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Sale 33
Lot 271
Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) 16th President of the United States. Extremely rare Check Accomplished and Signed "A. Lincoln" as President, 2¾"x7½", Washington, D.C., 1865 Feb. 21. Being check No. 28, drawn on Riggs & Co. for five dollars to "Lucy (colored woman)." Fine condition; light toning; the "c" in "colored" is lightly affected by the cut cancellation. American Book Prices Current records from 1975-2004 show only one somewhat similar check. In 1984, a check Lincoln wrote to "Colored man, with 1 leg" sold for $16,000 at Sotheby's; this check was crude in that Lincoln's signature had been cut from the original check and a replacement Lincoln signature from another check had been patched on. This check to Lucy is totally original, with no tampering.
We don't know who Lucy was. A possibility is that Lucy might have been one of the freed slaves who came to the attention of Elizabeth Keckley, Mary Todd Lincoln's seamstress and confidante. Mrs. Keckley, a former slave herself, raised money for freed slaves and founded the Contraband Relief Association. Mrs. Lincoln was sympathetic to Mrs. Keckley's efforts and sometimes visited the "contraband" camps around the White House with her. Perhaps the President was informed of Lucy's situation and felt compelled to help her, but this is mere speculation. In any event, the check is ultra rare.
Estimated Value $35,000 - 40,000.
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Lot 273
(Lincoln, Abraham - ASSASSINATION). $100,000 Reward Broadside issued by the U.S. War Department, Washington, April 20, 1865, for the apprehension of John Wilkes Booth, John H. Surratt, and David C. Harold, 24"x12 3/8", laid to a 26"x14"sheet. Very fine. Signed in print by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. In part: "$100,000 REWARD! THE MURDERER of our late beloved President, Abraham Lincoln, IS STILL AT LARGE. $50,000 REWARD Will be paid…for his apprehension…$25,000 REWARD Will be paid for the apprehension of John H. Surrat, one of Booth's Accomplices. $25,000 REWARD Will be paid for the apprehension of David C. Harold, another of Booth's accomplices…All persons harboring or secreting the said persons…or aiding or assisting their concealment or escape, will be treated as accomplices in the murder of the President and the attempted assassination of the Secretary of State, and shall be subject to trial before a Military Commission and the punishment of DEATH. Let the stain of innocent blood be removed from the land by the arrest and the punishment of the murderers…." Descriptions of the three men follow, along with a Notice regarding additional reward money from the State and other authorities, "making an aggregate of about TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS."
At the time the poster was printed, Booth, Herold and Surratt had been identified as part of the conspiracy. Wilkes and Herold escaped into Maryland and then Virginia where, six days after the poster was first issued, they were found in a barn on Garrett's farm, near Port Royal, Virginia, and surrounded by a detachment of soldiers. Herold surrendered, but Booth refused, so the barn was set on fire and Booth was shot to death. Herold was tried, convicted and hanged (June 6, 1865) along with other conspirators. John Surratt escaped to Canada, then Europe, but was captured and brought back and tried in 1867 in a civil court (the jury was deadlocked and Surratt went free).
There were only two printings of this broadside; the present broadside is from the second printing, second issue. In the first printing, as well as the second printing, first issue, the description of Booth notes, "and wears a heavy, black moustache"; this issue adds, "which there is some reason to believe has been shaved off." Most of the extant copies of the second printing were not furnished with photographs at the time of their issue; cartes de visite were affixed at a later date. Most copies were publicly posted at the time of the manhunt or saved by souvenir hunters and were poorly preserved; consequently, most have numerous defects or are in only fair to good condition. Most of the extant copies are in institutions or private collections. This copy has some repaired edge tears and is lighter at the edges from a previous framing, but has no posting holes and is so fresh that it can only be presumed that Booth was captured before it could be posted. A rare opportunity to possess an example of probably the most famous reward poster in American history.
Estimated Value $40,000 - 60,000.
Purchased from the Abraham Lincoln Bookstore in Chicago, Illinois c. 1986.
