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Autographs & Manuscripts
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An incredible treasure: President Lincoln autographs his silhouette!
252. LINCOLN, Abraham. Signed Silhouette. From the estate of Reverend Robert Cassie Waterston (1812-1893), a prominent Massachusetts clergyman who studied at Cambridge, was ordained in 1839, and served as pastor to various churches in Boston. He authored numerous works, mostly sermons, but we know him best as an avid collector: most of his vast collection was donated to the Mass. Historical Society and formed the nucleus of their holding. Upon his death, the collection was donated – together with $40,000 (quite a sizable amount back then!). In 1906, Mass. Historical published a catalogue of the library and collection of autograph letters, papers, and document bequeathed to the Massachusetts Historical Society by The Rev. Robert C. Waterston. (The huge Waterston archive included three Lincoln letters – one from 1847, one from 1851, and a great missive to his friend Joshua Speed, 8/24/55, on opposing the extension of slavery.) This lovely work of art, a black-paper cutout affixed to a 3 ¼ x 4” sheet, housed in a period frame with an old typed label affixed to verso “Cut From Life by Rev. N.C. Waterston (sic) Boston,” has been carefully signed in-full at the base of the portrait. The cutout visage speaks to the Victorian tradition for cutting silhouettes. Silhouette-cutting dates back to 17th century France, portraiture made only of and for “high society.” The fascination soon spread throughout Europe and migrated to the States in the 18th century where American aristocrats found a new avenue to distinguish their aristocracy. During the Victorian era, silhouetting was a popular form of art – some silhouette artists became quite famous for their craft… some known for detail, others for speed by which they practiced. It is believed that in January 1863, Reverend Waterston visited the White House with a Boston contingent of Congressmen, politicians, and members of the clergy to speak with the President on the shortcomings of the Emancipation Proclamation – as it was issued. Whether he cut the small visage at the time or had him sign it on the occasion is impossible to know, but seems likely. This great Lincoln keepsake remained in the Waterston family until being sold by a grandniece. We know of many Lincoln signed photographs, a few signed printed portraits (including the engraved bank note issue), and are advised there may be one other signed silhouette extant, but have not determined its whereabouts. By comparison, a signed CDV, of which many remain extant, has sold for as much as $100,000. This is a small, delightful study that is clearly a unique work of art. (Est. $40,000-60,000)
Lincoln writes to General Lew Wallace.
253. LINCOLN, Abraham. Autograph Letter Signed on Executive Mansion stationery, “Washington, Sept. 12, 1864.” In full: “Major Genl. Wallace, Please hear this complaint of the ladies – Mrs. Jane A. Moore and Miss Jane B. Moore – and investigate the case and report upon it. Yours truly, A. Lincoln.” Numerous notes on verso, including a pencil note Initialed by Lew WALLACE: “Put with rest of papers in the case. L.W.” Additional docketing: “1864 Executive Mansion Sept. 12, 1864 A. Lincoln, Presdt. US Requests Genl. Wallace to investigate the case complaints of the Misses Moores and report upon it.” and “RBR General, the President calls for a report, Respt. SBS.”
A wonerful piece of correspondence between Lincoln and the general best remembered for his 1880 work Ben Hur and not his significant war record. Wallace (1827-1905), a Union major general, saw action at Forts Henry and Donelson but was later criticized by Grant for his costly hesitancy at Shiloh… stinging criticism that remained with Wallace the rest of his life.
We believe this document attends to the case of Capt. Charles C. Moore, 3rd Maryland, whom Lincoln ordered to be tried (20 November 1863) for interfering with the polls in Maryland. Moore was arrested, tried but later acquitted for arresting judges overseeing local elections and for “hindering a voter” at an election held in Princess Anne County earlier that month. Rosa V. Moore, Capt. Moore’s wife, saw Lincoln about the case – on 26 June 1864 writing him from Philadelphia mentioning their interview “three weeks since,” adding: “I came home and tried to follow your advice, ‘to play with my baby and be happy’ but I cannot help feeling very anxious to know the result of the charges… which you promised to inquire about.” She also sent him a copy of a poem by her grandmother “on the occasion of your being at Springfield 1861… to prove how all my family think of and pray for you.” (Mrs. Moore’s letter is in the Lincoln papers at the Library of Congress.) We believe that Mrs. Jane A. Moore and Mrs. Jane B. Moore, whom Lincoln mentions in the letter to Wallace, were related to the Captain and were further pressing his case. At this time, Wallace commanded the Middle Department (3/64 – 2/65) which included NJ, Del, WV, the eastern shores of MD and VA, PA, and the MD counties of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford and Cecil. As such, it seems likely Lincoln would have defered to his authority on the matter. A beautiful missive in pristine condition. (Est. $25,000-30,000)
254. LINCOLN, Abraham. Letter Signed, Executive Mansion, Washington, August 8, 1862, in full: “My Dear Sir Allow me to thank you very cordially for the elegant and ingenious flag which you have had the kindness to send me, and for the earnest and patriotic letter by which it was accompanied. I am very truly, Your Obd. Servant, A. Lincoln”, sent to W.W. Carter Esq. The text of the letter was accomplished by one of the presidential secretaries, likely John Hay. Lightly toned with scattered foxing, could certainly be cleaned if desired. (Est. $4,000-6,000)
255. LINCOLN, Abraham.Lincoln complies with a request for his John Hancock! Letter Signed, one page with integral leaf, Springfield, January 12, 1861: “J. P. Scrymser Esq. Dear Sir – Herewith I send you my autograph which you request. Yours truly A. Lincoln.” The body of the letter is written in the hand of presidential secretary John Nicolay. Lincoln no doubt got hundreds of such requests which he obligingly fufilled with the help of his trusted assistant, all the while contemplating his response to the secession crisis. Some foxing and toning from an unrelated document which laid on top of this one for an undetermined number of years. A fine example – Lincoln’s signature is as clean as a whistle! (Est. $3,000-5,000)
If you wish to obtain a Lincoln autograph, this is the prettiest example you will find!
256. LINCOLN, Abraham. (1809-1865) Autograph of “A. Lincoln” on Executive Mansion stationery, 5-1/4 x 5”. One horizontal fold, not affecting signature. A lovely presentation – one that is quite unusual in that this was clearly signed for a visitor to the White House seeking an autograph! If you are looking to acquire but a single Lincoln autograph, this is about as nice as it gets! (Est. $5,000-6,000)
A lock of hair with great provenance… a great 19th century relic display.
257. LINCOLN, Abraham. Clipped Signature with sizable lock of the President’s hair housed in a vintage windowed portfolio. Includes extensive provenance correspondence. An 8pp. letter, December 4, 1869, from Justus Chollar (1806-1875) to his mother and sister, details how the lock of hair was originally given to Chollar, a soldier serving as a guard in the White House: “I had intended to write you immediately after the death of our lamented President, and I procured a lock of his hair that was taken from his head by the person who Embalmed him, and intended to send it to you there, but I have carried it in my pocket ever since and now I send it to you. I hope you will be able to preserve it in some proper shape to hand down to future generations.” Another letter, October 28, 1907, to famed Lincoln collector John Burton from early Illinois dealer W. F. Barker: “You make an offer of $34. I had said I would not take less than $200 for this lock of hair, but if you will pay me $150 for it you may have it provided my brothers do not take it before I hear from you. I cannot get affidavit of my aunt Mrs. Smith (she died yesterday Oct 27th) There are others who knew of this lock hair of A Lincoln. Bryon Chollar of Kansas City <‐ son of Justus Chollar who procured the lock of hair, knew of this about the time it was taken and I think can vouch for its being genuine. Also Angeline Chollar, daughter of Justus Chollar, knew of this.” (Barker was Chollar’s cousin.) The provenance is quite detailed: the relic was given by Justus Chollar to his sister Cornelia. A February 8, 1908 letter to Barker from B.E. Chollar affirms this: “There is no such thing as doubt regarding the authenticity of the lock of President Lincoln’s hair which was given to our aunt Cornelia Chollar by my Father Justus Chollar and which you have now in your possession the President was embalmed at the White House by the firm of Dos Brown and Alexander Harry Cattell whom I knew very well and with whom I was well acquainted was their chief operator and performed the work on the body of president Lincoln. The lock of hair was not one that was cut off simply for a souvenir but was cut from around the bullet wound by Harry Cattell himself in order to afford access for dressing the wound. Cattell I understand has been for many years in the undertaking business in Philadelphia and partakes in now.” The lock was sold in 1908 to Samuel Pomeroy Colt (1852-1921), nephew of Samuel Colt, inventor of the Colt revolver. The relic then passed to his last surviving grandchild, Elizabeth Colt, and then to her son in 1986. An evocative relic with provenance… in a truly Victorian presentation, with an autograph thrown in for good measure! (Est. $4,000-8,000)
An extensive legal brief written completely by the country lawyer and future president. 258. LINCOLN, Abraham. Manuscript Legal Brief Signed, 57 lines with corrections in Lincoln’s hand, docketed and signed by him (that signature he then crosses out), ironically written April 15, 1857 – eight years to the day before his death. Two pages on legal paper with integral leaf. The brief deals with legal proceedings in Pekin, IL and Tazewell County that involve “conflicting claims to various parcels of real estate.” Thomas Snell is granting a quit claim deed to Benjamin Prettyman for properties he has an interest in. He is also conveying the Tazewell House hotel and the land it sits on to Prettyman on the condition that Prettyman pays off the balance due on the mortgage. Prettyman is to pay Snell $4,140 in three years at 10% interest. Lincoln concludes: “All the said suits and proceedings in court to be dismissed, each at the cost of the party who commenced it.” Docketed in Lincoln’s hand on integral leaf “Contract. N. B. Judd to A. Lincoln”. For some reason, Lincoln has neatly crossed off the three lines of the docketing, possibly inscribed in error. Norman Judd was a legal colleague who failed to support Lincoln in his first bid for the U.S. Senate, but later proposed the idea of the Lincoln-Douglas debates, secured Chicago as the site of the 1860 Republican convention, and nominated Lincoln for president at that convention. Day by Day lists one entry for the date of this brief: this exact document. Both Snell and Prettyman were involved in several legal proceedings with Lincoln. Benjamin S. Prettyman (1819-1895) was an attorney who also learned the law from Stephen T. Logan and rode the circuit. For years he was Chairman of the County Democratic Committee serving as delegate to every Democratic National Convention 1860-92. For six years, he made the political speech at the opening of court – at a time that Lincoln was the Whig speaker. During the war, he was Mayor of Pekin. One slight vertical line of toning, else a particularly fine example of Lincoln’s writing, bold and clear. (Est. $5,000-7,000)
259. ABRAHAM, Lincoln. Early Autograph Document Signed “Logan & Lincoln”, 8 x 7 1/2”, “Sangamon Circuit”, 1841, a plea in the case of Zacheaus McComas (whom Lincoln defends) vs. William Walters and George R. Weber in which the latter parties have reneged on a debt of $165.87 and Lincoln seeks repayment plus damages and court costs. Additionally docketed by Lincoln on verso. Typical folds, else very good. Lincoln had been admitted to practice law in the U.S. Circuit Court only two years earlier, and he would split with Logan in 1844, taking William Herndon as his junior partner. A fine example. (Est. $4,000-5,000)
260. [LINCOLN Legal] Partly Printed Document, signed twice in an unknown hand “Lincoln, Linn & Sheldon – Attnys for Plff.” Champaign Co., IL, October 1857, one page, folio. George Hareslant complains that William Keeble “unlawfully withholds” a quarter-section of land in the county with an assessment of damages of $1,000. Keeble is ordered to appear and plead or suffer judgment by default “and the plaintiff will recover possession.” In 1857, Lincoln was busy building his successful law practice partnering across the state with various litigators, defense attorneys and the like as he took on cases and clients in increasing numbers. He often partnered with small-town lawyers, both those now lost to history and others of note. An affordable example for an attorney wanting a touchstone to history! (Est. $800-1,200)
261. LINCOLN, Abraham. Autograph Document Signed, February 21, 1863, appointing Rush R. Wallace as “Lieutenant Commander in the Navy on the Active List from 1 October 1862.” With original orange embossed seal, also Signed by Secretary of the Navy Gideon WELLES. Light fold creases; framed and glazed. Rush R. Wallace was born in Tennessee in 1835. He graduated the Naval Academy in 1852. During the Civil War, Wallace was Lieutenant Commander of the Shenandoah in the fleet engaged in the attacks on Forts Fisher and Jackson, 1864-5. Fort Fisher was a Confederate fort protecting the vital trading routes of the North Carolina port at Wilmington from 1861 until its capture by the Union in 1865. The attack on the fort began December 24, 1864 with a naval bombardment. Some of its gun positions exploded allowing the Union Navy to land infantry. The force was intercepted by Confederate General Robert Hoke’s troops, thwarting the attack. On December 27, Gen. Benjamin Butler ordered a withdrawal of remaining troops on the beach, in disobeyance of General Grant’s orders. As a result, Butler was relieved of command and replaced by Major General Alfred Terry. A second attack began on January 12, 1865. After another naval bombardment, troops landed and took the Fort within hours. The second battle was the largest amphibious operation until WWII. Wallace became Commodore in 1894 and retired in 1897. As far as Lincoln Signed commissions are concerned, this is one of the prettiest – Naval much scarcer than regular military… and this one is bright and clean! (Est. $5,000-7,500)
And, to go with the previous lot, the same officer’s commission signed by President Grant. 262. GRANT, Ulysses S. Autograph, Document Signed as President, January 16 1871, appointing Rush R. Wallace as “a Commander in the Navy from th 23d day of October 1870.” With original blue embossed seal, also Signed by Secretary of the Navy George M. ROBESON. Engraved broadside document on vellum. Light fold creases; framed and glazed. Grant Signed Naval appointments are also somewhat scarce, particularly those in this condition. As clean as the Lincoln example, similarly framed, they make a nice matching pair! (Est. $4,000-6,000)
263. LINCOLN, Abraham. Franked envelope, addressed to the Judge Advocate General, the legal branch of the Armed Forces. Cross docketed “File No. One” with a note to “Please see Gen. Warner” (most likely James Meech Warner, Brigadier General of the volunteers during the Civil War). Envelope lacks back flap, has three or four small, closed tears, including one that extends into the letters “col” in “Lincoln”. Ink stain on the left edge of Lincoln’s signature and above the word “General”. All of the writing on the cover, save for “file No. One” is in Lincoln’s hand. Nicely matted with an engraving of Lincoln. (Est. $1,500-2,500)
A threat to kill President Lincoln and fear of a slave insurrection – early war letter from Mississippi with tremendous content! 264. Exceptional, lengthy, 4 page letter, China Grove, Mississippi, May 1, 1861, from “Sallie” to her cousin in Arnoldstown, VA. with postal-used envelope. Written just two weeks after Fort Sumter, Sallie expresses a desire to kill Abraham Lincoln herself, war news, fear of slave insurrection & much more: “…the most that is thought and talked about these days is the unsettled state of our Country and the Volunteers and Pensacola, &c. There are about five hundred Volunteers from our County already in Pensacola and there is great willingness manifested in the rest that are left to go and do all they can. They all seem to be willing to start at a moment’s warning. Truly times are growing very serious about here, for when they leave, there is no telling whether they will ever return again, for that is so far South, that I fear the yellow fever will get amongst them and you know if it does, it will play havoc with many a brave one. Four have already died since they left here and two more have returned that had been sick…They said they had hard times there sure, and worse a coming. Your Volunteers will have the advantage over many of these. It is so much cooler and then such good waters and ice, and these will have to drink from the mud holes and glad to get it at that, but I hope they may have victory on their seal all the time, as they did at Fort Sumter. Last Friday there was a telegraphic dispatch saying we had taken Fort Pickens, but that the majority of the Miss. Volunteers had fallen in the battle, and oh, it was heart rending to hear the parents crying, thinking perhaps it was one of their darling sons that had been slain, but Saturday we hear it was a false report…I was glad to see old Va. had waked up at last…came by my school house and told me that Va. had seceded and you never heard the like of cheers that went up for Old Va…Some of the Old Dominion folks out here won’t tell where they come from; say they are ashamed to say they are from Va. I am afraid we will have news before long that will startle the whole world. We can hear cannon any time from the Miss. River here. These Southerners are very hot headed when provoked and you know that has been and is still being proved every day. If I were a man, I would volunteer today, if necessary, to go to Washington to get a good pop at old Lincoln…I hope they may have him before long and when they git him, don’t wait for anything, kill him. There was a great deal of excitement here not long since about the Slaves. They had lain a plan for an insurrection, but two women let the secret out and a White man heard them talking about it and told it; and another way it got out, was there was a New Yorker stopping at one of the taverns at Senatobia. He was a drummer, and a negro man sent for him and told him he had better leave town for the people would mob him if he didn’t, and he went to the tavern keeper for protection, and it got out by that means. One negro was shot, and one abolitionist taken up and is now in jail. They ought not to wait for a trial, but hang him right away…I am afraid you all will have bloody times yet before you are all done with the old scamps. Some think Maryland and Virginia will yet be the main battle ground. Hard times there sure, and worse a coming. It is scary times any way you look at it out here. So many slaves and then so many mean abolitionists about here…” (Est. $1,000-1,500)
265. Making a “wonderful” coat for President-Elect Lincoln & politics of the day… great history! Remarkable ALS, “A.M. Gone” 8p. octavo, Charlestown, MA, February 17, 1861, with cover addressed to James Post of New York, it reads in part: “...I have had the honor to make the President elect a coat. Mr. Feeno sent to one of his western customers and got a correct measure, which he gave to me with orders to cut & trim and get made an over coat, as I saw fit so I made a coat worth about $45.00 perhaps you some curiousity to know how it was got up. (it was made for service and not exclusively for show) it was made from a piece of fine Moscow Beaver lined with a fine Italian cloth, in the back was stiched a circle of stars, thirty three in number the rest (as well as the forepart) was filled up with fine diamonds. In the center of each forepart was stitched an eagle with shield with the original thirteen stars in a half circle over the top, it looked very neat when finished. It took me two weeks from the time I cut it before I had it ready to send away. We received a very polite letter of acceptance from Mr. Lincoln so much for that. I would like it much better however if he would give me a snug berth of a couple of thousand a year…we have had very exciting times in the shop as well as out. We have the news three times a day regular, morning noon & at 5 oclock, so you see we keep posted well…You spoke of Seward’s and Adams speeches. I have read them both and must say that Mr. Adams is a true patriot. I have read his speeches before, he is willing to do what all true men should do, compromise without giving up the principle for the benefit of the country…Seward’s is rather vague he proposes nothing yet intimates what he would be willing to do, it is more of a feeler than pointing out any remedy like Adams. The Crittenden resolutions can never be made a law…Personal liberty bills and the election of a Republican President constitutionaly is by some, assigned as the causes while others boldly avow that it has been steadily assuming its present aspect for years, ever since nullification times. What is the present demands of the South nothing more or less than the recognition of property in slaves by the Federal Government, for what purpose. The present election has shown that the free states can elect a President by a constitutional majority. Therefore the growing wealth and population of the free states must be counter balanced in some way, how is this to be done, simply by the expansion of slavery, which has a representation but they say it is not property, but personal representation, but if slavery is legalized does it then really become property representation? Thus we see that political power is the lever, which they are grasping at.” A fine missive. (Est. $1,000-1,500)
A unique piece of Lincolniana and military history – the inventor of the weapon that changed warfare!
