Mar 31, 2001, The B. H. Manuscript/Collectible/Philatelic Sale, Sale 9
Lot 455
Adams, Samuel
(1722-1803). American revolutionary politician and brew master. A
distant cousin to John Adams, Samuel was a signer of the Declaration of
Independence as well as governor of Massachusetts and was instrumental in
organizing the Boston Tea Party.
Document Signed ("Sam
Adams"). As Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts. Partially printed,
accomplished in manuscript. One page, folio, n.p., October 16, 1793. Being
a military appointment. In brown ink. With original wafer seal affixed at
the upper left. Attractively matted and framed with an image of the
statesman and identifying card to an overall size of 26 x 30". With one
horizontal and one vertical fold, and considerable foxing. Still in good
condition overall.
Just prior to his term as Governor, here Adams
appoints one Daniel Green as captain of a company of men in the Second
Regiment/ First Brigade/ Third Division of the Massachusetts militia.
Eloquently composed, this document states: "I do by these Presents
(reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Ability, Courage and good
Conduct) Commission you accordingly. -- You are therefore carefully and
diligently to discharge the Duty of a Captain in Leading, Ordering and
Exercising said Company in Arms..."
Estimated Value $1,500-2,500.
Lot 456
Atchison, David Rice
(1807-1886) U.S. Senator from Missouri, he served 16 terms as President
Pro Tem of the Senate. Atchinson was also called upon to serve one day as
United States President on March 4, 1849 when James Polk's term ended, and,
being a Sunday, President elect Zachary Taylor refused to be sworn in for
religious reasons. So, although he never spend the night in the White House
nor signed any bills, Atchison was, indeed, President of the United States.
Document Signed ("D.R. Atchison"). As Senator. Three pages,
small quarto, Washington D. C., March 5, 1853. Being an appointment
endorsement headed "Senate Chambers," addressed to President Franklin
Pierce. One vertical and two horizontal folds, minor age toning at bottom.
Very good to fine condition.
Signing with fourteen Senators, Rice
endorses the appointment of Dr. William F. Wallace to the position of
"Naval Store Keeper." Dr. Wallace was to be rewarded because he "devoted
his whole time & energy to the late presidential struggle; and having
charge of the Iowa divisions, rendered most essential and valuable
service..." A nice document not only for the involvement of Atchison, but
also for the eternal political finagling it illustrates.
Estimated
Value $1,200-1,400.
Lot 457
Baldwin, Stanley
(1867-1947). Conservative three-time British Prime Minister.
Autograph Letter Signed ("Stanley Baldwin"). One page,
4¾ x 7¼", London, May 22, 1922. On embossed House of Commons
stationery. Mailing folds, minor toning, minor foxing. Good to very good
condition.
Interesting note with content that suggests it was
destined for the American Ambassador: "I gladly return yr card and feel
that I cannot do better than send you a copy of the words of one of your
most distinguished Presidents, expressing a sentiment which has animated so
many of those great men who have succeeded John Adams at St. James's."
Estimated Value $100-150.
Lot 458
Begin, Menachim
(1919-1992) Polish-born Zionist leader who was Prime Minister of Israel
from 1977-1983. With Anwar Sadat of Egypt, Begin won the 1978 Nobel Peace
Prize for their efforts towards a peaceful solution of Egyptian-Israeli
conflicts.
Document Signed ("Menachem Begin"). In Hebrew.
One page, small folio, Jerusalem, 1964. Being an official program for a
memorial service honoring Zev and Yoanna Jabotinsky. On embossed green
paper. Untranslated notes on verso. Some wear at top edge, otherwise very
good to fine condition.
Appearing on the back of this program is a
certificate honoring the members of Zev Jabotinsky's honor guard, as
requested in his last will and testament. Menachem Begin, Joseph
Kellerman and Aaron Proops sign below the text. Zev Jabotinsky,
Zionist, poet and organizer of the British Jewish Legion, died in 1940 and
stipulated in his will that he was to be reinterred in Israel only on the
order of a future Jewish government. The Jabotinskys' black marble
tombstone overlooks the Yad Vashem Complex.
Estimated Value $250-300.
Lot 459
Ben-Gurion, David
(1886-1973) Zionist statesman, political and military leader. First
Prime Minister of Israel (1948-53, 1955-63), often called "Father of the
Nation."
Autograph Letter Signed ("D. Ben-Gurion"). In
Hebrew. One page, 5 x 8½", Sdeh Boker, Israel, November 10, 1963. To
David Snir. Letter affixed to sheet of paper. Some creasing, small areas of
minor discoloration and some age toning. Very good to good
condition.