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Lot 248
Garfield, James A (1831-1881) 20th President of the United States (1881). Letter Signed "J.A. Garfield" as President, on Executive Mansion letterhead, 1 p., 10"x7¾", plus docketed integral leaf, Washington, 1881 Apr. 30. Fine; mounting traces on verso. Addressed to George W. Curtis, a leading Republican and early advocate of major civil service reform, who was appointed by President Grant in 1871 to chair the commission on the reform of the civil service. President Garfield writes, in full:
"Dear Sir: Owing to the great pressure upon my time for the last two months I have found it impossible to respond sooner to your favor of the 16th of March inclosing a copy of the Resolution adopted by the Executive Committee of the Civil Service Reform Association. Please accept for yourself and convey to the Association my cordial thanks for, and high appreciation of their approval of my course in the matter of the appointment of the Postmaster for New York. Very truly yours, J.A. Garfield."
At the time of this letter, civil service appointments were largely dominated by the Radical Republican party machine leaders. Corrupt patronage appointments were widespread. In New York state, for example, civil service appointments were controlled by the state political machine under New York Republican boss Senator Roscoe Conkling. Garfield's election as President was assured when he gained the support of the Stalwarts, the pro-Ulysses S. Grant conservatives led by Conkling. In return for that support, Garfield agreed to consult with Conkling subordinates on patronage appointments for the state; however, as this letter indicates, Garfield's civil service appointments in the state of New York were being made in consultation with those at the forefront of civil service reform. Conkling was outraged at Garfield's refusal to continue the practice of offering patronage positions and resigned his senatorship sixteen days after this letter was penned.
Ironically, President Garfield's assassin, Charles Julius Guiteau was a Stalwart who expected a patronage appointment after the Republican victory and was never offered one. He blamed Garfield for his failure to get a job and determined to "save" the Republican party from the likes of Garfield. An important letter, related directly to Guiteau's motivation for assassinating President Garfield.
Estimated Value $17,000 - 20,000.
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Lot 540
(Monroe, Marilyn). Collection of twenty-five (25) photographs taken by Hollywood photographer Joseph Jasgur in March 1946 of Marilyn Monroe while she was still Norma Jeane Doughterty. Here is how it happened:
On March 6, 1946, Jasgur received a call from Emmeline Snively, director of the Hollywood Blue Book Model Agency, asking Joe to do her a favor and take some pictures of a newcomer "to see if the camera liked her." Nineteen-year-old Norma Jeane Dougherty showed up and boy, did the camera like her! Joe took some hurried pictures in the alley behind his studio, near the corner of Beverly Blvd. and Poinsettia Place. Less than a week later, on March 10th, Joe took Norma Jeane to the top of the Don Lee Towers above the "Hollywood" sign; she wore a plaid shirt and dungarees. Emmeline Snively decided that Norma Jeane's brown, curly hair needed lightening and straightening, which was done. On March 23, Joe took her to Zuma Beach in Malibu, and took pictures of her wearing a striped, two-piece bathing suit. A week later, they returned to Zuma Beach for more pictures and Norma Jeane wore a two-piece bathing suit with a seagull on it; they were accompanied by three cast members of a local production of The Drunkard. Based on Jasgur's photographs, Norma Jeane was signed by Emmeline Snively and became one of Blue Book's most successful models, going on to meet Ben Lyon, casting director at 20th Century-Fox, and signing a seven-year optional contract. Marilyn Monroe was born.
Offered here are 25 of the photographs from those early shoots, taken three years before Tom Kelley's nude, calendar photos of Marilyn. They are divided into eight groups and are in overall fine condition. Numerous Library of Congress copyright documents are included, but the copyright is retained by Paul E. Philipson (meaning that the purchaser will own and can sell these originals, but can not make reproductions for sale.) A DVD containing 1½ hours of interviews with photographer Joseph Jasgur is included, as is a photocopy of the Model Release Form that Norma Jeane signed for the March 10 and 23 sessions. The collection includes:
(1) Three color photos of Norma Jeane wearing plaid pedal pushers and a white sweater, standing on a ledge: one is 14"x11", one is 10"x8", and one is 10½"x8". With a Library of Congress copyright document.
