American History November 21, 2014
American History
Cowan’s 6270 Este Avenue Cincinnati, OH, 45232 513.871.1670 Fax 513.871.8670
cowans.com
Auction November 21, 2014 10 a.m.
Exhibition November 20, 2014 Noon - 5 p.m. November 21, 2014 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Bid In person, by phone, absentee or live online at bidsquare.com
Phone and Absentee Bidding 513.871.1670 or visit cowans.com Buyer’s Premium 20%
Specialists For This Auction
Wes Cowan
Contributors: Allen Cebula Pat Tench Steven Cochran Emily Jansen Payne
Cover: Lot 64 Inside Covers: Lots 59 and 238
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COWAN’S AMERICAN HISTORY
Katie Horstman historic@cowans.com
Matt Chapman matt@cowans.com
Mike Vigna
American History
Lots 1 - 302
SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS, ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND CONDITION REPORTS OF ALL LOTS AT COWANS.COM
NOVEMBER 21, 2014 CINCINNATI, OHIO
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REVOLUTIONARY WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts
1 Important Revolutionary War Naval Document, Official Record of the Court Martial of Captain Whipple, Signed by John Paul Jones and Other Naval and Marine Corps Officers 2pp, 9.2 x 15 in. Folded with integral leaf sealed with wax. Thought to have been the copy retained by Esek Hopkins as the Commander in Chief of the Navy, as the leaf was addressed to him at Providence. From the earliest days of the emerging nation, the founders and military leaders argued the merits of a permanent (and significantly large) navy, in large part because of the expenses involved – sea power does not come cheaply. Because of the time required to build ships, outfit them and train their crews, there were few American fighting ships at the start of the Revolution. The Continental Congress also saw the futility of challenging Britain’s rule of the waves – she had hundreds of vessels and trained crews. What the colonists wanted most from France was the support of her navy, which was both already established and in closer proximity to Britain. Congress envisioned the role of whatever navy was assembled, including privateers, as being one of harassing British shipping and interrupting the flow of supplies to His Majesty’s forces in North America, rather than building ships of the line. And because of this merchant target, it became an attractive opportunity for the more daring of the captains of existing ships to outfit their vessels as privateers, since the cargo and vessel (if still seaworthy) could make a fortune for her owner and crew, a sort of legal piracy. The harassment of shipping – even extending to British home waters – let the “mother country” know her rebellious colonies were flexing their growing muscles. It wasn’t until October of 1775 that the Congress, after much difficult debate, decided to establish a navy, though it was limited in scope. As the war progressed, more founders, 4
COWAN’S AMERICAN HISTORY
such as John Adams, became convinced that the new nation, if it survived this conflict, needed a strong navy. Although others did not see it that way, and the infant nation sold off her naval assets a few years after the end of the Revolution, John Adams fought to rebuild the navy during his Presidency. He was responsible for building the USS Constitution and was the creator of the position of Secretary of the Navy. The authorization given by the Continental Congress at the end of 1775 (the Navy recognizes October 13 as its “birthday”) was for the purchase and arming of two merchantmen, which became the Andrew Doria and Cabot. Others followed: the Alfred, the Columbus, the Providence, the Wasp, and the Hornet. In December, Esek Hopkins (Cabot) was named commander in chief of the Navy, and Dudley Saltonstall (Alfred) and John Burroughs Hopkins, Esek’s son, were given (politically motivated) appointments. Fortunately, Abraham Whipple (Columbus), Nicholas Biddle (Andrew Doria) and John Paul Jones (1st Lieut. Alfred, and shortly after, Capt. of Providence) actually had experience in maritime warfare. Perhaps unfortunately, only the last has had any lasting recognition in the public arena; many of the others made contributions as well. In February 1776 the first tiny fleet was ready for its maiden cruise. Led by Commodore Esek Hopkins, it set out for the Bahamas to raid British stores there, although orders were to sail to Virginia and the Carolinas. According to the report filed by Commodore Hopkins to John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress: “…I…formed an expedition against New Providence which I put into Execution the 3rd March by Landing two hundred Marines under the Command of Captn [Samuel] Nicholas, and 50 Sailors under the Command of Lieutt [Thomas] Weaver, of the Cabot who was well acquainted there – The same day the took Possession of a small Fort of Seventeen Pieces Cannon without any Opposition safe five Guns which were fired at them without doing any damage – …I then caused a Manifesto to be published the Purport of which was (that the inhabitants and their Property should be save if they did not oppose me in taking possession of the Fort and Kings Sores) which had the desired effect for the Inhabitants left the Fort almost alone – Captn Nicholas sent by my Orders to the Governor for the keys of the Fort which was delivered and the Troops march’d directly in where we found the several Warlike Stores agreeable to the Inventory inclosed,…” However, the inexperienced Navy was not on alert through the evening before – their approach had been noted. Hopkins goes on to say: “…but the Governor sent 150 barrels Powder off in a Small Sloop the night before….” The primary objective – gun powder – was gone. (Clark, 1969, vol. 4: 735) Samuel Nicholas, on board the Alfred, commanding a company of Marines, filed a similar report on the actions at Fort Nassau. He goes on: “On the 4th instant, we made the east end of Long-Island, and discovered the Columbus (who had parted with us the night before) to windward… We made Block-Island in the afternoon….At twelve o’clock went to bed, and at half past one was awakened by the cry of ‘all hands to quarters.’ ….We soon discovered a large ship standing directly for us. The Cabot was foremost of the fleet, our ship close after, not more than 100 yards behind, but to windward withal. When the brigantine came close up, she was hailed by the ship, which we then learned was the Glasgow man-of-war; …” He goes on to describe the battle – the Cabot was damaged and had to retreat, which then left the Alfred free to fire, as she would have hit the Cabot had she fired earlier. He describes the death of his Second Lieutenant and damage to the Alfred. “The battle continued till daylight, at which time the Glasgow made all the sail she could crowd, and stood in for Newport; our rigging was so much hurt that we could not make sail in time to come up with her again. At sunrise, the Commodore made the signal to give over the chase, he not thinking it prudent to risk our prizes near the land [a couple had been captured before the engagement; the only prize in the battle was Glasgow’s tender], lest the whole fleet should come out of the harbor. The Glasgow continued firing signal guns the whole day after.” (1969: 749-751) The Americans lost 10 killed and 14 wounded, while the British only lost one killed and three wounded. However, all British casualties were the result of musket fire, not cannon fire. The Glasgow, a sixth-rate ship, carried 20 nine-pound guns. Only the Alfred and Columbus had
REVOLUTIONARY WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts nine-pounders – the Alfred, 20, and Columbus, 18. The others were only armed with four- and six-pound cannon, and the Providence also carried swivel guns. While cruising the waters around Block Island, in the search for more prizes, Commodore Hopkins divided his fleet into two columns: the eastern one consisting of the Cabot, followed by the Alfred, and the western was headed by the Andrew Doria followed by the Columbus. The Providence, Fly and Wasp were escorting the prizes they had already captured, and thus slower than the larger vessels. The US fleet had suffered illness from its days of formation, before it left for the Bahamas. Various fevers and smallpox ravaged the crews. As the mission continued, the need to crew the prizes further reduced the manpower on the fighting ships. Because the fleet was divided and scattered, some of the ships, especially Columbus, were late to the engagement with the Glasgow. As the days went on, however, accusations of cowardice began to follow Captain Whipple, until Whipple demanded a court martial so the evidence to clear his name would be made public. This document records the conclusion of that inquiry. At a Court Martial held onboard the Alfred at Providence in the Colony of Rhode Island on the 6th day of May 1776 – By Order of Esek Hopkins, Esqr Commander in Chief of the American Fleet, and at the desire of Abraham Whipple Esqr Commander of the Ship Columbus for an Enquiry into his the said Whipple’s Conduct on the 7th of April last in an Engagement with the Glascow Ship of War – [followed by list of those present at the Enquiry] …Abraham Whipple Esqr aforesaid appeared before this court and says his character stands Aspersed for cowardice onboard the Columbus the 7th of April last in an Engagement with the Glasgow Ship of Warr, therefore desires to be heard touching the Same – Whereupon the Court proceeds to hear him who setts forth in his declaration that for want of Wind and by means of the Glasgow firing stern guns together with his firing Bow guns and now and then a broadside he was unable to make his Attack closer than he did This court having heard sundry Evidences who were present in different vessels during the Engagement with the Glasgow respecting the matter now before us are of Oppinion – That said Whipple’s conduct on said 7th April was agreeable to what he hath sett forth in the foregoing declaration and that his mode of attack on the Glasgow in our Oppinion has proceeded from Error in Judgment and not from Cowardice – [signed again by the same 12 men who were listed as present] (and 1969, vol. 4, 1419-1421) The men who acquitted Whipple of cowardice include: 1) Dudley Saltonstall. He was second in command to Hopkins, and commanding the Alfred during the battle. 2) Nicholas Biddle. Biddle was one of the first four Navy captains. He perished during the war in 1778 when the magazine in the ship Randolph, of which he was in command at the time, exploded. Biddle also appears to have been the most vocal critic of the actions in the Battle of Block Island. 3) John Hazard. Hazard was in command of the Providence in this action. He was convicted of cowardice and dismissed from the Navy. 4) Samuel Nicholas. First captain, later Major, of the Marine Corps. He was the only one to hold this rank during the Revolution, thus becoming first de-facto Commandant of the Marine Corps. 5) John Welch. A junior officer, likely part of the court as a witness. 6) John Paul Jones. 1st Lieut. on the Alfred, and second in command during the engagement. He is often considered the “Father of the US Navy” as the most recognized naval hero of the Revolution. 7) Rhodes Arnold. Another junior officer, also likely a witness. 8) Hoysteed Hacker. Commander of the Schooner Fly, which stood down during the battle, being loaded with ordnance. 9) Elisha Hinman. Probably a junior officer at this point. Commanded the Alfred at a later date. 10) Jonathon Mattbie. Another junior officer, probably a witness. 11) Matthew Parke. Marine captain on the Alfred.
12) Henry Dayton. Junior officer, probably a witness. A significant document of the earliest encounters of the Continental Navy. In addition to Hazard being convicted of cowardice and losing his commission, this episode was a “black mark” on the record of Esek Hopkins, in large part because he attacked Nassau without orders to do so. Within two years, other accusations, such as inappropriate distribution of goods taken without the permission of Congress, led to his dismissal from the Navy, also. Abraham Whipple went on to serve throughout the entire War, commanding a variety of vessels, and even commanding a small squadron by 1779. He took dozens of prizes, including one of the richest of the war. At the end of hostilities, he took up farming in Rhode Island. He became associated with the Ohio Company in 1788, and was a pioneer into Ohio, helping to open the Northwest Territories and becoming one of the founders of Marietta, where he died and was buried in 1819. Reference: Clark, William Bell 1969 Naval Documents of the American Revolution. Washington (DC), Vol. 4. $40,000 - $60,000
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NOVEMBER 21, 2014 CINCINNATI, OHIO
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REVOLUTIONARY WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts 2 Revolutionary War Account Book with Several Notable Signatures Rev. War period calf (or deerskin) account book, 5 x 7.5 in., with engraved brass clasp, dating from the period 1764 through 1795. The book belonged to Johannes Jacobse Beeckman (1733-1802) Firemaster, alderman, member of New York State Assembly; active in Albany Committee of Correspondence during the Rev. War and Mayor of Albany from 178386. The book has multiple pages of receipt entries that are written by Beeckman, but signed by other notables of the area, including being signed 12 times (one with a 1776 date) by Rev War General Abraham Ten Broeck [i.e., Colonial Assemblyman, delegate to the Continental Congress, Brigadier-General of the Army, President of the Committee of Safety, New York State Senator, Judge, and Mayor of Albany. During General Ten Broeck’s term as Mayor, Albany was designated the capital of New York and whipping posts were abolished. He was also a co-administrator of the Manor of Rensselaerswyck for Patroon Stephen Van Rensselaer.]
