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[The Papers of Ward B. Burnett. Ward Burnett (1811-84) was a career solider graduating from West Point in 1832 to immediately serve in the Black Hawk War of that same year. He remained in the army until 1836 when he resigned to become a civil engineer. Burnett raised a regiment in the Mexican War and served with great distinction under Winfield Scott – awarded a gold medal by his regiment. As further reward for his services, he was presented with a gold snuff box that had been presented to Andrew Jackson from the City of New York for his heroic 1815 defense of New Orleans. He spent the years between the Mexican War and the Civil War engaged as a civil engineer engaged on the construction of the dry docks at the navy yards at Brooklyn and Philadelphia. He later worked as U.S. surveyor-general for Kansas and Nebraska (1858-60). During the Civil War, he was actively engaged in the recruiting service. The next five (5) lots originate from this important man’s family.]

396. LINCOLN, Abraham. Good content A.L.S. “A. Lincoln”, 1p. 5 x 8″ on Executive Mansion letterhead, Washington, March 7, 1863, to General Ward B. Burnett (1811-84) concerning Burnett’s nomination for a commission as brigadier general. Lincoln, two months following his issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, writes in full: “Col. Diven has just been with me seeking to remove a wrong impression which he supposes I might have of you, springing from a report he had once made in the New York Senate, as I understood him- I told him, as I now tell you, that I did not remember to have ever heard of the report, or any thing against you. As I remember, you were nominated last year, and the nomination fell, with many others, because the number nominated exceeded, the law, I call to mind no reason why you have not been re-nominated, except that you have not been in active service, while others more than sufficient to take all the places, have been. Yours truly A. Lincoln.” Partial separation at vertical center fold, light toning and soiling, else fine condition. Burnett, a decorated hero of the Mexican War, had been acting as a recruiting officer for volunteers in New York at the start of the Civil War. Because of wounds received at the Battle of Churubusco, he was essentially a cripple and unfit for field service, but a regular officer’s commission would have afforded him a larger pension to see him through his later years. Apparently, a regular commission never came for Burnett. In June he received another blow, this time from Secretary of War, Edwin M. STANTON who writes in an accompanying L.S. 1p. 8 x 9.5″, Washington, June 20, 1863 to New York Mayor George Opdyke. Stanton replies to Opdyke’s request “…that such power be given to General Ward B. Burnett, to muster men into the United States service, as was given to the late Colonel Baker and others, I have to state, that the request having been considered by the Department, it is not deemed expedient to grant it, great inconvenience and prejudice to the service, having been experienced from irregular authority to muster in recruits. The Departments is informed that the force of recruiting officers is amply sufficient to muster in the recruits as fast as is consistent with due examination and proper regard to the interests of the United States…” Light scattered foxing, a few tiny chips, else fine. This did not stop Burnett from taking an active part in the struggle however. William O. Stoddard, an aide to Lincoln who was in New York during the Draft Riots, reported joining a hastily formed militia regiment commanded by Burnett: “When we reached the corner of the Sub-Treasury, there on the steps was General Ward B. Burnett, organizing a company of volunteers that promised to be a good one. I knew that he had commanded the First New York Volunteers in the Mexican War and was accounted a brave, capable officer. That was the man to serve under, and we at once fell into line, recalling our soldier experience in the Rifles. The General swore us in, gave us instructions, looked very cool, and determined but a little bloodthirsty, and we were posted. That is, we were put temporarily in charge of the Treasury, under the impression that there was to be an immediate attack on it. Later we were transferred to the portico of the Custom House, where we kept company with a wide-mouthed mountain howitzer.” Ironically, Lincoln penned his letter to Burnett the same week he issued the first draft law in the history of the United States. A great example with verve. (Not in Basler, text unknown.) (Est. $8,000-10,000)

397. Andrew JACKSON (1767-1845) Partly printed D.S. as President, 1p. 14 x 17.5″ on vellum, Washington, July 1, 1834 appointing Ward B. Burnett as a Second Lieutenant in the Second Artillery. Countersigned by Lewis CASS as Secretary of War. Weak at folds with some minor losses, very light toning, else very good.

(Est. $800-1,000)

398. (Andrew JACKSON) An interesting set of three letters concerning Jackson’s gold snuff box willed by Andrew Jackson that was to be given “to that patriot of New York city who shall be adjudged by his countrymen to have been the most distinguished in defense of his country.” This was the same gold snuff box that had been presented to Jackson by the City of New York in appreciation for his defense of New Orleans. The following three letters concern the campaign mounted by the officer corps in New York to have this snuff box awarded to Ward B. Burnett. The lot includes Gideon J. PILLOW (1806-78) A.L.S. 1p. 7.5 x 10″, Maury County, Tenn., August 2, 1858 to a General concerning In part: “…I found your interesting letter…in behalf of Genl. Burnett as the proper recipient of the Gold Box, under Genl. Jackson’s will…I have transmitted these…to Andrew Jackson Jr. with a letter from myself, strongly expressive of my convictions that Col. Burnett is justly entitled to the request…” Offered together with a second A.L.S. by Pillow, 1p. 8 x 10″, Maury County, Tenn. Aug. 26, 1857 to Henry Gaines and A. W. Taylor of the New York volunteers, concerning the same subject: “…I have addressed Andrew Jackson [Jr.] on the subject, and enclosed him your letter, with instructions to return it to me. My impression is that he will withhold the box until a more satisfactory award is made. I never received any communication of any sort – upon any subjects – from the common council of New York…” Also together with an A.L.S. of F. J. Mackey, formerly of the Palmetto Regiment during the Mexican War, 3p. 8 x 10″, Washington, June 18, 1858 to Andrew Jackson, Jr. attesting to Burnett’s character and integrity. The stuff box was finally released and presented to Ward in 1859 by the City of New York for his gallantry leading the 1st New York Volunteers in the Mexican War. The location of the snuff box is presently unknown. All three letters bear the expected folds, else fine condition. Together, three pieces. (Est. $300-400)

399. BUCHANAN, James. (1791-1868) Partly Printed D.S. as President, 1p. 21 x 16″, Washington, July 21, 1858 appointing Ward B. Burnett “to be Surveyor General for the territories of Kansas and Nebraska…” Countersigned by Moses KELLY as acting Secretary of the Interior. Partial fold separations repaired on verso, light dampstains and toning, else very good. Offered together with a second partly printed D.S., 1p. 21 x 16″, Washington, Dec. 24, 1858 again appointing Ward B. Burnett “to be Surveyor General for the territories of Kansas and Nebraska…” Countersigned by Jacob Thompson as Secretary of the Interior. Dampstained, weak at folds, separated folds repaired on verso with archival tissue, light toning, else very good. Together, two pieces. (Est. $800-1,000)

400. The Mexican War and Personal Papers of Ward B. Burnett. A fine content archive of papers (approx. 40 pieces) retained by General Ward B. Burnett of New York including communications and letters from his service in the Mexican War as well as personal correspondence and papers concerning family matters. The Mexican war material consists of 21 letters and documents chronicling Burnet’s command of the 1st New York Volunteers beginning with the organization and mustering of the regiment at Fort Hamilton, New York in December 1846 to the regiment’s return to New York in 1848. The 1st New York (later designated the 2nd New York) arrived off Vera Cruz with Scott’s main army in February, 1847 and saw action at Cerro Gordo, Peubla, Contrereas, Churubusco, and Chapultepec. Following the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, the regiment returned to New York in 1848. The papers opens with a December 1847 letter from potential recruits requesting service “involving peculiar danger“. Several papers concern regiment matters at Fort Hamilton later that month including the drumming out of “Sergt. O’Riley” for “mutinous and seditious conduct“. The regiment departed New York in January 1847 arriving in the Gulf of Mexico in February. Such long distance transport or a large body of troops was a relatively novel task for American armed forces as illustrated in an A.L.S. of Winfield SCOTT 1p. 8 x 10”, “Head Quarters of the Army” Brazoo, Feb. 14, 1847 to Assistant Quarter Master, Capt. H. C. Wayne concerning confusion in transporting troops to the Mexican coast: “It is represented that the New York Regiment of U. States Volunteers was embarked in five ships, instead of three, two of which have passed south of Lobos, and three remain off this bar. You will immediately visit the latter ships, and after inspection and consultation with the commanding officers, determine the question, in my name, and by my authority, whether the troops under the Command of Capt. Fairchild, on board the Jubilee, may not be transferred to the other two, containing parts of the same regiment…” On February 26, 1847 the army was “afloat” according to the manuscript General Orders No. 34, off Lobos and “within a very few days, to make a descent on the enemy’s coast under circumstances which will demand the utmost vigilances, coolness & exactness of conduct…” The orders continue, in great detail for three pages dictating how the surf boats would be utilized in the amphibious landing at Vera Cruz. Following the capture of the port city, army discipline became a serious concern. A communiquÈ of March 30, 1847 reported that “many volunteers with regulars & sailors, have been seized this morning in committing Acts of violence upon the persons, property & churches of this vicinity & are now in custody. Measures have been taken to prevent the repetition of such outrages…” The regiment marched with Scott inland in April, arriving at Jalapa on April 22 and advanced to Puebla by mid-May. On May 20 Burnet’s men were among the advance guard awaiting the arrival of the main army according to a manuscript order issued by Burnett that day ordering his men to be in readiness for an attack. Burnett’s men figured prominently in the battles of Contreras and Churubusco and on September 1, 1847 Burnett wrote his men a pre-mature letter of congratulation, on “the investment and capture of the city of Mexico“. Following Churubusco, Santa- Ana had pled for a truce to negotiate peace, but instead used it to reinforce his position and attempted to dislodge Scott with disastrous results. The archive also includes several documents concerning regimental casualties during the war, details of courts-martial as well as a good deal of paperwork concerning accounts for the regiment. It also contains a lengthy but undated draft of 25-page speech delivered in Albany recounting his experiences in the Mexican War through the battle of Cerro Gordo. His narration of the latter battle reads in part: “…Genl Twiggs had reconnoitered and determined on an immediate attack but Gen Patterson assuming the command on the 13th determined to await the arrival of the General in Chief. During the delay Col Burnett discovered from which the right of the enemy’s line resting on a high bluff adjoining the river could be enfiladed with artillery from the opposite side and having informed Gen Shields of it an engineer was sent the for the first time to reconnoiter It was afterwards determined to establish a Battery there, and three companies of the New York Regiment under Major Burnham performed the labour and protected Lieut Ripley in the performance of this creditable service. Our company was attached to protect a field Battery and the other companies remained with the Brigade under Colonel Burnett. On the afternoon of the 17th the Brigade was ordered to its position to support the division of Genl Twiggs on the main work and reached that point at sunset. From that time until 3 A. M. details to the number of 300 men were called for to aid in placing the 24 pounders and one 64 pound Howitzer in position…at daylight as formed and marched to the immediate vicinity of the commanding point of the enemy’s line…orders were received to move to the right and take a battery of five guns upon the road posted upon the enemy’s extreme left…” Other pieces include Burnett’s appointment as a Brevet Brigadier General in light of his “…gallant and distinguished services during the late war with Mexico…” signed by New York Governor, Horatio SEYMOUR. Other papers in the archive concern his pension, two newspapers (one on the capture of Mexico City), an 1867 divorce as well as other family financial matters. Condition is overall very good to fine with the expected folds and toning. A superb archive of the Mexican War, worthy of further research. (Est. $1,000-1,500)

401. (Mexican War) 1st New York Volunteers. A rare survivor from the Mexican war, a leather-bound account book, 200p. (approx 60p. filled in), 10.5 x 15.5″ being the final muster roll of the First New York Volunteers. The members of each company (A-K) are listed by name together with rank, age, when and where enlisted (and by whom), as well as where and when they were formally mustered into the service. A wide “Remarks” column is left at the far right where casualties and deaths are noted. BAt the end of each company, deserters, deaths, and discharges are listed with remarks noting when and where. The First New York Volunteers saw action from Vera Cruz through the capture of Mexico City suffering casualties at Puebla, Cerra Gordo, Churubusco and Chupuletec. Though the regiment suffered greatly in battle, disease was still the greater foe. For every casualty in battle, we find someone “left sick”. The most common culprits were yellow fever and diarrhea (aka Montezuma’s revenge!). During the regiment’s return in the spring of 1848, many were left at New Orleans to recover while the balance continued back to New York. First few pages bear some marginal chips and tears, cover worn, a bit loose at spine, else very good. Together with a

prohibitively rare document.

(Mexican War) The Truce of August 21, 1847. A rare contemporary manuscript copy of the controversial (and ultimately fleeting) truce between U.S. forces under Winfield Scott and the Mexican Army under Antonio LÛpez de Santa Ana concluded after his defeats before Mexico City. The agreement, bearing the secretarial signatures of Scott and Santa Ana, 4p. 8.5 x 13.5″, Tacubya, Aug. 24, 1847, reads in part “…an armistice for the purpose of giving the Mexican Government an Opportunity of receiving proposition for peace from the Commissioner appointed by the President of the United States…Hostilities shall instantly and absolutely cease between the Armies of the United States of America, and the United Mexican States within thirty leagues of the Capitol [sic] of the latter States, to allow time to the Commissioner appointed by the United States And the Commissioners to be appointed by the Mexican Republic to negotiate…the Armistice shall continue as long as the Commissioners of the two Governments may be engaged in negotiations…” The truce also forbade the erection of new fortifications, new reinforcements, and restricted deployed forces to their present locations. Though Scott had offered it as a means of concluding the war without further loss of life, Santa Ana used it to buy time to reinforce himself. Negotiations broke off within a week and hostilities resumed with Scott defeating Santa Ana again on the outskirts of Mexico City. On September 15, Santa Ana evacuated the city and was deposed a month later. Offered together with a printed document, 4p. 6 x 8.5″, Mexico, Feb. 25, 1848, a general order (#14) from the Army of Mexico detailing the court martial of Captain Samuel H. Montgomery who had written a letter on September 3, 1847 decrying the armistice to the Pennsylvania Argus and is quoted in full: “‘After the battles of the 19th and 20th ult., when we had opened up the way to the city, Gen. Scott, much against the wishes of the whole army, granted an armistice (at the solicitation of Santa Anna) on the 31st, which is still in existence, and has given time to the Mexicans to reinforce themselves, and we have now to do the work over again, at the loss of more of our brave men.‘” Both pieces bear the expected folds, chipped at margins with minor loss, otherwise very good condition. Wonderful content and history. (Est. $1,000-1,500)

402. LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-65) Good content A.L.S. “A. Lincoln” as President, 1p. 5 x 8″ on Executive Mansion letterhead, Washington, July 29, 1864 to sculptor William H. Philip (1829-84), “My dear Sir I have seen your Bust of Secretary Seward, and think it very good; though I must add that I do not consider myself a good judge in such matters.” We have yet to locate the bust in question, however Philips created busts of a variety of Civil War personages including David Farragut, Salmon Chase and, following his death, Abraham Lincoln. Mounted to a board, a few minor marginal chips not affecting text, toned at folds with light soiling, else very good. Should be restored.

(Est. $4,000-8,000)

403. LINCOLN, Abraham. Partly-printed D.S. as President “Abraham Lincoln”, 1p. folio on vellum, Washington, April 20, 1864, a scarce naval appointment commissioning Charles Green as a “…Captain in the Navy from the 16th day of July 1862…” . Green was a career officer making the rank of Midshipman in 1826 and making Commander in 1855. Within a few months following his promotion to captain, he would retire from the service. Countersigned by Gideon WELLES as Secretary of Navy. Light toning, usual folds, Well’s signature light, else very good.

(Est. $5,500-6,500)

404. LINCOLN, Abraham. His signature

“A. Lincoln July 13, 1863” mounted to a blank page inserted into Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews laudatory work, The Perfect Tribute (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1916) 41p. 8vo., illus. with titled boards with gilt lettering on board and spine. Lincoln’s signature is on a very clean 3 1/4 x 2″ slip and makes a wonderful presentation. July 1863 was an extraordinary eventful month for Lincoln to say the least. The carnage at Gettysburg was still fresh as Lincoln wrote his name here, and he had just received a plaintive appeal from the prominent citizens of New York begging for assistance in putting down the terrible draft riots then engulfing the city. The same day, Lincoln wrote to Ulysses S. Grant congratulating him on his hard-won capture of Vicksburg the previous week: “…do not remember that you and I ever met personally. I write this now as a grateful acknowledgment for the almost inestimable service you have done the country…When you got below, and took Port-Gibson, Grand Gulf, and vicinity, I thought you should go down the river and join Gen. Banks; and when you turned Northward East of the Big Black, I feared it was a mistake. I now wish to make the personal acknowledgment that you were right, and I was wrong.” At the time, Lincoln was still hopeful for one more piece of news: the capture of Lee’s retreating army by Meade. Much to his disappointment he received word the following day that Lee’s army had safely crossed the Potomac into Virginia. (Est. $2,800-3,500)

405. LINCOLN, Abraham. Partial A.D. signed “Lincoln” in another hand and “Saltonstall” in Lincoln’s hand, 2p. on a 8 x 3 1/2″ sheet of blue paper, [Tazewell County, Ill., Sept., 1852] consisting of approximately eighteen lines of legal text in Lincoln’s hand concerning the case of Smith vs. Gaines, a trespassing case in which Lincoln and Saltonstall argued on behalf of the plaintiff, James E. Smith. Ultimately the case was dismissed after an out-of-court settlement was reached between the two parties. A few words affecting by trimming, one lightly toned crease, else very good. (Est. $2,500-3,500)

406. Lincoln legal brief with the rare combination “Parker & Lincoln”; signed twice. Manuscript Document Signed “Parker & Lincoln, p.d.”, twice by Abraham Lincoln, two pages, legal folio, docketed September 1852, with the addition of “And def[endent]t. doth the like” in Lincoln’s hand, penned on an ADS by N.H. Purple, attorney for the plaintiff in Amos Eggleson vs Tarrant A. Perkins, Tazewell Co. [Ill.]. The plaintiff disputes several pleas of the defendant and specifically accuses him of “falsely and fraudulently” persuading the plaintiff to accept $25 in discharge of a judgment by claiming that such settlement was recommended by the defendant’s then attorney, A.H. Saltonstall. Fine. (Est. $5,000-7,000)

407. Abraham Lincoln directs clerk to insert his name into a legal brief. Abraham Lincoln document signed clerically within the body of an annotation. From the Sagamon Circuit Court in Illinois dated March 19, 1850. The document is a 2p. legal brief measuring 8 x 12.5 in the matter of Hiram Penny vs. Henry McHenry, this being testimony by one John Savage in the ongoing property dispute with the plaintiff. The defendant, McHenry, had owed monies to Penny for more than four years. Lincoln, who represented McHenry on several occasions – including defending McHenry against charges of adultery! – has instructed the clerk at the top of the brief to “put in by Mr. Lincoln as lawyer in common on the back.” Slight edge chips and small portion at top removed, well below Lincoln’s note. (Est. $600-800)