A very interesting letter, as Ben-Gurion comments on
religious tolerance and new settlements. In full; "To David Snir,
greetings. The riots in Jerusalem arose deep worry in my heart. I am not
convinced this is the way tourists lately cross the Mandelbaum passage.
There is no doubt the feelings of a religious man are to be respected, but
religious people must respect the freedom of choice of a fellow-man and no
coercion is to be exercised for or against religious conduct. Your remark
concerning a religious population (why settlement?) in Modün -- is
most welcome as is any Jewish population in this area. Have you got a group
(not necessarily as a Kibbutz) of young people ready to settle down? I
suggest you make contact first of all with Elhanan Yishay, who deals with
these matters in the Ministry of defense, as I hardly leave Sdeh Boker
these days. Should any assistance be required which I could offer here -- I
shall do so gladly. Sincerely, D. Ben-Gurion."
Estimated Value
$2,000-UP.
Lot 460
Bonaparte, Napoleon
(1769-1821). Military and political leader, his driving ambition to
extend France's military dominion led to almost 20 years of war in Europe.
Napoleon's reforms of the military, legal and education systems produced
lasting changes in French society.
Letter Signed ("Np"). In
French. One page, large octavo, Paris, January 24, 1810. To Count de
Mollien. Docketed at lower right. Faint mailing folds, very minor foxing
and some soil. Otherwise in fine condition.
1810 was an important
year for Napoleon -- he annexed Holland, formed an alliance with the Swedes
and married Marie-Louise of Austria -- definitely a big year on all fronts.
In full: "Monsieur de Mollien, Availing ourselves of M. de Monteleone
for the affairs of the Treasury is not a good idea, and I cannot approve
that initiative. Besides, it is up to M. de Monteleone to arrange things
with his government for what he wants to do and to travel to America. With
these words, I pray that God keeps you in His holy care. Paris, January 24,
1810. Np"
A wonderful offering considering that letters from
Napoleon mentioning America rarely come up for sale.
Estimated Value
$1,750-2,500.
This letter is published in Arnna (#199 of Lettres
au Comte Mollien).
Lot 461
Bonaparte, Napoleon.
Document Signed ("Napoleon"). As Emperor of France and King of
Italy. Partially printed, accomplished in manuscript. In French. One page,
15 x 20 ½", Toulouse, July 27, 1808. On parchment. Being appointment
to the nobility, in the rank of Chevalier, of a Monsieur de Bry. Signed in
black ink.There is a small colored coat of arms in the upper left corner.
Included are the original tin tube this document traveled in, and a red
wax imperial seal in its tin skippet. Framed and matted for an overall
size of 22 x 26½". An easily repaired 9" tear and wrinkles at the
bottom left corner do not interfere with the main text of the document or
Napleon's signature, but do bisect the counter-signature of Cambaceres,
Archchancellor of the Empire. Assorted stamps and notations on the verso
are visible. There is some buckling, but the overall condition remains very
good.
As Napoleon solidified his hold over much of Europe, he
continually rearranged the old order to suit his own purposes. On March 12,
1808, Napoleon issued a document creating four titles to be granted only by
himself: Prince, Duc, Comte, Baron and Chevalier. In 1808, the rank
Chevalier was automatically conferred on all members of the Legion of Honor
(created by Napoleon in 1802). It was on this basis that our Monsieur Jean
Antione Joseph de Bry received that very title, as is indicated by the
Legion of Honor cross found in the coat of arms. This is the first Napoleon
document with an intact wax seal, skippet and carrying cylinder seen
by these catalogers. A very unusual document with a very large signature.
Estimated Value $5,000-7,500.
Lot 462
Brandeis, Louis D
(1856-1941). Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, 1916-1939, he was
the first Jew to sit on the Court.
Autograph Letter Signed
("Louis D. Brandeis"). One page, octavo, Washington, October 28,
1940. To Breslau (Rabbi Isadore).Two filing holes punched at top, minor
soiling at top edge, crease at top left corner. Breslau's penciled notes
erased at bottom. In good to very good condition.
Brandeis writes a
memo Breslau stating: "Dear Breslau: 1. Note Chronicle enclosed article.
How did the C., which used to be our friend, come to accept Lipsky as ally?
2. Enclosed on Lady Reading - the great Zionist - ought to have wide
circulation. Cordially, Louis D. Brandeis" This intriguing note which
begs more research and unfortunately the enclosures mentioned are not
available. It has been suggested that the "Lipsky" of the article is
possibly Harold Laski, one of the relatively few people to give a negative
portrait of Brandeis. The "Chronicle" likely refers to the Jewish
Chronicle.
