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Post Civil War & Newspapers

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923. A Solid South. 1876 Presidential Campaign Broadside. This eye-catching broadside, issued a few days before the 1876 presidential election, exhibits the Republican Party likening Southern Democrats in the 1876 campaign to the secessionists of the Civil War. It calls out to voters in New Hampshire to uphold the integrity of the nation, much like Republican Civil War-era broadsides that advocated the preservation of the Union. This evocative piece of ephemera includes a “loyal southerner’s” appeal to the editor of the Tribune stating: “I speak forth the words of truth of soberness when I say that they (Southern Democrats) intend to accomplish through the ballotbox what they failed to achieve on the bloody field. They are deaf to the lessons of the terrible past. They are determined to carry out their purposes, and render their past treason respectable.” This broadside is poignantly epitomized by its declaration: “The BALLOT-BOX TO REVERSE THE
BAYONET.” Democratic presidential candidate Samuel J. Tilden lost the 1876 election to Republican Rutherford B. Hayes in one of the most disputed contests in American history. Tilden out-polled Hayes in both popular and electoral votes, with 20 electoral votes in dispute. These 20 votes were eventually awarded to Hayes after a heated legal and political battle thrown into the House of Representatives. Many historians believe an informal deal was struck resulting in the Compromise of 1877. In return for Democratic compliance in Hayes’ election, Republicans agreed to withdraw troops from the South ending Reconstruction and ceding power to white supremacists. 19 x 23 1/2” minor loss at the usual fold, printed by Republican Press Association, Concord, New Hampshire. (Est. $700-900)

924. CANNON, Joseph Gurnery. (1836-1926) Illinois lawyer,  U.S. Congressman and Speaker of the House 1903-1911. As Speaker of the House, “Uncle Joe’s” brand of arbitrary partisan politics – controlling appointments and committee assignments – became known as “Cannonism.” The oldest Congressional office building is named in his honor. A colleague of Lincoln in his early career and a life-time admirer, Cannon appears Lincolnesque in this autographed studio portrait. 10 1/2 x 13 1/2”, inscribed in ink “To my friend Col. Ijame with my compliment J. G. Cannon.” Some minor edge discoloration, else very fine. One of the best examples we’ve seen!    (Est. $200-300)

925. Recounting Abraham Lincoln’s life, the assassination, and escaping from the collapse of Ford’s Theater in 1893. 10pp. correspondence, March 17, 1896, from W.L. Daggett to “Friend Abbie”, on Daggett Brothers, Strong, Maine stationery. Abbie apparently requested information about Abraham Lincoln from Daggett, who responds that all he has is a 500-page book about all presidents, and that the postage would be too much to mail it, so he summarizes the life of Lincoln in this letter instead. After detailing the life-story through the assassination, Daggett then speaks of his father, George Daggett, and the collapse of Ford’s Theater: “With regard to the Ford’s Theater in which Lincoln was assassinated, it is the same building which the government has owned and occupied for offices quite a number of years, and the floors of which fell in June 1893. George Daggett occupied a desk in that building and marvelously escaped by leaving his chair about a minute before the crash came, and had gone to another room for an instant. He leaped from a window across an alley on to a bay window on the opposite side, and was saved. It was very near the spot where Booth made his escape. George’s desk went down with everything around it, and 13 clerks were killed within 20 feet of his desk.” On June 9, 1893, the top floor of the theater caved-in, killing a total of 22 people, and severely injuring 68. The collapse happened only two days after the death of John Wilkes Booth’s older brother, Edwin. George Daggett should have considered himself quite lucky! (Est. $100-200)

926. (Lincoln Portraitist)ADS by J.M. Edmunds, Washington, 7 December 1870, on National Lincoln Monument Association letterhead, directing Francis Spinner (had been Lincoln’s Treasurer of the U.S.) to pay for newspaper ads, printing, and other “expenses of J.H. Littlefield’s lecture” – a little-known lecture by Lincoln friend and artist John Harrison Littlefield. Littlefield clerked for Lincoln but pursued a life in art. He painted a Lincoln deathbed scene as well as a bearded bust portrait that won praise even from Robert Todd. Issued as a life-sized steel engraving, the Littlefield portrait became one of the most popular Victorian-era prints of the martyred President (and model for the 4-cent U.S. stamp of 1890), and it is still sought-after today. (OPEN)

