These are our most recently listed items, in all categories.
Signature, “Benj[amin] Alvord,” a frank on a 1 ½” x 5 ¾” portion of an imprinted “Paymaster General’s Office” envelope; marked “Personal” by Alvord, with a Washington, D.C. postmark at mid left.
Lightly and evenly toned, with minor staining.
Civil War-Date Autograph Letter Signed – seeking a pass “to reclaim the remains of a dead Soldier.”
Autograph Letter Signed, on beautifully imprinted 6” x 7 ½” official stationery as Massachusetts governor. During the second year of war, Andrew seeks the assistance of Franklin E. Howe, an officer in the 36th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in procuring a pass for a colleague in the regiment, to reclaim the remains of an unnamed dead soldier. Modern records indicate that Howe died of disease on May 5, 1864 in Westminster, Massachusetts.
“Boston, April 29, 1862, L[ieutenan]t Col[onel] Howe. My d[ea]r Col[onel], If you can help Mr. A.S. Tuttle to get a passage to Roanoke Island to reclaim the remains of a dead Soldier you will confer a favor. I am unaware about the regulations nom a sick passenger to N[orth] C[arolina] not in military service. Your serv[ant], John A. Andrew.”
Accompanied by the imprinted transmittal envelope, addressed to Howe. The letter is excellent overall, with light, even toning and two horizontal folds; the transmittal envelope bears heavier staining, with irregular tearing at the edges from opening.
Early in the American Civil War, Ashby’s 7th Virginia Cavalry functioned primarily on scout and outpost duty along the Potomac. In the spring of 1862, Colonel Ashby served with distinction in the Shenandoah Valley campaign as head of Stonewall Jackson’s cavalry. Only two weeks after his promotion to brigadier general, Ashby was killed-in-action.
Autograph Letter Signed, 5 ¾” x 7”, an important, confidential early-war strategic communication, directing the destruction of a dam on the Potomac, between Martinsburg, Virginia and Williamsport, Maryland.
“Camp Jefferson, Sept[ember] 24, [18]61. Col[onel] Riley. Dear Sir, I shall need your cooperation in a few days to destroy the Dam No. 4 – by throwing such force as you can safely send out from Martinsburg towards the Dam to be between that point and the crossing opposite Williamsport, but near enough to be supported by the whole body with me if you should be threatened. When I am prepared for the work I will inform you – Do not let this be known as secrecy is important. Respectfully, Turner Ashby, L[ieutenan]t Col[onel] Com[mandin]g.”
Extremely rare, as no other such examples have been offered for sale in the recent past.
Lightly and evenly toned, with a few stains, and there are inconsequential pinholes and minor breaks at the intersections of several folds.
Signed Card, 1 ½” x 3”, “C.C. Augur, Maj[or] Gen[era]l U[nited] S[tates] V[olunteers].”
Evenly toned, with minor chipping at the lower edge.
Early War-Date Franked Patriotic Envelope
Franked Patriotic Envelope 3” x 5 ½”, “Free, E.D. Baker, U.S. Senate,” with a May 27, 1861, New York postmark. Addressed in another hand to “P. Willard George, Esq[uire], No. 257 North 16th St[reet], Philadelphia, P[ennsylvani]a.”
Expected toning, soiling, and wear, with several chips and small tears at the edges.
Veteran of the Mexican War; U.S. Congressman – Illinois – 1845-47 & 1849-51; U.S. Senator – Oregon – 1860-61; Close friend of Abraham Lincoln
“Warrenton [Virginia], 25 – 6 [June, 1862]. P.M. Major Perkins, A[ide] D[e] C[amp], Etc. Select a good position and camp our Corps where they are. I return in an ambulance. Truly Yours, N.P. Banks, M[ajor] G[eneral] C[ommanding].”
Lightly and evenly toned, with a few light stains; minor bleeding of ink on several letters; two horizontal folds.
Civil War-Date Document Signed – an imprinted 142nd New York Infantry Pass
Document Signed, 3 ¾” x 5”, West Point, Virginia, May 4, 1864, “A.M. Barney, L[ieutenan]t Col[onel] Commanding Regiment,” a desirable, partly printed pass; dated one day before the fighting began at the Battle of the Wilderness and countersigned by 142nd New York Lieutenant Joseph Hastings Hays, who was wounded at Drewry’s Bluff, Virginia the following month.
Lightly toned, with the expected folds; general wear and staining throughout.
Signed Card, 2 ¼” x 4”, as Tennessee Governor, “Executive Office, Nashville, Tenn[essee], Wm. B. Bate.”
Excellent.
Signature, probably war date, with the rank Bates held from enlistment until October 3, 1862, “Wm. B. Bate, Col[onel] 2nd Tenn[essee] Inf[antry],” on a 1 ¼” x 3 ½” slip of paper.
Lightly and evenly toned, with old mounting remnants on the reverse.
Signed Card, 1 ¾” x 3 ¾”, bevel-edged, “John Beatty.”
Excellent.
Signed Card, 2 ½” x 3 ½”, “G.T. Beauregard, 1891.”
Exceptional.
Civil War-Date Signed Envelope
Signed Envelope, 3” x 5 ¼”, “J.D. Blanding, Col[onel] 9th Reg[imen]t S[outh] C[arolina] V[olunteers],” also addressed by Blanding, to “Wm. F.B. Haynesworth, Esq[ui]r[e]…Sumter, South Carolina.” An indistinct postmark, undoubtedly Tudor Hall, Virginia, and Due “10” markings at upper right; with vertical pencil notations, in an unknown hand, “from Col[onel] 9th Rec[eive]d Oct[ober] 29, 1861” along the left edge.
Somewhat lacking in contrast, with moderate toning throughout and the expected wear, soiling, and edge chips.
Autograph Letter Signed, two pages, front and reverse of the first leaf of an imprinted, folded 4 ¾” x 8” letter-sheet, expressing condolences to a friend upon the death of a brother.
“September 18, 1889. My dear Bob, I did not know when I wrote today what you were passing through. I had not heard about your brother’s death. May I tell you how I am sorry for everything which brings you pain with all my heart & will you believe how earnestly I ask for the highest help. God bless you & give you His best light. You will not want me to care to you on Monday as I proposed. If so, you will tell me so & I shall wholly understand. Be sure that I am always Your old friend, Phillips Brooks.”
Lightly and evenly toned, with a horizontal fold at the center; pencil notations in the upper right corner.
Autograph Letter Signed, two pages on front and reverse of a single imprinted 3 ½” x 4 ¼” card, declining a request to attend a meeting.