Some of the other signers include: John Sanders (1714-82) Fur trader and one of the most successful of the import merchants trading from Schenectady, NY, to the West. Father-in-law to US Congressman Kiliaen K. Van Rensselaer. Deacon Elbert Willett (1738-1828) Brother of Patriot leader Marinus Willett and great-grandson of Thomas Willett- the first mayor of NYC. Elbert was an Albany chamberlain (treasurer), a member of the Albany militia company, and firemaster. He was a leather merchant by trade. Colonel Jacob J. Lansing, Jr. (1712-91) Merchant, Patriot (Albany Committee of Correspondence), Colonel of Albany militia at the Battle of Saratoga. He commanded a regiment at Stillwater in the Burgoyne campaign, and as captain was in the fort at Schoharie, NY, when attacked by Sir John Johnson and Indians under Brandt. He has signed at least 7 entries in the account book [In most accounts he acknowledges receipt of payment for pasturing cattle and grinding wheat for Stephen Van Rensselaer. Rensselaer was Lt. Govr. of NY and one of the wealthiest Americans of all time (worth $68 Billion in today’s dollars). His father-in-law was Genl. Abraham Ten Broeck. John N. Bleecker (1739-1825) Albany Alderman, Contractor, Militiaman, Member Albany Committee of Correspondence, Slave owner. Isaac Packard (1737-95) Housewright who built Cherry Hill, a Georgian mansion, for patroon Philip Van Rennselaer. Also signed by other Rev. War soldiers. Of specific note is an entry for State taxes paid by Beeckman, including an amount for the slave Plato, on behalf of Batters Van Benthuman (SP) signed by John G. Rumney, who was a member of Van Schoonhoven’s militia (Albany County) during the Rev. War, and must also have been a tax collector for the county. Other signers include Abraham, Johannes and Philip Kayser (Keyser?), 15th Reg’t. Albany Militia; Johanes and Peter Feck; Adam Landis; Nicolas Schafer; Peter Engell; James Williamson. $1,500 - $3,000
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REVOLUTIONARY WAR | Uniforms, Equipment and Accoutrements 3 Early American Writing Desk Identified to Henry Worthington, Who Served Aboard the USS Constitution Writing desk constructed of striped and curly maple, with inlaid, original to the period brass plaque inscribed Henry Worthington, U.S. Navy. The traveling chest measures 8 in. tall x 20.75 in. wide and is mounted with brass corners and straps. Henry Worthington served aboard the USS Constitution, the wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate of the US Navy, which was named by President George Washington after the US Constitution. Famously nicknamed “Old Ironsides,” the Constitution is the world’s oldest floating commissioned naval vessel. After being launched in 1797, she battled with distinction during the war with the Barbary pirates and later in actions during the war of 1812, in which she participated in 30 engagements. The Constitution had a perfect battle record, and was never defeated or boarded. Henry Worthington reported to the Constitution at Gibraltar in February of 1805, and was transferred to the US Navy’s 8-gun brig, the USS Franklin, in August of 1805. He was commissioned as a sailing master in 1813, and was discharged two years later. The Navy Register lists Worthington reentering service and being reappointed Master on May 2, 1815, but records indicate that he died in service November 18, 1848. Worthington was from New York and was married in September 1839 to Sarah J. Newton, the daughter of a US Navy captain. $6,000 - $8,000
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THE CIVIL WAR | Early Photography 4 Pre-Civil War Whole Plate Tintype of Rhode Island Militia United Train of Artillery Finely hand-tinted full plate tintype of five Rhode Island militiamen, ca late-1850s. Housed in a 16 x 18 in. frame. The tinting is so fine that the viewer can clearly discern UTA 1775 in gold tint on the belt buckles of the two men at right, which corresponds to the Rhode Island United Train of Artillery. Two volunteer companies — the Train of Artillery and the Providence Fusiliers — were chartered by the Rhode Island General Assembly in December 1774 in order to strengthen the state militia in the event of war. Following the events of April 1775 in Boston, the two companies merged to form the United Train of Artillery and presented themselves to the American forces in Boston fro service. In addition to the Siege of Boston, the Train fought in the Battle of Long Island, the Battle of Saratoga, and the Battle of Rhode Island. The UTA remained in existence following the American Revolution, and provided artillery defense of Providence during the War of 1812. The Train immediately volunteered following Lincoln’s first call for service in April 1861 and served three-and-a-half months as Company B in the 1st Rhode Island Infantry (First Regiment Rhode Island Detached Militia), under Brig. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, with their most notable action coming at First Bull Run. The company continued to serve in a less official capacity, though it provided well-equipped volunteers for federal service during the Spanish American War and World War I, and in fact still exists today as a ceremonial unit dedicated to historical preservation and education. $1,500 - $2,500 SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS, ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND CONDITION REPORTS OF ALL LOTS AT COWANS.COM
NOVEMBER 21, 2014 CINCINNATI, OHIO
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THE CIVIL WAR | Cased Images | Union
5 Captain John Wilson, 8th Kentucky Infantry, Archive Including Whole Plate Ambrotype A fine historical group relating to Captain John Wilson, Co. C, 8th Kentucky Infantry, immortalized as the first Union volunteer to plant the regiment’s battle flag on the summit of Lookout Mountain on November 24, 1863, during the epic “Battle of the Clouds.” Having descended in the family, this cameo material is highlighted by a superlative wartime whole plate ambrotype of Captain John Wilson (1822-1896) posed in uniform and sword together with a selection of corresponding photographs, a Confederate knife, personal items, letters, and ephemera. Bringing the group to life is a 2 in. binder of extensive Wilson-Richardson family genealogy reflecting the history of Estill County, KY. Packed with rich anecdotal information compiled mostly by a descendant named John E. Wilson (1888-1972), the typed volume was later edited and written by Grover C. Wilson, a younger brother, in the early 1970s—both men proud grandsons of the esteemed Captain Wilson. Aside from the singular military ambrotype, the lot includes a large Confederate knife with clip-point blade. The blade measures 17.5 in. long, 22.75 in. overall. Captain Wilson’s Waltham 18, OF, SW pocket watch in an unmarked silveroid case also accompanies the lot. The back of the case is appropriately engraved with the stock eagle, flag, and star symbol of the GAR. Another personal item is a thin copperyred gold (unmarked) suspension badge with H. Wilson engraved on the top bar. The lower circular planchet bordered with an engraved wreath is slightly larger than a quarter and commemorates the Shortest Time Graduate/1885/Commercial College Kentucky University. 8
COWAN’S AMERICAN HISTORY
One piece reflecting Captain Wilson’s historical fame is a late 19th century Lookout Mountain souvenir spoon, a popular collectible through the early 20th century. The highly embellished 5.5 in. spoon is marked Sterling, heralding the Battle Above the Clouds, with raised busts of Union General Hooker and Confederate General Walthall beneath a spread eagle handle. Additionally, the lot includes a 1946 souvenir booklet from the Lookout Mountain battlefield with the cover showing the iconic photograph of Captain Wilson holding the flag of the 8th Kentucky on the precipice with his squad of volunteers. The same rousing photograph is duplicated in cabinet card format along with another cabinet card (also by photographer R.M. Linn) showing Captain Wilson and his men ascending the slope of Lookout Mountain in a reenactment. Other photographs include a cabinet card copy shot of the whole plate ambrotype along with a black and gold memorial card with annotations from Captain Wilson’s funeral in 1896. An original printed memorial tribute dated Washington, D.C., June 2, 1896, survives from the Congressional reading of same. Also, a handful of later 20th century (aerial) shots of Lookout Mountain and vicinity with a 1930s era Brownie photograph of the captain’s obelisk towering over his lonely grave near Station Camp, KY. Also included are two sixth plate daguerreotypes. One image depicts a pair of children thought to be Mollie Wilson, the eldest of Captain Wilson’s children, seated with her younger brother Theodore. The other plate of a man and woman housed in a double case is unidentified.