Estimated Value $450-650.
Lot 463
Clay, Henry
(1777-1852) "The Great Compromiser," Clay authored both the Missouri
Compromise and the Compromise of 1850. Secretary of State under John Adams,
he was twice the Whig candidate for President, but lost to Andrew Jackson
and James K. Polk.
Autograph Document Signed ("H Clay"). One
page, 7¾ x 3½", Lexington, Kentucky, January 1, 1846. Being a
promissory note for the hire of a slave. Docketed on verso. Minor age
toning, some fraying at edges, four vertical and one horizontal folds, six
pinhole size areas of paper loss, a large "X", with the word "Paid" next to
it, has been drawn over the text, but the signature is not affected. In
very good to good condition.
A very interesting document. "On or
before the 1st day of January 1847 I promise to pay to Spencer
Graves...Ninety Dollars for the hire of a negro man named Moses -- the
ensuing year, and bind myself to furnish him the customary clothing to pay
his tax and doctor bill -- If the negro dies during the year the said hire
is to be paid in proportion to the time he serves only. H. Clay." Like
many of his class and political leanings, Clay believed that slavery was
wrong but continued to use slaves on his own plantation. Believing the
answer to the "slavery question" was gradual emancipation and the
repatriation of freed slaves to Africa, he served many years as President
of the American Colonization Society. A remnant of the entwined histories
of one of our most respected leaders and our most hated institution.
Estimated Value $1,250-1,500.
Lot 464
Clinton, George
(1739-1812). American politician serving as Governor of New York and
Vice President for both Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.
Document Signed ("Geo Clinton"). As Governor. Partially
printed, accomplished in manuscript. One page, oblong folio, New York City,
July 9, 1790. Being a land grant. In brown ink. Simply matted and framed
with an image of Clinton as well as the original transmittal wax seal of
the State of New York to an overall size of 21½ x 23¾". With
two horizontal and two vertical folds, two small holes as the intersection
of the folds, light circular stain marks from the seal. In good condition
overall.
Immensely popular in the state of New York, Clinton served
a total of 21 years as governor. Here, he grants one Lieutenant Montgomery
Alexander McArthur two parcels of land in Montgomery county, pursuant to an
act of the legislature, which reserved to itself gold or silver and highway
rights.
Estimated Value $150-250.
Lot 465
Dayan, Moshe
(1915-1981) Leader of Jewish forces during struggle to establish the
State of Israel. Dayan led the 1956 invasion of the Sinai peninsula. Later
served as Chief of Staff, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Defense and
Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Typed Letter Signed ("Moshe
Dayan"). In Hebrew. As Minister of Agriculture. One page, quarto,
Jerusalem, June 28, 1963. On official letterhead. Countersigned by Pinhas
Safir, Minister of Trade and Industry. Small chip in upper edge, overall
toning, mailing folds and two filing holes at right edge. In good
condition.
Dayan served as David Ben-Gurion's Minister of
Agriculture from 1959-1964 and this letter is probably typical of the
bureaucratic situations he regularly handled. In part: "...The period of
the public representatives in the vegetable producing marketing board which
has been established by law for two years is over. We are going to renew
the appointment of the Board...We thereby appeal to you to give us a list
of the candidates to represent the consumers on the Board..."
Estimated Value $1,500-2,000.
Lot 466
Disraeli, Benjamin
(1804-1881) First Earl of Beaconsfield. Twice Prime Minister, his
legacy was the expansion of Great Britain's colonial empire and the
implementation of much needed social change. At his death, Queen Victoria
personally lay a wreath at the tomb of her favorite prime minister.
Autograph Letter Signed ("D"). Three pages, recto and verso,
octavo, London, December 8, 1868. On "Grosvenor Gate" stationery with
monogram. Addressed to "Dear Baroness". There is one light
horizontal crease which cuts through, but does not mar, the signature,
minor toning. In very good condition.
Written just one week after
his resignation in the wake of the 1868 Liberal victory, Disraeli accepts a
dinner invitation, albeit with a reservations: "...We take great
pleasure in being yr guests tomorrow at dinner, but must return at
night."
Estimated Value $400-500.
Lot 467
Ellsworth, Oliver
(1745-1807). American politician. Ellsworth, a delegate to the
Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention, served on the Committee
of Five that prepared the first draft of the Constitution and was
influential organizing the federal judiciary. As a result, he served as the
Chief Justice to the United States.