“March 28, 1886. My dear Mr. Bertrand, I am sorry to say that all my Tuesday Evenings now are hopelessly engaged, so that I must not hope to be at your meeting, which I doubt not will be very interesting & successful. Yours most sincerely, Phillips Brooks.”
Lightly and evenly toned, with several minor stains and light creases.
Signature & Rank, probably war date, “E.B. Brown, Brig[adier] Gen[eral] Vol[unteer]s,” on a 1” x 3 ¾” slip of lined paper; affixed to slightly larger backing.
Lightly and evenly toned.
Civil War-Date Autograph Letter Signed - from Leavenworth, Kansas
Autograph Letter Signed, 5 ¼” x 8 ¼”. From Leavenworth, Kansas, the vicinity of his father’s actions at the Pottawatomie Massacre and the Battles of Osawatomie and Black Jack in 1856 “Bleeding Kansas,” Brown conveys details of his return home to his wife in Ohio. Accompanied by the transmittal envelope, imprinted “R. Stevenson, Photographic ARTIST, 40 Delaware Street, Leavenworth, Kansas”; addressed by Brown, to “Mrs. Wealthy C. Brown, Jefferson, Ashtabula Co[unty], Ohio, Box 125,” with a three-cent U.S. postage stamp and a June 6, 1862, Leavenworth City, Kansas Territory postmark at the upper right corner.
“Leavenworth City Kansas, Thursday, June 5 1862.
My Loved Wife,
I have this moment got yours of the 28th. All in a hurry this morning as a Boat for St. Louis has just come and is off in a few minutes.
It will take me about five days to Chicago including one Sunday – say two days there then, one perhaps at Cleveland when I will be home as fast as I can. Every thing is waiting and I must say good bye.
Your own, John.”
Lightly and evenly toned, with a few minor stains and smearing of ink to several characters; chipping at the upper right corner and at the edge of the lower of two horizontal folds detracts very little. The envelope has the expected wear at the edge and the right edge has been torn somewhat irregularly in opening.
A staunch proponent of states’ rights, Governor Brown clashed repeatedly with Confederate President Jefferson Davis and became a major impediment to the prosecution of the American Civil War.
Document Signed, Atlanta, Georgia, February 3, 1879, “Joseph E. Brown,” a partly printed 2 ¾” x 7 ½” check with an imprinted revenue stamp, drawn on The Citizens Bank of Georgia for $220.84.
Excellent. The signature and text are unaffected by a punch cancellation, with no loss of paper, at mid left.
Signature, with date and place of residence, “O.H. Browning, Quincy, Illinois, Aug[us]t 10, 1874,” on a 3” x 7 ¾” slip of lined paper; affixed to heavier backing.
Excellent.
Letter Signed, on imprinted stationery as U.S. Interior Secretary, promoting a clerk in the General Land Office.
“Washington, D.C., March 24th 1868. L. Harreson of Pennsylvania, is hereby promoted to a Clerkship of the Second Class in the General Land Office to take effect from the first instant. O.H. Browning, Secretary of the Interior.”
Lightly toned, with a few stains and two horizontal folds; trimmed slightly at the left edge; old mounting remnants on the reverse.
Signature, with sentiment and date, “very Respectfully yours, O.H. Browning, Feb[ruar]y 1, 1867,” on a 2 ¼” x 4 ¾” slip of lined paper; penned as U.S. Interior Secretary.
Lightly and evenly toned, with minor show-through of old mounting remnants on the reverse.
Civil War-Date Document Signed, 7” x 9”, “S.B. Buckner, Maj[or] Gen[era]l Commanding,” a manuscript listing of rations, “Abstract of Provisions issued from the 1st to the 31st day of December 1863 to the troops of the Confederate States stationed in the field by Capt[ain] I. Shelby, Jr…”
Lightly and evenly toned, with two horizontal folds.
Civil War-Date Document Signed Twice by a Killed-in-Action Colonel, later promoted to the rank of Brigadier General
Document Signed, 8” x 10”, Camp Griffin, Virginia, February 28, 1862, “Hiram Burnham, Col[onel],” a partly printed requisition for personal wood fuel the month. Signed twice, at the mid and lower right.
Lightly and evenly toned, with a few superficial stains and two horizontal folds.
Early Civil War-Date Pass
Autograph Document Signed, 3” x 5”, a rare handwritten pass from Burnside’s early-war encampment near Washington, D.C., named for Rhode Island Governor William Sprague.
“Camp Sprague. Washington, June 6th 1861. Pass Serg[ean]t Crandall till eleven o’clock. A.E. Burnside, Col[onel] Com[man]d[in]g.”
Pencil notations in an unknown hand on the reverse list several identified enlisted men of the 1st Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry. The 1st Rhode Island Infantry under the command of Colonel Burnside was actively engaged at the Battle of First Bull Run, July 21, 1861 and returned to Providence, Rhode Island, where the unit was mustered out on August 2, 1861. Colonel Burnside re-entered Union service soon afterward and was promoted to the rank of brigadier general, effective August 6, 1861.
Lightly toned, with somewhat heavier soiling and wear at vertical and horizontal fold lines; a few small tears and minor chips at the edges.
Document Signed, 9 ½” x 11”, Boston, Massachusetts, April 17, 1869, “A.E. Burnside,” as company president, a partly printed $500 “First Mortgage Bonds” certificate for the Narrangansett Steamship Company. Countersigned by four company officials. A five-cent revenue stamp is affixed at upper right, with an embossed seal at lower right.
Lightly toned, with the usual folds; a few tears and cuts at the lower edge; show-through along the lower edge from glue staining on the reverse.
Check signed by the Confederate Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, just two months before the fall of the city…
Civil War-Date Document Signed, 3 ¼” x 7 ½”, “City Clerk’s Office, Atlanta, Georgia, July 1, 1864…J.M. Calhoun,” a partly printed check drawn on the city account, payable to one “John Haslett” in the amount of thirty dollars, compensation for expenses described only as “Streets”; dated just two months before the city was surrendered to Union General William Tecumseh Sherman on September 2, 1864 and countersigned by another city official.
Lightly and evenly toned, with a few light creases and minor staining, wear, and soiling; text and signatures are unaffected by a two-inch horizontal tear, with no loss of paper, at the mid-right edge.
Franking Signature, “Free, S. Cameron,” on a 3 ¼” x 5 ¾” portion of a postal cover; also addressed by Cameron, to “Dr. H. Byerly, Linglestown, Dauphin Co[unty], Penn[sylvania].”
On brown paper, with an obscure early postmark at left; old mounting remnants on the reverse.
