Mar 31, 2001, The B. H. Manuscript/Collectible/Philatelic Sale, Sale 9
Lot 598
Lincoln, Abraham.
1809-65, 16th president of the U.S. (1861-65). Born in a log cabin in
the backwoods, Lincoln was almost entirely self-educated. In 1834 he was
elected to the state legislature, and in 1836 he became a lawyer. He served
one term (1847-49) in Congress as a Whig; in 1855 he sought to become a
senator but failed. In 1856 he joined the new Republican Party. He ran
again (1858) for the Senate against Stephen A. Douglas, and in a spirited
campaign he and Douglas engaged in seven debates. Although he lost the
election, he had by now made a name for himself, and in 1860 he was
nominated by the Republicans for president. He ran against a divided
Democratic party and was elected with a minority of the popular vote. To
the South, Lincoln's election was a signal for secession. By Inauguration
Day seven states had seceded, and four more seceded after he issued a
summons to the militia. It is generally agreed that Lincoln handled the
vast problems of the Civil War with skill and vigor. In 1863 he moved to
free the slaves by issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, but preserving
the Union remained his main war aim. His thoughts on the war were
beautifully expressed in the Gettysburg Address (1863). In 1864 Lincoln ran
for re-election against George B. McClellan and won, partly because of the
favorable turn of military affairs after his appointment of Gen. U.S. Grant
as commander-in-chief. Lincoln saw the end of the war but did not live to
implement his plan for Reconstruction. On Apr. 14, 1865, while attending a
play at Ford's Theater, in Washington, D.C., he was shot by the actor John
Wilkes Booth. He died the next morning.
Autograph Letter Signed
("A. Lincoln"). Two pages with integral address leaf, recto and
verso, small quarto, Springfield, Illinois, June 27, 1853. In black ink. To
Honorable T.J. Turner of Freeport, Illinois. Two horizontal and two
vertical folds, glue stains along upper edge of first leaf, splits along a
few folds notably at address leaf where tears have been repaired, postal
stamps on address leaf which has been inscribed by a previous owner,
toning. Overall, in very good condition.
In this correspondence,
Lincoln discusses the case of his client, a farmer from Ogle County named
Adam Adams, regarding the purchase of a parcel of land. He writes in full:
"Dear Sir: Your letter of the 20th reached me, day-before yesterday. I
had, the day before, written to Adams to be on hand with his witnesses --
but, at the request of Judge Logan, who is Kemper's attorney, I put in a
Post-script, saying to Adams, if he was agreed, the cause should be
continued over the summer term. On subsequent reflection, I rather wish
Adams may not agree. I have the case fresh in my mind, and therefore wish
to keep it going till it is finished. I have already drafted a Bill of
Exceptions, and my plan is to put the common law suit through the forms of
a second trial, up to a verdict (which must be against us, under Judge D's
view of the law) except, & save all the points, and then, before judgment,
file our Bill and get an injunction. I shall began [sic] preparing a Bill
this afternoon, which I wish to file during the evening term; and I believe
I will do this, even should the ejectment suit be continued -- and in order
to this, Mr. Adams must come down to swear to the Bill. In no event can we
be ready for proof in the chancery suit at this time, so that we will need
no other witness than the one that was here last summer. I wrote Mr. Adams
about a Register's certificate & if he can find one or two missing tax
receipts, let him bring them. I should be glad to see you & shake you by
the hand; but as there is no contested jury question, I scarecely [sic]
think you need be at the trouble & expense of coming. All the law
questions which can arise at this term, the Judge has already decided. Very
truly yours. A. Lincoln"
This letter and subsequent
correspondence has been included in Basler's Collected Works of Abraham
Lincoln.
Estimated Value $20,000-25,000.
Superior Stamp &
Coin.
Lot 399 from the Paul Richards Estate Auction held February 2,
1944. This piece realized $22,000.
Lot 599
Lincoln, Abraham.
