Mar 31, 2001, The B. H. Manuscript/Collectible/Philatelic Sale, Sale 9
Lot 548
Adams, John. 2nd
President of the United States, 1797-1801.
Autograph Letter Signed
("John Adams"). As President. One page, quarto, Philadelphia,
January 23, 1800. To George Minot. Professionally restored and reinforced.
Lot includes rare rebound copy of Judge Minot's Eulogy on the Death of
Washington referred to in the letter. Overall, the lot is in fine
condition.
This is truly a wonderful lot, touching as it does on
two presidents and how a nation mourned its greatest hero.
Adams'
letter (from Philadelphia!) to George Minot thanks him for a printed copy
of the address he gave to the city of Boston on the death of George
Washington. "I pray you to accept of my Thanks for a Copy of your Eulogy
on General Washington which I duly received and have read with great
Pleasure.The gravity and sobriety of this Composition so well adapted to
the solemnity of the subject and occasion, demands the highest praise of
judicious Readers no less than the purity of Language and chastity of the
Sentiments. The remarkable Mortality, at this Epocha among Men who have
long been conspicuous in public View is a Solemn Lesson to those of us, who
have long traveled in their Company. I am Sir with great Esteem your most
obedient and obliged Servant John Adams."
The death of
Washington plunged the whole nation into mourning. Memorial services were
held all over the country, with speeches, prayers and processions honoring
the former President. Minot's Eulogy is a moving speech and vividly
illustrates the hold Washington had over the hearts and minds of Americans.
Although not so well known as Light Horse Harry Lee's ("...First in war,
first in peace, first in the hearts of his Countrymen..."), this Eulogy is
worthy of such company: "...Where Liberty was, there would be his country:
Happy for us, the Genius of Liberty, responsive to his affections, resolved
that where Washington was, there also should be her abode...To trace this
protector of our liberties through his unrivaled career, from his gloomy
retreat through the Jersies to his several victories and his splendid
triumph at York-Town, would be to narrate the varying history of our
revolution. To him, public labour was amusement, suffering in the cause of
freedom was a luxury, and every hour as it flew carried an offering to his
country...When he declined your future suffrages, he left you a legacy.
What! like Ceasar's to the Romans, money for your sports? Like Attalus's, a
kingdom for your tyranny? No; he left you not such baubles, nor such
purposes. He left you the records of wisdom for your government; a mirror
for the faithful representation to your own view, of yourselves, your
weaknesses, your advantages, your dangers:...a pillar to the unity of your
republic...When so much worth steps off the stage of life, the weakness of
our nature is the only apology for our tears. Such an exit is not death, it
is the triumph of the just...as you regard the memory of your ascended
Chief, attend to the injunctions of his will. Remember that it was not for
you along he laboured. It was for your posterity also; it was for the human
race...They lament that their beloved Washington sleeps in death; their
only consolation is that his faithful Brother, the vigilant Adams,
survives."
Interestingly, George Minot had occasion to correspond
with Washington. Minot's history of Shay's Rebellion (published in 1788)
and his Continuation of the History of the Province of Massachusetts Bay
from the Year 1748 (1798) were both sent to the President with letters
from Minot. Washington's replies, held in the Library of Congress, indicate
satisfaction with both books and with Minot's "...proofs of talents and
patriotism...".
Estimated Value $25,000-35,000.
Lot 549
Adams, John. 2nd
President of the United States, 1797-1801.
Document Signed
("John Adams"). As President. Partially printed accomplished in
manuscript. One page, folio, Philadelphia, June 25, 1799. Being a land
grant. On parchment. In brown ink. With original wafer seal affixed to the
lower left. Countersigned by Secretary of State Timothy Pickering.
Handsomely matted and framed with an image of Adams and identifying plaque
to an overall size of 29 x 25". With one vertical and two horizontal folds,
light staining at upper right corner, edges are folded. In good to very
good condition.
Just prior to the dismissal of Timothy Pickering by
President John Adams, the pair lend their signatures to this official
document. In exchange for service in the military, as provided by two
separate Acts of Congress, the named soldier Eramus Gill is awarded one
thousand acres of land north-west of the Ohio River.
