An extra-illustrated set of Grant’s Memoirs…
Includes an original manuscript draft page of his 1870 State of the Union Address.
761.GRANT, Ulysses Simpson. (1822-85) Two (2) manuscript pieces bound in to an extra-illustrated set of Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant. (New York: Charles L. Webster & Company, 1885-86) 2 vols., 8vo., rebound in calf and marbled boards, with gilt lettering on spine. In volume one, mounted to a blank page before page 7, is a manuscript D.S. 1p., 8 x 3 1/2″, [n.p.], April 4, [1885], “6.30 A.M.” signed by Grant’s attending physicians, George F. SHRADY and J. H. DOUGLASS reporting on Grant’s condition during his prolonged illness before his demise in July, 1885. They report that “General Grant awoke after a continuous sleep of eight hours and related in a lucid and humorous manner his dream while under the influence of the anodyne. He feels refreshed and cheerful and asks for a cup of coffee. His pulse is the same.” Fine condition. The second volume, tipped in before page 17 is a Draft Autograph Manuscript of Ulysses S. GRANT (not signed), 1p. 13 1/2 x 8 1/2″, [n.p., n.d., c. November-December, 1870], docketed on verso: “Part of Grant’s Message”. A draft portion of his December 5, 1870 State of the Union address to Congress which reads in full: “in their places by the Senate[.] My views were always expressed in favor of Civil service reform the bill proposed by the Hon. Mr. Jenkes [sic Jenckes], of R[hode]. I[sland]. But I am not wedded to any special measure but favor any that will work an improvement upon the present system. Both subjects have been before Congress so often, and have been so ably argued, that I will offer no reason for my”. This was an omitted portion of his December 5 message as found in The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant (Vol., 21, p. 41). He chose this text in its place: “Always favoring practical reforms, I respectfully call your attention to one abuse of long standing which I would like to see remedied by this Congress. It is a reform in the civil service of the country. I would have it go beyond the mere fixing of the tenure of office of clerks and employees who do not require ‘the advice and consent of the Senate’ to make their appointments complete. I would have it govern, not the tenure, but the manner of making all appointments. There is no duty which so much embarrasses the Executive and heads of Departments as that of appointments, nor is there any such arduous and thankless labor imposed on Senators and Representatives as that of finding places for constituents. The present system does not secure the best men, and often not even fit men, for public place. The elevation and purification of the civil service of the Government will be hailed with approval by the whole people of the United States.” The portions of the draft that were used in the final draft of his December 5 message were donated to the Library of Congress by Ulysses S. Grant III. Though Grant’s administration was perhaps the most corrupt in American history (save perhaps Harding), Grant clearly understood the evils of the patronage system and reiterated his support for civil service reform throughout his tenure as President. A few slight fold separations, else fine. The two volumes are in overall very good condition save for loose binding to volume one and the usual rubbing.
(Est. $2,500-3,500)
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762.GRANT, U.S. Signed Photograph measuring 11 1/2″ X 15″ overall, photograph size 7 1/2″ X 10″. Albumen image of Grant showing him waist up as President. Boldly signed and dated May 17, 1885, just two months before his death. Signature area has toned from previous framing. Few scratches to the right of Grant, wear at very top of mount, else fine. Our consignor was informed that this signed image came directly from a descendant of Grant by marriage. It’s actually quite remarkable that the former President was still signing photographs while terminally ill with throat cancer, which would take his life in July 1885. Large signed images of Grant are quite scarce. Would look great matted and framed. (Est. $1,000-1,500)
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763.GRANT, Ulysses S. Printed DS “U.S. Grant” as President of the Soldiers Monument Association and “S.C. Harris” as Secretary, 1p, 14×17. Galena, Ill., 1865 August 28. Manuscript completed to a Mrs. B.B. Howard. In full: “This Certifies that Mrs. B.B. Howard Is hereby Constituted a Member of the Jo Daviess Soldiers’ Monument Association.” Vignette of Lincoln at top center and five other smaller vignettes. Engraved by the Continental Bank Note Co., New York. At the time the Civil War broke out, former soldier Ulysses S. Grant was working in his father’s hardware store in Galena, Illinois. Four years later, Lieutenant General Grant was the hero of Galena and of the War, which ended in April 1865. The citizens of that town purchased a furnished home in Galena and presented it to the previously poor and homeless Grant. He signed its deed on August 18, 1865 – just ten days prior to these certificates being issued. Other honors were heaped upon the General, including the honorary presidency of the Jo Daviess Soldiers’ Monument Association. Galena is located on the Mississippi River in Jo Daviess County – formed in 1827 out of Henry and Putnam Counties. It is named for Maj. Joseph H. Daveiss, U.S. District Attorney for Kentucky, who was killed in 1811 at the Battle of Tippecanoe. (Daveiss was very much a Daniel Boone-like figure… a frontier lawyer military hero who died in patriotic service.) Light folds, a bright, clean example of a very rare document. (Est. $700-900)
