogkirk, a colonial N.Y. tailor, Nov. 8, 1766. Releasing Albany property - “at a place called Gallow’s Hill” - to Ryckert Van Sante, previously purchased by both from Cortland Schuyler. Opening to 14 3/4 x 18 1/4. Paid “5 shillings Currant Mony of N.Y.” Infrequently encountered Dutch-style floral wafer seal atop red wax. Outer panel soiled; breaks at fold junctions, but suitable for display when presented flat, and very good. $45-65

31-4. New York City in the 19th Century.

Manuscript N.Y.C. real estate lease, Mar. 10, 1838, William Edwards leasing a dwelling at 94 Watts St., to Hiram Walworth, at $400 for one year. “...Not for any business deemed extra hazardous on account of fire.” Watts St. begins at Canal St., running north. 8 x 13, 1 p. Extensive docketing on verso. Broken and separated at two horizontal folds, but repairable; browned, edges dust-toned, else satisfactory. • Pamphlet, “The New York Tribune - A Sketch of its History - Illustrated.” N.Y., Oct. 1883. 5 1/2 x 8, 26 pp., three wood engravings of lavish interior of their building on Old New York’s Printing House Row. History, stockholders, map of subscribers by state. Split but no separation at lower spine, neatly removed from old binding, fine tears at blank corner first four leaves. Good plus. • Newspaper, Weekly Museum, N.Y., Sept. 15, 1804, 4 pp., printed by John Harrisson, 3 Peck Slip (at South St., in shadow of Brooklyn Bridge, still some 79 years distant). A distinctly different approach, with long story, “Idda of Tokenburg - On the power of jealousy”; commentaries on generosity and melancholy, poem “Description of Night,” and just a few paragraphs of news, chosen for its sensation. Edge of second leaf folded, else good. $60-80 (3 pcs.)

31-5. Eight New York Tycoons raise funds for a Fire-Proof Archive.

Printed specimen letter from “Rooms of the New-York Historical Society,” seeking $16,000 for “a fire-proof, and otherwise safe place of deposit, for the Library and collections...which have already become of very great, indeed of inappreciable value...,” Jan. 1857, 7 3/4 x 9 3/4. Signed in ink by 8 prominent New Yorkers: Luther Bradish (Pres. of Soc., Anti-Masonic Party politician), Frederic de Peyster (philanthropist, V.P. of Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children), C.O. Halsted, J.M. Morrison, Benjamin Hazard Field (an incorporator of American Museum of Natural History), E.I. Brown, Wm. K. Strong (Brig. Gen. under Frémont, surviving the war only to be thrown from his carriage in Central Park), and J(acob) Knapp (flamboyant evangelist, his preaching “characterized by fiery metaphors...his energy increasing with his excitement...”--Appleton). With short photocopies of biographies of each. “...The Society has exhausted its entire means ...Without further aid now required, this enterprise must be suspended....” Creases and wear along blank top edge, old folds, but very good. Evidently a retained sample, as not bearing name of a recipient or day of month. Rare thus. (Safes in that period were often filled with salt, to provide insulation; these were prone to explosion under high heat, rather negating the protection sought.) $80-120

31-6. Rare Multiple References to Coenties Slip, a Vestige of Dutch New York.

Manuscript petition signed by 48 prominent Manhattan waterfront merchants with their addresses, to Green C. Bronson, Collector of Customs, Port of N.Y., requesting that Edmund Howes be appointed Customs Inspector for Port of N.Y. N.d. but 1853-54. 3 pp. pasted together, forming one long scroll 8 x 32 3/4. Among signatures are E.D. Morgan, “68 & 70 Front St.” (later Union Maj. Gen., first Chairman of Republican National Committee, N.Y. Gov., and U.S. Sen.). Nearly all addresses are on the waterfront, ringing Manhattan from the East to then-North Rivers (South, Water, Front, and Broad Streets) – and six signing from Coenties Slip, the ancient, oft-photographed picturesque street later cast in shadow by the fabled Third Avenue El. Coenties Slip was an artificial inlet on the East River for loading and unloading of ships; it was land-filled by 1835 - just in time for its new buildings to be destroyed in the Great Fire of that year. Coenties Slip appears on the opening page of Melville’s Moby Dick, in his evocation of “a dreamy Sabbath afternoon.” All or most signers should be findable in a N.Y.C. directory of the period. Handling wear, else good, and highly interesting. $140-180

31-7. Cornell Family on the Waterfront – 1840.