408. (LINCOLN) Partly Printed Document, signed twice in an unknown hand “Lincoln, Coles, Linn & Sheldon/Attys for plff”. Champaign Co., Ill., October 1857, one page, folio. William C. McReynolds complains that Luther Eades “unlawfully withholds” possession of a quarter-section of land in the county, to his damage of $1000. A notice at bottom advises Eades that he must “appear and plead” or suffer judgment by default “and the plaintiff will recover possession…” Marginal separation in upper fold, overall a handsome example. (Est. $400-600)

409. An historical Abraham Lincoln family item.

An 88-page leather-bound day-book carrying business entries through 1807 kept by the President’s great uncle and shows the close association to Daniel Boone’s family – A treasure trove for Lincoln collectors and genealogists. The cover of the book reads “Abraham Lincoln’s Day Book January 1st, 1799″, 8″ x 12.5”, 88 pages, carrying business entries – what sold, and to whom – through 1807. The leather cover is in poor condition but the internal pages are very fine. All and all, this remarkable lot is a virtual treasure trove of Lincoln scholarship. From the Henry E. Luhrs Collection. This Lincoln book is that of a fifth generation Abraham Lincoln born in 1736 and died in 1806. He was the son of Mordecai Lincoln and Mary Robeson. Abraham was married to Anne Boone (Daniel). This Abraham Lincoln was the President’s great uncle. Lincoln’s great-great grandfather came to Pennsylvania with his brother, Abraham. After Mordecai’s first wife passed away in 1727, he married Mary Robeson in 1729. That same year he leases a thousand-acre farm in present Exeter Township, which he later purchased. The Mordecai Lincoln farm lies only four miles from the Daniel Boone homestead from where Daniel and his father migrated to North Carolina. Lincoln’s grandfather was a good friend of Daniel Boone. Relations between the two families must have been close since both were active in public affairs. Mordecai’s youngest son, Abraham Lincoln married Daniel Boone’s first cousin, Anne Boone proving that the Pennsylvania Lincolns were not Quaker, since the Exeter Friends Meeting censured Anne Boone, a Quaker, for marrying “out of meeting”. The day book carries entries from 1797 to 1808 including entries for Joseph Boone for bushels of corn, beef, seed and wheat. Also 1797 and 1801 entries for Valentine Heart for “halling logs”, “planks”, “scantling”, and “rafters.” Ancestors names are also listed including a relative of Mordecai’s wife, Amery Robeson whose relative Ann Robeson purchased some beef. On page 49/50, there reads two entries, “Abraham Lincoln departed this life January 31, 1806.” This is in reference to President Lincoln’s great uncle. Then another entry reads, “Ann Lincoln departed this life on April 4, 1807.” That entry refers to Anne Boone. Many of the people listed in the book paid cash for their purchases but some bartered their services such as spending a day threshing flax, reaping, husking corn, cleaning oats, digging ditches, planting corn and hay making. The end pages of the book have additional dates and entries squaring away some of the debts. It appears Joshua Boone helped settle the accounts of Thomas Cherington in accordance to the last will and testament of James Boone “as being part of legacy left to my mother by said dec’d” The farm was believed to be a 210 acre estate in Virginia which Mordecai inherited after his father’s death. Mordecai’s son must have run it after that. (Est. $3,000-3,500)

Lincoln’s last proclamations!

410. Broadside 8 1/2 x 13″ Closing Certain Ports, April 11, 1865…A PROCLAMATION…and Port of Key West to Remain Open, April 11, 1865…A PROCLAMATION. Both printed on an 8 1/2 x 13″ broadside, signed in type by the President and Secretary of State Seward. Excellent condition. The last printed War Proclamation of this type. These proclamations relate to the closure of previously blockaded ports currently under Union occupation; the opening of the port of Key West; and threatening European powers with reciprocal treatment unless U.S. ships entering foreign ports are treated equally with ships of other foreign powers. (An example sold in 1915 at the big Anderson Galleries sale for $3.75… while a Booth signature made just $6.50!) Some edge tears at bottom margin repaired on verso, overall quite fine – and rare. (Est. $1,000-1,500)

“Respect the Sabbath and keep it Holy…” so says the Old Testament and Old Abe!

411. (LINCOLN, Abraham.) A printing of a presidential order concerning the “Observance of the Sabbath Day in the Army and Navy”, 1p. 4.5 x 7″, Washington, Nov. 15, 1862. In what would be considered a most controversial order in this day and age, Lincoln “desires and enjoins the orderly observance of the Sabbath by officers and men in the military and naval service. The importance for man and beast of the prescribed weekly rest…demand that Sunday labor in the Army and Navy be reduced to the measure of strict necessity…” Quoting George Washington as precedent Lincoln demanded that “The discipline and character of the national forces should not suffer, nor the cause they defend be imperiled, by the profanation of the day or name of the Most High…” Tipped at left margin to a larger sheet, else fine. (Est. $200-400)

A pass to the White House during the middle of the War.

412. 1862 White House Pass. Autograph Pass. In full: “Fort Monroe Jun 27 ’62 / Pass to White House / one trip,” not signed. Stamped: “Lieut Wm E. Blake/Aide de Camp and/Provost Marshall,” on 5″ x 2.25″ slip of paper affixed to 9.25″ x 3″ sheet. (Est. $300-400)

An odd appeal to the President.

413. (LINCOLN, Abraham.) Manuscript Letter Signed by two members of the Board of Inspection of the Washington Asylum, [n.p., n.d. c. 1864] to Lincoln requesting a magistrate for the asylum, recommending one William Slater, “one of the commissioners, who is a reliable union man, and is qualified for the position…” On the verso appears a note, in an unknown hand, but most likely the words of Lincoln, concerning Mr. Slater, whom Lincoln had nominated as a Justice of the Peace, “and was rejected by the Senate, simply because no one of the committee knew him; nor did Mr. Bowen, then a clerk in the Senate, on whom the committee much relied for necessary information. Mr. S. was much mortified, as I was also & Mr. Bowen expressed, great regret, upon learning who Mr. S. was…” The Washington Asylum was not an insane asylum, but an almshouse and a workhouse for the poor and indigent of Washington. Mounting strip on verso of top margin, else fine. An odd, fun association piece. (Est. $150-300)

Requesting that the President free Confederate prisoners.

414. (LINCOLN) YEAMAN, George Helm. (1829-1908) A Representative from Kentucky; born in Hardin County, Ky., November 1, 1829; completed preparatory studies; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1852 and commenced practice in Owensboro, Ky.; judge of Davis County in 1854; member of the State house of representatives in 1861; elected as a Unionist to the Thirty-seventh Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of James S. Jackson; reelected to the 38th Congress and served from December 1, 1862, to March 3, 1865; unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1864 to the Thirty-ninth Congress; United States Minister to Denmark 1865-1870; resigned in 1870 and settled in New York City; lecturer on constitutional law at Columbia College; president of the Medico-Legal Society of New York; died in Jersey City, N.J., February 23, 1908; interment in Webb Memorial Chapel, Madison, N.J. ALS: “Geo. H. Yeaman”, 1.5 pages, 7.75″ x 10.25″, front and verso. Thirty-Eighth Congress pictorial stationery, Washington, February 27, 1865. To President Lincoln recommending nine Confederate prisoners “for release, under the amnesty oath.” After originally listing two names, the Unionist Congressman from Kentucky adds three at the bottom and four more on verso on February 28th, signing his name again. Mounting remnant in blank area on verso. (Est. $300-500)

415. Lincoln loved the Theatre…and attended often! An A.L.S. of a Lt. William Henry Shelton of the 1st NY Light Artillery on seeing the Lincoln family at Ford’s Theatre over two consecutive nights. 5p. 8vo., Culpepper, Va., April 9, 1864, describing a recent night in Washington in which he “heard Edwin Forrest as Macbeth at Ford’s Theatre.” However the main attraction was, as he styled it “the royal family”, which “occupied a box and formed the main attraction between the scenes. Mrs. Lincoln had a lady friend with her and each was clad in [illeg.] capes surmounted by a white hat and feather. Little Isaac [read Tad?] was dressed in the uniform of an officer of the U.S. navy. It is not expected that I shall speak of the clothes of Abraham the father.” Our correspondent continues noting “Although I am no great friend of the drama, I was well pleased with the acting of the great Forrest. Macduff and lady Macbeth did their parts pretty well in support of the King (Macbeth) but as is usually the case were not quite up to the star performance. Lady M. did particularly well she demands the hard hart, cold blood to perform the deed.” The next night, Sheeton returned to Ford’s to discover, to his surprise “to see the Lincoln family again. A gentleman who sat next to me said rather sneeringly that he believed the president attended the theatre instead of going to church. I told him that perhaps we ought to be at church instead. He sad every man was his own judge of that, and I added ‘Old Abe included.” Don’t you think I had him?” Light usual folds, else fine. GREAT content! (Est. $400-600)

The girl who got Lincoln to grow his beard!

416. (BEDELL, Grace) A very fine content letter being the only contemporary mention in contemporary manuscript of the famous suggestion of Grace Bidell that Lincoln grow a beard. A.L.S. of E. J. Brewster, 4p. 5 x 8″, Oxford Furnace [N.J.], Feb. 20, 1861, “…I am satisfied that the ‘Secesh’ [Rebel] cigars are better than anything we have here…I don’t know hardly what to think of the Rail Splitter’s speeches, but notice that the N.Y. Herald [&] N.Y. Express, and papers of that stamp, all ridiculing his sayings and action in kissing the girl that recommended him to raise whiskers. I am inclined to think well of that incident, but am afraid the girl will hereafter suffer great inconvenience, for every chap that meets her will want to salute the girl that Abe kissed. Hope she will make them all stand back until I meet her. S. T. is a little worried abt the speeches. He don’t think they come quite up to the scratch. Little too much. Sameness…” When Abraham Lincoln was campaigning for president in 1860, he received a letter from 11 year old Grace Bedell, which read, “I have got four brothers and part of them will vote for you anyway and if you will let your whiskers grow I will try and get the rest of them to vote for you…You would look a great deal better for your face is so thin…And all the ladies like whiskers and they would tease their husbands to vote for you and then you would be President…” While the Bedell story was remarked upon in great detail by the newspapers of the day, this is the first instance in which we have seen anyone remark upon the story at the time. Lincoln, en route to Washington, met with the young girl while on a brief stop in Westfield, NY. Standing from his train car, Lincoln remarked that “Some three months ago, I received a letter from a young lady here; it was a very pretty letter, and she advised me to let my whiskers grow, as it would improve my personal appearance; acting partly upon her suggestion, I have done so; and now, if she is here, I would like to see her; I think her name was Miss BARLLY. [sic Bedell]” A young boy pointed out the blushing young girl to Lincoln and the assembled crowd parted so he could make his way to her. Lincoln gave her several hearty kisses amid cries of delight from the crowd and quickly boarded the train to depart for Buffalo. Very light toning from dampstain, usual folds, else very good. (Est. $2,000-2,500)

417. LINCOLN, Mary Todd. (1818-82) Scarce A.L.S. “Mrs. A. Lincoln” 1p. 8vo., Chicago, June 9, 1866 written to a Union general requesting a pass for a family friend. In full: “Mr. [Alexander] Williamson writes me requesting a free pass for Mrs. W. to New York and for himself to Pittsburg & as far as Chicago if he desires. Mr. W. has been a kind friend to me and I hope you will grant his request…”. Williamson was hired by Mary Lincoln in September 1861 to tutor Willie and Tad while the Lincoln family resided in Washington. After Willie’s death in 1862, Williamson no longer tutored Tad, but he and his wife became close family friends and even helped support Mary in the years following her husband’s death. Minor soiling, else very good. (Est. $3,500-4,500)

418 . (LINCOLN, Mary) A letter in the hand of her private secretary, Charles S. Sweet, 2p. 8vo. on War Department letterhead, Washington, Mar. 21, 1881 to Mrs. Rosa Wallach of Washington informing her that “Mrs. Lincoln directs me to say to you that your letter was handed to her just as she was getting ready to leave the city. She handed the letter to the secretary [likely Robert Lincoln who was Garfield’s Secretary of War] and spoke to him in regard to the matter referred to by you. But the Secretary said that the application must be made directly to the Secretary of the Navy, and that it would not be possible for him to exert any personal influence in that direction…” So much for nepotism! Partial separation at folds, light toning, else very good.

(Est. $150-250)

419. LINCOLN , Robert Todd. (1843-1926) American lawyer who was the oldest and only surviving son of President Abraham Lincoln; attended Harvard during the early years of the Civil War; his desire to serve in the Union Army was thwarted by his mother who feared for his life; through the intervention of his father, he served on General U.S. Grant’s staff during the last months of the Civil War; after the assassination of his father, he went to Chicago where he began the practice of law in 1867; in 1875, much to his dismay, he found himself the object of intense public curiosity and criticism when he petitioned the courts to institutionalize his mother because of her mental state; served as Secretary of War [1881-85] under Presidents James A. Garfield and Chester A. Arthur, and then [1889-93] as U.S. Minister to Great Britain; from 1897 to 1911, he was president of the Pullman Car Company. A.L.S. as U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, 2p., 5 x 8″ on U.S. Legation letterhead, London, June 23, 1891[?] to William. W. Thomas, Jr., U.S. Ambassador at Stockholm introducing Mr. Lloyd Carpenter Griscom and offering his personal recommendation. Usual creases, else fine. (Est. $250-350)

420. LINCOLN, Robert Todd. T.L.S. 2p. 8vo., Chicago, May 13, 1910 to William E. Reed in New York concerning summer plans at Hildene, his Manchester, Vermont home: “…I very much hope that we shall see you and Mrs. Reed in Manchester this summer. The telescope is working all right, the only trouble being that I am, unhappily, not able to be there to work it. I think the orientation is now quite exact enough for any practical purpose, as I can – or rather could last fall – easily set the finder on any desired object before opening the shutter of the dome. I am hoping to be able to spend a few days there just after the transit of the Comet, which I have not seen…” Usual folds, else fine. (Est. $250-350)

421. LINCOLN, Robert Todd. Large Signature “R.T. Lincoln” on a card [2-1/2 in. x 4-1/16 in.] Age-toned. Mounting traces on verso. (Est. $100-200)

422. LINCOLN, Robert Todd. Manuscript Letter Signed “Robert T. Lincoln” as Sec. of War, 2p., 8vo., on imprinted War Dept. stationery, September 22, 1882. To “Hon. James M. Dalzell, / Caldwell, Ohio,” explaining “I am in receipt of your letter of the 19th instant, in which you invite me to be present at the Soldiers’ Re-Union, to be held at Caldwell, Ohio, on October 1st and 2nd. I am very much obliged for the kind terms in which you convey your invitation; but it is not possible for me to accept it. I have been compelled, for various reasons, to remain in Washington during the whole summer until now, when I am starting for Illinois, to attend to some long-neglected private business. It is impossible for me to say when I will have any leisure; and in the meantime I cannot make any engagements. Thanking you for your invitation, I am / Very respectfully yours, Robert T. Lincoln.” A painfully shy man, Lincoln was forced to endure the limelight he despised through much of his life. He once referred to the general public as a “damning hyena.” Normal age-toning, with blank horizontal margins slightly trimmed, otherwise in very good condition. (Est. $300-500)

423. LINCOLN, Robert Todd. Partly-printed D.S. filled out in his hand, a check drawn on The Riggs National Bank of Washington, Mar. 2, 1917 for $3.75 payable to “Georges & Emile.” Punch cancellation only marginally affects signature, else fine. (Est. $300-500)

424. LINCOLN, Robert Todd. Check drawn on the Riggs Bank, Washington, Apr. 3, 1917 payable to W. B. Holtclaw, for $2.00. Cancellation punches affect signature, else fine. (Est. $300-500)

425. One of the FOUR (4) family members named Mary! Autograph of Mary Harlan Lincoln, wife of Robert Todd Lincoln. In the family line, the matriach was of course Mary Todd. Then, eldest son Robert had to complicate matters by marrying a Mary of his own! A daughter was named Mary as was a grandaughter. Signature from the bottom panel of a bank check. A bold, clean example. (Est. $50-80)

The absolute LAST in the Lincoln line…

426. The rare signature of Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith. Beckwith (1904-85) represents the last living family member… direct progeny of the President. His mother was Jessie Harlan Beckwith who was a daughter of Robert Todd Lincoln. Bob Beckwith was a colorful character…women, booze, gambing, fast sports cars, often selling “family relics” to support his vices. (He was a regular visitor to Ralph Newman and others when cash became an issue!) Despite three wives, he never fathered a child. For some reason, he seldom signed things. This is fun: a 1955 copy of Ruth Painter Randall’s book Lincoln’s Sons signed on the free end-paper by Beckwith. A great association piece. (Est. $150-200)

Walking with style! A relic cane from the Rail Splitter.

