Mar 31, 2001, The B. H. Manuscript/Collectible/Philatelic Sale, Sale 9
Lot 518
Beall, William
(1825-1893). Confederate Brigadier General.
Autograph Letter
Signed ("Wm.N.R. Beall"). One page, 7 x 10", Johnson's Island
Military Prison, Ohio, July 17, 1864. On lined paper, embossed "B." To Miss
Semantha Atkeson of Buffalo, Virginia. Accompanied by the original
transmittal envelope. Some foxing, mailing creases. Still, overall
condition is very good to fine.
General Beall's letter, written just
over a year after he surrendered Port Hudson, is full of gracious thanks
for his correspondent and information about prison life: "...At the fall
of Port Hudson, more than one year since, I had the good
fortune to save my trunk and clothes and now have a good supply of
clothing...There are now over two thousand officers confined here and after
a long,long and tedious
confinement here there seems no prospect of an early exchange and who can
tell how much longer we will have to remain here. We are permitted to write
and receive one page..." Beall was one of 9,000 prisoners who passed
through the Johnson's Island gates between April 1862 and September 1865.
Shortly after this letter was sent, Beall was released on parole and served
the rest of the War as a supply agent for Confederate prisoners of war,
maintaining an office in New York and passing through federal barricades.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,500.
Lot 519
Benjamin, Judah
(1811-1884) Appointed Attorney General by Confederate President
Jefferson Davis, Benjamin was the first Jew to hold a Cabinet level post in
American government. Benjamin also served as the Confederacy's Secretary of
War and then Secretary of State. Following the War, Benjamin fled to
England, where he continued to practice law and publish legal treatises.
Manuscript Document Signed ("Benjamin"). Two pages, 7¾
x 12½", Louisiana, March 17, 1836. Being a legal petition for
payment of a debt, submitted by Judah Benjamin. Docketed, with judgment, on
verso. Significant age toning, particularly at creases, edge fraying with
some paper loss and professional repairs at right and left edges. Condition
is fair to good.
A child prodigy, Benjamin attended Yale Law School
at age 14 and opened a practice in New Orleans on graduation. Benjamin was
a prosperous attorney and the document offered here relates to another
successful case, with the jury foreman signing the judgment on the verso on
April 3, 1837.
Estimated Value $350-450.
Lot 520
Bormann, Martin
(1900-1945?) Hitler's closest aide, he was responsible for
administrative and financial matters at the highest level of the Reich,
controlled access to Hitler and was an enthusiastic supporter of Nazi
extermination programs. Bormann was in Hitler's bunker at the end of the
War, then vanished but was convicted in absentia at Nürnburg. The most
accepted theory about Bormann's disappearance is that he died during the
Soviet assault on Berlin.
Typed Letter Signed ("M. Bormann").
In German. Three pages, large quarto, Munich, December 18, 1943. On
"Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei / Partei-Kanzlei"
letterhead. To Gauleiter Karl Wahl. Filing holes at left, one horizontal
and one vertical fold, minor foxing and paperclip stain. Very good
condition.
Fascinating content as the Allies make advances in
Sicily, begin serious bombing campaigns over Germany and German troops face
severe losses in Russia. Karl Wahl served as Gauleiter for Schwaben from
1928-1945 and this letter from Bormann illustrates both men's devotion to
the Nazi Party as 1943 was drawing to a close. Wahl apparently made
suggestions to Bormann regarding strengthening of the Party and
establishment of a "Heimatschutztruppe" in Schwaben and Bormann's response,
couched in bureaucratic and Party terms, chides Wahl for doubting the
ability of the Reich leadership and SA to deal with any potential problems.
An interesting example of the highest levels of Reich reacting (or not
reacting) to the reality of impending military conflict on German soil.
Estimated Value $500-800.
From the Institute of Documentation,
Israel.
Lot 521
Chamberlain, Joshua L
(1828-1914) Civil War General, he accepted Lee's surrender at
Appomattox. Later served as four terms as Governor of Maine.