266. [LINCOLN] SPENCER, Christopher Miner. (1833-1922) Inscribed Photograph. [Note: the following description was provided by assistance from the Illinois State Military Museum in Springfield.] The Industrial Revolution was well underway at the outbreak of the Civil War. A young man by the name of Christopher Spencer saw a need and proceeded to fill it. In his early years, he worked in Samuel Colt’s armory where he gained valuable experience in the arms-making trade. With the advent of self-contained metallic cartridges (such as Smith and Wesson’s .22 short rimfire and the .44 Henry rimfire), Spencer foresaw great changes to come in the small arms industry. By the late 1850’s his inventive mind had begun to conceive not only a reliable breechloader, but also a repeating one at that. He knew of the deficiencies of other early repeaters includng the Volcanic, with its “Rocket Ball” cartridge, and Colt’s revolving rifle. By using a completely self-contained metallic cartridge, their faults could be eliminated. He envisioned a lever-actuated rolling block action in which cartridges were fed through a tubular magazine in the butt-stock. The inner magazine tube could be withdrawn from the butt for loading, equipping its user with a deadly, lever-action, repeating firearm. Spencer was anxious to arm the Union with this rifle. As expected, however, he ran into the miserable bureaucracy of the Federal government. President Lincoln expressed doubt about the rifle’s effectiveness after initially testing it: “I have tried two of these guns and each so got out of order as to have been entirely useless in a battle.” When the Spencer Repeating Rifle Co. learned of this, they immediately dispatched the inventor to meet with Lincoln. Spencer wrote of that occasion: “On the 18 of August, 1863, I arrived at the White House with rifle in hand, and was immediately ushered into the executive room. I found the president alone. With brief introduction I took the rifle from its case and presented it to him. Looking it over carefully and handling it as one familiar with firearms, he requested me to take it apart to show the inwardness of the thing.’ It was soon dissected, laid on the table before him. After a careful examination and his emphatic approval, I was asked if I had any engagement for the following day. When I replied that I was at his command, he requested that I ‘Come over tomorrow at 2 o’clock, and we will go out and see the thing shoot.’” Spencer returned the following afternoon, and, accompanied by Robert Todd Lincoln and one of the officers of the Navy Department who carried the target and rifle, walked out on the Mall near the Washington Monument, and engaged in target shooting. Spencer continues, “Arriving at the shooting ground, Mr. Lincoln looking down the field said, ‘It seems to me, I discover the carcass of a colored gentlemen down yonder,’ and ordered the target placed to avoid accidents. The target was a board about six inches wide and three feet long, with a black spot near each end. The rifle contained seven cartridges. Mr. Lincoln’s first shot was low, but the next hit the bull’s eye, and the other five were close around it. The end of the board which the President had shot was cut off by the Navy official, and handed to me when we parted on the steps of the White House. I kept it until 1883 when at the request of one of the staff of the Army and Navy Journal, it was sent to Springfield, Illinois.” On June 10, 1863, Chief of Ordnance J. W. Ripley wrote to the Spencer Company that their rifle “had met with favor from some sources and we are in want of Cavalry carbines.” On July 13, a month after Ripley’s letter, the Federal Government contracted with Spencer for 11,000 carbines. The Spencer repeating rifle proved invaluable to the Union’s cause and the reborn U.S. Cavalry. This autographed photo, 7 1/2 x 10” overall with 1/2” margin, sepia-toned on thin paper, typical foxing and toning, small closed tear at very bottom of inscription, photographer’s embossed copyright “Edward Eberstadt” on lower right, shows Lincoln’s target with the seven shots made during that momentous shooting match. Spencer has written in light pencil “Seven shots made by President Lincoln at Washington Aug. 18-1863 C M Spencer.” (Spencer’s handwriting and signature were authenticated with exemplars from his papers on deposit at the Winsor Historical Society.) The original wooden target can be found in the Illinois State Military Museum. This is the first signed photograph of Spencer’s invention we have seen. (Est. $500-1,000)
From the First Lady’s White House Library… provenance from her last living descendant. 267. LINCOLN, Mary. (1818-82) A signed volume from her personal White House library, volume two of Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton’s Rienzi, The Last of the Roman Tribunes. (J.B. Lippincott, Philadelphia: 1860.) 360pp., marbled boards and endpapers, lovely tooled spine, boldly signed “Mary Lincoln 1864” on the front fly leaf. A beautifully-bound book in exceptional condition, greatly enhanced by the provenance: the book was donated to Chicago’s P.B.S. affiliate by Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith for auction in 1980. (Est. $4,000-6,000)
268. [MARYLINCOLN] A massive silver print, published by Bachrach of Washington, of an 1861 image of Mary Lincoln by Brady. Measures 10 x 12 1/2” on a 13×18” mount and housed in a Bachrach presentation folder. Some silvering to photograph and lightness, else fine. Extremely unusual in this format – the first we’ve seen issued from the Washington’s dynasty of studio portrait artists. (Est. $400-600)
An evocative family relic: Robert Todd Lincoln’s personal copy of the tribute to his martyred father. 269. [LINCOLN, Robert Todd]. Morris, B. F. Memorial Record of the Nation’s Tribute to Abraham Lincoln. (W.H. & O.H. Morrison, Washington: 1865.) 272pps., illustrated, frontis portrait and plates. 8vo, full, brown morocco, gilt; on front cover goldstamped “Captain Robert Lincoln”. Copies were apparently presented to notables by the government after the funeral. This copy obtained twenty years ago from the Abraham Lincoln Book Shop. (At the time, the shop also was in possession of the presentation copy given to Governor Oliver P. Morton – identical in gilt-stamping.) Lincoln-family relics of this nature, originating from Robert’s Manchester, Vermont home, Hildene, were disbursed by Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith, the last of the Lincoln progeny. Without question a significant association piece. (Est. $1,000-1,500)
270. LINCOLN, Robert Todd. (1843-1926) Eldest Lincoln son, sadly the only child to live to adulthood, Sec. of War under Garfield, President of the Pullman Co. A fine Signed Photograph, 4 1/2 x 6 1/2” affixed to a thin mounting sheet, a few specks, overall a handsome example. (Est. $300-500)
271. LINCOLN, Robert Todd. ALS, August 30, 1889, on “Legation of the United States London” stationery as Minister to Great Britain to a Mr. Jonalt: “I take pleasure in sending you two notes we spoke of Very sincerely yours, Robert T. Lincoln.” (Est. $200-250)
272. “Knox Campus – Robert Lincoln Speaking.” Exceptional 5 1/2 x 4” albumen on a 9 x 7” mount with photographer’s stamp on verso, Allen A. Green, Galesburg, IL. Lincoln, who seldom spoke in public – and rarely on his father – is on a platform in front of “Old Main” building at Knox College, commemorating the fifth Lincoln-Douglas debate held at that site 38 years earlier. The predominantly pro-Lincoln crowd on October 7, 1858 was the largest to attend any of the debates. This original photograph pictures a bust of the martyred president on the far left; to the left of the bust of Douglas, Robert Todd Lincoln eyes the speaker’s podium. Robert Todd’s oration harkened to his father’s Gettysburg Adress, and focused on the USA being a country devoid of class distinctions, and a nation where the common man could vote. “The people are always true. They are always right, and I have an abiding faith they will remain so.” Three past college presidents are identified on the mount, a wonderful photo with tremendous detail. (Est. $400-600)
273. LINCOLN, Robert Todd. Signed Check made out on his Commercial National Bank of Chicago account, February 5th, 1909 in the amount of $3 made payable to The Harvard Club of Chicago. A great example given his alma mater! (Est. $250-300)
274. ROBERT TODD LINCOLN AT HARVARD.Great group of nine (9) printed itemsreflecting the Harvard years of Robert Todd Lincoln, including an extremely rare “report card” from his freshman year and a program from his graduation. The former, an “Annual Scale” leaflet for 1860-61, lists the top half of Harvard underclassmen, by surname, along with the average mark they achieved during the year; “Lincoln” is shown at 71% (43rd among 56 freshmen). Like a report card, one of these scales was sent to every parent or guardian, so doubtless Abraham Lincoln got one of these in the White House! The 12pp. graduation program (July 1864), partly in Latin, lists “Robertus-Todd Lincoln” as a grad and names him twice more (in rankings of better achievers for the year and for the entire undergraduate course); a simple commencement schedule shows Edward Everett (the “other orator” at Gettysburg) as principal speaker. Together with: a small 16mo engraved invitation to a June 24, 1864 “Class Day” reception at Holworthy Hall given by some students; the 1865 “Secretary’s Report”, 12pp., noting a “straw vote” for Abraham Lincoln in 1860 (52 vs 6 for Stephen Douglas) and naming all wartime classmen in the service (Robert joined too late to make the list), one each killed at Gettysburg and Ft. Wagner; and 5 commencement and exhibition leaflets issued between 1861 and ‘64, which list great historian-to-be J.C. Ropes as a grad and note presentations on the cruelties of war, Mo. emancipation, “No Compromise with Secession”, “What the Monitors Have Accomplished”, a Greek rendition “From Mr. Everett’s Gettysburg Address”, and a reading from “…Inferiority of the Black Race” (given, ironically, by Robert Newell, later killed serving in the 54th Mass., celebrated black regiment). Although Robert approached Harvard with high hopes and an introduction from Stephen Douglas, he failed the entrance exams, and College President James Walker had never heard of his father. Robert then prepped for a year at Phillips Exeter and entered Harvard shortly before his father was elected President (students and townsmen congratulated him en masse). During winter break he rode the inaugural train and nearly lost the inaugural address manuscript en route. While at Harvard, Robert joined the Hasty Pudding Club; met his future wife Mary Harlan; was saved from a potentially fatal railroad accident by actor Edwin Booth (brother of the assassin); and enjoyed contact with a faculty that included O.W. Holmes Sr., Louis Agassiz, Asa Gray, and James Russell Lowell (the latter became a lifelong friend and, like Robert, Minister to Great Britain). Mary Todd Lincoln attended her son’s graduation but the President stayed in Washington, recently attacked by rebel Gen. Jubal Early. Robert subsequently spent a semester in Harvard Law School but dropped out to “see something of the war” — his anxious mother finally letting him do so — as a Captain on the staff of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. Any material touching upon Robert at Harvard is very scarce. This lot originated with his classmate and friend James H. Elliot. Together with Robert Todd Lincoln Signed Card, 4 x 2 1/2”, mounting remnants on verso, a bold handsome specimen. (Est. $400-600)
275. LINCOLN, Mary Harlan. (1846-1937) One of the FOUR (4) family members named Mary! In the Lincoln family line, the matriach was of course Mary Todd. Then, eldest son Robert had to complicate matters by marrying a Mary of his own! Mary Harlan, daughter of Iowa Senator James Harlan, married Robert in 1866. They named a daughter Mary, and the family enjoyed a grand-daughter with the same name! Signature from the bottom panel of a bank check. A bold, clean example. (Est. $50-80)
276. Rare photograph of Mary Harlan, wife of Robert Todd Lincoln, likely in her garden at Hildene. Mary intensely disliked being photographed, making this original portrait, 8 x 10”, a real gem. Excellent contrast, very fine. (Est. $60-80)
An original copy of a rare 1858 Lincoln address… Signed by his last living descendant!
277. BECKWITH, Robert Todd Lincoln. (1904-1985) A very scarce Lincoln campaign tract from the 1858 senate campaign against the “Little Giant” — Signed by Lincoln’s LAST direct family member! Speech of Hon. Abraham Lincoln Delivered In Springfield, Saturday Evening, July 17, 1858. A published address by Lincoln during the Senatorial campaign against the Little Giant Stephen Douglas. (Monaghan #12) 8pp., fine and quite scarce. This bibliophile treasure is enhanced by the very rare signature of Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith, the last direct progeny of the President. His mother was Jessie Harlan Beckwith, 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. Together with Beckwith’s “official” portrait mounted to his personal letterhead. An example of this scarce imprint, unsigned, recently sold for $1,500. Wonderful association between generations! (Est. $800-1,200)
278. BECKWITH, Robert Todd Lincoln. Autographed souvenir. Beckwith signed the back side of a card with a “Lincoln-Kennedy Penny” attached to it…comparing “Astonishing coincidences” between Lincoln and Kennedy. Card states: “This uncirculated Lincoln Head penny is stamped with a profile reproduction of John F. Kennedy looking at Lincoln…” Penny dated 1974. Fun provencance: this came from Ralph G. Newman who requested Beckwith’s signature on this piece as collector’s item. (Est. $300-350)
Mary Lincoln’s sister writes of the First Lady’s final days and informs the family of her death. 279. SMITH, Ann. Mary Lincoln’s sister and late-in-life care-giver. Remarkable ALS, 2pp. with integral leaf, July 17, 1882, written to Emily Todd Helm, Mary Todd Lincoln’s half-sister (and the Todd family historian whom the Lincoln’s had a special fondness for), concerning the death of Mary Todd. Remarkable insight into Mary Todd’s last hours: “...Mary Lincoln was dying all day Sunday & died about 8 oclock in the evening of the day. A day previously having been struck with Paralysis could not open her eyelids Saturday evening & could not see out of her eyes and her tongue very much swollen & perfectly unconscious. Looks very natural. Will be buried Wednesday. It was very sudden. But she died quietly breathing on as in a quite gentle slumber. I hope you are all well. My love to the family. Am so stupid as I sat up all night that can not write more.” A personal, family missive. (Est. $800-1,200)
Mary Lincoln’s OTHER sister writes on the First Lady’s declining health. 280. EDWARDS, Elizabeth Todd. Mary Lincoln’s sister “Lizzie”, with whom the former First Lady spent the last years of her life. As in the previous lot, fascinating family missives related to the final days of the First Lady written to Emily Todd Helm, Mary Todd’s half-sister. Despite the rocky relationship between Elizabeth and Mary, Lizzie and her husband rescued Mary from an insane asylum to which she had been committed in 1875 and took her home in 1876. It was at their home that Mary died in 1882. Two letters, March 3rd and June 2nd 1882, 7pp. total on monogrammed stationery, on caring for Mary: “who is somewhat an invalid, and so greatly exaggerates her condition as to demand every moment of my time. Her enjoyment of a darkened room.. she suffers principally with a weak back, which is the primary cause of her disorders.” Both letters also discuss other Lincoln/Todd relatives and Emily’s genealogical research. Great content. (Est. $800-1,200)
He played with Lincoln and the boys as a neighbor child.