Document Signed, an endorsement on the reverse of an imprinted 9 ¾” x 16 ¼” U.S. Army form, “Examined & approved, Ed. R.S. Canby, M[ajor] G[eneral] Com[mandin]g,” approving expenditures for the month of November 1867.
Illustrated in its folded state. Very good overall condition, with the expected folds.
Autograph Note Signed, 2 ½” x 4 ¼”, an undated, cordial reply to a letter.
“To Mark: Thank you for the nice letter, and best wishes to you and your family. Jimmy Carter.”
Excellent.
Document Signed, New York, July 5, 1898, “Joshua L. Chamberlain,” a partly printed 2 ¾” x 6 ½” check, also accomplished by Chamberlain, payable to one H.C. Orr in the amount of ten dollars. A two-cent revenue stamp is affixed at upper left.
Lightly toned, with a few stains, soiling, wear, numerous folds, and a few tiny edge chips; three hole-punch cancellations, well away from the signature.
Franked Envelope, 2 ¾” x 5 ¼”, “James Chesnut, U.S.S. fr…,” as U.S. Senator from South Carolina, also addressed by Chesnut to “Hon[orable] J.L. Manning, Willard’s Hotel, Washington.” Dated 1860 vertically at the left edge, quite possibly by the recipient, John Laurence Manning, former South Carolina governor, 1852-54, who later served as a colonel in the Confederate Army.
Torn irregularly in opening at the upper right corner, affecting the last few characters of Chesnut’s frank.
Signature, “John Coburn, Indianapolis, Indiana,” as U.S. Congressman on a 2 ½” x 5” portion of an album page.
Lightly and evenly toned, with a few minor stains; original binding traces at the left edge.
Signed Index Card, 3” x 5”, dated as governor on the blank reverse, “LeRoy Collins, Governor of Florida, 1959.”
Excellent, with light, even toning.
Document Signed, 3” x 8 ½”, Northampton, Massachusetts, March 29, 1929, “Calvin Coolidge,” a partly printed check, also accomplished by Coolidge less than a month after leaving office as U.S. President, drawn on The Hampshire County Trust Co. and made payable to one Mary Ahearn for thirty dollars.
The check is in very good condition, with minor smudging of ink to several letters, a small tear in the upper margin, and a few light vertical folds. The hole-punch cancellation at center affects an insignificant part of the beginning of Coolidge’s signature.
Vice President Coolidge Thanks a Journalist from The Nation
Typed Letter Signed, 7” x 9”. Writing on imprinted official stationery, U.S. Vice President Coolidge thanks Marian Tyler, a journalist with The Nation, a liberal weekly magazine first published in 1865, for her letter.
The letter is lightly toned and soiled, with a horizontal fold at the center.
The Vice President-Elect Thanks a Supporter – Just Two Days after the 1920 Election
Typed Letter Signed, 7 ¼” x 9 ½”, on imprinted stationery as Massachusetts Governor. During the second year of his short tenure as governor - just two days after election to U.S. vice president on the Warren G. Harding ticket - Coolidge thanks “Mr. Ernest M. Hortmann, Boston, Mass.,” for a letter.
Autograph Letter Signed, 5” x 8”, confirming the date of his appointment as Interior Secretary in the administration of President Ulysses S. Grant.
“Cincinnati [Ohio], 14 May 1873. Dear Sir: In reply to your note I would say that I was appointed Secretary of the Interior March 6th 1869. Very Resp[ectfull]y, J.D. Cox.”
Lightly and evenly toned, with two horizontal folds; old hinge and mounting remnants on reverse of the integral leaf.
Signature, as U.S. Representative, “Saml. R. Curtis, Keokuk, Iowa,” on a 1 ½” x 4” portion of an album page.
Lightly and evenly toned, with minor staining.
Signature, dated from the former Confederate president’s post-war home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, “Jefferson Davis, Beauvoir, Miss[issipp]i, 4th March 1882,” on a 1 ¾” x 4 ¾” slip of paper. Affixed to heavier backing.
Lightly toned; the signature is noticeably light and lacking in contrast.
Autograph Note Signed, 4 ¾”x 7 ¼”, undoubtedly a page from her book, “McLoughlin and Old Oregon.” Published in 1900, the book portrayed and romanticized the life of Dr. John McLoughlin, early Oregon settler later known as “The Father of Oregon,” whose general store in Oregon City was the last stop on the Oregon Trail.
“May we all emulate the virtues of this benevolent despot. Your friend, the author, Eva Emery Dye. Oregon City, Oregon, July 31, 1924.”
The page is lightly and evenly toned, with minor staining in the margins and at the edges.
Signature, an early frank as U.S. Representative from New York, circa 1840, “Free, M. Fillmore, M[ember] C[ongress],” on a 1 ½” x 4 ½” portion of a larger postal cover.
On brown paper, with several creases.
Document Signed, 8 ¼” x 10 ¼”, as U.S. President, a partly printed “affix the seal” document.
“I hereby authorize and direct the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to the remission of the remaining portion of the term of imprisonment, imposed upon Jacob Rowles, convicted of petit larceny; dated this day, and signed by me; and for so doing this shall be his warrant. Millard Fillmore, Washington, October 3, 1850.”
Light soiling and wear, with a few edge chips and tears; weakness and minor paper separation at the edges of two horizontal folds.
Signature, from a reunion event, “Clinton B. Fisk, Seabright, N[ew] J[ersey], Army of the Tennessee Reunion, Sept[ember] 26, 1889,” on a 2 ¼” x 3 ½” slip of paper; affixed to a larger sheet
Lightly and evenly toned, with a few minor stains; old binding holes at the left edge of the attached album page.
Document Signed, Burlington, Vermont, July, 18, 1878, “Geo. P. Foster,” a partly printed 2 ¾” x 7 ½” check, also accomplished by Foster, payable to “Myself” for seventy-five dollars.
The signature is unaffected by several bank cancellations.
Civil War-Date Signature
Signature, with rank in another hand, “J.G. Foster, Major Gen[era]l Com[mandin]g,” on a 1 ½” x 2 ½” slip of paper.
Lightly and evenly toned, with minor staining and wear; affixed to a larger, heavier card, with old mounting remnants on the reverse.
Civil War-Date
Autograph Endorsement Signed, on a 2 ¾” x 3 ¼” slip of paper, removed from a larger document; dated from Atlanta, Georgia just three weeks after the fall of the city to General William Tecumseh Sherman, his action there earning Fullerton the appointment to brevet brigadier general.