Check
Signed ("Joshua L. Chamberlain"). Partially printed, accomplished in
autograph. 6½ x 3", New York, August 12, 1898. Drawn on The Sixth
National Bank and made payable to "Bryson Stevens, Treas" in the
amount of $20.00. Signed on the recto.Two cent stamp on recto initialed and
dated by Chamberlain: "J.L.C. / Aug 12/98." Punch cancelling, date
stamps and endorsements on the verso and toning/staining at left edge
however the signature is not affected. Still, in good
condition.
Chamberlain spent much of the final three decades of his
life in business ventures and in writing first-person accounts of his many
battles.
Estimated Value $700-800.
Lot 522
Decatur, Stephen, Jr
(1779-1820) Celebrated American naval officer whose brilliant successes
during the Tripolitan War and the War of 1812 are the stuff of legends.
Toasting a successful truce with the North African States, Decatur said,
"Our country, right or wrong."
Autograph Letter Signed ("S.
Decatur"). One page, 7¼ x 8¼", n.p., January 17, n.y. To
Decatur's friend, Dr. John Bullus. Folded in half and mounted on 9 x
5½" page torn from a book, possibly The Life of Stephen
Decatur by A. S. Mackenzie. Very minor soil and toning. In very good to
fine condition.
In full: "Dear Bullus I wrote you by last mail
informing you that a fight might take place. The Belligerent aspect has
evaporated, no fight. the enclosed is a correct tho abridged account; you
must not say it comes from me. Your obt svt & friend S. Decatur P.S. My
compliments to Mrs. B.-" Decatur's storied life and career suggests
many possible interpretations of the unique and intriguing letter offered
here, with the main stumbling block to certain identification being the
lack of a full date. We can be certain that the addressee is Decatur's
friend and lawyer Dr. John Bullus (?-1824), a Naval doctor and diplomat who
was aboard Captain James Barron's Chesapeake in 1807 (and thus
indirectly linked to the events which led to Decatur's death at Barron's
hand in March 1820).
Barron's mishandling of an engagement with the
British Leopard had resulted in his court martial and five year
suspension from naval service. Barron subsequently blamed Decatur for his
disgrace and consequent failure to regain his commission, hounding Decatur
and eventually challenging him to a duel. Decatur reluctantly met the
challenge and, in deference to Barron's age, made concessions as to
distance and deloping that made it possible for Barron to inflict a fatal
abdominal wound. It would not be unreasonable to assume, given the tone of
our letter, that the "Belligerent aspect" has something to do with
the accusations manufactured by Barron which led up to the fatal duel. An
alternate explanation would be that Decatur is referring to a naval matter,
either an engagement or internal naval conflict that had seemed imminent.
Estimated Value $6,000-UP.
Lot 523
Hampton, Wade
(1818-1902) Confederate war hero who restored the authority of white
plantation owners in South Carolina following Reconstruction. Elected
Governor of South Carolina in 1876, in large part due to systematic efforts
to keep blacks from voting.
Autograph Letter Signed ("Wade
Hampton"). Four pages, recto and verso, octavo, Columbia, South
Carolina, January 4, 1867. To Reverend J. W. Jones. Mailing folds with
½" separation at right edge, age toning, minor foxing and minor
soil, else very good condition.
A long letter dealing with Hampton's
version of several battles, here he mentions Generals Lee, Warren,
Sheridan, Hill and Fitz-Lee as he writes in response to Jones'
effort to: "...make to give a sketch of my career." In part:
"...I feel solicitous as to the statement in regard to Hill's movement
against Warren, for it is from materials such as you are here giving to the
public that the historian will collect his data. I did not wish therefore
to appear as having led to the failure to destroy Warron in the decision
referred to. For Genl. Hill I had a warm regard and some of the handsomest
successes of my command were gained where we were acting in conjunction
with him. I would therefore do nothing to detract from the fame of a
soldier who gave his life to our cause...I need only repeat to you what
Genl. Lee said to me, on our return from that expedition, 'I feel satisfied
that the cavalry did all that they could have done.'...My division had
between 2800-3000 men & lost 1700. While Sheridan had 9000...I feel
gratified however that one fact remains which is that in 17 fights & many
skirmishes during the last campaign, my men enabled to to say that they
were not once defeated..."
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.