Though
Pickering had served many years as a public servant, it was at this time
that Adams terminated him upon discovering that Pickering had tried to
destroy a mission to re-open peace talks with France following a long feud
that had culminated with the "XYZ" affair -- thereby making this a
provocative combination of signatures.
Estimated Value $1,500-1,750.
Lot 550
Buchanan, James.
Autograph Letter Signed ("James Buchanan"). As Secretary of
State. One page, quarto, Washington, February 5, 1848. Being a letter of
introduction for Colonel John J. McCahen, Buchanan writes, in full: "I
am intimately acquainted with Colonel John J. McCahen of Philadelphia, the
bearer hereof. He informs me that he is about to proceed to Jackson,
Mississippi, on business of importance to him. Col. McCahen is a gentleman
of high character & much intelligence & has numerous devoted friends in the
City of Philadelphia & throughout Pennsylvania. I cordially commend him to
the kindness & attention of all those who may consider my recommendation of
any value." A small red stain has bled from the verso of the integral
blank, leaving a small spot on the recto, which does not affect the text.
Otherwise the letter is Fine.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,500.
Lot 551
Buchanan, James and
Governor William Smith. Autograph Note Signed ("James
Buchanan"). Half page, quarto, n.p., May 20, 1846. On the verso of a
1½ page Autograph Letter Signed by Virginia Governor William Smith
("Wm Smith"), dated February 20, 1846. In black ink. With two
horizontal and two vertical folds, with a small split at the edge of one
fold, and a small chip at left edge. Ink has smeared to affect three of
Smith's words. Buchanan's note is clear and in fine condition.
Here,
Governor Smith writes a letter of introduction to Buchanan for one G.W.
Carr, stating: "Permit me to ask for my young friend G.W. Carr the honor of
your acquaintances...". Smith continues, embellishing on Carr's taste for
the bugle and ceremony of "glorious war". Buchanan responds: "Colonel
Carr of Abermarle, the father of the young gentleman who introduced to me
by the foregoing letter from the Governor of Virginia, is well known as one
of the truest and most unwaivering Democrats in the State. Young W. Carr is
recommended ... by W. Jefferson Randolph to whom he has known from his
childhood, as peculiarly fitted for a cavalry officer ... strongly
indicated by his appearance & department. Feeling confident that he would
do credit to the corps, it would afford me pleasure to see him appointed to
the Lieutenancy in the mounted Regiment to which he aspires."
Estimated Value $1,000-1,500.
Lot 552
Bush, George, and
Gerald Ford. Signed Photo ("George Bush" and "Gerald
Ford"). Color, 10 x 8", n.p., n.d. Bush signs in blue ink, Ford in
black. In excellent condition.
Together, Bush and Ford sign this
photograph which features the past four Republican Presidents standing
inside the Nixon Library. Interestingly, these two world leaders have much
in common: both were Yale students, served in the Navy during World War II,
and both filled the position of Vice-President prior to their
inaugurations.
Estimated Value $150-200.
Lot 553
Carter, James Earl.
39th President of the United States, 1977-1981.
Typed Letter
Signed ("Jimmy Carter"). One page, octavo, Washington D.C., October
31, 1979. On White House letterhead. To the Honorable Robert E. Bauman.
Mounted in clear lucite frame with color photograph of the President and a
pen commemorating the signing of the Panama Canal Act of 1979. Framed to an
overall size of 9¼ x 20." Minor foxing, otherwise fine condition.
A wonderful collector's piece, this TLS and the accompanying pen
represent one of the most important achievements of the Carter Presidency
-- the negotiation, ratification and implementation of the Panama Canal
Treaty. Carter's commitment to the Treaty was evident: Administration
representatives made over 700 speeches in favor of ratification, Carter met
personally with every Senator about the Treaty and a continual stream of
media information kept the topic at the forefront of American debate.
Carter's letter reads: "On September 27, 1979, I was pleased to sign
into law H.R. 111, the Panama Cal Act of 1979, which implements the Panama
Canal Treaty of 1977. This Act provides a framework in which the United
States can exercise its rights to operate and defend the Canal in a manner
consistent with our responsibilities and obligations under the Treaty. In
appreciation for our crucial role in this landmark legislation, I want you
to have the enclosed pen commemorating my signing of the Act. Please accept
it along with my personal thanks..." The Congressional vote for the
Panama Canal Act of 1979 was a triumph for Carter and his supporters, as
well as the many people in and out of government who had worked to hand
over the Canal to Panamanian control.