Document Signed ("A Lincoln"). Two pages, recto and verso,
quarto, Washington DC, January 22, 1864. Being the offer of a pardon for
Confederate soldiers taking the December 8 Oath. Three horizontal folds,
edge splitting at left and right of center, diagonal fold at bottom right
corner, three small ink spots at bottom of endorsement leaf. Very good to
fine condition.
Here, Lincoln refers to the oath embedded in his
December 8, 1863, Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction,
penning in full: "Let any or all these men take the oath of Dec. 8. & be
discharged. A Lincoln January 22, 1864."
With the belief that
many in the Confederacy were tired of war and would be ready to rejoin the
Union, if not for fear of punitive measures, Lincoln spoke to Congress on
December 8, 1863, to discuss his Proclamation of Amnesty and
Reconstruction. Lincoln's Proclamation laid out the steps necessary for the
reconstruction and reaffiliation of loyal governments in the seceded
states, based on the assumption that these states had never left the Union.
Lincoln proposed that, when a number of citizens equal to 10% of the 1860
voting population in a state took the oath of loyalty to the Union, a
rehabilitated government could be established. In his Proclamation, Lincoln
offered a pardon and "the restoration of all rights of property, except as
to slaves and in property cases where rights of third parties shall have
intervened, and upon the condition that every such person shall take and
subscribe an oath, and thenceforward keep and maintain said oath inviolate,
and which oath shall be registered for permanent preservation..." The text
of the oath is as follows: "I, ________, do solemnly swear, in presence of
Almighty God, that I will henceforth faithfully support, protect, and
defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Union of the States
thereunder; and that I will, in like manner, abide by and faithfully
support all acts of congress passed during the existing rebellion with
reference to slaves, so long and so far as not repealed, modified or held
void by Congress, or by the decision of the Supreme Court; and that I will,
in like manner, abide by and faithfully support all proclamations of the
President made during the existing rebellion having reference to slaves, so
long and so far as not modified or declared void by decision of the Supreme
Court. So help me God."
The four Confederate soldiers named in the
offered document, all from Daviess County, Kentucky, are recommended by
George H. Yearman and have all asked to take the Oath. The men are:
Jonathan Triplett, in prison on Johnson's Island, who asked to take the
Oath or be banished to "a Northern State or Canada"; Eilbeck Barron, a man
"past middle life" and "very tired" of the war; Junius L. Bradley,
an "inoffensive, ignorant young man" who "would not go in again"; and
George Porter, a surgeon whose "father is strong union" and with a "family
suffering," also would not re-enlist. We assume that with the approval of
the President, these men took the Oath, as their names appear here, in
Lincoln's words, "...registered for permanent preservation."
Estimated
Value $4,500-5,500.
Lot 600
[Lincoln, Abraham].
Photographic Print. Black and white, 10½ x 13½", 1953
reproduction from plate taken in Springfield, Illinois, June 3, 1860.
Matted to 15½ x 20". Some age toning of mat, otherwise very fine
condition.
Stunning ¾ profile portrait of a clean shaven
Lincoln, from a glass plate negative copied from the original sitting plate
taken by Alexander Hesler in 1860. The glass plate, rediscovered in 1952 by
King Hostik, was likely copied in the late 1860s and put away for
safekeeping, thus sparing it wear damage the original plates (now in the
Smithsonian) show. Taken two weeks after Lincoln was nominated for the
Presidency, this is the clearest picture Americans have of how Lincoln
appeared to his contemporaries.The striking clarity of the portrait, and
the overall strength of the image make this a wonderful collector's item.
Estimated Value $250-300.
Lot 601
[Lincoln, Abraham].
Photographic Print. Black and white, 10½ x 13½", 1953
reproduction from plate taken in Springfield, Illinois, June 3, 1860.
Matted to 15½ x 20". Some age toning of mat, otherwise very fine
condition.
Similar to lot above, however portrait is ¼
profile.