Lot 524
Heydrich, Reinhard
(1904-1942) Himmler's chief lieutenant, he ran the SS's espionage and
surveillance arm and organized the Holocaust. After being named acting
governor of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, Heydrich was
assassinated by the Czech resistance.
Typed Letter Signed ("R
Heydrich"). In German. One page, large quarto, Berlin, January 12,
1941. On "Der Chef der Sicherheitspolizei und des SD" letterhead. To Walter
Schmitt, Chief of the SS Personnel Office. Docket with green initials at
top right corner. Filing holes at left, one horizontal and one vertical
crease, minor foxing, age toning at edges. Overall, very good
condition.
Heydrich's history in the Nazi party was one of almost
constant promotion and increasing responsibilities and this offering is a
very good example of his expanding control over all aspects of Nazi police
and intelligence organizations. Heydrich informs Schmitt that he has been
made Inspector of Physical Exercises and been put in charge of the SS
Community Sport Association. With his usual determination, Heydrich states:
"...I have resolved to strengthen the development of sport in the SS and
make it successful..." Significantly, Heydrich also plans to
consolidate Police and SS sport communities in occupied countries and is in
talks to assure the of cooperation of General of Police Daluege.
Estimated Value $800-1,000.
From the Institute of Documentation,
Israel.
Lot 525
Himmler, Heinrich
(1900-1945) After Hitler, the most powerful man in the Third Reich.
Head of the SS, Waffen-SS, Gestapo and Minister of the Interior. A rabid
anti-semite with an almost mystical view of a fully "Arayanized" Greater
German Reich, he viewed the Final Solution as a means to purify the world.
Typed Document Signed ("H. Himmler"). In German. One and
¼ pages, quarto, Berlin, November 30, 1944. Being an order for the
demotion and expulsion from the SS of Arthur Nebe. To SS Personnel Chief
Maximilian von Herff. Apparent smoke damage, one small area of paper loss,
abrasion and filing holes all at left, multiple stamps and penciled
notations at top and bottom of page, one horizontal and one vertical fold
with minor edge separation and minor smudge at "r" of signature.
Overall, good condition.
A RARE document stemming from the 1944
attempt on Hitler's life! Arthur Nebe joined the SS in 1931, steadily
acquiring influence and rank while maintaining contacts within the German
military's opposition to Hitler. Nebe served primarily as an informant but
did participate in planning the Army takeover that would follow the July
20, 1944, assassination of Hitler. When the assassination plot failed, Nebe
took part in the arrests of his fellow conspirators but then went
underground for several months, using a variety of disguises to escape
detection.The unique document offered here is Himmler's punishment of Nebe,
issued while Nebe was still in hiding: "I order: 1) that SS member Nebe
(Chief of the Criminal Police) is to be demoted. 2)That once stripped of
his rank, he be kicked out of Schutzstaffel. Reasons: We've found through
our Secret Police, letters that indicate Nebe has been connected for years
with many persons involved with the attempted Assassination of Hitler on
July 20th. His treasonous activities supported the Generals associated with
the Putsch and he has broken his sworn allegiance to the Führer."
Nebe was finally arrested in January of 1945 and executed in March of that
year. The connection to the only serious plot on Hitler's life, the
notoriety of Nebe and the apparent smoke damage (the document was supposed
to be burned?) offer a unique opportunity for the collector.
Estimated
Value $700-1,000.
From the Institute of Documentation, Israel.
Lot 526
Himmler, Heinrich.
Typed Document Signed ("H. Himmler"). In German. One page, large
quarto, from a Field Command Post, November 29, 1944. Being notification of
the promotion of Carl-Albrecht Oberg. To SS Personnel Chief Maximilian von
Herff and SS Chief of Police in France Carl-Albrecht Oberg. Filing holes at
left, foxing, docket stamps and penciled notations at top and bottom of
page, one horizontal and one vertical crease, overall condition good to
very good.
Oberg, Heydrich's right-hand man in the Sicherheitsdienst
(SD), rose rapidly in rank and responsibility, serving variously as
commanding officer of a SS battalion in Mecklenburg and as Chief of Police
in Zwickau and Radom (where he was responsible for the massacre of Jews),
before being awarded the position of Higher SS and Police Chief for Paris.