Document Signed ("O
Ellsworth"). One page, oblong quarto, Hartford, Connecticut, June 14,
1776. Docketed on the verso. In black ink. To John Lawrence, Treasurer.
With five horizontal folds, light toning at edges. In very good condition
overall.
Though 1776 was obviously a busy year for Ellsworth he
manages here to complete his political by duties issuing one Captain Asahel
Clark specified funds.
Estimated Value $200-250.
Lot 468
Ellsworth, Oliver.
Document Signed ("O Ellsworth"). One page, octavo, Hartford,
Connecticut, June 1778. To John Lawrence, Treasurer. In black ink. Matted
and framed to an overall size of 17¼ x 13¼". With one
horizontal and one vertical fold. Light toning. In good to very good
condition overall.
Granting one Alex White his wages due for
service, Ellsworth delicately signs his name authorizing the state to pay
White five pounds and four shillings.
Estimated Value $125-175.
Lot 469
Ellsworth, Oliver.
Document Signed ("O Ellsworth"). One page, octavo, Hartford,
Connecticut, June 2, 1777. Docketed on the verso. In black ink. To John
Lawrence, Treasurer. Two horizontal folds, ink has smeared affecting the
word "June", light stains at the left edge, edges are rough. Still in good
condition overall.
Ellsworth approves Captain Simeon Smith's army
wages -- here totalling twenty-five pounds and three shillings.
Estimated Value $125-175.
Lot 470
Ellsworth, Oliver.
Document Signed ("O. Ellsworth"). One page, octavo, Hartford,
Connecticut, December 27, 1775. Docketed on the verso. In black ink. To
John Lawrence, Treasurer. One horizontal fold, toning. In good condition
overall.
Proving that the spiritual needs of Continental soldiers
were not neglected, here Ellsworth grants the Reverend Benjamin Boardman
compensation for his services as Chaplain.
Estimated Value $125-175.
Lot 471
Ellsworth, Oliver.
Document Signed ("O Ellsworth"). One page, octavo, Hartford,
Connecticut, June 28, 1777. To John Lawrence, Treasurer. Docketed on the
verso. In black ink. With two horizontal folds, a small split along one
fold, and a stain across the upper left corner. Still, in very good
condition.
Here Ellsworth signs a pay voucher on behalf of the state
of Connecticut, granting one Abner Bacon one hundred pounds for his service
in the Continental Army.
Estimated Value $125-175.
Lot 472
Ellsworth, Oliver.
Document Signed ("Oliv Ellsworth"). One page, octavo, Hartford,
Connecticut, July 15, 1773. Docketed on the verso. In black ink. To John
Lawrence, Treasurer. With one vertical and two horizontal folds, a lengthy
split along one fold. Still in good condition overall.
Here, Oliver
Ellsworth grants one William Bale five pounds and two pence for his
disbursements in the Connecticut Colony.
Estimated Value $125-175.
Lot 473
Ellsworth, Oliver.
Document Signed ("O. Ellsworth"). Two pages, oblong quarto,
n.p., September 19, 1776. In black ink. With three horizontal folds, light
toning, and a few splits at edges of folds. In very good condition
overall.
Just prior to his national involvement, Ellsworth drafts
this authorization to pay a group of Continental Army soldiers, which is
countersigned by Treasurer John Lawrence.
Estimated Value $125-175.
Lot 474
Frankfurter, Felix
(1882-1965). Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, 1939-1962.
Autograph Letter Signed ("Felix Frankfurter"). As Supreme
Court Justice.Two pages, octavo, Washington D.C., October 8, 1946. On
Supreme Court of the United States stationery. To J. Howard McGrath. Tiny
stain at left edge does not interfere with text. Condition is fine.
Written by Frankfurter, as McGrath left his post as Attorney
General to serve as Senator from Rhode Island, this is an uncommon letter,
referring obliquely to the Court and the state of Washington politics. The
Justice writes: "Dear Senator McGrath - if I may anticipate history...It
is a source of genuine regret not to be able to join your many and warm
friends in bidding you au revoir as you go from one post of distinction to
another. Even a political Eunuch can welcome the addition of a man like you
to the Council of the Nation...what happy memories will abide with all of
our association in the work of the Court." With a sly reference to
Washington, "...this non wholly pure town...", he closes with a
compliment to McGrath's character and warm wishes.
Estimated Value
$1,000-1,500.
Lot 475
Gallup, Benadam
(1716-1800). Colonel in the French and Indian War, Gallup was a member
of the Groton Committee of Correspondence in 1774, as well as a Justice of
the Peace.