Deed to Brooklyn docks containing names of ten members of Cornell family. Manuscript abstract of title for part of estate of John and Sarah Cornell of Brooklyn (who had ten children), conveyed by Charles Kelsey to Atlantic Dry Dock Co., Aug. 17, 1840, 8 x 12 1/4, (19) pp., original green thread tie. Tracing ownership from Isaac and Hannah Cornell in 1792, with archaic reference to “township of Brooklyn in Kings County on the Island of Nassau.” Described as “clear land salt meadow Marsh and Mill pond...40 acres [57 acres in another period of Cornell ownership]...,” including frontage on “East River or New York Bay,” then following a tortuous path to Butler, Cornell, and Hicks Sts., to “Gowanus Ditch, thence...to another certain ditch...,” including “land under water.” Also mentioning Catherine, Margaret, Whitehead and Juliet, George and Isabella, Isaac and Elizabeth, Agnes, Peter C., Samuel and Mary. Numerous notations of clerk’s judgment searches completed 1841. Toning and light soiling of filing panel, modest handling, else very good. The Cornells had a vital presence in the New York City area; at the Underground Railroad’s zenith, the family operated the largest steamboat line on the Hudson River, secreting fugitives from the major hub behind the Cohasco Building, in the Philipse Manor Hall, to Kingston and northward. $100-130

31-8. Selling a Pew “for ever” in New York’s Famed Trinity Church.

Manuscript receipt for sale of Pew 83 “for ever...on the Ground floor in Trinity Church” by Peter Hill to Lucretia and Elizabeth Hammersley, for the considerable sum of $250. Signed by all three. N.Y.C., July 5, 1816. 1 p., 6 3/4 x 7 3/4. Trivial soft creases, else excellent. The current Trinity Church was the tallest building in America til 1869, and in N.Y.C. til 1890. The earlier structure in which this Pew 83 reposed had been replaced following snow damage in 1839; its periodic worshippers included Washington, Hamilton, and John Jay. Perhaps they paused at Pew 83. $45-65

31-9. Including Powder for New York City’s Militia.

Manuscript D.S. of Old New Yorkers Robert Lenox, M.B. Coles, Jacob De la Montagnie, and Philip Brasher, setting forth results of audit by their “Committee appointed to examine & audit the Treasurer’s Books & Accts. The following Report was read & approved,” Sept. 25, 1800. 4 pp., comprising 3 pp. financial statement in columns, handsomely penned, 1 p. text, 9 1/2 x 15 1/4. Headed “An Account of Cash paid by order of Com(mon) Council from the Revenue of the City of N.Y.” Including then-substantial sums, all in Pounds, paid to Manhattan Bank, Bank of N.Y., Estate of Henry Cuyler for “filling up a Water Lot,” expenditures for “Docks & Slips,” Ferries, Corporation Tickets “for 5,342 bills destroyed,” official “publick Dinner the 25 Nov.” (presumed Thanksgiving), powder and cartridges, “to B. Morgan for damages on his Lot at Pecks Slip,” “to Wm. Van Wyck for powder for the Militia,” receipt of £604.15.1 for tavern licenses, and more. The City’s ending balance: £49.763.12.10 1/2. Interesting dated watermark, with crowned escutcheon. Light toning, trifle delicate, 3 1/2” split but no separations at three folds, else good plus, and attractive. $90-130

31-10. Two Great Newspapers of Old New York.