THE CIVIL WAR | Cased Images | Union A series of twenty letters (14 with covers) dating between 1863 and 1873 are addressed to Miss Mollie Wilson from friends and acquaintances including many from a cousin. Six of the letters are war dated from 1863-65. The letters contain content regarding church and the well-being of family members from the perspective of youth. Born in the “late 1850s” Mollie Wilson-Maupin was the captain’s oldest child. Another letter preserved from 1895 addressed to Captain Wilson from a political operative asks to leverage Wilson’s influence and support in the upcoming 1896 general election. A 1904 “Notification of Allowance” on United States Department of Treasury letterhead finally reconciled a $27.05 payment due Captain Wilson’s estate leftover from his discharge in 1864, forty years earlier. A number of original and copies of pre-printed “Parent’s Records” complement the genealogy. One interesting bit of ephemera is a letter size piece of stationary with the heading, Miller Bros. 101 Ranch/Motion Picture Department/Presents/ Buffalo Bill’s Last Performance/Season of 1916, dated June 6, 1917. “The Hero of Lookout Mountain.” John Wilson was nearly forty years old when he was commissioned Captain of Company C, 8th Kentucky Infantry on January 15, 1862. The regiment was composed of Estill County men and had already experienced considerable action at Perryville, Stone’s River, the Tullahoma Campaign, and Chickamauga before joining the Siege of Chattanooga and there attaining immortality at the battle of Missionary Ridge. Carrying the national colors stitched by the women of Estill County, Captain Wilson and his brave band of five volunteers ascended Lookout Mountain and were officially recognized as the first to raise the U.S. flag on the summit. In his own words Captain Wilson later described the momentous event: We were placed in one of the columns on the extreme right that marched around the palisades of Lookout Mountain on the 24th of November. We marched around the nose or point of the mountain and lay that night above the Craven House. Just before daylight on the 25th. Gen. Whitaker [Brig. Gen. Walter C. Whitaker of Kentucky] came to our regiment and said [to Col. Sidney M. Barnes]: “Col. Barnes, have you an officer that will volunteer to carry your flag and place it on the top of the Mountain?” I said, “General, I will go.” Turning to the regiment, he said, “How many of you will go with Capt. Wilson? I could order you up there, but will not, for it is a hazardous undertaking; but for the flag that gets there first it will be an honor.” Five men went with me. I handed my sword to my Color-Sergeant to bring up, and I took the flag and started, accompanied by Sergeant James Wood, Company H; Private William Witt, Company A; Sergeant Harris H. Davis, Company E; Sergeant Joseph Wagers, Company B; and Private Joseph Bradley, Company I. Those who have seen the awe-inspiring precipice at the top of the great mountain can realize what a serious undertaking was before us, not to mention our lack of knowledge concerning the Confederates, who the day
before had held Hooker at bay. Dim daylight was dawning. We crept cautiously upward, clutching at rocks and bush, supporting each other, using sticks and poles and such other aids as we could gather. At every step we expected to be greeted with deadly missiles of some sort from the enemy. But fortune favored us, and before sun-up, I, in front, reached the summit and planted the flag on top of Lookout Mountain. It was the highest flag that was planted during the war. Soon other detachments came up and congratulated me and my party, and we were the lions of the day in the Union Army. “The Heroes of Lookout Mountain” received a litany of praise and formal recognition including that of commanding General Thomas who granted a special thirty day furlough for their “gallant and heroic conduct.” The celebrated Lookout Mountain photographer Royan M. Linn had the group re-enact the scene twice, and captured the grandiose stance of Captain Wilson holding the flag while doffing his hat for posterity (see The Struggle for Chattanooga by Baumgartner & Strayer, p. 264-265). The feat is amply recorded in the Official Records complete with four pages of small print individual reports and testimonials by a litany of ranking officers concerned. Grover Wilson’s treasury of genealogical information contains photocopies of local Kentucky newspaper accounts commemorating Captain Wilson coinciding with the 1963 centennial of the battle. Simultaneously, several Kentucky roadside monuments and markers were dedicated to Captain Wilson. Shortly after his death in 1896 the Captain received an honor rarely conferred: a “Tribute to the memory of Captain John Wilson” was read into the Congressional Record on June 6, 1896, an original copy of which is included in the group. Following Missionary Ridge, the 8th Kentucky was afforded light duty for the duration of their enlistment. The regiment remained active but in garrison at Chattanooga where Captain Wilson mustered out, time expired, on November 17, 1864. One biography refers to him as a prosperous “farmer and stock-grower of Station Camp” after the war. In later years, he became a dealer in “general merchandise” as well. Captain Wilson married Sarah A. Bowman (1826-1900) on January 26, 1846 and twelve children were born, seven of whom were living in 1887. “Captain John” died at age 74 on May 24, 1896, and was buried in the Wilson grave-yard near Camp Station, KY, on the present Newton farm. Sarah followed John to the rural family plot on July 1, 1900. $10,000 - $15,000
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NOVEMBER 21, 2014 CINCINNATI, OHIO
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THE CIVIL WAR | Cased Images | Union
6 Half Plate Tintype of Four Union Officers A fine half plate tintype of four unknown company grade officers photographed in a nonchalant studio setting. All of the casually posed officers appear to be lieutenants with three showing identical embroidered bugle insignia, possibly bearing the numeral “35” on their kepis. Three different swords are shown: a non-regulation pattern, a cavalry saber, and the M1850 foot officer’s. Nothing written in the case that would aid in identification. $800 - $1,000
7 Half Plate Tintype of Nine Civil War Soldiers Uncased, lightly tinted, half plate tintype of nine unidentified cavalry troopers brandishing their sabers. $300 - $500
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COWAN’S AMERICAN HISTORY
THE CIVIL WAR | Cased Images | Union 8 Signed Panotype of General Thomas Crook Sullivan Sixth plate panotype (photographic exposure on leather) of Union General Thomas Crook Sullivan, signed on verso Very Truly Yours, Thomas C. Sullivan, US Army. Nephew to Major General George Crook, Sullivan (1833-1908), born in Montgomery County, OH, enlisted as a 2nd lieutenant on July 1, 1856, and served on the Texas frontier with the 1st US Light Artillery, participating in the expedition against Juan Cortina’s Mexican marauders. Following his time in Texas, Sullivan was sent to Washington, DC, in early 1861, and was chosen as a guard for President-Elect Lincoln during his first inauguration. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Sullivan was promoted to 1st lieutenant, 4/61; commissioned into US Army Commissary Dept. and promoted to captain and Commissary of Subsistence, 8/61; lt. colonel, 8/62; major by brevet, 3/65; and lt. colonel by brevet, 3/65. He remained in the army after the war, working mainly in supply and subsistence roles until retiring as Commissary General of Subsistence in November 1897. Following Sullivan’s passing in 1908, which occurred at the Hotel Chamberlain, Fort Monroe, VA, his cremated remains were buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Section one. $300 - $500
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9 Four Tintypes of Civil War Sailors Lot of 4 sixth plate tintypes of Civil War-era sailors, including one of a captain, housed in a pressed paper case with the pad of S.L. Carleton, Portland, Maine, and one of a Navy tar housed in a USS Monitor at the Fort Union case (Krainik-99). $600 - $800
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NOVEMBER 21, 2014 CINCINNATI, OHIO
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THE CIVIL WAR | Cased Images | Union
10 Sixth Plate Tintype of a Union Staff Officer Displaying Sword Sixth plate tintype of a young Union infantryman displaying an M1850 non-regulation field & staff officer’s sword. His jacket has no rank markings, but his hat appears to bear a “1” insignia. Housed in leather case. $300 - $500
12 Civil War Ninth Plate Ruby Ambrotype of a Soldier Wearing a Tenth Corps Patch Ninth plate ruby ambrotype of a soldier wearing a uniform with a large shield patch bearing an “X” for the Tenth Army Corps. Housed in The Camp Scene Union case (Krainik-368). $200 - $300 12
COWAN’S AMERICAN HISTORY
11 Sixth Plate Tintypes of Union Soldiers, Including Officer and Armed Private Lot of 4 sixth plate tintypes, including: standing portrait of an artillery lieutenant with red-tinted shoulder bars and tassels, and one hand on his sword; full-length portrait of a soldier standing with a large percussion rifle, wearing a “US” belt buckle with cartridge box; seated portrait of a sergeant wearing a hat with the insignia of a 16th regiment of artillery; and a seated portrait of a young soldier wearing a “US” kepi and tinted blue great coat. All housed in pressed-paper cases, two of which have patriotic designs. $400 - $600
13 Carved Tagua Nut Jewelry Featuring Ferrotypes of Union Generals Lot of 2 “sweethearts’ bracelets” featuring 0.5 in. tintypes of Union generals set in carved tagua nut and made into a bracelet. One with blue glass beads featuring Generals Grant, Burnside, and Sherman, the other featuring Generals McClellan, Buell, and Rosecrans (spelled Rosenkranz). $600 - $800
THE CIVIL WAR | Cased Images | Confederate
14 Civil War Quarter Plate Ambrotype of Confederate Lt. Bassett Atkinson Marsden, 1st Virginia Infantry Quarter plate ambrotype of Bassett Atkinson Marsden in his Confederate Army uniform, holding his sword and kepi. Marsden (1842-1904), of Norfolk, enlisted October 25, 1861, at Craney Island, VA, and mustered into Co. G, 6th Virginia Infantry, as a substitute at the rank of private. He was taken prisoner September 14, 1862, at Crampton’s Gap, MD, and exchanged one month later. In June of 1863, he was promoted to second lieutenant and transferred into Co. D, 1st Virginia Infantry, with which he served until the end of the war. He was present at Appomattox Court House for the Confederate surrender on April 9, 1865. Marsden’s grave can be found in Cedar Grove Cemetery in Norfolk. $3,000 - $5,000
15 Sixth Plate Ambrotypes of CSA Soldiers from the 36th Alabama Regiment, Including Pvt. Morgan Shuttleworth, DOW A pair of exquisite sixth plate ambrotypes depicting a pair of Alabama Confederate brothers wearing identical early war uniforms. The intense bearded man on the left has inscribed his name—M. Shuttleworth—vertically on the plate while the unidentified soldier on the right, likely a brother, displays a large D-guard Bowie knife and small pocket pistol with an equally intimidating demeanor. The prewar militia jackets are made of dark cloth with three rows of seven buttons. The collar and cuffs are trimmed with red tinted tape as are the shoulders. Morgan Shuttleworth (also spelled Shettleworth) is listed in CWSS as a Private in Company H, 36th Alabama. No one else with that surname—referring to the unknown brother—is found on the regimental roster. Shuttleworth/Shettleworth is not found in
HDS under the 36th Alabama. Previous research presumably from the National Archives relates that Morgan Shuttleworth had been a POW exchanged in May 1864, then hospitalized for gunshot wounds possibly sustained at the battle of Resaca. That Shuttleworth later “died of wounds” cannot be verified as the National Archives documents do not accompany the lot. The 36th Alabama was organized at Mount Vernon in May 1862 and was initially engaged in building fortifications before joining the Mobile garrison. In May 1863 the regiment took the field with the Army of Tennessee and thereafter fought in every major battle from Chickamauga through Nashville, ending the war in the defenses at Spanish Fort with most of survivors becoming prisoners. $4,500 - $6,500
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NOVEMBER 21, 2014 CINCINNATI, OHIO
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THE CIVIL WAR | Cased Images | Confederate
16 Sixth Plate Ambrotype of Confederate Cavalryman An early sixth plate clear ambrotype of a jaunty looking young Southerner wearing a narrow brimmed pork-pie hat with upturned sides. A decorative plumed feather is just visible trailing on the left side. The unidentified soldier is uniformed in a grey frock coat with seven buttons obscured by gilding. The enlisted jacket has cloth shoulder epaulettes edged in a slightly darker (branch of service) color secured with a gilded button—not readily identifiable to a specific state or regiment. Upon close examination the volunteer appears to be touching a light colored lace handkerchief with scalloped edges draped over his knee, no doubt a parting sentiment from a female admirer. $700 - $900