“Head-Quarters 4th Army Corps, Atlanta, Sept[embe]r 22/[18]64. Respectfully referred to L[ieutenan]t Col[onel] Remick, Chief Com[mandin]g Sub[sistence] for remark. By order of Maj[or] Gen[era]l Stanley, J.S. Fullerton, A[ssistant] A[djutant] G[eneral].”
Lightly and evenly toned, with a few small chips at the edges.
Signature & Rank, “Edmund P. Gaines, Major General,” on a 1” x 3 ½” slip of paper, removed from a larger document; affixed to slightly larger backing.
Lightly toned, with light soiling and wear.
Signature, with closing and rank in another hand, “Your ob[edien]t servant, Geo. W. Getty, Col[onel] 3rd Artillery,” on a 1 ½” x 3 ¼” slip of paper, removed from a larger letter; affixed to heavier backing.
Boldly signed; general staining and wear throughout.
Signed Card, 1 ½” x 3”, as U.S. Senator from Georgia, “J.B. Gordon, G[eorgi]a.”
Lightly and evenly toned, with a few ink stains; old mounting traces on the reverse.
Document Signed, Everett, Washington, January 13, 1898, “D.C. Govan, U.S. Indian Agent,” a partly printed 2 ¾” x 6 ½” check, also accomplished by Govan, drawn on The Everett National Bank for fifteen dollars. Signed a second time on the reverse, “Witness, D.C. Govan.”
Lightly and evenly toned; punch cancellation at the center, with minimal loss of paper, affects neither signature.
Civil War-Date Letter Signed – early in the Vicksburg Campaign
Letter Signed, 7 ¾” x 9 ¾”. From encampment across the Mississippi River in Louisiana during the campaign to take the Confederate stronghold of Vicksburg, Mississippi, General Grant acknowledges communication from Wisconsin Governor Edward P. Salomon regarding 14th Wisconsin Infantry Private Isaiah R. Idell. Private Idell received a disability discharge on September 12, 1863.
“Headquarters Department of the Tennessee, Millikens Bend, L[ouisian]a, April 14, 1863. Hon[orable] Edward Salomon, Gov[erno]r of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin. Governor: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Communication addressed to Maj[or] Gen[eral] [Samuel] Curtis under date of March 16, and by him referred to me, in reference to the Descriptive list of Private Idell, 14th Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, and to inform you in reply that I have caused the matter to be investigated, and have this day forwarded to Private Idell, at Mound City Hospital, his Descriptive Roll and Account of Pay and Clothing, together with your letter on the subject. I enclose herewith, for your information, a copy of the letter of Capt[ain] Henry, of Co[mpany] E, 14th Wis[consin] Vol[unteers]. I am, Governor, Very Respect[fully] Your Ob[edien]t Serv[an]t, U.S. Grant, Major General.”
Excellent, with light, even toning and the expected vertical and horizontal folds.
Signature, “B.H. Grierson,” on a 1” x 3” slip of paper, removed from a larger document or letter.
Lightly and evenly toned; somewhat closely clipped; excellent otherwise.
“While the enemy threatens our front, and there remains a reasonable prospect or hope for him to advance, I will not leave my post except to meet him."
Autograph Letter Signed, 8 ¼” x 10 ½”, four pages on a folded letter-sheet, with exceptional content. Writing to his wife from winter encampment in the northern Virginia, Griffith details the dire situation of matters within the Confederate Army, shares emotional reflections on family and friends, and mentions several slaves by name.
“H[ea]d Q[uarte]rs 1st Corps Army Potomac, Leesburg, V[irgini]a, Jan[uar]y 21st 1862.
My darling wife,
My last letter to you had scarcely been mailed, when much to my delight, yours of 10th inst[ant] was placed in my hands, acknowledging the receipt of the $10.00 for little Georgy’s new year’s gift. Happy indeed was I to learn that all at home were well once more, and sincerely do I hope you may thus continue – and that health, happiness and prosperity may constantly attend you until we meet again. But when that may be I am unable to say at present. While the enemy threatens our front, and there remains a reasonable prospect or hope for him to advance, I will not leave my post except to meet him. For the past week the weather has been moderate and wet, & the ground in consequence becoming quite soft. Should similar weather continue much longer, the roads will become impassable for Artillery and heavy wagon trains, and render active field operations for troops utterly impracticable. Then I may seize upon the auspicious moment and run home, if to remain there only a few days. After much beseeching I have yielded to the wishes of my Adj[utant] Gen[era]l and consented to recommend him for a Furlough of 30 days. During his absence I can’t think of leaving, as much confusion would ensue in the official business of my department – having no other competent to supply his place. Gen[era]l Hill with assistance of Col[onel] Barksdale could readily fill my post, but my aid is not qualified to step into the shoes of my Adjutant. To undertake the qualifying another is just what I don’t feel disposed to do just now. The preparing od one was a huge task, and required several months training, and to attempt to teach another, who is not a very apt scholar, would be a herculean labor, and too much for one year’s campaign. When
[Page 2]
Capt[ain] Inge returns from his Furlough, I may then be able to leave, which will be most likely towards the latter part of February, providing the opposing armies continue as they now are. Should I not get the privilege of a short leave, you will be informed of it, and there I shall certainly insist upon a visit from you. Ere this I should have persuaded you to visit Leesburg, but I knew full well the troubles and difficulties such a trip at this season of the year – encumbered with children and baggage, over broken & interrupted rail roads. It would be hazardous in the extreme, unless accompanied by someone that could attend to all your wants & wishes to render you comfortable. Such trips had better be postponed to a more favorable season. You may rest assured I will come home on a visit if I can possibly leave my post in security. This however I intend keeping to myself.
As yet, dear wife, those wished for reinforcements have not been furnished, and I much fear they will be looked for in vain. Gen[era]l Beauregard cannot spare them without weakening his lines. He has sent us some ordnance which is of material importance, and we have the promise of some more. But we need an increase of infantry, as well as of Cavalry and Artillery. Our ranks are being gradually thinned, and no recruits coming to supply the vacancies. Spring may find our troops going home – their present term of enlistment having expired – and without re-enlistment of new troops, the field must be abandoned to the enemy, and Virginia wil be lost to us, and with the loss of Virginia all is gone and the ‘rebellion crushed.’ The prospect to me just now seems gloomy indeed, but I look for a bright and cheerful dawn. The women of our Country will be its hope and salvation. They must not permit the men to remain at home while we have an invading and heartless foe on our borders. Let them point the finger od scorn at every able bodied man who refuses or fails to meet his country’s call. Duty demands his service and he is a bare recreant who declines to respond favorably.
