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The Grant Gallery

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General Grant critiques an engraving of Abraham Lincoln

680. GRANT, Ulysses S. (1822-85) ALS, 1p, 4to, “Head Quarters Armies of the United States”, Washington, D.C., Oct.12th, 1866. To the artist, William Edgar Marshall. Grant sends thanks to Edgar for a proof copy of his famous “line engraving of the late President Lincoln, executed by you, and which you have done me the honor to send me…” He goes on to say, “ It has been pronounced by much better judges of the art than myself to be admirably executed and a most faithful likeness of the original. So far as capable of judging I concur in this view…” An interesting letter of one President associated with another.  (Est. $2,500-3,500)

Grant authorizes expanding a reservation for troublesome Indians [Native Americans]

681. GRANT, Ulysses S. D.S. “U.S. Grant“, 1p. Oblong 4to., ‘Head-quarters” [n.p.], Aug. 9, 1867, a signed endorsement responding to Major Gen. Henry Halleck’s request that an reservation be expanded to accommodate “troublesome” Indians. Halleck, then in command of the Military Division of the Pacific, forwards Major G. Chapin’s sketch of the military reservation Camp Goodwin, Arizona Territory. The sketch proposes an expanded reservation six miles square: “…Composed chiefly of gravelly mesas…covered with stunted shrubs & different varieties of cacti…mesquite trees are found in the low grounds…it is needed of the size indicated because of the small amount of arable land…and the necessity of keeping a large number of Indian prisoners upon it…” Halleck approves the measure, and Grant endorses it as well: “Respectfully forwarded to the Secretary of War approved.” Also signed by AAG Edward D. TOWNSEND. Two letters in Grant’s signature lightly brushed, else very good. By 1871 the underfed Apaches at Camps Goodwin and Grant would often leave the reservation to maraud with Cochise and bands of renegades. A Federal grand jury would find that quartermasters routinely stole provisions, and military officers at the reservations took great advantage of their charges, both monetarily and sexually. (Est. $1,500-2,000)

682. GRANT, U.S. Autograph, mounted card. 4 x 2”, fine. (Est. $250-300)

683. Grant family archive: a fine cabinet card of Frederick Dent Grant (1850-1912) by Pach Brothers; an 1893 U.S. Grant, Jr. ALS regarding investments for his mother (“Mother’s investments should be in real estate mortgages…”); an 1889 Nellie Grant Sartoris ALS on mourning stationery; an undated Jesse Grant ALS from Long Branch (“Father desired me to acknowledge the receipt of your poem, and express his thanks…”); an 1896 Frederick D. Grant ALS transmitting an autograph of his father (not included); plus a 1927 TLS of Julia Cantacuzene Speransky nee Grant on aid for World War I Russian refugees.  (Est. $300-500)


Vice-President Colfax on the declining health of ANOTHER President to be assassinated.

684. COLFAX, Schuyler. (1823–85)  Speaker of the House, Vice-President in Grant’s first term, Colfax consulted with Lincoln often during the 1860 campaign. Four days after his inauguration, President Lincoln wrote to Colfax in regard to not having appointed him to his Cabinet (the Dept. of Interior). “…you were most honorably and amply recommended; and a tender of the appointment was not withheld on any ground disparaging to you… I now have to beg that you will not do me the injustice to suppose, for a moment, that I remembered any thing against you in malice…” As Speaker of the House, his relationship with the White House became much more important. Colfax was party to the most important document coming out of the Lincoln presidency. On February 1, 1865, a printed Congressional Resolution was sent to the legislatures proposing an Amendment to the Constitution titled “Article XIII,” abolishing slavery. Fine ALS, 1p, 8 x 5”, South Bend, IN, [1881] Aug. 24. Fine. PLUS cdv photograph. He writes to a friend in regard to critically-ill James A. Garfield following the President being shot: “Much interested in what you wrote about that aid to digestion, that I both telegraphed it & sent to Dr. Bliss, who has been the Dr. in charge of my stepfather, mother, wife & myself on four trying occasions, & in whom I have great confidence. He saved my life & my stepfather’s, when all the rest gave us up. Of course there is only a shadow of a hope for the President – as it requires those great ‘ifs,’ alluded to yesterday, to cooperate together to give him now an even chance. But I thought if his stomach rebelled, what I suggested might help. I am intensely anxious, but my fears outweigh my hopes…” An excellent missive.  (Est. $300-500)

