United States Presidents, Vice-Presidents and First Ladies |
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1. JOHN ADAMS (1735-1826). |
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| 2nd US President, Member of the Continental Congress for Massachusetts, early and vocal advocate for the Declaration of Independence. Adams was instrumental in negotiating the treaty ending the War of the Revolution. Adams has written 12 lines in Greek, undated, concerning the Ionian Confederacy, transcribed from Herodotus’s history of the Persian Wars, Book 1, Chapter 141. The text concerns the conquest of Lydia by the Persians, when the Ionians and Aeolians belatedly offered their allegiance to the conqueror Cyrus. An annoyed Cyrus in turn relates a fable, the moral of which hints at the dangers inherent in waiting too long to submit to Persian rule. The only portion of the document written in English is the heading "The Ionian Confederacy. Herodutus. Lib. 1. c. 141." Like most of the founding fathers, John Adams was the product of a classical education, spanning Latin school in his teens through classical studies at Harvard in early adulthood. Being able to read the Greek and Latin classics in the original, and to pepper letters and conversation with appropriate quotations from the same, were the marks of a cultivated mind in the eighteenth-century. Also included is a smaller four-word Greek quotation written by Adams, and set with a beautiful impression of his "JA" seal in red wax above. Examples of presidential autograph material in any language except English are exceedingly rare. A fine and attractive pair of documents, offering insight into the intellectual world of one of the most significant of the founding fathers. A translation is provided. $6300.00 | |||
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2. JOHN QUINCY ADAMS (1767-1848). |
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| 6th US President, Diplomat, son of 2nd US President John Adams. A particularly effective Secretary of State under James Monroe, he was largely responsible for drafting the Monroe Doctrine. Free frank address panel to John W. Francis M.D. (1789-1861), Register of the College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York. Francis was a noted physician, patron of the arts, and author of medical and biographical works. His intellect and reputation as a charming conversationalist made him a social favorite. Signed “J.Q. Adams” as US Secretary of State. $690.00 | |||
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3. JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, 1767-1848. |
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| 6th US President, Diplomat, son of 2nd US President John Adams. A particularly effective Secretary of State under James Monroe, he was largely responsible for drafting the Monroe Doctrine. Note written by Adams, being a jury verdict in a civil case in which Adams was attorney for the plaintiff. Apparently Adams won his case, since this verdict is signed by the jury foreman. A scarce artifact, as Adams spent most of his life in public service and relatively little time practicing law. Not signed. $395.00 | |||
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4. GROVER CLEVELAND (1837-1908). | ||
| 22nd and 24th US President, only president to serve two non-consecutive terms, first Democrat to become president after the Civil War. Large, partially-printed two-page document concerning the state board of health and its investigation into a business in Queens that was producing "offensive and deleterious stenches." The document is signed "Grover Cleveland" as governor of New York. Dated July 20, 1883. $495.00 | |||
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5. SCHUYLER COLFAX (1823-1885). |
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| A founder of the Republican Party, US Congressman from Indiana, Speaker of the House 1863-1869. He was Vice-President under President U.S. Grant, until being destroyed politically by implication in the Crédit Mobilier scandal. He was the first person to preside over both houses of Congress, since as Vice-President he was president of the US Senate. Signature cut from a letterhead or envelope, printed inscription "Vice President’s Chamber," signed "Schuyler Colfax, V.P." $110.00 SOLD | |||
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6. SCHUYLER COLFAX (1823-1885). |
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| A founder of the Republican Party, US Congressman from Indiana, Speaker of the House 1863-1869. He was Vice-President under President U.S. Grant, until being destroyed politically by implication in the Crédit Mobilier scandal. He was the first person to preside over both houses of Congress, since as Vice-President he was president of the US Senate. Interesting collage of items put together by an early collector, including signature, “Respy. Yours, Schuyler Colfax,” a carte-de-visite size albumen photograph of Colfax, and the back panel of an envelope bearing a good impression of his House of Representatives seal in red wax. $90.00 SOLD | |||