427. Lincoln “Rail” Cane. One of the most popular contemporary “relics” during Lincoln’s tenure in office were canes composed from fence rails split by Lincoln himself. The split fence rail was already a potent campaign symbol evoking the precedent set by William Henry Harrison’s 1840 “Log Cabin” campaign promoting the ideal of the rustic but wise, self-reliant frontiersman. The “Rail Splitter” was the brainchild of Richard J. Oglesby, who in the spring of 1860 had spoken to John Hanks, an old friend of Lincoln from Macon County. Hanks recalled that he and Lincoln had split 3000 rails for a fence soon after the Lincoln family came to Illinois in 1830. Visiting the site of that feat, the two identified two of the rails and secreted them back to Decatur for the Republican State Convention May 5, 1860. At the appointed moment Hanks and another man carried out the rails into the convention with a banner between them reading: “ABRAHAM LINCOLN/The Rail Candidate/FOR PRESIDENT IN 1860/Two rails from a lot of 3,000/made in 1830 by Hanks and Abe Lincoln.” (Lincoln, who was present, remarked that he may have split those particular rails, but would never know.) The slogan was an instant hit and the term “Railsplitter” became part of the political parlance, even becoming the title of a Chicago campaign newspaper (our namesake!) The rail also became a prop for political cartoonists helping further the association. Lincoln was also reported to be a fan of the cane and walking sticks; numerous examples were presented to him before and throughout his presidency. A cane made of wood from Henry Clay’s home was presented to Lincoln during the 1858 debates. Several others were given to him including the noted “Broderick oak cane” presented to the President in 1863 and the “assassination cane” of black ebony with nine dots representing the seceded states which was said to have been left by Lincoln in his box at Ford’s Theatre the night he was shot. A walking stick, presented by John A. McClernand in 1857, was carried to Washington and used during the first inauguration. Following the 1860 nomination, Oglesby was inundated with requests for pieces of split rails and apparently John Hanks managed a good living supplying those requests. Offered here is one of those relics, a wooden cane, 36″ in length in American walnut – the wood, in fact, that Lincoln used – harvested from trees lining the Wabash. An ivory handle tops the cane, a 1/2″ silver band between handle and staff bear the words “Lincoln Rail” on one side and “A. F. Frye” on the other. Brass reinforcing band at bottom a little loose, as is the silver band, other usual marks of wear and age, otherwise a fine presentation. We have seen examples of these “split rail” canes sell in excess of $4,000 at auction in the past several years. A great relic! (Est. $2,000-4,000)

Autographs: Political and Social

428. (Early Associates) Ozias M. HATCH (1814-93) Lincoln associate, Secretary of State of Illinois, and a significant political supporter. Partly-printed D.S. 7 x 3″, Springfield, Jan 3, 1864, a check for $45.50 drawn on the private bank of Jacob Bunn of Springfield. Bunn handled the transaction in which Lincoln purchased the German weekly paper, Illinois Staats-Anzeiger. Contemporary ink mark affects signature, a few minor marginal tears, very good. A fine twice-association piece. (Est. $50-80)

429. CHASE, Salmon P. (1808-73) American lawyer who served as Sec. of the Treasury in Lincoln’s Cabinet, originating the National Banking System in 1863; was appointed Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court by Lincoln in 1864. Prior to the Civil War, Chase served as Governor of Ohio. Fine content L.S. as Sec. of the Treasury, 7p. 8 x 12 1/2″, “Treasury Department [Washington], April 4, 1863 authorizing William G. “Parson” Brownlow as a Special Agent of the Treasury Department “to receive and collect abandoned or captured property, including all Cotton, Tobacco, and other merchandise and property seized under Military or Naval Orders, or abandoned by the owners, in the States of Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama…” excepting military and naval stores. The document details the manner in which Brownlow was to conduct this business including full transcriptions of the receipts he was to issue for abandoned property. Before the outbreak of the war, William “Parson” Brownlow was a staunch advocate of slavery, but an equally vocal opponent of secession and, through his newspaper, railed against the Confederate state government of Tennessee until his paper was suppressed in October 1861. After a period of house arrest, and a subsequent jail term, Confederate Sec. of War Judah P. Benjamin ordered Brownlow exiled and he was escorted to the Federal lines. He quickly removed to

Cincinnati and began a speaking tour throughout the North. During his time in the North, his views on slavery changed, and he supported Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Brownlow returned to Tennessee with Burnside’s Army in the fall of 1863 and quickly became a leading Unionist. He was elected governor by acclamation in 1865. With original transmittal envelope. Bound with string running through two grommets at top, usual folds, else fine condition. (Est. $300-500)

430. CHASE, Salmon P. Scarce Autograph Quotation Signed “S:P: Chase” while Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, 1/3 page, on 8vo [5-1/2 in. x 4-7/16 in.] sheet of stationery, no place, undated. In purple ink, he pens: “Dread naught but sin / S:P: Chase / Jan. 11, 69.” Light age-toning and faint soiling, otherwise in very good condition. (Est. $200-300)

431. CHASE, Salmon P. Partly-printed DS “S.P. Chase” as war-time Sec. of the Treasury, 1 page, 4to, Treasury Department, Washington, April 1, 1862. Countersigned by Collector of Customs “H. Barney.” Customs clearance approval issued to Robert Murray for merchandise imported from Port au Prince aboard the Helena Augusta, “there not appearing any just ground to suspect that a fraud upon the revenue was intended…” Blank margins frayed with slight paper loss. (Est. $200-250)

432. (Early Associate) DAWSON, John. (1791-1850) A member of Lincoln’s Long Nine which relocated the state capital to Springfield. A senior member of the group, Dawson served in the War of 1812, the Black Hawk War, as well as serving for five terms as a Whig member of the state legislature beginning in 1836. Endorsement at the bottom of a manuscript D.S., 1p. 4to., [n.p.] Nov. 20, 1829, witnessing an appraisal of “a certain mare…5 years old…14 Hands high…” together with other pertinent markings “to be worth $25 by us.” Minor marginal tears and chips not affecting text, light foxing, fine. (Est. $100-300)

433. (Early Associates) A document bearing the signatures of two Lincoln associates including George SPEARS and John CLARY, both residents of Clary’s Grove, near New Salem on a A.D.S. of clerk Nathan DRESSER, 1p. 4to., [Menard County], Ill., July 14, 1845 noting receipt of “one copy of the laws of Illinois for the session of 1844, 45″ Signed by Clary, Spears and twelve others, some of who knew Lincoln. John Clary was one of the founders of Clary’s Grove together with his brother William Clary. Thomas Reep wrote of Clary ” he was a great admirer of Lincoln and enjoyed his frequent visits.” (Lincoln at New Salem, 1927). Spears, also of Clary’s Grove had requested a receipt from Lincoln when Spears had paid the postage on the Sangamon journal with Lincoln writing to Spears: “…now that I have waited a full year you choose to wound my feeling by insisting that unless you get a receipt I will probably make you pay it again…” Light folds, and a few toned spots, else fine. (Est. $100-300)

434. HARLAN, James. (1820-99) Lincoln’s long-time friend who was a candidate for the Republican nomination for Vice President in 1868; U.S. Senator from Iowa [Whig, Republican, 1856-65-1867-73], he replaced John Usher in April 1865 as Sec. of the Interior and served until 1866 when differences with President Johnson prompted his resignation; despite allegations of corruption in the Interior Dept., Harlan was speedily returned to his old job in the Senate; an attorney, sometime co-counsel to Lincoln, he headed Lincoln’s campaign fund raising in 1864; Mary Todd Lincoln abetted and encouraged a relationship between Senator Harlan’s daughter Mary and her son Robert, resulting in the two being married in 1868. Manuscript Letter Signed “Jas. Harlan” while Senator, 8vo, on imprinted Senate stationery, Washington, December 9, 1868. To “A.T. Goodman” in Cleveland: “…I regret to inform you I have no copies (at my disposal) of Lanman’s Dictionary of Congress. Only one was furnished each of the Senators. I am informed the work can be procured of Messrs ‘Coyle and Towers’ of this city.” In very good condition. (Est. $100-150)

435. HARLAN, James. A.L.S., 8 x 10″, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Nov. 12, 1893 thanking his correspondent for his good wishes. Light toning, usual folds, else very good. (Est. $40-60)

Bodyguard,

close friend…

a rare calling card.

436. LAMON, Ward Hill. (1828-93) Illinois lawyer, later Washington Marshal and Lincoln bodyguard whom the President called “my particular friend.” Lamon’s Life of Abraham Lincoln (1872) was based chiefly on material which Lamon bought from W.H. Herndon. A fun A.N. on the recto and verso of his 3 x 2″ personal calling card inscribing it “To Mademoiselle Fisher with compliments of Col. Ward H. Lamon Washington D.C. [name and city in print] and hopes she will accept… an invitation to visit her old uncle from the mountains without danger of getting her little feet wet.” Vertical crease, light toning, else very good. A scarce example. (Est. $300-600)

437. Seward writes as he convalesces from the attempt on his life. SEWARD, William H. A.L.S. 2p. 4to. on black-bordered mourning stationery, Washington, Aug. 8, 1865 to Dennis R. Alvord. Still recovering from the assassination attempt, and mourning the recent loss of his wife Frances who had died in June, he apologizes for his tardy reply to a Mr. Alvord’s letter of July 12 adding “I am glad to hear one speak of Mrs. Seward who knew her as well as you did…” Overall clean with a few toned specks, blank page separated, usual light creases, fine. A nice example. (Est. $200-300)

438. SEWARD, William H. (1801-72) An interesting collection of three (3) D.S., 1p. ea., 11 x 17″, Washington, Nov. 19, 1861 and Jan. 7, 1864, being passports issued to three different women who were traveling to Havana. Offered together with various papers from the American consulate in Havana and a Spanish passport. All bear minor chips, light folds and other minor wear, overall very good condition. (Est. $200-400)

439. STANTON, Edwin M. (1814-69) American lawyer who served as Sec. of War under Lincoln and Johnson, guiding the War Department throughout the Civil War and Reconstruction; dismissed by President Johnson on February 21, 1868, but refused to leave office, provoking the impeachment action against Johnson; later appointed Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court but died before taking office. Incomplete partly-printed Document Signed “Edwin M. Stanton” as Secretary of War, oblong 8vo [5-3/8 in. x 8-1/16 in.], Washington, January 29, 1868. Countersigned “E.D. Townsend” as Assistant Adjutant General. The concluding portion of a military document bearing choice signatures of Stanton and Townsend, signed during administration of President Johnson, only days before Johnson attempted to dismiss Stanton from office, an action that provoked impeachment proceedings against the President. Normal age-toning, weak fold edges reinforced on verso with tape. Ideal for display. (Est. $200-300)

440. STUART, John T. (1807-85) Lincoln’s first law partner and early political mentor. Lincoln partnered with Stuart from 1837-41, maintaining the office while Stuart served in Congress. Stuart and Lincoln parted ways and increasingly grew apart over political ideology. Stuart did not support Lincoln’s 1860 candidacy. They did remain cordial. Stuart was a cousin of Mary Todd. Later, he oversaw the erection of the Lincoln tomb as a Director of the National Lincoln Monument Assoc. Signature on a 3 x 2″ card adding “Springfield Illinois.” A pretty example. (Est. $80-100)

441. STODDARD, William O. (1835-1925) One of Lincoln’s trusted White House private secretaries who was among the earliest [1859] to promote Lincoln’s presidential candidacy through his newspaper, Central Illinois Gazette in West Urbana, IL. Made assistant to presidential secretaries John G. Nicolay and John Hay, he was given the responsibility of screening the incoming mail, some 200 to 300 letters a day, throwing away the great quantity that came from cranks and lunatics. He wrote about his presidential experiences in 1890 in Inside the White House in War Times. Uncommon ALS “William O. Stoddard,” 1 page, 8vo, on his imprinted stationery, Madison, NJ, Jan 3, 1912. “My Dear Daughter Catalina, I wish to thank you and your husband for your joint and several remembrances of ‘the old man.’ It is a sort of picture, to me, of his mind and work. I know yours. I read the preface to myself, first, and then, aloud, to Daisy. Tell him I know those hills and that I also know the Great Beyond Land. Happy New Year to both of you.” A quite fine example. (Est. $150-250)

442. TREAT, Samuel H. (1811-87) Lincoln associate and friend. Treat removed from New York to Springfield where he became a successful lawyer at the Sangamon County Bar. In 1841 he was appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court where he served to 1855. A.D.S. 1p. 7 x 3″, [Springfield], Oct. 12, 1839 a receipt for $5 “being in full for Legal Services…” Irregular margins, else fine. (Est. $100-300)

443. (LINCOLN Associates Group) A set of six signatures on small slips of various Illinois associates of Abraham Lincoln including Norman B. JUDD, Jesse O. NORTON (2, including a franking signature), Anthony L. KNAPP, Isaac N. MORRIS, and James H. WOODWORTH. Together, six pieces, all mounted to a larger sheet and in very good to fine condition. (OPEN)

444. (Lincoln’s Administration) Nice collection of seven (7) signatures, comprising Lincoln’s first Vice President and six men who served in his Cabinet. Includes: “Yours Truly / H. Hamlin”; “Edwd. Bates”; “Simon Cameron”; “W.P. Fessenden/Maine”; “Hugh McCulloch/Secretary of the Treasury/Feb, 1869”; “William H. Seward”; “Respectfully/Gideon Welles”. Most are penned on sheets about 1-1/2 in. x 3 in. or larger, with Bates being on a larger inlaid sheet cut from an 1858 hotel register. The Seward signature is smaller, cut close on the right touching the “d” of his last name, otherwise all signatures are in very good condition. (Est. $300-500)

Lincoln’s closest assistant writes on the President’s genealogy.

445. HAY, John. (1838-1905) In addition to serving closely as one of President Lincoln’s personal secretaries, Hay was Secretary of State under both McKinley and Roosevelt. ALS, on letterhead from “Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C.” Dec. 22 [n.y.], to Frank C. Harris: “Dear Sir, I thank you very much for the interesting paper you have so kindly sent me. I think the Abraham mentioned must have been the half-brother of John Lincoln, the President’s great grandfather — and therefore a cousin of Abraham, the Kentucky Pioneer, the grand father of the President. Yours sincerely, John Hay.” About as pretty – and content-rich an example as you will find! A pristine specimen. (Est. $900-1,200)

446. HAMLIN, Hannibal. Lovely Autograph Sentiment Signed on U.S. Senate Chamber letterhead, April 26, 1870, to Miss Bester (sic.), the wife of Lincoln friend and political ally from Peoria, Illinois, George C. Bestor. A lovely example.

(Est. $250-300)

Lincoln’s V.P. has no autographs of the martyred President to spare!

447. HAMLIN, Hannibal. A.L.S. 1p. 8vo., Bangor, Nov. 9, 1889 to a Louis Keller informing him that he has no more examples of Lincoln’s autograph that he can send. Tiny chip to margin and small tape stain at bottom edge else very good. Fun association for today’s collector! (Est. $250-300)

Dedication of the Washington Monument.

448. HAMLIN, Hannibal. A.L.S. 2p. 8vo., Bangor, Jan. 29, 1885 to Senator John Sherman, responding to the latter’s invitation to attend the unveiling of the recently completed Washington monument. Hamlin replies: “I have been honored in the receipt of the invitation of the Commission in relation to the Dedication of the Washington monument… In view of the importance of the event and its national Character, I do not feel at liberty to decline your initiation, and I cordially accept the same…” Work began on the Washington Monument long before Hamlin’s tenure as Vice President. Indeed the first efforts to raise funds for a monument began within a few months following Washington’s demise in 1799, ten years before Hamlin’s birth. The most serious effort began in 1833 with the formation of the Washington Monument Society which raised funds for construction which began in 1844 and lasted for 10 years until the society ran out of money. When Hamlin arrived in Washington in 1861 he would have seen an incomplete 176 feet high, Mark Twain said it looked like a “a hollow, over-sized chimney.” It lasted in this state until 1876, when Senator Sherman introduced legislation to complete the structure that was finally completed a mere nine years later. Light toning, else fine. (Est. $500-700)

449. JOHNSON, Andrew. (1808-75). Fine content A.L.S. 8vo., Greenville, Tenn., June 26, 1869, a scarce look into his immediate post-presidential career in Tennessee politics. Leaving the White House in March, the much-maligned Johnson returned to Tennessee to re-enter the state’s politics where he attempted to navigate a neutral course between former Confederates and the radicals under Parson Brownlow — in essence a microcosm of the political landscape he just left in Washington. Tennessee had escaped military rule during Reconstruction and had already returned to the Union by the time Johnson arrived on the scene. Positioning himself for a run for the Senate, he took the stump for centrist Republicans over the summer of 1869, facing down angry threats of ex-Confederates. Here, Johnson responds to a political committee concerning a planned address in Smith County, TN: “Gentleman. In compliance with your request I will address the people of Smith County at Carthage on Tuesday 20th of July if agreeable to the committee- If that day is not Suitable will please advise me as soon as convenient – Since I had the pleasure of an interview with you at Gallatin. I feel well satisfied that there is a great change going on in the public mind and if there is a reasonable effort made the state can be redeemed – Accept assurances of my esteem & Andrew Johnson.” Johnson’s hopes were well-founded and the radicals were defeated by the moderates both for the governorship and the legislature. Unfortunately for Johnson, he was defeated for the Senate in the legislature by a narrow margin, partly due to the machinations of the radical Brownlow and the fact that neither Radical nor Secessionist could stomach him. Light soiling, else fine. (Est. $1,500-2,000)

450. JOHNSON, Andrew. MsLS on Executive Mansion stationery, 1p, 10″x8″, Washington, 1867 Aug. 13. Very good. There are some weak folds, one of which (center horizontal) has been repaired on verso with archival paper. Slight general wear and mounting traces on verso of right margin. It is addressed to five gentlemen, “I have received your letter of the 24th ult. inviting me to attend the National Exhibition of Horses in Springfield on the 27th instant. I thank you for the courtesy of the invitation and sincerely regret that my official duties will compel me to forego the pleasure of compliance…” White House letters of Johnson are far scarcer than signed documents.

(Est. $1,500-1,800)

President Johnson’s authorization to designate Forts Hays and Wallace in Kansas as military reservations.

451. JOHNSON, Andrew. In 1865 Fort Hays and Fort Wallace were created in Kansas for the protection of travelers to the West, to protect stage and freight wagons traveling along the Smoky Hill Trail to Denver, as well as construction workers who were building the Union Pacific Railway parallel to the Smoky Hill Trail. This trail was repeatedly attacked by Southern Cheyenne and Southern Arapaho Indians. Under Gen. William T. Sherman, commander of the Military Division of the Missouri, a series of these outposts were created to augment Fort Riley and included Forts Hays, Wallace as well as Fort Harker, and a host of minor camps along the Smoky Hill Trail. On August 28, 1868, President Johnson signed an authorization to convert Forts Hays and Wallace into military reservations and declared 8,926 acres surrounding it and including Fort Wallace in this authorization. MsDS, 10 x 8″, [Washington, DC], 1868 Aug. 8. Very good. Slight soiling. One paper repair on verso of a weak fold and small mounting traces. The President’s authorization signed at the end of the document, is as follows: “The reservations described in General Orders of No. 24 of Aug. 8, 1868 from Hd. Qrs. Dept. of the Missouri, are made for military purposes and the Secretary of Interior will cause the same to be noted in the records of the General Land Office. Andrew Johnson. Aug. 28, 1868.” The heading of the document is as follows: Head Quarters Dept. of Mo. Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas Aug. 8, 1868 / Major General P. H. Sheridan. Comd’g / Subject to the approval of the Secretary of War, designates the Military Reservation of Fort Wallace and Fort Hays.” John C. Kelton, born in 1828, was a graduate of the U. S. Military Academy. During the Civil War he served as Assistant Adjutant General (1861-65) and was brevetted brigadier general. From 1865 to 1870 he served as an assistant in the Adjutant General’s office in Washington following which he was appointed Adjutant General. General Kelton signs the first entry on this document, “Respectfully submitted to General Grant, in connection with General W. T. Sherman’s report dated Washington, D.C. January 20, 1868, on communication of Mr. A. Muir, Presdt. Union Pacific Railroad Co. dated St. Louis Aug. 24, 1867 protesting against the great size of the Reservation at Fort Hays, submitted to General Grant January 30, 1868.” This is followed by a brief note of “Chf. of Staff” (John Hawkins), “Respectfully returned to Gen. J. C. Kelton, Ad. G., calling attention to the enclosed copy [not present] of the action of General Grant upon the original communication.” John C. Kelton then adds, “Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War…” The next endorsement is by Secretary of War John M. Schofield, “Approved and respectfully submitted for the action of the President…” The President adds the final endorsement as noted above. A fine association piece relating to frontier Indian raids. (Est. $2,000-2,500)

452. Anthony/Brady carte of Lincoln’s Vice President Andrew Johnson, heir to the White House following the tragedy. Great tone and contrast, a detailed CDV photograph. (Est. $150-300)

One of the most important manuscripts to define the post-Lincoln era: the Impeachment of Andrew Johnson.