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764. GRANT, Ulysses S. Signature with rank, “U. S. Grant Major General” on a 2 1/2 x 1″ slip. A fine example that would frame nicely with an appropriate illustration or portrait. (Est. $300-400)
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765. (GRANT, Julia Dent.) A 1 1/4″ x 1 1/4″ swatch of pattered fabric taken from a dress worn by Julia Grant affixed to the verso of her black-bordered mourning calling card. Identified in ink on the card as a piece “…of a dress worn by Mrs. Grant at her son Ulysses wedding…” Very good. Certainly a “different” relic than those usually seen! (Est. $200-300)
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Grant writes to the Sec. of War who has reported him to the President for failing to submit reports.
766. (GRANT, Ulysses S.) Manuscript Document completed and signed “U.S. Grant” by his aide (at a time his writing hand was bandaged following a fall), two pages, 8 x 10″. To Secretary of War, C. M. Conrad, Fort Vancouver, January 4, 1852. “Sir: I have just receive your note of the 2nd of November, 1852, notifying me that I had been reported to the President as having failed to render within the period prescribed by law, my accounts for the quarter ending the 30th of June, 1852. I would respectfully state that I left Governor’s Island on the 30th of June, on a leave of absence for a few days, to attend to some business in Washington City before sailing for this coast. Returning I reached New York City about 11 o’clock at night where I learned to my astonishment, for the first time, that the 4th Inf. were to go aboard the steamer Ohio the next morning so as to be ready to sail by 2 o’clock P.M. on the 5th. Otherwise my accounts would have been rendered within the time prescribed by law. As it is they were forwarded by the first mail after our arrival at our destination.” Grant would later write on how this type of bureaucratic nonsense was the worst aspect of military life. Obviously this one delay in reporting was not put on his record – just six months later he received his captain’s commission. An exceptionally fine letter, with second endorsement sheet. Another important piece with fine content. (Est. $500-800)
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767. Frederick Volck. German-Confederate American. AN ORIGINAL BRONZE BUST OF GENERAL ULYSSES GRANT. This finely cast bronze was presented to President Grant from General Robert E. Lee when General Grant became President of the USA .This goodwill offering by these gentlemen of the South was in gratitude for the favorable treatment Gen. Grant showed Gen. Lee at the surrender at Appomattox which ended the Civil War. It is recorded in Grant’s book & diary that Lee visited Grant at the White House twice while he was President. Volck created in 1863 the similar image of Gen. Lee while Lee was the lead general in the Confederacy Army. This bronze was sold in last year’s Rail Splitter auction. This bronze of Gen. Grant is signed and dated “FREDERICK VOLCK, 1869, RICHMOND, VA.” 19″ tall, the bronze rests on a circular 2″ black marble plinth & weighs an impressive 50-pounds! A masterpiece of artwork. (Est. $4,000-4,500)
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768. Rare photo of U. S. Grant, taken fifteen days after receiving the Republican presidential nomination. 4 x 5 1/2″ albumen photograph affixed to a 6 1/2 x 8 1/2″ mount. Titled “Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, U.S.A. Photographed by T. R. Burnham, 351 Washington St., Boston, in Washington, D.C., June 5th 1868.” Grant is shown seated, in military uniform, with a gold watch chain on his vest and four-star shoulder boards. The albumen is bold with excellent detail and contrast. There is a small circular stain to the right of his shoulder. The mount is evenly toned with some light dampstains along the sides and bottom which barely touch the right side of the photo. We have also seen a much larger version of the same photo – both versions considered rare and seldom offered for sale. (Est. $600-800)
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769. A fine outdoor steroview, “Lieut. Gen. Grant. Wife and Son, at his Head Quarters, City Point, Va.” (Est. $100-300)