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7. CALVIN COOLIDGE (1872-1933). | ||
| 30th US President, Governor of Massachusetts. Amazing juvenile autograph album (2 ½” by 4 ½”) kept by Georgia Wilder, a cousin of Coolidge’s, when Calvin was a child. Contains the autographs of numerous children and residents of Coolidge’s hometown of Plymouth, Vermont, including his mother VICTORIA J. COOLIDGE, who died in 1885 at the age of 39, and his only sibling ABIGAIL G. COOLIDGE, who died in 1890 at the tender age of 14. Also signed by Coolidge’s (and Wilder’s) grandparents HIRAM D. MOOR and ABIGAIL MOOR. Signed on the fifth page, “Your Cousin, J. Calvin Coolidge, Plymouth, Vt. Feb 12, 1885” by the twelve-year old future US President! His full name was John Calvin Coolidge – he dropped the “John” later in life. It is difficult to over-state the rarity of this item – documented childhood autographs of US Presidents are rare enough to be considered virtually non-existent, especially in private hands. This is a superb example, combining the signatures of Coolidge’s friends, neighbors, and family from his tight-knit Vermont home town. A terrific find, and an absolutely unique Coolidge item. $3500.00 | |||
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8. CALVIN COOLIDGE (1872-1933). |
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| Typed letter on Coolidge’s official stationery as Massachusetts governor, dated June 15, 1920, thanking a supporter for a message of congratulations. Coolidge is almost certainly referring to his recent nomination as vice-president on Warren Harding’s Republican ticket. Signed in full "Calvin Coolidge." $385.00 | |||
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9. CALVIN COOLIDGE (1872-1933). |
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| Check drawn on the Hampshire County National bank for $6.00, dated September 18, 1917. Payable to GRACE COOLIDGE (1879-1957), First Lady of the United States, wife of President Calvin Coolidge. Elegant and well-loved, she was considered one of Calvin Coolidge’s most valuable political assets. Fluent in sign language, she worked for decades with deaf children. Signed on the front "Calvin Coolidge," and endorsed on the reverse "Grace G. Coolidge." A great, rare document signed by the 30th President, Calvin Coolidge and the First Lady of the United States. $550.00 | |||
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10. GRACE COOLIDGE (1879-1957). |
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| First Lady of the United States, wife of President Calvin Coolidge. Elegant and well-loved, she was considered one of Calvin Coolidge’s most valuable political assets. Fluent in sign language, she worked for decades with deaf children. Card signed and inscribed, "Autograph, Grace Coolidge, April 30, 1929." Done just after she and her husband had left the White House. Slight crease through the center, but still a strong and attractive signature. $95.00 | |||
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11. VARINA DAVIS (1826-1906). |
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| Wife of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, First Lady of the Confederate States of America. She greatly aided President Davis during his term, and later helped him write his memoirs. Charming letter written and signed by Varina Davis in 1904 to Colonel L. P. Yerger of Mississippi, concerning all sort of personal affairs and her own opinions and observations, including her troubles with "the whole race of pepper and mustard under the guise of Reporters…" Especially interesting are her comments regarding the "War in Manchuria," referring to the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905. She writes, "I do not love either side, but it is a weak power struggling against a powerful and unscrupulous adversary and I hope the Righteous God of Battles will help the worthy helpless ones." One back page smudged but legible, otherwise very good and with the original envelope. Signed "V. Jefferson Davis." $560.00 | |||
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12. DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (1890-1969). |
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| 34th US President, General of the Army and Supreme Allied Commander during World War Two. Colorful cartoon cover of the official program for the 1949 Yale-Columbia football game, inscribed and signed by Eisenhower. Museum-quality framed with a portrait photograph of a smiling Eisenhower in uniform. $590.00 | |||