453. (JOHNSON, Andrew) BOUTWELL, George S. (1818-1905) Free Soil and Democratic Governor of Massachusetts, 1851-2, organizer of the Republican Party in that state, radical-Republican Congressman, 1863-9, appointed by President Lincoln as the first Commissioner of the Internal Revenue, a leader in the movement to impeach Andrew Johnson, Secretary of the Treasury under U.S. Grant, 1869-73, U.S. Senator, 1873-7. An important draft A.Ms. as Congressman, 6p., 8″ x 9.5″, [Washington, 1868], being a series of insertions to his printed version of his address as one of the House Managers in the Senate Trial of Andrew Johnson. The manuscript is accompanied by an A.N.S. 1p. 7.5″ x 4.5″, [Washington, 1868] to government printer John D. DeFrees (1811-82), “The manuscript precedes the printed portion. Please break up into pages and send me 20 copies as soon as possible, giving me proof of the new matter first. Let me have proof at once…” The note is affixed to the six pages of manuscript insertions that were to be printed in his landmark address before the Senate on April 22 & 23, 1868 during the impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson: Argument of George S. Boutwell, One of the Managers on the Part of the House of Representatives, Before The Senate of the United States, Sitting for The Trial of Andrew Johnson, President of the United States. Impeached on High Crimes and Misdemeanors. April 22, and 23, 1868. The manuscript insertions further clarify some of Boutwell’s discussions concerning executive usurpation in England, France and Spain. He writes, in small part: “The contest which we carry on at your bar is a contest in defense of the constitutional rights of the Congress of the United States representing the people of the United States, against the arbitrary unjust, illegal claims of the Executive. This is the old contest of Europe revived in America. England, France and Spain have each been the theatre of this strife. In France and Spain the executive triumphed; in England the people were victorious…a Sovereign who would willfully interpose any obstacle would be dethroned without delay. In England the law is more mighty than the king; in America a president claims to be mightier than the law…” Comparing the English patriot John Hampden to Edwin Stanton, Boutwell asserts that Hampden “was not the first nor the last of the patriots who resisted executive usurpations, but nothing could have been more inapplicable to the present circumstances than the introduction of his name as an apology for the usurpations of Andrew Johnson…” The draft also includes a nearly complete version of his conclusion: “We suppressed the rebellion in arms, and we are now to expel it from the executive councils. This done, republican institutions need no further illustration [or defense]. All things then relating to the national welfare and life are made as secure as can be any future event[s]. The freedom, prosperity and powers of America are assured. The friends of liberty throughout Europe will hail with joy the assured greatness and glory of the new republic. Our internal difficulties will rapidly disappear. Peace and prosperity will return to every portion of the county. In a few weeks or months we shall celebrate a restored Union upon the basis of the equal rights of the States, in each of which equality of the people will be recognized and established. This respondent is not to be convicted that these things may come, but justice being done these things are to come. His conviction is the triumph of law, or order of justice. I do not contemplate his acquittal — it is impossible. therefore I do not look beyond. But, Senators, the people of America will never permit an usurping executive to break down the securities for liberty provided by the constitution. The cause of the country is in your hands. Your verdict of guilty is Peace to our beloved land.” Though Boutwell tried to sound positive, the Senate could not muster the votes to convict. A very special piece from Johnson’s impeachment trial. Documents concerning Johnson’s impeachment are extremely desirable. At the most recent Forbes sale at Christie’s, a draft of the Articles of Impeachment brought $38,000 as did an invitation to Justice Salmon P. Chase to preside over the trial. (Est. $3,000-4,000)

“Liberty can never die…”

454. BOUTWELL, George Sewall. Autograph Sentiment Signed, Washington, December 8, 1886: “Liberty can never die. The generations of men appear and pass away, but the aspirations of their nature are immortal.” An exceptionally fine specimen with an appropriate quote. (Est. $100-150)

455. A quite scarce carte photograph of the influential Boutwell by Mathew Brady. Bumps to corners, gold-ruled board, nice. (Est. $100-150)

456. [Johnson Impeachment] Charles Sumner weighs in on the impeachment on Johnson in this imprint: Opinion of Hon. Charles Sumner, of Massachusetts, in the Case of the Impeachment of Andrew Johnson, President of the United States (Washington: Government Printing Office, 1868) 37p. 8vo. bound with string in titled wraps. Sumner opens “I voted against the rule of the Senate allowing Opinions to be filed in this proceeding, and regretted its adoption. With some hesitation, I now take advantage of the opportunity, if the not the invitation, which it affords. Voting ‘guilty’ on all the articles, I feel that there is no need of explanation or apology. Such a vote is its own best defender. But I follow the example of others…” Extremely light dampstain at lower right on front wrap, light toning, else very good. (Est. $80-100)

457. Andrew Johnson is a Drunk! A pair of excellent letters from F.W. Drury of Alton, Illinois commenting upon Andrew Johnson’s famous “Swing Around the Circle”, a nation-wide speaking tour undertaken to lambaste the Radical Republicans, whom Johnson blamed for the violent response in the South to Congressional Reconstruction measures. Johnson’s coarse rhetoric hurt the prospects for the Democrats and persuaded many northerners to vote Republican in the 1866 congressional election and set the stage for two impeachment attempts against him. In the first letter, December 17, 1866, Drury notes that “A[ndrew] Johnson passed through here last week, and ‘swung around the circle’ a couple of times, left the Flag and the Constitution with us, and passed on to St. Louis, where he had another ‘big Drunk’ Farewell Andrew Johnson…” In the second letter, written October 6, 1866 Drury comments “Andy Johnson is played out in this country, and you can rely upon the great [illeg.] States rolling up such a majority for John A. Soyan and against Copperheads and Rebels. as will make A Johnson tremble in his boots. The Philadelphia convention opened my eyes and those of thousands of others who still cherished in the hope that Andrew Johnson is what he claimed to be and what we all hoped he was, an honest man.— And his tour from Washington to St. Louis enabled us all to see him and hear him, and it sickened us all. That Journey cost him millions of honest votes. His speech, his drunken, driveling, slobbering harangue at the Southern Hotel at St. Louis was the straw that broke the camels back it was the most disgusting tirade that ever emanated from any man, it would have disgraced Ben Peake, or General Pomeroy. He was drunk, drunk! He openly, and boldly endorsed Mayer Munroe [?] and the New Orleans Massacre. Well, I think the proceedings today, in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Iowa, will put a quietus [s?] on him and all his fronds (of which latter has but few left) I see the Times, Herald and Post have all left him…” A wonderful letter, filled with intense passion. We rarely encounter more animated political corresponence! Usual folds, else fine. (Est. $200-400)

458. Broadside promoting Johnson as candidate for Vice-President – the National Republican Party urges the VP candidate to be considered as important as the President

“In case the latter dies or becomes unable to perform the duties of his office.” Quite an ironic campaign item. “Who Shall Be Vice-President? – Shall He Be A Loyal or Disloyal Man?” 9 x 11.5″, 1864, Published by the National Union Executive Committee, Astor House, New York, signed in type by Andrew Johnson. In small part: “Past experience shows that the choice of Vice-President of the United States is almost as important as that of President. In case the latter dies or becomes unable to perform the duties of his office, they devolve upon the former. In 1840 General Harrison was elected President and John Tyler Vice-President. Within two months after the Inauguration General Harrison died, and John Tyler became President of the United States, and completely reversed the policy he had been chosen to carry out. In 1848 General Taylor, the hero of Buena Vista, was elected President, and Millard Fillmore Vice-President. Within a year after the inauguration the former died, and the latter became President for the remainder of his official term. As wise men we are bound to provide for such contingencies hereafter. We should vote for no man as Vice-President whom we would not be willing to elect President. Keep this rule steadily in view and we are safe.Two candidates are presented, and only two. GEORGE H. PENDLETON, of Ohio, and ANDREW JOHNSON, of Tennessee. If you vote for McClellan you vote for Pendleton also. If you wish to vote for Johnson you can only do it in voting for Lincoln. ‘In accepting the nomination I might here close, but I cannot forego the opportunity for saying to my old friends of the Democratic party proper, with whom I have so long and pleasantly been associated, that the hour has come when that great party can justly vindicate its devotion to true Democratic policy and measures of expediency. The war is a war of great principles. It involves the supremacy and life of the Government itself. If the rebellion triumphs, free Government—North and South—falls. If, on the other hand, the Government is successful—as I do not doubt—its destiny is fixed, its basis permanent and enduring, and its career of honor and glory just begun. In a great contest like this for the existence of free government the path of duty is patriotism and principle.’” Tipped to a mat, with a partial fold tear. In slightly rough condition, still clean and completely intact. (Est. $400-600)

459. A rare example… His campaign

biographies of Lincoln in 1860 and 1864 helped win the White House.

BARRETT, Joseph H. (1824-1910) Noted campaign biographer and close associate and friend of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 and 1864. Good political content A.L.S. 3p. 4to., Washington, Jan. 24, 1862 concerning the reelection of Benjamin Franklin Wade (1800-78) to the Senate. He writes in part: “You were fully warranted in assuming that the reelection of Judge Wade is with me an object of special desire, and all the more for the kind of machinations resorted to by the old enemy to compass his defeat…the multiplicity of opposing candidates, while tending to produce delay, for a time, will have an ultimate good effect, if care is taken to produce no exasperation on the part of any true Union members…You are aware that Gov. Dennison is quietly and ambitiously working, and has secured some supporters…whom we had reason to count upon. They will hardly go over, at last, to Ewing, Groesbeck or Dorsey. Little Cox is busy as a bee, making the defeat of Wade his specialty. He has much power with Union Democrats whom he so actively opposed at the late election. He undoubtedly had hopes for himself, and must have been disappointed at the election of a Legislature so little to his mind… The Cincinnati Gazette people, to a man, as far as I know, are strongly for Wade…” Wade had nothing to worry about and he remained in the Senate until 1868. (Est. $200-300)

460. Calling Breckinridge to Order! A set of three cabinet cards bearing portraits of three of the prominent descendents of Vice President and Confederate general John Cabell Breckinridge (1821-1875) including a later portrait of Union Major General Joseph C. Breckenridge (1842-1920) on a card by Purdy of Boston. Unlike his father, he joined the Union Army commanding a battery of artillery at Atlanta. The lot also includes a signed portrait of his son, Clifton Rhodes BRECKINRIDGE (1846-1932), who defied his father and joined the Confederate Army. Also together with a signed image (on verso) of William Campbell Preston BRECKINRIDGE (1837-1904) who was a cousin of Joseph C. Breckinridge, and also served in the Confederate Army. Overall very good condition. Together three pieces. (Est. $200-400)

A very powerful Civil War victory speech written and given by Schuyler Colfax.

461. COLFAX, Schuyler. (1823-85) Vice-President under U.S. Grant, Indiana Representative, Speaker of the House who oversaw the signing of the 13th Amendment, Whig activist and founder of Indiana’s Republican Party. Colfax was implicated in the Credit Mobilier scandal and was ruined politically despite being completely exonerated. He was the first officer to preside over both houses of Congress. One page unsigned manuscript written in Colfax’s hand: “Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: To day will be makred in American History as the opening of a congress, destined to face and settle the most important questions of the Century; and during whose existence the Rebellion, which has passed its culmination will beyond all question, thanks to our Army, and Navy, and Administration, die a deserved death. Not only will your constituents watch with the strictest scrutiny, your deliberations here but the friends of Liberty, to the most distant lands, will be interested spectators of your acts…” An exceptional specimen of historical content. (Est. $1,000-1,500)

462. EVERETT, Edward. (1794-1865) Vice-Presidential candidate with John Bell on the Constitutional Union ticket against Lincoln in 1860, Sec. of State, Massachusetts Senator, Governor. Everett shared the platform at Gettysburg, November 19, 1863. A.L.S. as President of Harvard, 1p. 5 x 8″, “President’s Office”, [Cambridge, Mass.], May 12, 1845 to Professor Pierce: “As I believe you will see all the Freshmen tomorrow morning, I will thank you to give notice of the Dundleian lecture in the afternoon at 4 P. M. which the Students are required to attend…” Mounted to a larger sheet, else fine. Offered together with a signature with closing on a 5 x 2″ mounted sheet. Fine. (Est. $100-120)

An incredible archive including 11 ALSs and the original reading copy of his famous oration at Philadelphia on July 4, 1876.

463. EVARTS, William M. (1818-1901). Statesman, prominent lawyer, Senator, Attorney General under Johnson, Sec. of State under Hayes. In 1862, Lincoln wrote to Congress reviewing the treasonable acts of the Confederacy and, among, others, related how he appointed William Evarts “empowered by the Secretary of the Navy to act for his department in that crisis…pertaining to the forwarding of troops…” Evarts’ fame was largely based on his legal cases which included the Lemmon slave case and the Savannah privateers case during the Civil War. He was government counsel in the trial of Jefferson Davis and defended Andrew Johnson in the impeachment. Archive of 11 Autograph Letters Signed “W. E. Evarts” as Hayes’ Secretary of State, to his son Allen W. Evarts, at 52 Wall Street, New York, N.Y., 1878-1881. Also, three A.Ls.S. “H.M.W. Evarts” to Allen by his mother, an A.L.S. from “Aunt Lizzie,” and an A.L.S. from his sister, Minnie. Eleven original envelopes are present, six with stamps removed or cut off. Accompanied by the original manuscript of the reading copy of Evarts’ historic oration in Philadelphia on July 4, 1876, 130 pages, 8.5″ x 14″. On separate lined numbered sheets of heavyweight paper, not in Evarts’ hand. Accompanied by a 2006 handwritten letter from Evarts’ great grandson, Jeremiah Evarts, stating that “This document has been in my family house in Windsor, Vermont, for the past 130 years.” On the pages of this manuscript, Evarts has penciled the word “Omit” three times, eliminating about five pages from his oration. On page 90, he has crossed out “clear evidence” of the body politic, handwriting in pencil “sure promise” instead. On page 119, Evarts has crossed out “petty” in his reference to “the narrow confines of the petty Grecian states.” There are also ruled pairs of parallel lines in the left margin of some pages, most probably by Evarts to remind him to emphasize those portions of his oration. The top page is entitled “Oration/July 4th 1876.” There were hundreds of addresses across the nation on July 4, 1876, the 100th anniversary of American independence. Evarts’ oration was published in newspapers including the “Chicago Daily Tribune” (July 5, 1876), “Hartford Courant” (July 6, 1876), and the “St. Louis Globe-Democrat” (July 5, 1876). Many other newspapers quoted from it. The editor of the “St. Louis Globe-Democrat” called Evarts’ oration “magnificent,” concluding that it “will go into history, not only as one of the most brilliant efforts of Mr. Evarts’ life, but as by far the ablest oration, which the Centennial year has produced. In its paragraphs are exhibited the master thoughts of a profound philosopher.” The 130 separate sheets, plus a three page addendum, is tied together with the original ribbon. A remarkable souvenir of the first centennial celebration of American independence. In good condition. (Est. $700-900)

The ex-President’s personal copy: they helped send blacks back to Africa.

464. FILLMORE, Millard. (1800-74) New York Congressman and founder of the Whig Party, as Vice President under Taylor, became President upon the General’s early death. He signed the Compromise of 1850, which he hoped would settle the slavery issue for good. The measure, however, cost him the support of the Whigs, who denied him renomination. In 1856, he was nominated for President by the Know-Nothings, an anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic party. During the Civil War, he organized a home guard in Buffalo but publicly supported George McClellan against Lincoln in 1864. A great association piece: Fillmore’s personal copy of the booklet: Fiftieth Annual Report of the American Colonization Society, January, 1867. (Washington, DC, McGill & Witherow Printers.) 64p, paperbound, signed “Millard Fillmore, March 15, 1867” at the top of the front cover. Fillmore was a Life Director of the Society and contributed to the proceedings of the meeting. The American Colonization Society, founded in 1816, promoted the repatriation of freed black slaves to Africa, founding the colony of Liberia in 1820. Spine lightly chipped, small loss at corners of front cover. Binding is otherwise tight. Very good. A scarce and desirable imprint. (Est. $1,500-2,000)

465. (FILLMORE, Millard.) Fillmore’s copy of the Toledo Blade’s Annual Statement of the Trade and Commerce…for the Year 1860 (Blade Stream Printing, Toledo: 1861.) 28p., paperbound, signed on front cover by Fillmore’s son Millard Powers Fillmore (1828-89) “M. P. Fillmore, March 2/67”. A wonderful item from the ex-President’s personal library. (Est. $300-500)

466. (The Monitor and the Merrimac) FOX, Gustavus V. (1825-83) Union naval officer who headed the Fort Sumter relief expedition that evacuated Robert Anderson and his garrison. As First Assistant Secretary of the Navy, he planned the expedition against New Orleans and persuaded Wells to employ ironclads in battle. Following the war, he negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1866. Autograph Letter Signed “G. V. Fox” as Acting Sec. of the Navy, 4to., on U.S. Military Telegraph letterhead, Washington, May 13, 1862, a telegram to Flag Officer, L. M. Goldsboro at Hampton Roads, VA informing him Secretary Wells “…left this evening and will probably discharge the Arago as she is wanted immediately in New York – Brandywine has been ordered to the roads. The other rams, the President says may be discharged if the War Department wishes them. I believe Genl. Meigs has telegraphed to take them up…” Written two days following the destruction of the C.S.S. Virginia (Merrimac)— scuttled by her crew ending the life of the world’s first ironclad ship. With the threat of the C.S.S. Virginia removed, rams became less necessary and they were reassigned to other posts. Extremely light toning at margins, else fine. (Est. $500-600)

Prior to the 1864 Republican Convention, Greeley suggests a meeting with “Old Abe” to settle on a new candidate!

