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Sale 66
The Manuscript, Space, Stamp & Collectibles Auction
| Lot |
Photo |
Description |
Realized |
Lot 1 |
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Adams, John (1735-1826) 2nd President of the United States (1797-1801). Autograph Document Signed, two pages, 7½ x 5 inches, Braintree, 1760 and 1761. An early law practice reckoning between Adams and Samuel Niles of Braintree. The calculations on both sides of the page, most from the 1760 reckoning, are accomplished entirely in John Adams' hand and signed by him. The final bill reads: "Braintree Octr 13th 1760 then reckoned with Mr. Niles and find due to me twelve shillings and two Pence L.M. John Adams." On this same day, Adams noted in his diary that he had attended Mr. Niles' court that morning. Additional 1761 reckonings in the corners of both sides are in Samuel Niles' hand.
In typical New England style, Adams and Niles performed services on credit and settled up for a small sum of hard money--a long-standing adaptation to the small amount of hard currency in America. Adams charged Niles one pound, eight shillings, eight pence for various legal writs and services; then he subtracted twelve shillings and two pence for services performed by Niles. The Bracket case, referenced in both the 1760 and the 1761 reckonings, was an ongoing probate dispute between the heirs of Captain James Bracket. In 1765, John Adams and Samuel Niles, along with three other townsmen, would write the "Braintree Instructions," one of the first American statements resisting the "tyranny" of the Stamp Act.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500
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| Realized
$3,960 |
Lot 2 |
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Buchanan, James (1791-1868) 15th President of the United States (1857-61). Original 1849 Irish Political Protest Broadside Inscribed and Signed "18 July 1861, Presented to Jameson Glossbrenner by James Buchanan," as President to his political ally. Broadside entitled "Protest Against the British Government," on wove stock, 30 x 20 inches, [Philadelphia]: Michael Lawrence, 1849. An elaborate harp with two angels at the top forms the border of the text, engraved in wood by Joseph H. Brightly; the angels hold scrolls with names of protesting Irishmen, including John Mitchel, T.R. Meagher, Wm. S. O'Brien, and C.G. Duffy. A portrait of Irish martyr (Robert) Emmett is featured above the text, with the legend "Let no man write my epitaph till Ireland is free!" Wood frame is 35¾ x 25½ inches.
In 1845 Irish patriot John Mitchel abandoned law to join the staff of the nationalist newspaper The Nation. Mitchel's radicalism turned out to be too extreme for the newspaper and it led to the prosecution of the paper's editor, Charles Gavin Duffy, for seditious libel, of which the paper was eventually cleared. Mitchel was described by Duffy as "a trumpet to awake the slothful to the call of duty; and the Irish people." The broadside is a lengthy condemnation of the British government, charging it with the suppression of the Irish press, Catholicism and the Irish people, and calling for "a consolidated union like that of the American Revolution…The insulted majesty of a people will rise and defend the glorious standard." Many Irish-Americans were enthusiastic supporters of Irish independence. The Fenian Brotherhood movement, for example, was based in the United States.
Buchanan was of Scotch-Irish (or Ulster Scots) ancestry; his great-grandfather, George Buchanan (born in 1648) emigrated from Scotland to County Tyrone, Ireland. Buchanan once proclaimed, " My Ulster blood is my most priceless heritage."
Jameson Glossbrenner, to whom this broadside is inscribed, was the son of Adam Glossbenner, Democrat from Pennsylvania in the House of Representatives (1865-1869) and private secretary to fellow Pennsylvanian James Buchanan in 1860-61; earlier, he had served as Clerk and Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives when Buchanan was a member of that body.
A few scattered stains, not affecting legibility, and some closed tears to margins, not affecting text or images; expert paper repairs to verso. A handsome Irish political piece with an important James Buchanan autograph showing his solidarity with the Irish.
Estimated Value $5,000 - 7,500
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| Unsold |
Lot 3 |
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Buchanan, James, Manuscript Letter Signed as President, one page, 11 x 7½ inches, Washington City, March 1, 1859. "To the Senate of the United States. I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of War with accompanying paper in obedience to the Resolution of the Senate adopted 23d February requesting the president of the United States 'to communicate to the Senate a copy of the opinion of Judge Brewer in the Great Falls land condemnation case, involving a claim for damages to be paid by the United States.'" Fine.
The case of United States vs. Great Falls Manufacturing Company involved a plan by the government to supply water to Washington, D.C. and Georgetown and claims by the Great Falls Manufacturing Company regarding compensation for the use and occupation by the government of certain land, water-rights, etc. and for damages incurred.
Estimated Value $800 - 1,000
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| Realized
$660 |
Lot 4 |
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Bush, George H.W. and Bill Clinton, Color Photograph Signed "Bill Clinton" and George Bush" and inscribed by George Bush to "Adrienne Colemann / Best wishes," 9½ x 7½ in., n.d. The three Presidents are dressed for golf. The photo is housed in an 11½ x 9½ in. standing frame. Very fine. Adrienne Coleman is a former Secret Service agent.
Estimated Value $250 - 350
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| Unsold |
Lot 5 |
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Bush, George H.W. and George W., Houston Astros baseball cap signed by George H.W. Bush, 41st President (1989-93). With a First Edition copy of Decision Points (New York, Crown Publishers, 2010) Signed on the second end page by George W. Bush, 43rd President (2001-09). With dust cover. Fine.
Estimated Value $200 - 300
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| Unsold |
Lot 6 |
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[Bush, George W. and Laura], Three hand-painted Christmas ornaments presented by President and Mrs. Bush in 2004, 2006, and 2008 to staff and friends. Each ornament is dated, numbered and signed by the artist and is in its original box which has an image of the White House on the cover and a Certificate of Authenticity laid into the inside of the cover. The 2004 (edition of 925) and 2006 (edition of 1,000) ornaments were designed and hand-painted by American folk artist Seton McGlennon. The 2008 ornament (edition of 1,000) was designed and hand-painted by Barbara Franzreb. All in excellent condition.
Estimated Value $300 - 500
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| Realized
$360 |
Lot 7 |
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Carter, Jimmy (1924 -)39th President of the United States (1977-81). Photograph Signed ("J Carter") in silver marker on a 10 x 8 inch color photograph, n.p., n.d. (the print date 2000 is on the verso). Fine. With an Autograph Note Signed ("J Carter") on engraved note paper from "Office of Jimmy Carter," 3¾ x 8½ inches, Atlanta, n.d. President Carter wrote, "Because we all agreed, I don't sign this one" written above a printed refusal: "This is not an item that president Carter will sign." The holograph note from President Carter surely softened the refusal. Fine.