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13. MAMIE DOUD EISENHOWER (1896-1979). |
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| First Lady of the United States, wife of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. 8” by 10” black and white photograph of a smiling Mamie at a press conference. Signed on the front “Mamie Eisenhower.” A lovely image. $115.00 | |||
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14. MILLARD FILLMORE (1800-1874). |
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| 13th U.S. President, ascending to the office from the vice-presidency upon the death of President Zachary Taylor in 1850. Approved the Compromise of 1850, and signed the controversial Fugitive Slave Law. Partially printed document authorizing the affixing of the seal of the United States to “the further respite granted to James Clemens.” Dated August 5, 1857, and signed “Millard Fillmore” as president. $850.00 | |||
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15. GERALD R. FORD (1913-2006). |
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| Note written and signed by Ford, on the stationery of Wake Forest University, North Carolina. Undated and to an unknown correspondent, the note conveys Ford’s thanks for help during his visit. Signed “Gerald R. Ford.” Museum-quality framed with a brass plaque and a portrait. $800.00 | |||
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16. BENJAMIN HARRISON (1833-1901). |
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| Union General during the Civil War, 23rd US President. Faithful to his supporters among fellow Civil War veterans, he enacted the first major Federal entitlement program in providing Veterans' benefits, and pushed through the highly controversial and protectionist McKinley Tariff. Check of Fletcher's Bank in Indianapolis, Indiana, dated December 7, 1885, for $2.92. Payables to C. E. Shover, the check is made entirely in Harrison's own hand and signed "Benj. Harrison." Very nice example of a full autograph check for a scarce president. $425.00 | |||
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17. HERBERT HOOVER (1874-1964). |
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| Splendid typed letter on Hoover’s personal stationery to historian James Atkinson, dated November 2, 1959. Atkinson was helping Hoover with research for the second volume of An American Epic, concerning United States food and other relief efforts during the World Wars. Hoover is thanking Atkinson for undertaking the job, and outlines what sort of research he will need. He also mentions that he is forwarding an advance copy of the first volume of An American Epic, "which is not yet released to the public and will not be out for two weeks, so that until then it is confidential. The introduction to this volume tells my purposes." Included are typed copies of Hoover’s correspondence with the War Department, and Atkinson’s typed copy and hand-drafted response to Hoover’s letter. A very interesting group of material. $185.00 SOLD | |||
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18. ANDREW JACKSON (1767-1845). |
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| 7th US President, Indian Fighter and General during the War of 1812, Victor of the Battle of New Orleans 1815. Champion of small government and expanded democracy, he lent his name to the political era of his time. Five lines written entirely in Jackson’s hand, from an official document conveying appointments, including one for a Marshall at Key West. Not signed, but entirely written by Jackon. $500.00 | |||
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19. THOMAS JEFFERSON (1743-1826). |
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| 3rd US President, architect, scholar, scientist. Author of the Declaration of Independence, father of the University of Virginia. Address panel to Samuel L. Osborn of Kennebunk, Maine, and set with a large "Lynchg., Va., Aug. 31" postmark. Signed in the upper left "Free, Th. Jefferson." $3500.00 SOLD | |||
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20. (ABRAHAM LINCOLN). | ||
| Printed National Union Party election ticket for the 1864 presidential election, from the Second Congressional District in California. Lincoln and Andrew Johnson head the ticket as candidates for president and vice-president, with William Higby the candidate for representative. 3½” by 8” ticket printed in red and blue on white paper, decorated with a globe floating in the sea labeled “Our Country,” with an American flag emerging from the pole. “Union and Liberty” motto on the reverse, printed in green, along with portraits of Lincoln and Johnson. Interestingly, the portrait of Johnson looks more like Andrew Jackson – presumably images of Lincoln’s new running mate were hard to come by at the time. West Coast Civil War-related material is very scarce. $450.00 | |||