Newspaper, Brooklyn Daily Eagle (and Kings County Democrat), Feb. 26, 1855, 4 pp. Testimony at trial of Alfred Fyles for murder of his wife; explosion of steamboat Pearl, near Sacramento, with high death count. “Patchwork Legislation - Municipal Legislation is becoming as variable as the patterns of spring calico....” On observance of Sunday in the city of Brooklyn, the Mayor and Chief of Police disappointed, finding “every tavern and porter house closed...‘If you want to wet your whistle very bad, go...beyond the County line, and you can get plenty,’” said the Mayor. Masthead with typo, issue no. 47 crossed out in fountain pen, and corrected to “48.” Modest edge and fold junction wear, else about fine. Brooklyn was once among the ten largest cities in America. • Street & Smith’s New York Weekly, A Journal of Useful Knowledge, Romance, Amusement &c., June 1, 1874, 8 pp. Claiming “Largest Circulation of any Paper in the World...350,000.” Many installments of serialized novels, including page-one “Only an Irish Boy; Or, Andy Burke’s Fortunes & Misfortunes” by Horatio Alger, Jr., with woodcut of a brawl between Andy and another schoolboy, and description of “A Game of Ball.” Also, “Josh Billing’s Spice Box“ (a column of pithy sayings including, “Civility iz like letting a man light his cigar bi yours, it increases him and don’t diminish yu”); “A Romance of Southern Society - The Shadow of Sin”; “The Blenkarne Emeralds,” and more. Edge tears, some handling wear, but good. A quintessential New York paper, from the future publisher of sports magazines. $45-60 (2 pcs.)

31-11. Golden Anniversary of 1939-40 N.Y. World’s Fair.

Interesting group from the Fair’s 50th anniversary: Circular, ”A Fair to Remember - N.Y. 1939 N.Y. World’s Fair,” Art Deco Society Ball, Washington, Nov. 11, 1989. • Program for Ball, (12) pp. • Pamphlet, “Selling the World of Tomorrow,” Museum of City of N.Y., Oct. 17, 1989-Aug. 12, 1990. 8 1/2 x 8 1/2, (12) pp., photos. Fascinating treatment. Some creases. • Pamphlet, “Beyond Tomorrow: South Carolina Art and the 1939 N.Y. World’s Fair,“ S.C. State Museum, 1989. Diecut cover, 8 x 9, (8) pp. • “Official program - Remembering the Future - The N.Y. World’s Fairs from 1939 and 1964,” Supplement to Newsday newspaper, (28) pp. • Heinz pickle pin, cucumber-green injection-molded plastic. • Pinback, “I have seen the future at MCNY,” 1 1/4”. Pamphlets with light colorless cockling, else generally about fine. For the Fair completist. $40-50 (7 pcs.)

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32. Sports

 

32-1. Three Signed Photos of the Three-Time A.L. All-Star.

Three photos (two identical) of Yankees star Hank Bauer, each signed in brilliant blue felt-tip marker. All glossy, 8 x 10, at least two and probably all taken during Spring Training, early 1950s: Bauer and Eddie Lopat in Yankees uniforms, in front of backstop, flanked by “Supt. Chapman...2 umpire school umpires,” and one unidentified exec in suit. Two. • Bauer and Lopat “autographing balls in club house,” Bauer signing across his light-colored shirt and windbreaker. Lopat poses with pen at the ready, about to sign a ball; one of those on the desk appears to have been earlier signed by Waite Hoyt! Someone standing behind them is wearing an “A” cap, thus probably dating from 1960-61, when Bauer played for Kansas City Athletics, having been traded for Roger Maris! Some handling evidence, else V.G. An uncommon signed baseball photo, showing a player in the act of signing a baseball. On the Yankees from 1948-59, Bauer trod the House that Ruth Built in the days of DiMaggio and Mantle. He still holds the World Series record for the longest hitting streak: 17 games. “Perhaps Bauer’s most notable performance came in the sixth and final game of the 1951 World Series, where he hit a three-run triple...”--wikipedia. As manager of 1966 Orioles, Bauer led them to their first World Series title in their history. He had led before - commanding a platoon of 64 Marines at the ferocious Battle of Okinawa; only six survived. $55-75 (3 pcs.)

32-2. Ode to the 1978 Yankees.