Estimated Value $250-300.
Lot 602
Madison, Dolly Payne
(1768-1849). Wife of James Madison, 4th President, her warmth, charm
and wit made her an incredibly popular figure on the American political
stage. The hospitality and grace she exhibited, first as Thomas Jefferson's
official hostess and then as First Lady, ameliorated the partisan
atmosphere in Washington D.C. and solidified James Madison's hold on his
party.
Autograph Letter Signed ("D.P. Madison"). One page,
quarto, Montpellier, March 8, 1828. To Colonel McKenney, War Department.
The integral address leaf is finished in Mrs. Madison's hand and features a
free frank "Free James Madison." Included in this lot is a beautiful
limited edition 1972 reprint of the book discussed in the letter, Colonel
McKenney's Tour to the Lakes. Professional repairs to letter at the
mailing folds, with reinforcing backing to whole sheet and repairs and
strengthening on address leaf, minor staining at folds. In good condition.
Here, Mrs. Madison relates President's Madison's impressions of
McKenney's book: "...Mr. Madison having been much occupied latterly, has
been delayed in giving the volume such a perusal as he wished...he regards
it as containing much valuable information...it occurred to him that a Map
of the country visited...might improve a new Edition when called for."
Colonel McKenney's book does contain "much valuable information" concerning
his journeys in the American West as he worked for the newly organized
bureau of Indian Affairs at the War Department, and we are delighted to
offer it in conjunction with Mrs. Madison's letter.
Estimated Value
$2,500-3,250.
Lot 603
Madison, James and
James Monroe. Document Signed ("James Madison" and "James
Monroe"). Madison signs as President, Monroe as Secretary of State.
Partially printed, accomplished in manuscript. In French, Spanish, English,
and Dutch. One page, elephant folio, Gloucester, Massachusetts, October 19,
1811. Being an official document allowing passage for a ship bound for
Havana. In black ink. With two original wafer seals affixed to lower left.
Docketed by notary William Rogers. A three column religious litany, part of
which has been identified from a catechism, is written on the verso of this
document. With five horizontal and three vertical folds, small splits along
folds, one of which slightly affects the first letter of Madison's first
name, a few spots and toning. In good condition overall.
Here,
Madison and Monroe sign a document, transcribed into four languages,
allowing the passage of a schooner named Orlando to Havana with its cargo
of "Fish, Hoops, Onions, Potatoes, Sheeting, Sail-Cloth, Shooks and
Lumber." Further, the notary public adds a request to Kings, Lords, and
notables of other countries, asking that they: "...receive the said master
with goodness, and to treat him in a becoming manner, permitting him ... to
pass, navigate, and frequent the ports, passes and
territories...".
An interesting addition to this document is a
religious manuscript written on the entire verso of the piece. Although of
an unknown author, the discourse covers a range of complex theological
issues and includes a set of catechism questions completed with well
composed answers.
Estimated Value $1,700-2,200.
Lot 604
McKinley, William.
25th President of the United States, 1897-1901.
Signature
("W McKinley"). As Governor of Ohio. 6½ x 8½",
Chicago, February 12, 1896. Being the program for the "Tenth Annual Banquet
/ Marquette Club, / Chicago./ Birthday Anniversary / of / Abraham Lincoln /
1809-1896." In pencil. Signed by four others, three being banquet speakers.
Inside pages impeccable, cover shows soil, minor toning and foxing. Good
condition.
In the midst of his 1896 presidential campaign, McKinley
served as the keynote speaker at one of the highlights of the Republican
social calender -- a dinner honoring the birthday of Abraham Lincoln.
Estimated Value $400-500.
Lot 605
Monroe, James and John
Quincy Adams. Manuscript Document Signed ("James Monroe" and
"John Quincy Adams"). As President and Secretary of State,
respectively. One page with integral leaf, folio, Washington DC, December
17, 1818. Being the appointment of Oliver Wayne Ogden as "Marshall in and
for New Jersey District". Intact blindstamped official seal affixed at left
of text. Toning at edges, four horizontal creases with minor edge
separation and two vertical folds. Very good condition.