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770. U.S. Grant CDV, Anthony back imprint. Superb Grant CDV, c. 1863, as Lieutenant General. Most probably taken shortly before his victory at Vicksburg. An extremely difficult image to source. Excellent tone, detail. (Est. $400-500)
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771. A gorgeous, resonant pose of Gen. Grant on Brady board. Save for light spot in field at top, a very fresh, clean example. (Est. $200-400)
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772. U.S. Grant. Quite rare carte, c. 1862-1863, with T.F. Saltsman, Nashville, Tenn. back imprint. An early Civil War image of Grant as Lieutenant General in excellent condition with just a hint of age at the top right edge. (Est. $400-600)
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773. One of his last photographs in uniform. A fine portrait of the General just before he left the military for a career in politics. 1868 imprint by Burnham of Massachusetts, a tough portrait to source in carte format. (Est. $300-500)
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774. Grant with mourning bands affixed to his sleeves following the Lincoln funeral. A fine specimen. (Est. $100-150)
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775. Scarce Grant carte by Henzey of Philadelphia. Board trimmed at bottom not into albumen, great tone and detail. The General poses in a Napoleonic stance. (Est. $200-300)
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776. Pair of CDVs, one on a titled board showing Grant just after the Lincoln mourning service, the other by Burnham. Slight clips to corners, two (2) nice cartes. (Est. $100-200)
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777. U.S. Grant by Day & Wilson of Memphis. There is some discoloration from a design pattern found on ornate CDVs that must have faced this carte and some even mottling. Nonetheless, a very rare, early portrait. (Est. $100-200)
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778. U.S. Grant by Anthony/Brady. Some age mottling as shown, another scarce portrait. (Est. $150-200)
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779. Oval albumen affixed to an ornately designed carte board. A somewhat different presentation. (Est. $80-100)
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780. A later, post-war portrait of President Grant by Gurney & Sons. (The man doesn’t look terribly pleased!) A scarce study, nice presentation, just a hint of age. (Est. $150-200)
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781.This one is special! As detailed (in VERY small part!) on verso: “This sword, which was presented to Gen. Grant by Jo Daviess County, Illinois, was finished at the Ames Manuf. Co., Chicopee, Mass. The grasp and guard are ornamented with classical designs…” The extensive presentation lists every attribute, the inscriptions, the gold detailing, and the military record of the hero. Given that his record concludes with November 1863 (Chattanooga), we assume this was a gift from that year. Issued from the General’s hometown, “Pierce’s Photographic Rooms, Galena, Ill.” This is the first we’ve seen… what a great “relic” item!
(Est. $300-500)
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782. Political rally in support of U.S. Grant’s campaign. An interesting carte, brass band standing in the foreground with a large bass drum; they stand in front of “J.C. Mann’s Saloon.” (No relation we believe!) They display the American flag at left, on a peach mount by Philp & Solomons of Washington. A fun image in carte format.
(Est. $150-200)
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783. Seymour and Blair 1868 campaign CDV from the 1868 Presidential race that pitted Horatio Seymour against U.S. Grant. The CDV has some light age, else very fine. (Est. $100-150)
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784. Colfax CDV, some mounting remnants/loss at very top of board, exceptional clarity and detail – a warm portrait of the Speaker of the House and Vice President. (Est. $50-70)
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785. Horace Greeley CDV, Anthony-Brady back imprint. Editor of New York Tribune and Presidential candidate in 1872. Excellent. (Est. $75-100)
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786. Grant and Colfax presidential campaign carte shows the 1868 Republican nominees, eagles, George Washington, American flags, etc. “Grant and Colfax Presidential Campaign of 1868. We intend to fight it out on this line if it takes ALL SUMMER.” Mint. (Est. $200-250)
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787. Grant and Colfax 1868 political campaign CDV by John Goldin, Washington, D.C. CDV pictures a large eagle: “Presidential Campaign 1868 Grant Colfax We purpose To Fight It Out On This Line If It Takes All Summer. ” Reads “Executed with a Spencerian Steel Pen by W. F. McLennan”. Light wear, else fine. First example we have seen, ever!
