Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 9

Manuscript, Collectible and Philatelic Auction

Military Leaders

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 518		Beall, William (1825-1893). Confederate Brigadier General. Autograph Letter Signed ("Wm.N.R. Beall"). One page, 7 x 10", Johnson's Island Military Prison, Ohio, July 17, 1864. On lined paper, embossed "B." To Miss Semantha Atkeson of Buffalo, Virginia. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope. Some foxing, mailing creases. Still, overall condition is very good to fine. General Beall's letter, written just over a year after he surrendered Port Hudson, is full of gracious thanks for his correspondent and information about prison life: "…At the fall of Port Hudson, more than one year since, I had the good fortune to save my trunk and clothes and now have a good supply of clothing…There are now over two thousand officers confined here and after a long,long and tedious confinement here there seems no prospect of an early exchange and who can tell how much longer we will have to remain here. We are permitted to write and receive one page…" Beall was one of 9,000 prisoners who passed through the Johnson's Island gates between April 1862 and September 1865. Shortly after this letter was sent, Beall was released on parole and served the rest of the War as a supply agent for Confederate prisoners of war, maintaining an office in New York and passing through federal barricades. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,380
Lot 519		Benjamin, Judah (1811-1884) Appointed Attorney General by Confederate President Jefferson Davis, Benjamin was the first Jew to hold a Cabinet level post in American government. Benjamin also served as the Confederacy's Secretary of War and then Secretary of State. Following the War, Benjamin fled to England, where he continued to practice law and publish legal treatises. Manuscript Document Signed ("Benjamin"). Two pages, 7¾ x 12½", Louisiana, March 17, 1836. Being a legal petition for payment of a debt, submitted by Judah Benjamin. Docketed, with judgment, on verso. Significant age toning, particularly at creases, edge fraying with some paper loss and professional repairs at right and left edges. Condition is fair to good. A child prodigy, Benjamin attended Yale Law School at age 14 and opened a practice in New Orleans on graduation. Benjamin was a prosperous attorney and the document offered here relates to another successful case, with the jury foreman signing the judgment on the verso on April 3, 1837. Estimated Value $350 - 450. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $322
Lot 520		Bormann, Martin (1900-1945?) Hitler's closest aide, he was responsible for administrative and financial matters at the highest level of the Reich, controlled access to Hitler and was an enthusiastic supporter of Nazi extermination programs. Bormann was in Hitler's bunker at the end of the War, then vanished but was convicted in absentia at Nürnburg. The most accepted theory about Bormann's disappearance is that he died during the Soviet assault on Berlin. Typed Letter Signed ("M. Bormann"). In German. Three pages, large quarto, Munich, December 18, 1943. On "Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei / Partei-Kanzlei" letterhead. To Gauleiter Karl Wahl. Filing holes at left, one horizontal and one vertical fold, minor foxing and paperclip stain. Very good condition. Fascinating content as the Allies make advances in Sicily, begin serious bombing campaigns over Germany and German troops face severe losses in Russia. Karl Wahl served as Gauleiter for Schwaben from 1928-1945 and this letter from Bormann illustrates both men's devotion to the Nazi Party as 1943 was drawing to a close. Wahl apparently made suggestions to Bormann regarding strengthening of the Party and establishment of a "Heimatschutztruppe" in Schwaben and Bormann's response, couched in bureaucratic and Party terms, chides Wahl for doubting the ability of the Reich leadership and SA to deal with any potential problems. An interesting example of the highest levels of Reich reacting (or not reacting) to the reality of impending military conflict on German soil. Estimated Value $500 - 800. From the Institute of Documentation, Israel. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $334
Lot 521		Chamberlain, Joshua L (1828-1914) Civil War General, he accepted Lee's surrender at Appomattox. Later served as four terms as Governor of Maine. Check Signed ("Joshua L. Chamberlain"). Partially printed, accomplished in autograph. 6½ x 3", New York, August 12, 1898. Drawn on The Sixth National Bank and made payable to "Bryson Stevens, Treas" in the amount of $20.00. Signed on the recto.Two cent stamp on recto initialed and dated by Chamberlain: "J.L.C. / Aug 12/98." Punch cancelling, date stamps and endorsements on the verso and toning/staining at left edge however the signature is not affected. Still, in good condition. Chamberlain spent much of the final three decades of his life in business ventures and in writing first-person accounts of his many battles. Estimated Value $700 - 800. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $575
