Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 27

Manuscript and Collectibles Auction

Colonial Americana

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 4031		18th Century Medical Lectures. Lecture notes compiled by an unidentified doctor, probably from Philadelphia, 24 pp, 8½ x 6½ in. The notes were not meant for publication, as there are deletions and additions squeezed between some lines and in the margins. The pages are toned and soiled; one page has been torn out and there are other tears and holes, affecting some text; some of later pages are light. The notes begin, "It is a general Rule to give Vomits in intermitt.t Fevers before ye taking of the Barks…." He often refers to "solid and simple Fibres." Lecture 2 begins, "Nervous Powers is ye Foundation of Sensibility and Irritability." The notes mention Dr. Cullen and Dr. Pitcairn, two famous doctors of the 1770s and 80s, and perhaps others. A little research might reveal the author of these notes; it is probably one of the well-known doctors of the time. Estimated Value $900 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $518
Lot 4032		An Account of English Exports 1763-1772. Printed fold-out account of English exports to German and Holland, as well as to "The Revolted Provinces of North-America," the latter amounting to £20,061,023. 6½ x 12¾ in.; fold separations. Very good. Estimated Value $25 - 45. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $46
Lot 4033		(Collins, Isaac) Official Colonial Printer For The State of New Jersey. Remininiscences of Isaac and Rachael Collins…, Philadelphia: Lippincott Co., 1893. A biography of Collins, with a history of the reunion of his descendants. Original green and maroon, gold-stamped covers; 159 pp plus appendix and index; numerous illustrations. Very fine. Collins' print shop was in Burlington, New Jersey. He published the voluminous Laws of New Jersey, under the British Crown, and printed the Provincial currency of New Jersey (color illustration in this book). He sided with the Patriot cause and published a newspaper, the New Jersey Gazette from 1777. A scarce and desirable genealogical reference volume. Estimated Value $200 - 400. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $138
Lot 4034		Dutch Document Mentioning New York. Document in Dutch, datelined Curacao, Feb. 13, 1744, one page, octavo. An accounting (probably a bill for cargo shipped to New York), mentioning Capt. John Tannecy and Jacob Ten Eyk Coopman, as well as "Albanien" and "Nieuw York." Light toning; small paper loss at left margin, else fine. Estimated Value $50 - 75. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 4035		Grave Digger's Receipt. August 20, 1764 document written on 2¾ x 8¼ in. laid paper: "Received of Elizabeth Davis five shillings it being for Diging Thomas Hubbart Grave." Signed with the mark of Richard Kelley. Light toning. Estimated Value $200 - 300. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 4036		New York - Grand Jury Document. A New York City Grand Jury "of our Sovereign Lord & King" document states that on December 26 (no year), "Williem De Peyster Did…Abuse and Beet Engelbert Commena against the piece…." Three witnesses are named on verso. 4½ x 7½ in. oblong; overall toning and minor paper loss at blank left edge. Estimated Value $75 - 100. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 4037		Northern Liberty Fire Co. 1, Founded May 1, 1756. Meeting Records Book for the Philadelphia company, 1801-1820, oversize book (13 x 8½ in.) with hundreds of handwritten pages, including names and original signatures of the members, their constitution, pay records, etc. The inside cover contains an envelope with a good-sized section of striped shirt-cloth, over which is a penned message: "Worn by the members of the funeral procession of the lamented President Harrison, April, 1841." Original, highly polished, leather-on-board covers. Consisting of a couple hundred neatly-penned pages; multiple tiny tone-spotting; nonetheless, quite readable. A scarce early Fire Company record. Estimated Value $400 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,725
Lot 4038		Northern Liberty Fire Co. No. 1 Enrollment Record List. An eight-page document listing the 392 members of the Fire Company, from 1772 to 1834, 15½ x 6½ in., compiled by P.A. Keyser, Secretary of Northern Liberty. Members names are given, with the years they were elected to the Company and when they left the organization. Some chipping and paper loss at top and bottom edges and partial fold splits; still quite readable. The Northern Liberty Fire Company was a Philadelphia company, founded May 1, 1756. A rare, historical, early Fire Company membership compilation. Estimated Value $300 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 4039		Northern Liberty Fire Co. No. 1, Founded May 1, 1756. Two oversize meeting record books, 12½ x 7½ in., covering the meetings of The Northern Liberty Fire Company No. 1 (Philadelphia) from 1821 to 1842. The two volumes hold a couple of hundred handwritten pages, including a lovely, hand-penned copy of the Fire Company's Constitution, as well as lists of members, dues, meetings, notes, etc. An entry on April 9, 1841 refers to the death of President William Henry Harrison: "…resolved that this company join the Procession (with the city of Philadelphia) to pay a last tribute of respect to the memory of the virtuous and beloved Harrison," with a direction for the order of 100 Mourning Badges, to be purchased for the Company to wear in the Procession. Large volume has original polished, leather board covers, loose at spine; interior with light toning only. Second volume has original, paper, marble-board covers; upper right corner of front cover and first few pages show apparent fire damage; balance of pages clear. Rare early Philadelphia Fire Company records. Estimated Value $400 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,783