Lengthy, 12-stanza poem, “The 1978 Yankees,” by baseball diehard and poet Harry V. Mardigian, typewritten by him, and inscribed in green at bottom by colorful owner of the Bronx Bombers, George Steinbrenner. “Harry - You’re a great Yankee fan and a fine poet. Your pal... 2/15/79.” 7 1/4 x 14 1/4 visible, cinnamon mat, chrome-finish frame, under glass. Albany, N.Y. framer’s silver foil label on verso. “They were fightin’ and fightin’ and fourteen games back, Boston, we’re told, had the flag in the sack. It couldn’t be done--the Yankees were dead, The series this year in Boston instead. The figures were these--‘play .780 ball,’ Zimmer was smiling--he had the ‘green wall,’ Then Martin resigned and Lemon was free, And Catfish came back--and we had Guidry...It was Munson and Reggie who poured on the oil, But the heat was turned on by Bucky and Doyle. The Cat was the pro who pitched with great calm, The ballgame was finished when Gossage came on...We knew they would win, we never gave up. There’s no need to applaud the sun’s ‘coming up.’ The fans of LA--they’ve nothing to fear, They learned while in Flatbush--‘Wait til next year!’” Unknown whether published, but keen poetry by this wordsmith of the diamond. Uniform cream toning, frame with trivial evidence of handling, else excellent and ready for display. For the Yankees completist. $75-100

32-3. Adjacent-Seat Yankee Tickets.

Two ticket stubs, Yankee Stadium, June 19, 1959, for adjacent upper grandstand seats. Yankees 3, Indians 2. Black on blue. • Plus stub, Apr. 25, lower box (the most expensive seat in those days). Orioles 2, Yankees 1, in 11 innings, home run by Skowron. Black on tan. Each with Yankee hat-in-ring logo in red. With unusual letter of provenance. $50-70 (3 pcs.)

32-4. Roger Maris – One Day to Immortality.

Ticket stub from the next-to-last game of the epic 1961 Yankees season, Game 80, Sept. 30, lower stand. Before a small crowd of 19,000, the Yankees bested Boston 3-1. Already tied with Babe Ruth, Roger Maris would hit his 61st homer the next day. Interestingly, after walking, striking out, and a single, Maris was replaced by Jack Reed - who had eked out just 2 hits all season - in the 9th inning. The pressure was evidently building; the suspense in the stadium must have been palpable. Black and red on yellow. Light wear, else very good, clean, and scarce, especially in view of the unremarkable attendance that day. With letter of provenance. “The 1961 Yankees are often mentioned as a candidate for the unofficial title of greatest baseball team in history.”--wikipedia. $45-70

32-5. 1961 Football Giants.

Run of ticket stubs, Yankee Stadium, Games 1 through 6 (of 7), Sept. 17-Nov. 19, 1961. A superb team, including Rosey Brown, Charley Conerly, Rosey Grier, Sam Huff, Kyle Rote, Y.A. Tittle, et al. Including the Giants’ nail-biting 16-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, and their 53-0 rout of the Redskins the following Sunday. Game 2 a purple bleacher stub. Game 4 scuffed; varied normal handling, else good and better. With letter of provenance. Time-consuming to assemble from scratch. $140-180 (6 pcs.)

32-6. 1963 Football Giants.

Two ticket stubs, Yankee Stadium: Game 2, Oct. 20, 1963. Defeated Cowboys 37-21. Mezzanine. Green and brown on white. • Game 3, Nov. 10, 1963. Defeated Eagles, 42-14. Open Stand, Row Z. Green and brown on pumpkin. Pocket creases, else good plus. Letter of provenance. $45-65 (2 pcs.)

32-7. Relic of Old Yankee Stadium.

Section of wood slat from box seat of the original Yankee Stadium, built 1923. Acquired Oct. 10, 1973, when closed for remodeling (in fact its quasi-demolition; it would never be the same again). High-gloss blue paint, with traces of older green visible beneath. About size of pack of playing cards. Very good. With letter of authenticity. $50-70

32-8. Brooklyn Dodgers Memorabilia.

Wonderful group of Dodgers material from the desk of a Dodgers PR man: Humorous typewritten “Brooklyn Baseball Club, Unofficial Bulletin No. 99999 1/2...concerning matters of keeping the public happy...,” July 26 (probably 1955), 8 1/2 x 11, announcing that player Frances Madigan “reinstated from almost disabled.” To sportswriter Frank Slocum. • Two daily passes to Ebbets Field stapled to “bulletin,” Press Gate, pink, serially numbered, facsimile signature of Walter O’Malley. • Blank “Official Batting Order” cards, 1955 New York (Giants?) and “Brooklyn,” 3 3/4 x 4 3/4 and 3 3/4 x 6, respectively. Such cards are excessively rare. Some handling evidence, else very good. Pleasing quintet! $90-120 (5 pcs.)