Estimated Value $300 - 400
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| Unsold |
Lot 8 |
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Carter, Jimmy, First Edition, The Presidential Edition, of Why Not the Best? (Nashville, Broadman Press, 1977), Signed and Inscribed, "Best wishes to Lexia Johnson -- J Carter" on the half title page, 9¼ x 6¼ inches, n.p., n.d. Green cloth covers resemble leather. Lacking gold box. Fine. A limited edition of Carter's first autobiography was published in 1975 in a trade edition in dustwrapper when Carter was campaigning for the presidency.
Estimated Value $250 - 350
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| Unsold |
Lot 9 |
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Carter, Jimmy & Rosalynn, Three Signed Books, two by Jimmy Carter and one by Rosalynn Carter. (1) First Hard Cover Edition of A Remarkable Mother (New York, Simon & Schuster) Signed ("J Carter") on the second end page. An inscription from a previous owner to his wife is on the first end page, else fine. (2) Paperback copy of An Hour Before Daylight (New York, Simon & Schuster, 2001), Signed ("J Carter") on the title page, 9 x 6 inches. Soiling to cover; previous owner's name on an end page. (3) First Edition of First Lady From Plains (Boston, Houghton Mifflin Company, 1984) Signed and Inscribed on the first end page, "To Ellie, Happy Birthday! Rosalynn Carter," 9¼ x 6¼ inches. Edge wear to dust cover.
Estimated Value $200 - 300
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| Unsold |
Lot 10 |
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Cleveland, Grover (1837-1908) 22nd and 24th President of the United States (1885-89 and 1893-97). Autograph Letter Signed as President, on Executive Mansion stationery, 8 x 5 inches, April 12, 1886. With original postmarked envelope addressed in his hand to "Herbert Radclyffe (Boston Daily Advertiser, Boston, Massachusetts)" and marked "Personal." In part, "…I hope you will never be prevented from giving me your time through any fear of being considered intrusive…." Light toning and soiling.
Estimated Value $600 - 800
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| Unsold |
Lot 11 |
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Clinton, William Jefferson (1946 -) 42nd President of the United States (1993-2001). Typed Letter Signed ("Bill Clinton") as President-elect, 1 page, on Clinton Gore campaign letterhead, 11 x 8½ inches, Little Rock, Arkansas, Dec. 3, 1992. One month after being elected President, Clinton writes to Jerry Marcus thanking him for his book, "Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Zev" and saying that he is looking forward to reviewing it. Fine.
Estimated Value $300 - 500
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| Realized
$480 |
Lot 12 |
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Eisenhower, Dwight D. & Mamie Doud Eisenhower, Photograph Signed as President and First Lady, 13 x 9¼ in., n.p., n.d. (1954). The First Couple stand on the ramp of Air Force One (Columbine) on August 21, 1954, on their way to Denver, Colorado. The printed inscription says, "For Sergeant Wayman I. McGarrh with appreciation of fine services at the White House and with best wishes for the future." The Columbine departed from Andrews Air Base in Washington, D.C. Photo by Abbie Rowe of the National Park Service. Fine except for a couple of minor creases at bottom and some ink skips in Mamie's signature. Handsomely matted and framed to an overall size of 19½ x 15¾ in. An uncommonly large and attractive photo of Ike and Mamie. With a dinner plate from the Columbine, engraved "D.D.E." under a floral spray on the front and on the back: "The Presidential Plane / Columbine / Washington, D.C. / May 1956 / Shenango China." Very fine.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,250
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| Unsold |
Lot 13 |
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[Eisenhower, Dwight D. and Mamie], Official 1955 Christmas card engraved "Seasons Greetings 1955" in gold against a blue background, below a patriotic gold eagle bearing a red, white, and blue shield and in black against a cream background below: "The President and Mrs. Eisenhower extend their best wishes for Christmas and the New Year." Matted and framed to an overall size of 15¾ x 12 in. Very fine.
Estimated Value $300 - 500
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| Unsold |
Lot 14 |
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Harding, Warren G (1865-1923) 29th President of the United States ((1921-23). Large Photograph Iinscribed and Signed, "To Miss Stella Fischer / With the gratitude of the candidate to one of the faithful forces at home headquarters. Warren G.Harding,"13 3/4 x 10 1/2 inches, n.p., n.d. Possibly written while running for President. Photo by Baker Art Gallery. A distinguished portrait. Very fine.
Estimated Value $500 - 600
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| Realized
$420 |
Lot 15 |
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Hoover, Herbert, Typed Letter Signed, on personal stationery, 1page, 10½ x 7¼ inches, The Waldorf Astoria, New York, June 4, 1940. To [Rabbi] Allen Wolsey thanking him for his kind words about his "preparedness speech." With a small card engraved, "Stanford University, California" signed in full by Hoover. Few remember that Hoover saved millions of lives during World War I as chairman of the Commission for Relief in Belgium, administering over two and one-half million tons of food to nine million war victims.
Estimated Value $200 - 300
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| Realized
$120 |
Lot 16 |
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Hoover, Herbert (1874-1964) 31st President of the United States (1929-33).Typed Letter Signed, on engraved, personal stationery, one page, 10½ x 7¼ inches, The Waldorf Astoria, Feb. 15, 1939. To Mrs. Sarah B. Cope, thanking her for sending him a telegram "in reference to my Lincoln Day speech. It was a great occasion, where I believe we marched a step forward in unity of the Republican Party for 1940."
Estimated Value $200 - 300
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| Realized
$120 |
Lot 17 |
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Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) 3rd President of the United States (1801-09); primary author of the Declaration of Independence. Autograph Letter Signed ("Th: Jefferson"), one page, 10 x 8 inches, Washington, Mar. 24 (18)06. To John H. Freeman, his overseer at Monticello. In full: "Mr. William Williams called on me two days ago, and produced to me your 2 notes for 105.D each. I paid him 110.D. & gave my note that I would remit 100.D more by the post which leaves this Apr. 7 to be paid by you to Amos Williams or order, on which occasion you will be so good as to take in my note.
You mention in your letter of the 15th that Mr. Baker had delivered a mule, for the horse of mine which died after Mr. Randolph's journey here, but I can by no means admit this loss to fall on Mr. Randolph, as the journey of his family to this place interests me as much as himself. Be so good therefore as to return the mule immediately to Mr. Baker, and admit no refusal to recieve it. I think Congress will rise about the 14th of April. Mr. Randolph & family will proceed directly to Monticello, where they may be expected about the 19th and I shall join them three or four days after. I hope they will pass up the mountain by the new road. Accept my best wishes."