Estimated Value $3,000-3,500.
Lot 554
Cleveland, Frances.
Group of visiting cards of Mrs. Grover Cleveland featuring the
First Lady's signature on three Executive Mansion cards and a blank card
embossed with the Presidential crest. Accompanied by an unsigned calling
card folded at the upper right, with the Madison Avenue address printed at
lower left. Cards are lightly soiled from handling, but still in very good
condition overall.
Estimated Value $250-UP.
Lot 555
Cleveland, Hayes,
Hoover & McKinley. Lot of four individual Presidential signatures
including: 1. Cleveland, Grover. Signature ("Grover
Cleveland"). On a duodecimo sheet, n.p. "Feb. 27 1892". Light
toning. 2. Hayes, Rutherford B. Signature ("RB Hayes"). On a
single, duodecimo sheet, n.p., n.d. Fine. 3. Hoover, Herbert.
Signature ("Herbert Hoover"). One page with integral blanks,
duodecimo, New York, n.d. On "The Towers" Waldorf Astoria stationery. Edges
are time stained. 4. McKinley, William. Document Signed ("William
McKinley"). As Stark County Prosecuting Attorney. One sheet, oblong
duodecimo, Stark County, Ohio, n.d. Two small stains remaining from an
adhesive, one of which located just below McKinley's name. Overall, the
group is in good to very good condition.
Estimated Value $400-500.
Lot 556
Clinton, William
Jefferson. 42nd President of the United States, 1993-1997.
Document Signed ("Bill Clinton"). Partially printed,
accomplished in manuscript and autograph. As Governor of Arkansas. One
page, legal folio, Pulaski County, August 20, 1991. Being a marriage
license.Three horizontal folds, docketed on verso. Very fine.
The
marriage license is issued for State Trooper Danny L. Ferguson and
Sheila Reinold. Ferguson, serving on the Governor's Security Detail, was a
good friend of Clinton's and the then-Governor officiated at the trooper's
August 1991 wedding. Named a co-defendant in Paula Jones' case against the
President, Ferguson took Jones to Clinton's hotel room in May 1991.
Ferguson and other trooper's comments to a reporter from the American
Spectator were the catalyst in Paula Jones' decision to come forward
with her allegations. This marriage license is an interesting link to a
troubled time in American politics.
Estimated Value $2,500-UP.
Lot 557
Coolidge, Calvin.
1872-1933, 30th president of the U.S. (1923-29). He was U.S. vice
president (1921-23) before becoming president upon the death of Warren G.
Harding. Coolidge's New England simplicity and personal honesty were
appealing. His faith in laissez-faire business, economy in government, and
tax cuts, and his opposition to agricultural price fixing all reflected the
national mood. Through his public statements he encouraged the stock market
speculation of the late 1920s and left the nation unprepared for the
economic collapse that followed. He chose not to run again in 1928.
Check Signed ("Calvin Coolidge"). Partially printed,
accomplished in manuscript. 8¾ x 3", Washington, D.C., October 9,
1928. The check is drawn on Coolidge's account at the Commercial National
Bank and made payable to "Besson's" in the amount of $11.35. Coolidge signs
the recto. Punch cancelling, stamped verso. One vertical fold skims the
first letter of Coolidge's first name. Still, the check is in very good
condition.
Coolidge, known for greatly reducing national debt and
encouraging Wall Street investors, writes this check just one year before
the cataclysmic Stock Market crash. Interestingly, Coolidge chose not to
run for re-election in 1928 and it has been suggested that his foresight of
economic downfall played a part in this decision.
Estimated Value
$325-400.
Lot 558
Eisenhower, Mamie Doud
(1896-1979). First Lady and wife of Dwight D. Eisenhower. Known to be
an ideal of American womanhood during the 1950s, Mamie became a model of
femininity, redecorating the White House in pink hues. Eisenhower believed
herself to embody the values of a housewife.