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21. WILLIAM McKINLEY (1843-1901). | ||
| 25th US President, Governor of Ohio. McKinley led the nation to victory in the Spanish-American War of 1898, and was assassinated in office by an anarchist in 1901. Typed note on McKinley’s stationery as Ohio Governor, declining an invitation. Dated August 28, 1894, boldly signed "W. McKinley." $590.00 | |||
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22. WILLIAM McKINLEY (1843-1901). | ||
| Unique pair of original prescription notes drawn on the US Naval Dispensary in Washington, DC. Handwritten prescriptions from Dr. Rixey headed "For the President" (dated October 20, 1899) and "For Mrs. McKinley," prescribing specific mixtures for each of them, with instructions. Mrs. McKinley, for example, was to take a tablespoonful of "Wine of Phospho-Glycerite of Lime" with meals. Fascinating and utterly unique - we have never seen a similar presidential/first lady item before, let alone two of them for the first couple. Archivally framed with a beautiful period color portrait of the two of them. $2500.00 | |||
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23. JAMES MADISON (1751-1836). | ||
| 4th US President, principal architect of the US Constitution, co-author, with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, of the Federalist Papers, friend and ally of Thomas Jefferson. Check drawn on the Office of Pay and Deposit of the Bank of Columbia for $100.00, dated July 10, 1815, while Madison was President. Made payable to “A. B. or bearer,“ and signed “James Madison.” $1450.00 | |||
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24. JAMES MADISON (1751-1836). | ||
| 4th US President, principal architect of the US Constitution, co-author, with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, of the Federalist Papers, friend and ally of Thomas Jefferson. Free-franked postal cover with a "Washington City" postmark, and stamped "Free." Traces of the red wax seal remain. Officially docketed twice with an October 10, 1803 date and addressed to "Joseph Wilson, Esq., Collector of the Customs, Marblehead, Massach." Signed on the front by Madison as Secretary of State in the Jefferson administration. $875.00 | |||
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25. JAMES MADISON (1751-1836). | ||
| 4th US President, principal architect of the US Constitution, co-author, with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, of the Federalist Papers, friend and ally of Thomas Jefferson. Partially printed ship's passport on vellum, for the brig "Andrew" out of Philadelphia, sailing under the command of Isaac Coggin. Set with an intact wax and paper seal, and signed "James Madison" as president. Dated December 4, 1809. $1250.00 | |||
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26. JAMES MADISON (1751-1836). | ||
| 4th US President, principal architect of the US Constitution, co-author, with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, of the Federalist Papers, friend and ally of Thomas Jefferson. A receipt made out by Madison on May 28, 1802, to his sister, Nellie Conway Madison, for $50 from their Grandfather's estate. Madison's full name is signed in the first line of the note, and the entire document is in his hand. Signed by Nellie C Madison, who died shortly after this receipt was made. She had been named for their mother, who herself lived to 1829 and the ripe old age of 98. $2800.00 | |||
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27. JAMES MONROE (1758-1831). | ||
| 5th US President, presided over a particularly harmonious and prosperous time known as the “Era of Good Feelings.” Promulgated the “Monroe Doctrine” as US policy. Printed “Additional Instruction” for American Navy ships and privateers, ordered them not to interrupt unarmed ships bound for the British “humane establishment” at Sable Island. War of 1812-dated November 7, 1812. The establishment referred to is probably the lifesaving and rescue station set up in 1801. Sable Island, a few hundred miles Southeast of Halifax, was a notoriously treacherous region responsible for well over a hundred shipwrecks during the age of sail. Signed “James Monroe” as Secretary of State under President James Madison. An attractive relic of the naval War of 1812. $1250.00 | |||
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28. RICHARD NIXON (1913-1994). | ||