William Williams was a signer of the Declaration of Independence from Connecticut and a member of the Continental Congress. Jefferson 's mother was Jane Randolph and he mantained very close relations with the Randolph family.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000
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| Realized
$14,400 |
Lot 18 |
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Jefferson, Thomas, Partly-printed Document Signed ("Th: Jefferson") as President, vellum, 14½ x 16 inches, Washington, August 4, 1802. Countersigned by James Madison as Secretary of State. Appointing Walter Story Chandler "Major of the first Legion of the Militia of the District of Columbia." Seal is intact at lower left. Jefferson's signature is quite large. Chandler signed on the back that he agreed to uphold the Constitution of the United States and faithfully discharge his duties as major in the militia. He would die in a boating accident in Mobile Bay on January 25, 1835.
The District of Columbia Militia was established in 1802 and Thomas Jefferson directed the formation of the First Columbian Brigade. Rather than being organized into the usual regiments, it was organized into Legions with equal proportions of infantry, artillery and cavalry. One Legion was assigned to the present District of Columbia, the second to the Virginia side of the Potomac. The District of Columbia first saw action during the War of 1812. Its most notable encounter was in August 1814 at the Battle of Bladensburg when they failed to prevent the British from attacking Washington and burning many government and military buildings.
Estimated Value $8,000 - 10,000
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| Realized
$6,300 |
Lot 19 |
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Jefferson, Thomas, Partly-printed Document Signed ("Th: Jefferson") as President, vellum, 15 x 9½ inches, Dec. 18, 1806. Ship's passport for the schooner "Fanny Catharine of New York John A. Burnham master or commander of the burthen of ninety three 66/95 tons or thereabouts, mounted with no guns, navigated with seven men." Countersigned by James Madison as Secretary of State and by David Gelston, Collector of the Port of New York. With scalloped top and usual attractive naval engravings; seal is intact at lower left.
Estimated Value $6,000 - 8,000
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| Realized
$5,040 |
Lot 20 |
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Kennedy, John F (1917-63) 35th President of the United States (1961-63). Document Signed as senator, 22 x 17 inches, June 20-28, 1958. Entitled "The Commonwealth of Massachusetts / Democratic Pre-Primary Convention Certificate / 1958." The oversize document lists the slate endorsed for nomination at the State Convention of the Democratic Party, "to be voted for at the ensuing State Primary on the ninth day of September, 1958." The slate includes Governor, Lieutenant Governor, State Secretary, State Treasurer, State Auditor, Attorney General, and Senator in Congress, the latter being John F. Kennedy, whose address is given as 122 Bowdoin St. Boston. He is listed as "present United States senator, For Renomination, Veteran," acknowledging his service in World War II. He signed in blue ink to the right, a magnificent example in blue ballpoint, thus formally certifying his nomination. The document is also signed by Massachusetts Governor Foster Furcolo, and the remaining five candidates for office.
Furcolo went on to retake the governor's mansion in the 1958 election, and voters returned Kennedy to a second term in the Senate. Two years later, in 1960, voters elected JFK the 35th President of the United States. Kennedy was the youngest man elected to the presidency; and he was the youngest to die in office when he was felled by an assassin on November 22, 1963. This is a most unusual relic from JFK's last statewide victory before winning the White House.
Minor scattered evidence of routine handling. Several small staple holes at the top of the page do not intrude in any way on Kennedy's signature.
Estimated Value $8,000 - 10,000
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| Realized
$5,400 |
Lot 21 |
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[Kennedy, John F.] Congressional Eulogies Signed by Mansfield, Warren, and McCormack, "Eulogies to the Late President Delivered in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol, November 24, 1963," containing three eulogies delivered by Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield, Chief Justice Earl Warren, and Speaker of the House John W. McCormack, and signed by each of the three men on the cover of the pamphlet, 9 x 5¾ inches. Printed by the U.S. Government Printing Office as "88th Congress, 1st Session" and "Senate Document No.46," Washington, D.C. 1963. These were probably the first official memorial addresses as JFK was assassinated only two days before they were delivered. Very fine; minor smudging to McCormack's signature.
Estimated Value $600 - 800
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| Unsold |
Lot 22 |
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Lincoln, Abraham (1809-65) 16th President of the United States (1861-65). Letter Signed in full as President, one page, 6 x 7¾ inches, Executive Mansion, April 2, 1862. Written in the hand of John Hay to Michael Crock, a kind and considerate man of whom we know nothing else.
On February 20, 1862, President and Mrs. Lincoln lost Willie, their third-born son, to typhoid fever. They had already lost Eddie, their second-born son, in 1850, just ten months before the birth of Willie. The Lincolns were distraught with grief, Mary to the edge of insanity. Lincoln lamented: "My poor boy. He was too good for this earth. God has called him home. I know that he is much better off in heaven, but then we loved him so. It is hard, hard to have him die!"
Tad, the youngest Lincoln son and the only one left in the White House (Robert, the eldest, was attending Harvard), had also been ill with typhoid fever, but had recovered. Mr. Crock must have realized how devastated the younger boy would be without his brother and playmate and sent two white rabbits to the White House to console him.
President Lincoln took time from his own grief and the concerns of the Civil War to acknowledge Mr. Crock's kindness. He wrote:
"Executive Mansion
April 2, 1862
My Dear Sir
Allow me to thank you in behalf of my little son for your present of White Rabbits. He is very much pleased with them.
Yours truly
Abraham Lincoln
Michael Crock Esq.
860 N. Fourth St. Philada."
President Lincoln rarely signed letters with his full name, reserving it for official documents. The fact that he signed the letter to Mr. Crock in full was most likely his way of truly expressing his appreciation for the gift to his young son.
The letter is toned and shows its age but Lincoln's signature, on this, one of his most famous letters, is an especially bold and beautiful example.
Literature (a few of many sources mentioning this letter):
Carl Sandburg. Lincoln Collector. The Story of the Oliver R. Barrett Lincoln Collection. Pp 169-170. New York, 1949.
The Oliver R.Barrett Lincoln Collection. Public Auction Sale. Lot 368, Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc, NY, 1952.
Basler, Roy P., Marion Dolores Pratt, and Lloyd A. Dunlap, eds., The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, 9 volumes. Springfield, IL: Abraham Lincoln Association; New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1953. CW, 5:177
Harold Holzer. Tokens of Respect, How Abraham Lincoln Coped with Presidential Gifts. Illinois Historical Journal, Vol.77, No.3 (Autumn 1984), pp.177-192.
Estimated Value $50,000 - 75,000,
Oliver R. Barrett, Frederick Hill Meserve (from the sale of above)
George Rinhart, Bruce Gimelson to Private collector,
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| Realized
$57,000 |
Lot 23 |
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Lincoln, Abraham, Partly-printed Document Signed in full as President, one page plus blank integral leaf, 9¾ x 7¾ in., Washington, November 9, 1861. Authorizing the Secretary of State "to affix the Seal of the United States to the envelope of a letter addressed to 'His Excellency José Joaquin Perez, President of the Republic of Chile'…" The watermarked paper is lightly toned, slightly more so on horizontal folds. A beautiful, bold example of Lincoln's full signature.
Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,500
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| Realized
$6,000 |
Lot 24 |
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Lincoln, Abraham & Ulysses S. Grant Plus Over 200 Others, Lippincott & Co. Civil War Autograph Album Signed on the first page in ink by Lincoln ("A. Lincoln") and in pencil by Grant ("U.S. Grant"), who added, "Lt. Gen. USA," 7½ x 5½ in. Housed in a full blue calf box, 8¾ x 6 in., engraved with gold lettering on the front cover: "Abraham Lincoln / Ulysses S. Grant / With Lincoln's Cabinet 1864." Spine is engraved, "Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant / 1864."
A ticket of admission to the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson, dated May 12th, 1868, is laid to the inside front cover. The members of Lincoln's cabinet have signed subsequent pages on the right side only, some with added words or dates:
William H.Seward, Auburn [Ill, Secretary of State], S(almon) P.Chase [Secretary of Treasury], Edwin M.Stanton [Secreatry of War], J(ohn) P. Usher, Indiana [Secretary of the Interior}, M(ontgomery) Blair, Maryland [Postmaster General], Gideon Welles, Connecticut [Secretary of the Navy], Edw. Bates of MO [Attorney General], H(annibal) Hamilin Wash., Mar 29, 1864.
Also included in this album are over two hundred autographs of Senators and Congressman of the period, including such luminaries as Henry Wilson, Lyman Trumbull, Thomas A. Hendricks, John Sherman, Charles Schurz, Benjamin Franklin Wade, Schuyler Colfax, James G.Blaine, and many other Civil War period legislators.
Several tickets of admission to the Columbian Exposition of 1893 are laid to the back pages of the album.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 15,000
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| Realized
$7,200 |
Lot 25 |
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Madison, James (1751-1836) 4th President of the United States (1809-17); "Father of the Constitution." Partly-printed Document Signed as President, vellum, 15 x 11¼ inches, November 25, 1812. Countersigned by James Monroe as Secretary of State and by David Gelston, Collector of the Port of New York. War-date Ship's Passport for the ship "Zephyr of New York Jedediah Olcott master or commander of the burthen of Two hundred Eighty-Eight & 62/95 tons or thereabouts mounted with Six guns navigated with Twenty two men…." Scalloped top edge and naval engravings; seal at lower left has a few cracks and one "tooth" missing. Madison's first name is a little light but "Madison" is bold, as is Monroe's signature. The War of 1812 began five months before this ship's passport was issued.
Estimated Value $1,600 - 2,200
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| Realized
$1,740 |
Lot 26 |
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Madison, James, Partly-printed Document Signed as President, vellum, 11x 16 inches, Washington, Feb. 1, 1815. Countersigned by James Monroe as Secretary of War. Seventeen days before the Treaty of Ghent officially ended the War of 1812, Madison appoints David McClellan captain in the seventh regiment of Infantry. A lovely, intact seal is at lower left. Madison's last name is a little light. Normal folds and light overall toning, else fine.
When the British invaded Washington in August 1814, Dolly Madison's courage in saving state documents and Gilbert Stuart's famous painting of George Washington is well known. Secretary of State James Monroe did his share, ordering the removal of all State Department records and documents, including the Declaration of Independence. After the British sacked and burned Washington, President Madison appointed Monroe Secretary of War and military commander of the Federal District (1814-15) while serving as Secretary of State (1811-17).
Estimated Value $900 - 1,200
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| Realized
$1,830 |
Lot 27 |
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McKinley, William, Partly-printed Document Signed as President, one page, vellum, 19½ x 15¾ in., Washington, September 29, 1899. Appointing Oscar H. Farenholt as Captain in the Navy. Countersigned by John D. Long, Secretary of the Navy. Blue Naval seal is worn but intact. Light overall rippling; minor vellum loss at upper corners affects nothing. "William" is lighter in the signature than the very dark "McKinley. A very attractive document, in fine condition.
Estimated Value $400 - 600
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| Realized
$276 |
Lot 28 |
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McKinley, William (1843-1901) 25th President of the United States (1897-1901). Letter Signed ("Wm McKinley Jr"), one page, 8¼x 5½ inches, Canton, Ohio, Feb. 14, 1884. Written on letterhead of W. and A. McKinley, Attorneys-at-Law, to J. M. Dalgell in Caldwell, Ohio. "…I thank you for your congratulations and will communicate with the national committee about you. Your suggestions are good ones and ought to be followed." Minor creasing; mounting strip on verso of left edge. The signature is bold.
Estimated Value $300 - 500
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| Realized
$228 |
Lot 29 |
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Monroe, James, War of 1812 endorsement signed as Secretary of State ("Admitted Jas. Monroe"), 8½ x 7¼ inches, n.p., n.d. Admitting Captain C. Larrabee into Washington, D.C. on July 4, 1814 and paying him for transportation of baggage. Larrabee, who was a captain in the 4th Infantry, signed at the bottom of the document that he received the $43.28 due him. Matted with a portrait of Monroe and framed to an overall size of 22 x 26 inches. Toned, with some ink splatter and show-through from verso; triangular tear visible at lower right corner, far from Monroe's signature and endorsement, which are very bold. Not examined out of frame.
The month after Monroe signed this document, the British burned Washington, including the White House, and occupied the city; however, a magazine explosion and a tornado repulsed them so that the occupation, which began on August 26, 1814, lasted less than 26 hours.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,500
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| Realized
$1,080 |
Lot 30 |
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Monroe, James, Partly-printed Document Signed as President, vellum, 8¾ x 13¼ inches, Washington, Jan. 1, 1818. Appointing Theodorus Bailey, Jr. a Midshipman in the Navy of the United States. Countersigned by Secretary of the Navy Benjamin Crowninshield. With embossed seal at center left. Overall toning; some soiling at left margin, not affecting Monroe's bold signature.
Estimated Value $900 - 1,200
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| Realized
$1,080 |
Lot 31 |
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Obama, Barack (1961 -) 44th President of the United States (2009 -). Rolling Stone poster of the front cover of their March 20, 2008 issue, featuring Barack Obama and signed by him in black marker, 34 x 22¼ inches, n.p., n.d. Obama had announced his entrance into the presidential race in February 2008. The lead story in Rolling Stone was "Barack Obama / A New Hope." Fine condition.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500
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| Unsold |
Lot 32 |
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Obama, Barack., Two Books: (1) Inscribed and Signed: "To Ron--Study hard! Barack Obama," n.p., n.d. Signed with a blue marker on the title page of a bar-review, soft-cover textbook, Professional Responsibility by Professor Richard Wydick. (2) Signed copy of The Audacity of Hope (New York: Crown Publishers, 2006), n.p., n.d. Signed in black marker on the title page. Dust jacket has a couple of small stains and edge creasing.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500
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| Unsold |
Lot 33 |
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[Presidents] Garfield, McKinley, Roosevelt, & Taft, James A. Garfield Memorial Service announcement on mourning-bordered 6 x 9¾ inch card; William McKinley postcard photos of his home and tomb in Canton, Ohio; Theodore Roosevelt postcard photo with message that TR had given this to the writer as proof that he used a comb for which the writer was seeking a patent; William H. Taft cabinet card with his Cabinet, by George Prince, Washington, D.C. Very good to fine.