A torch-light parade… and violence at the hands of Seymour supporters!
685. Pair of 1868 Grant Political Campaign Letters. Two letters from a man named “Byers” to his sister, Cincinnati, OH, August 23, 1868, 4pp., in part: “Last night we had a great time at the Grant meeting. I never saw such a crowd together before. The Grant Guards had a torch light procession which seemed endless, it must have been two or three miles long. Maxwell P Gaddies, Senator Sherman and others spoke. There was a great enthusiasm, and but for the vigilance of the policemen there would have been considerable bloodshed in one or two instances. Rowdies under protection of the dense crowd threw rocks, glasses, etc. at the boys in the procession. One man was struck with a glass from the crowd not far from where I was standing, he bled horribly and the Grant Guard stopped and broke the crowd intending to thrash every Seymour man they could lay hands on. Still there was a promiscuous display of officers swords and policeman’s mases until by the hardest exertion the men were induced to return to ranks. I was sorry they did not let them loose on the crowd, for I never saw a more villainous looking set of roughs, and I wanted to get in a lick or two for Grant and Colfax.” Also, October 9, 1868, 4pp., in part: “That must have been a grand display the Grant people made at the Georgetown demonstration, I should have liked to have seen it. There is not a night passes but there are torch light processions here, and some of them are most gigantic affairs. I have seen several which were two or three miles long and required over an hour to pass a given point. It is a fine sight to see the streets a perfect blaze of light for one whole hour as far in either direction as the eye can reach.” Great history.   (Est. $200-300)

Grant’s former Sec. of War tries to secure
delegates for a third-term run.
686. CAMERON, James D. (1833-1918) Fine LS on U.S. Senate stationery to Col. Robert Harlan, May 3, 1880. Cameron, son of Lincoln’s Sec. of War, took over his father’s Senate seat in 1877 after serving for a year as President Grant’s Sec. of War. This interesting letter to a delegate to the 1872 Republican National Convention, shows concern Cameron had in getting southern support and Grant delegates in-line for a third-term run. In part: “So far the conventions of the South, with the exception of Georgia, have been entirely satisfactory, and in Georgia we shall have probably a majority of the delegates for Grant. I am fearful, however, that there may be trouble in Alabama and Louisiana. If you could spare the time I think it would be well for you to go to Alabama and from there to Louisiana.” The Republican convention opened with three candidates and a draft movement to nominate Grant for the third term after a four year absence. Many opposed breaking with the two-term tradition established by Washington. On the 36th ballot, the anti-Grant vote switched to James Garfield. Grant never garnered the southern support needed to get the Republican nomination. (Est. $300-400)

687. Stunning, dramatic, ca. 1865 mounted albumen, gold-ruled, with cancelled revenue stamp on verso. This gorgeous portrait enjoys excellent tone, contrast, a few small abrasions detract little. 8 x 10” overall, the portrait measures 5 1/2 x 7 1/2” and would look great in an appropriate frame!
(Est. $800-1,000)


688. 9 1/2 x 11 1/2” mounted albumen of four men on a hotel porch, titled in period ink: “Warren Leland. Pres. U. S. Grant 1869. Union Hotel, Saratoga Sept 1869.” Grant has his legs crossed and holds a top hat. These distinguished gentlemen were no doubt contemplating a day at the races or “taking in the waters.” Likely an unpublished photo, possibly only four copies extant for each of those posed, their names detailed on verso: O. J. Brown, M. Kramer, M. Humphrey, M. H. Williams.  (Est. $2,500-3,500)

689. Grant and the Aztec Club, photograph at Gen. Patterson’s house. 10 x 6” mounted albumen by Gutekunst. Twenty dignitaries, arranged on a columned porch, include Grant, his son Lt. Col. Frederick D. Grant, General Robert E. Patterson, and others, each identified on the verso. Many of the distinguished guests at this anniversary dinner of the club wear souvenir badges. Circa 1875. (Est. $2,500-3,500)

690. Wonderful General Grant cabinet card by F. Gutekunst, Philadelphia, measuring 4 x 6” with Gutekunst imprint and emblem on mount. Matted in an ornate gold frame. Full bust portrait of Grant in uniform, hand in vest with bold tones and in excellent condition. One of the finest examples!      (Est. $350-450)