End of Auction - Thank You!

Fixed Price


The following are special non-auction lots, sold at fixed price indicated.
Multiples of some items are available; inquire if you wish more than one.



2000. Ike’s Inauguration Preparations, 1957.

Advance specimens of three different identification tags for Eisenhower’s second-term Inaugural festivities, Jan. 20-21, 1957. Stiff index, 3 x 6 1/4, for Radio-TV at N.Y. Ave. Stand, Photographer with Mobile Units, and Messenger at Symphony Concert. Serially numbered. Surprinted “Sample” in red. Printed signature of D.C. Chief of Police. Unused. Mint. Uncommon. $33.00 (3 pcs.)

2001. Robert F. Kennedy.

Campaign flyer from his 1968 Presidential bid. Opening to 10 1/2 x 17. Many photos (including his ten children), bio, and excerpts from his political speeches. Mint. Dramatic. $11.50

2002. Ironic Issue of “Kennedy Current.”

Special Robert Kennedy tabloid newspaper from his Presidential campaign. Issue of May 21, 1968, Vol. 1, No. 7, 4 pp., “published weekly.” Headline, “After Oregon Setback, Kennedy Leads California Race.” “...Mobbed by tens of thousands of cheering supporters” in L.A. -- where he would be assassinated just two weeks later. Light edge toning, original fold. Scarce. $21.50

2003. Mob at Capitol – Fifty Years Ago.

Street flyer distributed in N.Y.C., for anti-Vietnam War “March on Washington” May 21, (probably 1972), and preliminary rally the week before at Central Park Bandshell. 5 x 8. Photo of mob outside Capitol Building. “Stop the Blockade! Stop the Bombing! Out Now!” Sponsored by National Peace Action Coalition and Student Mobilization Committee, Communist front-groups. Seeking volunteers to act as “Peace Marshals” on the march. Excellent. Rare. $9.75

2004. “Ford to City: Drop Dead.”

The famous newspaper headline in New York City’s Daily News that sunk Republican Pres. Ford’s bid for reelection, here in Carter/Mondale-issued handbill-size miniature front page with the epic headline, 4 x 5 1/2. • With: Campaign card with Carter’s rebuttal to Ford, with picture and quote. 2 1/2 x 4 1/4. • Flyer opening to 8 1/2 x 11, blue on white, with Democratic campaign points. Carter and Mondale pictured. All mint. $19.75 (3 pcs.)

2005. Jesse Jackson for President.

Trio of campaign literature from his 1988 campaign: Flyer, 8 1/2 x 11, with portrait. “What does Jesse want? What America wants....” • Yellow/red/blue “Jackson-Gram” flyer with telegram-style message on social ills. • Newspaper, 4 pp., in Spanish, with his program and seven pictures. Opening to 16 1/2 x 23. Mint. $23.50 (3 pcs.)

2006. World War II Era.

“Armed Forces Police” black felt armband, with golden-yellow letters embroidered in relief, 4” wide, with metal snaps for bicep adjustment. Unused. $13.50

2007. World War II Soldier’s Ballot – 1944 Presidential Race.

Two different “Official Election War Ballot” envelopes, 1944, for election in which F.D.R. won his third term. Airmailed from overseas to Board of Election, Erie, Pa., 4 x 9, red stripes. Soldier’s military address on front, his “Military Elector’s Affidavit” on verso. A.P.O. and Erie Commissioner’s Office circular postmarks, mailed weeks before November election. Understandable postal wear, else good. $8.00 (2 pcs.)

2008. “The Delineator.”

Fashion magazine, Jan. 1883, 56 pp., 8 x 11, filled with news of “what’s new” for stylish metropolitan ladies, men, and children. Marvelous, crisp illustrations of dresses, coats, hats, and more. Ornate mocha cover. Latest dress fabrics, trimmings, hats, and novelties. Published by Butterick, in later decades a leading manufacturer of clothing patterns. Some wear, old tape repair of cover, else good. $28.50

2009. Railroad Passes.

1880s. Ex-Pennsylvania Railroad Museum (their paper hinges on verso), 2 1/4 x 3 3/4. From Samuel T. Freeman’s 1970s auction of Museum’s astonishing treasures.