[Page 3]
Glad to learn Dr. Buck has returned home, for I shall feel much better satisfied with his Medical attendance in our family; at same time intending no disparagement to the other Doctors of Jackson. By the papers I see that our Governor has recalled the 60 days militia or Supernumeraries. I suppose they will be turned into a Home Guard again – filling a place that could be much better occupied by one heroic and patriotic woman – the support of the army – God bless them – following the war worn soldiers with their tears, their blessing, and their prayers – encouraging and cheering him in his manly duty. Excuse me, dear wife, for writing so much on these matters. My heart is in it.
I thank you for re-fitting the orchard – it was much needed. It seems to me that Tom is sufficiently intelligent to cut out the dead limbs and twigs, and shorten in the too much extended branches. Perhaps he is the best chance under the circumstances – with Jim Brown or Jim Gardener to assist. Mr. Allen may have returned by this time, and may be profitably employed again at home. But I would much rather see him in the ranks as a soldier. By the way, in riding along the brigade line I saw Mr. Tripp – he has not called to see me. I also saw Mr. Pat O’conner – my old gardener – in the ranks, and many others I might name whom you might have known – old & young. Do you know one Ja[me]s D. Green, son of Thomas K. Green? He is in the ranks here and has applied to me for some position that would relieve him. If it is the one I think, I don’t like the stock. Such applications are very numerous, pressing, and very annoying often. The old linen baby coat was understood by me at first sight, & my remark was simply intended to plague you. It has been very useful. It is to be regretted that I did not write you sooner in regard to my account with Shaw & Doherty. The amount of the bill seems very large, but it may be all correct, except as to the extravagant prices. When I return will look into it more carefully. It may be well enough however that it is settled. Would prefer not to be in debt any where.
[Page 4]
The approach of the Yankees to Jackson from Ship Island need not be apprehended. The route is not a practicable one. But I am glad to hear you say they would not find you there to receive them. In that event the valiant-Home Guard will be called into requisition, and can render themselves useful, and no doubt would. Yankee threats amount to but little. For the last three months or more they have been threatening to annihilate our army on the Potomac, but they have scarcely moved from their intrenchments & dare not. They were to move forward on the 15th inst[ant], but postponed it to the 25th, and after that I presume it will be prolonged indefinitely. We wish they would come – are prepared to give them a warm reception. Your arrangements for supply of meat &c. for the year is a most excellent one, and meets my full approbation. Pay Pa the full market price for pork as his proposition is exceedingly generous. The meat you have, and arranged for, with plenty of Molasses and cornmeal will amply feed the negroes. And then the potatoes.
How happy it makes me, dear wife, to know that I am loved and thought of by my children as well as by yourself. In this I am favored and blessed as in other relations of life. Tell Whitfield not to be impatient, that his Father will write go him again soon, as well as to Jefferson. To my dear Lucy I must also write something, whether she can read it or not. To-morrow or next day, I shall look for another from you. I have written much in this sheet, and said but little – what you don’t wish to read, consider as blank. And save yourself the trouble, as I do frequently with these in which I feel no interest from seeing the name subscribed. I am indebted to a Mr. J.D. Weil for sending me the Mississippian. Should you meet him my thanks. It is late at night and snowing – ground covered again. Remember me kindly to all, and kiss the babies. My military family all well. Have not written half what I wanted to say. May God bless you all and shield you from harm and danger is the fervent prayer of Your affectionate husband, R. Griffith.”
[Postscript, penned upside-down in the upper margin of Page 1]
"The enclosed dollar is for any negro you may see proper to give it – unless such has already received one. I will send Whitty one to give away, and also Lucy. Kiss Lucy often for me."
Accompanied by the 3 ½” x 6” transmittal envelope, addressed by Griffith to his wife, “Mrs. Gen[era]l R. Griffith, Care Col[onel] J.D. Stewart, Jackson, Mississippi,” with a Leesburg, Virginia postmark and two five-cent Confederate postage stamps affixed at upper left.
The letter is in excellent condition and highly legible, with light toning and the expected folds; there is heavier wear and soiling, a few small tears, at the edges of the transmittal envelope.
"Head Quarters, Palmyra, M[iss]o[uri], 9th January – 1862.
Lieut[enant] Charles Knowles;
You are hereby ordered to take the members of Co[mpany]s C.D.F.G. & H. now in Palmyra, and take them as an escort to the prisoners, that will be entrusted to Your Charge. Go to St. Louis via Hudson & N.M. Rail Road. They will take their equipments & 3 days cooked rations in their Haversacks.
When You shall have delivered your prisoners into the hands of the Provost Martial [sic] of St. Louis, You will march the men to the Depot of the Pacific R[ail] Road & by the first train send the men to join their Co[mpany]s at the town of Syracuse, there reporting to Lieut[enant] Col[onel] Gildbert, You will return without delay to your Co[mpany] here.
John Groesbeck, Col[onel] Comm[an]d[in]g Post.”
Lightly and evenly toned, with the expected folds.
Appointed U.S. Surgeon General on April 25, 1862, Hammond radically reorganized the war-time Medical Department. He was court-martialed and dismissed from the service in 1864 after a political struggle with Secretary of War Stanton; the charges were reviewed in 1879 and Hammond was exonerated, restored to rank, and placed on the retired list.
Signature, with closing, “Yours sincerely, William A. Hammond,” on a 1 ¾” x 4 ¾” slip of paper, removed from a letter; tipped to slightly larger backing.
Lightly and evenly toned, with a collector’s pencil notation in the lower left corner.
Franked Envelope, 3 ¼” x 5”, “Florence Kling Harding,” sending her deceased husband’s autograph, no longer present, and bearing a March 10, 1924, Washington, D.C. postmark; black-bordered, in mourning of the death of President Warren G. Harding on August 2, 1923. Accompanied by a typed note of the same date, dimension, and bordering on a card, signed by a secretary.
Both pieces are lightly and evenly toned, with light soiling and wear and minor chipping to the borders; the reverse of the envelope is irregularly cut and torn.
Signature, as U.S. Senator, “Benj. Harrison, Ind[ian]a,” on a 5 ½” x 8 ¼” album page, above the signature of Daniel W. Voorhees, Harrison’s Indiana colleague in the U.S. Senate; the large signature of U.S. Senator John A. Logan, Union general from Illinois during the American Civil War, is on the reverse.
Excellent, with light, even toning and a few superficial stains and light surface creases.
Civil War-Date Signature
Signature, with rank in another hand, “William Hays, Brig[adier] Gen[era]l & A[ssistant] P[rovost] M[arshal] Gen[eral],” on a 1” x 3 ½” slip of paper, removed from a larger letter; affixed to larger backing.