Lot 4040		Pennsylvania - A Handwritten History. Approximately 315 handwritten pages, written c. 1830, in an 8 x 6½ in. book with marbled covers. All aspects of early Pennsylvania are described, from climate to crops to inhabitants. Over 100 pages give information on early Philadelphia: its history, its founders, and physical descriptions of the various parts of the city. At times, it quotes from letters written by and to Willian Penn. Over 200 more pages describe the various counties of Pennsylvania, each with a hand-drawn map of the county. All kinds of issues are addressed, including superstitions of the early Swedish and Dutch settlers and the customs of the "aborigines." There is some wear to spine and edges, but the book is intact and the interior pages are in overall fine condition, very neatly and clearly written. This is a labor of love, well worth poring over every word. Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 4041		Pennsylvania - "Report of the Register General of the State of the Finances…for…1799". Printed by William Hamilton, Lancaster, 1800, 16 pp, folio. Note on cover says, "Col Johnstons Papers." State expenses include pension to widows and children of officers and privates in the state militia "who lost their lives in the Service," as well as to officers of the Pennsylvania Line. Toned; first half has tattered edges; bound by one thread at left margin. A detailed look at early state exdpenditures. Estimated Value $250 - 300. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 4042		Philadelphia Indenture. A beautiful, oversize (26½ x 22¾ in.) 1858 true copy of an 1830 indenture between Charles P. Fox and his sister, Eliza M.P. Tunis, regarding land they inherited from their mother, Mary Fox. Mary was the granddaughter of Israel Pemberton (1685-1754), a prominent Quaker and one of the wealthiest men of his time. Charles relinquishes his half share to his sister in return for one silver dollar. Numerous lots are listed, including Callowhill and Tenth Streets, one at Wood and Eleventh Streets, another on Second Street, between High and Chestnut Streets, and another on Elm Street, between Second and Third Streets. The top is scalloped; both the seal and ribbon are green. A lovely display item. Estimated Value $300 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 4043		19th Century Copy of A French and Indian War Journal. "Fort Frederick on St. Johns River Written May 13 1759. Samll Man. Samuel Man's Book April 21, 1759. A Journal to St. John's. three Degrees Northard of Wrentham a cold climate." 34 pages on 11¾ x 9½ inch, laid paper with an 1887 watermark. Light toning; front cover lightly soiled, else fine. Man was from Wrentham, Massachusetts. He was hired April 2, 1759 by William Coney, received a bounty of 60 pounds, marched to Dorchester, then boarded a boat for Castle William. He sailed in Capt. Curtis' Company on The Charming Polly, in a fleet of 12 transports and a man of war (The King George). Man gives an accounting of the company's activities throughout the year, until the next May 18th, when he arrived back home. He names the men who were shot, stabbed, scalped, or taken by the enemy (French and Indians), and describes scouting expeditions, guard duty, the weather, etc. On May 30, 1759, the men celebrated Election Day in Massachusetts Colony "By cutting of Great Cheeses, Dressing in Long Trousers, and several Rare fashions and uncommon Dresses…." News was sometimes received from Annapolis Royall; on August 1, he mentions that "a number of Troops have gone in an Expedition to Canada we all hope for success.…," and on Sept. 3, he notes "the Reduction and conquest of Ticonderoga which was agreeable." On Oct. 18, they celebrated "The Reduction of Canada" (the fall of Quebec, which was the turning point of the war). On Dec. 25, he writes that "some indians threatened some of Mr. Sanders family"; thereafter only 3 Indians at a time could enter the fort. On Jan 27, he says, "We still remain here and want to be relieved." The same day French prisoners of war sailed for Halifax. On April 4 a sloop "Ladened with Rangers…of Capt. Dank'es Company" arrived. Man finally arrived home on May 18, 1760. At the very end of the journal is a drawing of Fort Frederick, with 3 block houses, a hospital, and 3 areas marked "graves." A fascinating journal with a great deal of detail. From the Stuart Goldman estate. Estimated Value $1,000 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $288