17 Sixth Plate Ambrotype of Confederate Soldier, With Gabled House Backdrop Noted in Many North Carolina Images A sixth plate ambrotype portrait of an unidentified early war private wearing a state-issue nine button shell jacket with stand-up square collar. The young volunteer is posed before a “gabled house” painted canvas backdrop documented in photographs of North Carolina soldiers. $400 - $600
18 Ninth Plate Ambrotype of Confederate Soldier, Found in Eastern Virginia A ninth plate clear ambrotype portrait of an anonymous enlisted man sporting a stylish van dyke, wearing the early war regulation frock coat with two rows of seven buttons, unfortunately not clear enough to make out. The cuffs bearing three smaller buttons appear to be devoid of a branch of service color. Consignor relates that this image was found in eastern Virginia. $900 - $1,200
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THE CIVIL WAR | CDVs | Confederate | Officers and Enlisted Men 19 Robert E. Lee Signed CDV CDV by Boude & Miley, Stonewall Art Gallery, Lexington, VA, signed on the print below portrait, ca 1865 to 1870, while Lee was serving as President of Washington College (now Washington & Lee) in Lexington. $3,000 - $5,000
20 CSA General John Sappington Marmaduke, CDV Carte of John Sappington Marmaduke, with E. & H.T. Anthony, New York, Brady’s National Portrait Gallery backmark. Marmaduke (1833-1887) was the son of pro-Union former governor of Missouri and nephew of the pro-secession governor in 1861. Breaking with his father, he resigned his US commission, accepted a position in the Missouri State Guard, and then became lieutenant colonel of the 1st Arkansas Battalion. Successful at Shiloh, where he was wounded, and at Prairie Grove, he was promoted to brigadier general in November 1862. In 1863, Marmaduke accused his superior officer, General Lucius Walker, of cowardice and killed him in the subsequent duel. In 1864, his division of Confederate troops and regiments was accused of murdering soldiers of the Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry, but Marmaduke claimed the accusations were exaggerated and only involved the Choctaws. He was captured at the Battle of Mine Creek in October 1864. After the war, Marmaduke had business interests in St. Louis and was elected governor of Missouri in 1884. $1,000 - $1,500
21 Confederate General James Cantey, CDV Lithographed bust view of James Cantey, with Anthony, New York backmark, misidentified in the margin as Maj. Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne, CSA. Born in Camden, SC, James Cantey (1818-1874) was a South Carolina College graduate who studied and practiced law in his hometown before becoming a two-term state legislator. During the Mexican War, Cantey served with distinction as an officer in South Carolina’s Palmetto Regiment, suffering wounds as a result of one of the many battles in which he fought. Following the war, Cantey settled in Russell County, AL, and became a planter. At the start of the Civil War, Cantey was elected colonel of the 15th Alabama Infantry, and he served in the Shenandoah Valley under Stonewall Jackson, engaging in battles around Richmond. He was then transferred to the Western army and stationed at Mobile from January 1863-April 1864, where he organized a brigade consisting of the 17th, 21st, and 29th Alabama regiments as well as the 37th Mississippi. Following his transfer to the Army of Tennessee, Cantey received a commission of brigadier general on January 8, 1863, and his brigade fought in both the Atlanta and Franklin-Nashville Campaigns. He and his brigade participated in General Joseph Johnston’s last battle, the Battle of Bentonville, NC, and his brigade surrendered with Johnston’s men at Durham Station, NC, on April 26, 1865. At the close of the war, Cantey returned home to his plantation near Fort Mitchell, AL, where he remained until his death. $400 - $600 SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS, ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND CONDITION REPORTS OF ALL LOTS AT COWANS.COM
NOVEMBER 21, 2014 CINCINNATI, OHIO
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THE CIVIL WAR | CDVs | Confederate | Officers and Enlisted Men
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22 Confederate General James Dearing, CDV Vignetted copy photograph of CSA General James Dearing, identified in ink below portrait, no backmark. Dearing (1840-1865), born in Campbell County, VA, enlisted as a captain in Lynchburg, VA, in April of 1861, and was commissioned into Company D of the Virginia 38th Battn. Heavy Artillery. He was promoted to major 5/63; lt. colonel, commanding Horse Artillery of Army of Northern Virginia 2/64; and brigadier general commanding Laurel Brigade 2/64. At the Battle of High Bridge on April 6, 1865, Dearing was shot in the chest in a pistol fight with Union Colonels Theodore Read and Francis Washburn. He later died of his wounds on April 22, after the surrender and after being pardoned by a former West Point classmate, making Dearing one of the final officer casualties of the war. $400 - $600
23 Confederate Colonel Julius C.B. Mitchell, 34th Alabama Regiment, CDV Bust view of Colonel Julius C.B. Mitchell, no studio backmark. Mitchell served with the 34th Alabama Regiment, which was organized at Loachapoka, April 15th, 1862, with Mitchell as colonel. Its first engagement was at Murfreesboro where it suffered heavy losses. The 34th Alabama also saw action at Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, the campaign from Dalton, and Atlanta, where it again lost heavily, particularly on July 22 and 28, 1864. The regiment was eventually consolidated with the 24th and 28th Alabama Regiments. $400 - $600
24 Confederate Colonel F.H. Barrett, 2nd Texas Cavalry, CDV Carte de visite of Colonel F.H. Barrett in civilian clothing, wearing oak insignia on his jacket lapel, no studio imprint. Barrett served with the 2nd Texas Cavalry, which was originally organized as the 2nd Texas Mounted Rifles in May of 1861 with recruits from Houston, San Antonio, Marshall, and Beeville. It was reorganized in April 1862 as the 2nd Texas Cavalry. It served in the TransMississippi Department and participated in various conflicts in the New Mexico Territory and Louisiana, then saw action in the defense of Galveston in January 1863. Although included in the surrender on June 2, 1865, the 2nd Texas had previously disbanded in mid-May. $300 - $500
25 Union General James S. Negley, Signed CDV Carte de visite of James Scott Negley, no backmark, signed on mount below portrait as Major General. Negley (1826-1901), a horticulturalist who had served in the Mexican War, was a brigadier of volunteers and was promoted to major general for his able conduct at Murfreesboro. At the battle of Chickamauga, his division became scattered during the second day’s fighting and Negley vanished from sight. His fellow commanders were highly critical, but a board of inquiry cleared him of charges of desertion and cowardice. However, his military career was effectively ended. After the war, Negley served in the House of Representatives and had railroad interests in the New York area. $500 - $700
COWAN’S AMERICAN HISTORY
THE CIVIL WAR | CDVs | Union | Officers and Enlisted Men 26 Rare Civil War CDV of Brigadier General James A. Garfield Rare vignetted view of the future president as brigadier general, lacking a studio backmark. $400 - $600
27 Union General William H. Morris, Signed CDV Carte de visite of William Hopkins Morris, with A. Liebert & Co., Paris backmark, signed on verso, Wm. H. Morris/Brig Genl/ 6th Corps/ A of P. Morris (1827-1900) patented a repeating carbine in 1859 and actively promoted its use in the military. In September, he was made colonel of the 135th New York Infantry, which was converted to a heavy artillery company and assigned to the defense of Washington. Promoted to brigadier general in March 1863, he served in the Gettysburg campaign, the Wilderness, and was wounded at Spotsylvania. After the war, Morris lived in Putnam County, NY, and was active in the National Guard and local politics. $400 - $600 verso detail
28 Union General John G. Parke, Signed CDV Brady’s National Photographic Galleries, Washington, DC, carte of John Grubb Parke, inscribed on mount below image, Jno. G. Parke/ Maj. Gen’l. Vols. Parke (1827-1900), was an engineer and surveyor who was made a brigadier general of volunteers in 1861 and given command of a brigade under Burnside. Promoted to major general in August 1862, he served as Burnside’s chief of staff in both 1862 and 1864, and replaced Burnside when he was relieved of command after the Battle of Crater. Following the war, Parke remained in the engineer corps and was superintendent of the USMA from 1887-1889. $400 - $600
29 Union General David A. Russell, KIA Winchester, Signed CDV Brady, New York, CDV of David Allen Russell, signed below portrait as Brigadier General. Russell (1820-1864), was commended for gallantry in the Mexican War, was promoted to brigadier general in November 1861. His brigade sustained 368 casualties at Chancellorsville, but escaped lightly at Gettysburg. Temporarily commanding a division at Rappahannock, he personally led a charge against a supposedly impregnable Confederate bridgehead, capturing it, killing 1674 Confederates, and capturing 8 battle flags. Russell was given permanent command of a division in the VI corps and was killed at Winchester on 9/19/64, while leading a brigade. $300 - $500
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NOVEMBER 21, 2014 CINCINNATI, OHIO
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THE CIVIL WAR | CDVs | Union | Officers and Enlisted Men 30 Union General & Illinois Governor, Richard J. Oglesby, Signed CDV Unmounted portrait of Richard James Oglesby, with handwritten photographer’s identification on verso, A.C. Townsend/ Enterprise Gallery/ Springfield, Ills. Signed and inscribed as follows: May 24th, 1865/ Yours Very Truly/ R.J. Oglesby/ Governor, Ills. Oglesby (1824-1899) was an attorney who served as a lieutenant of volunteers in the Mexican War. He joined the Union army as colonel of the 8th Illinois Infantry, and was promoted to brigadier general in March 1862. Severely wounded at Corinth, he resumed his duties as a major general in April 1863, and commanded in the XVI Corps in Tennessee. Oglesby resigned in 1864 to run for governor of Illinois as a Republican. He later served in the Senate and as governor for another term. $300 - $500
31 Union General James D. Morgan, CDV Carte de visite of James Dada Morgan, with Mrs. W.A. Reed, Quincy, IL, backmark. Morgan (1810-1896), a Quincy, IL, merchant, served in the militia against the Mormons and was a captain in the Mexican War. He was appointed a lieutenant colonel of the 10th Illinois in 1861 and was promoted to brigadier general in July 1862. He commanded a division during the March to the Sea and the Carolina campaign. After the war, Morgan continued his career as a businessman. $200 - $300
32 Union General Thomas H. Neill, Signed CDV Wenderoth & Taylor, Philadelphia, PA, carte of Thomas H. Neill, signed below image as a Brigadier General. Neill (1826-1885) was commissioned colonel of the 23rd Pennsylvania in February 1862 and appointed brigadier general in November 1862. At Spotsylvania, he succeeded to the command of the second division and participated in the battles of Cold Harbor and Petersburg. He remained in the army after the war and retired as a cavalry colonel. $200 - $300
33 Union General Marsena R. Patrick, Signed CDV Alexander Gardner, Washington, DC, CDV of Marsena Rudolph Patrick, signed on verso. Patrick (1811-1888), served in the Seminole War and the Mexican War, then resigned to take up scientific farming. He was inspector general of the state of New York until March 1862, when he became a brigadier general of volunteers, and commanded a brigade at Second Manassas. He was Provost Marshall of the Army of the Potomac under several commanders, and became a major general in March 1865. Patrick detested the Radical Republicans, and after the war he ran for office as a Democrat. His last position was governor of the Soldiers’ Home in Dayton. $200 - $300 verso detail
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THE CIVIL WAR | CDVs | Union | Officers and Enlisted Men 34 Union General Gabriel R. Paul, Shot in Head and Blinded at Gettysburg, CDV One of only a few known CDVs of General Gabriel R. Paul, shown standing in a studio setting with his arms folded and his sword at his side. Verso with Walter & Heuck’s Gallery, Cincinnati, OH, imprint. A well-liked regular army officer, General Gabriel R. Paul (1813-1886) was shot in the head and blinded in both eyes while riding in the rear of one of his regiments, the 104th New York, during the defense of Oak Ridge on the first day of fighting at Gettysburg. He survived the war and later served at an administrative post until the close of the war. $2,500 - $3,500