281. DILLER, Isaac R. (1854-1948) Son of Lincoln’s druggist, Roland Weaver Diller, playmate of Lincoln’s children, photographed with the family in the famous Springfield shot. TLS, March 8, 1940 to Mr. Clarence J. Root describing his association with Lincoln as a boyhood playmate of Willie and Tad: “I feel quite greatly honored to be classified with such Lincoln authorities as H.W. Fay and Paul M. ANGLE. I remember seeing Mr. Lincoln four times when a boy. The last time was at Willie Lincoln’s party Dec. 23rd 1860 and was so frightened even if his beard had been started I did notice it…The story of the Grace Bedell letter that led to Mr. Lincoln growing a beard is well known, and when she came here at one of the Lincoln Banquet several years ago I had a few words of conversation with her as we had both seen him as children…From these circumstances I feel sure his beard was started while he still lived in Springfield as the McNulty photograph taken here before he left for Washington shows it. Mr. Fay as the proud owner of the negative of that picture and has given me one of them.” TOGETHER with a Signed souvenir print after the famous photograph of Lincoln and his boys in front of the family home. Subtitled: “Abraham Lincoln, Willie and ‘Tad’ inside the fence. ‘Little Isaac Diller on the Sidewalk’ As Carl Sandberg put it. A squeaking farm wagon coming down the side street caused the lad on the sidewalk (Diller) to turn his head while the picture was being taken.” Two (2) items. (Est. $400-600)
282. To Herbert Wells Fay! DILLER, Isaac R. Similar to previous lot, this an ALS to the famous collector and Lincoln Tomb custodian Fay describing the famous photograph, that Diller detailed to the newspapers: “The original has been in our family ever since it was taken and several years ago I had a cut made of it. I have given away more than five thousand copies, always free of charge. We thought too much of the Lincoln family to seek profit by any means in our power to give.” Together with an early 8 x 10” silverprint of the famous shot. (Est. $400-600)
283. STUART, John Todd. (1807-1885). Lawyer and statesman. Stuart served with Lincoln in the Black Hawk War, encouraged him to study law, loaned him his law books and took him in as a partner from 1837 to 1841. Partly printed MsDS, 2 1/2 x 8”, 1p., [Springfield], November 16, 1863. Receipt No. 6 for the purchase of 10 shares of stock in the Illinois State Register. Slight age toning and three tiny spindle marks along left margin. (Est. $200-300)
284.Signed by the President’s Step-Grandfather… and by a relative of Dr. Mudd!BUSH, Christopher. (c1730-1813) Father of Sarah “Sally” Lincoln, the stepmother of Abraham Lincoln. Document Signed, with his mark (a crude capital “B”), also signed by Charles Helm, Alex Leshley, Jacob Linder, James Crutcher and Walter Mudd, 1 page, folio, Hardin Co., Ky., 14 August 1809, on laid paper. A $3,000 bond securing Helm as guardian of “infant orphan” Charles McIntire. Bush, likely born in Holland, lived in Virginia and New Jersey before settling near Hardin Station (Elizabethtown), KY in 1781. Prospering as a farmer and constable, Bush was recalled by Lincoln correspondent and local historian Sam Haycraft as a “stirring, industrious man.” It was Bush’s daughter Sarah who immortalized the pioneer family, when she married the widower Tom Lincoln and became the legendary, beloved stepmother of the future President. Perhaps because of her own illiteracy, Sarah fostered young Abe’s intellectual development and ambition, explaining years later that “his mind and mine, what little I had, seemed to run together.” Signers include: James Crutcher (an original trustee of Elizabethtown and its leading merchant, as well as a drover, taverner, judge and legislator; fought in the Battle of New Orleans), Charles Helm (state senator, soldier; figured this same year in a lawsuit that involved the President’s granduncle Joseph Hanks and Denton Geoghegan, an employer of Tom Lincoln; the Helm family intermarried with that of Mary Todd Lincoln), and Walter Mudd (near relative of Mary Mudd, who wed the President’s favorite uncle, Mordecai Lincoln, and was a cousin to Dr. Samuel Mudd). Nice associations, dated in the year of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Slight age toning and fold wear, but basically fine. Material signed by Bush is very rare. He was illiterate, and autographs attributed to him are often, in fact, signatures of his namesake son. (Est. $100-200)
285. DAWSON, John. Member of the Long Nine, Lincoln colleague. ADS, March 24,1833, a marriage license signed on verso with four lines in Dawson’s hand. Issued and signed also by C.R. Matheny as Clerk. (Est. $100-200)
286. ELKINS, William F. (1792-1878) was born in Kentucky and moved to Springfield in 1825. As one of the “Long Nine” (Lincoln’s colleagues from the Illinois House of Representatives –1836-1838– so called because of their height, each being over six feet tall), Elkins, a close Lincoln friend, served as one of his funeral pallbearers. ADS as “Sheriff,” 1840, a deed of tax title, some age and light separation at usual fold not affecting signature. (Est. $100-200)
287. DAVIS, David. (1813-86). Supreme Court Justice appointed to the Bench in 1862 by his grateful friend, President Lincoln. The two first met in 1835 while traveling the law circuit. Nine years later, Davis would write of his friend “Lincoln is the best Stump Speaker in the State.” Davis became Lincoln’s political strategist and (de-facto) campaign manager securing his 1860 nomination by rallying Lincoln forces at the Chicago Convention. After the President’s assassination, Davis acted as executor of his estate. He served on the Bench for fifteen years (1862-77) and, following a failed attempt to secure the Liberal Republican nomination for president in 1872, served in the Senate. ADS, McLean County, IL, May 30, 1851, an order as Judge of the Eighth Judicial Circuit of Illinois declaring a “special term of the Circuit Court in the County of Tazewell by virtue of the power and authority given me by the Laws of Illinois.” Together with a fine CDV of Davis. (Est. $300-500)
288. Governor Shelby Cullom’s reminiscences of Abraham Lincoln. CULLOM, Shelby Moore. (1829-1914) Illinois Governor, Congressman, Senator, a political colleague of Lincoln, the two appeared together in court several times. TLS, 2pp., United States Senate, Washington, DC, January 18, 1913 to collector John E. Boos: “I knew President Lincoln from the time I was ten years old until his death, my father having been one of his personal friends. I heard Mr. Lincoln make the first speech I ever heard anybody make, when he was a candidate for Congress in 1846. He began by saying: ‘Fellow citizens: Since I have been in Tazewell County my old friend Major Cullom has been taking me around. He has heard all my speeches, and the only way I can hope to fool the old gentleman is to turn them end for end once in a while and make him think I am making a new speech.’ I heard Mr. Lincoln trying a murder case when I was a boy, my father having made it a rule to allow his boys to attend the Circuit Court twice every year for a week at a time. I regarded it as a great favor that I had the privilege of attending court. I would sit in the courtroom as steadily all day, listening to lawyers, as I did when I became a lawyer myself. I regarded Mr. Lincoln as the greatest man I ever knew and I still feel the same way. I think he was a wonderfully great man and as good, honest and kindly as it was possible for a human being to be…” Fine.(Est. $300-500)
289. LINCOLN: EARLY ASSOCIATES. A fascinating group of autograph material by men who knew Lincoln in his pre-Presidential years and helped shape his destiny. Includes: Henry C. Whitney (legal associate, author of Life on the Circuit with Lincoln ), ADS, 1857, Piatt Co., IL, asking issuance of a summons; K(ersey) H. Fell (legal associate; with his brother Jesse W. Fell, one of the earliest promoters of Lincoln for President), ADS as prosecutor, 1843, Livingston Co., IL, indictment of wagon thieves; Richard Yates (political and legal associate, Illinois war governor), signed receipt, Jacksonville IL 1840; Wm. Butler (friend with whom Lincoln boarded at time he wed Mary Todd), DS as Sangamon Co. court clerk, Springfield, 1838, summons with fine impression of crude court seal; Wm. Kirkpatrick (Lincoln’s opponent to be Black Hawk War captain), DS, Sangamon Co., IL, claim to estranged sheep, docketed 1834 on verso and signed by C.R. Matheny (court clerk, early friend and father of James, “best man” at Lincoln’s wedding); J.P. Usher (Indiana politician, prewar legal associate, Lincoln’s Sec. Interior), ADS signed twice, legal plea, docketed 1850; Geo. Forquer(prominent Illinois politician “skinned” by Lincoln; Forquer had one of the first lightning rods in Springfield, which Lincoln said saved Forquer from the “wrath of an angry god” for leaving the Whigs), 1835 promissory note to the State Bank of Illinois for $400, signed; Jacob Bale (New Salem friend, owner of the mill where Lincoln worked), DS, Menard Co. [IL], 1841, asks that subpoenas be issued for witnesses in a lawsuit, including old New Salem folk such as Gregory Lukins, Dr. Francis Regnier, Henry Hoheimer and Hardin Bale; Peter Cartwright (famed circuit-riding preacher, ran for Congress in 1846 and accused his opponent Lincoln of being an infidel), rare DS, Sangamon Co., IL, 1845, certificate as an estate executor; Clark M. Smith (brother-in-law of Lincoln, who wrote his first inaugural address in an upper room of Smith’s store to avoid interruptions), rare DS, a $5000 promissory note, Springfield, 1883, the signature cancelled by diagonal lines but still quite readable; I.R. Diller (Springfield postmaster, brother of Lincoln family druggist; figured in unsuccessful Civil War gunpowder invention that Lincoln endorsed), DS, Springfield, 1849, a promissory note for $1575 to Wm. S. Wallace, one of Lincoln’s brothers-in-law and namesake of his son Willie; Andrew Elliott (proprietor of the Buckhorn Tavern where Lincoln met his original enthusiastic backer and friend Denton Offutt), DS, Sangamon Co., 1827, a constable’s bond and oath, witnessed and docketed by C.R. Matheny; A.G. Henry (Lincoln family physician and one of the President and First Lady’s closest friends; drowned a few weeks after Lincoln’s assassination), ADS, Springfield, 1850, a receipt for a “visit in consultation with Dr. Cabaniss”; plus an 1838 receipt by an unidentified “Haines.” Mostly very good; a neat grouping! (Est. $300-500)
290. HAY, John. (1838-1905) In addition to serving closely as President Lincoln’s personal secretary, Hay was Sec. of State under both McKinley and Roosevelt. Boldly signed, large format photograph, 10 x 12”, by Clinedinst of Washington. A very fine display piece. (Est. $300-500)
291. HAY, John. Another signed photo, slightly larger than cabinet card, 4-1/2 x 7-1/2”, Culver Archive stamps on verso, slight window discoloration and light age, else fine. (Est. $200-400)
The “persistent” rumor that Lincoln wanted to give a Union Army command to Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi. 292. HAY, John. TLS as Sec. of State, 2pp., Washington, D.C., July 11, 1902, to Robert Johnson of Century Magazine: “That Garibaldi legend has more lives than a cat…There is possibly a shadow of foundation for the story. Of course, Lincoln never offered Garibaldi the command of the Union army. That is not only untrue but impossible; but it is altogether likely that when Mr. Sanford visited Garibaldi early in the war, he did suggest to him his appointment in some capacity in the Union army, which Garibaldi had sense enough to decline…“ John Hay was certainly in a position to know the truth behind the Garibaldi rumor. As a young man, Hay was a live-in secretary to Abraham Lincoln and was privy to the inner workings of the Federal Government. One can’t help but wonder how the great Italian revolutionary would have performed had he led the Union Army. This could be the stuff of an ‘alternate history’ novel! (Est. $400-500)
293. HAY, John. ALS removed from an album, July 21, 1873, on New York Tribune letterhead, slight foxing to right edge, else fine. (Est. $75-100)
294. HAY, John. TLS as Sec. of State, to noted author and U.S. diplomat Robert Underwood Johnson, promising to attend to a matter.A nice specimen. (Est. $100-150)
This one is quite different!
295. [Ward Hill LAMON] (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. An unusual piece – ten photographic images of Lincoln’s bodyguard at different stages in his life, made into a small bowl, 3 1/2” in diameter. The metalic (brass?) back, is marked “Patent. Labath. Szabadalma.” Certainly late 19th century, likely unique! (Est. $300-400)
296. HAMLIN, Hannibal. (1809-91) Vice-President, Democratic Senator and Rep. from Maine, Hamlin changed party affiliation over his anti-slavery sentiments. He was chosen Governor by the Republicans in 1857, resigning to serve in the Senate before joining Lincoln’s ticket. ALS “H Hamlin”, Bangor, written EXACTLY 20-years after Lincoln’s death, April 15, 1885, to Darwin C. Pavey: “In reply to your note of the 10th inst. I will say that, as you request, I have looked at the picture of Prest Lincoln, in the April Harper, and I regard the same as a very good likeness.” (Certainly Hamlin was qualified to judge!) (Est. $200-400)
Gen. John Dix’s appointment as Minister to the Hague. 297. JOHNSON, Andrew. (1808-75) Tennessee Congressman and Senator who supported the Union over secession, and when he defended the Lincoln administration, he was considered a traitor by the South. Lincoln appointed him Military Governor of Tennessee and chose him to be his second vice president. Often clashing with the Radical Republicans, as president he was impeached though acquitted. He continued Lincoln’s Reconstruction policy and purchased Alaska. Signed Document, 18 x 12”, the Ministerial commission of Dix signed by President Johnson and William Seward, July 27, 1866 appointment as “Minister Resident at the Hague”. What makes this piece especially noteworthy and unique is that Dix actually turned down the appointment to The Hague and subsequently accepted one to Paris. This document was obviously signed and presented to him in advance of Dix declining the post. Dix (1798-1879), a Union Maj. Gen. of Vols., was renowned for his order to “shoot …on the spot” anyone tearing down the U.S. flag. He was Sec. of War Stanton’s conduit for disseminating war news (including that of Lincoln’s murder) while headquartered in N.Y.C., the country’s telegraph hub. An impressive document, with a gorgeous seal. Some folds are archivally repaired but not noticeable in the archival frame. Certainly a unique piece of history! (Est. $2,500-3,500)
298. JOHNSON, Andrew. Signed commission by President Johnson appointing Seth K. Devereaux “Collector of the Customs for the District of Penobscot in the State of Maine” dated July 13, 1865. As Collector, it was Devereaux’s job to evaluate the merchandise, documents and payable dues of all vessels entering his district. Remnants of mounting hinges at top of verso, slight loss at usual fold, otherwise fine. (Est. $700-900)
299. [JOHNSON] Proclamation issued by President Johnson fearing another civil uprising… in midst of his being impeached! Printed Document, 8 x 14”, signed in type, September 9, 1867, warning that any type of rebellion among citizens, employees and officers of the government would meet dire consequences. Titled “By the President of the United States. A Proclamation.” in part: “And Whereas all officers, civil and military, are bound by oath that will support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and will bear true faith and alliegiance to the same… impediments and obstructions, serious in their character, have recently been interposed in the States of North Carolina and South Carolina, hindering and preventing for a time a proper enforcement there of the laws of the United States…” Johnson’s Reconstruction plan did not meet with support… interestingly, contemporary remarks are written on the verso: “9. Sept 1867 a political dodge of President Johnson involving false statements on his part… and a picture of Secretary McCulloch as political cat’s paw moved by A.J. 9 Sept, 1867 Dec. 1869 It seems that both above have burned their hands in the election of Grant and that their roasted chestnuts proved to be bitter acorns.” Wonderful commentary! Two tears in the creases otherwise in great condition. (Est. $200-250)
Stanton “spins” the defeat at Chancellorsville to a U.S. Senator.
300.STANTON, Edward McMasters. (1814-69) Secretary of War under Lincoln and Johnson. His dismissal by Johnson precipitated the impeachment. Very fine content war date Letter Signed, 1p. on War Department letterhead, Washington, May 13, 1863, to Senator James R. Doolittle of Wisconsin concerning the recent Union defeat at Chancellorsville. Lincoln’s Secretary of War writes in part, “…The disappointment arising from the late mishap of the Army of the Potomac is keenly felt throughout the country and you may be sure that I am not insensible to it. The measure you suggest in regard to the transfer of troops into new fields of action is one that has been long pressed upon my mind, but for reasons needless to be explained, I have never been able to carry it into effect. One thing is gratifying that there seems to be very little public discouragement, but on the contrary an united sentiment by the people to carry on the war to the last extremity. It would give me great pleasure to have a visit from you. Your counsels and support have always been very gratifying to me.” The Union defeat at Chancellorsville (May 2-4, 1863), despite Stanton’s attempted positive spin, was a major setback to the war effort. The defeat was especially galling as Hooker’s army outnumbered his Confederate opponents by nearly two to one. Upon learning of the defeat, Lincoln, in tears exclaimed, “My God! my God! What will the country say! What will the country say!” Numerous contemporaries commented that Lincoln was inconsolable for days following the defeat. The press was none too kind to Lincoln or his generals helping erode public support for the war effort. Chancellorsville also set the stage for Lee to mount a new northward offensive which would culminate in the Battle of Gettysburg on July 2-4, 1863. Likely Senator Doolittle’s suggestion concerned troop deployment. In September, Stanton would engineer the then fastest major troop transfer by rail when he reinforced Union forces besieged at Chattanooga with 23,000 men from the Army of the Potomac in five days. Worthy of further research. Bold signature on a crisp, clean sheet. Repairs to weak folds on verso, usual folds, else fine. (Est. $800-1,200)
Preventing the secession of Maryland… at all costs! 301. STANTON, Edward McMasters. (1814-69) Fine content Manuscript Document Signed “Edwin M Stanton” as Secretary of War, 1p. 10 x 8″, Washington, April 1, 1863 certifying the authenticity of an attached true copy of his predecessor’s (former Sec. of War Simon Cameron) order to Gen. Nathaniel Banks to prevent the Maryland legislature from passing an ordinance of seccession in 1861. The true copy of Cameron’s letter, affixed by ribbon, (September 11, 1861) reads in full: “General: The passage of any Act of Secession by the Legislature of Maryland must be prevented. If necessary, all, or any part of the members must be arrested. Exercise your own judgment as to the time and manner, but do the work effectively.” The secession of Maryland would have been a disaster to the Union as it would have forced the federal government to abandon Washington which would have been effectively surrounded. The subject of arresting the Maryland legislature to prevent secession had been discussed in the Cabinet as early as April 1861, but Lincoln dismissed the plans fearing it would further inflame anti-Union sentiment in the volatile border state and would cause other slave states (Kentucky, Missouri, and Delaware) to join the Confederacy. However, in September, soon before the meeting of the Maryland legislature at Frederick, Lincoln learned of a rumor that Maryland secessionists planned to push for Maryland to leave the Union. In response, Lincoln ordered pro-secession legislators detained before they could reach Frederick and Alan Pinkerton directed the operation that led to the arrest of fourteen legislators, guaranteeing that any ordinance of secession would not pass the legislature. The move generated much criticism from civil libertarians, but served to keep Maryland in the Union. Light toning, seal and ribbon intact, else fine condition with a bold signature. A remarkable piece of history. (Est. $1,000-1,500)
The VERYstart of the War… a day after North Carolina secedes, the President “invites” Indiana to raise volunteers! 302. CAMERON, Simon. (1799-1889). Powerful Pennsylvania politician and Lincoln’s controversial first Secretary of War, resigned that position amidst a corruption scandal, then appointed Minister to Russia. Significant Manuscript Document Signed, War Department, May 21, 1861, to Governor O.P. Morton of Indiana: “I have the honor to enclose several copies of General Orders No 15 of this Department, which contains the plan of Organization of the volunteer forces called into service of the United States by the President, and to which your especial attention is respectfully invited.” The letter was written one day after North Carolina seceded and Kentucky proclaimed its neutrality. A few days prior, on 16 May, the Confederate Congress authorized the recruitment of 400,000 men. Earlier in the month, on May 3rd, Lincoln called for 42,034 three-year volunteers, 22,714 additional men for the regular army and 18,000 more for the Navy. General Order No 15 presented a plan for organizing volunteer forces. Governor Oliver P. Morton had supported the Wilmot Proviso, legislation that would have prohibited slavery in any territory won during the Mexican War and he took a firm stand against the Kansas-Nebraska Act and Popular Sovereignty. Morton was one of the most powerful of the war governors. He answered Lincoln’s call for troops by raising twice the number requested for Federal service. Certain the war would be brief, he labored to keep in uniform every Indianan who volunteered, so that none would be kept from serving when the War Department began refusing troops it was unprepared to feed and equip. Largely because of his efforts, Indiana provided 150,000 enlistments to the Federal army with little resort to the draft. The governor generally backed Lincoln’s war measures, though he complained about excessive military arrests, resisted the draft, and opposed freeing Southern slaves until the President issued his Emancipation Proclamation. (After being elected to the Senate in 1867, he led efforts to pass the 14th Amendment providing for black suffrage.) This call from Cameron represents the very beginning of efforts to organize Union forces necessary to wage war. (Est. $1,000-1,500)
303. SEWARD, William. (1801-72) New York Governor, Senator, Secretary of State under presidents Lincoln and Johnson. ALS, 2pp. on mourning stationery, Washington, November 18, 1865. A letter written while Seward was still recuperating from his near-fatal assault by Lincoln conspirator Lewis Powell. “My Dear Mrs Martin, It is very late to be making this acknowledgment, but restricted as I am… Accept my thanks for the kind letter you wrote to me at Auburn… In the memoirs you sent me and accept also my congratulations upon your… escape from a great danger and severe suffering.” The recipient was Mrs. E. T. Throop Martin of Auburn, widow of former NY Governor Enos T. Throop and a neighbor of Seward’s. (Est. $200-300)
304. SEWARD, William. ALS, on black-bordered mourning stationery, 9 November 1865, telling the recipient that he “remains a servant.” This piece lacks integral leaf, still a very nice example together with an engraved carte. (Est. $200-300)
305. SEWARD, Frederick W. (1839-1920). A great ALS by the Asst. Sec. of State, son of Sec. of State Seward almost killed in the attack on his father. January 30, 1862 to T. McMulliken, on an application “for a pass for her sister-in-law to visit one of the insurrectioning states” relaying his father’s message that “for military reasons, it is deemed inexpedient, at present, to grant the request.” Interesting content, quite fine. (Est. $50-100)