927. Fay Presentation photograph – made from the original negative – to famed Lincoln collector Oliver H. Barrett. 8 x 10” silverprint, from an original negative owned by Fay. A fine specimen of Lincolniana from a famed collector of originals. Copyright 1894 with Fay’s signature at the bottom left, inscription to Barrett on verso. (See lots #25, 26).   (Est. $200-300)

928. Campaign of 1896: Running for President, William McKinley on Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln. An Address by William McKinley, Before the Marquette Club, Chicago, February 12, 1896. [1896], 27pp., titled wraps. Delivered in the year he ran for his first term as president. A topical review of Lincoln’s career morphed into a political vehicle discussing Lincoln’s alleged views of the tariff. (#M-1199) Reinforced spine, wraps worn with a few marginal tears and minor looses, pages lightly toned, else very good. (Est. $50-80)

929. A Hoover-Curtis political keepsake, Mrs. Robert Todd Lincoln’s membership card for the 1928 political club! A fun bit of ephemera. (OPEN)

930. Studebaker Brothers Lincoln Ephemera. Large advertising card, in red and black, issued by famous carriage and automobile makers of South Bend, Ind., for the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition. “Abraham Lincoln’s Old Carriage”, extensive legend on verso details that it was given by “merchants of New York” and it “carried him to Ford’s Theater on the night.” It is now in the Studebaker Museum, South Bend. The family, raised near Gettysburg, PA., supplied the Union army with wagons during the war.  Fine, scarce. (Est. $50-80)

931. OLDROYD, Osborn Hamilton Ingham. (1842-1930) Born in Ohio (his initials spell the state’s name), served with the 20th OH, saw a great deal of action and was wounded in battle. He is considered the first true “great” Lincoln collector, carefully piecing together a tremendous holding. He lived in Lincoln’s Springfield home in the mid-1880s up until Robert Todd Lincoln donated the house to the State. Oldroyd then moved his collection to Washington, D.C., and put it on exhibit while living in the Petersen House, the boarding house where Lincoln died. In 1926, Oldroyd sold his monumental assemblage to the Government for $50,000 – a great deal of which can be seen in the Ford’s Theatre Museum. Nice ephemera group: booklet, An Interview with Osborn H. Oldroyd, signed and inscribed; a sheet of his Lincoln Memoral stationery; his famous postcard juxtaposing Ford’s Theatre and Osborne’s house, “The Home in which Lincoln Died.”  (OPEN)

932. An official, gubernatorial proclamation, November 19, 1957, celebrating the ninety-fourth anniversary of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, and declaring the said date “Dedicaton Day” in Pennsylvania under the authority of state governor, George M. Leader. Coupled with another proclamation, November 28, 1957, celebrating Thanksgiving and designating the day a legal holiday in the state of Pennsylvania. Both signed by Governor Leader.  (OPEN)

Presidents Coolidge, Hoover, Roosevelt and Truman all pay respect to Lincoln – Official regards sent to the Lincoln Tomb and Herbert Wells Fay.