467. GREELEY, Horace. (1811-72) Considered the most influential newspaper editor of the 19th century, founder of the Republican Party, his New York Tribune was by far the most important daily from the 1840s through the 1870s. A passionate anti-slavery crusader and liberal reformer, he is best remembered today for advising the ambitious to “Go West, young man.” (Historians credit the phrase first to John Soule in the Terre Haute Express in 1851.) During the War, he sharply criticized Lincoln’s hesitation in issuing the Emancipation Proclamation. In 1863-4, Greeley pursued a “peace compromise” by engaging in talks with Copperheads; a move that marginalized his ties to the White House. A champion of the working man, he attacked monopolies and corruption with vigilance. After supporting Grant in 1868, Greeley broke with the General and joined the Liberal Republican Party in 1872. To everyone’s astonishment, that new party nominated Greeley as their presidential candidate. Even more surprisingly, he was officially endorsed by the Democrats, whose party he had denounced for decades. As a candidate, his endorsement of removing Federal troops from the South…proclaiming Reconstruction “over”…no doubt cost the election. He was mercilessly ridiculed by the Republicans as a fool and turncoat and lampooned by Thomas Nast cartoons in Harper’s Weekly. ALS, 2p., New York, April 22, 1864, to J. Williams of the Albany Evening Journal. This letter was written six weeks prior to the National Union [Republican] nominating convention held at Baltimore. Greeley was dissatisfied with the course of the War and Lincoln’s leadership. He felt a different candidate would have a better chance for success in the November general election, and hoped Lincoln would step down in favor of Salmon Chase, John C. Fremont, Ulysses Grant or Benjamin Butler. Many people considered Greeley as the driving force behind Lincoln’s nomination as the Republican candidate in 1860, and the eccentric social reformer did little to dispel the image. As editor of the New-York Tribune, with a readership estimated in the millions, Greeley’s views were always taken seriously. Lincoln was deferential to “Uncle Horace” and usually was able to blunt his criticisms and manipulate him to the President’s advantage. The text reads, in full: I thank you for your note and still more for your notice. The fact is, I have worked hard these last eight months on a history of the causes and beginnings of our great trouble, which I want to have read, because, maybe its many imperfections, I am sure it will do good. Now The Journal ought to be friendly; but “T.W.” has taken such a dislike to me that I didn’t know that he might not give me one of his black looks to any kind notice you might be inclined to give, and so turn sour all the milk of kindness it might originally contain. T.W. don’t seem to like me half as well as stock gambling, yet I use him a great deal better if he would but think so. And I don’t believe he can either do without my History or find any serious fault with it. With thanks to you and kind regards to E.D. (who ought not to be Postmaster, so that he could help us make a President with his lead and have meetings in this vein through Old Abe). I remain Yours truly, Horace Greeley “E.D.” is Edwin Denison Morgan, former governor of New York, U.S. Senator from New York in 1864, Chairman of the Republican National Committee in 1864 and considered as a possible replacement for Montgomery Blair as Postmaster General in Lincoln’s Cabinet. Political opponents had been lobbying for Blair’s removal for some time and it finally occurred in September 1864. Just prior to that, in June, Morgan had been offered the post of Secretary of the Treasury following Salmon Chase’s resignation, but turned it down. “T.W.” is Thurlow Weed. Founder and Editor of the Evening Journal in Albany (1830-1862). Political consultant, power-broker, backer of William Seward for the Presidency in 1860, strong supporter of the Lincoln administration. J. Williams succeeded Thurlow Weed as Editor of the Evening Journal. Greeley wrote a two volume history of the Civil War entitled The American Conflict which was published in 1865 (volume one) and 1867 (volume two). The first volume was a huge success and bestseller. Volume two did not do as well, partly because of public animosity towards Greeley and his putting up bail money for the release of Jefferson Davis. This is the most important Greeley ALS we have encountered. Excellent condition. (Est. $1,500-2,000)

468. GREELEY, Horace. A.L.S. written at the conclusion of an A.L.S. of Albert Paxson, 2p. 8vo., Buckingham, Penn., Mar. 10, 1862 directed to Greeley enquiring whom Governor Sprague of Rhode Island cast his ballot for in the election of 1860. To this Greeley replied that he understood “that Gov. Sprague did not vote at all for President in 1860. I think he would have preferred the election of Bell and Everett, but saw they had no chance, and he did not want to help Douglas or Breckinridge; so he stood aside and let Lincoln go in…” For those who are not conversant with Greeley’s scrawl, Paxson has been good enough to transcribe the letter on the opposite leaf. Very good. (Est. $300-500)

The “Sage of Chappaqua” (no….not Clinton!) writes of not having any photographs to spare – calling a collector wanting one an “ass!”

469.GREELEY, Horace. A clever ALS, 2p., October 25, 1857, to a Mr. Read of the Civic Commercial, “Perhaps I do not comprehend the enclosed letter, and as it refers to you, it is quite likely that you may. I ‘wing it’ to you in obedience to its request, but not to urge you to give away any thing that belongs to you that you deem of value. I do not peddle likenesses of myself, and have no stock on hand, nor am I likely to procure one; and if ‘this ass’ or any other wants one that you happen to have, I affectionately advise a purchase at the going rates and without appeal to the subject.” A fun missive! (Est. $200-400)

Sad, personal details on Greeley’s home life.

470. GREELEY, Horace. ALS, New York, January 19, 1852, on blue paper, addressed to Mrs. Louisa E. Rafferty. Greeley talks about a proposed visit and mentions his address (No. 35 East Nineteenth Street), when he expects to be home, and the schedule of ferries and buses: “I have opened your letter to Mrs. Greeley just received and drop you a line because I know Mrs. G. never knows how to write a letter, thinking she has no time…We have two living children, a girl 3 years and a boy 11 months old. We have lost four. Our house is small, but it is our own, and Mrs. G. remembers you well and wishes to see you. Can not Mr. Rafferty come with you?” Usual folds with some discoloration. A fine, revealing letter from the most influential journalist of the Civil War era. (Est. $200-400)

471. JOHNSON, Reverdy. (1796-1876) Maryland attorney, associate of Luther Martin, William Pinkney and Roger B. Taney. U.S. Senator, 1845-9, Attorney General under Zachary Taylor. Although Johnson represented the slave-owner defendant in Dred Scot v. Sandford, he was an opponent of the institution and was a key player in the effort to keep Maryland in the Union at the outbreak of the Civil War. In 1862 Lincoln appointed him to revise the decisions of Benjamin F. Butler in regard to foreign governments. Johnson served in the Senate from 1863 to 1868. Following the war he was engaged by the government in prosecuting cases against the Ku Klux Klan. A good content A.Ms. as Senator, 8p. 8″ x 12.5″, [Washington, c. 1863?], a speech delivered before the Senate on the subject of an 1862 “Act to Establish & Equalize the grade of line officers of the United States Navy”. A few minor marginal chips and tears not affecting text, overall quite bright and clean and in fine condition. (Est. $200-400)

472. KING, Preston. (1806-65) Representative and a Senator from New York, Lincoln political ally, committed suicide by leaping from a ferryboat in New York Harbor November 12, 1865. A.L.S., Washington, Dec. 13, 1861 enclosing a “Copy of the Globe you ask for…” Mounted, usual folds, else fine. Offered together with an envelope addressed and franked in his hand as well as a signature on a 5 x 3″ slip adding “Ogdensburg, N.Y.” together three pieces. (Est. $60-80)

“Liberty First, Union Afterwards.”

473. PHILLIPS, Wendell. (1811-84) Lawyer, Orator, Author, Reformer, Civil Rights Activist. One of the more vocal and influential voices calling for the end of slavery from the 1840’s through the Civil War, considered a “rabid abolitionist,” Phillips turned his energies after the War to the fair treatment of Indians and the labor movement. Autograph Sentiment Signed, n.p., March, 1860. A fine specimen with a terrific quote. (Est. $100-300)

474. PHILLIPS, Wendell. A.N.S., 1p. 8vo. [n.p.], Oct. 2, 1854 to Edwin Barrow: “While thanking you for the very kind terms of your note. I suppose I comply with its request.” Fine condition. (Est. $100-300)

“…political questions involved in the action of parties will grow in intent.”

475. SEYMOUR, Horatio. (1810-86) Democratic candidate for President against Grant 1868, Governor of New York. As noted in the Dictionary of American Biography, “A man of dignity and integrity, he (Seymour) failed practically as a statesman, largely because of his gentlemanly scorn for extreme opinions.” Perhaps the most reluctant candidate ever nominated for President, Seymour knew the Democratic standard-bearer would be attacked for opposing Grant, the great war hero. Refusing to be a candidate, Seymour was unanimously chosen on the twenty-second ballot and convinced to run. Autograph Letter Signed, 2 pages, 5.5 x 9 in., [n.p.] July 21, 1885. “I hope you will not fail to come and see me this week. I write you a short note on Sunday afternoon, which I hear you did not get. Next week I may have to leave home. I am anxious to talk with you about your Book. No[t] one has been written or can be written which relates to issues of such moment or were made in the times about which you write. They will be described here after with more interest than they excited during the [illeg.]. The public mind has been & still is excited about the result of the contest. As that fades away it will be seen and felt that the political questions involved in the action of parties will grow in interest. They concern the future as well as the past. I think they are stated in a way which will be clear and strong & at the same time be fair & just to all parties – Let me know when you will be here. I am alone now. Respectfully yours, Horatio Seymour.” Partial fold separations else very good. (Est. $150-200)

476. SEYMOUR, Horatio. A.L.S. 2p. 5 x 8″, Utica, April 3, 1875 urging the hiring of “My Nephew Rutger B. Miller, Jr. who is anxious to be named by your company…” Usual folds, else fine. Offered with Seymour’s signature on a 3.5 x 2″ card adding “Utica”. Very fine. Together, two (2) pieces. (Est. $80-100)

477. SPINNER, Francis E. (1802-90) U.S. Treasurer. As noted in D.A.B., “his employment of young women in his department during the Civil War is said to have established the status of women in the civil service.” (We judiciously refrain from making a wisecrack here!) A pair of A.L.S.’s, 1p. ea., 4to. on opposite sides of the same leaf, “Naval Office, Custom House” New York, Sept. 15 & 21, 1846 both to Michael Hoffman enclosing statements for the customs house for New York and other related matters. A few minor marginal tears, light toning, else very good. With a transmittal envelope bearing his printed franking signature. (Est. $100-150)

478. SPINNER, Francis E.. A.D.S., a manuscript check, 8 x 3″, Jacksonville, July 12, 1876, ordering payment “to James M. Shoemaker for Geo. Fairbanks Five Hundred Dollars…” Light foxing and toning, top margin chipped, else very good. Together with a partly-printed D.S, a check, 8″ x 2.5″, Mohawk, N.Y., Nov. 20, 1878 for the sum of $37.88 for the “Corporation tax”. Light foxing, else very good. Two (2) fine examples. (Est. $80-100)

Clement Vallandigham writes to the school principal about his son.

479. Vallandigham, Clement Laird (1820-71). He was a “copperhead” during the Civil War and a strong advocate of States’ Rights. While in Congress (1858-63) he opposed Lincoln’s policies. In 1862 he denounced military orders issued by General Burnside. As a result Burnside had him arrested, court-martialed and imprisoned. Lincoln commuted his sentence but banished him to behind Confederate lines. In 1863, Vallandigham left North Carolina for Canada where he remained for the duration of the war. He accidentally shot and killed himself in 1871. ALS, 1p, 8″x5″, Dayton, OH, 1870 Nov. 12. Fine. To his son’s school principal, “Your ‘report’ for yr. ending Nov. 11th, 1870, as to Charlie, was received at my house unopened. He has no inherited talent for mathematics, but ought, therefore, the more diligently to apply himself to them…”

(Est. $300-500)

480. RICHARD YATES (1815-1873) American lawyer and politician who was the Civil War Governor of Illinois [1861-1864]; strongly supported Abraham Lincoln’s policies throughout the Civil War; after the war, he served in the U.S. Senate [1865-71]. Unusual Carte-de-Visite Photograph Signed “Richd. Yates.” An oval bust-length pose, curiously by the Confederate photographer Bendann of Baltimore. Mounting traces on verso. Minor surface soiling.

(Est. $200-300)

The Pinkerton Pages

A tremendous rarity: the only Civil War ALS in private hands.

481. PINKERTON, Allan. (1819–84) American detective, founding Chief of the U.S. Secret Service, head of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, a cooper by trade, Pinkerton emigrated to the United States in 1842 opening a cooper’s shop in West Dundee, Ill. That storefront became a station on the Underground Railroad. His discovery and capture of a band of counterfeiters led to an 1846 appointment as the county sheriff. In 1850 he became the first city detective of the Chicago police force. That year he also opened a private detective agency which enjoyed considerable success in solving train and express-company robberies. In 1861, he foiled a plot to kidnap or assassinate Abraham Lincoln — convincing the President-elect to re-route his train trip through Baltimore on his way to Washington. During the Civil War, Pinkerton organized and directed an extensive espionage system behind Confederate lines. In 1869, his agency secured evidence on which the Molly Maguires were broken up. After Pinkerton’s death, the agency was continued by his sons, Robert A. Pinkerton and William A. Pinkerton – a business entity that continues to this day. Autograph Letter Signed “Allan Pinkerton” to S.D. Young, Superintendent of the Pennsylvania Rail Road, Washington, D.C., June 9, 1862. One page, 4to., ruled, small tape burn from reinforcement on verso not affecting text, docketed below signature. The Union’s chief spymaster – whose logo of an “All Seeing Eye” coined the appellation “private eye” – writes: “I am in camp near Richmond but have to send A.K. Littlefield from thence to Chicago on important business. If consistent can you leave a pass for him from Harrisburg to Pittsburg and return, at the Ticket Office in Harrisburg. Allan Pinkerton.” This letter was written as Stonewall Jackson’s troops continued to decimate Union forces in one major engagement after another. Pinkerton, serving as General George McClellan’s chief detective in the Department of Ohio, returned to Washington in April 1861 to formally organize the Secret Service. In 1862, operating out of McClellan’s camp, he gathered information from captured Confederates and runaway slaves on enemy troop strength. He helped convince “Lil’ Mac” that his troops were vastly outnumbered and ill-prepared for continued assault. Three months later, Pinkerton had a private meeting with Lincoln at the White House, on September 22, to discuss the failed Antietam campaign, the withdrawal of forces, and the possible removal of McClellan. The “great hesitator” would be removed from his command two months later at which time Pinkerton also stepped off the field. A.B.P.C. lists no example of a Pinkerton ALS in the market over the last thirty years. A survey of several major dealers likewise failed to yield an example. The very few Pinkerton letters known to remain extant – save those found in the corporate archive now on deposit at the Library of Congress – were written in the 1870s, well after the war. We believe this to be the only Civil War-dated letter in the market. (Est. $4,000-5,000)

482. With Lincoln’s detective, Alan Pinkerton, posed in the group. A CDV portrait presenting some of McClellan’s staff in the field at Antietam, Pinkerton found second from right. Some loss to back of board from album removal, typical rubbing to mount, an early print on a gold-ruled board, exceptional clarity and contrast…a rich portrait taken by Alexander Gardner at the time Lincoln visited with McClellan in the field at Antietam October 3, 1862. A rare, important carte photograph. (Est. $400-600)

He guarded President-elect Lincoln on his trip to Washington.

483. PINKERTON, William. Son of Allan Pinkerton who, with his brother Robert, ran the Pinkerton National Detective Agency after their father’s death in 1884. During his tenure, the Pinkerton agency became well-known for their disruption of organized labor and protection of strike breakers. Pinkerton detectives figured prominently in the violence during the Homestead Strike of 1892 in which they killed ten strikers. William Pinkerton gained national prominence by solving the infamous Adams Express robberies and guarding President-elect Lincoln on his way to Washington. A scarce signed cabinet card photograph by Gibson Art Galleries, Chicago measuring 4 x 5.5″ on a 6 x 9″ mount signed “Very truly yours Wm. A. Pinkerton” on the photo. Very fine condition. Pristine. (Est. $500-700)

Sending instructions to his illustrator…

work commissioned for his landmark book on Lincoln and forming the Secret Service.