(Est. $200-300)
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788. “Last Photograph of Gen. Grant, Four Days Before His Death.” A sad study, cabinet card with 1885 copyright lines on verso and oberse by Gilman of Mt. McGregor, NY. Odd that he was allowed to take a photo of the General so near the end. (Est. $100-200)
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789. Absolutely pristine… we repeat, PRISTINE!, matching Grant and Colfax brass-matted ferrotype stickpins. 26 x 32mm. These are not the small, gem-sized tins, but rather quite large specimens… almost 1 1/2″ tall. The Grant example has a bright, shiny surface — clean as the day it was made. Both super mint condition with original pins. The 1868 campaign is well-represented in these two badges! (Est. $600-800)
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790. Grant and Colfax ferros set in a classic 22mm. brass frame. Similar to the frame issued for Lincoln (#1864-103), this enjoys a great deal of lustre. Tintypes have light bubbling to emulsion and some scratches, but overall the portraits remain quite bold. A fine example of an 1868 campaign item. (Est. $250-300)
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791. Grant and Colfax back-to-back ferrotype. 28mm., the Colfax portait quite bright, some flaws in the Grant ferro as shown with areas of emulsion faults. The “For President 1868” makes the brass shell one of the nicer devices of the campaign. A mint example would command $750, this should well be worth… (Est. $150-200)
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792. Grant Memorial Medal. A large, 63mm., white metal commemorative medal by Morgan, the Chief Engraver at the U.S. Mint. About uncirculated, highly detailed. (Est. $60-80)
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793. 1868 Grant Medal. U.S.G.-1868 #2. A large 60 mm. bronze bearing a high relief bust by Hugues Bovy of Geneva. A quote from Grant is present on verso: “I intend to fight it out on this line if it take all summer.” Uncirculated condition with nice deep toning. (Est. $100-150)
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794.Grant 1881 Convention Medal… a special issue! One of the more interesting pieces of political exonumia we have encountered, a 2 3/4″ diameter bronze medal featuring a bust profile of Grant surrounded by laurels and a series of numbers. The verso identifies the medal as a “Commemorative of the 36 Ballots of The Old Guard for Ulysses S. Grant For President” at the 1880 Chicago Convention. A self-congratulatory piece cast in 1881 by the loyal supporters of U.S. Grant who stuck by him through 36 ballots at the 1880 Convention as Grant attempted to win an unprecedented third nomination for President. This unique offering has been engraved with the name of the original recipient, John Cessna. Offered together with a leather-bound book, 31p, 6 1/4 x 8″, adorned with a hollow replica of the medal on the recto and verso printed for a reunion dinner of “The Old Guard” in Philadelphia on April 25, 1893. This select group, nicknamed “306” for the number of delegates who stood with Grant on the final ballot as the balance of the convention stampeded to Garfield. A fascinating piece of political memorabilia. (Est. $400-500)
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795. U.S. Grant ABC plate, 5″ in diameter, period soft blue/gray glaze, minor, typical crazing, a different portrait of the general. (Est. $150-200)
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796. U.S. Grant Staffordshire spill-vase, c. 1863. Extremely well made porcelain, 3 3/8″ tall General Grant portrait is surrounded by stars and a light blue background. These small pieces of china were made during the Civil War (there is a Lincoln mate). The piece is in excellent condition and retains much of the original gold highlights. (Est. $200-$300)
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797. 1868 Ulysses S. Grant campaign bio in yellow pictorial wraps. 6 x 9 1/2″, The Life and Campaigns of Gen. U. S. Grant by Gen. James G. Wilson. Published by Robert M. deWitt of New York City. 100p., generally excellent condition, minor chipping and discoloration along bottom edges of cover, as shown. Inside title page contains a summary of Grant’s career, followed by a laudatory poem with biblical imagery by the Union League’s George Boker. (Est. $100-150)
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798. Lovely red, white, and blue Grant and Colfax electorat ticket. 2 1/2 x 8″, an excellent California ballot with interesting association: the gentleman running for Congress, Frank M. Pixley (1825-95), had fought alongside the standard-bearer (Grant!) during the War at the Battle of Cold Harbor. A fine, bright example. (Est. $150-200)