Created by
the first Congress with the Judiciary Act of 1789, the United States
Marshals and Deputy Marshals were entrusted with multiple duties in support
of the Federal Courts -- everything from renting courtrooms to making
arrests. As the structures of the federal establishment grew during
Washington's administrations, the Marshals were vested with more and more
responsibilities, among them, working as census takers, distributing
Presidential proclamations and functioning as the federal government's
representatives in their local districts. Clearly, the responsibilities and
the honor here conferred upon Oliver Wayne Ogden by Monroe and Adams were
considerable.
Estimated Value $1,750-2,250.
Lot 606
Nixon and Reagan.
Signatures ("Richard Nixon" and "Ronald Reagan"). One
page, quarto, n.p., n.d. Being a commemorative White House sheet. Nixon
signs in blue ink, Reagan in black. Matted and framed to an overall size of
11¼ x 14". In very fine condition overall.
Signed by
Republican Presidents Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan, this commemorative
sheet features the Presidential medallion with a view of the White House.
Estimated Value $250-350.
Lot 607
Nixon, Richard M.
37th President of the United States, 1969-1974.
Here we offer a
collection of correspondence, eight pieces in all, from Richard Nixon, as
California Representative, to a variety of Veterans officials regarding the
treatment of Veterans in California VA hospitals. Included are five Typed
Letters Signed by Nixon, dated between December 5, 1947 and January 23,
1948, each on "Congress of the United States / House of Representatives.
Washington, D.C." stationery. In response, there is one Typed Letter from
Mr. Richard E. Jones, Commander of the Whittier American Legion, one Typed
Letter from Carl R. Gray, Jr., and one Typed Letter Signed by Robert W.
Denny of the American Legion, also in Whittier. Overall, very good
condition.
While investigating the lack of suitable care at
Californian Veterans facilities, Nixon presumes that the problem was caused
by a shortage of actual beds in these hospitals. As Nixon discovers, the
problem was not caused by a shortage of beds, but rather a shortage of
trained staff. However, in the effort to quell Nixon's fury regarding the
matter, administrator Carl Gray becomes a bit defensive, explaining that:
"Throughout the country as a whole, there were 18,192 veterans awaiting
admission to hospitals. Only 40 of these were suffering from a
service-connected disability." This response does not satiate Nixon,
who writes: "The VA has been somewhat unrealistic in failing to
recognize the peculiar needs of California veterans as compared with those
in other parts of the country... the shortage of personnel and facilities
unquestionably is greater in California..."
Estimated Value
$600-800.
Lot 608
Nixon, Richard M.
Typed Letter Signed ("Dick Nixon"). One page, quarto, Washington
DC, November 24, 1954. On Office of the Vice President letterhead. To
Donald Rowe. Two paperclip stains on verso show lightly on recto, mailing
folds and minor age toning. Very good condition.
Nixon campaigned
actively for Republican candidates throughout his Vice-Presidential terms.
In this correspondence Nixon thanks a campaign worker for his services:
"...I want you to know how much I appreciated all that you did to be of
assistance on the television shows from Washington and Philadelphia -- but,
particularly the fine job which you and Ted Rogers did in Denver on
November 1..."
Estimated Value $500-600.
Lot 609
Nixon, Richard M.
Typed Letter Signed ("Richard Nixon"). As President. One sheet,
octavo, Washington, D.C., June 5, 1973. On The White House stationery. In
black ink. To one Mr. Joseph DeManuele of Kirkwood, Missouri. Accompanied
by the original transmittal envelope. Handsomely matted and framed with a
black and white printed image of the President as well as a decorative
medallion depicting Nixon for an overall size of 26½ x 27½".
On horizontal fold, otherwise in very fine condition.