933. Herbert Wells Fay: The greatest collector of material relating to Abraham Lincoln. Born in De Kalb, IL in 1859, he devoted most of his life to accumulating autographs, photographs, literature, music, political material, artifacts, memorabilia and a huge amount of ephemera relating to Lincoln, his associates and friends, the Civil War, American Indians and many other subjects. Early in his life he was the editor of the De Kalb Review. His most important role was that of Curator of the Lincoln Tomb, a position he held for about 40 years, retiring in 1949. In this role Fay literally greeted thousands of distinguished guests, including most of the presidents during his tenure. He never hesitated to solicit autographs and other material from all with whom he came into contact. By 1914 he owned and had classified over 100,000 photographs, many signed by their donors. He loaned thousands of photos for use in the Encyclopedia Britannica, the National Cyclopedia of American Biography, and in countless Lincoln biographies. A wonderful grouping from the Lincoln Tomb. Nine (9) marvelous, original photos of various dignitaries gathered in front of Lincoln’s Tomb with Herbert Wells Fay; an original photograph from Fay, June 2, 1925, showing Illinois Governor Lennington Small signing the document that called for remodeling the Tomb. Flower cards sent by various U.S. presidents accompany this collection. For years it has been the tradition for the White House to send flowers every Memorial Day. The flowers were packaged and the crates marked with a 6 x 6” card addressed to Herbert Fay, Custodian. Included are three such labels from President Coolidge. Also, accompanying each shipment, was a “The President” card in a small White House envelope tied to the flowers with a ribbon. Included here are four (4) such cards: 1926, 1930, 1945 and 1946 from presidents Coolidge, Hoover and Truman (2). Also 4 envelopes, one marked “Gov. Roosevelt.” With a wonderful engraved invitation to the dedication of the remodeled Tomb, June 17, 1931 to “Join with the President of the United States.” Typical age, minor faults, a wonderful grouping, nineteen (19) items in total. [Provenance: Dr. Norm Boas, Seaport Autographs.]  (Est. $300-500)

934. Similar to previous lot, this includes twelve (12) 9 x 11” gorgeous professional photographs of the Tomb and cemetery grounds covered with snow, each taken March 23, 1933. Also, eight (8) 8 x 10” and four (4) 4 x 6” photographs of the monument, both before and after the remodeling, including one fabulous shot of the monument in the early stages of its construction. Also: a 4 x 6” silver-print photo of an artist’s rendering of the Tomb; a beautiful, original, signed watercolor by G. Raab (1924) of the Tomb; a 5 x 3” photo of Herbert Wells Fay’s collection taken inside the Tomb on Nov. 20, 1923; two (2) 8 x 10” original photos by Victor Georg of a nest of Brown Thrasher eggs near the Tomb (1922); a photo of the Tomb’s interior by Herbert Georg; and an engraved invitation to the dedication of the remodeled Tomb on June 17, 1931 to “Join with the President of the United States.” In the folder are handsome pictures of President Hoover and Lincoln’s Tomb. (Provenance: Dr. Norm Boas, Seaport Autographs). Thirty-two (32) items in total.
(Est. $300-500)

935. Gorgeous G.A.R glazed display piece, from an early encampment, likely late 19th/early 20th century. Vivid blues, reds, thick, textured, glazed stock, some archival tape on verso, 12 x 18”. (Est. $200-300)

The Great Reunion  1913.

936. Yard-long souvenir photo: “Peace Re-Union Camp of the Blue and the Gray. 50th Anniversary Battle of Gettysburg. Gettysburg, Pa. July 1st to 4th 1913. Photo No. 1. Made by Losey of Ind. The largest combined reunion of Civil War veterans ever held occurred at Gettysburg in 1913. Plans for this unique encampment, a combined reunion of members of the Grand Army of the Republic and United Confederate Veterans, resulted in an overwhelming turnout – more than 50,000 veterans came to Gettysburg and settled into the great camp situated on the battlefield. Former foes walked together over the old battlefield and re-lived the terrible days where so many of their comrades had lost their lives. Each veteran was provided a cot and bedding in a tent that would hold eight men. Meals, provided by the U.S. Army, were served from a kitchen at the end of each company street and varied from fried chicken suppers to pork roast sandwiches with ice cream for desert. By the end of the reunion, the army kitchens had supplied over 688,000 meals to reunion participants. The youngest veteran at the reunion was 61; the oldest was 112! President Woodrow Wilson came to Gettysburg to address the veterans on July 4th, and spoke of compassion and gratitude: “These venerable men crowding here to this famous field have set us a great example of devotion and utter sacrifice. They were willing to die that the people might live. But their task is done. Their day is turned into evening. They look to us to perfect what they have established. Their work is handed unto us, to be done in another way but not in another spirit. Our day is not over; it is upon us in full tide.” Remarkably well-preserved – a fine memento of a significant milestone. (Est. $200-400)