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799.Extremely scarce 1868 political hopeful! This 7 1/2 x 3 1/2″ advertising note, printed in green and black on tan, mounting remnants on verso from album removal, light foxing in areas, clipped upper corner, presents a dramatic appeal on behalf of George H. Pendleton as the “People’s Nominee” going into the Democratic Convention. We recently found an example sold in a national auction for $1,500+ presented as an 1864 campaign item… the misattribution understandable givent hat Pendleton (1825-89) was the Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate running with George McClellan in 1864. An Ohio Congressman and Senator, he went into the post-War convention opposing the candidacy of U.S. Grant as a leading hopeful! A rare piece of political ephemera that displays quite well. (Est. $500-800)
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800. A fine matched pair of election covers from the 1868 election (Grant-Colfax and Seymour-Blair), one credited “Owens & Agar… New York” on verso. Overall very bright and clean, very fine. (Est. $150-200)
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801. Grant and Greeley 1872 campaign advertising from Dayton, Ohio. Wonderful 1872 campaign piece featuring images of Horace Greeley and U.S. Grant. The circular advertises “The Farmers Friend Grain Drill” below their images, with more grain drill information on the reverse. Most political collectors are familiar with the “Bartenders Friend” campaign buttons from the 1940 campaign, this has the same flavor as this grain drill manufacturer is “sitting on the fence” when it comes to supporting one candidate over another. A wonderful 1872 campaign relic in fine condition save for some light typical age. (Est. $200-300)
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802. “Come One! Come All!” Wonderful 2 3/4 x 5″ card from a celebration in New Jersey by the local Wigwam for the 1868 inauguration of Grant and Colfax. Printed in red. The crowd was invited to hear the elequent blathering of the local politico, Newark’s own Cortland Parker (1818-1907) who had been a delegate to Republican National Convention from New Jersey in ’68. A fun item. (Est. $40-60)
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803.Decorating Grant’s Tomb. A lovely printed invitation from Post No. 327 of the new York G.A.R. inviting the bearer to “Decoration of Gen. Grant’s Tomb” on Memorial Day, May 31, 1886. Before he was interred in the monumental structure designed by John Duncan completed in 1897, Grant was interred in a smaller, temporary structure located in Riverside Park. This was the first Memorial Decoration held following his death from throat cancer the previous August. Printed on heavy card stock with a thin black border on beveled edges. Pristine. (Est. $100-200)
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804. “Lieutenant General Grant’s Grand March.” Lee & Walker’s ode to Grant, 6p., a bust of Grant framed by two banners listing his long list of victories including Fort Donalson, Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, Chickamauga and others. Likely published in 1864, as none of his 1864 victories are yet listed. Extremely light foxing, binding remnants at left margin, else very bright and clean. (Est. $80-100)
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805. “General Grant’s Grand March.” 6p. sheet music also by Lee & Walker, Philadelphia, this in 1862. The publisher also notes the availability of other titles including “General Grant’s Polka”, and “General Grant’s Quick Step.” An excellent unbound version on separate sheets, overall quite clean with extremely light foxing at margins. (Est. $80-100)
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806. Another variant of Grant’s Grand March, 6p., 1865. A later edition, revised to reflect Grant’s elevated rank since the 1862 publication. Lightly foxed at margins, small losses at left margin from previous binding. (Est. $80-100)
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807.A great jugate! “For Seymour, Blair and Liberty.” Sheet music, 5p., bearing portaits of the 1868 Democratic nominees. Published by Lyon & Healy, Chicago. Moderate foxing, a few marginal tears, string binding remnant at edge, else very good… and scarce! (Est. $300-400)
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808. Ulysses Grant Chromolithograph, by E. C. Middleton, 13 x 16″ oval (17 x 22″ framed). A gorgeous portrait skillfully retouched in oil in background, top of hair, and coat. Housed in a bright, gold period gesso frame with a few surface cracks. (Est. $400-600)
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