During the
Watergate scandal, a true Nixon supporter appears to have sent the
President the product of his artistic talents, to which Nixon replied:
"It was kind of you to send me the pen-and-ink sketches along with your
thoughtful letter...your friendship means a great deal to me. You may be
sure that throughout the years ahead I will do everything possible to
continue to merit your support."
Estimated Value $400-500.
Lot 610
Nixon, Richard M.
Typed Letter Signed ("RN"). One page, quarto, Washington D.C.,
June 9, 1970. On official White House stationery. To Paul Williams. One
horizontal fold, diagonal crease at top right, minor smudge in text. Very
good to fine condition.
A gracious letter of thanks: "...As you
have suggested, this issue transcends any political party as well as the
authority of any one President. Onmy own behalf and on behalf of my
successors, I want you to know of my appreciation for the support you have
so forthrightly expressed."
Estimated Value $400-450.
Lot 611
Nixon, Richard M.
Typed Letter Signed ("Richard Nixon"). One page, quarto, San
Clemente, California, June 24, 1977. On Nixon's personalized "La Casa
Pacifica" stationery. In black ink. To Mr. Irving Paul Lazar of Beverly
Hills. With two horizontal folds, and light rust stains from a paper clip
at top. Accompanied by a signed book written by Nixon's daughter Julie
Nixon Eisenhower, entitled "Special People". The lot is in very good
condition.
In an effort to promote his daughter's soon to be
published book, Nixon presents a complementary copy to an acquaintance:
"I thought you might like to have the enclosed, personally autographed,
copy of Julie's book, 'Special People'. While I must admit to a bit of
parental prejudice, I hope you will find, as I have, that it portrays
insight into the very sensitive lives of some of the famous personalities
of our time."
Estimated Value $200-250.
Lot 612
Nixon, Richard M.
Signed Card ("Richard Nixon"). A single, duodecimo sheet, n.p.,
n.d. On a Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace card. Signed in black ink. In
very fine condition overall.
Nixon lends his autograph to this card
from his Yorba Linda library which contains an extensive archive of his
presidential correspondence.
Estimated Value $100-150.
Lot 613
Pierce, Franklin
(1804-1869) 14th President of the United States, 1853-1857. Most
remembered for his inability to deal effectively with growing regional
conflicts over slavery in the decade preceding the Civil War, Pierce also
reorganized the diplomatic and consular service along lines more fitting to
the growing international role of the United States.
Autograph
Letter Signed ("Franklin Pierce"). Three pages, octavo, Andover,
Massachusetts, July 17, 1857. In black ink. To James Campbell, Pierce's
Postmaster General. With one vertical and two horizontal folds, a thin
strip of paper has been affixed along the fold, remnants of an adhesive
appear on verso of final page. In very good to fine condition overall.
In a sincere letter, Pierce offers his consolations to Campbell
whose wife had taken ill. He explains that he is "much pained to have
such unfavorable accounts of Mrs. Campbell. I wish it were in my power to
contribute in any way to your support in your great anxiety and
sorrow." After giving a report on Mrs. Pierce's condition, he discusses
the health of one of his cabinet members, Secretary of the Navy James C.
Dobbin, suggesting the impact his impending death will have on other
Cabinet members -- a group he refers to as the 'unbroken circle': "Our
accounts from Mr. Dobbin are very unfavorable... It will not surprise me to
hear of his death by any mail. I long to see him again ... I contemplate
with much pain these inroads upon that circle which remained unbroken for
four years..." As the only President in history to serve a complete
term without making any Cabinet changes, it is clear that Pierce
created a unique bond with the gentlemen of his Cabinet.
Estimated
Value $750-850.
Lot 614
Pierce, Franklin.