35 Lt. Colonel Charles R. Mudge, 2nd Massachusetts, KIA at Gettysburg, CDV CDV by Whipple of Boston. Young Mudge had joined the 2nd Massachusetts as a first lieutenant in May 1861 and was wounded at Winchester in May 1862. Promoted to lieutenant colonel just before the Battle of Gettysburg, Mudge was killed leading a hopeless charge across Spangler’s Meadow on the morning of July 3rd. When handed the instructions by brigade commander Silas Colgrove’s orderly, Mudge replied, “Well, it is murder, but that’s the order.” Mudge ordered the charge and was dead within minutes. $1,000 - $1,500
SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS, ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND CONDITION REPORTS OF ALL LOTS AT COWANS.COM
NOVEMBER 21, 2014 CINCINNATI, OHIO
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THE CIVIL WAR | CDVs | Union | Officers and Enlisted Men 36 Union Hospital Steward, W.T.M. Odiorne, 32nd Massachusetts Volunteers, Signed CDV Miller & Rowell, Boston, MA, CDV of William Thomas Moffatt Odiorne, signed below image as Hospital Steward. Odiorne (b. 1843) served as a hospital steward in the 32nd Massachusetts Volunteers. The 32nd was originally organized as a garrison company, then was attached to the Army of the Potomac, and saw service at Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Spotsylvania, and Petersburg, taking over 160 casualties. Following the war, Odiorne returned to Massachusetts and married in 1868. $250 - $350
37 Lt. Colonel Thomas Chamberlin, 150th Pennsylvania Bucktails, WIA at Gettysburg, CDV CDV of Chamberlin as major or lieutenant colonel, uncredited. Thomas Chamberlin was commissioned a captain in Co. D, 34th Pennsylvania Infantry, on June 21 1861. He was wounded at New Market Cross Roads, VA, June 30, 1862, and held as a prisoner of war for two months until being exchanged for a soldier of the 8th North Carolina. He was discharged for promotion September 23, 1862, and commissioned a major in Field & Staff, 150th Pennsylvania Infantry, known as the “New Bucktails,” or “Bogus Bucktails” by the original Bucktails until they proved themselves at Gettysburg, where Chamberlin was wounded. He was made lieutenant colonel shortly before his resignation in March 1864. $400 - $600
38 A CDV of Gettysburg Interest, Brothers Cyrus & Melvin Bachelder Carte de visite of brothers Cyrus T. Bachelder (1831-1871) and Melvin C. Bachelder from Bridgeport, CT, who served in Company D, 17th Connecticut, pencil identified on verso without back mark. A fine view showing Melvin (L) with his hand resting on Cyrus’ shoulder. Both men are wearing recently issued uniforms comprising unadorned nine button frock coats and flawless forage caps with brass bugle insignia and numerals “17.” Another published view of Cyrus Bachelder shows him with sergeant chevrons and sporting a thick beard. Private Melvin Bachelder joined company D in August 1862 and served for the duration, mustering out in July 1865. Sergeant Cyrus Bachelder joined at the same time and was taken POW at Gettysburg on July 1, paroled on July 15 and discharged in July 1865 as a private. Forming part of the 11th Corps at Gettysburg, the regiment numbering 386 officers and men was rushed into the chaotic first days’ fighting being almost immediately attacked and overwhelmed by General J.B. Gordon’s Georgia brigade. The 17th Connecticut suffered 198 men killed, wounded, and missing including Sergeant Cyrus Bachelder before retreating to Cemetery Hill. The regiment was transferred to the 10th Corps, Department of the South in August 1863 and subsequently fought at Fort Wagner during siege operations against Charleston. The Tom MacDonald Maine Civil War CDV Collection $200 - $300
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THE CIVIL WAR | CDVs | Union | Officers and Enlisted Men 39 Two CDVs of Brevetted Regular Officers Lot of 2, including carte of brevet Major James Curtis (1831-1878) photographed in dress epaulettes and over-the-shoulder sash, signed in period pencil as Captain/15th Inf. on verso over Whipple, Newport Rhode Island imprint. Captain Curtis sports an unidentified large badge worn on the breast of his frock coat. Curtis graduated West Point Class of ‘51 and was assigned to the 2nd Infantry serving in distant California before resigning in 1857. He was reappointed 1st lieutenant in the 15th Infantry in May 1861. Captain Curtis was wounded at Shiloh and subsequently saw action at Corinth, Perryville, and Stones’ River where he served on Rosecrans’ staff as AAIG. After staff duty in Washington, DC, he returned to the field in time for the Atlanta Campaign where he received a second wound on August 7, 1864. Curtis was brevetted major on September 1, 1864 “for gallant and meritorious service at the Battle of Shiloh, Tenn., and during the Atlanta Campaign.” The second officer is pencil identified as Lieut. Gilman, with Anthony/ Brady imprint. Presumably, Brevet Lt. Colonel Jeremiah H. Gilman, this officer was West Point Class of ‘56 who was assigned to the 1st Artillery prior to the war. Gilman was promoted captain, 19th US Infantry in May 1861 and was Acting Chief of Artillery, Army of the Ohio, being engaged at Shiloh in which he earned his first brevet to major. Major Gilman served as Chief of Artillery and Acting Ordnance Officer on Rosecrans’ staff at Perryville. At Stones’ River, Major Gilman was Inspector of Artillery, Army of the Cumberland, and earned a second brevet “for gallant and meritorious service” on December 31, 1862. Subsequently, Lt. Colonel Gilman transferred to the Commissary Department and held a number of important positions until his statutory retirement in 1894. The Tom MacDonald Maine Civil War CDV Collection $300 - $400
41 Kansas Jayhawker Charles “Doc” Jennison, CDV Leon Van Loo, Cincinnati, OH, carte of Charles Jennison in a trapper outfit, leaning against a lever action rifle, with a dog resting at his side. Charles R. Jennison (1834-1884) was a radical Unionist “jayhawker” who was closely identified with the Border Wars and led many raids against pro-slavery settlers along the Kansas-Missouri border. During the Civil War, he served as lieutenant colonel leading the 7th Kansas Cavalry, better known as “Jennison’s Jayhawkers.” The 7th was a marauding outfit of fiery anti-slavery principles that brought the merciless, no-holdsbarred offensive style learned during the Bleeding Kansas years to the Civil War. Jennison later led the 15th Regiment against Sterling Price. $300 - $500
40 Lt. Edwin H. Bryan, 1st Delaware Volunteers & Gettysburg Participant, Signed CDV Carte of Lieutenant Edwin H. Bryan, 1st Delaware Infantry, autographed on verso, with O.H. Willard’s Philadelphia, PA backmark. Although his enlistment date is unknown, Bryan was promoted to 2nd lieutenant in January 1863, and within 2 months was again promoted to 1st Lieutenant and regimental quarter master in March 1863. He served with the 1st Delaware, which saw action at Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg. Late in the war, in April 1865, Bryan was brevetted captain. $300 - $500
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NOVEMBER 21, 2014 CINCINNATI, OHIO
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THE CIVIL WAR | CDVs | Union | Officers and Enlisted Men 42 Colonel David C. Gamble, 66th Illinois Volunteers, The Western Sharpshooters, Rare Signed CDV CDV of Colonel David C. Gamble (1837-1884) of the 66th Illinois Volunteers,” The Western Sharpshooters” (aka “Birge’s Western Sharpshooters”; “Western Sharpshooters14th Missouri Volunteers”). Signed and dated Aug. 11, 1866, with Morse’s Gallery of the Cumberland, Nashville, TN, backmark and tax stamp on verso. This view was taken during the two-year period that Gamble lived in Nashville, TN. New York native David Gamble moved to Illinois in 1853, and at the beginning of the Civil War he enlisted as a private in Co. B, 12th Illinois Infantry. He was soon elected 1st lieutenant and returned to Illinois to recruit, but resigned after becoming sick. Gamble reenlisted as a private in Co. E of the 66th Illinois Infantry, then known as “Birge’s Sharpshooters,” and was quickly promoted to 1st sergeant. Gamble was later appointed captain of Co. E, 6/63; major, 4/65; lt. colonel of Sharpshooters, 7/65. He fought in 22 pitched battles, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea, Gamble was severely wounded in the left arm in May 1864 at Dallas, GA. The Sharpshooters were disbanded in July 1865. Following the war, Gamble lived and worked as a book salesman in Nashville from 1865-67, the time when this photograph was taken. After a brief return to Illinois, he moved to Kansas in 1870, where he sold real estate, served as postmaster of Seapo, KS, until 1875, and County Superintendent of Schools from 1875-1876. Gamble served in the Kansas House of Representatives from 1882 until his early death in 1884 at age 47. GAR Post 345 in Cuba, KS, was founded and named in his honor in 1884. The Western Sharpshooters, consisting of companies from different Midwestern states, were the western counterpart of “Berdan’s Sharpshooters” under Colonel Hiram Berdan, of the Army of the Potomac. Their permanent mission was skirmishing. They also carried out the sniper mission in fixed/siege situations. They served in over 50 actions and 16 major battles, including Fort Donelson, Shiloh, the Corinth Campaign, Iuka, 2nd Corinth, the Atlanta Campaign, the Carolinas Campaign, and various counter-guerrilla operations. The regiment was armed with unique weapons: handmade, octagonal barrel, half-stock Plains Rifles, 150 of which were made by gun maker H.E. Dimick of St. Louis, who even made specialized bullets to ensure long-range accuracy. Unit members could hit a man-sized target at 600 to 1,000 yards. $300 - $500
THE CIVIL WAR | CDVs | Union 43 Rare CDV of a Famished Andersonville Prison Survivor Albumen copy photograph of a nearly starved-to-death Union soldier rescued from Andersonville Prison. Carte by T.P. Collins, Westfield, MA. $500 - $700
44 Admiral D.G. Farragut Signed CDV Carte by J. Gurney & Son, New York, inked on verso Presented to Geo. Peabody Esq. with the compliments of D.F. Farragut, Admiral, U.S. Navy, March 1867. This was likely presented to noted American entrepreneur George Peabody (1795-1869), who is acknowledged as the father of modern philanthropy, establishing the Peabody Trust in Britain and the Peabody Institute and George Peabody Library in Baltimore, MD. The Paul DeHaan Collection of Items Related to Admiral D.G. Farragut $800 - $1,000
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COWAN’S AMERICAN HISTORY
THE CIVIL WAR | CDVs & Albums | Union | Navy
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45 Signed CDV of D.G. Farragut by Alexander Gardner, Plus Lot of 2, including a view of Farragut as Rear Admiral by noted war photographer Alexander Gardner, signed twice, in the recto margin and on verso with rank of Vice Admiral, plus a carte by Sarony, New York. The Paul DeHaan Collection of Items Related to Admiral D.G. Farragut $1,000 - $1,500
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46 Two D.G. Farragut CDVs by J. Gurney & Son, One Signed Lot of 2 CDVs by J. Gurney & Son, New York, one ink signed on verso D.G. Farragut / Rear Admiral. Farragut held the rank of Rear Admiral from July 1862 to December 1864, when he was promoted to Vice Admiral. He was the first man in US Navy history to achieve either ranks, and became the first full Admiral in July 1866. The Paul DeHaan Collection of Items Related to Admiral D.G. Farragut $1,000 - $1,500
47 Three CDVs of Admiral D.G. Farragut, Including Possibly Unpublished Portrait Lot of 3, including a carte by Henszey & Co., Philadelphia, an uncredited carte from an engraving, and an uncredited carte of Farragut as Admiral, ink identified in the recto margin, which we have never seen and may be unpublished. The Paul DeHaan Collection of Items Related to Admiral D.G. Farragut $500 - $700
SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS, ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND CONDITION REPORTS OF ALL LOTS AT COWANS.COM
NOVEMBER 21, 2014 CINCINNATI, OHIO
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THE CIVIL WAR | CDVs & Albums | Union | Navy 48 Civil War-Era US Navy CDV Album CDV album containing 50 CDVs (incl. 3 tintypes) of US Navy officers and sailors. Album is constructed of red and black leather, with a raised shield and brass anchor on the cover. Includes: 2 different views of Adm. David G. Farragut (1801-1870); Rear Adm. Charles Henry Davis (1807-1877); Rear Adm. John A. Dahlgren (1809-1870); Rear Adm. Louis M. Goldsborough (1805-1877); Rear Adm. Silas Stringham (17981876); Commodore Foote (1806-1863); Lt. Samuel R. Knox (1828-1880); 3 views of future Rear Adm. James Dexter Adams (1848-1922) as a teenager during the Civil War and as a master in the 1870s; a Mathew Brady carte of a group of 12 Italian naval officers; and many more officers and tars from the Civil War era. $1,500 - $2,500
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49 Large Group of CDVs of Civil War-Era US Navy Officers Lot of 21 CDVs of US Navy officers, ca Civil War to late 1860s. Most with East Coast backmarks, though one is from Foochow (Fuzhou), China, and one from Montevideo, Uruguay. Notables include a three-quarter length view of Admiral David Farragut and full-length view of Admiral Charles Wilkes, of South Seas Expedition and Trent Affair fame. Most others unidentified. $600 - $800