(2) Six black and white photos, wearing plaid pedal pushers and a white sweater, five 10"x8" and one 13½"x10½". The 10"x8" photos include: one photo of photographer Jasgur "kicking" Norma Jeane in the behind as she looks over the ledge of a building; two chest-up portraits of her smiling upward (one of these is in a special background light process, has an embossed blind stamp, "Joseph Jasgur / Hollywood" at lower right and has a Library of Congress copyright document); one is 3/4 length, with her hands on her hips; and one is full lenth, on the ledge of the building. The large photo shows her standing on the ledge, her hands tugging down her sweater, and has an embossed blind stamp, "Joseph Jasgur / Hollywood" at lower right. It was inscribed in 1990 by an older Jasgur to someone named Karen (to whom he never gave the photo) and shows his bitterness toward Norma Jeane, who ignored him after she signed her movie contract. It says: "Karen--When I discovered Norma Jean (Marilyn Monroe) and took her first modeling photos in 1946, I thought modeling she was super good. Discovering you in 1989, made me realize that there is no comparison. You are genuine and fantastic. This is why I like you so much…."
(3) Four 10"x8" black and white photos: one full-length shot, wearing plaid pedal pushers and a white sweater - titled, "Norma Jeane, Infra Red #5, With Both Hands on Hips"; one (with crop marks) is "Norma Jeane, Infra Red #4 With Both Hands Behind Head"; one is a head and bust shot, marked "Infra-Red Film" on the back, with Jasgur's stamp; and a laughing, waist-up shot, with left hand on her waist. The first three have a Library of Congress copyright document; the fourth has a Certificate of Copyright Registration.
(4) Four black and white photos in a plaid shirt: one 14"x11" head and bust shot, one 10"x8" head and bust shot, and two 10"x8" waist-length shots (one with Library of Congress copyright document).
(5) Two black and white photos of Norma Jeane, both 8"x10"; in one, she wears a two-piece seagull bathing suit and stands with five other people (photographer Joseph Jasgur has his arm around her shoulders); in the other group photo, her eyes are closed and she wears Jasgur's jacket over her bathing suit. With a Library of Congress copyright document.
(6)Two color photographs in a two-piece seagull bathing suit; one 20"x16 is signed by Joseph Jasgur at lower left; the other is 14"x11". With a Library of Congress copyright document. After looking closely at these photos years later, Jasgur declared that Norma Jeane had six toes on her left foot, but said he had never noticed it in person; this is vehemently disputed by many Marilyn fans.
(7)Two photos, one color and one black and white, both 10"x8": Norma Jeane in a facial portrait, wearing a white sweater. With a Library of Congress copyright document.
(8) Two 14"x11" photos, one color and one black and white: The first shows Norma Jeane sitting on the beach in a striped, two-piece bathing suit, with Jasgur's backstamp; a cropped head shot of this photo appears on the color of The Birth of Marilyn. The Lost Photographs of Norma Jean by Joseph Jasgur by Jeannie Sakol (St. Martin's Press, 1991). The second shot shows Norma Jeane drawing a heart on the beach; it is a promotional shot used in 1987 for a show called "25 years / Marilyn Monroe / forever young" by Prime Entertainment Inc. Both shots have Library of Congress copyright documents.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 25,000.
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Lot 302
Washington, George (1732-1799) First President of the United States (1789-1797). Autograph Letter Signed "Go: Washington" as President, 1 1/3 pp (single sheet), 9"x7½", Mount Vernon, 1792 May 20. Very good; some edge chips and toned areas, primarily over the lower part of the letter, not affecting legibility or the signature on the verso. To "Mrs. Washington - Fairfield" (Hannah Fairfax Washington, widow of the President's first cousin Warner). In full
"Dear Madam, To the variety & importance of public business which presses upon me towards the close of the Session of Congress, and which leaves not a moment to attend to my private concerns, you will have the goodness to impute this late acknowledgment of the receipt of your obliging favor of the 9th of April. Permit me now, my dear Madam, to offer my best thanks for your kind attention to the request contained in my former letter, and for the information which you have been so good as to furnish me with relative to the genealogy of the family of Washington. I return herewith the Will of Lawrence Washington agreeably to your desire. Mrs. Washington received with much pleasure your kind remembrance & affectionate regards, and would, were she here (where I am for a few days only) return the same with much sincerity to which permit me to add the best wishes and ardent prayers for your happiness of Dear madam Your affecte. and obedt Servt. Go: Washington."