Lot 4044		Clymer, George (1739-1813) Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Delaware. Partly-printed Document Signed as Supervisor of the Revenue for the district of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, n.d., 4 x 8 in. Certifying that the duties have been paid "on one case of Geneva, containing three and an half gallons of the first, and…have been secured according to law." Tape repairs to folds on verso and uneven right margin, affecting nothing. Clymer's signature is bold. Accompanied by a facsimile of the first New York extra announcing the fall of Yorktown. Estimated Value $400 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $380
Lot 4045		Ellery, William (1727-1820) Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Rhode Island. Autograph Letter Signed, Newport, June 19, 1766, three pages, octavo. A loving letter to his daughter Lucy, in Cambridge, instructing her on her future role in the Ellery household, which was motherless since Ellery's wife Ann died in 1764; he would marry his second cousin, Abigail Cary, in 1767. The letter has a few expert repairs, else fine. In part: "Though I wrote to you very lately, yet as I have a good Opportunity by Mr. Turner I can't forebear writing to you more because I know it will please you to hear from Us. We are all pleased to find that you have enjoyed so much health….The Children wonder how you look; whether you are grown handsomer or taller….As I wrote you, it will be inconvenient for me to bring you home till after Commencement…In the meantime improve every Hour to the best Advantage. Don't be concerned lest I should expect too much from you. Parents are indeed apt to overrate the Capacities of their Children & to expect great things from them. I believe I am not of that sort…I am sure that you have as fine an Example of every female Accomplishment….If you have learned how to conduct yourself & have acquired any tolerable degree of Steadiness my principal Design in your being abroad is answered….I intend to get rid of Meribah as soon as [your brother] Tronbridge is a little bigger, & if you and [your sister] Bessy discover that by your Conduct, that I have no need of a Housekeeper. Meribah to do her justice is very good to Tronbridge, indeed she is too good. She humours him so much that if she should have the management of him long, He who is a clever boy at present…would be entirely spoiled. I think she is…as good a Housekeeper as I could get, But I don't like hired Housekeepers. I want to see you put on the Woman, and begin to do that which you may be obliged to attempt one time or other. The nice, prudent Conduct of a Family is the greatest female Accomplishment…." Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $2,415
Lot 4046		Franklin, Benjamin (1706-1790) American scientist, inventor, intellectual, politician and diplomat; one of the best-known personages of the 18th century. Naturally curious and incredibly intelligent, Franklin established himself as a printer and publisher, invented a safer stove, wrote numerous scientific treatises, experimented with electricity and developed the bifocal. In the political sphere, Franklin was one of the framers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, secured military and financial help from France during the Revolutionary War and helped to negotiate the treaty that finally ended the War. Although he found Pennsylvania politics a "fatiguing business," Franklin spent his final years guiding his state and the nation through the turmoil of post-War change and the establishment of the structures of democratic government, serving as President of the Executive Council of Pennsylvania and playing a prominent role at the Constitutional Convention. At his death in 1790, Franklin's funeral was attended by 20,000. The House of Representatives passed a motion for official mourning and the entire body of the National Assembly of France donned black in his honor. Partly-printed Document Signed ("B Franklin Pres") as President of the Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, December 7, 1785, one page, 5¾ x 7¼ in. Countersigned vertically in the left margin by John Nicholson. Being an order of payment for one year's interest on the depreciation certificate of Adam Sybert, late of Schott's Company. Endorsed and docketed on verso. Framed and matted with an engraving of Franklin by H.B. Hall from the 1783 painting by A. Duplessix, to an overall size of 12½ x 20½ in. Minor bleeding affects the portion accomplished in manuscript, slightly affecting Franklin's signature. Minor adhesive residue and ink show-through at the bottom edge, minor chips at right edge. Not examined out of frame, but overall condition is very good. Ready for display. The issuance of depreciation certificates to Adam Seybert and other soldiers of the Pennsylvania Line was a result of the men having been paid for their Revolutionary War service in depreciated currency -- the interest payments helped to mollify the soldiers concerns over compensation and encouraged economic growth. Concern over pay was so great