937. 18 x 9” mounted photo of a large group posing in front of Augustus St. Gauden’s statue of Lincoln at Lincoln Park in Chicago. The statue was dedicated in 1887, this photo seems to date from about 1915-1920. Many of the participants are wearing lapel badges, likely from some reunion. Fine. (OPEN)

938. “This World Cannot Exist Half Slave And Half Free –  Buy War Bonds.” Classic World War II patriotic poster, 1943, U.S. Gov. Printing Office, very good condition, usual folds. This large poster, 29 x 40”, credited to “B. Rig”, was sponsoed by John Wyeth & Bros. (a pharmaceutical company, now known as Wyeth). [Auction records up to $400.] A fine example. (Est. $150-250)

939. Two (2) pairs of handsome book-ends; nice dark patina.  (OPEN)

940. Two (2) pairs of metal book-ends; quite heavy with excerpt from Gettysburg Address.    (OPEN)

941. Three (3) great plaques, the largest 11 x 15 1/2”.  (OPEN)

942. Brass door knob from Lincoln Hotel, Reading, PA, ca. 1900.  (OPEN)

943. Pair of vivid, colorful tobys with handles fashioned in the form of the Gettysburg Address. One, Ltd. Ed. hand modeled and hand decorated pocelain character jug sculpted by Five Town Jugs of Staffordshire (one of 250); and a jug by Stanley James Taylor. Accompanied by a unique and bright Lincoln bust. We expect these cost a fair bit when the souvenirs were first issued!    (OPEN)

944. A pair of Lincoln kitsch gems! One mustache mug adorned with the liknesses of Lincoln, Grant and Roosevelt, the three Republican scions; a small Lincoln water pitcher featuring a majestic eagle and an excerpt of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, by Staffordshire.  (OPEN)

945. Three (3) illuminating glass likenesses; thick, transparent cubes… etched glass blocks. Accompanied by wooden base with lightbulb to be plugged into electrical outlet. Neat, definite kitsch, never seen these before!  (OPEN)

Newspapers

946. Lincoln in Congress! National Intelligencer, July 22, 1848. An article details the first session of the Thirtieth Congress, Representative Abraham Lincoln of the “Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads” reports a bill “to establish certain post routes.” 4pp., usual folds, two small ink spots, overall bright and supple. Rare… finding ANYTHING reflecting Lincoln’s only term in Congress is next to impossible.   (Est. $100-150)

947. Lincoln the lawyer.
Daily Illinois State Journal, Springfield, December 22, 1858. The newspaper supported Lincoln’s political efforts, especially in this year, 1858, in his senate race against Douglas. Of special interest is the notice: “Lincoln and Herndon: Attorneys and Counselors at law – will practice in the courts of Law and Chancery in this state – Springfield, Ill.” Also legal notices on front page for lawyers William Conkling, J. Moffett, James Matheny, James C. Conkling, J. Wallace… AND an ad for Lincoln’s barber, William Fleurville “Barber, Having his shop Burnt up in the late fire, desires to inform his friends that he has taken a room over Dawson’s shop, directly opposite Journal office.”  (Est. $100-150)

948. Three complete issues of “Harper’s Weekly” related to Lincoln and his inaugurations: March 6, 1861, cover showing President-elect Lincoln raising the flag at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall; March 16, 1861, Lincoln and Buchanan riding a carriage together in the inaugural procession; and March 18, 1865, Lincoln taking the oath of office from Chief Justice Chase. Disbound, normal wear, overall fine.
   (Est. $100-150)

949. 12 x 19” souvenir wallpaper edition of the Vicksburg Daily Citizen of July 2, 1863. Occupying Union forces entered the offices of this Southern paper and issued an edition of the paper, using type and forms left undisturbed when the Rebels left, adding an additional paragraph of text, appropriate of events. The originals are quite rare, but many souvenir editions were made shortly thereafter, of which this is a fine example. (Est. $200-300)

Three HUGE collections of Civil War papers.