2010. Kentucky Derby.

Older reprint of first program of the Derby’s first day, May 17, 1875. 8 1/2 x 11, 1 page, brown thermography on cream parchtone. Mint. $7.25

2011. “Via First American Rocket Airplane Flight” to Carry Mail.

Postally-used cover carried on this historic first day of rocket airmail, Feb. 23, 1936, bearing 10¢ Special Delivery postage stamp (Scott #771), and three attractive cachets: pictorial purple handstamp “Greenwood Lake, N.Y. to Hewitt, N.J.,” affixed green label, and printed red and black art of speeding rocket. Backstamped Brooklyn following day. (An earlier, mail-less test flight took place on Feb. 9.) On Feb. 23, two rockets were launched, first by catapult but not escaping the ice, then the second through the air. The early experiment of rocket pioneer Willy Ley, teacher of Werner von Braun. Within only a few years, Ley’s pupil was involved in sending rockets over London during World War II. Very fine. With photocopies of newspaper articles. $58.00

2012. 1992 Buick Full Line.

Color catalogue. 9 x 10 3/4 oblong, 44 pp. Very high-gloss varnish throughout, with magnificent beauty photography. Striking photos of variety of models and configurations, including Park Avenue Ultra, Riviera, Regal, LeSabre, Skylark, Century, and Roadmaster Sedan and Estate Wagon. N.O.S., in mint condition. $5.00

2013. 1995 Chevrolet Assortment.

Group of six different Chevrolet color catalogues, all 1995. Full car line (including Camaro, Corvette, and Impala SS), plus Astro Van, Blazer, Commercial Trucks, Corsica, and S-Series Pickup. 36-44 pp. ea. Some superb photography. Mint. 6/$17.00

2014. Help Not Wanted: No New Officers.

Printed Union General Orders, Washington, Apr. 2, 1863, 2 pp. Detailing revised organization of infantry, cavalry, and artillery, consolidating each regiment into six or fewer companies. Placing a freeze on new musters, and appointment of new officers. Broad soft crease along blank left margin where reposed in binding, else fine. $23.00

2015. Hard Labor for Falsification of Documents.

General Orders, Washington, Oct. 19, 1863, 8 pp. Details of four soldiers found guilty of falsification of documents, to criminally extract money from U.S. government; dishonorably discharged, preceded by hard labor at Albany, N.Y. Penitentiary. One soldier found guilty of all seven charges. Executive clemency recommended, but Sec. of War Seward refused to submit their cases for review by Lincoln, stating that sentences “hardly mark the gravity of their offenses.” Lincoln was usually lenient; here Seward does not give him the opportunity. Signed by E.D. Townsend, later Gen. Binding holes and stitching evidence at blank left, else fine. $45.00

2016. The Newly Created “Little Folly Island.”

General Orders, Dept. of the South, Folly Island, S.C., Mar. 19, 1864, 1 p. Announcing division of Folly Island (a site of Freedman’s Bureau enterprises) into two posts, to be called Folly Island and Little Folly Island, under command of Brig. Gen. Alex. Schimmelfenning and Col. Samuel Alford; Surgeon S.S. Mulford “will be obeyed and respected....” Signed by Maj. Edward L. Rogers, 104th Pa. Infantry. Two binding holes in blank margin, else fine. $42.00

2017. Court Martial in Charleston.

General Orders, H.Q., Northern District, Dept. of the South, Charleston, S.C., June 10, 1865, 1 1/2 pp. Detailing war-date court martial, on Mar. 20, presided over by Col. James Beecher of 35th Regt. U.S. C(olored) T(roops). Sentencing three soldiers - including a Pvt. in famed 55th Mass. - to hard labor for desertion or leaving post. Signed by Asst. Adj. Gen. About fine. $31.50

– Because of space limitations, our Fixed Price section will continue in our next catalogue. –
Til then, do let us of your interests, want lists, and searches for that special gift.