General staining and wear throughout; there is a diagonal tear, with no loss of paper, through a portion of the signature.
Signed Card, 1 ¾” x 3 ¾”, bevel-edged, “W.B. Hazen, Br[i]g[adier] & B[re]v[e]t Maj[or] Gen[era]l, Chief Signal Officer U.S.A.”
Rectangular area of uneven toning from past framing surrounds the signature, along with general wear and soiling throughout; surface abrasion at the lower right; old mounting traces on the reverse.
Civil War-Date Endorsement Signed – Just six weeks before Hill’s death at the Battle of Petersburg
War-Date Endorsement Signed, on a 3 ¾” x 7” portion from the reverse of a medical furlough document. Signed beneath by an adjutant, and on the reverse by two surgeons and 47th North Carolina Infantry Sergeant Joseph Young Moss.
“H[ea]d Q[uarte]rs 3rd Army Corps, Feb[ruar]y 17, 1865. Res[pectfully] forwarded approved, A.P. Hill, Lieutenant Gen[era]l.”
A.P Hill was killed-in-action at the Battle of Petersburg, Virginia just six weeks after the signing of this endorsement. Modern records indicate that Sergeant Moss was wounded and captured during the Battle of Gettysburg, later exchanged, and was again captured on the day of Hill’s death at Sutherland’s Station, Virginia.
On the medium-brown paper often used by the Confederates, thus a bit lacking in contrast, with the expected light fold creases.
Signature, with sentiment, “Yours Truly, J.B. Hood,” on a 2 ¼” x 4 ½” slip of paper.
A large, exceptional example.
Civil War-Date Signature & Rank
Signature, with sentiment and early-war rank, “Yours Sincerely, Joseph Hooker, Brig[adier] Gen[era]l,” on a 2” x 3 ¼” slip of lined paper, affixed to heavier backing of the same dimension.
Lightly and evenly toned, with minor wear and staining; portions affected by brushing and bleeding of ink, along with surface abrasion.
Signature, as U.S. Congressman, “Eppa Hunton, Warrenton, V[irgini]a,” on a 2” x 5” portion of an album page.
Excellent.
Signed Album Page, 4 ¾” x 7 ¼”, “Andrew Johnson.”
Excellent, with light, even toning and original binding holes at the left edge.
Document Signed, 7 ¾” x 9 ¾”, New Orleans, Louisiana, April 14, 1828, “H. Johnson,” as governor on an imprinted form with a beautifully embossed seal at lower left, appointing a judge in West Feliciana Parish.
A seldom-seen document, with light, even toning; minor separation, with no loss of paper, at the usual vertical and horizontal folds; a few chips at the uneven left edge.
Signed Program, 4” x 6”, as President on the front cover, “Lyndon B. Johnson,” for a White House event honoring the President of the Philippines, October 5, 1964, featuring The Harkness Ballet.
On heavy paper, lightly and evenly toned, with superficial wear and soiling.
Signed Gilt-Edged Card, 1 ¼” x 3 ½”, “J.E. Johnston.” Affixed to a 4” x 6 ¾” album page, with the violet-ink notation, “January/[18]82” in another hand at lower left. An unrelated clipping in an unidentified hand and from a larger document or letter is affixed at lower right.
Excellent.
Mexican War-Date Signature & Rank
Signature & Rank, “P. Kearny, Jr., L[ieutenan]t 1st Dr[agoon]s Com[man]d[ing]…” on a 1 ½” x 5” slip of paper; a portion of the document from which Kearny’s signature was removed is included, and bears the manuscript heading, in an unknown hand, “Date. 31st December 1846. Station. Saltillo, (Mexico).”
Minor wear and staining, with two pinholes at the left edge of the dated slip of paper.
Document Signed, Richmond, Virginia, February 6, 1886, “J.L. Kemper,” a partly printed 2 ½” x 8” check, also accomplished by Kemper, payable to “Cha[rle]s J. Kemper,” thus incorporating a second partial signature; drawn on The State Bank of Virginia for one hundred dollars. The reverse is endorsed by Charles J. Kemper.
Very good overall, with light vertical fold creases; minimal loss of paper from barely noticeable cross-cut and punch cancellations which intersect Kemper’s signature.
Signature, “L.Q.C. Lamar,” with the notation “Sec[retary] of Interior” in an unknown hand, on the reverse of his engraved 1 ¾” x 3 ½” personal calling card.
Excellent, with light, even toning and a few superficial stains.
Signature, with sentiment, “Respect[full]y Your Ob[edien]t Serv[an]t,” on a 1 ½” x 5 ½” slip of lined paper, possibly removed from a letter.
Lightly and evenly toned, with a vertical fold at mid left.
War-Date Autograph Letter Signed – to Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard
Autograph Letter Signed, on a 5” x 8” folded lettersheet, with exceptional early-war content, to General P.G.T. Beauregard, commander of the Confederate Army at Manassas, Virginia. As newly commissioned major general, Longstreet informs and seeks Beauregard’s direction in the placement of “blackened logs,” commonly referred to as “Quaker Guns” at the time, designed to deceive the Union Army into believing that they faced the heavy artillery of a well-equipped foe on the banks of the Potomac.
“Taylors, Dec[ember] 6th 1861. My Dear General, But two of the Redoubts have been set apart for the batteries of my Division. I have ordered sheds over the embrasures of these and blackened logs put in there; no others. If you desire me to have others fixed please advise me. Very Sincerely Yours, J. Longstreet. [to] Gen[eral] G.T. Beauregard.”
Beauregard makes initialed notation, in pencil, at the bottom edge:
“Ans[wer]. Arrange all to be garrisoned by the 2nd Division. G.T.B.”
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature, with the rank held from June 11, 1851 through the outbreak of the American Civil War, “N. Lyon, Capt[ain], 2nd Inf[antr]y, Com[mandin]g Comp[an]y ‘B’”, on a 3” x 4 ¼” slip of lined paper.
Lightly and evenly toned, with a few superficial stains; old mounting traces on the reverse.
Autograph Letter Signed, 8” x 10”, requesting a cask of wine be sent to Fort Independence, Massachusetts.
“Boston, 5th July, 1849. Major Wm. D. Fraser, U.S. Corps Engineers, N[ew] Y[ork]. D[ea]r Sir, I will thank you to forward to this place by first packet convenient one cask Gaudron for the service of Fort Independence. Gaugeret & his Assistant joined me from St.[?] Newton on the morning of the 3rd July. Very Respectfully, Your Ob[edien]t Jos. K.F. Mansfield, Capt[ain]…& B[re]v[e]t Col[onel].’’