691. U.S. Grant CDV. Quite rare carte photograph taken on June 5, 1868 in Washington, D.C. by T.R. Burnham of Boston. A fine and very desirable Grant from-life photograph.   (Est. $400-$600)

692. Grant CDV, light mottling, 1868 Burnham copyright. (Est. $200-300)

693. Grant by Anthony. Slight loss to top right of portrait, detracts little, small bump in lower left hand corner, gold ruled, fine contrast.     (Est. $200-400)


694. A less common Grant pose by Anthony/Brady. Gold-ruled, slight discoloration, a fine specimen.    (Est. $200-250)

695. Grant by Anthony. Gold-ruled, excellent. (Est. $150-250)

696. Vice-President Schulyer Colfax by Mathew Brady, his imprint on verso. A lovely, pristine specimen! (Est. $70-90)

697. Two (2) cartes of U.S. Grant. A.S. Morse of Tennessee with cancelled revenue stamp. Second CDV of Grant wearing Lincoln mourning band on left arm.     (Est. $80-120)

698. Two (2) cartes. Speaker of the House Schuyler Colfax by Brady. Gold-ruled full board. Henry Wilson, Grant’s Vice-President by C. Born of Wasington.     (Est. $80-120)

699. Pair of Grant and Colfax 1868 campaign cartes, including the desirable, “We intend to fight it out on this line if it takes ALL SUMMER” example.   (Est. $200-300)

700. 1868 carte of Seymour and Blair by Lauber & Campbell of Louisville, KY. Trimmed along right edge.     (Est. $50-75)

701. Grant’s City Point Headquarters. Grant’s H.Q. during the Siege of Petersburg, 1864-5. To serve the Union Army, large military installations were built there and it became one of the busiest ports in the world. On March 27, 1865, Lincoln met at City Point with Grant, Sherman, and Adm. David Porter aboard the River Queen. Slight clippings at corners, excellent contrast.   (Est. $200-300)

702. Twenty (ten two-sided leaves) Grant funeral photos. Each albumen measures 11 1/2 x 9 1/2” with appropriate descriptive title on the mount. Published in 1886 and likely from a commemorative album, the images depict places associated with Grant’s demise, his funeral and burial, artworks and floral displays honoring the Union hero. Excellent condition.  (Est. $1,500-1,800)

703. Grant 1868, 31mm. ferrotype pin, gilt brass shell, similar to USG-1868-65. In excellent condition save for tiny chip at top of image. Surface is smooth and glossy with no blistering or cracks. (Est. $300-500)

704.  1868 ferrotype stickpin. 21mm. brass frame, raised circular inscription “We Will Fight It Out On This Line” surrounding a star. The frame contains a clear and bright ferrotype, some light lifting of the emulsion on the right half without loss. It appears extremely clean and bright with sharp focus. We believe this to be the ONLY example of this ferrotype extant ranking it as one of the top three single portrait Grant ferros!     (Est $800-1,200)

705. Gem ferro badge. 20mm. x 26mm., copper frame with an unusual portrait. Nice.    (Est. $200-300)

706. 1868 campaign portrait by T. R. Burnham on cardboard in 20mm. x 26mm. ornamental brass frame with flag bow. Without question, in pristine condition!   (Est. $300-350)

707. Copper embossed gem frame with a bold albumen.  A 20mm. x 26mm. badge, mint.   (Est. $125-175)

708. 1868 Seymour campaign ferro set within a gilt brass looped frame with pin attached on verso. 24 mm., near mint condition. The portrait is one rarely encountered. (Est. $250-350)

709. 61mm. Grant Indian Peace medal in copper with attached loop, issued by the U.S. Mint beginning in 1871. The obverse is inscribed “United States of America. ‘Let Us Have Peace.’ Liberty Justice and Equality.” surrounding Grant’s portrait. The reverse shows farming implements, the globe and the Holy Bible and is inscribed “On Earth Peace. Good Will Towards Men 1871.” Unc., deep chocolate patina indicates an early strike.
   (Est. $500-700)

710. USG-1868-44, 39mm. copper shell badge: Let Us Have Peace Ulysses S. Grant. Excellent, with pin. (Est. $150-200)

711. USG-1868-47, 35mm. silvered brass shell badge. The obverse depicts military bust within a wreath, reverse has a shield, star and wreath with inscripton “I Propose To Fight It Out On This Line 1868.” Uncirculated, retaining a great deal of its original luster. Light tarnish on obverse and half of reverse, displays very well.    (Est. $150-200)