950. 1859-1865 (70 issues total). This collection contains major newspapers from the Civil War, including the Press Tribune, the New-York Tribune, The New-York Times, the National Intelligencer, the Philadelphia Enquirer, the Weekly Herald, the Detroit Daily Tribune, and the Chicago Tribune. Several issues cover Lincoln’s political campaigning and his time as President-elect. The September 19, 1859 issue of the Press Tribune, for example, discusses what it claims was “one of the ablest and most searching of Mr. Lincoln’s public speeches.” The holding also covers the pro-slavery hostilities and dissent that erupted in the South in response to his election. The April 20, 1861 issue of the New-York Tribune captures national reactions to the siege of Fort Sumter. Additionally, several notable issues cover major battles. The June 6, 1863 issue of the Weekly Herald, for example, announces “The Siege of Vicksburg” with a map of the battlefield. In addition, papers cover major Union victories from later in the war, including General Sherman’s legendary march to the sea; a September 10, 1864 paper discusses the fall of Atlanta. Also newspapers cover Lincoln’s 1864 campaign and re-election, the peace proceedings, Lincoln’s assassination and the trial of those involved in the plot, the fall of Confederate leaders and the early phases of reconstruction and post-war life in the South. The March 7, 1865 issue of the New-York Tribune captures the “glorious popular demonstration” and “the new pledge of patriotism” that circulated throughout New York City as the war came to a close. The May 15, 1865 issue of The New-York Times announces “Davis Taken!” and mentions the former president of the Confederacy tried to put on “his wife’s petticoats” in order “to sneak into the woods” as Union soldiers approached his hideaway camp. Some newspapers have tape at usual folds. This collection encompasses the Civil War as covered by the press. (Est. $1,000-2,000)

951. 1860-1865 (135 issues total). Similar to previous lot, this group features a variety of major and local press outlets, including: the Kenosha Telegraph, the Massachusetts Ploughman, the National Intelligencer, the New York Tribune, and the New York World. Many issues include coverage of Lincoln’s 1860 and 1864 campaigns, major union campaigns, and the end of the war. Additionally, editorials concerning the major political issues of the day frequently appear in these newspapers. The April 19, 1865 issue of the Providence Daily Journal covers Lincoln’s assassination. Chronological Summary: -1860: Utica Morning Herald, New York World, Kenosha Telegraph, National Intelligencer: Discuss convention, projections for campaign, etc. Richmond Inquirer-southern perspective, clear support of Douglas -1861: Much coverage and editorials about Lincoln’s early presidency and events leading up to the war. Examples: Massachusetts Ploughman 2/16/61-coverage of president’s journey to Washington, Jefferson Davis’s election as president of Confederacy. New York Tribune 2/16/61-editorials about slavery, Lincoln’s promises. NY World 3/4/61-description of new Cabinet and Lincoln’s accession to presidency. Massachusetts Ploughman 3/16/1861-eyewitness account of president’s first levee. Philadelphia Inquirer 5/22/61-coverage of “rebel action” secession of NC, Union soldier camps Kenosha Telegraph 7/9/61-President’s Address to Senate and House -1862: Similar to 1861 collection (mainly contains National Intelligencer, New York Tribune, Massachusetts Ploughman, etc.) Editorials about Lincoln’s policies and minor battle coverage -1863: Some battle coverage. Notable pieces: Albany Journal 8/3/63 -mention of Lincoln’s “tooth for a tooth” speech (violence of Confederate soldiers). New York Tribune 11/19/63-coverage of Lincoln’s train leaving for Gettysburg. New York Tribune 11/28/63-editorial/coverage of reactions to Lincoln’s address -1864: More coverage of and commentary about battles -1865: Coverage and editorials about end of the war events. Notable pieces: New York Tribune 3/6/65-Coverage of inauguration. Providence Daily Journal 4/19/65-Assassination coverage.   (Est. $1,000-2,000)