Lot 522		Decatur, Stephen, Jr (1779-1820) Celebrated American naval officer whose brilliant successes during the Tripolitan War and the War of 1812 are the stuff of legends. Toasting a successful truce with the North African States, Decatur said, "Our country, right or wrong." Autograph Letter Signed ("S. Decatur"). One page, 7¼ x 8¼", n.p., January 17, n.y. To Decatur's friend, Dr. John Bullus. Folded in half and mounted on 9 x 5½" page torn from a book, possibly The Life of Stephen Decatur by A. S. Mackenzie. Very minor soil and toning. In very good to fine condition. In full: "Dear Bullus I wrote you by last mail informing you that a fight might take place. The Belligerent aspect has evaporated, no fight. the enclosed is a correct tho abridged account; you must not say it comes from me. Your obt svt & friend S. Decatur P.S. My compliments to Mrs. B.-" Decatur's storied life and career suggests many possible interpretations of the unique and intriguing letter offered here, with the main stumbling block to certain identification being the lack of a full date. We can be certain that the addressee is Decatur's friend and lawyer Dr. John Bullus (?-1824), a Naval doctor and diplomat who was aboard Captain James Barron's Chesapeake in 1807 (and thus indirectly linked to the events which led to Decatur's death at Barron's hand in March 1820). Barron's mishandling of an engagement with the British Leopard had resulted in his court martial and five year suspension from naval service. Barron subsequently blamed Decatur for his disgrace and consequent failure to regain his commission, hounding Decatur and eventually challenging him to a duel. Decatur reluctantly met the challenge and, in deference to Barron's age, made concessions as to distance and deloping that made it possible for Barron to inflict a fatal abdominal wound. It would not be unreasonable to assume, given the tone of our letter, that the "Belligerent aspect" has something to do with the accusations manufactured by Barron which led up to the fatal duel. An alternate explanation would be that Decatur is referring to a naval matter, either an engagement or internal naval conflict that had seemed imminent. Estimated Value $6,000-UP. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 523		Hampton, Wade (1818-1902) Confederate war hero who restored the authority of white plantation owners in South Carolina following Reconstruction. Elected Governor of South Carolina in 1876, in large part due to systematic efforts to keep blacks from voting. Autograph Letter Signed ("Wade Hampton"). Four pages, recto and verso, octavo, Columbia, South Carolina, January 4, 1867. To Reverend J. W. Jones. Mailing folds with ½" separation at right edge, age toning, minor foxing and minor soil, else very good condition. A long letter dealing with Hampton's version of several battles, here he mentions Generals Lee, Warren, Sheridan, Hill and Fitz-Lee as he writes in response to Jones' effort to: "…make to give a sketch of my career." In part: "…I feel solicitous as to the statement in regard to Hill's movement against Warren, for it is from materials such as you are here giving to the public that the historian will collect his data. I did not wish therefore to appear as having led to the failure to destroy Warron in the decision referred to. For Genl. Hill I had a warm regard and some of the handsomest successes of my command were gained where we were acting in conjunction with him. I would therefore do nothing to detract from the fame of a soldier who gave his life to our cause…I need only repeat to you what Genl. Lee said to me, on our return from that expedition, 'I feel satisfied that the cavalry did all that they could have done.'…My division had between 2800-3000 men & lost 1700. While Sheridan had 9000…I feel gratified however that one fact remains which is that in 17 fights & many skirmishes during the last campaign, my men enabled to to say that they were not once defeated…" Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 524		Heydrich, Reinhard (1904-1942) Himmler's chief lieutenant, he ran the SS's espionage and surveillance arm and organized the Holocaust. After being named acting governor of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, Heydrich was assassinated by the Czech resistance. Typed Letter Signed ("R Heydrich"). In German. One page, large quarto, Berlin, January 12, 1941. On "Der Chef der Sicherheitspolizei und des SD" letterhead. To Walter Schmitt, Chief of the SS Personnel Office. Docket