Typed Letter Signed
("Mamie Doud Eisenhower"). As First Lady. One page, octavo,
Washington, D.C., October 30, 1956. On official White House stationery. In
black ink. To Miss Betty Ann Storer of Middletown, Ohio. Accompanied by the
original transmittal envelope. With two horizontal folds, one of which just
lines the bottom of Eisenhower's autograph, light time staining at edges,
and two pinholes at upper center. Still, her signature is quite large and
bold. In good to very good condition.
With cordial eloquence, Mrs.
Eisenhower graciously thanks one of her husbands supporters: "How sweet
and thoughtful of you to write us such a wonderful letter, telling how much
you admire the President and Vice President Nixon! It gave me a great deal
of pleasure to learn that you understand what the President has
accomplished..."
Estimated Value $75-125.
Lot 559
Fillmore, Millard
(1800-1874). 13th President of the United States, 1850-1853. Fillmore's
insistence on federal enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Law caused a break
in, and the ultimate disintegration of, the Whig Party.
Autograph
Letter Signed ("Millard Fillmore"). As Chancellor of the University
of Buffalo. One page, octavo, Buffalo, October 8, 1858. On light blue
stationery. To W.A. Lewis. Accompanied by a letter from Frank Hastings
Hamilton, MD, itself in good condition. Two horizontal mailing folds and
two small smudges. In very good condition.
Concerning a request for
information about Hiram Nichols, Fillmore writes that "as my
connextion [sic] with the Medical College as President was but
nominal and I had no personal knowledge of Dr. Nichols or his family, I
referred the letter to Dr. F.H. Hamilton a professor in the college and my
family physician...I herewith enclose his reply..." Hamilton's comments
about Nichols however, are negative, labeling him, "highly dishonorable,
and dishonest." Hamilton was medical inspector of the Union Army during the
Civil War and attained great prominence on the basis of his surgical
innovations.
Estimated Value $850-1,250.
Lot 560
Fillmore, Millard.
Autograph Document Signed ("Millard Fillmore"). One page with
integral blanks, octavo, Buffalo, New York, August 9, 1869. In black ink.
To Mr. Hugh Wadsworth, Esquire of Rochester. Accompanied by the original
transmittal envelope. Envelope has been affixed to the verso of blank, the
upper left corner of which has been clipped, light toning and minor
soiling. Overall, in very good condition.
Treasured, and certainly
collectible, here Fillmore downplays the importance of his signature to an
early autograph collector, "Your letter of Aug 2, through Mr. Humphrey,
has just come to hand, and I must cheerfully comply with your request for
my autograph, and regret that you have had so much trouble to obtain a
thing of so little value. I am with great respect / Truly yours".
Estimated Value $600-700.
Lot 561
Ford, Gerald R (b.
1913) 38th President of the United States,1974-1977.
Typed Letter
Signed ("Jerry Ford"). As President. One page, 9 x 6¾",
Washington D.C., August 1, 1975. On pale green White House stationery with
an embossed Presidential seal. To Senator Jennings Randolph. Bold signature
in black pen. One very faint mailing crease. In very fine
condition.
Given the scarcity of Ford's presidential era material we
offer quite a desirable piece with this quality of content. He writes:
"Dear Jennings: I was most pleased to learn that the Senate once again
has voted favorably on legislation to modify the arms embargo on Turkey.
Your support is warmly appreciated on this issue involving serious national
security considerations and wide-ranging foreign policy implications. You
are to be complimented for laying aside very strong domestic political
pressures to cast your vote in the best interests of all Americans. With
kindest Thanks. Sincerely, Jerry Ford."
Estimated Value
$1,000-1,500.
Lot 562
Ford, Gerald R.
Three Photographs Signed as President. Three separate Signed
Photographs of President Gerald Ford, each handsomely displayed in a gilt
leather case. Includes: 1. Mounted B&W, 6½ x 9", photograph, dated
October 2, 1975, Japan, of President Ford standing next to Japanese Emperor
Hirohito during Ford's historic trip to Japan. Boldly signed "Gerald R.
Ford Oct. 2, 1975," on the wide white photographer's border. Housed in
a gilt-imprinted leather display case which reads: "President Gerald R.