Estimated Value $150 - 200
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| Unsold |
Lot 34 |
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Reagan, Ronald (1911-2004) 40th President of the United States (1981-1989). Two Typed Letters Signed, one as President, to the son of his Personal Secretary, with rare personal content. The 16-year-old young man had written the President a long letter [a copy is included] congratulating him on his reelection and added in a postscript that if an 18-year-old was old enough to fight for his country, he should be able to drink. The President responded with a very personal letter, showing a side of himself that he rarely revealed.
Typed Letter Signed as President, 1½ pages, on The White House letterhead, Washington, Jan. 28, 1985. "Dear Scott: I have your letter and was very happy to hear from you. Your mother keeps me posted on your progress and your intention to study architecture. I think that's great, but don't be surprised if you undergo a change of mind or, for that matter, more than one in the years ahead. I majored in economics and then wound up a sports announcer and later an actor.
I don't say this to suggest in any way your choice isn't the right one, it's just that in these next few years you'll be exposed to a number of new viewpoints and you should follow your own instincts. Architecture is a fascinating profession and a happy marriage between art and practical construction.
Scott, I shouldn't do this, but I have to argue with you a bit on your postscript about age 18 and the right to drink. Forgive me, but voting and soldiering are different than starting on what we have to recognize is actually a form of drug. Now don't think I'm a hypocrite -- I enjoy a cocktail now then before dinner and have a taste for a good dinner wine. I also recall feeling exactly as you do now and, looking back, I realize the Lord must have been watching over me. At that age (about 18) getting drunk seemed like the thing to do, the point of drinking. Then, before something too awful happened (although there were a few near scrapes) I realized that I was abusing the machinery, this body. We only get one you know. But more than that, I had an example to look at. My father was an alcoholic; I loved him and love him still, but he died at age 58 and had suffered from heart disease for a number of years before his death. He was the victim of a habit he couldn't break.
Forgive me for playing grandpa -- but think about it a little. Become an architect or, if you change your mind -- whatever, and we'll celebrate your graduation with a champagne toast, and I'll furnish the wine. All the best to you. Sincerely, Ronald Reagan."
The President sent a second Typed Letter Signed, one page, on personal stationery with an embossed Presidential Seal, n.p., May 22, 1990, after Scott's graduation from college. In part: "Congratulations! Nancy and I want to be among the first to wish you the very best on your graduation….All I can say, Scott, is that you've come a long way since you wrote that letter….Use this special time in your life to reflect on past achievements and resolve to strive for even higher goals in the years to come…." The President also sent a bottle of champagne (not present) with the letter. Both letters are very fine and come with the transmittal envelopes; the first is matted and framed to an overall size of 14 1/2 x 18 in., and the second to 14 1/2 x 11 1/2 in.
Estimated Value $5,000-UP
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| Realized
$6,900 |
Lot 35 |
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Roosevelt, Franklin D (1882 - 1945) 32nd President of the United States (1033-450. Rare Autograph Letter Signed "Your devoted Father," 2 pages, on Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland / Vice President stationery, 10½ x 7¼ inches, New York, n.d. but probably 1925 because of the content. To his son, James "Jimmy" Roosevelt, with interesting references to politics, and negotiations for building Val-Kill. He writes in part, "Dear Jimmy, It is perfectly great to get your letters & to know that you are really enjoying it so much. I had a lurking suspicion you would as it is all something you hadn't any conception of! …The caravan got to Campo safely and Mother came down Aug. 6 & joins me at Horseneck Beach…The swimming pool [built at Val-Kill in 1925] is practically completed & I hope to go in it next week end. Also, the foundations for the cottage are started - Clinton & I have taken the contract at a price of $4,000 cheaper than the lowest Poughkeepsie contractor. I am very busy with the new Parkway through the four Counties…" Some soiling to verso. Boldly penned and signed, the signature and two lines of text being written vertically along the left margin of the first page.
Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500
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| Unsold |
Lot 36 |
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Roosevelt, Franklin D. and Eleanor, Photograph Signed as President and First Lady, 8 x 10 inches, in original matte and holder, 11½ x 13 inches. "Christmas 1941" is printed on the lower edge of the table at which the Roosevelts sit. Some fading at right and left edges, casting a light shadow on part of FDR's left shirtsleeve and Mrs. Roosevelt's left arm. The First Lady's signature is very light but the President's is extremely bold. Original holder is toned with a few scattered stains on the front cover.
The photograph was taken on July 4, 1941 by George Skaddings of the Associated Press. It shows the President and Mrs. Roosevelt on the south porch of their home at Hyde Park, New York. According to Mary Seeley in Season's Greetings From the White House (Tampa, Florida: A Presidential Christmas Corporation, 2005), 404 employees of the Roosevelts received one of these signed photographs as their 1941 Christmas present.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500
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| Unsold |
Lot 37 |
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Taft, William H (1857-1930) 27th President of the United States (1909-13); Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (1921-30). Scarce Autograph Letter Signed ("Wm H. Taft") on personal stationery, 2½ pages, Washington, Dec. 31, 1918. With original envelope addressed in his hand to Mrs. Edward K. Hall, whom he thanks for a gift and adds: "Mr. Hall and I caught the train handily and rode together to the City of Brotherly Love where he deserted me…" Taft, who was a large man, shows his sense of humor, "…I walked down town as light as air. (Perhaps that is not the best simile for me)…" then adds graceful compliments, "I am sorry [Mrs. Hall's father] is not the long term senator from New Hampshire now. The dinner, the hall, the audience, the reception…could not have been improved. But the best was the atmosphere of the home…." One small edge split at horizontal fold, affecting nothing.
Estimated Value $800 - 1,000
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| Realized
$720 |
Lot 38 |
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Taylor, Zachary, Document Signed as President, one page, 14½ x 21½ inches, June 19, 1850. document. A four language ship's passport for the vessel William Hamilton, which was "…bound for Pacific Ocean and laden with provisions, stores and utensils for a whaling voyage…" Printed in four languages: English, French, Dutch and Spanish, with intact, original paper seals. Countersigned by Secretary of State John M.Clayton. Usual folds, one slightly affecting Taylor's signature, but overall very fine.