952. 1861-1865 NY Herald (109 issues total).This collection contains 109 issues of the NY Herald from the Civil War. It encompasses discussions of many of the hotly-debated political issues, chief figures, and significant battles of the era. Several issues feature extensive coverage of the mid-war political campaign. December 16, 1863 headline “Crisis of our Country” discusses the political problems Lincoln faced upon the eve of his re-election. In addition, many 1864 issues feature large front-page maps of various battles and Union offenses, including Sherman’s epic March to the Sea. Overall, this collection provides an extensive summary of the major figures and events of the Civil War as captured by a major news outlet. Summary: 1861 NY Herald (1 issue) Highlights- July 20: feature story on the Battle of Bull’s Run 1862 NY Herald (5 issues) Highlights- October 21: congratulatory dispatch from President Lincoln to Grant 1863 NY Herald (9 issues) Highlights- editorials on political issues and upcoming election December 16: “Crisis of our Country” …extended coverage of developing presidential campaign 1864 NY Herald (53 issues) Highlights- September (extensive coverage of Shenandoah throughout month) 8: Map of Sherman’s victories in Georgia 15: coverage of draft, Shenandoah victory 24: map of Sheridan’s second victory at Shenandoah Valley. October (extensive coverage of Sherman’s march and rebel losses in South) 5: closing campaign and rebel retreat in Shenandoah (map) 10: Union successes in Louisiana 11: Sherman’s activities in Georgia, Union advance on Richmond. November (extensive coverage of Sherman’s march and Union victories in South) 15: map of Sherman’s captures in Georgia and South Carolina 16: resignation of Gen. McClellan 26: rebel panic in Georgia, map. December (extensive coverage of finales of Sherman’s march) 2: Hood’s advance on Nashville, map 19: General Sherman’s new base, march to sea ends, map 23: General Hood’s flight, map 26: Sherman captures Savannah 29/30: attack on Fort Fisher, map 1865 NY Herald (41 issues) Highlights- February-March: coverage of Sherman April 11: coverage of local reactions and celebrations in response to Lee’s surrender 25: coverage of Lincoln funeral procession and crowds of mourners. May 4: feature stories on investigation of Lincoln assassination and offer of bounties for those suspected of conspiracy. June (extended coverage of “reorganization” and policies of new administration) 1: coverage of national day of prayer and mourning for Lincoln 10: “the last of the rebellion”-coverage of immobilization of last remaining rebels 24: blockade on southern ports ending. Another fine grouping.   (Est. $1,000-2,000)

953. Two (2) bound volumes of Harper’s and Leslie’sin both English AND German. Some 59 newspapers. Not collated, needs to be disbound or rebound as cloth boards worn and separated, includes papers from 1859-1860 and 1862-1863. Includes monumental events such as the John Brown Affair, Lincoln’s nomination and election, and Civil War news. some foxing on pages, otherwise fantastic pieces of history. The papers printed in German speak to the large, politically influential immigrant communities in states like Pennsylvania and Ohio… large enough to merit publishing in their native language!  (Est. $500-800)

News on the saddest day in American history.

954. Rochester Daily Democrat, Saturday April 15th, 1865: “A TERRIBLE TRAGEDY.” This morning dispatch describes the events of Lincoln’s murder: “the parting of his family with the dying President was too sad for description.” This periodical is in great condition, bright, with minimal loss and a small hole at the usual fold. 21 x 27”.   (Est. $500-750)

955. April 15, 1865 issue of the Washington Daily Chronicle reporting on the assassination together with news on the attempted murder of William Seward. “The Scene at the Theatre. At half past ten o’clock last night, in the front upper left-hand private box in Ford’s Theatre, while the second scene of the third act of ‘Our American Cousin’ was being played, a pistol was fired, and Abraham Lincoln shot through the neck and lower part of the head. A second after the shot was fired, a man vaulted over the baluster of the box, saying, ‘Sic semper tyrannis!’ and, adding another sentence, which closed with the words, ‘revenge for the South’ ran across the stage with a gleaming knife, double edged and straight, in his right hand. The man was of middle stature, well-built, white faced and beardless, save that he wore a black moustache. His hair and eyes were black…” The paper, a testament to the rapid succession of events, later identifies the murderer as Booth and the 6th column, adds a “SECOND EDITION” notice announcing ‘”DEATH OF THE PRESIDENT.” Light foxing, some tearing at margins and folds, else very good condition.  (Est. $500-750)


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