306. WELLES, Gideon. (1802-78) Lincoln and Johnson’s Secretary of the Navy, known as “Old Neptune.” A man of great integrity, he wrote an incisive diary of his time in Lincoln’s Cabinet. Signed CDV by Brady, inscribed on verso, “Sec. Navy 1864 Chapter XVI.” Slight diagonal crease to portrait, gold ruled, bold signature, Brady’s imprint. VF. (Est. $400-500)
Welles sends a check to the wife of one of the doctors who attended Lincoln his final night. 307. WELLES, Gideon. Partly-printed check Signed, drawn on Riggs & Co., Washington account, March 5, 1868, payable to Mrs. Dr. Stone for $600. Nice clear signature. Affixed revenue stamp has been inscribed on verso by Welles. (Est. $200-300)
308. Postmaster William Dennison considers a proposal that the Federal Government purchase Boston’s Custom House. DENNISON, William. (1815-82) Lincoln’s Postmaster General, Governor of Ohio. Dennison was against slavery, a strong supporter of Lincoln, and helped fund the Ohio college that bears his name. Manuscript Letter Signed, Washington, May 12, 1866, to Boston Mayor F. W. Lincoln, Jr. on the mayor’s proposal to sell the Custom House to the Federal Government. Dennison says that he will take in under advisement. A fine, somewhat scarce example. (Est. $300-500)
309. (ASSOCIATES OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN)Large, varied assortment of autographs of men who were legal, political or personal colleagues of the Rail Splitter, from his Illinois days through the end of his life. The group includes clipped and album signatures of assorted sizes and physical condition, most v.g. to fine. Consists of: Green Adams (KY member of 30th Congress with Lincoln, made a Treasury auditor by him 1861), Cyrus M. Allen (speaker of IN legislature, 1860 Republican delegate and Pres. elector), Orestes A. Brownson (Transcendentalist turned conservative Catholic; editor, author; conferred w/Lincoln on emancipation and colonization Aug. 1862; coined term “Americanization”),David Davis (long-time, intimate friend and judge who rode circuit with Lincoln; manager of his 1860 campaign, executor of his estate, and one of his Supreme Court appointees; scarce FULL signature, the “D”s barely trimmed into), Charles D. Drake (MO legislator, reconstruction Senator; frequent correspondent and advisor of Lincoln on regional politics; a framer and eponym of the draconian, anti-rebel “Drake Constitution” with its “ironclad oath”), Thos. Ewing, Jr. (Col. 11 KS Cavalry, Brig. Genl.; counsel for Dr. Sam Mudd in the assassination trial), T. Lawrence Bigelow (Lincoln’s Consul-Gen. to Italy), Joseph C.G. Kennedy (Supt. of 1850 census — the first to enumerate slaves — and 1860 census; frequent correspondent of A.L.), Ephraim Marsh (NJ legislator, 1860 Republican delegate, member of the committee which formally delivered notice of his nomination to A.L. in Springfield), Isaac Newton (first Commissioner of the Dept. of Agriculture, appointed by Lincoln 1862; worked to make it a Cabinet-level post, which it eventually became), Basil Norris (Asst. Surgeon, U.S. Army; attended Wm. H. Seward on the assassination night and witness at the assassination trial), Smith Pyne (Pastor, St. John’s P.E. Church in Washington; wrote A.L. defending friend Adm. Chas. Wilkes for publishing correspondence w/Sec. Navy Welles), Ben. Perley Poore (famed journalist, pioneering “columnist”; acquainted w/Lincoln from ca 1848; reported and published the assassination trial), Saml. F. Vinton (OH Congressman, served w/A.L. in the 30th; appointed by him appraiser of freed slaves in Dist. Columbia during the war), Richard Wallach (Civil War mayor of Dist. Columbia and frequent correspondent of A.L.), William Dennison (Lincoln’s last Postmaster Genl.; OH politico), Simeon Draper (appointed Collector of Customs NYC by A.L. 1864; state Republican chairman; correspondent), Fred. Hassaurek (of OH; Republican conv. delegate, 1860; made Min. to Ecuador by A.L.), Sam Hoard (Army arms supplier, correspondent of A.L.), Reverdy Johnson (Atty. Gen. under Taylor; noted MD politician; attorney for Mary Surratt at the assassination trial), Hugh McCulloch (Sec. Treasury under Lincoln), Cortlandt Parker(noted NJ lawyer; advisor and correspondent of A.L.), Alvin Saunders (Delegate from IA to 1860 Republican conv.; made Gov. NEB Territory by A.L.), Elihu Washburne (noted IL Senator, close political colleague of Lincoln, patron of and Sec. State under U.S. Grant). (Est. $300-500)
310. ANDREW, John Albion. (1818-67) Lawyer, defended John Brown at his 1859 trial, noted abolitionist and war-time Governor of Massachusetts. High quality mahagony, portable writing desk. 16” x 10” x 6” with brass inlaid straps, corner and edge brackets and an escutcheon on the lid inscribed “To John A. Andrew From The Pupils of Rev. Mr. Stearns Sabbath School.” Andrew was a prominent member of the Unitarian Church and was assistant editor of “The Christian World.” The contents include a lead pencil and two metal bibs, as well as a small pastille box inscribed “Charles & Albion Andrew 1850.” Horizontal age crack in base of no consequence; otherwise in excellent condition. Sold together with an ALS on “Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Department” letterhead, September 2, 1864 containing a six-line poem concerning the arming of African-Americans for the war effort. “The Sword! a name of dread; yet when before the freeman’s thigh tis bound/ While for his altar & his hearth, While for the land that gave him birth/ The war-drums roll, the trumpets sound, How sacred is it then!” A terrific and significant lot! (Est. $700-900)
311. The man who created the Sanitary Fairs. BELLOWS, Henry W. (1814-82) New York City clergyman and the planner/president of the U.S. Sanitary Commission, the leading soldiers’ aid society during the Civil War. He worked with his friend, Peter Cooper, to establish the Cooper Union. Interesting ALS, 3pp. on U.S. Sanitary Commission stationery, April 3, 1863, to Senator Foote regarding a man pretending to be his relative, in part: “The person who has passed in N. York as your nephew, and who has been trying to get up an ambulance corps, denies to me hat he ever claimed to be your nephew but only a kinsman… I have no doubt he is a deceptive & unreliable person – but I hope you will not think it necessary to punish him – as he seems struggling with difficulties… Give him rope enough & he will hang himself – He has a great plausibility of manners & capital sense – but has either lived to long in Tennessee, or further South to retain a New England standard of rectitude.” Together with a prohibitively rare CDV by Appleton. (Est. $100-150)
312. BELLOWS, Henry W. Autograph patriotic, end-of-war Sentiment Signed: “If the Father of his Country is thinking of us to-day, as much as we are thinking of Him, Heaven & Earth are woven together with Shuttles of gratitude and blessing! While we keep his birth day on Earth, He is keeping our Country’s birth into a new & heavenly life, a Birthday of Freedom for a Race, which he emancipated in dying.” A choice example. (Est. $100-150)
313. [ARCHIVE] Commission periodicals and publications, includes a fine run of the first thirteen (13) issues of “The Sanitary Commission Bulletin” (New York, Volume 1, Nos. 1-13, disbound) plus No. 38 from June 1, 1865. Together with a 40-page “Appeal to the People of Pennsylvania for the Sick and Wounded Soldiers”, a 16-page “Report of Delegates from the General Aid Society for the Army at Buffalo, N.Y.” (institutional rubber stamps on title page) and a 44-page Statistical Bureau Report from 1866 of “Ages of U. S. Volunteer Soldiery” with attached charts. A fine collection… copies of the Sanitary Fair imprints, particularly the first 13, are scarce and enjoy a good amount of Lincoln content. (Est. $200-250)
314. BEECHER, Henry Ward. (1813-1887) As noted in the D.A.B., “Few American clergymen have attained the influence and public position which soon became his.” A famous New England preacher and brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe (author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin), Rev. Beecher was well-known for his abolitionist rhetoric and strong support for the Union. Lincoln attended one of his sermons. ALS, Brooklyn, February 15, 1860 (just two weeks before Lincoln was to speak at his pulpit before it being moved to the Cooper Institute!). Beecher writes on the poor health of his wife preventing his giving a speech: “…she is a sufferer to such a degree, as to require double watches, night & day, and I dare not yet leave home. I must ask your indulgence, therefore, & that of your ticket holders. I will, as early as possible, confer with you for a renewal date, for a lecture…” A fine example. (Est. $100-150)
315. CURTIN, Andrew G. (1817-94) Civil War Governor of Pennsylvania, close friend and confidant of Lincoln, after Union military disasters dampened the popularity of the war and support for Lincoln was seriously slipping, Curtin organized “The Loyal War Governors’ Conference” at the Logan House Hotel in Altoona in September of 1862. Although the conference was relatively informal, it buttressed the Lincoln administration and solidified northern unity. He became known as “The Soldier’s Friend” guiding key efforts for the war through supplies, transport, support personnel, and the care of troops in the field, as well as establishing a system of state schools for war orphans after the war ended. After the Battle of Gettysburg, Governor Curtin was the principal force behind the establishment of the National Cemetery there. Through his agent, David Wills, Curtin procured the attendance of Lincoln at the dedication of the cemetery. ARCHIVE. Nine (9) items. Signed commission for William M. Meredith, former Sec. of Treasury under Zachary Taylor, as Pennsylvania Attorney General, January 20, 1864. Also six (6) letters: July 19, 1865 on Executive Chamber stationery thanking Asst. Sec. of State Frederick W. Seward on granting leave for an officer; May 31, 1866 to Judge W.H. Miller thanking Miller for an invitation; Oct. 21, 1867 to Capt. Chas. H. Townsend discussing Curtin’s efforts to visit New York and meet Townsend; April 10, 1868 to A.T. Goodman discussing the prospective development of Curtin’s biography; Dec. 26, 1872, referencing his time in Russia as Ambassador; May 26, 1883, concerning Civil War correspondence between Confederate Colonel William Hemphill and Lt. Palmer, Union officer and future governor of Illinois, with a clipped signature. A fine selection. (Est. $150-200)
316. DAVIS, Jefferson. (1808-89) President of the Confederate States of America. Pierce’s Sec. of War and a Mississippi Senator, he left Congress after secession. He was elected President of the CSA, 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. Fine ALS, April 18, 1874, addressed to A.D.P. Nicholson, Davis seeks to set the war record straight. He sends his correspondent a manuscript [not included] on the “armory question” which “answers the many errors which are in circulation on that matter… I think it will be another service rendered to truth and the public good.” Matted and framed with a hand-colored period engraving. A fine example. (Est. $800-1,000)
C.S.A. Pres. Davis orders a large sum of gold to be paid to Sec. of State Judah P. Benjamin. 317. DAVIS, Jefferson. Important partly-printed war-date D.S. “Jefferson Davis“ on Department of State letterhead (which has been hand-altered to read “Executive Office”), Richmond, Jan. 30, 1865, an order to the Secretary of the Treasury George Trenholm to “cause a warrant“ for the sum of $1,500 in gold for “Necessities and exigencies under laws already passed or which may be passed &c. &c.” to be issued to Secretary of State Judah P. Benjamin and “charged to him on the books of the Treasury…” Two chips at top margin, with some toned spots at top and bottom, folds and wrinkles yet still overall quite good. This is a large sum of money, especially in gold, to be considered “pocket expenses.” It is entirely possible these funds were used to pay overseas debts, spies, etc. (Est. $2,500-3,000)
Not a single copy found in any institution’s collection. A RARE COPY OF JEFFERSON DAVIS’ LAST STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS. 318. [DAVIS, Jefferson] President’s message. [Richmond, 1864]. Octavo, 5pp., caption title wraps. Condition: Light foxing, light dampstain at lower margins. Speaking “To the Senate and House of Representatives of the Confederate States of America“, Davis attempts to raise the South’s flagging spirit with a call to arms: “…The unjust war commenced against us in violation of the rights of the States, and in usurpation of power not delegated to the government of the United States, is still characterized by the barbarism with which it has heretofore been conducted by the enemy. Aged men, helpless women and children, appeal in vain to the humanity which should be inspired by their condition, for immunity from arrest, incarceration or banishment from their homes. Plunder and devastation of the property of non-combatants, destruction of private dwellings and even of edifices devoted to the worship of God, expeditions organized for the sole purpose of sacking cities, consigning them to the flames, killing the unarmed inhabitants and inflicting horrible outrages on women and children are some of the constantly recurring atrocities of the invader. It cannot reasonably be pretended that such acts conduce to any end which their authors dare avow before the civilized world, and sooner or later Christendom must mete out to them the condemnation which such brutality deserves. The suffering thus ruthlessly inflicted upon the people of the invaded Districts has served but to illustrate their patriotism. Entire unanimity and zeal for their country’s cause have been pre-eminently conspicuous among those whose sacrifices have been greatest. So, the army which has borne the trials and dangers of the war; which has been subjected to privations and disappointments, (tests of manly fortitude far more severe than the brief fatigues and perils of actual combat,) has been the centre of cheerfulness and hope. From the camp comes the voice of the soldier patriots invoking each who is at home, in the sphere he best may fill, to devote his whole energies to the support of a cause, in the success of which, their confidence has never faltered. They, the veterans of many a hard-fought field, tender to their country, without limit of time, a service of priceless value to us, one which posterity will hold in grateful remembrance…“ Attempting to place some positive spin on the rapidly deteriorating military situation Davis highlights “The recent events of the war are highly creditable to our troops, exhibiting energy and vigilance combined with the habitual gallantry which they have taught us to expect on all occasions. We have been cheered by important and valuable successes in Florida, Northern Mississippi, Western Tennessee and Kentucky, Western Louisiana and Eastern North Carolina, reflecting the highest honor on the skill and conduct of our commanders, and on the incomparable soldiers whom it is their privilege to lead. A naval attack on Mobile was so successfully repulsed at the outer works that the attempt was abandoned, and the nine months’ siege of Charleston has been practically suspended, leaving that noble city and its fortresses imperishable monuments to the skill and fortitude of its defenders. The armies in Northern Georgia and in Northern Virginia still oppose with unshaken front a formidable barrier to the progress of the invader; and our generals, armies and people are animated by cheerful confidence. Let us then, while resolute in devoting all our energies to securing the realisation of the bright auspices which encourage us, not forget that our humble and most grateful thanks are due to Him, without whose guidance and protecting care, all human efforts are of no avail, and to whose interposition are due the manifold successes with which we have been cheered.” No physical institutional editions found, only on microfilm: OCLC 19919122. A GREAT RARITY. (Est. $1,000-2,000)
319. [DAVIS] 5 x 7 1/4” double-matted albumen of Jefferson Davis towards the end of his life, seated in a chair in a studio setting. We don’t recall seeing this portrait before. Excellent tone. (Est. $300-400)
320. Douglas, Stephen Arnold. (1813-61) One of the leading politicians of the 19th century, few individuals surpassed the ability of Douglas as an orator and statesman. “Quick in perception, facile in expedients, ready in resources, earnest and fearless in utterance, he was a born ‘leader of men.’” His short stature combined with his “extraordinary acumen” led to his sobriquet “Little Giant.” In 1836 he was a candidate for Congress as a Whig, but was defeated by John T. Stuart, Lincoln’s future law partner. Elected to Congress in 1842, 1844 and 1846, Douglas served at the same time as Lincoln in the 30th Congress (1847-1849), was primarily responsible for the creation of the Kansas-Nebraska Act that contributed toward the polarization of the debates between himself and Lincoln in 1858. After losing the 1860 national election and the onset of the Civil War, Douglas came to support the Lincoln administration. ALS, Washington, Sept. 28, 1850, very good, minor fold wear and paper repairs on verso. He writes to Howell Cobb, later a CSA general and governor of Georgia. Douglas gives high praise and an introduction to Dr. Deane A. Holden of New York who “has been the family physician of some of my nearest relatives in New York” and who planned to move to Georgia.“I do not hesitate therefore to commend him to you…Any attentions shown him will be thankfully received by him, gratefully acknowledged by your friend & obedient S.A. Douglas.” A nice exmple. (Est. $500-700)
321. DOUGLAS, Stephen Arnold. Free franked envelope, 2 1/2 x 4”, Washington, February 13, n.y. Faint stain in center. Addressed to William Tapley of Boston and marked “free S. A. Douglas.” (Est. $200-300)
322. [DOUGLAS] A great, quite delicate 8 x 10” doily menu for a dinner given to Stephen Douglas in 1854. “In Honor of the Honorable Stephen A. Douglas, By His Friends and Fellow-Citizens of the City of Chicago. Dinner at Tremont House, Thursday Evening, November 9, 1854.” Douglas authored the controversial Kansas-Nebraska Act that year which set America on the path to Civil War, motivating his arch rival to re-enter the political arena. Douglas was not up for re-election that year, but a seat was open which Lincoln vied for, losing out to Lyman Trumbull. Four years later, he and Douglas would lock horns. (Est. $700-900)
323. [DOUGLAS] The official U.S. Government Printing Office issue memorializing the Little Giant: Addresses on the Death of Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, Delivered in the Senate and House of Representatives. 92pp., ex-library, brown titled wraps. Few remember one simple fact: following his loss to Lincoln, the Little Giant spent the remainder of his short life speaking in support of the Union and the new administration… taxing his strength and in part bringing about his demise… truly an example of putting partisan bickering behind for the nation’s sake! Scarce. (Est. $80-120)
A Signed copy of Edward Everett’s Address at Gettysburg… a two-hour oration that preceded the greatest two-minute oration in American history.
324. EVERETT, Edward. (1794-1865) Vice-Presidential candidate with John Bell on the Constitutional Union ticket against Lincoln in 1860, Secretary of State, Massachusetts Senator, Governor. Everett shared the platform with Lincoln at Gettysburg on November 19, 1863. Scarce imprint, Address Delivered At the Consecration of The Soldiers’ Cemetery, At Gettysburg, On the Nineteenth of November, 1863, by Edward Everett. (Boston: J. E. Farwell and Company, 1863) 8 1/4 x 5 1/2″, 63p. disbound, lacks folding map. Signed and inscribed by Everett on full title page: “Hon. J. Z. Goodrich, with Mr. Everett’s best thanks for a copy of Prof. Hopkins’ valuable discourse.” John Zacheus Goodrich (1804-85) was a Massachusetts Whig congressman, later serving as Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts. In 1861 he served on the Peace Convention in Washington in an effort to prevent the onset of the Civil War. Everett’s speech was the day’s principal “Gettysburg address.” His now seldom-read 13,607-word oration began: “Standing beneath this serene sky, overlooking these broad fields now reposing from the labors of the waning year, the mighty Alleghenies dimly towering before us, the graves of our brethren beneath our feet, it is with hesitation that I raise my poor voice to break the eloquent silence of God and Nature. But the duty to which you have called me must be performed; — grant me, I pray you, your indulgence and your sympathy.” And ended two hours later with: “But they, I am sure, will join us in saying, as we bid farewell to the dust of these martyr-heroes, that wheresoever throughout the civilized world the accounts of this great warfare are read, and down to the latest period of recorded time, in the glorious annals of our common country, there will be no brighter page than that which relates the Battles of Gettysburg.” The speech was received as erudite, moving, and well-delivered. If Everett is remembered for anything, it’s for playing the top half of the bill and getting upstaged by Lincoln. There are NO known printed copies of Lincoln’s Address the President signed, should one be found it would command millions. OCLC (#13378257) notes only 12 institutional holdings of this imprint, unsigned. (Est. $500-1,000)
325. EVERETT, Edward. ALS, June 18, 1855, Boston, to Mr. Marcy regarding the wife of Thomas Starr King, Julia M. Wiggin. Rev. King is notably recognized as the man responsible for keeping California in the Union during the early period of the Civil War. Having a reputation as an incredibly gifted and passionate orator, King understood the dangers of California seceding and worked tirelessly to keep the state from doing so through his ministry. “That is preaching!” exclaimed Ralph Waldo Emerson after listening to one of King’s sermons. Letter of introduction “Allow me to introduce to you Mrs. King, the wife of Rev. Dr. King, now residing at Athens, whose claim on the Greek government has been the subject of negotiation…” (Est. $50-100)
326. EVERETT, Edward. Three (3) ALSs: November 23, 1854, to Mrs. I. L. Payton, one inch mounting strip along left margin, regarding his sending Mrs. Payton autographs of three notable individuals, Mr. Choate, Colonel Benton, and Mr. Irving; March 24, 1859, to Hon. I. P. Bigelow, concerning Everett’s wishes to discuss “Library Matters;” December 2, 1861, to John Tappan Esq., in which Everett expresses his gratitude for “the interesting Memorial volume so kindly sent to me,” and requests Tappan’s acceptance of a reciprocation of “one or two addresses recently published by me.” All in good condition with usual folds, minor marginal tears, else very good. (Est. $100-200)
Greeley on raising Irish troops in New York!
327.GREELEY, Horace. (1811-72) American journalist, reformer, and political force; opponent of slavery; founder and editory of the New York Tribune, Liberal Republican and Democratic candidate for President in 1872. America’s most influential paper from the 1840s to the 1870s from which he promoted the Republican Party and abolitionism, ALS to New York Governor and Union Army General Edwin D. Morgan, August 17, 1862 discussing “organization of the Phoenix regiment” which John O’Morgan, “a very prominent and influential Irishman of our city” hopes will be filled. The Phoenix regiment, or the 164 NY was one of the four regiments forming the brigade of Irish soldiers known as the Corcoran Legion. The 164th was recruited in New York, Brooklyn, Buffalo, mustered into service Nov. 19, 1862 for three years. This fascinating nugget of New York’s Civil War history provides insight into the state’s war efforts for the Union Army. On New York Tribune stationery. A fine example. (Est. $300-500)
Just four years before opposing him in the presidential election, Greeley declines running for Governor and proclaims support for U.S. Grant!