Document Signed ("Franklin Pierce"). As President. Partially
printed, accomplished in manuscript. One page, 15½ x 18", Washington
D.C., October 19, 1853. Countersigned by J. C. Dobbin as Secretary of the
Navy. Being a Naval commission for Johnston B. Creighton. Navy Department
seal intact at bottom. Registrar signature at bottom left edge. Four
horizontal and four vertical creases. Edge separation along horizontal
center crease with two very small areas of paper loss and four very small
holes at right, foxing and minor soiling. Overall condition very good.
Signed fairly early in Pierce's presidency, this October 1853
commission was issued only three months after Commodore Perry's naval
confrontation in Japan. The recipient of this commission, Johnston B.
Creighton, went on to serve as Naval Ordinance Inspector and ascended to
the rank of Rear Admiral.
Estimated Value $500-800.
Lot 615
Polk, James K. 11th
President of the United States, 1845-1849.
Autograph Letter Signed
("James K. Polk"). As U.S. Representative. One and a half pages,
recto and verso, quarto, Washington D.C., March 17, 1832. In black ink. To
newsman Samuel H. Laughlin. Polk has added a postscript, signing again with
initials. With two vertical and three horizontal folds, two minor splits at
intersection of folds, a few spots of staining in upper half and at lower
corner. In good condition overall.
In this letter to a longtime
friend, Polk writes to Laughlin about the farm, known as Royal Place, that
the pair had purchased together: "It will not suit me to purchase your
interest in our partnership land. I am as well as yourself considerably
indebted and will have use for all my funds..." Unfortunately,
Laughlin's earlier offer was poorly timed as Tennessean crop failures in
1832 had created immediate and severe financial problems for farmers.
Later in the letter, Polk responds to Laughlin's request for
governmental gossip: "I do not know that I can communicate to you any
thing more in politics than what you see in the newspapers..."
Interestingly, though tight-lipped here, Polk had often used Laughlin's
newspapers as a vehicle for his platforms, and Polk's investments had
initially helped Laughlin establish his newspaper.
Estimated Value
$2,000-2,500.
Lot 616
Reagan, Ronald.
40th President of the United States, 1981-1989.
Signed Photo
("Ronald Reagan"). Black and white, 8 x 10", n.p., n.d. Inscribed in
black ink, "To Jim Henry / With Very Best Wishes". A small surface
loss at the upper center, a ¼" tear at the center of the left margin,
corners are folded, and a few surface scratches. In good to very good
condition overall.
The handsome actor-turned-President appears in
this photo that captures the charming smile of Reagan's beaming face.
Estimated Value $150-200.
Lot 617
Roosevelt, Eleanor
(1884-1962). American First Lady. Eleanor was called the "First Lady of
the World" by Harry Truman for her humanitarian efforts on behalf of the
world's children and poor. An influential figure in her husband's
administration, she helped found UNICEF and worked diligently on civil
rights issues.
Typed Letter Signed ("Eleanor Roosevelt").
One page, octavo, Hyde Park, New York, April 17, 1954. On Roosevelt's
Val-Kill Cottage stationery. In black ink. To Mrs. W.A. Keer of Richmond,
Virginia. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope. One horizontal
fold, light time staining and a small ink mark which does not affect the
signature. In good to very good condition overall.
In the midst of
this nation's Communist scare, Eleanor comments on the Church's stance
toward McCarthyism and adds a brief mention of developments regarding the
Korean War: "It is indeed heartening to know of Bishop Sheil's
opposition to Senator McCarthy. We may now hope that other leaders of the
Roman Catholic Church will follow his precedent. Concerning the Geneva
Parley, we can only hope that the question of disarmament will be
discussed."
Estimated Value $150-250.
Lot 618
Roosevelt, Eleanor.
Typed Letter Signed ("Eleanor Roosevelt"). One page, 6 x
8¼", New York, May 28, 1952. On her personalized stationery. In blue
ink. To one Mrs. Sophie Kerr of Virginia. Accompanied by the original
transmittal envelope with Free Frank stamp. Envelope is lightly soiled,
letter with one horizontal fold. Otherwise, in very fine condition.