Here, Oberg receives a promotion in the face of Allied advances, "...on
the basis of developments in the political and military situation..."
being posted to the command of a military unit operating as part of a
formation under the direct control of Himmler.
Estimated Value
$400-600.
From the Institute of Documentation, Israel.
Lot 527
Hitler, Adolf and
Hermann Goering. Document Signed ("Adolf Hitler" and
"Goering"). As German Führer and Commander-in-Chief of the
Luftwaffe, respectively. In German. One page, folio, n.p., April 1938. In
black ink. Being notice of the promotion of Kurt-Bertram von Döring
from Oberstleutnant to Oberst. Embossed Nazi seal at bottom left. Light
fold across top, a few chips of paper loss around edges. Light foxing. In
very good condition overall.
A World War I Ace, von Döring
entered the Luftwaffe in 1936 at Goering's personal urging. Initially
teaching at the Luftwaffe's flight school, von Döring moved into
command of a unit of the von Richtofen squadron. Through the course of
World War II, von Döring ascended steadily through the Luftwaffe,
serving as Inspector of Fighters and commanding fighter units, finally
achieving the rank of General.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,500.
Lot 528
Interesting Letter Re:
Autopens and General George C. Marshall. Manuscript Document Signed.
Two pages, recto, quarto, Washington DC, October 3, 1942. On War Department
/ Office of the Chief of Staff stationery. To Carolyn D. Young. Transmittal
envelope included. Mailing folds, minor age toning, adhesive residue on
verso. Very good condition.
A very interesting letter from an
officer in General Marshall's office, explaining the function of an
autopen: "...The autograph which you see above is the signature of
General Marshall when it was being recorded on a machine. The machine will
be used to sign thousands of letters of condolence to parents or wives of
U. S. Soldiers who are killed or wounded in this war. The fact that these
letters are signed by a machine should be kept a secret but you can see
that it would be impossible for Gen. Marshall to sign all of them
personally and still direct this tremendous war." An important letter
for collectors, detailing military use of the autopen.
Estimated Value
$250-350.
Lot 529
Knox, Henry
(1750-1806). American Revolutionary officer, appointed U.S. Secretary
of War in 1785 largely due to the influence of George Washington.
Letter Signed ("H Knox"). As Secretary of War. One page,
folio, n.p., November 22, 1786. In brown ink. Matted and framed with a
black and white image to an overall size of 27½ x 23½". With
one horizontal and two vertical folds, an area of paper loss at right
center edge. Still, in good to very good condition overall.
In one
of the first years of his tenure as Secretary of War, Knox attempts to
convince the Treasury Board that the low morale of troops may be caused by
the shortage of supplies and funds in the battlefield -- obviously drawing
on his experience as a Revolutionary officer. He politely states the
problem as such: "It has been my invariable opinion that every will of
which the troops were capable might be expected to result from their want
of confidence in the public arrangements. I have been convinced that the
defective complyance [sic] of most of the States with the requisitions of
Congress has been the sole cause which has prevented better payments."
Estimated Value $600-800.
Lot 530
Lafayette, Marquis de
(1757-1834). French statesman and soldier, hero of the Revolutionary
War, lifelong proponent of human rights and liberty.
Letter Signed
("Lafayette"). In French. One page, 7¾ x 6", La Grange,
December 15, 1833. To Monsieur Sebire, attorney to the Royal Court.
Integral address leaf shows complete mailing address (in scribe's hand) and
two stamped postmarks. Accompanied by a beautiful engraved portrait of the
Marquis. Faint pencil marks at upper right and lower left. Still, in fine
to very fine condition.
Lafayette remained active in political life
into his old age -- in fact, at the time this letter was written he was
still criticizing Ministers and actively challenging the government about
freedom of the press and personal liberties. Indeed, in this missive
Lafayette writes that he will arrive in Paris the day after the new session
of the National Assembly begins (and offers congratulations on the birth of
Sebrie's child). Lafayette's death, only five months after this letter was
written, set off periods of national mourning in France and the United
States.
Estimated Value $950-1,250.
Lot 531
Lafayette, Marquis de.