Hannah Washington's husband, Warner, and George Washington had the same grandfather: Lawrence Washington. The President had been contacted by an English genealogist, Isaac Heard, requesting information to fill in some holes in the Washington family tree. There ensued correspondence, of which this letter is a part, between the President and his cousin's widow regarding the family genealogy.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000.
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Lot 110
Melville, Herman (1819-1891) American novelist, essayist, and poet; Moby Dick is considered his masterpiece. Autograph Letter Signed "H Melville," 2pp (single sheet), 9¾"x7¾", Pittsfield (Mass.), 1854 July 7. Fine. To his publisher, George P. Putnam. In part:
"I send you…some sixty and odd pages of M.S.S. The first M.S. is a short article…the "Lightning-Rod-Man"….The second M.S. is part of a story called "Israel Potter"….when finished will embrace some 300 or more M.S. pages. I propose to publish it in your magazine at the rate of five dollars per printed page, the copyright to be retained by me….$100 to be remitted to me as an advance…the price of the subsequent numbers to be remitted to me upon each issue of the magazine as long as the story lasts….I engage that the story shall contain nothing of any sort to shock the fastidious. There will be very little reflective writing it it; nothing weighty. It is Adventure. As for its interest, I shall try to maintain that as well as I can…."
"Lightning-Rod-Man" was first published in 1856, five years after Moby Dick, as one of six stories in The Piazza Tales. Israel Potter was Melville's only historical novel, based on the eponymous Revolutionary War figure, and featured characters such as Benjamin Franklin and Ethan Allen. Melville promised his publisher not to "shock the fastidious" with this work because his previous novel, Pierre, had shocked readers and brought much criticism upon the author.
Estimated Value $9,500 - 11,000.
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Lot 385
Pickett, George & Lee, Fitzhugh. Superb correspondence regarding orders given by Gen. George E. Pickett at "Five Forks" (Mar. 30-Apr. 1, 1865) and Pickett's report that Fitzhugh Lee had not obeyed them. Comprised of three Autograph Letters Signed: one from General Fitzhugh Lee to General George E. Pickett, Pickett's reply to Fitzhugh Lee, and Pickett's resulting letter to General Robert E. Lee.
GEN. FITZHUGH LEE TO GEN. GEORGE E. PICKETT, ALS. 6pp, 9¾"x7¾", Richmond, Va., 1970 May 19. Fine. In part: "…a friend…sent me a copy of your report concerning the operations of 'Five Forks'…I take exception to your intimation that your order to reinforce your left was not obeyed by me and to your statement that you 'did not see gen. Fitz Lee after the fight began.'…you wrote what you did from a misapprehension of all the factors in the case. By Gen. Lee's order I was then in command of the Car: Corps of his Army. In your position at Five Forks one of my Divisions (W.H.F. Lee's) was on your right - another (my old one) on your left - no regiments in line - the remainder retire - to give me and horses rest…The remaining Div. (Rosser's) was in reserve behind your line of battle…I stopped at your tent, and had some little talk with you about the position…a force of the enemy was moving to our left. I immediately went to Gen. Munford commanding the Div. to…ascertain the truth of the report and…move the remainder of his command up to the line. His report will bear that they were in position in time to receive the attack…All of which was done in compliance with an order from you to reinforce the left…Hastily dressing I rode rapidly towards the front. Some distance in my advance I saw you also galloping to your line of battle…When I arrived the enemy having broken in our left, had occupied it. I immediately moved Rosser up and we attacked them, but so larger was their infantry force at that point it was impossible…we were kept busy repulsing their attack and their threatened advance to the RR. The absence of Rosser, myself, and his 2 Brigades from the main fight on the other side of the creek is thus accounted for…The mistake made at 'Five Forks' was in not taking up a line of battle behind the creek……is not to be attributed to you but to the order you received designating your position…their Cavalry Corps (that Gen. Meade told me at the surrender numbered 10,000 men) our Cavalry consisted of 6 small Brigades (3 Div:s) say 3200 men. I don't know your force. I have to request Gen., that in view of additional facts I present…you will have your report of these locations now in the hands of Gen. Lee, changed…."