The year she resigned from the United Nations, Eleanor wrote this
gracious letter: "Thank you so much for your letter. I am glad you found
Partners interesting. I believe we all pray for peace."
Estimated Value $150-200.
Lot 619
Roosevelt, Franklin D.
32nd President of the United States, 1933-1945.
Typed Letter
Signed ("Franklin D Roosevelt"). As President. One page, quarto,
Washington D.C., October 31, 1938. On White House letterhead. To George
Creel. Toning, foxing. two staple holes at top edge of both sheets. Two
corrections in Roosevelt's hand. Overall condition good to very
good.
An extraordinary letter, commenting in detail on California
politics and demonstrating Roosevelt's position as party leader as well as
President. Roosevelt writes: "...It is of national importance, in my
opinion, that a liberal like Olsen rather than a reactionary be in the
State House at Sacramento and that a liberal like Downey rather than a
reactionary speak the voice of California in the Senate...Like three of
four other localities in the United States it is facing our most
complicated social problems years ahead of the rest of the country. Working
out these problems demands the closest cooperation of the State government
with the United States government. It requires a leadership with vision,
patience and tolerance in meeting local conditions - the attributes of a
liberal in the fullest sense of the word...And what is important for the
people of California in choosing a Senator is that the people of California
be represented by a man whose fundamental principles lie along progressive
and liberal lines rather than by a dyed-in-the-wool reactionary of the
vintage of Mark Hanna...As Woodrow Wilson liked to point out, the
reactionaries can always present a front because their program is wholly
negative. They want to obstruct all action: they are not concerned with a
constructive program of any sort." Roosevelt's choices, Culbert Olson
as Governor and Sheridan Downey as Senator, were both elected in 1938.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,500.
Lot 620
Roosevelt, Franklin D.
Signature ("Franklin D. Roosevelt"). One page with integral
blank, 7 x 3", n.p., n.d. On pale green paper. Signed in blue ink. In fine
condition.
"Yesterday, December 7, 1941 -- a date that will live in
infamy -- the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately
attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan." With this,
one of the most famous phrases of the 20th century, Roosevelt confirmed the
worst fears of the American people and presaged his announcement of the
United States' determination to fight to victory against Axis forces. On
pale green White House paper, with a strong signature above, this is a
piece of history.
Estimated Value $900-UP.
Lot 621
Roosevelt, Franklin D.
Signature ("Franklin D. Roosevelt"). One page with integral
blank, 7 x 3", n.p., n.d. On pale green paper, signed in blue ink. Fine
condition.
Roosevelt's March 4, 1933, inauguration speech is
justifiably regarded as one of the greatest oratories of the 20th century.
Facing a nation mired in the worst economic conditions in its history,
Roosevelt took the podium to encourage the country and lay the groundwork
for the sweeping changes he would enact within days. On unmistakable light
green White House paper, the quote offered with this clipped signature is
the opening line to this great speech and a wonderful Roosevelt memento:
"Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear
itself."
Estimated Value $750-850.
Lot 622
Roosevelt, Franklin D.
and Chester W. Nimitz. 1. Typed Document Signed ("Franklin D
Roosevelt"). As Acting Secretary of the Navy. One page, quarto,
Washington D.C., October 25, 1918. On Navy Department stationery. In black
ink. Docketed recto. To Lieutenant Thomas M. Buck. 2. Chester W.
Nimitz. Document Signed ("CW Nimitz"). One page, quarto, Pearl
Harbor, March 27, 1922. On Fourteenth Naval District stationery. In black
ink. To Thomas M. Buck. Accompanied by two additional Typed Documents
Signed, from Josephus Daniels and James Forrestal, both as
Secretary of the Navy. Overall, the lot is in very good
condition.
Here we offer a paper-trail, following one Thomas Buck as
he moves from Boatswain to Retired Lieutenant Commander, with Franklin
Roosevelt, Chester Nimitz and others approving his appointments.
Estimated Value $500-750.