According to Starbuck, the William Hamilton weighed 463 tons and left New Bedford for the north Pacific whaling grounds on June 20, 1850, returning to New Bedford, May 1, 1854. Captain Shockley, became sick and returned earlier in 1851. The voyage was fairly successful, sending home 80 barrels of sperm whale oil, 1,440 barrels of whale oil, and 38,212 pounds of whalebone.
Passports for whaling vessels are not common and only presidential documents signed by W.H. Harrison and James A. Garfield are rarer than documents signed by Zachary Taylor as President.
Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,500
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| Realized
$3,480 |
Lot 39 |
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Taylor, Zachary (1784-1850) 12th President of the United States (1849-50)). Partly-printed Document Signed ("Z. Taylor") as President, vellum, 8 x 11¼ inches, Washington, Sept. 26, 1849. Appointing Edward C. Grafton a "Passed Midshipman in the Navy of the United States…." Countersigned by Secretary of the Navy William Ballard Preston. With embossed seal at lower left. Normal folds; slight ink brushing in Taylor's signature, else fine.
Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,500
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| Unsold |
Lot 40 |
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Truman, Harry (1884-1972) 33rd President of the United States (1945-1953). Typed Letter Signed, on personal letterhead, one page, 10½ x 7¼ in., Independence, Missouri, November 21, 1961. To David J. Oestreicher, Chief of Bureau, United Press International, Kansas City, Missouri. With the original envelope addressed to Oestreicher bearing a printed franking signature. Matted with the a portrait of Truman and the famous picture of the mushroom cloud over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, and framed to an overall size of 19¾ x 18¼ inches.
Truman responds to a request for his thoughts on the twentieth anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. As would be expected of "Give'em Hell Harry," Truman feels no remorse for his decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan. "I appreciated very much yours of the 17th. I wish I could write you about the 20th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor. I have very little to say about that except to say that the tears that have been shed on account of the atomic bomb should have been shed on the Pearl Harbor attack. All you have to do is to go to Pearl Harbor and stand on the upside down Battleship with the 2,000 youngsters beneath it and you can understand why I don't sympathize with the tear shedding of Hiroshim[a] and Nagasaki, because the dropping of those bombs is what ended the war."
Estimated Value $25,000 - 35,000,
Sotheby's, Dec. 13, 1995. Brought $25,000,
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| Realized
$33,600 |
Lot 41 |
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Truman, Harry S, Typed Letter Signed as President, on The White House / Washington letterhead, one page, Sept. 18, 1945. One month before the Nuremberg trials begin, President Truman writes to Franklin D. Roosevelt's executors (his long-time law partner and personal friend Basil O'Connor, and Farber), requesting FDR's papers to prosecute the leaders of the Axis powers.
In part: "Justice Robert H. Jackson, United States Chief Counsel for Prosecution of Axis Criminality, wishes permission to examine certain papers of the late President Roosevelt now on deposit in the National Archives in the hopes of disclosing additional evidence for use in the prosecution of war criminals. Specifically…to examine the report submitted to President Roosevelt by Mr. Sumner Welles upon his return from Europe in 1940; the reports submitted to the President by Mr. Myron Taylor while he served on the Inter-Departental Committee on Political Refugees and those later submitted by him while he was the President's personal representative at the Vatican; personal letters to President Roosevelt from Ambassadors Dodd, Phillips, Bullitt and Leahy; and any commmunications to the late President from leaders of the Axis powers.
Justice Jackson has been informed that permsision to consult the papers of the late President…must be granted by the Executors of the Estate of Franklin D. Roosevelt. On his behalf, I should like to request that effort be made to locate the documents described above; that; upon location, they be sent to the White House; and that Justice Jackson, or officials properly designated by him, be given permission to examine and make such extracts from the papers as are deemed necessary by the Justice in executing his official tasks as Chief of Counsel for prosecution of Axis Criminality…."
Robert H. Jackson, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, was the chief U.S. prosecutor at the Nuremberg War Crime Trials, held in Nuremberg, Germany in 1945-46. Myron Taylor was FDR's representative to the Vatican (1940). In 1938 he was delelgate to the Evian Conference in France to help the increasing number of Jewish refugees from Nazi persecution. Key ambassadorial posts were held by: William Dodd (Nazi Germany 1933-37); William Phillips (Fascisty Italy 1936-41); William Christian Bullitt, Jr. (Soviet Union 1933-36; France 1936-40); Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy (Vichy France 1940-42). Leahy attended the Potsdam Conference with Truman in July, 1945. Sumner Welles, a close friend of Roosevelt's, was Under Secretary of State, 1937-43.
Estimated Value $11,000 - 15,000
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| Unsold |
Lot 42 |
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Truman, Harry S, Typed Letter Signed as senator, on "United States Senate / Committee On Interstate Commerce" letterhead, one page, 10½ x 8 inch, Washington, D.C., Mar. 9, 1940. To George C. Vermillion of Missouri, thanking him for his letter and promising to "make an inquiry to find out just how your case is progressing. I am expecting to be at the meeting of the Young Democrats in Kansas City….I certainly am glad to hear that the Governor is losing ground." Light toning, else fine.
Estimated Value $300 - 500
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| Realized
$180 |
Lot 43 |
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Truman, Harry S and Bess W, Photograph Signed as President and First Lady, 10 x 8 inches, in the original matte and holder, 14 x 10¾ inches. The 1946 Christmas gift print pictures the Trumans smiling and waving as they board the President's private plane, the Sacred Cow, signed by the President in blue ink and by the First Lady in black ink. Engraved at the bottom is "Christmas 1946". The photo is lightly toned but otherwise fine. The holder is toned with one small edge chip.
According to Mary Evans Seeley's Season's Greetings From the White House, 575 autographed copies of this photograph were given to White House employees at an informal ceremony in the President's office.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500
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| Unsold |
Lot 44 |
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Tyler, John (1790-1862) 10th President of the United States (1841-465). Partly-printed Document Signed as President, 16 x 22¾ inches, Washington, June 19, 1843. A four-language ship's paper for the ship Java, presently at New Bedford and bound for the Indian Ocean. The ship carries "Provisions Stores and Utensils for a Whaling voyage." Countersigned by H.S. Legaré as Secretary of State; Legaré was U.S. Attorney General but served some six weeks as Secretary ad interim from May 8, 1843 to June 20th of that year, when he died in office. Seal is bright and intact. Tyler's signature is large and bold, lightly traversed by a horizontal fold with one tiny pinhole. A couple of small edge chips, else fine.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,250
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| Realized
$1,140 |
Lot 45 |
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Van Buren, Martin (1782-1862) 8th President of the United States (1837-41). Autograph Letter Signed ("M.V. Buren") as U.S. Senator, two pages, 9¾ x 7¾ inches, n.p., n.d. (docket notes receipt on Sept. 1, 1823). To Judge Miller, in part: "I have been disappointed in not hearing from you or any one else before on the subject of the Otsego suit. I infer however that Mr. H will be able to provide himself with other counsel and will be well pleased to find my influence counts. Our young Price from N York is waiting here to go out with me. I will thank you to drop me a line by return post that I may either retain or send him off with certainty…."