Ford and Emperor Hirohito, October 2, 1975." 2. Mounted Color 7 x 10"
photograph, dated June 2, 1975, Salzburg, of President Ford on a balcony in
private discussion in Salzburg. Boldly signed "Gerald R. Ford, Salzburg,
June 2, 1975," on the margin, and housed in a gilt-imprinted leather
display case whose gold lettering reads: "President Gerald R. Ford,
Salzburg, June 2, 1975." 3. Mounted Color 8 x 10" photograph, n.d., n.p.,
of President Ford shaking hands at an unidentified gathering. Signed in
black felt-tip pen at lower left, "Gerald R. Ford." Housed in a gilt
leather display case imprinted: " President Gerald R. Ford, 1974-1977."
Each item is in Pristine condition.
Estimated Value $500-750.
Lot 563
Ford, Gerald R.
Typed Letter Signed ("Jerry Ford"). As President. One page,
quarto, Washington, D.C., June 9, 1976. On White House letterhead. In black
ink. To the Honorable Clifford Case. Stamped with the date June 11, 1976 at
upper right and notated in pencil "file". With one horizontal fold. In
excellent condition.
In this over-zealous letter, Ford writes to his
supporter, Clifford Case: "I know that you are as gratified as I am over
the outcome of the New Jersey Primary. The degree of confidence expressed
in the policies of my Administration reinforces my conviction that my
nomination will ensure a victory in November". While Ford did in fact
win the Republican nomination, it was Carter that won the November national
election.
Estimated Value $475-575.
Lot 564
Ford, Gerald R.
Document Signed ("Gerald R. Ford"). One page, quarto, n.p., n.d.
Being a typed copy of Ford's Inaugural Address, boldly signed in blue ink.
In very fine condition.
Ford's address, issued at such a painful
time in American history, addresses the social climate: "...I assume the
presidency under extraordinary circumstances never before experienced by
Americans. This is an hour of history that troubles our minds and hurts our
hearts...;" and points to the challenges he will face: "I have not sought
this enormous responsibility, but I will not shirk it. Those who nominated
and confirmed me as vice president were my friends and are my friends...I
should pledge to them and to you that I will be President of all the
people...".
Estimated Value $350-450.
Lot 565
Ford, Gerald R. 1.
Typed Letter Signed ("Gerald R. Ford"). One page, quarto, Rancho
Mirage, California, August 13, 1980. On Ford's personalized stationery with
embossed gold eagle. In black ink. To Mr. Raymond Lawing of Baltimore,
Maryland. Accompanied by the original, free franked transmittal envelope.
2. Typed Letter Signed ("Jay Berwanger"). Two pages, quarto, Downers
Grove, Illinois, December 22, 1977. On Jay Berwanger, Inc. stationery. In
black ink. To Mr. Robert Lawing. 3. Inscribed Photo Signed ("Jerry
Ford" and "Jay Berwanger"). Black and white, 8 x 10", n.p., n.d.
Inscribed by Ford in black ink, "To Bob with warmest / best wishes."
Also inscribed by Berwanger in blue ink, "Good Luck Bob / and best
wishes." Overall, the lot is in excellent condition.
In this
charming collection of correspondence, a football fan has requested both
Jerry Ford --a college football star -- and Jay Berwanger -- the model for
the Heisman Trophy statuette -- to sign a photo of Berwanger in the
"Heisman" pose. Interestingly, both the former President and the model add
letters reminiscing about their old football days. Ford writes:
"Football taught me to keep myself strong ... I learned that team play
was vital to success and that one should be humble in success and a good
loser in defeat."
Estimated Value $200-400.
Lot 566
Ford, Gerald R.
Signature ("Gerald R. Ford"). On a single, duodecimo sheet,
n.p., n.d. On a "White House Washington" card. In black ink. In excellent
condition.
A stately signature, Ford boldly lends his name to this
Presidential card.
Estimated Value $150-200.
Lot 567
Ford, Gerald R.
White House Vignette Signed. Attractive Vignette Card featuring a
handsome representation of the White House, printed by the United States
Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and boldly signed on its face in dark
black ink, "Gerald R. Ford." In fine condition.
Estimated Value
$150-250.