484. (Alan PINKERTON). A fine set of three letters, we believe secretarial signed, two manuscript and the third typed, all written to the illustrator Joseph B. Beall of Philadelphia in which Pinkerton discusses a group of proposed illustrations to be rendered for his book, The Spy of the Rebellion. In a typed letter, 6p., New York, October 26, 1882 on Pinkerton’s National Detective Agency letterhead, he notes that “No. 1…should represent a correct likeness of Gen. McClelland and myself. Of course, the General is in uniform, but not with a star on his breast, for that is useless. I suppose you have a likeness of myself, but you know me very well, so I need not say any more in regard to this. I was in blue, but no insignia of uniform about me….No. 2 is one of my men, Timothy Webster, disguised…No. 3 is a colored boy firing a revolver. He has killed a citizen, who, by the way, is a rebel secessionist…No. 12 is Timothy Webster [see plate opposite p. 542 in the book]…Sentenced and executed by Jefferson Davis…as a spy. Of course, the soldiers and officer are in grey, and Webster’s death warrant was just read to him. Of course, his hands should be pinioned but his arms are straight down. The woman is Hattie Lewis, one of our employees during the rebellion. Webster, however, acted like a man, and the secret of a spy died with him. He is the hero of the book…He was calm and would not yield to give a single item while he lived…The handcuffs should not be used. Let it appear as if the prisoner was bound with rope, and have two or three chairs in the room. Have Webster appear life-like. Now, my friend, Mr. Beale, I have given you the best possible description of the scenes. Mr. Carleton wishes to have them done in ten or twelve days…” Two other manuscript letters, each one page, dated 1882 and 1883 deal with the billing and delivery of the illustrations to the printer. Interestingly Beall is not credited as an illustrator, only the engraver is noted on the actual plates in the book. Great history! (Est. $400-500)

485. A rare salesman’s sample copy. A remarkable find, an actual salesman’s abridged version of Allan Pinkerton’s book, The Spy of the Rebellion. (New York: G.W. Carleton & Co., 1886) 591p. 8vo., (6 x 9.5″), bound in titled red cloth boards with gilt eye logo of the Pinkerton Agency: “We Never Sleep” and an example of the spine on the back board accomplished in gilt. Bears enlarged versions of the numerous illustrations found in the original. At the end of the book there are seven ledger pages designed to record subscriptions for the book. The first subscription page bears two names (obviously this was not a very successful salesman), below a notice offering “This large, handsome, octavo volume, contains nearly 700 pages, printed from beautiful clear type, on fine paper, made expressly for the work. Richly and profusely Illustrated. Elegantly bound, and furnished at he following remarkably low prices: “English Cloth, Gold and Black Enameled, – – – $3.50 Strongly Bound in Sheep, Library Style, – – – 4.50…” Affixed to the inside back cover is an example of the spine in “Library Style”. Very minor rubbing at top and bottom of boards, pages lightly foxed, but overall clean. A superb example, and the only one we have seen and probably the only one extant. (Est. $200-300)

486. Inscribed by his son Robert. Allan Pinkerton. The Spy of the Rebellion: Being a True History of the Spy System of the United States Army during the Late Rebellion. (New York: G.W. Carleton and Co., 1883), 688p., 8vo., (6.5 x 9.5″). Inscribed on the front blank flyleaf by his son Robert A. PINKERTON to E. A. Newell. Illustrated with full page plates after engravings with additional illustrations. Bound in pictorial gilt decorated cloth with the logo of the Pinkerton Agency – ” We Never Sleep” in gilt to front cover. Besides being the founder of the world’s most famous detective agency, Allan Pinkerton was chief of the Secret Service from 1861 to 1862. During his tenure with the Secret Service, he managed to foil an assassination plot in Baltimore while Lincoln was traveling to Washington for his inauguration as President. Volume details his numerous adventures during the Civil War and provides a fascinating and concise detailing of the early U.S. Intelligence services. Front board a tad loose, light rubbing to boards, pages very clean and bright. (Est. $400-600)

Military Autographs: Union and Confederate

487. AVERELL, William W. (1832-1900) Union cavalry general who served in the Peninsula Campaign, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville where Hooker relieved him of command for slow performance during Stoneman’s raid. Served under Sheridan during the Valley Campaign and was again relieved over a petty dispute. Following the war he developed a number of inventions, making his fortune developing asphalt for road paving. A circa 1890 typescript with numerous autograph ink and pencil emendations and corrections by hand, 40p. 8 x 10 1/2″, a lengthy address on his life and military career. A wide ranging speech that touches on selected subjects he includes some interesting anecdotes on espionage including a discussion of efforts to root out spies in Washington following the federal disaster at First Manassas: “We had under our control and general direction an alert and skillful detective force of about 160 persons, under the personal direction of Allan Pinkerton…and William Pinkerton. This force was composed of all sorts and conditions of men and women- – accomplished ladies and gentlemen in polite society, contractors, news paper reporters, priests, hack drivers, peddlers, organ-grinders, domestic servants and beggars. We caught common spies of course and unroofed the conclave of many conspirators yet we could not get at the source of the fatal and reliable information which was conveyed to the enemy…At last our vigilance was rewarded by the capture of a man coming across the Potomac in a skiff at night near Port Tobacco, Md…He was the bearer of a letter addressed to a certain Mrs. B. who lived in a quiet way over a glove store on Penna. Avenue…” The man was placed in prison and replaced by a Pinkerton man who delivered the letter. “Mrs. B. secluded our man and set forth followed by a ‘shadow’ to the house of an eminent counselor at Law who had gone south and left his wife and two daughters to save his property. The wife of the Counselor with another ‘shadow’ carried the letter to the house of Mrs. Greenough where I rested. Mrs. G’s husband had long been employed as a translator in the State Department. Mrs. G. was thoroughly well acquainted with Washington and its Society – a brilliant captivating lady, of varied accomplishments, who was at the same time a keen politician…” Averell remarked that this woman traveled in high social and political circles and Pinkerton’s men infiltrated the house by making servants ‘disappear’ and sending interested ‘applicants’ to replace them. They soon uncovered a letter from Greenough, a “complete report of the condition of our defenses around Washington…” Averell also discusses in some detail his exploits at Malvern Hill and at Fredericksburg and remarking upon a personal meeting with Abraham Lincoln some time after the battle, and in particular, a note from Lee to Averell concerning the return of two wounded Union officers who had been caught behind Confederate lines: “Shortly after this fight the President came down to visit the Army and to review it. He did me the honor to send for me to call on him in the evening. We had an interview of an hour in his tent. He asked me many questions about the army and especially the Cavalry service and its enormous expense. He took great interest in the fight we had at Kelly’s Ford and inquired particular about the Confederate Commanders. I told him how the fight came to pass and showed him Lee’s note [to Averell during a flag of truce]. He [Lincoln] put on his spectacles and read it carefully. Then he asked ‘were you and General Lee friends?’ ‘Certainly’ Said I ‘always had been’ ‘What would happen’ he asked ‘should you meet on the battle field?’ – ‘One or both of us would be badly hurt or killed’ I said – ‘obliged to be Mr. President.’ He leaned that picturesque and mournful face of his on his hand and after a pause said with emotion ‘Oh my God, what a dreadful thing is a war like this where personal [sic] must slay each other and die friends, I told him that ‘undoubtedly Lee thought he was doing his duty and I knew that I was doing min.’ ‘yes’ said he, ‘I understand your feelings, but there are many who would think that you ought to hate each other.’ Finally he said ‘Genl. Averell I wish you would give me this letter of Lee’s.’ ‘Surely take it Mr. President’ I replied and I felt greatly relived that he had it. One of his biographers has told me that he carried the note for a long time in his pocket and would frequently show it…” More fine content. Uneven toning, pages bear some marginal creases, tears and a few minor holes from a former binding, else very good. (Est. $1,000-2,000)

488. BANKS, Nathaniel. (1816-94) Massachusetts Congressman and Governor, Union general who succeeded Ben Butler as Commander of the Dept. of the Gulf. A.L.S. 1p. 8vo., [Boston], April 28, 1874 to James Redpath enclosing a “slip from the Boston Transcript of 1862. I recd. from Mrs. Banks just after you left the Parker House and enclose it to you in accordance with your request…” Light folds, else very good. (Est. $75-100)

489. BEAUREGARD, Pierre G. T. (1818-93) Beauregard best known as a general for the Confederate Army during the American Civil War, was also a writer, civil servant, and inventor. He was the first prominent Confederate general, commanding the defenses of Charleston, South Carolina for the Battle of Fort Sumter and was the victor at the First Battle of Bull Run. He commanded armies in the Western Theater for the Battle of Shiloh and Siege of Corinth. He assumed command of the Confederate provisional Army and was placed in command at Charleston, where he ordered the bombardment of Fort Sumter. He served at both First Manassas and Shiloh and took command of the Army of Tennessee when Albert Johnston was killed. His troops later defeated Butler at Drewry’s Bluff. After the war, he was manager of the Louisiana lottery, commissioner of New Orleans public works and wrote several books about the war. An Autograph Endorsement Signed “Recd. at N.O. Augt 13th 1865 G.T.B” at the bottom of the second page of Beauregard’s copy of a letter from William T. Sherman. (the copy of Sherman’s letter was secretarially written and signed). Sherman was responding to Beauregard’s letter requesting his personal papers and effects that were seized during the Civil War. In small part: “…I have sent both to Genl Hoffman at Washington with this Endorsement… they should be returned to him as something too small for a great Government to notice…'”. He suggests other channels he might pursue and concludes: “…all conventions should be religiously kept, for on them are based the most Sacred Rights of War and consequent Peace…”. Chipping to top left corner of second sheet. (Est. $1,000-1,500)

490. BENJAMIN, Judah P. (1811-84) Confederate Sec. of War and Sec. of State who became unpopular for his conviction that Southern slaves should be armed to fight for the Confederacy, which of course eventually came true. Benjamin fled to England at war’s end to avoid prosecution and became one of the leading barristers in that country. A.E.S. on the verso of a manuscript D.S., 1p. 8 x 12.5″, “Office Secretary of the Senate U.S.” [Washington] June 15, 1858 concerning extra pay for the “President of the Senate pro tempore in the absence of the Vice President” noting that an 1818 act provided an additional $8 per diem in addition to “his compensation as a member of the Senate.” In addition the secretary determined that a recently passed act concerning a similar issue did not negate the 1818 act. On the verso, Benjamin writes: “I am of opinion that in the cases stated the President pro-tempore of the Senate is entitled to the additional compensation of eight dollars per day — J. P. Benjamin.” Below, in a most unreal association, Lyman TRUMBULL has added his endorsement as well: “I agree in opinion with Mr. Benjamin. Lyman Trumbull.” Contemporary ink spill affects Trumbull’s signature and appears across bottom, light toning at folds, else very good. (Est. $600-800)

491. BUTLER, Benjamin F. (1818-93) Anti-monopoly and Greenback (National) Party candidate for President in 1884, Civil War Union general. Following his involvement with what battle historians called “Butler’s Folly,” “Beast” Butler was dismissed by Grant. He went on to represent Massachusetts in Congress. T.N.S. 1p. 8 x 10″, Boston, Aug. 26, 1886, concerning the recipient’s letter “you are informed that I do know of any such work as that to which you therein refer.” Tipped to a larger sheet, light creases, else fine. (Est. $100-150)

492. BUTLER, Benjamin F. His signature as Senator, “Benj. F. Butler Mass” on a 4 x 1.5″ slip. Mounted to a piece of card stock, small tape remnant at bottom, else very good. (Est. $40-60)

493. BUTTERFIELD, Daniel. (1831-1901) Union major general who commanded a brigade at Bull Run, awarded the Medal of Honor for Gaines Mill, and wounded in that battle and Gettysburg. He also helped design the corps badges for the army and is credited with writing “Taps”. Fine, rare and quite early war-date S.P., a carte-de-visite image by Addis, Washington, showing a vignette view of Butterfield as a colonel of the 12th New York Volunteers, signed “Daniel Butterfield U.S.A.” at bottom. The 12th New York was the first Union regiment to enter Virginia in May 1861. Minor fold a top of albumen, else very good. (Est. $1,000-1,500)

494. HOWELL COBB (1815-1868) Georgia politician and former Secretary of the Treasury who recruited a CSA regiment in mid-1861 and led it to the front as its colonel; later promoted to major general and commanded the District of Georgia until the end of the Civil War; begun his career as a respected figure in the U.S. Congress and in 1848 was chosen Democratic leader in the House; although a Southerner and a supporter of the annexation of Texas, the Mexican War, and the extension of slavery, he was markedly independent; in 1849, he was elected Speaker after one of the bitterest contests the House had ever witnessed; in 1851, he ran for Governor of Georgia and was elected by a large majority; his efforts to reunite the Georgia Democrats failed, however, and he was ousted from the party; in 1855, he was returned to Congress by his pro-Union district and in 1857, he was appointed Secretary of the Treasury by President James Buchanan; gave up the Unionist cause following the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, then resigned as Secretary of the Treasury and returned to Georgia to urge secession; presided at the convention held in Montgomery, Alabama to organize the Confederacy and, until the election of Jefferson Davis, was widely mentioned for the presidency. Fine Manuscript Letter Signed “Howell Cobb” as Secretary of the Treasury, 1 page, 8vo, Washington, March 24, 1860. Writing to the American minister to Austria, “John Clancy Jones,” Cobb generously related “Allow me to introduce to your acquaintance Mr. Hudson E. Bridge, of St. Louis, Missouri, who with his Daughter, visits Europe on a tour of pleasure. Mr. Bridge has been introduced to me as a gentleman entitled to every consideration due to that character, and as such I commend him and daughter to your kind attention.” Mounting strip along far left margin, not touching any writing, otherwise choice. With front panel of original envelope. A fine example, before the outbreak of hostilities. (Est. $500-600)

495. COCKRELL, Francis M. (1834-1915) Confederate brigadier general captured at Vicksburg and later returned to fight under Hood at Atlanta. Good political content A.L.S. “F.M. Cockrell” on U.S. Senate letterhead, 1p. 4to, Washington, Jan. 31, 1892 to a General Porter regarding various matters before the Senate. In part: “…War is a failure. I never had the remotest idea they could bring on war. Although many seemed war inclined. Townsend Library bill will go to the committee on Library – am not on it…Legislation progressing very slowly…” Cockrell is likely referring to the brief Chilean-American War of 1892. Very good condition. (Est. $200-300)

The General on the “accidental” shooting of a black servant.

496. COUCH, Darius N. (1822-97) Union major general who led a division at Second Bull Run, Antietam, Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg. Disgusted with Hooker, he offered to resign and was instead transfered to the West. L.S., 1 page. Headquarters, Couch’s Division, Aug. 21, 1862. To Capt. O. O. Saydam: “I have the honor to state that while my Division lay near Lebanon Church, on the 19th inst. A black man employed as servant to one of the officers of the 102d. Penna. Vol., was shot dead by the accidental discharge of a carbine in the hands of one of my sentinels placed over the property of a Mr. Bryan, living in the vicinity and having a safe-guard from Gen. Van Allen”. Couch signs at the conclusion. A rather curious letter which has the appearance of sounding as though Couch were pleased with the shooting of the black servant. Two folds, clean. (Est. $500-600)

497. CRAWFORD, Samuel W. (1829-92). A superlative strategist, battlefield commander, and hero of Gettysburg, Crawford was an Army assistant surgeon after graduating from medical school in 1851. He was stationed at Ft. Sumter when the Confederates attacked. Then appointed Major of the 13th Regular Infantry, during the Shenandoah Valley campaign he ascended to brigade command and was promoted to Brig. General of Vols. His unit was decimated at the Battle of Cedar Mountain, and he was severely wounded commanding a division at Antietam. Assigned to command the division in the Army of the Potomac made of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps (V Corps, 3rd Div), at Gettysburg, Crawford directed the their engagement on the second day where they repulsed the charging Confederates from the Little Round Top’s northern slope area and Plum Run after the Southern troops defeated Union forces in the Wheatfield. Crawford himself led one the charges. His men occupied the blood-soaked Wheatfield after the Confederates retreated at the conclusion of the battle. He continued to lead his division throughout the rest of the War, and again won acclaim at the Battle of Five Forks. In 1887, Crawford wrote an important history, The Genesis of the Civil War. A fine Signed Photograph, a cabinet card by W. Kurtz, inscribed on verso from February 5, 1891. Small identification paste-down on bottom board, overall a handsome example. (Est. $300-500)

498. DAHLGREN, John A. (1809-70) Union naval officer; inventor of the Dahlgren gun; established the U.S. Ordnance Department; on sea duty during the Civil War; named Captain in 1862, and Rear Admiral in 1863; commanded the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron; contributed to the captures of both Charleston and Savannah; father of Ulric Dahlgren, the noted Union Colonel killed in action during a failed attempt to capture Richmond. Choice war-date Manuscript Document Signed “J.A. Dahlgren” as Rear Admiral Commanding, 1 page, 4to, Port Royal Harbor, South Carolina, October 5, 1864. Writing from his headquarters aboard the Flag Steamer “Philadelphia,” Dahlgren directs that “Acting Ensign Walter Sargent USN” is “…hereby detached from the U.S.S. ‘Harvest Moon’ and will proceed by the first conveyance to Ossabaw [Sound, Ga.], and report on your arrival to the Senior Officer present for duty on board the U.S.S. ‘Winona,’ Lt. Com’dr W[illiam] H. Dana Commanding.” Docketed at bottom margin “Forwd. Octr. 14th 1864 / J[ames] C. Williamson / Comdr. & Sen. Offr. / Ossabaw.” Walter Sargent served in the U.S. Navy throughout the Civil War attaining the rank of Acting Master in May, 1865, and was honorably discharged from the Volunteer Service later in 1865. He, however, continued in the postwar Regular Navy, and was promoted Ensign and finally Master. While serving aboard the U.S.S. Oneida, which was patrolling Yokohama Bay, the ship was sunk in an accident collision with the British steamer City of Bombay, and Sargent was “Lost at Sea.” Damp stained at top blank margin, with stitching holes at far left blank margin, otherwise very good. An interesting association. (Est. $500-600)

Putting off intervention in Mexico… an invasion from Texas that never occured.

499. A fine content retained copy of a letter from General Napoleon Dana, 1p. 8 x 12 1/2″, “Head Quarters 13th Corps” Brownsville, Tex., Dec. 10, 1863 to L. Pierce, Jr., U.S. Consul at Matamoras declining to intervene in the ongoing Civil War in Mexico. Dana’s response reads in part: “…I would not be justified in brining a force into the City of Metamoros to defend it against the entry of the federal forces of President Juarez. The Federal government of Mexico is on terms of intimate friendship with ours…if your danger is imminent you should remove here…The folds of the Star Spangled Banner are large enough to cover every loyal American and every friendly foreigner…To the loyal and true I say freely, ‘Come one – Come all’ but to the assassins in Metamoros who have disgraced the American name I can only say, ‘come as prisoners of War’…” Obviously Dana did not want to be the one who embroiled the United States into a second war. Dampstained and toned, separated at center horizontal fold, marginal chips with minor losses, else good.

(Est. $750-1,000)

500. Quite rare war dated ALS of Jefferson Davis. With the fall of Richmond imminent, he reminisces about a “Senate debate.” DAVIS, Jefferson. (1808-89) President of the Confederate States of America 1861-65, Senator from Mississippi, Secretary of War 1853-57. After the war, he was captured and imprisoned for two years. Never tried for treason, he was released and wrote The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government. The letter, November 25, 1864, written on plain beige paper with a fleur-de-lis embossed in the upper left corner, reads: “My dear Sir, I sincerely thank you for the document sent this day. It has to me the special value you suppose, and I do not know whether more to admire the kindness which has secured me this attention or the order which after so long an interval enables you to hand me an unbound document with the marks for reference as I placed them when engaged in a Senate debate, years ago. Very truly yours (signed) Jefferson Davis”. The addressee is “Gen’l W. Patton”. A fine example. (Est. $1,500-2,000)

501. DAVIS, Jefferson. An historically important war-date AL.S. “Jeffn. Davis”, 1p 8vo., [Richmond, Va.], Feb. 15, 1863 to Secretary of War James A. Seddon concerning the expected move of the Army of Northern Virginia to thwart the build-up of Union forces at Newport News in early February 1863. In full: “The information given by Genl. Lee sustains the report of troops having been sent to Newport News. It may be that fear for Norfolk or Fort Monroe has caused the movement, or that they have been sent to replace those drawn from New Bern, or it may be the advance of a real movement for attack on the James River. In either event there is nothing to change the plans you have commenced to execute, and whatever may be the purpose Genl. Lee has met by the proper corresponding movement. Your friend, Jeffn. Davis…”. Immediately following Union General Burnside’s failed Mud March in late January 1863 the Union’s high command of the Army of the Potomac was realigned. Union General William “Baldy” Smith was reassigned to command the XI Corps and sent to reinforce the northern forces already stationed at Newport News. News of this move came as a surprise to the Confederate government and instantly rumors flew as to their aggressor’s purpose. Confederate general Robert E. Lee had a plan, though, and in days ordered George Pickett’s division to the Confederate capital to help defend it against possible attack. Apparently, Secretary of War Seddon was also concerned, but as this letter shows, Davis had an undying faith in Lee to save the Confederacy. Signature light, minor spotting and usual folds, else very good, Handsomely framed with a war-date albumen image of the president and a typed transcription of the original. Not examined out of frame. ( Est. $3,500-4,000)

502. DAVIS, Jefferson. His signature “Jeffn Davis U.S.S.” on a 3.5 x 1″ mounted slip. A former owner has added the extra identification beneath the signature: “(Traitor)” Toned at left margin, else very good. (Est. $300-400)

503. CSA President Jefferson Davis following miltary setbacks — he is left with a choice at a signpost noting “Surrender of Vicksburg. Retreat from Pennsylvania. Fourth of July 1863.” The title on the CDV board by J. Hall of New York, 1863, reads “How happy could I be with either!” A great, period commentary on how they viewed things for the South following Gettysburg!