with green initials at top right corner. Filing holes at left, one horizontal and one vertical crease, minor foxing, age toning at edges. Overall, very good condition. Heydrich's history in the Nazi party was one of almost constant promotion and increasing responsibilities and this offering is a very good example of his expanding control over all aspects of Nazi police and intelligence organizations. Heydrich informs Schmitt that he has been made Inspector of Physical Exercises and been put in charge of the SS Community Sport Association. With his usual determination, Heydrich states: "…I have resolved to strengthen the development of sport in the SS and make it successful…" Significantly, Heydrich also plans to consolidate Police and SS sport communities in occupied countries and is in talks to assure the of cooperation of General of Police Daluege. Estimated Value $800 - 1,000. From the Institute of Documentation, Israel. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,840
Lot 525		Himmler, Heinrich (1900-1945) After Hitler, the most powerful man in the Third Reich. Head of the SS, Waffen-SS, Gestapo and Minister of the Interior. A rabid anti-semite with an almost mystical view of a fully "Arayanized" Greater German Reich, he viewed the Final Solution as a means to purify the world. Typed Document Signed ("H. Himmler"). In German. One and ¼ pages, quarto, Berlin, November 30, 1944. Being an order for the demotion and expulsion from the SS of Arthur Nebe. To SS Personnel Chief Maximilian von Herff. Apparent smoke damage, one small area of paper loss, abrasion and filing holes all at left, multiple stamps and penciled notations at top and bottom of page, one horizontal and one vertical fold with minor edge separation and minor smudge at "r" of signature. Overall, good condition. A RARE document stemming from the 1944 attempt on Hitler's life! Arthur Nebe joined the SS in 1931, steadily acquiring influence and rank while maintaining contacts within the German military's opposition to Hitler. Nebe served primarily as an informant but did participate in planning the Army takeover that would follow the July 20, 1944, assassination of Hitler. When the assassination plot failed, Nebe took part in the arrests of his fellow conspirators but then went underground for several months, using a variety of disguises to escape detection.The unique document offered here is Himmler's punishment of Nebe, issued while Nebe was still in hiding: "I order: 1) that SS member Nebe (Chief of the Criminal Police) is to be demoted. 2)That once stripped of his rank, he be kicked out of Schutzstaffel. Reasons: We've found through our Secret Police, letters that indicate Nebe has been connected for years with many persons involved with the attempted Assassination of Hitler on July 20th. His treasonous activities supported the Generals associated with the Putsch and he has broken his sworn allegiance to the Führer." Nebe was finally arrested in January of 1945 and executed in March of that year. The connection to the only serious plot on Hitler's life, the notoriety of Nebe and the apparent smoke damage (the document was supposed to be burned?) offer a unique opportunity for the collector. Estimated Value $700 - 1,000. From the Institute of Documentation, Israel. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,725
Lot 526		Himmler, Heinrich. Typed Document Signed ("H. Himmler"). In German. One page, large quarto, from a Field Command Post, November 29, 1944. Being notification of the promotion of Carl-Albrecht Oberg. To SS Personnel Chief Maximilian von Herff and SS Chief of Police in France Carl-Albrecht Oberg. Filing holes at left, foxing, docket stamps and penciled notations at top and bottom of page, one horizontal and one vertical crease, overall condition good to very good. Oberg, Heydrich's right-hand man in the Sicherheitsdienst (SD), rose rapidly in rank and responsibility, serving variously as commanding officer of a SS battalion in Mecklenburg and as Chief of Police in Zwickau and Radom (where he was responsible for the massacre of Jews), before being awarded the position of Higher SS and Police Chief for Paris. Here, Oberg receives a promotion in the face of Allied advances, "…on the basis of developments in the political and military situation…" being posted to the command of a military unit operating as part of a formation under the direct control of Himmler. Estimated Value $400 - 600. From the Institute of Documentation, Israel. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $805