Lot 568
Ford, Gerald R.
Typed Letter Signed ("Gerald R. Ford"). On page, octavo, n.p.,
October 17, 1997. On personalized stationery featuring the presidential
emblem. In blue ink. Matted and framed to an overall size of 12½ x
15½". With one horizontal fold. In very fine
condition.
Defending the conclusions of the Warren Commission, Ford
signs this document stating: "In 1964, the Warren Commission unanimously
decided: 1. Lee Harvey Oswald was the assassin, and 2. The
Commission found no evidence of a conspiracy, foreign or domestic. As a
member of the Commission, I endorsed those conclusions in 1964 and fully
agree now as the sole surviving Commission member."
Estimated Value
$150-250.
Lot 569
Ford, Gerald R.
Typed Letter Signed ("Jerry Ford"). As Congressman. One page,
octavo, on House of Representatives letterhead, Washington DC, July 19,
1971. Includes transmittal envelope. Signature is penned boldly in blue
ink, though slightly smudged. In fine condition.
In full: "Dear
Mr. Haskins: / Thank you so much for your lovely birthday letter. I am
deeply grateful for your kind and thoughtful greeting and good wishes. /
Warmest personal regards. / Sincerely".
Estimated Value $100-150.
Lot 570
Ford, Gerald R.
Typed Letter Signed ("Jerry Ford"). As Congressman. One page,
quarto, on "Congress of the United States / Office of the Minority Leader /
House of Representatives" letterhead, Washington DC, July 7, 1972. To Mr.
J.L. Pruett of Clute, Texas. In very good condition.
In full:
"Dear Mr. Pruett, / replying to your recent letter, I am pleased to send
you the enclosed autographed postcard, family pictures and a copy of my
biographical sketch. I am also enclosing a few issues of my newsletter in
which I discuss legislation debated in [white out] the House of
Representatives. / I hope you find this material helpful in your talks to
your students and I am glad to be of service. / Warmest personal regards. /
Sincerely, Jerry Ford".
Estimated Value $100-200.
Ex
Superior Collectibles Sale, November 15, 16, 1997.
Lot 571
Ford, Gerald R.
1.Signature ("Gerald R. Ford"). On a single, 6 x 2½"
sheet, n.p., n.d. Being a $2 currency note. In blue ink. Note is lightly
folded. Signature is bold, and in fine condition. 2. Signatures ("Gerald
R. Ford" and "Betty Ford"). On a single sheet, 6½ x
3¾", Washington, D.C., August 9, 1974. Being a commemorative envelope
marking the resignation of Richard Nixon. Gerald Ford signs in black ink,
his wife in blue. Horizontal folds from rolling. Signatures are bold. In
good to very good condition overall.
With Nixon's resignation
official shortly before noon on August 9, the commemorative envelope Ford
signs here was stamped later that afternoon.
Estimated Value $75-100.
Lot 572
Garfield, James A.
20th President of the United States, 1881.
Autograph Letter
Signed ("J.A. Garfield"). As Representative from Ohio's 19th
Congressional District. Two pages, octavo, Washington D.C., March 23, 1877.
On House of Representatives letterhead. To W. H. Upson. Mailing folds,
small spot at top left corner. In fine condition.
In the course of
his seventeen years in Congress, Garfield exerted considerable pull over
Ohio and national politics -- the dealmaking that resulted in Rutherford B.
Hayes' presidency was in large part orchestrated by Garfield himself. In
fact, during the Hayes administration, Garfield was regarded as the
spokesman of the President in the House. After Hayes' election, Garfield's
recommendations for a Republican gubernatorial candidate would have been
uppermost in many people's minds. "In accordance with our conversation I
called on Mr. Cowles (Edwin Cowles, owner of the Cleveland Leader and a
founder of the Republican Party) and had a full interview with him in
reference to the Governorship. I found he was inclined to go for Taft, but
after a full discussion of the case he expressed his willingness to go in
heartily for you unless something should occur between now and the
Convention that indicated that Taft would make a stronger canvass...advised
he would come out strongly for you in the Leader, but suggested that I
should get the Herald to start in first, for fear that that paper would
oppose anything that the Leader favored."
Estimated Value $600-850.