Written two years into his term as senator from New York. In 1821, Van Buren was made a member of the Congressional convention charged with revising the New York's state constitutuon. Because his party (he was one of the founders of the Democratic party) was not strong enough to send him from his own district, he was sent to represent Otsego County. As senator, he advocated a moderate course of reform, the limited extension of suffrage, and legislative reforms that would take power away from the assembly and transfer it to the governor, giving that office the power of veto. The convention was instrumental in making Van Buren's reputation, but he was largely motivated by party politics. As he notes here, "…my influence counts." One small edge tear, else fine.
Estimated Value $800 - 1,000
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| Unsold |
Lot 46 |
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Washington, George (1732-1799) 1st President of the United States (1789-97). Autograph Letter Signed ("G:o Washington") as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, two pages, 13 x 8 inches, Valley Forge, February 10, 1778. With integral address leaf addressed in Washington's hand to "The Hon. Robert Morris Esqr. at Manheim" and docketed in the hand of Robert Morris. In full:
"Your favor of the 19th ulto. by Colo Armand came to my hands a few days ago.--Rest assured my good Sir, that that Gent[lema]n mis-conceives the matter exceedingly if he thinks my conduct towards him is influenced in the smallest degree by motives of resentment, arising from misrepresent[atio]n.
I have ever looked upon him as a spirited officer, and every thing that was in my power to do for him (consistently with the great line of my duty) I have done; but the conduct which Congress unhappily adopted in the early part of this war by giving high rank to foreigners, who enjoyed little or none in their own country, & in many instances of equivocal characters; has put it out of their power without convulsing the whole military system, to employ these people now; for viewing rank relatively, the man who has been a Major for instance, in the French Service finding a Subaltern (there) a field officer in ours, extends his views at once to a Brigade, or at least to a Regiment--and where is either of them to be found? without displacing or disgusting our own officers, whose pretensions would be injured by it, & whose natural interest in, & attachment to the cause of their country, is more to be relied on than superior abilities in capricious foreigners; who are dissatisfied with any rank you can give them, while there is yet higher to obtain.
With respect to the particular case of Colo. Armand, I have only to add, that if it was in my power to serve him, I would, notwithstanding he was influenced to resign in a pet.--The Corps he commanded has long since, been reduced to a mere handful of men (under 50) & you are sensible that it is not in my power to raise any new ones without the authority of Congress.
Mrs. Washington who is now in Camp, desires me to offer her respectful complimts. to Mrs. Morris & yourself, to which be so good as to add those of Dr Sir, yr. most obed. Servt. G:o Washington."
This letter was written four days after France had entered the war as America's ally (on February 6th) but Washington did not get the news until May 1, 1778.
Robert Morris (1734-1806), who would become known as "the financier of the Revolution," was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a member of the Continental Congress. From 1781 to 1784, he would serve as Superintendent of Finance, making him second in power only to Washington. In 1778, he was involved in arranging for financing the purchase of supplies for Washington's troops. While Washington took seriously Morris' request for a promotion for Col. Armand, he couldn't resist expressing his frustrations with the expectations of "capricious foreigners," many of whom had little or no military experience or expertise.
Col. Armand, whose full name was Charles Armand Tuffin, Marquis de la Rouêrie (1751-1793), had entered the Garde de Corps, the Royal household troops of the King of France, as a young man, but was forced to resign after wounding the King's cousin, the Comte de Bourbon-Besset, in a duel. Armand went to America in 1776 and joined the American army with the rank of colonel. George Washington authorized Armand to raise a legion of volunteers and Armand bought a legion of troops that had already been raised by a Swiss major. They became known as Armand's Legion. Their ranks were decimated by disease, desertion and the expiration of enlistments [Washington mentions that Armand had fewer than 50 men in February of 1778]. On June 25, 1778, Armand was promoted to general. Washington authorized him to recruit from among the German POW's being held by the Americans, and after Count Casimir Pulaski was killed at Savannah in 1779, Pulaski's troops were absorbed into Armand's Legion. Armand's men fought in the battles of New York, Monmouth, Short Hills, Brandywine, Whitemarsh, the campaign in Virginia and the siege of Yorktown. On March 26, 1783, Armand was promoted to brigadier general in command of all Continental cavalry. He is considered one of the founders of the American cavalry. After his discharge from the army in November 1783, he returned to France. He remained friends with Washington for the remainder of his life. During the French Revolution, he took up arms against the republicans but his counterrevolutionary forces (the Chouans) were defeated and he became a fugitive and fell ill. The news of the regicide of Louis XVI was more than he could bear and he died at the age of 42.
Estimated Value $80,000 - 100,000,
Goodspeed's, Boston, 1971,
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| Realized
$84,000 |
Lot 47 |
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Washington, George, Autograph Letter Signed ("G:o Washington"), three pages, 9 x 7½ inches, Mount Vernon, June 20, 1788. To the great American mathematician "Nicholas Pike, Esq.r" (1743-1819), thanking him for a copy of Pike's just-published "System of Arithmetic." As a former surveyor, Washington was especially appreciative of the importance of the first American arithmetic book to the progress of the arts in America. In this moving letter, he waxes both philosophical and patriotic.
In large part: "…The handsome manner in which that work is printed, and the elegant manner in which it is bound, are pleasing proofs of the progress which the arts are making in this Country. But I should do violence to my own feelings, if I suppressed an acknowledgment of the belief that the work itself is calculated to be equally useful & honorable to the United States. -
It is but right, however, to apprise you, that, diffident of my own decision, the favourable opinion I entertain of your performance is founded rather on the explicit & ample testimonies of Gentlemen confessedly possessed of great mathematical knowledge, than on the partial & incompetent attention I have been able to pay to it myself. But I must be permitted to remark that the subject, in my estimation, holds a higher rank in the literary scale than you are disposed to allow. - The science of figures to a certain degree, is not only indispensably requisite in every walk of civilized life, but the investigation of mathematical truths accustoms the mind to method and correctness in reasoning, and is an employment peculiarly worthy of rational beings. In a cloudy state of existence, where so many things appear precarious to the bewildered research it is here that the rational faculties find a firm foundation to rest upon. - From the high ground of Mathematical and Philosophical demonstration, we are insensibly led to far nobler speculations & sublime meditations.