Overall condition is very good, with heavier wear and toning at the usual vertical and horizontal folds.
Signed Card, 1 ¾” x 3 ½”, with Confederate rank, “Will T. Martin, Maj[or] Gen[era]l Cav[alry], Wheeler’s Corps, C.S.A.”
Lightly toned, with minor staining and a few surface abrasions and indentations; old mounting remnants on the reverse and minor bumping at the corners.
Civil War-Date Endorsement Signed
Endorsement Signed, on a 3” x 3” slip of lined paper, removed from a larger Confederate document.
“H[ea]d Qu[arte]rs Maury’s Div[ision] A[rmy of the] West, Camp Rogers, Octo[ber] 28th 1862. Respectfully forwarded, D.H. Maury, Brig[adier] Gen[era]l Comm[an]d[in]g.”
Lightly and evenly toned, with minor staining.
Civil War-Date Signature
Signature, with sentiment and Civil War date, “very truly yours, Geo[rge] B. McClellan, Jan[uary] 16, 1865,” on a 2” x 4 ½” slip of embossed paper. Affixed to heavier backing of the same dimension.
Lightly and evenly toned, with scattered glue staining.
Autograph Letter Signed, 4 ½” x 7”, two pages on the first and third leaves of a folded lettersheet. On black-bordered mourning stationery, Mrs. McClellan responds to a request for her husband’s autograph, probably just months after his death on October 29, 1885.
“32 Washington Square, Jan[uar]y 20th. Wm. H Jones, Esq[uire]. Dear Sir, Mr. Curtis writes me that you would like an autograph of General McClellan to put in Mr. Curtis’ little book. I have no note or letter that I can [s]end, but I enclose his signature which I have cut from a check. Yours truly, Ellen M. McClellan.”
Lightly and evenly toned, with a horizontal fold at the center; there are a few minor chips to the black border, and a diagonal horizontal fold transverses the lower portion of both pages.
Document Signed, 4 ¾” x 7 ½”, St. Louis Missouri, September 4, 1861, “J. McKinstry,” accomplished in another hand, a partly printed pass for a “Mrs. Sarah McIntyre to pass beyond the limits of the City and County of St. Louis, to go to Ohio.”
A rare autograph on an interesting, seldom-seen form, this being the first McKinstry piece we have encountered. Moderate toning throughout, with several stains; heavier wear and soiling along two vertical folds, with negligible separation at the edges.
Signature, with closing and rank, “Respectfully, L. McLaws, 2nd Lieut[enant] 7th Inf[antry]” on a 1” x 3 ¼” slip of paper removed from a Mexican War-era letter; affixed to a larger, heavier card. McLaws held the rank of Second Lieutenant in the Seventh U.S. Infantry from March 16, 1844 until February 16, 1847.
Moderately toned, with minor staining and soiling; closely clipped at the upper edge.
War-Date Confederate Bond
Document Signed, 14” x 17”, April 1, 1861, “A.B. Moore,” a partly printed $1000 bond “ISSUED FOR MILITARY DEFENSE” of the state of Alabama, serial number 314. Countersigned by State Comptroller W.J. Greene, with a pink embossed seal at the lower left. Thirteen of the original coupons remain attached at the bottom. Supporting material states that this issue is given the highest rarity rating of “R11” by Confederate Bond Authority Grover C. Criswell.
Lightly toned, with tiny holes at the intersections of the expected folds and a few small tears at the edges.
Civil War-Date Document - Pay for a 101st Indiana Infantry soldier who died one week later.
Document Signed, 8 ¼” x 10”, Nashville, Tennessee, May 30, 1863, “James D. Morgan, Brig[adier] Gen[era]l Commanding Post,” a partly printed “Certificate to be Given to Discharged Volunteers to Enable them to draw their Pay” for Merrill Ransey (possibly Ramsey), a private in the 101st Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Further described, “Disease contracted prior to enlistment,” Private Ransey died in Nashville on June 8, 1863, just one week later.
Lightly and evenly toned, with scattered staining; somewhat heavier wear at two horizontal folds.
Civil War-Date Document Signed
Document Signed, 7 ¾” x 9 ½”, Chattanooga, Tennessee, December 24, 1863, “James D. Morgan, Brig[adier] Gen[era]l Com[man]d[ing],” a partly printed requisition for corn, in the amount of $35.00.
Lightly and evenly toned, with scattered staining, two horizontal folds, and a few small tears at the edges.
Civil War-Date Autograph Letter Signed – from the Department of West Virginia
Autograph Letter Signed, 5 ½” x 7 ½”, responding to an autograph request from a noted Civil War-era collector.
“Head Q[uarte]rs 2nd Cav[alry] Div[ision] D[epartment] [of] W[est] V[irginia]. Front Royal, V[irgini]a, Nov[ember] 3rd 1864. Mr. C.L. Pascal, Philadelphia, P[ennsylvani]a. Sir, Your request bearing date Oct[ober] 22nd reached me this morning. Your request is hereby granted. I am dear Sir, Yours Respectfully, W.H. Powell, B[rigadier] G[eneral.”
Lightly and evenly toned; affixed to old heavier backing.
MILLER, MADISON (1811-96) Union Brevet Brigadier General; Colonel of the 18th Missouri Union Infantry; Late-war Brigadier General in the Missouri State Militia; President of the St. Louis & Iron Mountian Railroad Company
Document Signed, 9 ¼” x 11 ¼”, Jefferson City, Missouri, October 27, 1856, “Sterling Price,” as Missouri Governor, a partly printed $1000 bond of the Saint Louis & Iron Mountain Railroad. Countersigned below by Missouri Secretary of State Benjamin Franklin Massey, along with Railroad President Madison Miller, future Brevet Brigadier General in the Union Army, on the reverse.
Significant trimming of the ornate original borders also affects the printed text on the reverse; some separation at the expected fold creases, with negligible loss of paper; all signatures are unaffected by cancellation holes and chipping at the edges.
Letter Signed, 5 ¼” x 8”, as company president on official stationery, a pass for one Hattie Fitch from Chicago to New York.
“PULLMAN’S PALACE CAR CO., OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, CHICAGO, Oct[ober] 15th, 1879. To the Conductor Hotel Car via Pittsburgh: This will be presented by Miss Hattie Fitch, who is on her way to New York. Please make her journey as comfortable as possible, and on arrival send a Porter with her to the Windsor Hotel. Geo. M. Pullman, President.”
Lightly and evenly toned, with vertical and horizontal folds at the center.
Signed Card, 3” x 4 ¾”, dated and inscribed, “James R. Randall, Augusta, G[eorgi]a. March 21, 1891. For Miss Louise Parkinson.”