Lot 527		Hitler, Adolf and Hermann Goering. Document Signed ("Adolf Hitler" and "Goering"). As German Führer and Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe, respectively. In German. One page, folio, n.p., April 1938. In black ink. Being notice of the promotion of Kurt-Bertram von Döring from Oberstleutnant to Oberst. Embossed Nazi seal at bottom left. Light fold across top, a few chips of paper loss around edges. Light foxing. In very good condition overall. A World War I Ace, von Döring entered the Luftwaffe in 1936 at Goering's personal urging. Initially teaching at the Luftwaffe's flight school, von Döring moved into command of a unit of the von Richtofen squadron. Through the course of World War II, von Döring ascended steadily through the Luftwaffe, serving as Inspector of Fighters and commanding fighter units, finally achieving the rank of General. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $2,185
Lot 528		Interesting Letter Re: Autopens and General George C. Marshall. Manuscript Document Signed. Two pages, recto, quarto, Washington DC, October 3, 1942. On War Department / Office of the Chief of Staff stationery. To Carolyn D. Young. Transmittal envelope included. Mailing folds, minor age toning, adhesive residue on verso. Very good condition. A very interesting letter from an officer in General Marshall's office, explaining the function of an autopen: "…The autograph which you see above is the signature of General Marshall when it was being recorded on a machine. The machine will be used to sign thousands of letters of condolence to parents or wives of U. S. Soldiers who are killed or wounded in this war. The fact that these letters are signed by a machine should be kept a secret but you can see that it would be impossible for Gen. Marshall to sign all of them personally and still direct this tremendous war." An important letter for collectors, detailing military use of the autopen. Estimated Value $250 - 350. View details	Unsold
Lot 529		Knox, Henry (1750-1806). American Revolutionary officer, appointed U.S. Secretary of War in 1785 largely due to the influence of George Washington. Letter Signed ("H Knox"). As Secretary of War. One page, folio, n.p., November 22, 1786. In brown ink. Matted and framed with a black and white image to an overall size of 27½ x 23½". With one horizontal and two vertical folds, an area of paper loss at right center edge. Still, in good to very good condition overall. In one of the first years of his tenure as Secretary of War, Knox attempts to convince the Treasury Board that the low morale of troops may be caused by the shortage of supplies and funds in the battlefield -- obviously drawing on his experience as a Revolutionary officer. He politely states the problem as such: "It has been my invariable opinion that every will of which the troops were capable might be expected to result from their want of confidence in the public arrangements. I have been convinced that the defective complyance [sic] of most of the States with the requisitions of Congress has been the sole cause which has prevented better payments." Estimated Value $600 - 800. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 530		Lafayette, Marquis de (1757-1834). French statesman and soldier, hero of the Revolutionary War, lifelong proponent of human rights and liberty. Letter Signed ("Lafayette"). In French. One page, 7¾ x 6", La Grange, December 15, 1833. To Monsieur Sebire, attorney to the Royal Court. Integral address leaf shows complete mailing address (in scribe's hand) and two stamped postmarks. Accompanied by a beautiful engraved portrait of the Marquis. Faint pencil marks at upper right and lower left. Still, in fine to very fine condition. Lafayette remained active in political life into his old age -- in fact, at the time this letter was written he was still criticizing Ministers and actively challenging the government about freedom of the press and personal liberties. Indeed, in this missive Lafayette writes that he will arrive in Paris the day after the new session of the National Assembly begins (and offers congratulations on the birth of Sebrie's child). Lafayette's death, only five months after this letter was written, set off periods of national mourning in France and the United States. Estimated Value $950 - 1,250. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 531		Lafayette, Marquis de. Letter Signed ("Lafayette"). One page, 7¼ x 8¼", Paris, January 11, 1832. To General Salvanha. Light edge toning and multiple mailing folds, paper loss and staining at integral address leaf. Overall, condition fine. Suggesting a meeting for Friday between 10 and 11, Lafayette informs the General that his health is much improved -- clearly this is an example of Lafayette's continuing involvement in French politics well past his retirement in 1830. The Marquis was tireless in his efforts to improve civil rights for all France's citizens. Estimated Value $500 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $403