(Est. $100-150)

504. DIX, John A. (1798-1879) New York Senator, Governor, Minister to France, Dix served briefly as Secretary of the Treasury in January, 1861. His dispatch of January 29th to a treasury official in New Orleans became a rallying cry for the North: “If anyone attempts to haul down the American flag, shoot him on the spot!” After reorganizing the Department, Chase took over and Dix became a Major General, serving as a competent commander. A.N.S. 1p. 8vo., New York, Nov. 10, 1853 to Andrew J. Crossman honoring an autograph request. With printed catalog description pasted neatly at bottom, else fine. (Est. $100-150)

505. DIX, John A. A pair of bold signatures, each on a mounted 5 x 3″ card, dated 1875 and 1876. Very good. (Est. $80-100)

506. DOUBLEDAY, Abner. (1819-93) Civil War general, “father of baseball,” distinguished himself at Gettysburg by holding the Confederates in check on the first day of battle. D.S., “A. Doubleday”, 1p. 8 x 12″, [Albany, May 24, 1853], a petition addressed to the Collector of the Port of New York recommending one J. H. Baker as a clerk. Signed by Doubleday and eleven others. Malformation to “A” in signature, marginal chips affecting only a few words of text, else very good.

(Est. $400-500)

John Ericsson ALS all about the ship,

The Monitor

507. ERICSSON, John. (1803-89) A Swedish naval inventor and engineer, he invented the screw propeller and made improvements in locomotives and naval guns. He is remembered for building the famed Civil War boat Monitor, which had one of the first turrets. The letter reads: “My Dear Sir, The total displacement of the Monitor was 1255, as you state in your letter of the 15th inst. I return the tracing of the Monitor as it is not the work of my hand. My time is now insufficient to make drawings of original ideas as fast as they present themselves, hence I never make copies. I enclose a proof of the Monitor to Johnson. Yours truly, J. Ericsson.” The letter is addressed to Admiral G.V. Fox. A postscript is written at the bottom which reads, “Admiral Luganz high freeboard and light draught finances that reported before the Monitor was equipped for Service.” On March 6, 1862, the Monitor left New York with a crew of 63, seven officers and 56 seamen. On May 15, 1862, the Monitor took part in the First Battle of Drewry’s Bluff, but was unable to elevate its guns enough to reach the Confederate positions, and the Union effort to advance up the James River to Richmond ended in failure. After that, the summer months settled into a monotonous routine that started each day at 5:30 a.m., when petty officers roused the crew from their hammocks. The ship was swept, bright metalwork polished and clothes scrubbed. Later on the sailors were kept busy standing watch and drilling at the cannons, while the firemen served the engines. The happiest day for the crew of the Monitor came on September 30, 1862, when the ship was ordered up the Potomac to the Washington Navy Yard for extensive repairs. Furloughs were granted to many men, and the remaining crew members enjoyed a change of routine — better food and female visitors. Before departing from Fort Monroe on their final voyage south, the Monitor Boys enjoyed a Christmas celebration. Together they feasted on turkey, fish, oysters, a selection of meats, apples, figs, plums, jellies and wines — much of which had been sent from the men’s homes. When they left port, they had high expectations for new adventures. Those expectations soon ended in tragedy. Shortly after midnight on December 31, 1862, the Monitor sank in a gale off Cape Hatteras. Sixteen crew members were lost. (Est. $1,500-2,000)

508. ERICSSON, John. Fine ALS “J. Ericsson,” February 2, 1859, 1p., with an additional page being an Autograph Manuscript Proposal, unsigned,undated. In 1853, Ericsson saw his long-cherished dream come to fruition, the caloric ship, an attempt at a vessel propelled entirely by an engine designed on his warm-air principle. Unsuccessful in this maritime application, Ericsson devoted himself to improvements of the caloric engine for other mechanical purposes. Writing to an agent representing him in negotiations for an engine, and mentioning an erroneous proposal made for it, Ericsson anxiously relates: “Messrs. Clute write [me]: ‘The American Express Co. desire to know, what it will cost to propel a car with 5 persons and mail matter 15 (fifteen) miles per hour, whole weight about 1500 lb. – they are now running a hand car on the Memphis [rail]road and wish to substitute a Caloric engine. Make the estimate assuming it, the road, to be level.’ Is this the same matter you have in hand? if so your reply must be different to what I sketched. You must give me a call before writing to Washington – I shall be in until 3 o’clock P.M. today…” Obviously, Ericsson was given the wrong information initially as the enclosed proposal for the ordered engine reads: “Two 24 inch Caloric engines applied to a suitable carriage with two pair of 3 feet wheels, will traverse 40 miles of perfectly level rail way in three hours with 3 tons of freight, besides fuel. The cost of the motive power with gear for stopping, starting, & backing will be from $1800 to $2000. To this must be added the cost of carriage with wheels & springs.” Pencil notes in an unknown hand inform: “To hav[e] ga[u]ge 4=6 / Carriage built here.” Age-toned with slight chipping at edges, otherwise in very good condition. A desirable and scarce form of Ericsson, mentioning his important invention. (Est. $1,200-1,500)

509. FERGUSON, Samuel Wragg. (1834-1917) Confederate brigadier general who served with Beauregard until Shiloh, then under Wheeler in the Carolinas. When suggested for advance, Wheeler vociferously condemned Ferguson. A.L.S. 1p., Biloxi, Miss., June 18, 1915 lamenting his old age: “…I fear that never again will I be able to do any work, but I should not complain after contrasting my physical condition with that of the Confederate Veterans at the Soldiers Home at Beauvoir where I dined yesterday. I am the only surviving Confederate General of any grade, who served with Mississippi troops. I dined yesterday with one Confederate veteran who celebrated his 100th birth day, and whose occupation is to escort visitors about the grounds…” Usual folds, else fine. Offered with a signature adding “Brig Genl. Cavalry Confederate States Army Mississippi” on a 7 x 3.5″ mounted slip. Clean vertical fold separation, else very good. Together, two pieces. (Est. $200-300)

Two days before South Carolina Secedes… remarkable history!

510. FINEGAN, Joseph. (1814-85) Confederate Brigadier General who commanded the Department of Florida who defeated federal forces at Olustee in 1864. Toward the close of the war, General Finegan was sent to Virginia to command the Florida Brigade. At the second battle of Cold Harbor Finegan and his men repulsed a charge by Winfield Scott Hancock on June 3, 1864. He served with the Army of Northern Virginia to March, 1865. A superb A.L.S. written only two days before the secession of South Carolina, 2p. 8 x 10″, Fernandina, Fla., Dec. 18, 1860 to Mayor Charles H. Macbeth of Charleston, South Carolina offering his services to capture the federal forts in the harbor. He reports to the mayor that “At a recent meeting of the ‘Fernandina Volunteers’ which I have the honor of commanding the following resolution was unanimously adopted. ‘Resolved that should it become necessary for the authorities of South Carolina to use force to obtain possession of the forts in Charleston Harbor a detachment from this Company consisting of twenty five men or more – Volunteers – be authorised to represent this Company on that occasion, and that the Captain of this company do enter into the Necessary correspondence and take the proper steps to secure to the said detachment the privilege of participation in said operation’ In compliance with the above resolution, I have the honor to report to you and through you to the officer commanding in Charleston, that a detachment of twenty five men from this company are now ready to go to Charleston at a moments warning and I have especially to request that they be permitted the privilege of participating in any operations contemplated against the forts in your harbor. Hoping that our services will be accepted and requesting a reply at an early date.” We do not know if the Fernandina Volunteers ever made it to Charleston, but in January, 1861 the company helped size Fort Clinch. Early in the war, Finegan was placed in command of all military affairs for the state of Florida and the Fernandina Volunteers, like many irregular militia companies were absorbed into the state service early in 1861. Weak at folds with partial separation, light dampstain at top margin, else very good. A superb, early letter. (Est. $2,000-4,000)

511. Adm. Foote’s family album. A CDV album bound in green velvet from the family of Admiral Andrew Hull Foote (1806-63) featuring a CDV of Foote in uniform on the first page beside one of his widow (being his second wife, Caroline Augusta Street) in mourning attire together with other family members. In total there are 34 CDV’s and 11 cabinet cards, most in fine condition. An inscription on the first blank flyleaf reads “Presented to Miss A. B. Foote By Miss Belle Hemler, Bertha Patterson, Blanche Jennings, Florence Garse, Lillie Fitzharris.” Album bears expected toning and wear, spine damaged. (Est. $500-750)

512. FORREST, Nathan Bedford. (1821-77) Confederate general, he was America’s greatest cavalry officer. Before the war, he was a planter and slave dealer, but when the war began, he paid for his own battalion. His daring exploits proved to be a major nuisance to the Union. He wrecked supply and communication lines, captured Fort Pillow, and defeated a superior force at Brices Cross Roads. After the war, he founded the Ku Klux Klan and was president of the Selma, Marion & Memphis railroad. Printed document Signed by Forrest as President of the Selma, Marion Memphis Railroad Company, 16 x 16″, being a $1000 bond (slightly trimmed at top, with two of the $40 bearer bonds removed, 33 remaining), September 1, 1869. In 1859, a corporate charter was granted to a corporation known as the Memphis, Holly Springs, Okalona and Selma Railroad. This proposed line was commonly known as “The Nathan Bedford Forrest Railroad,” after the Confederate hero became the champion of the ill-fated route following the war. Gen. Forrest was not affiliated with the company in its antebellum organization, but he joined when the company was reorganized in 1868. The proposed railroad was to be financed by bond issues backed by the full faith and credit of the counties through which it was proposed to run. A Pickens County referendum authorized the county to issue bonds in the amount of $100,000. Only a few miles of the railroad were ever built. Fine. (Est. $1,000-1,500)

513. HARTRANFT, John F. (1830-89 Pennsylvania lawyer who became colonel of the 4th Pennsylvania during the Civil War famously leading the charge that carried the stone bridge at Antietam. Awarded the Medal of Honor for volunteering his services at First Bull Run when his regiment had marched to the rear to be mustered out. Partly-printed D.S. as Auditor General, 1p. 4to., Harrisburg, Aug. 15, 1886, a pay order for “…Rachael Raw widow of Peter Raw…a soldier of the war of 1812…” Cut cancellation, usual folds, else fine. (Est. $400-500)

514. HEINTZELMAN, Samuel P. (1805 – 1880) Union major general who commanded III Corps at Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run and Chantilly, and led in the defense of Washington. A.D.S., 1p. 4to., [n.p.] May 7, 1847 being an accounting sheet. Usual folds, toned at edges, else very good. (Est. $80-100)

515. HAYES, Rutherford B.

(1822-93) President and Union brigadier general. Bold signature on a card. A very clean example.

(Est. $200-250)

516. HOOKER, Joseph. (1814-79) Union major general who commanded the Army of the Potomac in its defeat at the hands of Stonewall Jackson at Chancellorsville. An early example of Hooker’s signature in a manuscript D.S. signed twice, 2p. 8.5 x 12.5″, [Mexico City, Feb. 8, 1848] as Assistant Adjutant General under Winfield Scott days after the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. The document concerns one of the more vexing issues facing the army under General Scott: atrocities committed by American troops against the civilian population. The document is a report of the military commission headed by Colonel Burnham on several cases before him including “The Case of Private Mulholland of Co K N. Y. Vols…The commission after reconsidering the case…is not disposed to alter the sentence, but fully concur with the General in Chief, in amending the specification of the 2nd charge…to aiding and abetting in a Rape in place of Unsoldierlike conduct highly prejudicial to good order and military discipline…” Light horizontal folds, very light foxing, else fine. (Est. $300-400)

517. HUNT, Henry J. (1819-89) Union brigadier general who broke the Confederate pursuit at Bull Run. Commanded the artillery at Gettysburg that repulsed Pickett’s Charge. Good association A.L.S. “Henry J. Hunt”, with postscript signed “H”, 4p. 5 x 8″, Newport Barracks, Ky., May 30, 1883 to Louis Garesche, son of Union officer Julius Garesche. In preparation for writing his father’s biography, Garesche wrote to Hunt asking him for recollections of his father. Hunt responded, in part, “I regret that I could no give you incidents of his life, such as were desired…We were never together even in the field, as we served in different divisions in Mexico…True we were together for a short time in Washington…but lived in different parts of town…We met sometimes casually, but often enough…The truth is that the ruling traits of your father’s character were such as would most impress any person brought in contact with him…His manliness, his broad views, his starting integrity, his earnest religious character, his charity in every sense of the term, his strict observance duty towards God, the state, and his fellow men…” Julius Garesche had declined a general’s commission in order to serve as chief of staff to Rosecrans. Garesche had premonitions of his death in his first battle, and they came to fruition. Leading a charge at Stones River, a cannonball blew his head off, and his horse continued to carry his upright, headless body some distance before his horrified command. Two tape remnants on verso, light folds, else very good. (Est. $150-250)

518. JONES, William E. “Grumble” (1824-64) Confederate General who served under Stuart at Gettysburg, killed at Piedmont. Important Ms. (unsigned), 3p. 8 x 13″, [n.p., n.d February 1861]. Written in ink and pencil, Jones writes on the need for adequate military preparations in the wake of opening of the Virginia Secession Convention and the Washington Peace Conference. Jones addresses the need for a professional army, well equipped and regulated, and not to depend upon a militia system to meet the state’s defensive needs. He writes, in part: “The defense of Virginia for the present can only be effected by an organization combining all the elements of the strength attainable under existing circumstances and if it is our intention to maintain our rights at all hazards, and to assume such attitudes towards the Federal Government as it likely to lead to a hostile conflict, promptness and discipline[?] are demanded of all in power. If any thing can excuse the appearance of dogmatisms in an [illeg.] citizen of Virginia, it is hoped that the [illeg.] of our day will warrant a full and free expression of opinion in all matters looking to our future safety. To my mind it is clear that our present military organization is inadequate to the demands soon to be made, and unless the greatest activity is displayed in disseminating military instruction and in collecting all the material of war disaster awaits us when the conflict ensues. For the enemy at the North will at once adopt the organization of the United States army, defective it is true in many respects, but nevertheless, in vigorous hands capable of great exertion and competent to lead if well sustained to grand results…The first fight Virginia would be like Samson shorn of his hair, unless we take measures to change speedily our means of defense. A loss of five thousand volunteers would ripple our state in commerce, at the bar, in the halls of legislation, in fact in all material peaceful relations more 50,000 regulars properly organized. And it highly probable that the regulars would be the most efficient troops for it is well known that an ordinary patient will obey a physician much more readily than one doctor will another. Conscious superiority gives confidence…If there is wisdom in preparations for war, surely it should be commensurate with the probable demands or at least only fall short of that from lack of means. If our Legislature was serious…when it proclaimed to the world that coercion of seceding states by the Federal Government would be an act [of] war on Virginia, no time should be lost in making ready for the worst. While our love of peace flatters the hope that the Border-State-Convention now in Washington may succeed in adjusting our differences yet should we act as if the war is certainly approaching until the contrary is perfectly certain…more is to be done: for the sinews of war and even material of war unless in the hands of a soldier true and skilful are but a tempting prey to a bold enemy. The framers of the Bill for a State Guard evidently comprehended that defiant wealth courts attack unless keen avarice scents real danger. We have dared an ambitious people whose courage has never faltered when chances were fair for an accumulation of wealth. Though high honor motivates him not, yet a kind of material religion devotes him sincerely to his pursuits. To establish his dogma or attain his end he is inscrupulous [sic]. For the one he has discarded the Bible and for the other the fundamental principles of honor. While we many hope god will punish the monster let us recollect that in the battles of man in this world God usually regards skill and courage, or in other words Gods takes care of those who take care of themselves.” Much more fine content. Light creases, else fine condition. (Est. $1,000-1,500)

519. (LEE, Robert E.) An absolutely lovely UCV ribbon with an affixed albumen cardboard and red and white rosette. From the dedication of the Lee Monument in Richmond, Virginia. The rosette measures 3″ across and 6″ in length with the ribbon. A truly unique, special, celebratory item of the great Confederate general. (Est. $300-400)

520. (LEE, Robert E.) A scarce printed handbill announcing a funeral sermon for Robert E. Lee in Versailles, Kentucky, 1p. 8vo., Oct. 14, 1870. The black-bordered notice reads “Funeral Notice. The funeral sermon of the late Gen. Robert E. Lee will be preached at the Christian church to-morrow (Saturday Oct. 15) at 11 o’clock A. M., by Rev. D. A. Beardsley.” During the war, Versailles was occupied mostly by Union forces, much to the consternation of the local Secessionist population who openly protested with threats of violence. The result was martial law and a prohibition against assembly by more than two persons. Moderate toning, weak at folds, else very good. (Est. $700-900)

521. LEE, Fitzhugh. (1835-1905) Confederate general who commanded at Gettysburg, Antietam, Chancellorsville, and Appomattox. Later served in Cuba serving as Consul General, and following the Spanish American War, military governor of Havana. T.L.S. 1p. 4to. Savannah, Nov. 20.,. 1898 to General Horatio C. King in Brooklyn, N.Y., informing the latter that he “will see by the endorsements on your letter which I return, that the soldier mentioned has been discharged…” Light toning at margins and expected folds, else very good. (Est. $200-400)

522. LUCE, Stephen B. (1827-1917) American naval officer, he wrote the definitive textbook Seamanship; late in 1863, he was ordered to sea-duty aboard the Nantucket and on September 1, 1864, took command of the steamer Pontiac; in 1865, he was ordered to participate with General William T. Sherman in the capture of Charleston. He advocated the establishment of Naval War College for postgraduate training, and upon its establishment was named president. Uncommon partly-printed Manuscript Document Endorsed “S.B. Luce” as Lieutenant Commander, 1 page, oblong double folio, 15 1/2 x 30″ Savannah River, April 22, 1865. A “Transfer Pay, Receipt and Muster Roll of 13 Marines transferred from the U.S. Steamer Pontiac,” listing the detachment of 11 privates, 1 Sergeant and 1 Corporal by name and the time served aboard the Pontiac. . Age-toned and stained at outer folds. The Pontiac was a Sassacus Class, “double-ender” side-wheel steamer assigned to the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. In November 1864, she was damaged during the engagement with the battery at Sullivan’s Island, and later participated in the expedition in Broad River, South Carolina. On March 2, 1865, she captured the Confederate Steamer Amazon, and was decommissioned three months later in June. Undoubtedly all the crew shared in the prize money from this valuable catch. Muster Rolls for Union gunboats are most uncommon, especially relating to the Marines. (Est. $400-600)

523. McDOWELL, Irwin. (1818-85) Union Major General, defeated at 1st and 2nd Bull Run, although exonerated before a board of inquiry in relation to the second battle. Printed D.S., 1p. 8vo., New York, Aug. 22, 1850 concerning “…an arrangement for carrying the sabres of the cannoniers on the foot boards or ammunition boxes, will be construed as applicable only to Foot Artillery…” Minor marginal tears at left margin, else fine. (Est. $100-200)

524. McPARLAND, James. A Pinkerton detective who joined the agency following in early 1870s. A recent immigrant from Ireland, Alan Pinkerton sent McParland to infiltrate the Mollie Maguires. The evidence he gleaned during his undercover work resulted in more than 60 convictions during the 1876-78 trials. Of those, eleven were hanged. For his work, McParland became head of the Denver branch of the Pinkerton Agency where he was involved in the investigation of the assassination of Frank Steuneneberg, former governor of Idaho. Uncommon partly-printed D.S., 1p. 4to.,, on “Union Pacific System” stationery, Omaha, Mar. 31. 1897, a pay voucher, billing the “Pinkerton natl. Detective Agency…For services, subsistence and other expenses of Operatives, COLORADO DIVISION, Feb. 1st to 28th inclusive, as per details on file in General manager’s Office – $135.35…” Fine condition. (Est. $300-400)

The General orders his troops in the Army of the Kentucky to rejoin their comrades!