Reference Books
& Books of Special Interest



3000. Webster’s Biographical Dictionary.

Older edition of this long-out-of-print standard, with some 40,000 U.S. and foreign entries from all periods of history, ancient to Twentieth Century. Over 1,600 pp., cloth, d.j., with multiple reference indices. An invaluable work -- we use our desk copy many times each day. We have collected used copies: Ex-lib, with expected wear, but good reading copies, $19.75 • Clean, lightly used copies; may have minor ex-lib marks and d.j. wear, else internally about fine. $33.00

3001. Webster’s Geographical Dictionary.

Older edition of this out-of-print classic. Over 47,000 places, 218 maps, 15,000 cross-references, 1,370 pp., cloth, d.j. Including alternate and former place-names, and foreign-language variants. In addition to countries of the world and cities, in many cases natural features, populations, sizes, and economic and historical information is provided (albeit as of publication date). An essential reference tool for home, office, school or library. Clean, lightly used copies; may have minor ex-lib marks and d.j. wear, else internally very good. $26.00

3002. Generals in Blue.

Warner’s companion to Generals in Gray, this work his classic reference to some 583 Union Generals. Photograph and biography of each officer. Including invaluable listing of the 1,367 additional Union General Officers who never held full rank. 680 pp., cloth, d.j. Very fine. $39.50

3003. Generals in Gray.

The classic reference on 425 Confederate Generals, with photograph and biography of each. 420 pp., cloth, d.j., appendix of battles. Many of the photographs are from private sources, heretofore little-known. One of the foundational volumes of any Civil War library. V.F. $32.50

3004. More Generals in Gray.

A newer reference work, by Bruce S. Allardice, and adjunct to Warner’s original Generals in Gray. Containing 137 additional Confederate Generals unlisted in Warner’s book. 425 pp., illus., cloth. New. $29.95. • Also, softcover. New. $23.95

3005. Autographs of the Confederacy.

Limited Edition of handwriting examples of the men who led the South. Nearly 600 high quality photographic reproductions, 200-screen halftones. Printed on acid-free paper, bound in library-quality bookcloth, French marbled endpapers, silk ribbon placemark. Nested limitation leaf autographed by Robert E. Lee, IV (great-grandson of R.E. Lee), William Wirt Allen, III (great-grandson of C.S.A. Gen. William Wirt Allen), and compiler Michael Reese II. With today’s prices for Confederate autographs, this pictorial reference can pay for itself in short order. The original - and definitive - work on the subject. Copies reside in the libraries of many descendants of the Generals of the Confederacy whose autographs are pictured within. Published by us in 1981, now long O.P. Supply now very limited. Mint. $125.00

3006. Autographs c. 1870.

Older quality reprint (by ourselves) of autograph catalogue of Charles Burns, Wall St., N.Y. Possibly the earliest autograph pricelist extant: Said to be the first - and only - autograph dealer in America in his day. 5 1/4 x 8 1/4, 8 pp. plus cover. Describing and pricing several hundred offerings, all at now-bargain prices (Audubon A.L.S. 2.50, Jeff Davis 1.00, John Hancock 6.00, Patrick Henry A.L.S. 10.00). With copy of 1922 article about Burns by Walter R. Benjamin. As new. $5.00

3007. Biographical Reference of The Bronx.

They Were Here: Some Bronxites Who Have Achieved. Unique, O.P. reference, listing distinguished Bronxites in every field of endeavor, from colonial times to the present: Nobelists, authors, musicians, artists, clergy, public officials, educators, scientists, doctors, businessmen, industrialists, athletes, and others. Including years of birth and death, brief biographical information, and neighborhood where they lived, where available. Second Revised (and final) Edition, 1986, published by Bronx Society of Science and Letters, long defunct. (xiii) + 101 pp., 2 plates, 6 x 9 1/4. Doublethick cover. Genuine vegetable parchment overwrap toned, else new. $29.00

3008. Motoring in America - The Early Years.

Frank Oppel, Editor. Castle Books, 1989. A delightful ensemble of 48 articles appearing between 1900-1910, each on a different motoring subject, from steam to gas to electrics, from racing to touring to shows, and much more. Including: “The Detroit Races” (1901), “The Automobile Show” (1901), “Motor Farm-Truck Delivery” (1902), and more. 6 3/4 x 9 1/2, 476 pp., hard cover, colorful d.j., hundreds of black and white illustrations, black on cream text. Articles faithfully reprinted from originals, hence varying typestyles and formats within this thick volume. A splendid reference work, rich in the lore of the horseless carriage in the first decade of the century. Trivial d.j. edge blemishes from bindery, else New Old Stock, O.P., and unread. $9.75

