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Sale 6
Lot 669
[Civil War]. All material is fine unless otherwise indicated. Lot of Four Civil War Autograph Letters Signed by Military Leaders, and Additional Civil War Ephemera. Interesting collection of nine items relating to the Civil War, including:
A. Autograph Letter Signed by John Worden, Commander of the Monitor. Two pages, Octavo, on "U.S.S. Franklin" letterhead, Ville Franche, April 10, 1875. To James L. Graham, US Consul General to Italy. Diplomatic, and curiously genteel letter from Worden, who at this time was in command of the European Squadron, which visited many ports of Northern Europe and was in the Eastern Mediterranean during the Russo-Turkish War, to the Italian Consul, accepting an invitation to visit, and comparing notes on the merits of the "Hotel Orsini," where the diplomat and his family have stayed. Signed in full, "John Worden." Scarce in ALS.
B. Autograph Letter Signed by George W. Blunt. One page, Octavo, on personal imprinted letterhead, New York, March 2, 1861. Fascinating letter from an important shipbuilder and nautical publisher, denouncing a group of confederate "spies." Blunt was responsible for charting the New York harbor, and a number of other important waterways which were of great strategic interest to the United States Navy at this time. Written in the month of Lincoln's inauguration as President, when fealty to the North and South was being tested in every State, the Shipbuilder, believing he has discovered a cadre of Southern spies, writes excitedly: "My Dear Sir I have good reason to believe that these one two or three officers in the Navy Yard in Brooklyn who send word to the South as to every movement if you wish to have their names - so that they may be sent elsewhere at once I will send them. Yours Truly Geo W Blunt." The content of this letter vividly demonstrates the culture of suspicion and sectionalism taking root as the nation divides on the eve of Civil War.
C. Letter Signed by Simon Cameron. One page, Quarto, on green-ruled paper, with the manuscript heading "War Department, Washington, May 8, 1861. Manuscript letter in a secretarial hand to Issac Lea. Esq., Philadelphia, acknowledging a letter of request for a military commission on behalf of the addressee's son, whose name the Secretary of War has forwarded to the Chief of Ordnance. Slight tear along top fold at right, not affecting text, otherwise fine.
D. Autograph Letter Signed by G. H. North. Two pages, recto/verso, with integral blank, Quarto, on green-ruled paper, Hagerstown, Md, August 30, 1864. To Brigadier General W.W. Avenel from his Ordnance officer, G.H. North. Richly detailed military letter regarding the arming of the Generals troops, which have been "dismounted," and are urgently in need of horse equipment and Rifles. North briefs his general on the ordnance he can expect, and details its movement and whereabouts. In fine condition, with very moderate staining to the verso of the integral blank, not affecting the letter proper.
E. Carte de Visite of Civil War Union Generals. Sepia-tone carte de visite, 3 x 4", of Union Army Generals Fremont and Doubleday, standing over a seated Mrs.Fremont, reading a dispatch. Top corners have been rounded, and the card mounted on a larger piece of cardstock. Somewhat soiled, with the names of the Generals written in pencil in the bottom margin.
F. Two Printed Booklets on Ordnance of the Civil War. Two printed studies, published by The American Ordnance Association, Washington DC, 1960, each approximately 24 pages, Quarto, with paper covers, containing "comprehensive tables and authentic drawings" describing the Ordnance of the American Civil War. Published on the occasion of the centennial of the War Between the States. One volume treats ordnance in the Navy, while the other studies arms and artillery in the United States Army.
G. Ten Dollar Bill of Confederate Currency. Original confederate currency, Richmond, Virginia, February 17, 1864, with printed engraving depicting a battlefield scene of horses pulling cannon, with the bust of Secretary of State R.M.T. Hunter at right. Very Fine. Fine.
Estimated Value $1,000-UP.
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