Lot 532		Lee, Robert E (1807-1870) Commander of the Army of Northern Virginia, later Commander of all Confederate forces. Lee's fortitude and grace after the Confederate loss gained him the respect of the entire nation. Autograph Envelope Signed ("RE Lee / Genl"). 5.5 x 3", n.p., n.d. To Rev. A. W. Miller. Toning and soil, envelope open at top with small tear to the verso. In good condition. Addressed to Rev. A. W. Miller, of Petersburg, Virginia, this rare form of Lee document makes us yearn for the letter it once held. A religious man, Lee may have been writing to Miller for spiritual guidance, or perhaps this envelope was addressed during the Siege of Petersburg and Lee was writing to Reverend Miller for information or to offer him words of comfort. Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 533		Withdrawn	Unsold
Lot 534		Montgomery of Alamein, Bernard L., Viscount. Autograph Letter Signed ("Montgomery of Alamein"). Two pages, octavo, London, December 14, 1946. On personalized stationery. To Mr. Salisbury. One horizontal mailing fold and one small ink stain at the right edge. Otherwise, in fine to very fine condition. Montgomery, then serving as Chief of the Imperial General Staff, writes to Mr. Salisbury of trips to the Middle East and Mediterranean (given the volatile situation in those regions following the War, it seems unlikely these were pleasure trips) and tenders his regrets: "Just at present I am very fully occupied; but later on I will try to come and see you." Montgomery was Chief of Staff until 1948 and then served as NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander from 1951-1958. Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 535		Pope, John and Henry Van Rensselaer. Following successes in the Mexican War, Pope was appointed Brigadier General of volunteers in the Union Army. After securing the Mississippi River as far south as Memphis, Pope was appointed General of the Army of Virginia. Pope's defeat at the Second Battle of Bull Run in August, 1862, resulted in his exile to the West, where he spent the next 20 years suppressing Indian attacks in the face of westward expansion. Henry Van Rensselaer served as Winfield Scott's chief-of-staff from the beginning of the Civil War until Scott's death in 1864. Signatures ("Jno. Pope" and "H. Van Rensselaer"). Two carte de visité, matted back to back, with signatures on the mat below each portrait. 3¾ x 6¼", n.p., 1860s (probably wardate). Some age toning and minor foxing on both sides, worse on Van Rensselaer's side. Else, in very good to fine condition. This beautiful bust length photo of Pope in uniform is mounted in an embossed beige mat. On the back is a bust length photo of Henry Van Rensselaer in uniform mounted in an embossed light blue mat. The Van Rensselaer photo is from the Brady studio in Washington D.C. A very impressive piece for the Civil War collector, featuring one of the most recognized figures of the War and a lesser known figure who served one of the most respected military men of the early 19th century. Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 536		Powell, William H (1825-?) Brigadier General in the Union Army, he led the Second West Virginia Cavalry into many actions, including the Sinking Creek raid. Captured and taken to Libby Prison in July 1863, he was exchanged for Richard H. Lee (then a prisoner on Johnson's Island) in January of 1864. Following his release, Powell led the Second West Virginia with distinction during the Shenandoah Valley campaign. Autograph Letter Signed ("W.H. Powell B.G."). Three pages, quarto, Ironton, Ohio, November 30, 1864. To Reverend C. C. McCabe. Docketed on verso. Mailing folds with some edge separation, minor foxing, ink has faded somewhat, diagonal crease at bottom of third page, tape repairs on verso. Very good condition. Great Civil War content! Powell and Reverend McCabe had served together in Libby Prison, and the intimate, frank tone of this letter speaks of their friendship (they even sang together in the Prison Glee Club). Powell writes while home on leave and mentions his fellow generals, including Custer, Sherman and Grant, the campaign on the Shenandoah, Lincoln's re-election and his prison experiences: "…Our Cavalry in the Valley has accomplished wonders and fully demonstrated the power and efficiency of that arm of the service, when properly handled…I take great pleasure in saying to you that Major Generals Torbert, Custer and Merritt are strictly temperate men…I have been very actively employed…and have taken an active part in every battle in the Valley and in West Virginia since the opening of this years operations through all of which the same Almighty friend that watched over me while in Rebel dungeons has also kept me during my labors…I feel greatly encouraged at our prospects in general 1st in that of the re-election of Old Father Abraham, 2nd in the movements and prospects of General Sherman's operations which I pray God may be abundantly successful, 3rd in the apparent quietness at home in civil life since the elections, 4th of the wonderful effect produced upon the public mind in favor of the government in consequence of the great success of Sheridan, and although Grant is quiet about Richmond I hope to hear of something brilliant from that quarter soon worthy of the reputation he bears and of the confidence afforded in him…I have met many of our old Libby friends during the summer…" Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $575