3009. Imported Car Spotter’s Guide.

A unique automotive pictorial reference work, by Tad Burness. Over 2,000 illus. of 83 makes, from 11 countries. From Allard to Wartburg, Alfa Romeo to Volvo. Pub. 1979, 8 1/2 x 9 1/2, 359 pp., soft cover. Showing imported cars starting with their first appearance in American showrooms, variously 1940s to 1970s. Some wear, else V.G. Now very scarce. $42.50

3010. American Truck Spotter’s Guide, 1920-70.

Pictorial reference work, by Tad Burness. Over 2,000 illus. of 170 makes. From All-American and Acme, to Ward Electric and Yellow-Knight. Pub. 1978, 8 1/2 x 9 1/2, 328 pp. + appendix, soft cover. Some wear, else very good. Now scarce. $21.50

3011. Bulb Horn Magazine, 1946.

Early issue of this landmark quarterly, Veteran Motor Car Club of America, Vol. 7, No. 1. Jan. 1946. Fascinating variety of automotive historical lore, written by pioneers themselves. Including: “Restoration of an 1896 Duryea,” by J. Frank Duryea, with photograph; Lozier history by renowned authority W.O. MacIlvain; Mercer history by Wm. A. Smith; The Compound [Conn.], by Dean Fales; the Sheepshead Bay 150 Race of May 13, 1916 recalled by Roger Shaw; the Maharajah of Mysore’s Garage, by George Felton; and more. Highly ornate cover. Some photos. Arguably the birth-year of the antique car hobby, in 1946 the Club organized the first revival of the turn-of-century Glidden Tours. N.O.S., and a choice, mint copy from Club Archives. Issues prior to 1946 command substantial prices in any condition. $24.00

3012. Kaiser-Frazer - The Last Onslaught on Detroit.

Definitive book on the marque, by automotive historian Richard M. Langworth. Pub. by Automobile Quarterly, 1975, first edition, 8 1/4 x 9 3/4 oblong, 287 pp., profusely illus. Some d.j. wear, else good plus. The most successful of the new brands in postwar America, Henry Kaiser’s visionary conglomerate lives on in the health care and aluminum enterprises bearing his name. The avant-garde Kaiser-Darrin appeared in TV’s Adventures of Superman; one Kaiser, the Dragon, was noted for its interior fabric simulating the skin of a ... dragon. $79.00

3013. Christie’s World of Automotive Toys.

By Mike and Sue Richardson. Formidable coffee-table book, 192 pp., 10 1/4 x 10 1/4, cloth, heavily illustrated, much in color. MBI Pub. Co., Osceola, Wis.: 1998. Finely printed in Italy. “From the simple wooden and tin trinkets inspired by the emerging automakers of the late nineteenth century to the modern multimillion-dollar plastic and diecast industry, this handsome photographic history encompasses every type of toy vehicle imaginable, from outrageous to the exquisite...A detailed history of everything from trucks and buses to motorcycles and racing cars.” Index. Appendix of collectors’ information, including glossary of toy nomenclature and manufacturing methods, top prices (understandably surpassed since 1998), and roster of toy museums. Some d.j. and shelf wear, but new and unread. (Pub. at $39.95.) $9.50

3014. Private Gold Coins & Patterns of the United States.

By Donald Kagin, Ph.D. Arco, 1981, 406 pp. Cloth, d.j. Photos and bibliography. A comprehensive tour of one of the more rarified specialties in numismatics, with their very low mintages, and experimental designs and metallurgy. As new. $59.00

3015. California Coiners and Assayers.

By Dan Owens. 2000, 448 pp. Cloth, d.j. “For the first time in Western and numismatic history, in one encyclopedic dictionary” - the story of coiners, assayers, and bankers who created gold coins, bars and ingots, for use in Gold Rush era commerce. As new. $104.50

3016. Abraham Lincoln Illustrated Envelopes & Letter Paper, 1860-1865.

By Dr. James W. Milgram. 1984, 8 1/4 x 10 1/4, 272 pp., silver-stamped black linen. Coated enamel text, exhaustively illustrated. Inscribed by author. Very light shelf wear, else as new, likely unread. Essential reference. $24.75