Lightly and evenly toned, with several minor stains; bumping at the upper left corner; old mounting remnants on the reverse.
Signature & Rank, “B.S. Roberts, B[reve]t Brig[adie]r Gen[era]l U.S.A.,” on a 1 ½” x 4 ¾” slip of paper.
Excellent.
Franking Signature, as a post-war U.S. Representative from Ohio, “Robt. C. Schenck, M[ember] C[ongress],” on a 1 ½” x 5 ¼” portion of an envelope, with portions of the recipient’s address in Schenck’s hand beneath and a Washington, D.C. postmark at left.
Irregularly torn at the lower and left edges.
Signature, as U.S. Representative, “Robt. C. Schenck, Ohio,” on a 5 ¾” x 8 ¾” portion of an album page.
Excellent.
Signed Card, 2” x 3 ¼”, with rank, “P.H. Sheridan, L[ieutenan]t General, U.S.A.”
Excellent, with light, even toning and several small areas of very minor bleeding of ink.
Autograph Letter Signed, 7 ¾” x 9 ¾”. As a young, antebellum U.S. Army officer, Smith communicates regarding the conveyance of funds. Addressed by Smith to a banking company in New Orleans, the integral leaf bears a desirable postmark from West Point, New York, home of the U.S. Military Academy, where Smith was at the time employed as an instructor.
“West Point, N[ew] Y[ork], Dec[ember] 20th 1850.
Messrs. Watts & De Saulles,
Gentlemen,
I received yesterday yours of the 9th Dec[ember], enclosing “original of J. Corning & Co[mpany]’s check on Corning & Co[mpany] New York,” dated Dec[ember] 9th No. 27089 in my favor for five hundred dollars, $500. I will in compliance with your request acknowledge the receipt of the same to M.A. Smith by this days mail.
Very Respectfully Yours,
Gus. W. Smith,
Capt[ain] U.S. Army.”
_________________________
Heavier staining and wear at the edges, with the expected folds and a few chips at the edges; there is significant wrinkling of paper in the lower corners and edges, all well away from the text of the letter.
Signature, as post-war U.S. Representative, “W.B. Stokes, Alexandria Tenn[essee],” on a 3” x 5” portion of an album page.
Lightly and evenly toned, with old binding traces at the left.
Signature, as U.S. Representative, “Wm. L. Stoughton, M[ember] C[ongress],” on a 1 ¼” x 3 ¾” lightly and evenly toned portion of an album page.
Civil War-Date
Signed Postal Cover, 3 ¼” x 5 ¼”, homemade from a printed 1862 Confederate military document, addressed to his wife, “Mrs. Flora Stuart, H[ea]d Q[uarte]rs Cav[alry] Div[isio]n, Army N[orthern] V[irgini]a.” Also signed at the upper left corner by Confederate Colonel and Aide-de-Camp Samuel Bassett French.
Front and reverse portions are detached, from heavy wear at the edges; several chips and tears at the edges affect none of the text.
Signature, “John M. Thayer, Nebraska,” an enormous example as U.S. Senator on a 4 ½” x 7” album page.
Excellent, with light, even toning.
Civil War-Date Document Signed, 7 ¾” x 10”, partly printed, “Geo[rge] H. Thomas, Maj[or] Gen[era]l U[nited] S[tates] V[olunteers], Received in the Field the 10[th] of May, 1862…,” a requisition for a tent and tent supplies; countersigned by Captain Oscar Addison Mack of the 13th U.S. Infantry, a New Hampshire native who died on October 22, 1876.
Lightly and evenly toned, with a few scattered stains and the expected horizontal creases.
Signature, “Wm. Vandever, Iowa,” as U.S. Representative, on a 1 ¾” x 4 ¾” portion of an album page.
Lightly and evenly toned.
Civil War-Date
Autograph Letter Signed, 7 ¾” x 9 ¾”, as early-war colonel of the 29th New York Volunteer Infantry, informing the New York adjutant general of an appointment.
“New York, June 4th 1861.
Gen[e]r[a]l S. Meredith Read, Jr., Adjutant General.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you, that I have appointed Mr. Wm. Livingstone Rogers Paymaster of the 29th Regiment.
Mr. Rogers will present two sureties, recognizing in the amount of Twenty Thousand Dollars each, to his Excellency, Governor Morgan, for approval, and then report for duty.
Your very ob[e]d[ien]t Servant,
Col[onel] A. von Steinwehr,
Com[man]d[in]g 29th Reg[imen]t.”
Lightly and evenly toned, with the usual folds and light creases; paper loss at the lower left corner, well away from all text.
Signed Card, 2 ¼” x 4”, with rank, “J.F.Wade, Brig[adier] Gen[era]l U.S.A.”
Excellent, with light, even toning.
Signature & Rank, “J.D. Webster, B[rigadier] G[eneral],” on a 1” x 3” slip of lined paper.
Lightly and evenly toned, with old hinge remnants on the reverse.
Document Signed, 7 ¾” x 12 ½”, March 15, 1879, Lawrence County, Alabama, “Jos. Wheeler,” a partly printed legal document; accomplished in a clerical hand and signed by Wheeler beneath.
Moderate toning and wear, with a few small holes along the usual horizontal folds; heavier staining at center; chipping and irregularity at the edges and corners.
Civil War-Date Signed Envelope - Addressed to his Wife
Signed Envelope, 2 ¼” x 4 ¼”, “Wm. C. Wickham, L[ieutenan]t Col[onel] 4th V[irgini]a Cavalry,” a second partial signature being incorporated into Wickham’s address to his wife, “Mrs. Lucy P. Wickham, Hanover C[ourt] H[ouse], V[irgini]a.” With postal markings “Tudor Hall, V[irgini]a, Feb[ruary] 22, 1862,” and a “Due 5” hand stamp; there are several pencil dealer notations on both front and reverse.
Lightly and evenly toned, with the expected soiling and wear; slight fading of ink and lack of contrast in the manuscript portions, also quite commonly seen on similar war-date items.
Franked Envelope, 2” x 4 ¾”, in violet ink as U.S. Representative from Georgia, “P.M.B. Young, M[ember] C[ongress],” with the pencil notation “Decemb[e]r 22nd [18]69” in another hand in the upper left. Portions of a Cartersville, Georgia postmark of the same date intersect the first two letters of Young’s frank, and the envelope is addressed in an unidentified hand to prominent North Carolina politician Samuel Finley Patterson, 1799-1874.
Lightly and evenly toned, with somewhat heavier wear and soiling at the edges.