712. USG-1868-51, 32mm. silvered brass shell badge. Obverse has raised bust, reverse inscribed “I Propose To Move Immediately On Your Works.” Lacking loop, with lovely gun metal blue and light orange toning.     (Est. $100-150)

713. 18mm. silver medal issued by the Mint in Philadelphia, engraved by Pacquet, circa 1865. Handsome.    (Est. $50-75)

714. Small ivory monocular stanhope measuring 5/8” in length with attached metal ring. It contains a clear micro-photograph of a military bust of U. S. Grant with inscription below: “Imported by Joseph Ward & Son. Boston.” This was likely imported from France for use in either the 1868 or 1872 presidential campaign.     (Est. $150-250)

715. Same as previous lot, also mint – image of what can be seen in both examples at left.    (Est. $150-250)

716. Grant & Colfax 7 x 10” engraved invitation to the “Inauguration Reception. March 4, 1869.” Reads “The Company of is requested at the Inauguration Reception to be given at the United States Treasury Building at Washington D.C. on the evening of March 4th 1869.” Engraved by Philip & Solomons (they published numerous Gardner Photographs), Washington, D.C., lists general committee members alongside Lady Liberty. Wonderful graphics, seldom found lacking faults as in this extremely clean example.   (Est. $500-600)

717. 1873 inaugural ticket autographed by the Chairman of the Inauguration, George A. Halsey. Halsey (1827-94) was a New Jersey Congressman who made his fortune in the leather business (Grant was also a “tanner”!) A scarce Grant ticket with fun association signature.      (Est. $300-500)

718. 4 1/2 x 3” 1869 inaugural ticket, printed on yellow card stock. “Gallery of the U. S. Senate Inauguration Day… Admit the Bearer. Geo. T. Brown Sergeant-at-Arms.” Printed by Philip & Solomons of Washington, DC. Mint.   (Est. $300-400)

719. 2 x 7” woven silk ribbon commemorating Grant’s victories at Richmond, Vicksburg, and Fort Donelson. In near mint condition with a few minor spots, otherwise crisp, vivid colors with red, blue and white tassel.   (Est.$300-400)

720. 4 3/4 x 6 1/4” 1868 campaign songster in orange pictorial wraps, “The Grant Songster for the Campaign of 1868.” (Root & Cady, Chicago.) 44pp., light soiling with wear to binding, repaired with stamp hinges. (Est. $50-100)

721. 5 x 8” hand-colored, 1864 Magnus “Our Ulysses.” Lyrics on Vicksburg and Shiloh! Excellent songsheet.   (Est. $40-60)

722. Two pieces of 1862 sheet music. “General Grant’s Grand March” published by Oliver Ditson, 6pp., neatly-repaired edge tears; “Lieutenant General Grant’s Grand March” by Lee & Walker of Philadelphia, 6pp.   (Est. $80-120)

723. Two pieces sheet music with same title: “Lieutenant General Grant’s Grand March”, both printed in black & brown by Lee & Walker of Philadelphia, 6pp., one 1862, one 1864, one has separated pages, other intact.    (Est. $75-100)

724. Two letters written on 1868 campaign lettersheets: a 4pp. letter with purple masthead portraits “Gen. U. S. Grant Hon. S. Colfax” and a 2-page letter, lacking integral leaf, with gold portrait inscribed “Hurrah! for GRANT and good government.” Somewhat ironic, don’t-ya think?   (Est. $100-150)

725. A fantastic Grant/Wilson 1872 torchlight parade circular from Massachusetts with pencil notes on the front and verso pertaining to campaign meetings; slight foxing to the middle, otherwise fine.    (Est. $100-200)

726. Grant & Wilson campaign gum wrapper, 1872, 3” tall. A neat little gem! The first we’ve encountered. (Est. $150-200)

727. General Grant Reception Invitation for December 23, 1879. 6 x 7”, given by the Union League of Philadelphia. Grant was considering a third term run in 1880 with support at the convention, but lost the nomination to another Civil War General, James Garfield. (Est. $100-$200)