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50 Leavitt & Allen, Our Generals Civil War CDV Album, 1862 Carte de visite album sold commercially by Leavitt & Allen, New York, containing 24 brilliant gray-tone lithographic, mounted views of the most popular Union Generals of the day. The patriotic album contains the original pre-printed gold leaf index listing everyone from Scott, Halleck, and McClellan to Blenker, Viele, and Mitchell, each sleeve page trimmed with red and gray borders and stars. The original black leather album retains decorative gilt detail, and includes stamped brass hinges surmounted by high relief American eagle, tally, and shield motif. The two brass closure tabs proclaim Our Generals. A remarkably well preserved patriotic presentation, which sold to the mass-market over 140 years ago. The consignor relates that this album was part of the “American Eagle Symbol & Icon” exhibit at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. $1,000 - $1,500
THE CIVIL WAR | CDVs and Albums | Union 51 Sgt. Warren French, Civil War CDV Album & Related Documents Lot of 14, including a 4.25 x 5.25 in. album containing 10 CDVs or CDV-sized tintypes, 6 of which depict Warren French during the Civil War (3) and after (3). An inked label affixed to the album’s first page reads Warren French/ Capt./ 2nd Battery Boston. Two unmarked cartes show the same studio view of French in full uniform, standing with his sword at his side, and a third war-period carte features Captain French seated beside an unidentified officer, with a Ruggles & Matthews, Roxbury backmark. The album also contains 3 post-war views of French, including a tintype portrait of him in full uniform, wearing a jacket adorned with medals and belt buckle marked “D.” A tintype and CDV, with A.J. Hatstat, Boston imprint, showing French in his later years also accompany the lot, as well as 4 studio portraits of unidentified soldiers dressed in full uniform. Prior to the Civil War, Warren French worked as a carpenter and stair builder in Boston, MA, where he joined the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts in April 1851. He was honorably discharged two years later, but again joined the company from 1865-1867. Although French was too old for military service when the Civil War broke out, in August of 1862 he mustered into the 11th Massachusetts Independent Battery for nine months, and was sent to Camp Berry in November 1862 to aid in the defense of Washington. The battery also had duty along the Potomac River, Centreville Heights, Upton’s Hill, and Forts Randolph and Buffalo, before returning to Boston and mustering out on May 29, 1863. French then joined Company A of the 42nd Massachusetts Militia Infantry as captain in July 1864. The 42nd never left the state and was mustered out in November 1864. Pension records indicate that French died of typhoid fever in Boston on May 19, 1879. The lot also features 4 war-date documents pertaining to French, including his Massachusetts appointment to sergeant of the Light Artillery, First Brigade, First Division of the Volunteer Militia of
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Massachusetts, dated August 25, 1862; discharge from the Light Artillery, dated May 29, 1863; Boston Light Artillery discharge dated September 8, 1863; and an ALS from Captain Edward Jones, 11th Massachusetts Battery, recommending that French be commissioned lieutenant in one of the Light Batteries or Regiments of Heavy Artillery, dated January 2, 1864. A binder containing copies of French’s military and pension records also accompanies the lot. $1,500 - $2,500
52 Civil War CDV Album Featuring Members of Eastman’s College Band, 1864 Leather, wallet-style album containing 15 CDVs of members of Eastman’s College Band wearing their military uniforms and posed with their instruments. Each carte is by J.E. Biddle of Poughkeepsie, NY, and 5 are signed on verso and dated 1864. Those identified include: Oliver B. Allen, New Haven, CT, who also served as principal musician of the 9th Connecticut Infantry; Henry A. Kelsey, Fair Haven, CT, who served as a private in Co. F, 27th Connecticut Infantry, from Sept. 1862 to July 1863, and was wounded at Fredericksburg Dec. 13, 1862; William D. Mosman, Chicopee, MA, who served as a private in Co. D, 46th Massachusetts Infantry, from Sept. 1862 to July 1863; Evelyn Kelsey, Fair Haven, CT, who served as a musician in the 9th Connecticut Infantry from Sept. 1861 to Sept. 1862; and William A. Harding, Sandy Creek, NY, who served as private and musician in Co. G, 24th New York Infantry, from May 1861 to May 1863, and was wounded at Second Bull Run, Aug. 30, 1862. $1,000 - $1,500
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THE CIVIL WAR | CDVs and Albums | Union 53 Civil War CDVs of Soldiers from the 30th Wisconsin Volunteers Lot of 12 CDVs of members of the 30th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Most of the soldiers in this lot served in Co. D, which was organized at Camp Randall in Oct. 1862, and ordered to the upper Missouri River to guard transports for the Indian expedition under Gen. Sully. They served most of the war in the Dakotas until ordered to Louisville in late 1864 for garrison and prison guard duty until Sept. 1865. Personalities include: Col. Daniel J. Dill, served as colonel from July 22, 1862 to Sept. 20, 1865, appointed provost marshal-general of Kentucky in April 1865, with previous service as a captain in the 6th Wisc. Inf.; Lt. Col. Edward M. Bartlett, listed as on court martial March 3, 1865, and returned Sept. 15, 1865; Capt. David C. Fulton, served as captain of Co. D from Sept. 1862 to Sept. 1864, then promoted to major in the 1st Wisc. Heavy Artillery and served through the end of the war; Capt. Lewis O. Marshall, enlisted as first sergeant in Aug. 1862, promoted three times, incl. to captain in Jan. 1865; Lt. & Qtr. Master Sgt. Frederick A. Dresser, signed carte, enlisted as a private in July 1862, promoted in August 1864; 1st Lt. Charles E. Darling, resigned Dec. 20, 1862, after only three-and-a-half months of service; 1st Sgt. William H. McDiarmid, enlisted as sergeant in Co. D, promoted to first lieutenant in Jan. 1865; Sgt. Nelson N. Fuller, signed carte, served as sergeant in Co. D from Aug. 1862 to Sept. 1865; Chaplain Asa B. Green, signed carte, served Oct. 1862 to Sept. 1865; Musician Fernando C. Clark, served from Aug. 1862 to Sept. 1865; Pvt. William S. Peck, postwar silver gelatin view in GAR uniform, Peck served as a private in Co. D for the 30th’s entire duty and was a member of Nathaniel Lyon GAR Post No. 5 in Boulder,
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CO; and a carte of a man in civilian clothing, identified on verso as Aug. Gaylord/ Adjutant Gen’l/ State, Wisconsin. $500 - $700
54 CDVs Related to Maryland Heroine, Barbara Fritchie & Frederick, Maryland Lot of 6 cartes-de-visite, including 3 with the backmark of J. Davis Byerly of Frederick, MD, relating to the legendary story of Barbara Fritchie, featuring her portrait, her home, and her flag, plus 3 of Washington area landmarks, by anonymous publishers, featuring the Soldiers’ Home, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery, and the bronze equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Square. While the story of Barbara Fritchie is largely fictional, it was nonetheless a rallying cry and point of pride for the Union during the Civil War. Fritchie (1766-1862) was one of a small percentage of Americans who had personal memories of the Revolution, and had participated in a memorial service for George Washington with Francis Scott Key. When Stonewall Jackson’s Confederate forces marched through Frederick on their way to Antietam in September 1862, she demanded respect for the American flag and the Union it stood for. Allegedly, some of the passing soldiers had used the flag hanging from her home for target practice, but the 95-year-old Fritchie grabbed it and challenged the soldiers to shoot her rather than deface the flag, at which point General Jackson ordered his men to respect the lady and move on. The popularity of this version of events is due to the 1864 poem Barbara Frietchie (sic) by John Greenleaf Whittier. $500 - $700
THE CIVIL WAR | Stereoviews 55 Civil War Stereoviews from Anthony’s War Views Series Lot of 11, including E. & H.T. Anthony War Views view No. 3318, titled Sherman’s Grand Army, Looking up Pennsylvania Ave, from the Treasury Buildings, Maj. Gen. Frank Blair and Staff and 15th Army Corps passing in Review, plus 10 views published by Taylor & Huntington/The War Photograph and Exhibition Co. from the original Anthony negatives, including: No. 103 - US Frigate “Pensacola” off Alexandria; No. 431 - A Battery of “Flying Artillery”; No. 1453 - Jeff Davis, Photograph taken soon after his capture; No. 2296 - Slave Pen, Alexandria, Va.; No. 2318 - The Sally-port and Draw-bridge; No. 2448 - A Sutler’s Tent; No. 2590 - Gen. Grant’s Horse “Cincinnati”; No. 3631 - Sherman’s Men Destroying Railroad; No. 3679 - Fort McAllister, on the Ogeechee River, Ga.; and No. 6184 - Dead Confederate Soldier in the Trenches. $700 - $900
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THE CIVIL WAR | Cabinet Cards
56 William Tecumseh Sherman Imperial Card Photograph by Sarony Imperial card photograph (7.5 x 13 in.) by Napoleon Sarony, New York, copyright 1888, showing Sherman in his military dress uniform, though he had stepped down as General of the Army five years prior. $500 - $700
57 William T. Sherman Cabinet Card, Very Rare Pose as General of the Army Silver gelatin cabinet card of William Tecumseh Sherman wearing his General of the Army jacket. Recto and verso imprint of Rosch, St. Louis, and inked identification in the recto margin. A very rare pose. $300 - $500
58 Fortress Monroe, Virginia, Albumen Photographs by William Baulch Lot of 3 albumen photographs in extra-large cabinet format, each on 8 x 5 in. mounts with the verso imprint of William Baulch, Fortress Monroe, VA. The military installation of Fort Monroe, located at the Southern tip of the Virginia peninsula, at Old Point Comfort in Hampton, VA, was identified in the early 17th century as a strategic defensive location, and during Virginia’s first two centuries, defensive fortifications were built at Old Point Comfort. Fort Monroe, considered the most substantial facility, was completed in 1834, with the principal facility being named in honor of President James Monroe. Throughout the Civil War, Fort Monroe remained in Union hands, although the majority of Virginia joined the Confederacy. Under the provision of contraband policies, Fort Monroe gained notoriety as a historic site of freedom for former slaves, and following the war, CSA President Jefferson Davis was imprisoned at the fort over a period of two years. With the following post-Civil War views of Fort Monroe, captioned in ink on verso: 42 - Old Point Light, Fort Monroe, Va., with a bastion to the right, and what appears to be the lighthouse keeper’s cottage at left, hidden by the trees; 117 - Ward Memorial Building, National Soldiers Home; and 125 - View from ramparts West, Fort Monroe, Va. The photographer, William Baulch, whose father had moved to Fort Monroe to establish the fort’s first fire department during the Civil War, produced these images as part of a larger series of photographs capturing the fort and its surroundings. Baulch also owned and operated a store in Fort Monroe called the “Newspaper Depot,” and presumably, this is where he sold the photographs throughout the 1880s. $500 - $700
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THE CIVIL WAR | Large Format Images
59 Gardner’s Photographic Sketch Book of the War, Philp & Solomons, 1865-1866 Two volumes, oblong folio. Washington: Philp and Solomons, 1865-66. With pictorial title pages after A.R. Ward, containing 100 albumen photographs by Gardner and others, each 6.75 x 8.75 in., mounted on larger sheets with pre-printed mounting blocks and printed captions. Each plate accompanied by a printed page describing the image. Published pebbled dark brown/black morocco, with gilt title. First edition. Called the “first modern photo-essay” (Stapp 1991: 28), Gardner’s “sketchbook” is recognized as the first published collection of Civil War photographs. Conceived by Gardner as a post-war memento, the 100 photographs represent selections from the over 3,000 negatives taken during the Civil War by himself and associates. Unlike Brady, Gardner carefully credits each of the original photographers who took the negative: George Barnard, Timothy O’Sullivan, William R. Pywell, W. Morris Smith, David Knox, and D.B. Woodbury. As Stapp notes, Gardner viewed the text and photographs to function as an extended essay comprising images and explanatory text that worked together organically (ibid: 28). The Sketch Book is organized chronologically, and covers the war in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, with the central event the battle of Gettysburg.