525. MARSHALL, Humphrey. (1812-72) Confederate brigadier general who served in western Virginia and in Kentucky under Bragg. War date D.S., 1p. legal folio, Lebanon, Va., May 2, 1862 being General Orders No. 8 ordering his troops in the Army of Eastern Kentucky to “rejoin their companies without delay” postponing furloughs advising his men that “Events render it imperative that there shall be no delay in executing this order. The country demands the energies of all its soldiers, and the General relies upon them to fulfill their whole duty at any sacrifice…” Much of Marshall’s force had been on furlough at the time he was preparing to meet Union forces at Princeton, Virginia in conjunction with Henry Heth. The skirmishing lasted from May 15-17 before both Union and Confederate forces chose to withdraw. A few spots from dampstaining, usual folds, else very good. (Est. $1,000-1,500)

526. MAXEY, Samuel B. (1825-95) Confederate major general who commanded three brigades of Indians in combat in the Indian Territories. A.L.S. 1p. 5 x 8″, Paris, Tex., July 25, 1875 to a Mr. Nixon thanking him for “procuring And forwarding the Cong. Globe…they are of great service…” Minor marginal tears, else very good. (Est. $150-200)

527. MEADE, George G. (1815-72) A.L.S. “Geo. G. Meade”, 2p., 12mo., on his personal letterhead, [Philadelphia], Sept. 15, 1871 to the family doctor concerning his ailing son George, Jr.: “…George is laid up today – he does not deem it necessary to send for you, but I think if you can without inconvenience drop in it would be well. He tells me he has had for more than a week past profuse perspirations at night and that he feels severely weakened by them – I don’t know if he has told this to you for I frequently feel he fails to tell you things, which I get out of him by questions…” George Jr. did eventually recover, and lived for another 28 years. Sadly for George Sr., he would succumb to pneumonia the following year. Tape repair at lower left, minor partial fold separations, penciled 1891 note to a collector presenting the letter, else fine. (Est. $400-600)

528. POLK, Trunston. (1811-76) U.S. Senator from Missouri, served from 1857 to 1862 when he was expelled from the Senate for his support of the rebellion. Following his expulsion, he served as a colonel in the Confederate Army and later a judge in the military courts. His signature adding “St. Louis Mo.” on a 5 x 2.5″ yellow slip. Mounted, else fine. (Est. $40-60)

529. RANSOM, Thomas E. G. (1834-64) Union brigadier general who fought (and was often wounded) from Shiloh to Atlanta, finally dying while still commanding his troops from an ambulance. Rare A.E.S. “Headquarters. 4th Div. 13th Al. Deerorn’s [?] Point, Texas, jan’y 31st 1864. Respectfully forwarded T. E. G. Ransom Brig. Genl.” on the docket of an A.L.S. of Col. Isaac Dyer, 1p. 8 x 10″, “Head Quarters 15th Me Vols”, Jan. 31, 1864 to Capt. Hugh G. Brown thanking him for the shipment of tents. Moderate toning from dampstains, usual folds, light foxing else very good. (Est. $300-500)

530. (SCOTT, Winfield.) American general nicknamed “Old Fuss and Feathers.” Although 75 years old when the Civil War began in 1861 and unable to mount a horse, he supervised the recruiting and training of the Civil War defenders of the capital, and personally commanded President Abraham Lincoln’s bodyguard at the inauguration. Choice page-mounted CDV-sized albumen. A bold, clean example. (Est. $100-150)

Sherman on Grant – an important archive.

531. SHERMAN, William Tecumseh. (1820-91) Union general declared “insane” by the press, he led his army in their March to the Sea, taking Atlanta, Savannah and Columbia along the way. Sherman graduated from West Point and served in Florida and the Mexican War. The superintendent of a military school in Louisiana, he resigned when the state seceded to become a brigadier-general of Union volunteers. He succeeded Anderson in the Department of the Cumberland, fought at Shiloh and led the Chattanooga Campaign. Sherman then commanded the Military Division of the Mississippi, directing the Western theater. Amazing 11 pp quarto archive of four letters from Sherman on Ulysses S. Grant. Date, 1888-90. This archive contains 3 ALSs and 1 LS. The dates range from November of 1888 to July of 1890. In part, the Nov. 27, 1888 letter signed written from New York to General William Strong is in regards to a Grant statue and reads in part, “In my judgment the horse and rider are excellent, and reflect great credit on the designer. I am glad you have made such progress in this matter. Ours at St. Louis was the first done, but you are entitled to great praise notwithstanding . . . ” The second letter, an ALS, dated from New York on March 27, 1890 reads in part, “Dear general Strong, I have received your letter of the 24th and am embarrassed by the long delay in the publication of the proceedings of the . . . Army of the Tennessee at Cincinnati – last September not yet received . . . My remembrance is that when the local committee had reported a specific date for the completion of the statue. I as President was to call the Society together to participate in the Ceremony . . . I am especially glad that this whole matter was concluded by the Society at the last annual meeting . . . Hoping to meet you and the other members on the occasion . . W.T. Sherman.” The second ALS dated from New York on April 3, 1890 reads in part, ” . . In the absence of the usual annual report of proceedings of the Society of the Army of the Tennessee I much accept General [illeg.]’s statement that his oration for Sept. 1890 in connection with the ceremony of . . . General Grant’s statue at Chicago was included only as the usual oration, though I most certainly believed it was special to this particular event . . . I will not undertake to attempt an oration on the life and . . . of General Grant. In any event especially since he himself participated and published his own memoirs almost up to the moment of death. I wish however to retain the good opinion of such men as Gen’l Strong and Hickenlooper, therefore will aid them in every way . . . . General J.R. Hawley once an enthusiastic soldier now a . .. Senator would fill the bill; Senator C.R. Davis of Minnesota is another . . . ” The third ALS written July 15, 1890 reads in part, “Of course General Hickenlooper is right. The Society of the Army of the Tennessee adjourned last year at Cincinnati to meet in Chicago at the time of the unveiling of the Equestrian statue of General Grant due notice of the time to be published after the completion and erection of the statue. It was then supposed this statue would be ready in September 1890, surely not later than October and all calculation have been based on that conclusion. Now it appears, from causes, not unusual, this statue cannot be moulded and placed in position till Mid-winter indeed another season may pass before the statue can be unveiled and dedicated . . . My advice is to give the artist and founder all the time they want, only remembering that the Society of the Army of the Tennessee the first army which General Grant commanded, have been publicly invited to participate in the necessary ceremonies of the dedication of this statue.” (Est. $5,000-7,000)

“…it would be an act of Charity to rescue her from Mobile – one of the Saddest towns of the improvised South…”

532. SHERMAN, William Tecumseh. A collection of five A.L.S.’s, 16p. total, 8vo. written between Nov. 17, 1877 and Jan. 28, 1885 to his cousin William H. Scott of New Jersey. The letters discuss various family and business matters including a plea to his cousin to aid a destitute relative in Mobile, Alabama revealing a warmer, charitable side of Sherman. The correspondence reads in small part: “[Washington, Nov. 17, 1877]…Certainly – I will recommend Mr. Lembert [?] for the place he seeks, – but he should make a distinct written application addressed to the Sec of State. Have it endorsed by a few stray names. Send it to me and I will see that it is received by the Sec of State…[Washington, Oct 15, 1879]…I was at St. Louis last week…the City was so full of people and so full of business…that Washington looks awfully like a perpetual Sabbath. I examined carefully the [illeg.] works and Filich[?] has surely accomplished wonders — It is one of the busiest and best managed establishments of that growing City. I asked him how your $5000 Stock stood. And he explains that no dividend had been reckoned…I found he & two others Harrison and Sellers have been buying up the Stock as to keep it in few hands… [Washington, Oct. 22, 1879]…I don’t know whether you find any interest in remote relations & connections, but venture to write you of one who appeals to me – a Miss Lillien Buell [?] of Mobile , Ala — daughter of Cornelia, who was sister to Mary Ryle of Mt. Vernon Oho, and of Mrs. Sarah Ketchum of Stamford Conn – I knew Cornelia well at Mobile in 1843-3 — She lived up to about 1870 – and died leaving several children, two married… one of whose [husbands] is dead & the other is paralyzed & helpless…Some years ago I obtained for the widow Mouland a place in the Rubin School at Mobile when I saw them all last winter. Two remain unmarried. One of whom Lillian about 19 or 20 now appeals to me for help — preferring employment with some lady who needs the assistance of some one of higher capacity…[she is] capable of almost any career. And it would be an act of Charity to rescue her from Mobile one of the Saddest towns of the impoverished South…” More good content. Letters bear the usual folds, a few minor toned spots, else quite clean and in fine condition. (Est. $700-900)

533. SHERMAN, William T. Partly-printed D.S., 7.5 x 3″, Washington, Dec. 16, 1882, a check drawing on Riggs bank for the sum of $100 payable to “Self.” Cut cancellation barely affects signature, else very fine. (Est. $400-500)

Eyewitness account of Sherman’s rant against England. A hatred borne from support for the South!

534. (SHERMAN) An interesting piece, a Ms.S. “R M Waldburg Barclay[?]”, 4p. in purple ink, 5 x 8″, [n.p., n.d.] quoting statements made by Sherman while in Savannah, Georgia concerning his hatred for England! The witness to these statements writes: “General Sherman remarked ‘I hate every thing British, and I have given orders to my troops to destroy British property wherever they find it. This war would not have lasted half so long but or England. She furnished Arms and ammunition to the rebels. My favourite Charger was killed under me, and the ball which destroyed him was stamped Birmingham. I hate every thing British! This war once over I should turn my direction to England. I have but to raise my hand to have an army of a million men at by back. My first act will be to free unhappy Ireland from her Yoke. I shall wipe the Bahamas from the face of the Ocean, and then I march upon London, and shall pitch my tents in Hyde Park — No! Napoleon never did that and I do not suppose that I could! But Australia is worth having, and Bombay and Calcutta will furnish rare spoils for my Troops.'” The author attests that “The above statements were made by General Sherman during an evening visit to Telfair House…to pay his respects to Mr. Anthony Barclay, and the ladies of his family, of whom I was one…The exact date I do not recollect but it was towards the close of the month of December 1864” Reinforced along left margin, light folds and toning, else very good. Wonderful insight, revelations, content! (Est. $500-1,000)

535. SMITH, Gustavus A. (1820-85) Union brigadier general, as colonel he led the 35 Illinois, wounded at Pea Ridge, later served in guarding critical railroad routes. Excessively rare D.S. “G. A. Smith” as Tax Collector, 1p. 3 1/2″ x 7″, a “Stub for Special Tax Stamp” issued to a “Retail Liquor Dealer”, signed by Smith in blank. Fine condition. Smith is certainly one of the most difficult Union general’s signatures to obtain. This is a nice example! (Est. $400-500)

536. STONEMAN, George. (1822-94) Union major general who led a corps at Fredericksburg, and later commanded cavalry raids at Chancellorsville, Macon, and in the Carolinas. Partly-printed D.S. as Brevet Major General U.S., 1p. 4to. Richmond, Va., Mar. 20, 1869. When Congressional Reconstruction came into effect, the civilian governor, Francis H. Pierpoint, was ousted in favor of a military commander, despite his loyalty to the Union throughout the war, overseeing a loyal state capital at Alexandria. Not only was the governor ousted, but military officials had the power to appoint numerous other officials. In this instance, Stoneman appoints “Mr. D. B. Parker…a Member of the City Council for the city of Richmond, State of Virginia, to fill the vacancy caused by the removal of William Taylor from office in accordance with General Orders No. 24, dated March 15, 1869…” With nice dark signature. Extremely light toning at margins, else fine. (Est. $500-700)

Remarkable Texas Reconstruction History!

537. (TEXAS) DAVIS, Edmund J. (1827-83) Union general commanding the 1st Texas Cavalry Regiment. A Radical Republican during Reconstruction, Davis served as military governor of Texas, quickly alienating much of the state’s white population by imprisoning political opponents and suppressing opposition newspapers. Good content A.L.S. on Executive Office letterhead, 1p. 8 x 10″., Austin, Jan. 26, 1871, to a gentleman, in part: “..As far as relates to the U.S. Senate, I am quite indifferent at present. This state needs a great deal of working up before we can safely say that peace is established…Our Legislature, at my special request, has been pleased to give me such authority as enables me to deal with all lawlessness likely to be encountered, and I have in two instances been compelled to suspend the laws, under this authority. These are extreme cases, however, and I generally find that the Police and Sheriff’s Posse is sufficient…The suspension of laws instanced was in one case, for an armed and organized attack upon the Police of the State, and in the other because of an attack upon the Judge of one of the Districts while holding his court…the Judge was attacked by a mob (endeavoring to release some prisoners)…the mob succeeded in rescuing all the prisoners. I am preparing to arrest these scoundrels…” Near fine. (Est. $800-1,200)

538. WHEELER, Joseph. (1836 -1906) Nicknamed “Fightin Joe”, Wheeler fought for the Confederacy, entering as a Second Lieutenant and twenty months later was a major general in command of all the cavalry in the Army of Tennessee. He was constantly engaged in battle, was wounded three times and sixteen horses were shot under him. He was elected to Congress from Alabama. T.L.S. 1p. 8.5 x 11″, Cleveland, Mar. 18, 1905 to Andrew J. White of Princeton, Alabama regretting that “the character claim which you present would require a bill in Congress. When Congress meets you would write to Senator Pettes, or Senator Morgan, or your Congressman, and they will doubtless present the bill for you…” Below White has written a note forwarding the letter to Senator Morgan. Light creases, else fine. (Est. $100-150)

539. WHEELER, Joseph. West Point trained Wheeler (Fighting Joe) started the war as a 2nd Lieutenant and rose to Major General in only 21 months at the age of 26. He was a professional and disciple of the Academy’s scientific theory of war that eschewed romanticism and taught mastering the complexities of the battlefield. He fought at Shiloh as a Colonel of the 19th Alabama and soon lead the cavalry corps of the Army of Tennessee. “Fighting Joe” commanded the cavalry corps until near the end of the war when he was superseded by Wade Hampton. D.S., a check drawn on the Mechanics’ National Bank of New York, dated May 20, 1902 in the amount of $65. Punch canceled at center with light ink stamp bleed from verso, a fine signature. Matted with a fine engraving. (Est. $200-250)

A RARE Confederate Cavalry broadside.

540. (WHEELER) A scarce Confederate imprint, 1p. 7 x 13″, “Head Qr’s Wheeler’s Cavalry Corps”, Aug. 3, 1863 being General Orders No. 10 issued by Major General Joseph Wheeler concerning promotions for valor and skill and not for reasons of seniority or election. Wheeler writes, in part: “…the Congress of the Confederate States has wisely authorized the President to make promotions, and fill vacancies, by appointing those officers and soldiers who have been distinguished for exhibiting valor and skill. Valor alone does not suffice to make efficient officers, but must be combined with skill, which implies ability to maintain discipline…Officers and Soldiers are reminded that by study, strict attention to duty at all times, and valorous bearing on the field, they may attain any rank or position their conduct may merit…” Making a dig at the unreliable militia system of elected officers common to some of the Confederate states, Wheeler adds, “Promotion by seniority or election is of little value, but how priceless to the soldier…is an appointment by the President, rewarding him for exhibiting distinguished skill and valor, in a war to maintain the safety and honor of his home.” Light foxing, loss at top right margin affecting several words of text, else very clean and bright, very good condition. A rare piece of history. (Est. $800-1,000)

541. WHIPPLE, William D. (1826-1902) Union general and Chief of Staff of George H. Thomas at Chattanooga and Atlanta. D.S. 1p. 4to., Washington, Sept. 5, 1870, an extract from Special Orders No. 233 announcing the discharge of 1st Lt., Gustav Von Bl¸cher. (Fans of the film “Young Frankenstein” should appreciate this one!) Usual folds, else fine. (Est. $100-300)

542. WRIGHT, Marcus J. (1831-1922) Confederate general best known for post-war service in compiling Confederate records for the War Dept. Good content A.L.S. on War Records Office letterhead, Washington, Oct. 7, 1891 writing that “…I am in no sense a dealer in Confederate pictures, autographs or anything else of the kind. I collected for my own use a number of pictures which are partly named in the catalogue which I send you. All there are in frames & are in various sizes from a carte-de-visite to a life size bust picture, I have a great many duplicates & have had a great number of autograph letters which I have disposed of occasionally. The price of this sort of thing is strictly sentimental. For instance a gentleman dealing in furniture in New York wrote me for 25 pictures & 2 autograph letters. I sent them & he returned me a bed room set of furniture valued at $150.00. I have sold several letters for 50. 20. 10 & 5 each, and in one instance I sold a small picture for $25.00. For $28 expressed to me I will furnish you copies of any one hundred pictures I many have…” Light folds, else fine. (Est. $150-200)

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