328. GREELEY, Horace. ALS, 1p. with integral leaf, usual folds, on Tribune stationery, July 11, 1868, to Dr. J.C. Jackson of Otisville, NY, discussing the upcoming election and his reticence at being nominated, in part: “…All I have said, or effect to say, as to Governor is that I do not think it would be wise to nominate me for that post. I feel the strength of the Liberal (and Loco) interest more fully than you are likely to do and I apprehend that it would beat me. I care nothing for personal defeat, but we must elect Grant and Colfax…” (Est. $300-400)
Greeley offers to speak to the G.A.R. about Lincoln and the Mormons!
329. GREELEY, Horace. ALS, 1p., New York, March 16, 1869 to Adjutant Charles Golliver, Post 8 G.A.R. West Meriden, CT. The quirky publisher offers to deliver a lecture on March 30th on one of three possible subjects: Abraham Lincoln, Self-Made Men, or the Mormon Question. All this for the bargain price of $75! Tear near top and on integral leaf affecting two letters, slight separation at usual folds. (Est. $150-250)
Julia Ward Howe – too old to be president of her suffragette committee! 330. HOWE, Julia Ward. (1819-1910) Author of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” women’s rights advocate, passionate abolitionist. ALS, 2pp., November 21 [n.y.], “We held the Ex(ecutive). Com. meeting on Wednesday last.. can you drop in tomorrow to help Mr Clement & myself think of a programme for at least our first meeting? It seems best to try for some sort of exercise, or discussion preceded by a very brief paper – the whole not to run more than an hour. An adjourned meeting of the Ex. Comtee will be held at my house on Tuesday Dec 2nd. The First Club meeting will be at the same place on Dec. 17th. I stand in the breach thus far, because no one else offers, but I do wish that we could scare up another much younger President. Helen Winslow’s seems to me an irreparable loss. Do come tomorrow, and let us take counsel together…” Fine content. (Est. $150-200)
331. HOWE, Julia Ward. ALS, 3pp., May 17th 1881, to a Savage Rogers, expressing interest in hosting a lecture for Miss Willard and preparing for her own presentation “…barring un- foreseen accidents, which may Heaven avert! I was dreadfully afraid that you wanted to tell me that you and the Professor had quite too much of the Club already. But you see, we are a social necessity...” Fine. (Est. $100-200)
His illustrated papers documented the Civil War.
332. LESLIE, Frank. (1821-1880) RARE Signed CDV by Fredricks of NY, some rubbing on verso, else a bold image, rarely seen. Born in Ipswich, England as Henry Carter, he showed artistic talent and contributed sketches to the Illustrated London News, signing them as “Frank Leslie.” In 1848 he moved to the United States; in 1853 he arrived in New York to engrave woodcuts for P. T. Barnum’s short-lived Illustrated News. He began publishing the first of his many illustrated journalistic ventures, Frank Leslie’s Ladies’ Gazette of Fashion and Fancy Needlework. The New York Journal soon followed, with Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper (1855) (called Leslie’s Weekly), The Boy’s and Girl’s Weekly, The Budget of Fun, and many others. Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, which included news as well as fiction, survived until 1922. Slight wear at upper left corner, the first we’ve seen! (Est. $300-500)
333. OGLESBY, Richard, J. (1824-99) Illinois Governor, lawyer, ardent supporter of Lincoln. He came up with the idea to have John Hanks carry the fence rails into the Decatur Convention Hall during the 1860 campaign and served as a major general in the Union Army. Autographed card, signed “Yours truly, September 21, 1878.” Fine. (Est. $40-50)
Two free-franked covers to Mary Lincoln – from Welles and Sumner! 334. SUMNER, Charles and WELLES, Gideon. Two (2) front panels of envelopes, mailed to Mary Lincoln. Sumnner’s cover, from Chicago, bears no postal markings while Welles’ envelope contains a circular Washington D.C. postmark with “Free” within the circle, November 11. Sumner was Mary’s close friend who consoled her the night of the assassination; Welles likely was writing on matters related to the former First Lady’s constant appeals for pension monies. (Est. $300-400)
335. TRAIN, George Francis. (1829-1904) Entrepreneur, world traveler, journalist, noted eccentric. Train was this nation’s first true foreign correspondent, reporting from London during the Civil War. He was an 1872 presidential candidate – the same year that fictional Phileas Fogg made the wager to travel Around the World in 80 Days. (Verne modeled his protagonist on Train). 4” x 5” AQS, March 15, 1873. “Cell 56 Murderers Row The Tombs… Wake up people! Death to Kings. Down with Party. Smash the Rings. Workingmen! Pay no taxes, Start the battle! Grind your axes. The only thing to save the nation Is immediate repudiation! George Francis Train. The Coming Dictator.” Mounting remnents on verso, together with a 2 1/2 x 1 1/2” 1872 presidential campaign card with applied albumen of Train, facsimile signature on verso and presentation inscription to C.A. Raymond from “Cell 56 Murderer’s Row. Prest. Murderer’s Club. My 14th Bastile.”, mounting remnants. Train has crossed off “President” and changed the 1872 to 1873. A fun group from a man who helped promote the Union cause in England during the early years of the War. (Est. $400-600)
336. VANDERBILT, Cornelius. (1794-1877) A card signed by the railroad and shipping tycoon, called on by Lincoln and Stanton to help the Union cause – the wealthy entrepreneur donated his largest steamship, The Vanderbilt, to the Union Navy to counter the Confederacy’s ironclad Virginia. A desirable example. (Est. $250-300)
Gov. Yates praises a calligraphic “Emancipation Proclamation portrait” of his friend Lincoln.
337. YATES, Richard. (1815-73) War Governor of Illinois 1861-5, one of Lincoln’s most loyal Northern State executives. In his later years in the Senate, he proved to be more than loyal to the Party expressing Radical Republican views, desirous of ruinous punishment of the South, voting in favor of Johnson’s impeachment. ALS, 1p., 4to, Jacksonville, Ill., 24 July 1865, to Swander, Bishop & Co., Philadelphia, Pa. Writing barely three months after the President’s assassination, Yates sends thanks for a copy of “your ‘Medallion Allegorical Portrait of Abraham Lincoln’…a beautiful specimen of art…worthy of a place in the home of every citizen and admirer of the great and good Lincoln and of his immortal Proclamation.” What Yates refers to here is a calligraphic portrait by R. Morris Swander, dedicated to the Union Leagues, in which Lincoln’s face is made to appear within the text of the Emancipation Proclamation by subtly shading its letters and words; corner vignettes show a slave being whipped, then being set free by sword-wielding Miss Liberty. Yates originally thought Lincoln slow in his war measures, including emancipation, but later conceded that Lincoln “always did the right thing in the right way, at the right time.” (Est. $200-300)
338. [GROUP] Civil War Era Authors, Artists, and Actors. A collection of twenty-seven (27) pieces, consisting of mostly clipped signature and includes: John McCULLOUGH, Josiah QUINCY, A.J. BELLOWS, Louise PONUROY, JOHN E. OMENS, Louis AGASSIZ, Peter COOPER, Henry W. LONGFELLOW, John G. WHITTIER, George BANCROFT, Julia Ward HOWE, Samuel G. HOWE, Whitelaw REID, Ralph Waldo EMERSON, Noah PORTER, and others. All signatures have been mounted, light toning, overall very good. (Est. $150-250)
339. [GROUP] Civil War Era Politicians. A large collection of thirty-six (36) pieces, including William H. SEWARD, A.L.S. 1p. Washington, Mach 8, 1866 complying with an autograph request; Charles SUMNER D.S., a check, Boston, October 28, 1870; Francis SPINNER, A.N.S. 1p. Washington, March 9, 1875 complying with an autograph request; Alexander H. BULLOCK A.N.S. 1p. Boston, Nov 15, 1866 complying with an autograph request. The balance of the collection consists of clipped signatures including Millard FILLMORE, Horace GREELEY, Schuyler COLFAX, Hannibal HAMLIN, Henry WILSON, Benjamin H. BRISTOW, Gideon WELLES, George S. BOUTWELL, Andrew G. CURTIN, Daniel WEBSTER, Charles Francis ADAMS, Thurlow WEED, Ruben FENTON, George B. LORING, A. Oakley HALL, Roscoe CONKLING, Joseph S. ROPES, E.R. HOAR, Hamilton FISH, James G. BLAINE (2), Charles ADAMS, JR., Lewis CASS, Charles R. TRAIN, Thomas RUSSELL, George M. DALLAS, Horace GRAY, W. B. WASHBURN, and others. All examples mounted to larger sheets, light toning and other minor faults, overall very good. (Est. $300-500)
340. [GROUP] Abolitionists and Social Reformers. A collection of eighteen (18) pieces, consisting mostly of clipped signatures, including Gerrit SMITH, Henry Ward BEECHER, Edward Everett HALE (A.N.S.), A. A. MINER, Richard H. DANA, Jr., Chandler ROBBINS (A.Q.S.), George C. LORIMER, Phillips BROOKS, Wendell PHILLIPS (A.Q.S.), Rollin H. NEALE, Marshal HENSHAW, Henry Martyn DEXTER, William TALMAGE, Leonard BARON (A.Q.S.), and others. Most examples mounted to larger slips with light toning, overall very good. (Est. $150-250)
341. Elmer Ellsworth worked in Abraham Lincoln’s law office in 1860, worked tirelessly for his election, and then traveled with him to Washington for the inauguration. With the pending outbreak of hostilities, Ellsworth went to New York City where he organized a regiment of infantry largely composed of firefighters: the 11th New York Volunteers, or Fire Zouaves. He brought the regiment to Washington to defend the capital, where they bivouacked in the White House. The day after Virginia formally seceded, May 24, 1861, Ellsworth and his command went to Alexandria, VA to secure the railroad station and telegraph office. Confederate flags could be seen flying above the city from the White House, prompting fears of an attack. En route to the telegraph office, Ellsworth noticed one such rebel flag flying above the Marshall House Inn. Making a detour, he entered the hotel, ascended the stairs to the roof, and tore down the offending ensign. On the way down, he was shot to death by the hotel’s proprietor, James W. Jackson who, in turn, was killed by Corporal Francis Brownell (later awarded a Medal of Honor for his action). Lincoln was quite fond of Ellsworth, calling him “the greatest little man I ever met.” He was both shocked and devastated by the news of Ellsworth’s martyrdom, ordering an Honor Guard to transport his body to the East Room of the White House, where it lay in state for a day. It was then sent to New York City for a similar viewing by vast throngs of mourners. Although some Union troops were killed in the Pratt Street riots in Baltimore, Ellsworth is usually thought of as the first casualty of the war. Certainly, his early, unexpected death brought the war home to the White House. Shortly after his death, the 44th New York Volunteer Infantry was organized, and came to be known as the “Ellsworth Avengers.” A wonderful relic of this first chapter of the war: 5 x 8” partially-printed telegram, Wilmington [DE], May 25, 1861, to the Mayor of Philadelphia, in full: “Will you provide a conveyance for the body of Col Ellsworth from Depot to Walnut St wharf. Train due at nine o’clock. Committee.” Ellsworth’s body lay-in-state at the White House the day he was killed, May 24th… now, on the 25th, it was to be sent home to New York first passing through Philadelphia. (Est. $4,000-5,000)
342. And… to go with the previous lot! A huge, full-plate tintype, 6 1/2 x 8”, presenting an artistic portrait of the brave martyr. A copy image after a painting, great 19th-century feel, would frame beautifully. (Est. $1,000-1,500)
343. WELLES, Thomas. (1846-1892) Son of Sec. of the Navy Gideon Welles, Colonel in the Connecticut 1st Cavalry, later President of the Mexican Silver Mining Co. Remarkable ALS, 4pp., “Head Quarters Department of Virginia Army of the James Appomattox C. H. Va.”, April 9th 1865, with affixed small envelope in which Welles has cut a triangle window to reveal a relic piece of the flag of truce. Written to “My dear father,” the narrative provides an extraordinary eyewitness account of the Battle of Appomattox Court House and the ensuing Confederate surrender. In full: “Head Quarters Department of Virginia Army of the James Appomattox C.H., Va. April 9th 1865” He writes: “My dear father, Glory Hallelujah. I don’t often go into ecstasies but if I ever did I would tonight, today has been the most glorious day since the opening of the rebellion, you will receive the news of Lee’s surrender by telegraph long before this will reach you. The day after my last letter we moved from Farmville at between three and four in the morning, and marched until eleven P.M. marching altogether between thirty and forty miles. At about 3 this morning we were again on our way and were joined by General Sheridan and Griffin with the Cavalry and 5th Corps, both Genls S and G reported to Genl Ord, at about 7 am, the cavalry which had been sent out ahead were met by a large force of the enemy and Infantry were ordered up the 24th and 5th NC, the 24th found the cavalry almost routed, and Genl Foster comd’g advance pushed his column forward at double quick, and drove the enemy into the town with very little loss to us and considerable to them, at this juncture Genl Custer’s advance was met by Genl Gordon and two of Lee’s Staff officers with a flag of truce and communication. Genl Ord at once ordered the advance to stop and the firing to cease and sent me with several other staff officers along the line to carry the news to the men, such cheering and enthusiasm was never before seen, cheers for the news for Genl Grant and Gen Ord were given all along the lines and even now nearly 10 hours after it the cheering is still heard. Genls Ord, Sheridan, Griffin, Gibbon and others immediately rode to the town where they met Genl Longstreet, Genl Gordon and 5 or 6 other rebel Generals and the result was a suspension of hostilities until 4 P. M. was ordered and word sent to Genl Grant. Genl Lee made an unconditional surrender at about 4 P. M. The greatest glory is that the surrender was brought about by the Army of the James. Now we will go and finish up Johnston and then I will be able to come home. Give my love to all, and glory in the fact that you had a son in the staff of the Army which brought about this glorious victory. Aff Yours Tom G. Welles. It may be interesting to know that I have not had my clothes off for more than a week and have read no mail or seen no papers either during that time. Excuse the writing as it was written on my knee by firelight.” On April 8th, Union cavalry under Brig. Gen. George Armstrong Custer had captured and burned three supply trains waiting for Lee’s army. Now both the Army of the Potomac and the Army of the James (the Union Army that was composed of units from the Dept. of Virginia and North Carolina and served along the James River during the final operations of the war in Virginia) were converging on Appomattox. Maj. Gen. Edward O.C. Ord, commander of the Army of the James, arrived with the 24th Corps around 4:00 a.m. while the 5th Corps of the Army of the Potomac was close behind. Sheridan deployed three divisions of cavalry along a low ridge to the southwest of Appomattox Court House. At dawn on April 9, the Confederate Second Corps under Maj. Gen. John B. Gordon attacked Sheridan’s cavalry and quickly forced back the first line. Ord’s troops began advancing against Gordon’s corps while the Union 2nd Corps began moving against Longstreet’s corps to the northeast. Fought on the morning of April 9, 1865, the Battle of Appomattox Court House was the final engagement of Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia before it surrendered. Lee, having abandoned Richmond after the Siege of Petersburg, retreated to the west, hoping to join his army with the Confederate forces in North Carolina. His final stand was at Appomattox Court House, where he launched an attack to break through the Union force to his front, which he assumed consisted entirely of cavalry. When he realized the cavalry was backed-up by two corps of Union infantry, he had no choice but to surrender. The signing of the surrender documents occurred in the parlor of the house owned by Wilmer McLean on the afternoon of April 9th. This singular piece of history more than articulates its merit. (Est. $15,000-20,000)
344. ARCHER, James J. (1817-1864) Confederate brigadier general and colonel of the 5th Texas in Hood’s Brigade, fought at Antietam, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg where he was captured. Rare, pre-war D.S. “J. J. Archer” as Captain of the 9th Inf’y, folio, Camp on Colville River, Washington Territory, October, 1859. An Abstract of provisions provided to miltary employees in the field, including meat, potatoes, flour, etc. Fine. (Est. $300-500)
345. BAILEY, Joseph. (1825-1867) Union general, had enlisted as a captain in the 4th Wisconsin Vols., part of Butler’s Army of the Gulf which occupied New Orleans. Named acting chief engineer for New Orleans shortly after its capture, contributed to the Army’s engineering activities in support of the Siege of Port Hudson. In August 1863, in recognition of his service at Port Hudson, Bailey was promoted to lieutenant colonel. Bailey’s engineering brilliance during Banks’ ill-fated Red River Campaign is widely credited for sparing the 30,000 in the Army of the Gulf from decimation. Bailey suggested building a winged dam, similar to the kind he built as a Wisconsin lumberman, to raise the level of the river high enough to lift Porter’s fleet over the falls. Bailey then dynamited the dam, and the fleet was saved. (The ruins of “Bailey’s Dam” can be seen to this day in Alexandria.) A grateful Congress voted Bailey the Thanks of Congress for his efforts, making him only one of fifteen men to receive such an honor during the Civil War; the only person to receive the honor who did not command a corps at the time. Promoted to brig. general and assigned commands in the Western Theater until the end of the war. Sadly, in 1867, Bailey was killed by bushwhackers that he arrested while serving as a sheriff in Missouri. A quite rare Signed Photograph, a CDV by S. Moses of New Orleans. Ex-Culver stamp at bottom, a fine carte. (Est. $400-500)
The famed Excelsior Brigade… apologizing for boorish behavior!