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Seminal photographs from this conflict include A Harvest of Death; Field Where General Reynolds Fell; Home of the Rebel Sharpshooter; and Sharpshooter’s Last Sleep. Exhibited in New York shortly after the battle, these images dramatically brought home the carnage of the battle, and shocked American’s who previously had an abstract view of the War. It has been estimated that no more than 200 copies of the Sketch Book were produced, and this example comes from the Library of American painter, George P.A. Healy (1813-1894), who is considered one of the most successful portraitists of the 19th Century. In addition to painting portraits of all of the U.S. Presidents, from John Quincy Adams to U.S. Grant, Healy also produced paintings of eminent national and international figures such as Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, William Henry Seward, Louis Philippe, and Marshal Soult (See also Lot 197). A copy of G.P.A. Healy, American Artist, An Intimate Chronicle of the Nineteenth Century, by Marie De Mare (David McKay Company, Inc., 1954) accompanies the two-volume work. From the Library of Artist, G.P.A. Healy $100,000 - $150,000
THE CIVIL WAR | Large Format Images
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THE CIVIL WAR | Large Format Images
60 President Lincoln at Battlefield of Antietam, Photograph by Alexander Gardner, Descended in the Family of Gen. Fitz John Porter Fine albumen photograph, 7 x 9 in., on 13 x 14 in. cream-colored mount featuring the printed title, The President, General McClellan and Suite/ On the Battle-field of Antietam. / October 3, 1862. Credited to Alexander Gardner, photographer, and Mathew Brady, publisher. Dated 1862. With General Fitz-John Porter’s Head Quarters. 5th Army Corps penciled below printed title, and ten of the officers identified in pencil below the photograph. An iconic view of the President visiting General McClellan and staff shortly after the bloody battle at Antietam, the second of two famous group shots photographed by Alexander Gardner on October 3, 1862. This view was taken at General Fitz-John Porter’s nearby headquarters following Lincoln’s review of 5th Corps troops and included (from left): Col. Delos B. Sackett, Capt. Geo. Monteith, Lt. Col. Nelson B. Sweitzer, Gen. Geo. W. Morell, Col. Alexander S. Webb, Gen. McClellan, Scout Adams, Dr. Jonathan Letterman, unidentified officer, President Lincoln, Col. Henry J. Hunt, Gen. Fitz-John Porter, unidentified officer, Col. Frederick T. Locke, Gen. Andrew A. Humphreys, and an unknown Capt. Geo. A. Custer. The photograph was published after the war as Plate No. 23 in Gardner’s large format Photographic Sketch Book of the War. Gardner refers to a wartime duplicate of this shot available only as a gallery card as catalog No. 606. Descended in the Family of General Fitz John Porter $10,000 - $12,000
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THE CIVIL WAR | Large Format Images
61 Alexander Gardner Albumen Photograph, Interior of Breastworks On Round Top, Gettysburg Albumen photograph, 6.75 x 9 in., mounted, 13 x 17.75 in. From Gardner’s Incidents of the War. Negative by T.H.O. Sullivan, positive by
and copyright of Alexander Gardner, 1865. Originally produced in July 1863, this example was published after the war as Plate No. 38 in Gardner’s large format Photographic Sketch Book of the War. $700 - $1,000
62 Alexander Gardner Albumen Photograph, A Sharpshooter’s Last Sleep, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Albumen photograph, 7 x 9 in., mounted, 10.5 x 13 in. From Alexander Gardner’s Incidents of the War, published by Philp & Solomon, Washington, 1866. Plate No. 40, titled on the mount A Sharpshooter’s Last Sleep, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 1863, with credit and 1866
copyright to Gardner. Accompanied by the description page including Gardner’s famously controversial account of how he found the body. The soldier and his equipment appear identical to the subject in the following plate, Dead Confederate Soldier in the Devil’s Den, which was taken forty yards away, suggesting that Gardner and his assistant moved the body and arranged the scene. $2,000 - $3,000
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THE CIVIL WAR | Large Format Images
63 Alexander Gardner Albumen Photograph of Gen. H. Prince and Staff Albumen photograph, 6.75 x 9 in., on 10 x 12 in. mount with the imprinted title Gen. H. Prince and Staff, credit for the negative to Timothy H. O’Sullivan, and credit for the positive to Gardner. From Alexander Gardner’s Incidents of the War. Taken near Culpeper, VA, ca September 1863, while General Prince was in command of the 2nd Division, II Corps, Army of the Potomac.
64 Alexander Gardner Albumen Photograph, Major General A. Pleasonton and Personal Aids and General G.A. Custer Albumen photograph, 6.75 x 9 in., on 10 x 12 in. mount with the imprinted title Major General A. Pleasanton(sic) and Personal Aids and General G.A. Custer, with credit for the negative to Timothy H. O’Sullivan, and credit for the positive to Gardner. From Alexander 32
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The pictured officers include: (seated, left to right) Captain B.W. Hoxie, 70th NY Inf.; Lt. E.A. Belger, 70th NY Inf.; Lt. W.J. Rusling, 5th NJ Inf.; Gen. Henry Prince; Maj. & AAG Charles Hamlin; Capt. G.S. Russell, 5th NJ Inf.; (standing, left to right) Capt. J.W. Holmes, 72nd NY Inf; Capt & AQM T.P. Johnson; unknown; Asst. Surgeon J.F. Calhoun; Lt. Albert Ordway, 24th Mass. Inf.; unknown; unknown. $500 - $700
Gardner’s Incidents of the War. Taken October 9, 1863, near Warrenton, VA. Standing, left to right: Lieut. Hutchins, Lieut. Von Coerner, Lieut. Wade, Lieut. Whitehead, Lieut. Thompson, Lieut. Yates, Lieut. Littlefield. Seated, left to right: Lieut. Walker, Lieut. Baker, Gen. Pleasonton, Gen. Custer. A very scarce photograph in this condition. $7,000 - $9,000
THE CIVIL WAR | Large Format Images
65 General Pleasonton Astride Horse, Plus Other Officers with Their Horses, Large Format Albumen Photograph Lot of 3, including: 7.25 x 9. in. albumen print, mounted to 9 x 11 in., of Gen. Alfred Pleasonton astride his horse; 7.5 x 9.5 in. albumen print, mounted to 9 x 11 in., of a Union major or lieutenant colonel posed beside his horse; and 5.75 x 8.75 in. unmounted albumen print of an unidentified Union colonel or brigadier general holding the bridle of
his horse, the print penciled on verso Gardner. The first photograph is featured in Vol. 4 of The Photographic History of the Civil War in Ten Volumes, p. 299, which states it was made in Falmouth, VA, in 1864. Pleasonton brought the horse with him from Utah in 1861, and it carried him at Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg $800 - $1,000
66 Photograph of Alexander S. Webb, CMOH Gettysburg, in his Tent Photograph of Alexander Stewart Webb conversing with another general in his tent, 5.625 x 7.625 in. Alexander S. Webb (1835-1911) served throughout the war but his most memorable military service was at Gettysburg. His brigade was posted on Cemetery Ridge with the rest of the II Corps on the morning of July 2. The brigade repulsed the assault of Brig. Gen. Ambrose R. Wright’s brigade of Georgians in the afternoon, capturing ca 300 men and a Union battery. Later that day Webb sent two regiments to assist in counterattacking the assault of Maj. Gen. Jubal Early’s division on Cemetery Hill. On July 3, Webb’s brigade was at the center of the Union line, a position assumed by most of the Union
commanders to be too strong for the Confederates to attempt to attack, located in front of the famous Copse of Trees. During the initial artillery attack Webb stood in front of the line puffing leisurely on a cigar, and impressing many with his personal bravery. Webb was directly in front as Brig. Gen. Lewis Armistead’s Confederate brigade breached the low stone wall. Webb, wounded twice, remained on the field. With the help of two of Col. Norman J. Hall’s New York regiments, and Brig. Gen. William Harrow’s men, Webb and his men brought the Confederate assault to a standstill. Webb was promoted to brevet Major General of Volunteers for his service at Gettysburg, effective August 1, 1864. He was awarded the CMOH on September 28, 1891. $500 - $700
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THE CIVIL WAR | Large Format Images 67 Civil War Albumen Photograph of the 43rd Massachusetts Tiger Regiment at Camp Rogers, New Bern, NC, 1863 Albumen photograph, 9 x 11 in., on a larger mount imprinted in the lower margin Camp Rogers / Encampment of the 43rd Regiment Mass. Vols. / Newbern, N.C., March 12, 1863, around the emblem of the “Tiger Regiment.” Photo credit to Lieut. G.H. Nickerson, 1863 copyright to H.B. Nickerson, and printing credit to Black. Framed, 17 x 19 in. The 43rd Massachusetts, also known as the “Tiger Regiment,” primarily saw service in eastern North Carolina, being based in New Bern. It was engaged in April 1863 at Little Washington and Blount Creek, NC. The regiment also guarded the Goldsboro railway in May 1863, and took part in the dangerous service of running the blockade below Washington. After briefly being assigned to the Army of the Potomac following Gettysburg, the 43rd was mustered out on July 30, 1863. $600 - $800
68 Alexander Gardner Albumen Photograph of Third Army Corps Headquarters at Brandy Station Albumen Photograph, 6.75 x 8.75 in., mounted, 10.5 x 12.5 in. From Gardner’s Incidents of the War, plate 52, titled Residence Chief Quartermaster Third Army Corps, Brandy Station, ca December 1863.