GEN. GEORGE E. PICKETT TO GEN. FITZHUGH LEE, ALS "G.E. Pickett," 3pp, 9"x7¾", Richmond, Va., 1870 May 23. Fine. In part: "…I have at this present writing no copy of my report…My recollection…Whilst taking up the position at the Five Forks I directed you to cover the right & left flank of the Infantry line with your Cavalry…in reply to a remark of yours that your horses needed rest and feed I said you have to dismount and act as Infantry. Sometime afterwards Gen. Ransom sent a courrier to me saying his left was uncovered and the Cavalry not in the position assigned. I immediately dispatched a courrier to you asking you to have this matter attended to…the enemy had appeared and…the Cavalry were still not in position. I then sent a Staff Offr. to you, Capt. Bright, asking the cause of this delay to the effect that the left must be immediately reinforced…I had gone back to change my horse and write a dispatch to Gen. R.E. Lee and was under the impression that the order had been executed…I lost no time riding to my line of battle…left was unprotected…Stewart…new fighting with all obstinacy but it was too late, the enemy being so very much our superiors numerically, entirely enveloped us…you were evidently of the same opinion…that the cavalry had been put in the designated position…I shall…forward to Gen. R.E. Lee an extract of your letter…."
GEN. PICKETT TO GEN. ROBERT E. LEE, ALS "G.E. Pickett," 2pp, Richmond, Va. 1870 June 19. Fine. In part: "I have the honor to enclose a letter…from Gen. Fitzhugh Lee…asking you to eliminate from my report the paragraph…'did not see Gen. Fitz Lee after the fight began' and also anything from which the inference could be drawn of a disobedience of orders on his part. My report…was in reality written in Canada. I at that time not caring my whereabouts to be known…I…was afraid to delay preferring to do so whilst events were fresh in my memory, and knowing not then at what time, if ever, I should return to my country…From his letter it is evident that Gen. Lee had communicated the order to his subordinate and therefore is relieved from any intention of disobedience of orders…the order never was executed…my wishes to have the Cavalry on the left dismounted, and to act as Infantry (one reason for this was the nature of the ground, being thick with undergrowth & marshy)…Gen. Lee appeared much surprised to learn that the order had not been executed…."
Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000.
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Lot 1
(Hawaii - Bayonet Constitution). The Bayonet Constitution was an 1887 constitution imposed on King David Kalakaua at the point of a bayonet July 6, 1887 by a group of American planters and businessmen who wanted political, as well as economic, control of the kingdom. The purported aim of the group, which had formed a secret organization (the Hawaiian League) was to "reform" the monarchy. The group was organized and led by Lorrin A. Thurston (1858-1931), the Hawaiian-born son of American missionaries and Minister of the Interior under Kalakaua. Thurston drafted the Bayonet Constitution, which stripped the monarchy of its authority, making the king a mere figurehead, and gave full voting rights to Americans and Europeans who were not legal Hawaiian citizens. The requirements for voting: making $600 USD annually and owning at least $3,000 in private property, deprived a large percentage of native Hawaiians of any say-so in the government. The constitution was put into effect without any vote. Many of the same group of men would be involved in the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani six years later, in 1893, and the push for the annexation of Hawaii by the United States, which took place in 1898.
Galley proof of the Bayonet Constitution, 6 pp, 5 of them 26"x6½" and 1 13"x6½". The pages are lightly toned, with minor foxing. Each page is hand numbered, with the name "N.B. Emerson" at the top. The pages hold numerous penciled additions, corrections, and deletions in the hand of Emerson (1839-1915), a physician, historian and ethnologist who was born into a missionary family in Hawaii, went to Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, enlisted in the First Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, was wounded twice at Fredericksburg and once at Chancellorsville, then fought at Gettysburg and in all of the regiment's battles from Rapidan to Richmond. He studied medicine at Harvard and at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, graduating in 1869. He returned to Hawaii in 1878 as general inspector of "lepers and leper stations," was president of the Board of Health (Sept. 1887-Dec. 1889), and was prison physician from 1894 until his death in 1915. Emerson published Pele and Hiiaka: A Myth from Hawaii and Unwritten Literature of Hawaii: The Sacred Songs of the Hula, as well as many papers and articles dealing with Hawaii.