Letter Signed ("Lafayette"). One page, 7¼ x 8¼",
Paris, January 11, 1832. To General Salvanha. Light edge toning and
multiple mailing folds, paper loss and staining at integral address leaf.
Overall, condition fine.
Suggesting a meeting for Friday between 10
and 11, Lafayette informs the General that his health is much improved --
clearly this is an example of Lafayette's continuing involvement in French
politics well past his retirement in 1830. The Marquis was tireless in his
efforts to improve civil rights for all France's citizens.
Estimated
Value $500-600.
Lot 532
Lee, Robert E
(1807-1870) Commander of the Army of Northern Virginia, later Commander
of all Confederate forces. Lee's fortitude and grace after the Confederate
loss gained him the respect of the entire nation.
Autograph
Envelope Signed ("RE Lee / Genl"). 5.5 x 3", n.p., n.d. To Rev. A.
W. Miller. Toning and soil, envelope open at top with small tear to the
verso. In good condition.
Addressed to Rev. A. W. Miller, of
Petersburg, Virginia, this rare form of Lee document makes us yearn for the
letter it once held. A religious man, Lee may have been writing to Miller
for spiritual guidance, or perhaps this envelope was addressed during the
Siege of Petersburg and Lee was writing to Reverend Miller for information
or to offer him words of comfort.
Estimated Value $6,000-7,000.
Lot 533
Montgomery of Alamein,
Bernard L., Viscount (1887-1976). British Field Marshall during World
War II, his defeat of Rommel at the Second Battle of El Alamein was a major
turning point in the War.
Autographed Letter Signed ("B.L.
Montgomery"). One page, octavo, n.p., March 26, 1944. On "Headquarters:
21 Army Group" letterhead. In black ink. To an acquaintance. Matted and
framed with a color image of the military leader for an overall size of 18
x 13". A vertical and horizontal fold. Otherwise, in very good condition.
In a discreet letter written while planning the infamous D-Day
invasion with Dwight D. Eisenhower, Montgomery is careful not to reveal any
pertinent information. He writes: "Thank you for your letter, sent me
via Louis Dather. I will be visiting the B.B.C. shortly and I will discuss
the matter you have raised."
Estimated Value $400-500.
Lot 534
Montgomery of Alamein,
Bernard L., Viscount. Autograph Letter Signed ("Montgomery of
Alamein"). Two pages, octavo, London, December 14, 1946. On
personalized stationery. To Mr. Salisbury. One horizontal mailing fold and
one small ink stain at the right edge. Otherwise, in fine to very fine
condition.
Montgomery, then serving as Chief of the Imperial General
Staff, writes to Mr. Salisbury of trips to the Middle East and
Mediterranean (given the volatile situation in those regions following the
War, it seems unlikely these were pleasure trips) and tenders his regrets:
"Just at present I am very fully occupied; but later on I will try to
come and see you." Montgomery was Chief of Staff until 1948 and then
served as NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander from 1951-1958.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 535
Pope, John and Henry
Van Rensselaer. Following successes in the Mexican War, Pope was
appointed Brigadier General of volunteers in the Union Army. After securing
the Mississippi River as far south as Memphis, Pope was appointed General
of the Army of Virginia. Pope's defeat at the Second Battle of Bull Run in
August, 1862, resulted in his exile to the West, where he spent the next 20
years suppressing Indian attacks in the face of westward expansion. Henry
Van Rensselaer served as Winfield Scott's chief-of-staff from the beginning
of the Civil War until Scott's death in 1864.
Signatures ("Jno.
Pope" and "H. Van Rensselaer"). Two carte de visité,
matted back to back, with signatures on the mat below each portrait.
3¾ x 6¼", n.p., 1860s (probably wardate). Some age toning and
minor foxing on both sides, worse on Van Rensselaer's side. Else, in very
good to fine condition.
This beautiful bust length photo of Pope in
uniform is mounted in an embossed beige mat. On the back is a bust length
photo of Henry Van Rensselaer in uniform mounted in an embossed light blue
mat. The Van Rensselaer photo is from the Brady studio in Washington D.C. A
very impressive piece for the Civil War collector, featuring one of the
most recognized figures of the War and a lesser known figure who served one
of the most respected military men of the early 19th century.