that in June 1783 almost three hundred soldiers of the Pennsylvania Line surrounded the State House and demanded that Congress issue assurances they would receive back pay before being mustered out. Facing these economic problems and the many other conflicts inherent in building a new society and government, the citizens of Pennsylvania cheered Franklin's 1784 return to Philadelphia, relying on him to broker compromise between the many factions seeking to control the state. Elected President of the Council almost unanimously, Franklin (at age 80) confided to a friend "I apprehend they expect too much of me." But he did indeed calm the troubled waters, serving three years as President of the Council and moving the state through the most tumultuous times of the young Republic. Estimated Value $5,000 - 7,500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $6,038
Lot 4047		McKean, Thomas (1734-1817) Signer of the Declaration of Independence; 2nd President of the United States in Congress Assembled, and the first president to be elected under the Articles of Confederation. As President of Congress in 1781, McKean received Washington's dispatches announcing the surrender of Cornwallis. Manuscript Document Signed ("Tho M:Kean"), Philadelphia, March 19, 1790, one page, folio. Being the petition of George Pierce for the vacant position of "High Constable" of Philadelphia. McKean and 35 other men recommend Pierce "as a person we think well qualified to execute said office of high Constable." Among the other signers of the petition are J[ared] Ingersoll, signer of the U.S. Constitution, Isaac, Joseph, and Charles Wharton, Moses Levy, and Revolutionary War officer Sharp Delany. An unusual petition; some show-through from signatures on verso, else fine. Estimated Value $800 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $546
Lot 4048		Rush, Benjamin (1745-1813) American physician and patriot; Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Pennsylvania; Surgeon General of the Continental Army; author; professor at the University of Pennsylvania; and U.S. Mint Director. Rare Autograph Letter Signed ("Benj:n Rush"), Philadelphia, September 30, 1809, 1 1/3 pages, quarto. Seal tear affects one word of text. Integral address leaf is inlaid, with brown circular postmark and addressed in Rush's hand to Jacob Broome in Wilmington, Delaware. Accompanied by an engraving of Dr. Rush. Colonial America's foremost physician prescribes a treatment for a recently diagnosed form of urinary infection or possibly a swelling of the prostate gland. "Your letter came too late last evening to be answered by this morning's post. I have read it with attention. The disease to which Dr. Monroe has given a name is not a new one in this country. I have met with it occasionally and relieved it. The medicine most proper for this purpose is the Tincture of Cantharides of which please to take ten drops three times a day in any kind of liquid, and increase the [dose] gradually till you take forty at a dose. Unless a painful Sensation should be created sooner upon the neck of the bladder. If that sensation be not created by forty drops, the dose may be increased gradually to fifty or sixty. If you are not relieved by this tincture, a blister should be applied to the perineum. The Ad va Ursi may be continued as formerly directed. Your diet should be more bland and demulcent than formerly directed. Health and respect…." Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $4,370
Lot 4049		(Rush, Benjamin). Two poems in praise of Dr. Rush (1745-1813), two pages each, 8 x 6½ in., both written in 1813. "On the death of Rush" has eight stanzas, the final one being: "Freedom's sons now join the chorus / Join to celebrate his fame / Mighty Rush has gone before us / Let us emulate his Fame." Light toning only. The second poem has six stanzas and is titled: "Lines On Receiving from Dr. Rush of Philadelphia a piece of the Tree under which W. Penn made his treaty with the Indians and which was blown down in 1812; converted to the purpose of an Inkstand." This poem has two old tape repairs on verso and at left edge. It was written by William Roscoe, Liverpool, Jan. 27, 1813; the first poem may be by Roscoe also. Both note at the end that they were copied by J.P. Smith for his Aunt Abigail Pancoast. Estimated Value $250 - 300. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 4050		(Sherman, Roger). A Resolution of Thanks from the City of Philadelphia to William M. Evarts for the contribution of the portrait of Roger Sherman, his grandfather, and resolving "that the portrait Roger Sherman signer of the Declaration of Independence from Connecticut…be accepted and deposited in Independence Chamber, in the place reserved for it by the Committe on Restoration of Independence Hall…." Signed below the gold foil seal of the City of Philadelphia by William S. Stokley, mayor (1872-1881). No date, but probably for the centenenial celebration. Printed on light board, which is toned and soiled, with numerous edge breaks; most of the latter could be matted and framed out. Estimated Value $75 - 100. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $63