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1. JOHN
QUINCY ADAMS (1767-1848). Large 16” by 20” partially printed
passport issued by the United States Legation at London, dated October 28,
1815. The document is entirely written in French, with a large engraving of
a Federal eagle at the top. Hand-numbered 225, and made out for Henry Hill,
a twenty year-old American citizen. Signed on the front by Adams for the
U.S. Legation with his scarce full signature, “John Quincy Adams.” Numerous
officially stamped entries from points of call on Hill’s European journey,
including one signed by HENRY JACKSON (1778-1840), a professor
of mathematics and natural philosophy at the University of Georgia who
served as Secretary of the Legation and Charge de Affaires at Paris
1814-1817. One small hole where a section of a red wax seal detached,
otherwise good condition and an especially interesting example of an early
American passport. $890.00
2.
FRANCOIS de BARBÉ MARBOIS (1745-1837). French statesman and author,
Consul-General to the US 1780. His fortunes varied during the French
Revolution, at one point being elected to he Council of Elders only to be
deported to Guiana by the Directory. Later appointed Minister of Finance by
Napoleon, he negotiated the Louisiana Purchase. Travel permit for
the family of Nicolas Trant of Ireland, signed by Marbois as “Ministère du
Tresor,” or minister of finance. Undated, but Marbois served as minister
from 1801-1805. $285.00
3.
JOSEPH P. BRADLEY (1813-1892). Associate Justice of the US Supreme
Court 1870-1892, appointed during the Reconstruction era by President U. S.
Grant, who considered Bradley a reliable Republican jurist. He served on
the election commission that ruled on the disputed election of 1876, wherein
Republican Rutherford B. Hayes gained the White House, despite losing the
popular election. Signed card, “Jos: P. Bradley, Justice Sup. Ct. U.
S.” $75.00
4. JOHN
BURROUGHS (1837-1921). American naturalist and author. An ardent
nature-lover, he was heavily influenced by Emerson. Friend of Walt Whitman
and camping partner of Theodore Roosevelt. Letter written and signed by
Burroughs, answering the question of a correspondent, including Burrough’s
lack of success in locating a particular sandpiper’s nest. Dated March 12
(1914), and including the original envelope. $285.00
5.
RICHARD EVELYN BYRD (1888-1957). US Navy Admiral, renowned
Antarctic explorer. Beautiful 11” by 14” black and white portrait
photograph of a smiling Byrd in full uniform, signed and inscribed on the
front. $325.00
6.
Colonel THOMAS E. CHICKERING. Union Officer, Colonel of 41st
Mass Vols and the 3rd Mass Cav. Interesting, original
manuscript Civil War letter dated November 17, 1864, written and signed by
Chickering, who was the Colonel of the 41st Massachusetts
Volunteers and later the 3rd Massachusetts Cavalry. Interesting
content, forwarding an “item” for inclusion in a journal or newspaper that
Chickering describes as “a daily welcome visitor in camp.” A postscript
mentions General Nathaniel Banks, who commanded the western Union army in
which Chickering’s regiment served. $175.00
7. JOHN
CLEM (1851-1937). One of the youngest soldiers in the Union Army,
tagging along with a Midwestern regiment at the age of ten. He was known as
the “Drummer Boy of Shiloh,” and claimed to have fought in that battle. He
was twice wounded in action near Atlanta late in the war. Commissioned a
lieutenant in the regular US Army in 1871, he resigned as a major-general in
1916. Printed copy of the Gettysburg Address, with a portrait of
Lincoln, signed and inscribed, “I met President Lincoln at the White House,
Jno. L. Clem, Co. C, 22 Michigan.” An interesting Civil War memento.
$490.00
8.
CHARLES DICKENS (1812-1870). Renowned British novelist, author of
A Tale of Two Cities and A Christmas Carol, among others.
Address panel from an envelope addressed in Dickens’ hand, signed on the
front “Charles Dickens.” $750. |
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9. THOMAS
A. EDISON (1847-1931). Inventor, businessman. Invented the
phonograph, developed the electric light bulb and the motion picture
projector. One-page typed “Minutes of a Meeting of the Board of
Directors of Edison Storage Battery Company,” dated December 30, 1920,
concerning routine business matters. Signed by the board, including Thomas
Edison and his son, future the Governor of New Jersey Charles Edison.
$950.00
10. (BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, 1706-1790). Printer, Author, Statesman. By the
time of the Revolution, he was an internationally respected scientist for
his pioneering work in electricity. An inventor of note, his “Franklin
Stove” was a simple, hugely popular device. His international stature
helped make him an effective diplomat for the newly independent United
States. He negotiated the French alliance and the Peace of Paris that ended
the Revolution. He chaired the important Grand Committee that worked out
the thorniest issues during the Constitutional Convention. William
Dell, The Trial of Spirits both in Teachers and Hearers
(Philadelphia: Franklin & Hall, 1760), a religious monograph printed by
Franklin’s Philadelphia printshop. 55 pages with later marbled wraps.
A rare example of the products of Franklin’s press, not signed.
$1350.00
11. GEORGE
(WILLIAM FREDERICK) III (1738-1820). King of Great Britain and
Ireland, grandson of King George II, he was the last king to rule over
America. Not originally expected to become king, the untimely death of his
father made him Prince of Wales in 1751 and king in 1760. It was George
III’s policies, and those of his government, that led directly to the
Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution. Partially
printed parchment commission making Isaac Swainson an ensign in the 66th
Berkshire Regiment of Foot. Dated November 21, 1792. $685.00
12. J.
PAUL GETTY (1892-1976). Oil Billionaire, art collector. He built a
huge oil empire that eventually controlled or owned over 100 companies and
made him one of the richest men in the world. Original check from
Getty’s personal account imprinted with his name and address, dated January
12, 1942. An interesting example of Getty’s charitable side, the check is
made payable to the Los Angeles branch of the Salvation Army for $25.00.
Fine, strong signature “J. Paul Getty.” $165.00
13. SYDNEY
GODOLPHIN, 1st EARL of GODOLPHIN (1645-1712). British
Statesman, Politician, confidante of King Charles II. Lord High Treasurer
and Secretary of State, he served ably under four monarchs. Portion of
an official financial document dated February 21, 1709. Boldly signed
“Godolphin” as Lord High Treasurer for Queen Anne. $250.00
14. JOHANNES GÖHLER. Sturmbahnfûhrer in the 8th SS Cavalry Division
“Florian Geyer” during World War Two, winner of the Knight’s Cross 1943,
prisoner of the Soviet Union for ten years after the war. Typed letter
dated March 28, 1983, signed by Göhler, and accompanied by a three-page
military biography in German. $85.00
15.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN GRADY (1831-1914). Confederate Soldier who served
in Company K, 25th Texas Cavalry. Professor at Austin College, Justice of
the Peace, Congressman from North Carolina 1891-1895. Three-page letter
written and signed by Grady on U.S. House of Representatives stationery,
dated May 21, 1894, and addressed to a Pennsylvania resident. Superb
content, with Grady reflecting at length on the outcome of the Civil War,
and the just nature of the Confederate cause. An unreconstructed Rebel,
Grady pulls no punches as he condemns the “cranks, fanatics and unscrupulous
tyrants” in control of the government, refers to his state as a “conquered
province,” and rails against the “advocates of imperialism at Washington
City.” The congressman writes with a candor and boldness that would be
virtually unthinkable for today’s cautious, intentionally ambiguous
politicians. $350.00
16. EDWARD
EVERETT HALE (1822-1909). Author, son of Nathan Hale, Unitarian
Clergyman, Chaplain of the US Senate 1903-1909. He wrote “The Man Without a
Country,” one of the best-loved American short stories. Note written by
Hale on a postal card, dated February 12, 1908, and signed “Edward E.
Hale.” $165.00
17. ROBERT
YOUNG HAYNE (1791-1839).
US Senator, later Governor of
South Carolina. Veteran of the War of 1812. He supported John Calhoun’s
Nullification doctrine, and engaged Daniel Webster in one of the great
oratorical duels of Senate history, the "Hayne-Webster Debates," over the
nature of the Federal Union. Signature, "Robt. Y. Hayne.”
$65.00 |
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