Estimated
Value $600-650.
Lot 536
Powell, William H
(1825-?) Brigadier General in the Union Army, he led the Second West
Virginia Cavalry into many actions, including the Sinking Creek raid.
Captured and taken to Libby Prison in July 1863, he was exchanged for
Richard H. Lee (then a prisoner on Johnson's Island) in January of 1864.
Following his release, Powell led the Second West Virginia with distinction
during the Shenandoah Valley campaign.
Autograph Letter Signed
("W.H. Powell B.G."). Three pages, quarto, Ironton, Ohio, November 30,
1864. To Reverend C. C. McCabe. Docketed on verso. Mailing folds with some
edge separation, minor foxing, ink has faded somewhat, diagonal crease at
bottom of third page, tape repairs on verso. Very good
condition.
Great Civil War content! Powell and Reverend
McCabe had served together in Libby Prison, and the intimate, frank tone of
this letter speaks of their friendship (they even sang together in the
Prison Glee Club). Powell writes while home on leave and mentions his
fellow generals, including Custer, Sherman and Grant, the
campaign on the Shenandoah, Lincoln's re-election and his prison
experiences: "...Our Cavalry in the Valley has accomplished wonders and
fully demonstrated the power and efficiency of that arm of the service,
when properly handled...I take great pleasure in saying to you that Major
Generals Torbert, Custer and Merritt are strictly temperate men...I have
been very actively employed...and have taken an active part in every battle
in the Valley and in West Virginia since the opening of this years
operations through all of which the same Almighty friend that watched over
me while in Rebel dungeons has also kept me during my labors...I feel
greatly encouraged at our prospects in general 1st in that of the
re-election of Old Father Abraham, 2nd in the movements and prospects of
General Sherman's operations which I pray God may be abundantly successful,
3rd in the apparent quietness at home in civil life since the elections,
4th of the wonderful effect produced upon the public mind in favor of the
government in consequence of the great success of Sheridan, and although
Grant is quiet about Richmond I hope to hear of something brilliant from
that quarter soon worthy of the reputation he bears and of the confidence
afforded in him...I have met many of our old Libby friends during the
summer..."
Estimated Value $1,000-1,500.
Lot 537
Rickover, Hyman G
(1900-1986) American naval officer and engineer who developed the USS
Nautilus, the first nuclear powered submarine. Rickover also pushed for the
development of nuclear power for peaceful purposes, helping to develop the
first civilian nuclear power plant at Shippingport, Pennsylvania.
Typed Letters Signed ("H G Rickover"). Group of five signed
letters from Admiral Rickover to Representative Thomas E. Morgan, Chairman
of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Dated from November 14, 1966, to
April 22, 1968. On various submarines' letterhead. Mailing folds, all
stamped with dates received, one letter with paper clip stain. Fine
condition overall.
A true historic record, this collection of
letters tracks the testing and development of the "Nuclear Navy," with
Rickover writing as each submarine returns from first sea trials. From the
USS Sturgeon, the USS Haddock, the USS Gato, the
USS Lapon and the USS Hammerhead, Rickover apprises Rep.
Morgan of each ship's progress, history and mission and closes with the
reminder: "When all nuclear submarines presently authorized by Congress
are completed, the United States will have nuclear submarine fleet of
forty-one Polaris and Sixty-two attack submarines, and a small submarine
capable of exploring the ocean bottom." Outspoken and occasionally
abrasive, Rickover was single-minded in his insistence on the necessity of
nuclear power for military and civilian uses. On active duty until his 82nd
year, Rickover changed the Navy forever and this is a wonderful collection
of letters from a truly remarkable man.
Estimated Value $500-600.
Lot 538
Rochambeau, Comte de
[Jean-Baptiste de Vimeur] (1725-1807). Commander in chief of the French
forces during the American Revolution. When France resolved to despatch a
military force to assist the American colonies in the Revolutionary War,
Rochambeau was made a lieutenant-general in command of a body of troops
which numbered some 6000 men. After defeating Cornwallis, Rochambeau
returned to France (despite the protests and gratitude from American
soldiers) to command the army of the North during the French Revolution.