I hope and trust that the work will ultimately prove not less profitable than reputable to yourself. - It seems to have been conceded on all hands, that such a system was much wanted. - Its merit being established by the approbation of competent judges, I flatter myself that the idea of its being an American production and the first of its kind which has appeared will induce every patriotic and liberal character to give it all the countenance & patronage in his power. - In all events, you may rest assured, that, as no person takes more interest in the encouragement of American genius, so no one will be more highly gratified with the success of your ingenious, arduous, & useful undertaking than he, who has the unfeigned pleasure to subscribe himself with esteem & regard
Sir,
Your Most Obedt and
Very Hble Servant
G:o Washington"
Included with this letter are the following:
1) Nicholas Pike's personal folio mathematical workbook from 1764 to 1796, signed numerous times, 276 pages filled with all sorts of mathematical drawings (many in color), computations and arithmetical problems;
2) Pike's personal copy of his book, A New and Complete System of Arithmetick, Composed For the Use of the Citizens of the United States, signed twice on the front page;
3) The original and possibly unique large folio broadside advertising Pike's book, printed in Newburyport, Massachusetts, March 22, 1786;
4) A family tree of the Pike family, accomplished in the round in watercolor signed by Joseph Pike in April of 1800;
5) Note of descent from one ancestor to another in 1937.
Estimated Value $60,000 - 80,000,
Descended through the family of Nicolas Pike,
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| Realized
$75,000 |
Lot 48 |
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Washington, George, Partly-printed Document Signed ("G:o Washington") in a personal capacity while President, one page, 15 x 10 inches (New York), August 25, 1790. Countersigned by George Clinton as Governor of New York. Washington's secretaries, David Humphreys and Tobias Lear, signed as witnesses. A rare New York land indenture between "George Washington of the State of Virginia and George Clinton of the State of New York, Esquire of the one Part and Samuel Wells of Whites Town in the County of Montgomery in the State of New York …yeoman…." For the sum of five shillings, Washington and Clinton sell to Wells 204 acres of land on the south side of the Mohawk River. The document has an elaborate header and scalloped top edge. Executed three months before the US capital relocated to Philadelphia. Horizontal fold is partially separated; there are a few chips missing from top fold and right margin. All of the signatures are beautiful and bold, Washington's and Clinton's with small paper seals to the right. A very attractive document and one of the few known land indentures involving Washington as a sitting President, much less with a prominent official.
Estimated Value $18,000 - 22,000
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| Realized
$14,400 |
Lot 49 |
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Washington, George, Six line, 17-word Autograph Endorsement on verso of an order by Capt. Charles Edmonstone, one page, 7¼ x 9½ inches, Great Meadows, Nov. 20, 1768 (but probably in 1771). Washington's endorsement reads: "Chas. Edmonstone Esq.r his permit to Lau.e Harrison to take up the Great Mead.ws. 20th Nov.r 1768." Some toning and soiling; folds professionally mended, affecting a few words of Edmonstone's order but not touching Washington's endorsement. Tipped at top edge to another sheet.
The Edmonstone document reads, " By Charles Edmonstone Esq:r Captn of the 18th or Royal Regt of Ireland and Commanding His Majestys Garrison at Fort Pitt / Whereas Laurence Harrison hath made of application to me, to inclose the Big Meadows and Longfields at the lower end of them for pasturage and to raise grain for the use of Pack Horses, Beef Cattle, etc., that may be sent up for the Benefite of this Garrison, also to keep a House of Entertainment for the Accommodation of His Majestys Troops, and other Travellers, and it being agreeable to a late act of Assembly, made in Pennsylvania, and for the reasons above mentioned, I do hereby Permitt the said Laurence Harrison to take up, and Improve, the Big Meadows, on General Braddock's Road, and any land he may think necessary adjoining them. And to be subject to such Regulations as may be ordered by the Commander in Chief or by the Commander on this district for the Good of His Majesty's Service. Given under my hand at Fort Pitt this 20th day of Novr.1768. Chas.Edmonstone Capt Royal Regt. Of Ireland".
In the mid-18th century, the French began to move south from Canada and create settlements in the vast Ohio Valley. In 1753, Governor Dinwiddie of Virginia sent his young surveyor, George Washington, with a letter for Legardeur de Saint-Pierre, the French commander at Fort Le Boeuf [now Waterford, Erie County, Pennsylvania], asking by whose authority the French were occupying land that belonged to Great Britain and ordering them to leave. The French commander replied that he did not feel obliged to obey.
Washington reported back to Dinwiddie, who raised £10,000 to mount an expedition to ward off the French (George II did not feel inclined to get involved in this colonial struggle). Washington was soon promoted to lieutenant colonel and was sent to the frontier with a group of 300 backwoodsmen from Virginia and Kentucky under the command of Colonel Joshua Fry. As the company neared Cumberland, Maryland, Colonel Fry was seized with a fever and died suddenly, leaving Colonel Washington in command. Scouring the countryside for the French, he found a small party and instituted a skirmish in which the French leader Jumonville was killed, along with several followers. Washington and his troops retreated to the Great Meadows, marshy grassland located eleven miles east of what is now Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Here the young Colonel Washington and his troops hastily built a fortification they called "Fort Necessity." The French forces commanded by Coulon de Villers, numbering over 1400, attacked across the Great Meadows on July 3, 1754. Because of the numerous casualties inflicted on the British soldiers, Washington accepted terms of a conditional surrender, the only time in his military career he capitulated to the enemy. Thus began both the French and Indian War and wars between France and England which would continue until the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. More important, it signaled the emergence of George Washington on the international scene.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000
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| Unsold |
Lot 50 |
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Washington, George, Partly-printed Document Signed ("G:o Washington") as General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America, one page, 13 x 8 inches, Head-Quarters, June 15, 1783. Military discharge for "Johnson Cook Serjeant in the 1st Connecticut Regiment, having faithfully served the United States from the 30th of Jany. 1777 and being inlisted for the War only, is hereby Discharged from the American Army." Countersigned by Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. (1740-1809) who was Washington's secretary. Also signed by Zebulon Butler ("Zeb:n Butler Col."), who signed that Cook "has been honored with the Badge of Merit for Six Years faithful Service." On the verso is a printed statement, signed in print by Washington, that this certificate should be considered a furlough, rather than a discharge, until the Treaty of Peace was ratified; this occured on January 14, 1784. The document is toned with fold wear and several tiny pin holes, not affecting Washington's large, bold signature.
Zebulon Butler (1731-95) was Lt. Col. of the 3rd Connecticut Regiment. He commanded the garrison of Forty Fort in the Wyoming Valley. He is remembered for his defeat on June 3, 1778, at the Battle of Wyoming (Pennsylvania) in which he lost 340 men while attacking a superior force of some 570 Loyalists and Iroquois Indians under the command of Loyalist Colonel John Butler (no relation to Zebulon). John Butler, who was founder of Butler's Rangers, reported that 227 scalps were taken. The battle is often referred to as the Wyoming Valley Massacre.
Estimated Value $12,000 - 15,000
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| Realized
$12,600 |
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