Lot 537		Rickover, Hyman G (1900-1986) American naval officer and engineer who developed the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear powered submarine. Rickover also pushed for the development of nuclear power for peaceful purposes, helping to develop the first civilian nuclear power plant at Shippingport, Pennsylvania. Typed Letters Signed ("H G Rickover"). Group of five signed letters from Admiral Rickover to Representative Thomas E. Morgan, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Dated from November 14, 1966, to April 22, 1968. On various submarines' letterhead. Mailing folds, all stamped with dates received, one letter with paper clip stain. Fine condition overall. A true historic record, this collection of letters tracks the testing and development of the "Nuclear Navy," with Rickover writing as each submarine returns from first sea trials. From the USS Sturgeon, the USS Haddock, the USS Gato, the USS Lapon and the USS Hammerhead, Rickover apprises Rep. Morgan of each ship's progress, history and mission and closes with the reminder: "When all nuclear submarines presently authorized by Congress are completed, the United States will have nuclear submarine fleet of forty-one Polaris and Sixty-two attack submarines, and a small submarine capable of exploring the ocean bottom." Outspoken and occasionally abrasive, Rickover was single-minded in his insistence on the necessity of nuclear power for military and civilian uses. On active duty until his 82nd year, Rickover changed the Navy forever and this is a wonderful collection of letters from a truly remarkable man. Estimated Value $500 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 538		Rochambeau, Comte de [Jean-Baptiste de Vimeur] (1725-1807). Commander in chief of the French forces during the American Revolution. When France resolved to despatch a military force to assist the American colonies in the Revolutionary War, Rochambeau was made a lieutenant-general in command of a body of troops which numbered some 6000 men. After defeating Cornwallis, Rochambeau returned to France (despite the protests and gratitude from American soldiers) to command the army of the North during the French Revolution. Manuscript Document Signed ("De Vimeur Rochambeau"). In French. One page, recto and verso, octavo, Valenciennes, France, April 18, 1791. In brown ink. One soft fold at center, else in very fine condition. Here, in the early days of the French Revolution, Rochambeau conveys to Mr. De La Graviere the instructions from the Commander of War, including the necessity to set up a cordon to prevent grains from being smuggled out of the area. Estimated Value $400 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $230
Lot 539		Rommel, Erwin (1891-1944). "The Desert Fox," his spectacular victories as leader of the Afrika Korps ensured the expansion of Nazi power in North Africa. Following his defeat at El-Alamein, Rommel was placed in charge of the defense of the French coast. Embroiled in a plot against Hitler, he was offered poison in lieu of a trial and committed suicide in October 1944. Document Signed ("Rommel"). In German. As Generaloberst und Oberbefehlshaber der Panzerarmee Afrika (General and Supreme Commander of the Tank Army in Africa). One page, large quarto, "Africa at Army Combat location," April 23, 1942. Bold signature in indelible pencil. Two filing holes do not affect text, a few pencil notations. Otherwise in fine to very fine condition. Here Rommel awards the Cross of War Merit, 2nd Class, with Swords, to two soldiers. Interestingly, Rommel signed all of his African correspondence in pencil because ink evaporated very quickly in the desert heat. As many military papers were destroyed when the Nazis retreated from North Africa, this piece quite desirable. Estimated Value $750 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 540		Rommel, Erwin. Typed Document Signed ("Rommel"). As Field Marshall of the Panzer Army in Africa. One page, recto and verso, quarto, n.p., April 20, 1942. In blue pencil. Two hole punches at edge, rust marks from a paper clip at top edge. Accompanied by a 4 x 5" color postcard of Rommel. Otherwise, in very good condition. This War Service Cross award was bestowed upon one Hermann Becher, a war administration inspector. Interestingly, 1942 was a challenging year for Rommel as his military victories of the spring gave way to October's disastrous defeat at the Second Battle of El-Alamein and a German retreat to Tunis. Estimated Value $500 - 850. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $863