| 37th US President. Nixon ended American involvement in the Viet Nam War, improved relations with the Soviet Union, and opened US relations with the Peoples’ Republic of China, before being driven from office in the wake of Watergate. United States Senate Chamber pass granting access to the “Vice-President’s Row” in April, 1954, while Nixon was serving as Eisenhower’s VP. Boldly signed “Richard Nixon.” A great early Nixon item. $275.00 | |||
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29. RICHARD NIXON (1913-1994). |
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| 37th US President. Nixon ended American involvement in the Viet Nam War, improved relations with the Soviet Union, and opened US relations with the Peoples’ Republic of China, before being driven from office in the wake of Watergate. Typed letter on Nixon’s personal stationery dated January 8, 1968, declining to visit Cook County, Illinois, for a political event. Considering the confusion surrounding the 2000 Presidential election, it is interesting to note that Cook County was the spot where Nixon lost his extremely close contest to John F. Kennedy in 1960 under circumstances very similar to those in Florida 2000! Strong signature “Dick Nixon.” $500.00 | |||
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30. RICHARD NIXON (1913-1994). | ||
| 37th US President. Nixon ended American involvement in the Viet Nam War, improved relations with the Soviet Union, and opened US relations with the Peoples’ Republic of China, before being driven from office in the wake of Watergate. Interesting three-paragraph typed commentary on “Layman’s Sunday,” with Nixon discussing the importance of spirituality and getting involved. Dated “Layman’s Sunday” 1972, and signed “Richard Nixon” as president. On embossed White House stationery. | |||
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31. FRANKLIN PIERCE (1804-1869). | ||
| 14th US President, Brigadier-General in the Mexican War, signed the controversial Kansas-Nebraska act. Partially printed presidential pardon document for August Kelsing. Dated July 28, 1854, and signed “Franklin Pierce” as president. $900.00 | |||
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32. FRANKLIN PIERCE (1804-1869) |
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| 14th US President, Brigadier-General in the Mexican War, signed the controversial Kansas-Nebraska act. Envelope addressed to “Miss Elizabeth McNiel” and bearing Pierce’s free frank signature, “Free Frank Pierce.” Concord, NH postmark. Beautifully framed with a portrait of Pierce and a descriptive plaque. SOLD | |||
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33. ELEANOR ROOSEVELT (1884-1962). | ||
| Wife of Franklin D. Roosevelt, First Lady of the United States, Delegate to the United Nations. A respected and much-loved first lady, she did a great deal for numerous social justice and reform causes. Interesting typed letter dated September 26, 1955. In only a few short paragraphs, she declines a trip to Russia, provides an update on hurricane damage to Hyde Park, and side-steps a request for a job. Signed “Eleanor Roosevelt.” $285.00 | |||
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34. FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT (1882-1945). | ||
| 32nd US President, longest-serving president, having been elected to four terms. He constructed the "New Deal" to combat the Great Depression, and directed the US effort in World War Two. Very interesting partially printed extradition document turning fugitive Jacob Weiss over to New Jersey authorities. Set with the New York state seal, and signed "Franklin D. Roosevelt" as governor. Dated January 7, 1929. $550.00 | |||
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35. FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT (1882-1945). | ||
| 32nd US President, longest-serving president, having been elected to four terms. He constructed the "New Deal" to combat the Great Depression, and directed the US effort in World War Two. Interesting typewritten document making Charles A. Miller the New York state delegate to the National Tax Association. Set with the New York state seal, and signed "Franklin D. Roosevelt" as governor. Undated, but the Association met in 1929. $525.00 | |||
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36. FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT (1882-1945). | ||
| 32nd US President, longest-serving president, having been elected to four terms. He constructed the "New Deal" to combat the Great Depression, and directed the US effort in World War Two. Nice typed letter on Roosevelt’s stationery as New York governor sending thanks for congratulations on his nomination for the presidency. Addressed to James Riggs of the State Normal and Training School, and dated December 9, 1932. Signed "Franklin D. Roosevelt.” $475.00 | |||
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37. FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT (1882-1945). | ||