346. [BREWSTER, William Root]. (1828-69) Commanded the famed Excelsior Brigade at Gettysburg where Brewster and his men were overrun by Confederates while defending the Emmitsburg Road position of the ACW not far from the Peach Orchard. Brewster’s horse was shot out from under him in that action. When the Army of the Potomac was reorganized for the Overland Campaign of Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, Brewster served in the Battle of the Wilderness, at the Battle of Cold Harbor and in the initial operations of the Siege of Petersburg. Official copy of a letter from Col. Brewster, Headquarters, Excelsior Brigade, to Gen. Gershom Mott, April 26, 1864, signed by Assistant Adjutant General G. W. Eayre, apologizing for “the disgraceful scene that took place” in front of Mott’s brigade. Brewster expresses disquietude at his regiment’s “hootings and hallowings” while Mott’s men were on parade. Brewster continues, “I most deeply regret the occurrence and feel that the disgrace reflects upon myself… we most sincerely regret the occurrence and wish to apologize to you and your officers for this breach of discipline and conduct.” Col. Brewster was under Mott’s command as they prepared for the Siege of Petersburg. Wonderful content. (Est. $300-500)
Ellsworth’s Avenger. 347. BROWNELL, Francis. Magnificent, Signed CDV of Francis Brownell by J. Gurney & Sons of New York, including the legend “in the aid of the U.S. Sanitary Commission at the New York Metropolitan Fair April 1864.” Brownell was a Union Sgt. who had accompanied Ellsworth on his mission. Brownell was promoted to 1st lieutenant, Oct. 24, 1861, and was discharged on Nov. 4, 1863. He was awarded the Congressional Medal Of Honor for his exploit of having avenged the death of Colonel Ellsworth. Light foxing, gold ruled. Fine. (Est. $1,200-1,500)
Presented to the Hero of Little Round Top! 348. (Joshua Lawrence CHAMBERLAIN)A rare carte, O-59, hand-produced by the great pioneer of Lincoln photography, Frederick Hill Meserve, and neatly captioned by him at the foot of the mount “Abraham Lincoln 1863”. The verso bears Meserve’s backmark stamped in blue and an Autograph Inscription Signed: “From a small negative in the collection of F.H. Meserve, copied from a print from the original negative about 14 x 17, in the War Dept. To Gen. J.L. Chamberlain. With regards of F.H. Meserve Jany 21, 1911.” Chamberlain, one of the great fighting generals of the War (and one of its most moving memoirists) held a Medal of Honor for saving Little Round Top at Gettysburg. He was later Governor of Maine and President of Bowdoin College. A superb association piece! [Note: Chamberlain’s letter of thanks for this very carte is offered on the web by a prominent autograph dealer for $20,000.] (Est. $300-500)
She spied for the Union. 349. CUSHMAN, Pauline. (1833-93) American actress, Civil War spy and scout for the Union Army. While touring with a theatrical troupe in Union-controlled Louisville, Kentucky, Pauline was paid to toast CSA President Jefferson Davis after a performance. Cushman decided to ingratiate herself with the rebels while offering her services to the Union as a spy. By fraternizing with Confederate military commanders, she managed to conceal battle plans and drawings in her shoes, but was caught and brought before CSA General Braxton Bragg, tried by a military court, and sentenced to death. General Rosecrans rescued her at Shelbyville, TN. RARE Signed Photograph. Singularly the loveliest specimen extant: an Anthony/Brady CDV, imprint and embossed stamps, enhanced by detailed legend on verso: “The Union Spy and Scout…” Full board, gold-ruled, one light fox mark above lip else excellent! (Est. $500-750)
350. DIX, John A. (1798-1879), Union Maj. Gen. renowned for his order to “shoot …on the spot” anyone tearing down the U.S. flag; Sec. War Stanton’s conduit for disseminating war news (including that of Lincoln’s murder) while headquartered in N.Y.C., the country’s telegraph hub. Engraved construction stock certificate of the Mississippi & Missouri Railroad Co., signed by Dix as President, 1 page, oblong small 4to, N.Y., n.d. (1850’s). Unissued; in rich blue on light paper, with beautiful central vignette of Indians, buffalo and steam train plus smaller ones of steamboat and warrior with tomahawk. The Mississippi and Missouri co-owned the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi River, between Rock Island, Ill. and Davenport, Iowa. When it was hit in 1856 by the steamboat Effie Afton, which burned and sank, the resulting lawsuit became one of Abraham Lincoln’s most famous cases, in which he declared that the right of railroads to bridge rivers equaled that of steamboats to navigate them. Excellent condition. (Est. $200-300)
The designer of the Monitor on his most successful invention… 351. ERICSSON, John. (1803-89) Superb content ALS 2pp., [New York] January 11, 1860 announcing his success in perfecting the caloric engine, an invention that would earn him the Rumford Prize in 1862 by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Basking in the success of a device he had been developing for nearly 40 years, he writes, in part: “Hoorra! cane threshing by caloric is a dead success — [Cornelius H.]DeLamater has just called with Mulford’s report of the trial which took place under the direction of M J. Bell the Cuban engineer — Mulford was one of four [illeg.] fed the mil as fast as they could, Mr. Bell said twice as fast as practice. The cane was… apparently devoid of fluid matter, yet 30 gallons of cane juice was extracted during the trial. Mr Bell told me this morning that the cane being unavoidably dry [illeg.] [illeg.] transportation would drive two such mills. The result correlated that opinion – George reported to DeLamater that unless the feeding of the cane was cradled the engine rested on the governor valve — the mill will be taken down in the morning and shipped at once, with cart iron [illeg.] instead of brick and received spare [illeg.] — Mr Langhorn, who put up the engine, will in all probability [illeg.] with it to put up and work it – In his hands we shall hear of now trouble with the engine. – Langhorn is a man who is never sick… The result of the days trial is by far the most important yet recorded in caloric… We may now assent that we have a motive power capable of supplanting steam…. the connection that the new motor is now practically developed on a scale that will benefit all mankind; overpowers me with emotions of gratitude to the Great Regulator of all motive form the Almighty Ruler of our destinies — Under these grateful emotions I now close the day’s labors & say good night.” More than his work on ironclads and screw propellers, the success of the caloric engine would make Ericsson a very wealthy man. More fine content. Light glue remnants along margin on verso, minor marginal chip at bottom, else fine. (Est. 600-800)
352. FRANKLIN, William Buel. (1823-1903) Union general. Graduated 1st in his class at West Point in 1843, Commanded troops at 1st Bull Run, Antietam, the Peninsula and Fredericksburg. His failure to support Meade’s division at that battle was credited by Burnside for the Union defeat. That, along with a letter sent to Washington criticizing the campaign and offering his own plan, prompted the relief of his command. He took part at Sabine Pass and the Red River campaign, was captured by Gilmore’s partisans, but escaped. After the war, he ran Colt’s Fire Arms. Gutekunst CDV, boldly signed on the mount “W. B. Franklin Maj. Gen. U. S. Vols.” Excellent condition, Culver Service stamp credit on verso, quite scarce. (Est. $400-600)
San Francisco’s first Mayor runs for Governor of Pennsylvania – concern for Philadelphia: “all I have to say is, what Grant said to Sheridan, ‘Press things.’” 353. GEARY, John White. (1819-73) An absolutely intriguing figure – although only 53 at the time of his death, Geary was a hero of the Mexican War, served as the first mayor of San Francisco, Gov. of the Kansas Territory and later two terms as Gov. of Pennsylvania… ohh… and did we say that he had a hellacious Civil War record that defies description? He commanded forces in numerous campaigns including Gettysburg, was captured and exchanged, and was wounded at least eight times including being struck in the chest by a cannonball while leading a division at Chancellorsville! (Yes… he survived!) After the war, he was an active politician and even a presidential hopeful in 1872 with the National Labor Reform Party (prior to his withdrawing his name to support Grant). GROUP: A fine ALS, 2pp., New Cumberland, January 17th 1866, “My Dear General Your kind letter is received with pleasing intelligence. ‘The work goes bravely on’ in every part of the state, but I regret to say that Phila is behind. She can be brought up and for that purpose, all I have to say is, what Grant said to Sheridan, ‘Press things.’…” He would sweep the state and be reelected for a second term. On the second page, Geary goes on to provide investment counsel to his friend, Gen. Alexander L. Russell (1813-85): “The ‘Macedon’ has good title and comes highly recommended by Senator Nigh and other representatives from Nevada Territory. Upon the faith of such men I have made a considerable investment, and hope to realize largely from it. I never advise any one in these matters. But I am willing to risk for myself.” Alexander apparently took his counsel and became president of the Macedon Silver Mining Co. of Nevada, a working mine to this very day. TOGETHER with: Signature panel; an interesting DS as Gov. of PA, awarding $75 for damages incurred “during the late rebellion”, usual folds 14 x 9”; and Commissioner’s appointment for a Boston official, signed as Governor, 15 x 20”, one area of light separation at usual folds, red seal intact. A fine selection for such an interesting historical figure! (Est. $300-500)
Halleck reports a fight with “marauders” – William Clarke Quantrill’s Raiders!
354. HALLECK, Henry W. (1815-72) Union major general, Lincoln’s General-in-Chief and advisor, he was a major administrator in the prosecution of the war against the Confederates. Autograph Message Signed “H.W. Halleck / Major Genl” on departmental H.Q. letterhead, 1 page, 8vo, in pencil, St. Louis, 20 March 1862, to Sec. of War E.M. Stanton. Halleck’s retained sender’s copy of a telegram reporting a clash with some of the notorious rebel bushwhackers infesting the far western river country of Missouri: “On the 10th inst. Lieut. J.D. Jenks, first Iowa cavalry, with thirty men encountered a band of marauders posted in a log house & barn in La Fayette county…The enemy were defeated after a sharp engagement in which they had nine killed & three wounded...” Halleck had ordered destruction or dispersal of guerilla squads when he took command of the Dept. of Missouri, but the very nature of the target made his goal impractical. Men such as “Bloody Bill” Anderson, William C. Quantrill, and Frank and Jesse James terrorized at will, operating in small bands without central authority and often without official Confederate approval. They operated extensively in the half-dozen western counties (including Lafayette) that bordered the Missouri River and formed the backbone of slavery and bushwhacking in the state. “Bloody Bill” in particular bludgeoned Lafayette Unionists until he was killed in Ray County, immediately to the north, in 1864. Lafayette County was home to many of Quantrill’s men, including his henchman Dave Pool, and he constantly used the Sni-A-Bar Creek region – which largely lay in the county – as his point of retreat, rendezvous and rest. Historians generally agree that the engagement Halleck reports here was, in fact, with Quantrill and his men, returning from their March 7 raid on Aubry, Kansas (about 35 or 40 miles from the Lafayette line), during which several civilians were murdered. And, in all likelihood, it may have prompted Halleck’s order of March 13 which directed that bushwhackers be hanged like robbers and murderers and not be treated as prisoners of war! The 1st Iowa Cavalry which Halleck here mentions fought Quantrill several times: at Pleasant Hill, Mo. on July 11 they wounded him and forced him to flee, leaving his horse, coat and spyglass behind. (Lafayette County was also home to Annie Fickle, the girl who made the red-lettered black flag that Quantrill flew at the sack of Lawrence, KS.) Light wear, beginning to tear on tender vertical fold (no losses), but very good, and intriguing! Accompanied by several pages of background research. (Est. $600-800)
355. HANCOCK, Winfield Scott. (1824-86) A career army officer and the Democratic nominee for President in 1880, Hancock served with distinction in the Army for four decades, including service in the Mexican-American. Known to army colleagues as “Hancock the Superb”, he was recognized for gallantry at Gettysburg. As Democratic nominee in 1880, he was defeated by Republican James Garfield by the closest popular vote margin in American history. An interesting DS, August 19, 1885, a Marksman’s Certificate, 8 x 10” issued to Private John S. Satterfield. Usual folds, slight tear at bottom left corner, very rare in this format. VF. (Est. $200-300)
356. To go with the previous lot, a bold carte of Gen. Hancock by Brady/Anthony. About as clean an example as found! (Est. $200-300)
357. HARDEE, William J. (1815-1873) Confederate lieutenant general who led his corps at Shiloh and Atlanta, and attempted to halt Sherman’s March to the Sea. Fine content war-date A.L.S. as major general, 1p. 4to., Tupelo, July 21, 1862 in which Hardee makes an effort to have a P.O.W. captain, a brother of a Confederate officer, cared for and possibly paroled. In part: “…I rec’d yesterday a telegram from Major N. P. Chambliss who is at Gainesville, requesting me to telegraph the President to permit a friend to see his brother, and to put his brother on parole until he recovers from his wound. I did not want to trouble the President…[I chose to] write you and request you, if possible, to see Capt. Chambliss 2nd. U.S. Cavalry, and to provide as far as possible…for his comfort. The Major is an officer of merit & character…At last, the movement on Chattanooga has been resolved…” The recipient’s name has been excised from the lower-left corner, else very good. Capt. William P. Chambliss was indeed paroled, and would survive the war, serving in the army until 1886. We were not able to locate a “N. P. Chambliss”, but one “N. R. Chambliss” enlisted as a major and served as a staff officer, but his fate is unknown. (Est. $1,000-1,500)
The Medal of Honor recipient who stood on the gallows to give Mary Surratt her Last Rites. 358. HARTRANFT, John F. [GROUP] (1830-89) Pennsylvania lawyer who became colonel of the 4th PA. Awarded the Medal of Honor for volunteering his services at First Bull Run when his regiment had marched to the rear. He fought at the Battle of Antietam where Hartranft led its famous charge across Burnside’s Bridge suffering heavy casualties. He participated in the Battles of Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, Campbell’s Station, at the Wilderness and Spotsylvania before he was promoted to brigadier general. He continued in operations against Richmond and Petersburg. Hartranft was brevetted major general by Grant for defeating Lee’s last offensive at the Fort Stedman. At the war’s end, Hartranft commanded the Old Capitol Prison and was appointed a special provost marshal during the trial of those accused in the Lincoln assassination. He was noted for his kind treatment toward Mary Surratt – on July 7, 1865, Hartranft led Mary Surratt, Lewis Paine, David Herold and George Atzerodt to the gallows and read them their last rites. GROUP. Four (4) pieces including an ALS 2pp. Philadelphia, July 16, 1879 to “My Dear Ayres” discussing a genealogy of the Bucher family; L.S. as Gov. of PA, on Execuctive Chamber letterhead declining an invitation to “the Centennial Anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill to be celebrated in West Chester on the 17th of June under the auspices of the ‘Minute Men’…“; LS, Phila., July 15, 1884 to Maj. Gen. Jos. B Carr concerning an encampment of “The Division National Guard of Pennsylvania… at Gettysburg August 2-9”; Signature on card “J. F. Hartranft Gov of Pa.” All in very good condition. (Est. $300-500)
359. LAW, Evander M. (1836-1920) Confederate major general, severely wounded at First Bull Run, served with distinction at Chickamauga and Gettysburg. Scarce, fine content A.L.S. “E. M. Law“, 3pp. 8vo., South Carolina, Mar. 14, 1889 to Gen. Marcus J. Wright, then compiling the official records of the CIVIL WAR. In part: “…I have not really been able to look through the mass of papers that have lain neglected for years…I have only got the reports of [the] Texas brigade complete. I know I have my own and [Gen. Henry L.] Benning’s somewhere – I shall search and find them…I have full reports of Gettysburg, but I suppose these will be of no service to you now. If they are, let me know…” Law’s Alabama Brigade fought with distinction at Antietam; at Gettysburg, his brigade participated in the unsuccessful assault on Little Round Top and Devil’s Den. (Est. $500-750)
360. LAWTON, Alexander R. (1818-96) Confederate brigadier general who led with distinction at Cedar Mountain, Second Bull Run, and Antietam, where he was severely wounded. War-date signed endorsement on the verso of a letter to him on very rare Chief Quartermaster General Ewell’s (changed to read “Early’s“) Division letterhead, 1p. 4to., Mar. 1, 1864, in which Capt. C. S. Hart asks if his nomination as major quartermaster has been approved and if so, he asks that his commission be forwarded. He adds: “…It is very important that I give my bond before active operations commence…” On verso Lawton boldly signs an endorsement referring the request to Inspector Gen. Lt. Col. EDWARD A. PALFREY who in turns pens a lengthy AES advising that Gen. Robert E. Lee advises that division quartermasters are not allowed any more, hence the request is denied. (Est. $300-500)
361. LEE, Robert Edward. (1807–70) Signed CDV, by Brady, 1865, slightly trimmed at bottom of board, slight foxing, gold ruled, a fine study that would look quite nice with archival frame. (Est. $3,000-5,000)
362. LEE,Robert E. Important war-date manuscript Letter Signed “R. E. Lee“, 2pp. 4to., Richmond, May 13, 1862 to Georgia Gov. Joseph E. Brown clearly showing the intense animosity between the central Confederate government in Richmond and Brown, who was determined to retain as much of the state’s armed forces and material under state control as possible, all resulting in a potential disaster for a Georgia regiment. Obviously “walking on eggshells”, Lee writes, in part: “…You suppose it was intended by me to take possession of certain Enfield rifles received by the [blockade runner] Nashville. The cargo of the Nashville was saved with much difficulty and brought to Wilmington at a time when it was believed from the movements of Genl. Burnside…that he was preparing to attack…The whole cargo was reported as belonging to the C.S. and was forwarded here except certain arms issued to the troops at Goldsboro… orders were given for a certain number to be given to Genl. Kirby Smith at Knoxville for the armament of the Georgia regiments, sent by your Excy. to that place…12 of the boxes were marked with your initials…intended for the State of Georgia… As you had been obliged to send these troops from the state unarmed… I believed that would be the destination you would give them… I should have forbidden their leaving the city had you been heard from. I will now direct that they be sent through Chattanooga to Milledgeville and request Genl. Smith to telegraph to you the time of their departure. I exceedingly regret that my misapprehension of your Excy[‘s] intention especially as I have no other arms to issue to the Ga. Regts. in their stead…” Docket on verso traverses a few lines of text, two small holes in text affect a few words, mounting remnants at very top of second page affecting nothing, typical toning and folds, else very good. In essence, Brown’s insistence of total control over Georgia’s arms (or his demand for arms for use of his own guard) resulted in a regiment of Georgia soldiers being left defenseless! (Est. $7,000-9,000)
363. LEE, Robert E. Fine content A.L.S. “R. E. Lee“, 1p. 8vo., Lexington, Va., May 19, 1866 to a new mother, in part: “…I have rec’d your letter of the 13th, expressing your desire to name your child for me. If it will be of a gratification to you, I cheerfully assent; though I would propose a better name for him. Praying that a kind Providence may watch over him, & guard & protect you…” At this time, Lee was President of Washington College. Some light, scattered old glue stains on face not affecting signature, else very good. Following the end of the Civil War, many disaffected Southerners took to naming their sons after the aging general. (Est. $4,000-5,000)
364. LEE, Robert E. Partly-printed form, Washington College, March 31, 1867, a report card for student Edwin Dumble, signed “R. E. Lee” as President. Dumble was first in his class in math, but faltered in Greek. 8 x 10” in excellent condition. A fun example! (Est. $2,500-3,000)
365. [LEE] Original Confederate special order No. 209 – Issued by order of General Robert E. Lee. “Head Qrs Dept Northern Va Oct 4th 1862.” Archival framed, 13 x 16” interesting content: “Special Orders no 209 The necessity of the Service requires the immediate reorganization of the Artillery of the army. The combination of the Companies hereafter named is to be considered temporary and subject to the order of the Secretary of War. Their selection has been made entirely with a view of the efficiency of the Artillery and supplies no depravation to the Batteries thus combined. Many of the Batteries have served with distinction and their enfeebled condition is attributable to the dangers and hardships they have encountered. Whenever circumstances will permit the Batteries will be again restored. The officers of Capt Rogers’ Battery Loudoun Artillery are relieved from duty with the Company. The men and horses will be assigned to Capt Stribling’s Battery. By order of Genl R. E. Lee A.P. Mason A.A.G.” In fine condition, small clip to top right corner does not affect content. Manuscript Confederate documents referencing General Lee are rare and desirable. (Est. $500-750)
366. LOGAN, John Alexander. “Black Jack.” (1826-86) Vice- Presidential running mate with James G. Blaine 1884, Illinois Senator and Representative, a distinguished Union officer who conceived the idea for Memorial Day observances which he inaugurated on May 30, 1868. After Vicksburg, he commanded the Army of Tennessee, but was relieved by General Sherman for his political interests and contempt for logistics. Leaf from a CDV album with carte portrait, Autographed on one side by Logan on mount; on verso is a carte and similar autograph of KELLY, William D. (1814-1890) Congressman and advocate of black and women’s suffrage. Quite fine. (Est. $300-500)
367. LONGSTREET, James. (1821-1904) Confederate major general who commanded Lee’s right wing at Sharpsburg, and the left flank at Chickamauga. Accused of delaying his attack at Gettysburg leading to a Confederate defeat. Rare and very fine, inscribed photo, boldly signed on verso, “Very truly yours James Longstreet.” By W. W. Washburn of New Orleans. (Est. $400-600)
368. LOVELL, Mansfield. (1822 – 1884) Confederate major general who was forced to cede New Orleans to superior Union forces. Later served at Corinth. Rare, lengthy war-date A.E.S. on the verso of an “Application for Authority to Appear Before a Medical Examining Board”, 4to., [Columbia SC], Apr. 12, 1865, an examination of Pvt. Duncan McRae of the 2nd SC Infantry attached to Conner’s Brigade, signed by McRae and the attending Confederate surgeon noting that McRae had been wounded on Oct. 13, 1864 and was: “…permanently disabled for field service in consequence of a gunshot wound through the bladder injuring the pubis and ischium…” On verso Lovell writes: “It being impossible to communicate through proper channels with the Adj. Genl., the within named soldier is ordered to appear before the Board for examination. M. Lovell Maj. Genl. Comdg.” Some show-through from writing on verso, weak folds very carefully mended with archival tape, otherwise very good. (Est. $500-700)
369. McCLELLAN, George Brinton. (1826-85) Democratic candidate for President against Lincoln 1864, Commander of the Army of the Potomac, made General-in-Chief following Winfield Scott. Superseded by General Burnside in November, 1862. Governor of New Jersey. Fine A.L.S. Geo. B. McClellan as Governor, on imprinted The National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers stationery, Orange, NJ, but penned from “17 Gramercy Park“ [in New York City], February 19, 1882. Writing to his friend and comrade “W[illia]m B[uel] Franklin“, a former commander in the Army of the Potomac, then President of the National Soldiers’ Home, about the cover-up of conditions at the home. McClellan candidly writes: “…Mr. Chandler Rollins has just been to see me & says that he went out to the Home with Woodfir where he found (as Woodfir acknowledged) that an effort had suddenly been made to clean things up -but that in places where the order had not been carried out the rooms were filthy as Woodfir also acknowledged. The amount of it is, I fancy, that when none of us are there things are not as clean as when we are expected. The truth is that Woodfir has too much to do, & if we do nothing else in the way of giving him help he should at least have some untitle[d] person to take immediate charge of the police of Barracks, Hospital etc. …I suppose nothing can be done before the next meeting to increase the staff…“. While serving on the Home’s Board, Franklin was manager of the Colt Fire-Arms Company in Hartford, Ct. Age-toned, otherwise in good condition. (Est. $500-750)
370. McCLELLAN, George B. ALS, 2pp., Feb. 4, 1868, from Vienna, detailing plans to stay in Nice making plans to secure rooms at one of the better hotels. With postal-used envelope addressed to the Grand Hotel. A bold, clean example. (Est. $300-400)
The youngest general in U.S. History! 371. PENNYPACKER, Galusha. (1844-1916) As part of the 97th PA Vols., Pennypacker rose to colonel of his regiment and subsequently promoted a brigadier general one month before his 21st birthday. Pennypacker was awarded a Medal of Honor for gallantry in leading the 2nd Brigade of Ames’ Division in the successful capture and occupation of Ft. Fisher, N.C. where he planted the colors of his regiment and was consequently wounded. The patriotic cover is marked Port Royal, S.C. July 31, 1863 inside a double circle date stamp accompanied by a “Due 3” hand stamp. Letter datelined MORRIS ISLAND (Charleston Harbor S.C. July 26, 1863). Separate pencil cover notation that letter was received by Levi Kirk on Aug. 12. with military censor signature to allow for this letter to be forwarded: “Soldier’s Letter, G. Pennypacker, Major 97th Regt.” (Est. $200-400)
372. PICKETT, George E. (1825-75) Confederate major general who formed the brigades for the ill-fated charge on the final day at Gettysburg. Pickett never forgave Lee for the destruction of his command, and died a bitter man. Fine A.L.S. signed “G. E. Pickett Capt. 9th Infy” twice, on recto and verso, 1p. 4to., Red Scout Springs, Va., Sep. 1, 1858 to future CSA Gen. Samuel Cooper. In part: “…I have the honor to report myself on Leave of Absence – ‘Special Order No. 108, War Dept. Adjt. Genl. Office Washington D.C. Aug. 5th, 1858’…”. Fine condition. At the time, Pickett was on leave from duty in the Northwest. (Est. $4,000-6,000)
373. PILLOW, Gideon J. (1806-78) Confederate major general who fought at Belmont and was second-in-command at Fort Donelson from which he fled to avoid capture by Grant.Good content A.L.S., Warren Co., TN., Aug. 2, 1858, in part: “…[I have received] on behalf of Gen. Burnett as the proper recipient of the Gold Box, under Gen. [Andrew] Jackson’s will. My absence from home will explain the delay…I have transmitted these documents to Andrew Jackson Jr. with a letter from myself…” Folds, fine. (Est. $250-300)
374. PIKE, Albert. (1809-91) Attorney, soldier, writer, and Freemason. Pike is the only Confederate to be honored with an outdoor statue in Washington, D.C. (in Judiciary Square). When the Mexican-American War started, Pike joined the cavalry and served in the Battle of Buena Vista. After the war, Pike returned to the practice of law, moving to New Orleans, becoming an advocate of slavery. Before the Civil War he was firmly against secession, but when the war started he nevertheless took the side of the Confederacy. Pike was commissioned as a brigadier general with command in the Indian Territory. Following his victory at Pea Ridge, Pike faced charges his troops scalped soldiers in the field. Facing arrest, he escaped into the hills of Arkansas, sending his resignation from the Confederate Army. He was arrested on charges of insubordination and treason but allowed to return to Arkansas. In the interim he joined a Masonic Lodge and became extremely active in the affairs of the organization, being elected Sovereign Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite’s Southern Jurisdiction in 1859. He remained Sovereign Grand Commander for the remainder of his life, devoting a large amount of his time to developing the rituals of the order. An extremely rare Signed Photograph, a cabinet card, with Pike in his vestments as Sovereign Grand Commander. A gorgeous example. (Est. $600-800)
Scott writes to Jeff Davis… a wonderful letter from the General to the Secretary of War! 375. SCOTT, Winfield. (1786-1866) Whig candidate for President 1852, distinguished for service in War of 1812, Major General, hero of Lundy’s Lane, led campaigns in Indian Wars, successful in Mexican-American War capturing Mexico City. Scott’s service to this country has seldom been paralleled. As detailed in the Dictionary of American Biography, “In his public career of nearly half a century he had been a main factor in ending two wars, in saving the country from several others, and in acquiring a large portion of its western territory.” Known as “Fuss and Feathers” because of his love of dress, Scott was an “immensely strong man” standing six-foot-five inches. Autograph Letter Signed, one page, 7 3/4 x 9 3/4”, April 23, 1853. Scott writes to the Secretary of War, Jefferson Davis, about a replacement for Colonel McCall, Inspector General of the Army. Scott is forwarding McCall’s resignation and notes that “the public service will lose a highly valuable & distinguished officer.” He then continues… “In that event, I beg to present, for the vacancy, the name of Brevet Lieut. Col. H. L. Scott on the grounds of 1. High qualifications, moral, mental & physical, including long professional experiences, -24 years dating from his entrance into the Military Academy; 2. As belonging to the Infantry, the other Inspector General having been selected from the Artillery, & 3. As a reward for gallant & distinguished services, as the head of the general staff of the Army in the march from Veracruz to the City of Mexico – which high services were rendered in the low grade of captain & have been but very partially & inadequately rewarded.” Henry Lee Scott (1814-86) was not selected for the office and returned to Scott’s staff as his aide until he retired from the Army in 1862. An exceptionally fine letter in excellent condition. (Est. $800-1,200)
376. SCOTT, Winfield. Autograph Letter Signed, 2pp. with integral leaf, 4 1/2 x 7”. Written to General George W. Cullam, Superintendent of West Point (ca. 1866). A bed-ridden Scott apologizes for not being able to take the new Secretary of War on a tour… “My dear General: I shall be obliged to keep to my bed the greater part of the day. Do not, therefore, expect to see me. Please make my apology to the Secretary for not calling on him today. You, no doubt, will take care to fill up his time profitably & agreeably, & I am glad that he is making himself acquainted with the Academy.” A fine letter, written in Scott’s decline. In excellent condition, with original hand-addressed envelope by Scott. (Est. $600-800)
377. A MASSIVE albumen, Old Fuss and Feathers Scott standing in full regalia, 10 x 17” on a 16 x 20” mount, made from the 1861 negative by Mathew Brady – the largest we have encountered! Handsome frame, an impressive presentation piece in excellent condition. (Est. $500-700)
378. SEDGWICK, John. (1813-64) Union general wounded at Antietam and Glendale, fought at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, killed by a sharpshooter while claiming the Confederates wouldn’t be able to hit an elephant at such a distance. Signature “J. Sedgwick“ on a narrow slip of paper closely-cut from a muster roll. VF. (Est. $150-200)
379. SHELBY, Joseph O. (1830-97) Confederate cavalry brigadier general who fought at Prairie Grove, Pea Ridge; and was on numerous raids with Quantrill and Price in the Trans-Mississippi Department.Partly-printed D.S. 1p. 12mo., Lexington, Mo., Jan. 1, 1859, a sight draft in the amount of $473, boldly signed at conclusion. Cut cancel clear of signature, engrossment a bit light, otherwise very good. (Est. $400-500)
Daniel Sickles to the editors of Miller’s Photographic History of the Civil War.
380. SICKLES, Daniel. (1825-1914). Union general, won the Medal of Honor for Gettysburg where he lost a leg. Prior to the war he was the first American ever acquitted of murder on grounds of temporary insanity after he shot Francis Scott Key’s son for seducing his wife. TLS, “D. E. Sickles”, New York [City], July 15, 1911, to the editor’s of Miller’s Photographic History of the Civil War, in part: “I am profoundly interested in your great work, – photographic history of the Civil War. It is a work that every American citizen with red blood…should own. It is the history of the greatest war ever fought, and now…is the psychological moment to publish it, and especially when you are able to put into the work that marvelous collection of photographs taken by Brady…I am informed…that you have also dug up…hundreds of Confederate scenes never before published.” (Est. $300-500)
“Baldy” Smith rages about the former Sec. of War and the treatment of McClellan: “Stanton acted like Stanton and crushed everyone whom he suspected of ever having been friendly to McClellan, Buell, Franklin, and myself…”
381. SMITH, William F. “Baldy”. (1824-1903) Brigadier General who organized the 1st VT. Smith led his division with conspicuous valor during the Battle of Antietam. When his corps commander, Maj. Gen. William B. Franklin, was reassigned to a superior command, Smith was placed at the head of the VI Corps of the Army of the Potomac, which he led at the disastrous Battle of Fredericksburg. He commanded forces in the Dept. of the Susquehanna during the critical days of the Gettysburg Campaign, repelling Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart at a skirmish in Carlisle. Fine content A.L.S. “Wm. F. Smith” 3pp. [Philadelphia], March 28, 1899 to military historian John Codman Ropes (1836-99) concerning his four-volume work on the Civil War that began publication in 1894. Smith lambasts the behavior of Edwin Stanton, accusing him of destroying the careers of anyone allied with George B. McClellan. In part: “I have been employed for some time on a paper on Buell for the magazine published annually by the association of graduates. I had it nearly finished… I have been sick & out of spirits and going to work with my peers has been like the sight of water to a case of hydrophobia. I am impelled to write something for Buell… I am in a mental condition that no matter how interesting the subject it comes out from my pen ‘flat & stale.’ I have enjoyed your reading of the Western Campaign & meant to have written to you about them but the mental inertia has been too strong. You treat Halleck rather with kid gloves and his conduct was so base his[?] ignorance so patent that I am filled with rage when I reread the record of his actions and have no patience with McC[lellan] or even the President for not seeing through him. Stanton acted like Stanton and crushed every one whom he suspected of ever having been friendly to McClellan, Buell, Franklin myself & others…. The Eastern Campaigns I have not read yet but shall do it soon… I am so glad that Providence turned you into a historian of the war…” Smith had a quarrelsome reputation, but his friendship with Democratic presidential candidate McClellan did little to endear him to many in Congress and the Lincoln Administration. Usual folds, small loss to third page at top margin else fine condition. (Est. $400-600)
General Charles P. Stone, acccused of treason at Ball’s Bluff… he helped build the Statue of Liberty! A scarce letter from Valparaiso, Chile, as he took troops to California. 382. STONE, Charles P. (1824-87) West Point class of 1845, distinguished Mexican War service, under orders from the Sec. of War, he embarked men & stores conducting them to California via Cape Horn, 1851-6. Appointed Col. of the 14th U.S. Infantry, May, 1861, the disaster at Ball’s Bluff, VA was blamed on Stone and rumors spread of his possible treason leading to his sudden arrest and imprisonment at Fort Lafayette, NY, February–August 1862. He was released without any charges being made and returned to the Army in 1863 fighting in Dept. of the Gulf. In 1870, he accepted a commission in the Egyptian Army and became chief of the general staff, staying in Egypt until 1883; in 1886 he became engineer-in-chief for construction of the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty & was Grand Marshal in the parade for the dedication of the statue. A SCARCE ALS from this eminent and controversial Army officer, 2pp., signed “George” and addressed to his mother, Mrs. Fanny L. Stone, Greenfield, Franklin Co, MA, “Transport Ship Helen McGaw, Valparaiso, June 10th, 1851”. Folded letter has VF blk NEW YORK/5 Cts. Cds. Good content, written while on the way with troops to California. In part: “This morning, after many weeks of calms, head winds and gales, interspersed with very few days of mild pleasant and sunny weather, we found ourselves off this harbour. As the sun rose, it lighted up a long coast which appeared very near… But…we found the distance nearer fifty miles than ten, and it was not until 3-1/2 o’clock this afternoon that we dropped anchor alongside the Frigate Savannah. I have not yet been on shore but shall go tomorrow morning, in order to purchase supplies for the remainder of the voyage, and exercise once more my limbs in a foot race and ride…it is almost a fearful thing to remain six months without news of one’s friends, but I shall hear of & from you all in six months more…It has been a very disagreeable voyage…The frigate’s band just along side is playing merrily ‘Old Dan Tucker’, and other Yankee tunes, which sound familiarly & pleasantly enough after our separation from Yankeedom…June 11th. I have spent two hours on shore today, purchasing stores &c…The bay has no great beauty of itself in this season, the hills around being brown & barren looking…A mail steamer leaves here on the 26th, and in her I shall send my letters. We hope to reach California about the time this reaches you…” On blue stationary, quite fine… and RARE. (Est. $400-500)
War-dated 1863 ALS from Confederate Major-General Jeb Stuart: “I have but one motive… and that is duty to our Country.”
383. STUART, James Ewell Brown “Jeb” (1833-64), Confederate Major General of Cavalry who led a daring reconnaissance on McClellan’s forces, riding around the entire army. He later turned up late at Gettysburg leaving Lee “blind.” He proved himself a premier intelligence officer and was considered the “eyes of the CSA.” He fought gallantly at First Manassas, Seven Pines, Second Manassas, Fredericksburg and Brandy Station. Despite initial questions over his delay at Gettysburg, he proved himself again at the Wilderness and Spotsylvania. His death at Yellow Tavern was a real blow to the Confederate cause. Rare war-date Autograph Letter Signed “J.E.B. Stuart,” as major general, 2pp., 5 x 8”, March 2, 1863, Headquarters, Cavalry Division, Army of North Virginia: “Your favor of July 24th was duly received and I have given its subject prompt attention, but no record can be found of any such case having been submitted here. It must have miscarried. My Division surgeon to whom I showed your letter says he will make inquiry about your son and if worthy will have him detailed for hospital duty at the Coleman Institute in Hanover, where his opportunities for study will be better & his expenses less than at Richmond. In the abstract I am opposed to such details but there are special cases which justify it. I have but one motive in these matters and that is duty to our Country, which I know you will recognize as paramount to everything else…” Written shortly before succeeding Jackson as 2nd Corps commander at Chancellorsville and months before he was defeated and mortally wounded at Spotsylvania Courthouse. An extremely desirable letter in pristine condition. (Est. $18,000-24,000)
Killed at Port Gibson… a rare war-date document. 384. TRACY, Edward Dorr. (1833-1863) Confederate brigadier general who fought at First Bull Run and later served in Wheeler’s 19th Alabama. Tracy served in Eastern Tennessee prior to participating in the Vicksburg campaign, where he was mortally wounded at Port Gibson. Excessively rare war-date A.D.S. “E.D. Tracy” as Asst. Adj. General under Joe Wheeler, legal folio, “Hd Qrs Cavalry Brigade”, Holly Springs, Miss., July 23, 1862, headed “General Order No. 2”. Acting under Wheeler’s authority, Tracy orders: “…Commanders of Regiments will furnish morning Reports at this Office every Wednesday and Saturday morning, including a report of the number, kind & condition of Arms, and amount & condition of ammunition per man…state whether or not the horses of the Regiments have been thoroughly groomed for at least one hour both morning & evening…regularly fed & watered…prevent the unnecessary riding of horses by the men…when a halt is ordered to rest, the men must be immediately required to dismount…” The reasons for Tracy’s orders are obvious: horses were more important to the command than the men who rode them! Their good care was essential to ensure readiness of combat. Tiny hole at left margin affects one letter of text, light soiling, overall very good. (Est. $2,000-3,000)
Killed at the Wilderness…
385. WADSWORTH, James S. (1807 – 1864) Union brigadier general who commanded a division at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, mortally wounded at the Wilderness. A.L.S. “Jas. S. Wadsworth“, 1p. 8vo., [n.p.] July, 21 1837, concerning finances, likely those of the family estate in upstate New York. Very good. (Est. $300-400)
386. To General Lew Wallace.PARKER, Joel S. (1816-88) Civil War Governor of New Jersey, Parker was highly critical of the Lincoln Administration in respect to curtailing civil liberties, castigating Lincoln for suspending habeas corpus, andfor what Parker considered the unconstitutional nature of the Emancipation Proclamation. In 1863, however, Parker attended the ceremonies at Gettysburg with the President. ALS, March 3, 1865, on NJ Executive stationery, Parker requests a pass for Dr. Henry S. White, a NJ District Attorney, to reach the Union army near Petersburg where he had employment as a Hospital Surgeon. Parker asserts Henry is “a loyal citizen of New Jersey. He desires a pass to enable him to reach the Army near Petersburg.” Slight mottling, light tear at usual fold, overall fine. (Est. $100-150)
The Hero of Little Round Top won’t attend a reunion.