Lot 541		Withdrawn	Unsold
Lot 542		Withdrawn	Unsold
Lot 543		Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891). Civil War general, his March to the Sea is regarded as the first modern use of "total war." Autograph Letter Signed ("W. T. Sherman"). As Commanding General of the Army. Four pages, octavo, Washington D.C., April 27, 1876. On "Headquarters Army of the United States / St. Louis" stationery. Sherman has lined through St. Louis and written "Washington D.C." To Joseph Audenreid (one of Sherman's key aides). Two horizontal mailing folds, with some toning at the folds on page four. In fine to very fine condition. With extraordinary content, this letter is mostly political, but with an interesting personal note -- after Audenreid's death in 1880, Sherman began a long term love affair with his wife, Mary Audenreid. Numerous other significant military and political personages are named, as in the extended excerpt below: "…Everything is working smoothly. The new secretary (Secretary of War Alphonso Taft, who only served in that capacity until May 1876, at which point he was named Attorney General) is slowly getting his hand in and I have no doubt all our offices can be made to work smoothly. As I left the office yesterday with McCook (Alexander McDowell McCook, Union General and aide de camp for Sherman 1875-1880) we met Belknap (William Worth Belknap, impeached for malfeasance in 1876) walking with Montgomery Blair (Postmaster General under Lincoln and Counsel for Samuel J. Tilden) on the pavement in front of the President's house. We mutually saluted but did not stop. This is the only time I have seen him out (presumably Belknap). I am told he begins to feel like an honest man…but he must feel the humiliation of his situation. The telegraph will keep you advised of all things here, as fast as we learn them. Indeed, we read our news of Washington in the New york papers, received here about 2 PM. Give my best love to Mrs. Audenreid and I hope we will meet in health very soon…Yours truly, W.T. Sherman." Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 544		Thomas, Lorenzo (1804-1875). Civil War general named Adjutant-General and later Brigadier General during the war. Manuscript Signed ("L. Thomas"). One page, quarto, Washington, November 13, 1861. In black ink. Accompanied by a U.S. Military Telegraph form to Brigadier General J. W. Denver docketed by Denver, as well as an Autographed Letter Signed by Thomas to Denver with its original transmittal envelope. The group is in fine condition overall. In this document, Thomas assigns one Brigadier General Denver to his new position: "J. W. Denver … is assigned to duty in the Department of Kansas, and will, without delay, proceed to Fort Leavenwoth, and report to the commanding officer. By command of Maj. Gen. McClellan". Estimated Value $100 - 125. View details	Realized $58
Lot 545		Waul, Thomas (1813-1903) After recruiting Waul's Texas Legion in 1862, Waul was promoted to Brigadier General in 1863 and wounded in 1864 while repulsing Steele's invasion of Texas. Elected to the first Texas Constitutional Convention after the War, Waul continued to practice law in Texas until well into his seventies. Autograph Letter Signed ("Thomas Waul"). Three pages, quarto, Galveston, April 16, 1891. To James L. Fleming. Adhesive residue at left edges, mailing folds, creasing at bottom right corner of the first page and assorted light pencil underlines. Very good condition. A letter written to the chairman of a meeting of the Committee of Confederate Survivors Association, with heartfelt tribute to Wade Hampton, who was to receive a Special Honor at the meeting. The depth of feeling in the letter's rhetoric would make for a stirring read before the assembled meeting, which is likely Waul's intent: "…to honor the gallant soldier, the noble patriot, the lofty Gentleman, whom it is my good fortune to have known from our boyhood… When South Carolina, in her dark hour called her sons around her to battle for her rights Wade Hampton was among the first to respond to her summons…When all was over, on his return to his native Carolina, he found it torn asunder by internal strife, his race in a minority…then it was that Wade Hampton rose to his full stature like Peter the Hermit he went forth on his grand mission to rescue his State…It was a grand effort and rendered in her darkest hour a service that could not be repaid and should not be ignored…" One of the lesser known Confederate generals praises one of the most famous. Estimated Value $500 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $805
Lot 546		Withdrawn	Unsold
Lot 547		Withdrawn	Unsold