| 32nd US President, longest-serving president, having been elected to four terms. He constructed the “New Deal” to combat the Great Depression, and directed the US effort in World War Two. Typed letter dated January, 1929, to a woman whose son was apparently afflicted with polio. Roosevelt makes some recommendations regarding consultation at the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation, a center established by FDR for the treatment of polio in 1927. He was himself stricken by polio at the age of 39, and left a paraplegic. He later went on to become governor of New York and the longest serving President of the United States. Signed “Franklin D. Roosevelt” as NewYork governor. $495.00 | |||
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38. THEODORE ROOSEVELT (1858-1919). | ||
| 26th US President, led the “Rough Riders” to glory at San Juan Hill during the Spanish-American War. Succeeded to the Presidency when McKinley was assassinated. 22-page program for the Pan-American Missionary Service held on October 25th, 1903, at the Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Washington. Signed in ink on the front “Theodore Roosevelt, Oct. 25th, 1903” as President. $925.00 | |||
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39. TAFT WHITE HOUSE (c. 1909-1913). | ||
| Scarce invitation document to call at the Taft White House, “Mrs. Taft at Home,” with May 10 as the only date. On heavy cardstock with gilt embossed presidential eagle. A lovely and scarce piece of White House ephemera. $45.00 SOLD | |||
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40. HARRY S. TRUMAN (1884-1972). | ||
| 33rd US President, ascended to the Presidency upon the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt, authorized the first use of the Atomic Bomb. Check of the City Bank of Kansas City payable to Miss C. Reyling for $20.00, dated August 8, 1925. Signed in full, "Harry S. Truman." $325.00 | |||
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41. HARRY S. TRUMAN (1884-1972). | ||
| 33rd US President, ascended to the Presidency upon the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt, authorized the first use of the Atomic Bomb. Typed letter on US Senate stationery replying to a constituent concerning a commission in the Army reserve. Interesting content in that Truman states that no commissions are available, and that they have been discontinued indefinitely, but that some possibilities might open up later in the year. The letter is dated March 3, 1941 - by the end of the year the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor insured that the demand for military personnel skyrocketed! Signed “Harry S. Truman” as senator. $450.00 | |||
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42. JOHN TYLER (1790-1862). |
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| 10th U.S. President, Tyler came to office when William Henry Harrison died only 31 days after his inauguration. Known to his detractors as “His Accidency,” Tyler managed to quickly alienate the Whigs who put him in power. Signed the annexation of Texas in 1845. Free Frank signed “J. Tyler.” Museum-quality framed with fabric mats and a portrait of Tyler. SOLD | |||
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43. MARTIN VAN BUREN (1782-1862). | ||
| 8th U.S. President, Protégé and hand-picked successor to Andrew Jackson. A masterful politician, he was known as "The Little Magician." Partially printed New York legal document concerning a case before the state Supreme Court, dated October 1816. Signed "M. Van Buren," as Attorney General. $650.00 | |||
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44. WOODROW WILSON (1856-1924). | ||
| 28th US President, Governor of New Jersey, President of Princeton University. Led the United States through the First World War, and personally helped negotiate the Treaty of Versailles. Very nice typed presidential letter on White House stationery, dated August 13, 1913, only a few months into Wilson’s presidency. He expresses support for the Democratic candidacy of William Pettengall of Maine for a seat in the US Congress. Despite Wilson’s personal support, Pettengall was not successful in expanding Wilson’s Democratic majority. Good strong signature "Woodrow Wilson" as president. $585.00 | |||
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45. WOODROW WILSON (1856-1924). | ||
| 28th US President, Governor of New Jersey, President of Princeton University. Led the United States through the First World War, and personally helped negotiate the Treaty of Versailles. Note written entirely in Wilson’s hand, “My Dear Sir, I very cheerfully comply with your request for an autograph. Woodrow Wilson.” Dated April 28, 1909, at Princeton. $675.00 | |||