Manuscript Document Signed ("De Vimeur Rochambeau"). In
French. One page, recto and verso, octavo, Valenciennes, France, April 18,
1791. In brown ink. One soft fold at center, else in very fine
condition.
Here, in the early days of the French Revolution,
Rochambeau conveys to Mr. De La Graviere the instructions from the
Commander of War, including the necessity to set up a cordon to prevent
grains from being smuggled out of the area.
Estimated Value $400-500.
Lot 539
Rommel, Erwin
(1891-1944). "The Desert Fox," his spectacular victories as leader of
the Afrika Korps ensured the expansion of Nazi power in North Africa.
Following his defeat at El-Alamein, Rommel was placed in charge of the
defense of the French coast. Embroiled in a plot against Hitler, he was
offered poison in lieu of a trial and committed suicide in October 1944.
Document Signed ("Rommel"). In German. As Generaloberst und
Oberbefehlshaber der Panzerarmee Afrika (General and Supreme Commander of
the Tank Army in Africa). One page, large quarto, "Africa at Army Combat
location," April 23, 1942. Bold signature in indelible pencil. Two filing
holes do not affect text, a few pencil notations. Otherwise in fine to very
fine condition.
Here Rommel awards the Cross of War Merit, 2nd
Class, with Swords, to two soldiers. Interestingly, Rommel signed all of
his African correspondence in pencil because ink evaporated very quickly in
the desert heat. As many military papers were destroyed when the Nazis
retreated from North Africa, this piece quite desirable.
Estimated
Value $750-1,000.
Lot 540
Rommel, Erwin.
Typed Document Signed ("Rommel"). As Field Marshall of the
Panzer Army in Africa. One page, recto and verso, quarto, n.p., April 20,
1942. In blue pencil. Two hole punches at edge, rust marks from a paper
clip at top edge. Accompanied by a 4 x 5" color postcard of Rommel.
Otherwise, in very good condition.
This War Service Cross award was
bestowed upon one Hermann Becher, a war administration inspector.
Interestingly, 1942 was a challenging year for Rommel as his military
victories of the spring gave way to October's disastrous defeat at the
Second Battle of El-Alamein and a German retreat to Tunis.
Estimated
Value $500-850.
Lot 541
Roosevelt, George S.
Civil War Soldier. Roosevelt distinguished himself at the Battle of
Gettysburg by capturing a Confederate color-bearer. Though he was wounded
while doing so, he received a Medal of Honor for his duties.
Document Signed ("George Roosevelt"). Partially printed,
accomplished in manuscript. In French and English. One page, octavo,
Bordeaux, France, August 29, 1882. Being a United States Consulate
document. In black ink. Accompanied by a corresponding handwritten invoice
to which an address leaf has been attached. Original wafer seal on
Consulate document has split, and been affixed with an adhesive, sheet is
toned, with several creases from folding. Attached invoice has 2¼"
tear at left center and a smaller split at upper left edge, with a few
light stains. Overall, the group is in fair to good
condition.
Acting as the United States Consul, Roosevelt signs this
document, approving a shipment of 375½ cases of prunes to be
delivered to the port of Philadelphia.
Estimated Value $200-300.
Lot 542
Scott, John. First
Captain of the Black Horse Cavalry in Virginia.
Autograph Letter
Signed ("John Scott"). Four pages, octavo, Warrenton, Virginia, May
8, 1899. In black ink. To R.D. Stewart, Jr. Esquire of Baltimore. Scott has
added the fourth page as a postscript, which he initials, "S." Each
page has a 4¼" horizontal split. Otherwise in good
condition.
In response to Mr. Stewart's inquiry, Scott offers an
explanation about a mysterious pair of spurs: "I have no recollection in
respect to any such spurs as you describe. I must, as a cavalry officer in
the Army of Northern Virginia, have worn spurs but my memory attaches to no
particular pair of spurs..." He then begins to explain the
circumstances of his discharge. After discussing a second edition of his
book, Scott returns to the discussion on the spurs opting not to include
any detail of the spurs in his work, "I am careful with respect to what
I write about the spurs for I would not appear [?] to claim what may belong
to some other officer."
Estimated Value $200-300.