Autograph Document Signed ("Hon Benadam Gallup
Justice of Peace"). As Justice of the Peace. Two pages, oblong quarto,
Groton, Connecticut, February 21, 1780. In brown ink. Four horizontal
folds, aside from two small ink smears, in fine condition
overall.
In this deposition, which reads much like a lover's
quarrel, one Miriam Davis states in a complaint against one Samuel Mott
that: "Not having the fear of God before his eyes but being moved by the
Instigations of the Devil did in a furious and angry manner make an assault
... by threatening words, turbulent behavior repeatedly, taking the name of
the holy God in vain..." It seems that Mr. Mott threatened to burn Ms.
Davis's house while attempting to attack her. Gallup issues a summons to
the sheriff of New London on the verso to arrest Mr. Mott. However in an
interesting twist, after the suspect was apprehended, a final note
indicates that Ms. Davis had withdrawn her complaint.
Estimated Value
$150-250.
Lot 476
Gardner, Henry -- State
of Massachusetts Bay. Document Signed ("H. Gardner"). As
Treasurer of Massachusetts Bay. Partially printed, accomplished in
manuscript. One page, folio, n.p., February 21, 1777. Being a State of
Massachusetts-Bay document. In brown ink. To Ebinezer Dean. With four
horizontal and three vertical folds, two small losses at the intersections
of folds, and a few light stains. Still, in good condition
overall.
Subsequent to a tax passed in 1776, each of the cities,
parishes and places in Massachusetts was required to reimburse the expenses
incurred by Representatives of the General Court. In this document, Gardner
authorizes the town of Taunton to pay 178 pounds nine shillings.
Unfortunately for the town, Gardner orders the monies due in one week's
time.
Estimated Value $250-450.
Lot 477
Gibson, Randal Lee
(1832-1892). Brigadier General of the 13th Louisiana Regiment. Known
for his extreme discipline, Gibson fought in battles at Shiloh, Hornet's
nest, and distinguished himself at Perryville in 1862.
Document
Signed ("Randall Lee Gibson"). Partially printed, accomplished in
manuscript. Two pages, recto and verso, elephant folio, Camp Chalmette,
Louisiana, November 16, 1861. In brown ink. With one horizontal and one
vertical fold, water stains and some foxing, tear at lower left of first
page, edges rough. In fair to good condition overall.
This field
return report charts the names of volunteer soldiers under Gibson's command
by their status. Captains are reported in a chart accounting for the number
of soldiers both present and active; commissioned officers are listed
identifying their company and stations; and absent enlisted soldiers are
also noted. Gibson has signed the report as Regimental Commander. A short
summary of the troop's move from Monroe, Louisiana to their present camp at
Chalmette is given by Lieutenant Ben King.
Estimated Value $550-700.
Lot 478
Gladstone, William E
(1809-1898). Statesman and four-time Prime Minister of Great Britain.
Originally a Tory, Gladstone's politics gradually became more liberal after
witnessing the effects of Tory policy on the British population.
Autograph Letter Signed ("W. Gladstone"). Two pages, recto
and verso, small octavo, Carlton Gardens, May 30, 1838. Addressed to George
Joy, Esq. Docketed on verso. Lightly creased, a pre-1898 printed biography
is affixed to the bottom of page two below the signature. In fine
condition.
This letter finds Gladstone between government positions:
still young, he has already served in minor positions in Peel's government
until Peel's resignation in 1835, but his greatest successes are still to
come. Gladstone frequently suffered physical ailments at times of stress,
and one wonders if he is worried about his political future as he writes to
Mr. Joy "...At present a slight weakness in my eyelids renders it
difficult for me to overtake the degree of reading and writing which is
necessary for the purposes of business, and I therefore fear I could not
make myself master of the correspondence you offer to place in my
hands."
Estimated Value $200-300.
Lot 479
Gladstone, William E.
Autograph Letter Signed ("W. Gladstone"). Two pages, recto and
verso, London, June 15, 1868. On black-bordered, embossed House of Commons
stationery. Indecipherable addressee. Mailing folds, two small ink dots
recto, otherwise, fine condition.
Marking his letter
"Private", here Gladstone concerns himself with the upcoming
election (which would bring his Liberals into power in December),
communicating to his addressee: "I would be too happy to do anything to
preserve the political interests of a Candidate so valuable as Mr.
[?]...I fear however that I must not pretend to any influence with
Lord Litchfield."
Estimated Value $200-300.