728. Re-Construction, or a White Man’s Government.”
18 x 13” cartoon by Currier & Ives, 1868, fabulously ironic: Grant’s campaign/reconstruction represented by a freed slave extending his hand to a drowning ex-Confederate slave-master while holding onto the “Tree of Liberty.” Grant stands on the river bank and advises the man in peril to “use all means to get ashore; even if it is a black man that saves you.” Slight tear to bottom corner, else very fine. (Est. $400-600)

729. The Great American Tanner.” Currier and Ives cartoon, 1868, with anti-Seymour and Blair content depicting the “Great Sachem of Tammany” offering up the Democratic hopefuls to Grant to get their “hides tanned.” Behind the rugged, switch-wielding Grant are the whipped Robert E. Lee, S.P. Buckner and Pemberton, “late of the Confederate Army.” Small tear to top corner, else fine.   (Est. $400-600)

730. The Man of Words, The Man of Deeds, Which do you think the Country Needs?” Exceptionally sardonic 1868, pro-Grant campaign cartoon by Currier and Ives juxtaposing Seymour and Grant; Seymour delivers his infamous NYC Draft Riots speech in which he addresses the bellicose mob as “My Friends!” and entrusts the rioters to “defend the peace and good of the city” while the Colored Orphan Asylum and numerous black New Yorkers burn at the hands of the crowds. Grant is meanwhile projected as a “Man of Deeds” as he stands triumphantly over the slayed corpse of “rebellion” and Jeff Davis’ head. Bright, clean.      (Est. $500-700)

731. Grant & Colfax chromolithograph. 9 1/2 x 12” print of the 1868 candidates published by Strobridge & Co. of Cincinnati, the preeminent lithographers of circus, Wild West, county fair, theatrical and political posters in the late 19th, early 20th centuries. An extremely colorful rendition; Grant is seated with a newspaper while Colfax stands next to a column marked “U.S.” striking a Napoleonic pose. Scattered light foxing, but a terrific and rare image. (Est. $300-400)


732. Small folio Currier & Ives lithograph: “National Union Republican Banner, 1868.” Republican nominees, Grant & Colfax, as well as a Union soldier and farmer presented with slogans: “Liberty and Loyalty. Justice and Public Safety.” The latter references law and order issues in the occupied South. 1 1/2” tear at top with minor loss and light stain. Quite nice overall. (Est. $500-600)

733. Beautiful, hand-colored, Currier & Ives, lithograph, “Lieut. Genl. Ulysses S. Grant. General In-Chief of the Armies of the United States.” Sharp blues and golds. Grant was promoted Lt. General on March 9th 1864, having been a Major General through his capture of Vicksburg. (Est. $200-300)

734. Medium folio Currier & Ives lithograph: “Lieut. Genl. Ulysses S. Grant. General in Chief of the United States.” 12 1/2 x 14 1/2”, lightly toned at right margin, two edge tears at top, mended on verso with archival tape. Scarce. (Est. $150-200)

735. Pair of parianware busts, 7” tall, one wearing civilian clothing, the other in military uniform. The larger bust has exceptional detail. Mint condition, circa 1875-1885, quite well-executed. (Est. $200-300)

736. U.S. Grant Staffordshire Trinket Box. 4” tall china box with ornate lid, circa 1872. A finely-detailed curio in excellent condition, no chips or damage, typical wear/loss to gold gilt, 5” tall.
A beautiful 3-D piece.     (Est. $400-$500)

737. 11 x 14” three-dimensional, convex, solid plaster plaque depicting Grant in front of a flag with an eagle and crossed cannons below. Border is painted brown to simulate wood. The edges have a series of incised wording that includes “L T G [Lieutenant General] Grant”, “P.P.F.” and “…ENT [patent]”. Extremely well-done and quite dramatic. We are told on good authority another example exists mounted within a cumbersome shadowbox. (This is born out by the existence of putty residue on the back side.) Excellent condition with only minor chipping to the faux-wood finish. Circa 1865. Would look terrific propped up, displayed on one’s mantel!     (Est. $400-600)

738. Grant memorabilia Group Lot. Includes: two tickets for a “Reception and Camp Fire” at Philadelphia’s Academy of Music for Grant, December 18, 1879; two engraved CDVs; an engraved ticket for the dedication of Grant’s Tomb, April 27, 1897; a cabinet card of Grant’s Tomb at Riverside Park; three assorted trade cards; and a program for a Grant memorial service at Plymouth, MA on August 8, 1885.   (OPEN)


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