387. WARREN, Gouverneur K. (1830-82) Union major general who fought at Antietam, Fredericksburg, and at Gettysburg, where he is credited with saving the Union left flank from being rolled up by a Confederate attack on Little Round Top. Fine A.L.S.. “G.K. Warren,” 1p, small 8vo, on his imprinted personal stationery, Newport, RI, Aug. 31, 1874, to “Mr. H.W. Clarke, Sec’y 185th N.Y. Regt. Assn.,” in part: “…I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your kind invitation to the tenth annual Reunion of your regiment and to say how glad I would be to meet with you if I could…” Warren was not yet exonerated in 1874, and appearing at a reunion, with the awful stain proffered by Sheridan and Grant would be too painful and the embarrassment of meeting either of these two would have been overwhelming. Slight ink-smudging, otherwise in very good condition. (Est. $400-600)
Killed in a duel…
388. WHARTON, John A. (d. 1865) Confederate major general who commanded a regiment at Shiloh, later heading a brigade at Stones River and Chickamauga. Killed on April 6, 1865 in private duel. Good content war-date A.L.S. adding rank “Col Comdg 1st. Caly Brig.“ 2pp. legal folio, High Grove [Ky.], Sept. 27, 1862 to Col. George Garner, A.D.C. to Braxton Bragg on a variety of matters including the swearing in of four Tennessee companies, adding “…I have sent General Polk a full statement of the disposition of the Cavalry force under me, which I would be pleased for you to see. From it you will learn my forces are necessarily very much scattered and not in supporting distance of each other. I cannot command three hundred men to move to the support of any one point threatened. No enemy in twelve miles of this place on the Louisville and Bards Town Pike. None in the vicinity of Taylorsville. I will send you a dispatch tonight in relation to the movements of the enemy on the Shepherdsville Road…” Usual folds, a few tears at edges and minor partial fold separations, otherwise very good. (Est. $2,000-3,000)
The General writes to the first historian to chronicle the war – attacking Lincoln and Seward just months after the assassination. 389. WOOL, John E. (1784-1869) Union major general who fought off the Confederates at Fort Monroe and occupied Norfolk. Important content Autograph Letter Signed “John E. Wool” 4pp., 5 x 8″, Troy, New York, August 2, 1865, to historian Benson J. Lossing, criticizing Sec. of State William Seward and Abraham Lincoln. He writes, in part: “…When I provided my three first letters on the subject of the rebellion I do not believe any person thought it would end in abolishing Slavery in the United States. Those who ruled the destinies of the Country at the time, and those who followed had no such idea. The latter not until 1862. Mr. Seward who ought to have known better, did not believe the conflict would last beyond sixty days, until after the disgraceful affair of Bull Run, he then fixed it at 90 days and not to exceede [sic] 6 months. Nothing was ever gained by his tampering with Mobs, riots or rebellion. Energy, efficiency and prompt action, do much better. They are the true remedies for insubordination, riots mobs and rebellions. The administration of Buchanan was treason and imbecility… My dear Lossing if you should ever be elected President of the United States, do not, I intreat you, appoint your opponent an[d] opposing Candidate Secretary of State. Seward was mortified, he considered himself disgraced. Yet he accepted the appointment of secretary of state… Seward had been before the public a long time as a Candidate for President. He was suddenly and unexpectedly defeated by a rail splitter, not however an experienced statesman and wholly ignorant of military matters, at least in my hearing he said again and again he knew nothing of military matters. Of course he was ruled on all military subjects by Gen. Scott. Seward and Scott pulled together. I will have you to conjecture what might under such circumstances be anticipated. The Gen. gets some $16,000 to fill his belly with & something more.” An interesting letter illustrating some of the popular misconceptions about the manner in which Lincoln ran his cabinet and his relationship with Seward. While he was a significant rival, he did represent an important wing of the Republican Party and his presence was necessary for party unity. However, Lincoln remained the final decision maker, not allowing Seward or Winfield Scott to dominate the decision making process, indeed it was quite the reverse. A nice letter written shortly after the hostilities by an active high-ranking participant. Usual folds, slightly toned, else fine. (Est. $1,200-1,500)
From one general to another… 390. WOOL, John E. Autographed Anthony/Brady CDV presented to General Burnside with inscription on verso: “For Mr. Major Gen. Burnside with the kindest regard of John E. Wool Major General.” Accompanied by provenenance detailing that the carte was originally in a photo album owned by Gen. Burnside and his wife. Gold-ruled, sharp contrast, a wonderful signed portrait. (Est. $500-750)
391. [Military Autographs] A collection of nine (9) clipped signatures of Civil War generals including, William T. SHERMAN, William S. ROSECRANS, Benjamin F. BUTLER, Carl SHURZ, Nathaniel P. BANKS, Winfield Scott HANCOCK, John A. DIX (2), and James A. CUNNINGHAM. All mounted to larger slips, light toning, else very good. (Est. $200-300)
392. [Historic Figures of the Lincoln–Era] Large, eclecticassemblage of autograph signaturesof contemporaries of Abraham Lincoln, including many Congressmen (MOC) and Senators from the wartime as well as the pre-and-post-war periods; also numerous full-rank Union generals (plus one Rebel), listed here in boldface capitals. Varied condition, most v.g. to fine. Includes: Hezekiah Bundy (OH Reconstruction MOC), ABRAHAM BUFORD (Confederate Gen. from KY), Goldsmith Bailey (wartime MA MOC, died in office), Homer Bartlett (MA delegate to Rep. Natl. Convention 1856), Anthony Colby (prewar Gov. and wartime Adjt. Gen. of NH, founder Colby-Sawyer College), Jno. L. Chapman (wartime mayor Baltimore), Dr. Jno. J. Crane (wartime surgeon/educator Bellevue Hosp., NYC), Jno. H. Clifford (prewar Gov. MA, wartime state senator, railroad man), Jas. Gallatin (son and secretary of Albert Gallatin, at Treaty of Ghent, noted for his diary), OLIVER O. HOWARD (as Maj. Gen. commanding), Andrew K. Hay (NJ MOC prewar, glass manufacturer), Jas. Humphrey (MOC from Brooklyn immediately pre-and-post-war), Shepherd Knapp (NYC street commissioner, eponym of Capt. Raphael Semmes’s blockade runner), Morris Ketchum (noted railroader, a founder of Rogers Locomotive Works and director of Illinois Central), Elias Leavenworth (Syracuse mayor, Sec. State NY, Pres. 1860 state Republican convention, MOC), DANIEL McCOOK (as Capt. 1 Kansas Infantry; was also Col. 52 OH; Brigadier Gen., mortally wounded at Kennesaw Mountain), John Wesley Maynard (prominent Lycoming Co., PA judge), Pelatiah Perit (wartime president NYC Chamber Commerce and Lincoln correspondent), Marcus J. Parrott (Delegate to Congress from KS Territory 1857-61, pioneer figure), JOHN S. PHELPS (Brig. Gen.; Col. Phelps MO Regiment; Military Gov. Arks., postwar Gov. MO), James Redpath (abolitionist, reformer, journalist, associate and biographer of John Brown), Augustus Schell (NYC politico, Grand Sachem of Tammany after “Boss” Tweed, railroader and associate of Vanderbilt, Democratic party chairman 1872-76), Bellamy Storer (Cincinnati judge, MOC, frequent political correspondent of Lincoln), Ben Stanton (prewar OH MOC and wartime Lt. Gov., suggested after Shiloh that U.S. Grant be court-martialled and shot), Sam B. Schieffelin (NYC financier, railroad man, religion writer), Allen Tenney (wartime NH Sec. State), Jas. R. Wood (wartime physician/educator w/Bellevue Hosp., NYC), ALEXANDER ASBOTH (Brig. Gen., wounded Marianna FL, associate of Fremont), Edward G. Bradford (wartime US Attorney for DE, judge, 1856 Republican conv. delegate), JOSEPH HASKIN (Brig. Gen.; as Lt. Col. 3 US Art.), DARIUS N. COUCH(Maj. Gen.), J.M. Carnahan (Prof. Clinical Surgery NY Medical College; physician to Grover Cleveland), PATRICK H. JONES (Brig. Gen.; as Col. 154 NY), John Hughes; (as first Archbishop of NY; founded Catholic school system; extremely faded), Chas. Delano (wartime MA MOC), John Runk (prewar NJ MOC, gubernatorial candidate 1850), GEO. GIBSON (Commissary Gen. of US Army during first months of war, died in office), Moses H. Grinnell (NY MOC 1839-41, Pres. elector and Republican Natl. Conv. delegate 1856, prominent Unionist, postwar NYC Collector Customs), John H. Hubbard (wartime CT MOC), Frederick F. Low (CA MOC 1862-63, Gov. 1863-67), on piece with Milton S. Latham (Gov. CA 1860 and wartime Senator), Wm. E. Lansing (wartime NY MOC), JAMES H. LANE (Brig. Gen., “Fighting Jim”; IN MOC, US Senator from KS), Lot Morrill (prewar Gov. ME, wartime Senator, delegate Rep. Natl. convention 1864, Grant’s Sec. Treasury), JAMES D. MORGAN (Brig. Gen., brevetted for Bentonville AR), Thomas A. Osborn (wartime Lt. Gov. KS, Gov. and US Marshal postwar), on piece with James M. Ashley (wartime OH MOC, Gov. MT Territory, prominent in impeachment of Andrew Johnson), Moses F. Odell (wartime NY MOC), Daniel Parker (of MA, Adjt. and Inspector Gen. War 1812), HALBERT E. PAINE (Brig. Gen., brevetted for Port Hudson; Col. 4 WI), ALFRED PLEASONTON (Maj. Gen., brevetted for Antietam, Gettysburg, operations against Sterling Price; two examples), ROBERT B. POTTER (Brig. Gen.; Col. 51 NY), THEOPHILUS T. GARRARD (Brig. Gen. from KY), John H. Rice (wartime ME MOC), George M. Robeson (as Gen. of the “Camden Brigade” NJ Militia in Civil War; Grant’s Sec. Navy), DANIEL E. SICKLES (Maj. Gen., brevets for Fredericksburg and Gettysburg; lost leg and got Medal of Honor at latter), Sam Shellabarger (wartime OH MOC), Myer Strouse (wartime Jewish MOC from PA), HENRY G. THOMAS (Brig. Gen., brevetted for Spotsylvania and Petersburg). Plus more than 20 others that we simply can’t identify but from this same holding. (Est. $200-300)
393. [Civil War Officers] Large, diverseassemblage of autograph signatures of Union officers, in various formats, many clipped from franked or signed envelopes, mostly in v.g. to fine condition. Included are a few Medal of Honor recipients and a number of men who came from uncommon far western units, fought in the farther west or against Indians, or were otherwise identified with the frontier. A number of the following officers were brevet generals (often not noted here), and there may be a few full generals hidden away. In the following list all units are infantry, save as noted; units without a state are U.S. Army; USCT means U.S. Colored Troops; VRC means Veteran Reserve Corps; ranks are given for Lt. Cols. and above unless U.S. Army. For the most part (but NOT always), parenthetical information gives the unit and/or rank shown on the signature, then lists other units with which the individual served, and perhaps additional information. Many of these signers’ units were real “fighting regiments” and either the signer and/or the unit were at such famous battles as Appomattox, Atlanta, Chancellorsville, Chickamauga/Chattanooga, Cold Harbor, Fredericksburg, Kennesaw, Lookout Mountain/Mission Ridge, Nashville, Petersburg/Mine, Shiloh, Vicksburg and The Wilderness. A number, most noted here, were present in some capacity at Gettysburg. MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS: Delavan Bates (for Cemetery Hill, VA, shot through the face leading his colored regiment; 121 NY, Col. 30 USCT; Bvt. Brig. Gen.), Henry Capehart (for saving a drowning soldier in VA; surgeon, Col. 1 WV Cav.; Bvt. Brig. Gen.), Henry Seymour Hall (for Gaines Mill and Rappahannock Station; Bvt. Brig. Gen. for Petersburg Mine; 27 NY, 121 NY, Lt. Col. 43 USCT).WESTERNERS: Wm. T. Campbell (Lt. Col. 6 KS Cav.), Sidney Clarke (Asst. Adjt. Gen. for KS/NB/Dakota/CO late in war; KS Reconstruction Congressman, OK pioneer), Theodore H. Dodd (Lt. Col. 2 CO Cav.), Geo. H. Hall (Col. 4 US Cav., 4 MO State Cav., MO militia Gen.), Edward Lynde (Col. 9 KS Cav. unit was active in KS and Indian Terr.), Robt. B. Mitchell (Col. 2 KS; “Bloody Kansas” Freesoiler; Brig. Gen.), Jos. W. McClurg (Col. 8 MO State Militia Cav. and Osage Co. Home Guard; wartime Congressman; Gov.), Jas. N. Olney (Lt. Col. 2 CA, 2 U.S.A.; involved in Inidan actions), Geo. L. Shoup (frank as Col. 3 CO Cav. w/partial Denver City postmark; operated against Arapaho and Cheyenne, fought at Sand Creek, CO; first Gov. ID and U.S. Sen.), Minor T. Thomas (Col. 8 MN; 1 MN, 4 MN; Bvt. Brig. Gen.; 8th guarded against Sioux and fought at Tah-kah-a-kuty = Kill Deer Mountain), Wm. Weir (Col. 10 KS; fought against Stand Watie, also at Franklin and Nashville).OTHERS: Chas. Albright (Col. 202 PA), Harvey M. Brown (Col. 36 WI), Smith Brown (Col. 126 NY, at Gettysburg; vet of Berdan’s Sharpshooters), Sam Beall (Lt. Col. 18 WI), Jas. Briscoe (Col. 199 PA; Bvt. Brig. Gen. for Ft. Gregg; 1 NY, 40 NY), Ben Babcock (2 US Dragoons/Cav.), Wm. Boyd (Col. 21 PA Cav.), Albert Barney (Col. 142 NY), Chas. Bartlett (Lt. Col. 150 NY, Bvt. Brig. Gen. for Resaca; 7 NY Nat. Guard, 5 NY, 12 US, 119 USCT), Wm. R. Brown (Col. 13 WV; 4 WV), James Biddle (Col. 6 IN Cav., Bvt. Brig. Gen. for Nashville, brevet for Richmond KY; 10 NY, 15 US), Sam Bowman (Col. 84 PA, at Gettysburg; 4 IL Cav.), Albert Brackett (1 US Cav., brevetted for Atlanta campaign; Col. 9 IL Cav.),Henry Cole (Col. 1 MD Cav., Potomac Home Brig.; at Gettysburg), O.H.P. Carey (Lt. Col. commanding Reg., 36 IN; 8 IN, 153 IN), Azariah Doan (Lt. Col. 79 OH; 12 OH), Andrew Denison (Col. 8 MD, Bvt. Brig. Gen. for Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Bvt. Maj. Gen. for White Oak Road), Jno. P. Dunne (Lt. Col. 115 PA, at Gettysburg), Hasbrouck Davis (Col. 12 IL Cav.), Jno. A. Dodge (Col. 75 NY), Henry Dean(Col. 146 IL), Seth Eastman (Lt. Col. 1 US), Langdon Eastman (Qr. Master US, Bvt. Brig. Gen. for Atlanta Campaign), John Fisk (Col. 2 Mtd. Rifles NY), John Farnum (Col. 70 NY), Augustus Farnham(Lt. Col. 16 ME, at Gettysburg; 2 ME), Addison Farnsworth (Col. 12 Invalid Corps, VRC, 38 NY, Col. 79 NY), Horatio Gibson (Col. 2 OH Heavy Art.; brevetted for Antietam, Williamsburg), Wm. Gurney(Col. 127 NY; 7 NY Militia, 65 NY); Jas. D. Greene (Col. 8 US — plainly so written, although records indicate his unit was the 6th Inf.; 5 MA, 17 US), Edgar Gregory (Col. 91 PA, at Gettysburg; Bvt. Brig. Gen. for Poplar Springs, Maj. Gen. for Five Forks), J.B. Gray (Adjt. Gen. MO, ADC to Gen. H.W. Halleck, helped organize loyal MO and Col. 1 MO Militia), James Gwyn (Bvt. Brig. Gen. for Poplar Springs, Maj. Gen. for Five Forks; Lt. Col. 118 PA; 23 PA), David Haggard (Col. 5 KY Cav.), Jas. P. Harper (Lt. Col. 3 US Colored Heavy Art., organized from 1 TN Heavy Art.), Chas. Hunsdon (1 VT Heavy Art.), John Hendrickson (Col. 13 VRC; Col. 83 NY), James F. Hall (Bvt. Brig. Gen.; Col. 1 NY Engineers), Wm. H. Heath (Lt. Col. 33 MO), Francis Heath (Col. 19 ME; 3 ME), Wm. Hawley (Bvt. Brig. Gen. for Georgia & S.C. Campaign; Col. 3 WI), Sylvester Hill (Col. 35 IA; Bvt. Brig. Gen. for and killed at Nashville), Robt. Johnstone (Lt. Col. 5 NY Cav., unit fought against John S. Mosby, the “Gray Ghost”), John H. Kane (2 Lt. 5 Cav., brevetted for Appomattox Campaign), Loren Kent (Bvt. Brig. Gen.; Col. 29 IL), Jos. W. Keifer (Bvt. Brig. Gen. for Opequan, Fishers Hill, Middletown, Maj. Gen. for Appomattox Campaign; Col. 110 OH; 3 OH; Speaker of U.S. House Rep. and Spanish-American War General; one of very last CW Gens., died 1932), Jacob Lansing (Lt. Col. 86 NY, at Gettysburg), Arnold McMahon (Lt. Col. 21 OH), John McClure (Col. 47 IL), Geo. McKeaig (Col. 120 IL), Jas. McIvor (Col. 170 NY), Obediah Maxwell (Lt. Col. 194 OH; 1 OH, 2 OH), Alex Magruder (27 KY), Chas. Mann (74 IN), Richard McClain (Col. 51 OH), Michael Manning (Lt. Col. 64 IL, “Yates’ Sharp-shooters”), Edw. Noyes (Col. 39 OH), Jos. Newbold (Lt. Col. 14 IA), Larz Noble (Adjt. Gen. IN), Robt. Nugent (Bvt. Col. USA and Capt. 13 Inf.; Col. 69 NY; brevet Brig). (Est. $500-800)
394. [ALBUM] U.S. GRANT and Others. “Testimonials From June 30, 1862 through Sept. 10, 1886 William White, M.D.” Disbound, partially disassembled album containing notes, telegrams, letters of recommendation and the like, all related to the career of Dr. White, Chief Apothecary in Washington, D.C. during the Civil War. The signatures include U. S. Grant, Thaddeus Stevens, Adjutant General E. D. Townsend, Rufus Ingalls and David Hunter. The Grant note reads: “I know those recommending him and truly endorse their recommendation. U. S. Grant General Dec. 31st/66.” (separation at bottom repaired with frosted tape). Condition varies, most documents laid-in. Loose boards held together with tape. Over 100 signatures with many Civil War generals and prominent physicians of the time. (Est. $500-750)
395. [ALBUM] Notable Guests such as Greeley and McCLELLAN. A truly eclectic and amusing 19th century record documenting a diverse range of guests of the Jamestown House in Buffalo. 10 x 16” bound register, approx. 100pp., “John McHavens Proprietor,” with entries in various hands detailing those staying at the house. It appears some signatures may be in the hand of the guest, but more likely all entered by hotel clerks. Some of entries include W.S. Chappelle, agent for the Ahwanchunks Indian Troupe, along with the names of all the members of the troup appearing at Jones Hall, George B. McClellan, the cast of Mayer & Noyes United States Circus Company, Horace Greeley, Brig. Gen. Dan Sickles and members of the New York Excelsior Brigade, members of the Pek Phase[?] Sharpshooters from Camp Brown, the Fredonia Cornet Band, Hall & Simmons Minstrel Troup appearing at the dance hall, members of Brien’s Circus, and members of Company F 9th NY Cavalry. Covers the period March 1862 through February 1864. The names George McClellan and Horace Greeley appear twice as guests. A fun item, evocative of both Civil War and theater history. Loosely bound, merits further research. (Est. $200-400)