Dr. Emerson made extension corrections on this copy of the constitution. For example, the phrase "The King with the advice of the Cabinet" appears in several places. Dr. Emerson marked through "with the advice of the Cabinet" in each place, making it look as if the King could still make the decisions; however, Emerson inserted an additional article on page 6, which made it clear that the King was merely a figurehead: "Whenever by this Constitution any act is to be done or performed by the King or the Sovereign it shall, unless otherwise expressed, mean that such act shall be done and performed by the Sovereign by and with the advice and consent of the Cabinet." The changes Emerson made, some of which were substantial, were all incorporated into the final constitution. (A copy of the text of the final constitution is included for comparison, taken from a pamphlet printed in 1887 by the Hawaiian Gazette Publishing Co.) This corrected galley proof is a fascinating, historic document. It will be a highlight in any collection of political and historical Hawaiian memorabilia.
Estimated Value $5,000 - 10,000.
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Lot 387
Stuart, James Ewell Brown (1833-1864) Legendary Confederate cavalry officer; mortally wounded at Yellow Tavern on May 11, 1864. Autograph Letter unsigned, 4pp, 7½"x5½", whimsically datelined "Camp Laura, Mar: 17th 1862." Fine. One small area of paper loss at the lower edge may have been taken out by Stuart himself; perhaps he had signed with his initials before he decided to be coy and let Laura guess who wrote the letter. Beginning March 9th, eight days before he wrote this letter, Stuart moved out of his winter camp and covered Johnston's evacuation from before Bull Run to Culpeper Court House; his troops were in charge of destroying tons of supplies that the Confederate army had accumulalted at Manassas but could not move. It was during this period of time that Stuart wrote this flirtatious letter with excellent war content referring to the ironclad Merrimack's victories and bragging that he would lead the victorious advance into Pennsylvania. In part:
"…Our enemies are playing a good game pretending to restore instead of destroying as we do, and I have no doubt we have a plenty silly enough to put confidence in their fair promises and soft whining speeches….I hope you will give the Yankees a wide berth and only use the list I gave you in case you got into any serious trouble & required protection. I have no friends on the Yankee side. The enemies of my country are my enemies and I feel assured are also my Laura's enemies….Your friends are all well and in fine fighting trim -- we are bound to whip the Yankees this time worse than ever and it will not be many months before I lead the triumphant advance into Pennsylvania. Let me caution you in the mean time to be prepared for the most outrageous slanders on us and our cause. Turn a deaf ear to all accounts and keep an abiding faith in the justness of our cause and the help of God. We had a glorious naval success at Norfolk -- sinking and disabling 3 vessels. The Cumberland, Congress and Minnesota. It was all done by the Merrimack whose name is changed to 'Virginia'….Can I ever forget that never to be forgotten good-bye! Will you forget it? I am vain enough Laura to be flattered with the hope that…whatever betides me and this eventful year you will in the corner of that heart so full of noble impulses find a place in which to stow away from worldly view the 'young Brigadier' even when that bullet-proof helmet (raven -lock) has fulfilled its last mission. I do not want you to destroy this but keep it and take it out occasionally to remind you of the thoughts and sentiments of the 'absent one'….Can you guess who wrote this, I'll let you try. Good bye."
Estimated Value $12,000 - 18,000.
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Lot 131
Capone, Al (1899-1947) America's most notorious gangster. Partly-printed Document Signed "Alfonse Capone" twice, once on the front and once on the verso. Also signed and endorsed by Theresa and Mae Capone, his mother and wife. Fine; Capone's signature on the front is bold and clear; the other signatures are affected by bank stamps but are still legible. Being an interest note from the Lawndale National Bank, Chicago, Illinois, on Loan No. 6223, dated November 18, 1926. In 1925, Capone took over Johnnie Torrio's empire and became a major kingpin in the underworld. From 1925 to 1930 he was busy syndicating and expanding Chicago's vice industry. He controlled speakeasies, bookie joints, gambling houses, brothels, horse and race tracks, nightclubs, distilleries, and breweries, making a reported $100,000,000 per year. This is a document signed at the height of Capone's power.
Estimated Value $7,500 - 9,500.
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