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Negative by J. Gardner, positive by and copyright to Alexander Gardner, 1866. Accompanied by the description page from the book giving a detailed account of the interior, ending with the line “...’round thew blazing hearth, on many a sullen winter night, the ennui of camp were forgotten in pleasant re-unions of the General’s staff.” $500 - $700
THE CIVIL WAR | Large Format Images
69 Alexander Gardner Albumen Photograph, Head-Quarters Army of the Potomac at Brandy Station, Virginia Albumen photograph, 6.75 x 9 in., on 10 x 12 in. mount with the imprinted title Head-Quarters Army of the Potomac, Brandy Station, Virginia / February 1864, with credit for the negative to Timothy H. O’Sullivan, credit for the positive to Gardner, and 1866 copyright. From
Alexander Gardner’s Incidents of the War, plate 60. Accompanied by the description page from the book, identifying specific tents as Gen. Meade’s, Gen. Humphreys’, the telegraph office, etc., and painting a picture of camp life as idyllic. The soldiers standing in the foreground are part of the 114th Pennsylvania Infantry, wearing their distinctive Zouave uniforms. $700 - $1,000
70 Panoramic Salt Print of the 114th Pennsylvania Zouaves at Brandy Station Overall, 8 x 19 in., irregular, composed of two roughly 8 x 10 in. salt prints, penciled in the left margin Genl. Meade’s, Genl. Humphries and Genl. Wilson’s tents, Headquarters A of P. The left print is from the same negative as that offered in the previous lot and featured as Plate 60 in Gardner’s Photographic Sketch Book of the War, while the right is a rarely seen extension of the view taken the same day. $400 - $600 SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS, ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND CONDITION REPORTS OF ALL LOTS AT COWANS.COM
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THE CIVIL WAR | Large Format Images 71 Civil War, Ohio Company in Camp, Albumen Photograph in Original Frame Outdoor, albumen photograph of a gathering of Civil War soldiers in camp, many armed with rifles and/or swords, 6 x 7.75 in., on mount with light penciled inscription that reads, in part, Ohio...Volunteers... with the remainder of the inscription indecipherable. A horse-drawn cart is visible in the background. Housed in decorative, carved wooden frame, 13.75 x 15 in. $500 - $600
72 Albumen Photograph of the 15th Regt. New York Engineers Officers with Regimental Flag Albumen photograph, 6 x 8.75 in., of a lieutenant colonel, two first lieutenants, and another soldier of indeterminate rank seated in front of the US flag and regimental flag of the 15th New York Engineers, with a private on guard beside them. Mounted, 11 x 14 in., housed in period frame, 13.75 x 16.75 in. overall. The 15th Regiment New York Engineers was originally mustered in as an infantry regiment in June 1861, but the War Department ordered it to Washington Navy Yard to undergo training for conversion to an engineer regiment that fall. It was under the service of the Army of the Potomac up to and including Appomattox, and participated in the operations at Yorktown, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, and Petersburg, with a detachment playing a role in the 36
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fall of Fort Fisher. It was specifically noted for bridge building and road construction which facilitated efficient troop movement before Yorktown and Chancellorsville, and for its trench digging and mining during the Siege of Peterburg. The regiment shares a monument at Gettysburg with the 50th NY Engineers. The lieutenant colonel at center closely resembles known photographs of Clinton G. Colgate, who was commissioned a major in the regiment at its inception, was promoted to lieutenant colonel in Sept. 1861, and became colonel of the regiment in Dec. 1862. The regimental flag shown in the photograph currently resides in the collection of the New York State Military Museum. The NYSMM website states that the embroidered silk flag was made by Mrs. S.D. Bradford and presented to the regiment at its organization at New York City in June 1861. $800 - $1,000
THE CIVIL WAR | Large Format Images
73 Mathew Brady Albumen Photograph of the 12th New York Battery, With Brady Himself Among the Soldiers Albumen photograph, 5 x 8 in., on 9.5 x 13 in. mount stamped Brady / Washington. Verso affixed with two revenue stamps totaling five cents
and penciled 12th N.Y. Battery / Capt. McKnight in front of redoubt / No. 9432. Mathew Brady can be seen wearing his straw hat, standing in front of the carriage wheel in the center of the frame. This view was taken before Petersburg, June 21, 1864. A rare view. $1,000 - $1,500
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74 Civil War Albumen Photographs by A.J. Russell, Taken in Virginia, 1864 Lot of 4 albumen photographs on two 13.25 x 17.75 in. mounts affixed with the printed titles: No. 183 - Mountain Run, Orange & Alexandria Railroad, near Culpeper, Va.; No. 205 - Government Hay Barns, Alexandria, Va., June 27, 1864; No. 246 - Fifteen Inch Gun at Battery Rodgers, Alexandria, Va. May 18, 1864; and No. 249 - Gen. Meade’s Headquarters, near Brandy Station, April 12, 1864. $1,000 - $1,500
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THE CIVIL WAR | Large Format Images
75 Civil War Albumen Photograph of Fort Johnson, Morris Island, South Carolina Albumen photograph, 7.25 x 9.5 in., mounted, 11 x 14 in., showing the
76 Alexander Gardner Albumen Photograph of General Rufus Ingalls Albumen photograph, 5.75 x 8.75 in., on cream-colored mount, 8.25 x 11 in., capturing General Rufus Ingalls with two members of General Grant’s staff behind him, taken by Alexander Gardner at Grant’s headquarters in City Point, VA, ca 1864-1865, with penciled notes on verso. City Point overlooks the James and Appomattox Rivers and served as a bustling port during the Siege of Petersburg. Rufus Ingalls (1818-1893) served as the chief quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac through a succession of failed commanders. His organizational skills earned him praise and the commendation of U.S.
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interior of Fort Johnson on Morris Island, SC, ca 1864-1865. Note the two African American soldiers sitting on the cannonballs at left. $600 - $800
Grant, a fellow 1843 classmate, who personally invited Ingalls to the McLean House to witness Lee’s surrender. Upon graduating from the Academy, Ingalls was commissioned into the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen and by the Mexican War had transferred to the 2nd Dragoons. Thereafter, he assumed wide ranging Staff duties in the quartermaster department. Ingalls was appointed brigadier general USV in May 1863 and brevetted major general USA and USV in March 1865 for much understated “faithful and meritorious service during the war.” He reverted to colonel in the post-war army and was promoted to quartermaster general in February 1882 with the rank of brigadier general, retiring in July 1883. $400 - $600
THE CIVIL WAR | Large Format Images 77 Civil War Albumen Photograph of 20th Army Corps Commanders in Atlanta, Featuring Rare View of Benjamin Harrison in Uniform Albumen photograph, 10 x 12.5 in., mounted, 13 x 15.5 in. Inked on the print Gen. Benjamin Harrison, 1865 / Gen. Harrison, Gen. Ward, Gen. Dustin, Gen. Cogswell. A very rare view of the future president in uniform. Harrison is shown as a brigadier general, and wears a black cloth tied around his left elbow, in mourning of President Lincoln, who had been assassinated not long before this photograph. Harrison used a cropped version of this photograph for his 1888 campaign. $1,000 - $2,000
78 Alexander Gardner Albumen Photograph of the 9th New York Battery Albumen photograph, 6.75 x 8.75 in., on a 10 x 12 in. mount with the imprinted title Battery M, 9th New York Artillery, late 22nd NY Battery / Capt. J.W. Parish commanding, and with a listing of their engagements from Cold Harbor, June 1, 1864, to Sailors’ Creek, April 6, 1865. Credit for the negative to W. Morris Smith, and credit for the positive to Gardner. From Alexander Gardner’s Incidents of the War. $700 - $1,000
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THE CIVIL WAR | Large Format Images
79 Alexander Gardner Albumen Photograph of the Dedication of the Monument on Bull Run Battlefield, June 1865 Albumen photograph, 6.75 x 9 in., mounted, 12.25 x 15.75 in. From Gardner’s Incidents of the War, published by Philp & Solomon, Washington. Negative by W. Morris Smith, positive by and copyright of Alexander Gardner, 1865. Accompanied by the description page
from the book explaining the significance of the monument’s design and location, the ceremony, and identification of notable figures in attendance (and visible in the photograph) including Generals Wilcox, Heintzelman, Farnsworth, and Meigs, Colonel Gallup, and Captain Scott. $700 - $1,000
80 George N. Barnard, Two Large Format Albumen Photographs of Atlanta Lot of 2 photographs from Barnard’s 1866 series Photographic Views of Sherman’s Campaign, titled on the mounts City of Atlanta, GA, No. 2, and Rebel Works in Front of Atlanta, Ga, No. 4. Both prints 10 x 14 in., mounted, 16 x 20 in. $500 - $700
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THE CIVIL WAR | Large Format Images
81 Fine Group of Albumen Civil War Photographs by Brady, Printed From the Original Negatives Lot of 10 albumen photographs on seven 11 x 14 in. mounts. Six prints are 5 x 8 in. to 6.75 x 9.75 in., on their own mount, and four are halves of stereoscopic pairs on the same mount. The prints are albumen prints from the original negatives, but the mounts appear to be later 19th century. Views include: the General Hospital at Point of Rocks, Maryland; the XI Corps ambulance camp at Brandy Station, Virginia; soldiers playing cards at winter quarters; the monitor Onondaga on the James River; two views of unidentified regiments at attention; and stereoscopic halves of the works at Fort Mahone, a camp near Chattanooga, Fort Rice in front of Petersburg, and the lines outside Bermuda Hundred. $4,000 - $5,000
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THE CIVIL WAR | Large Format Images 82 General Winfield Scott Hancock, Mammoth Albumen Portrait by Gutekunst Albumen photograph, 15.375 x 17.875 in., on the slightly larger mount of noted Philadelphia photographer Frederick Gutekunst, with his imprint in the recto margin and label on verso. Framed, 20.625 x 22.875 in. overall. A regular with extensive frontier duty, Winfield Scott Hancock (18241886) received his first star in September 1861 and proceeded to earn accolades in 1862 as a division commander, assuring his second star in November 1862. Hancock won praises at Fredericksburg and executed a textbook defense at Chancellorsville while covering a portion of the army’s withdrawal. By Gettysburg, Hancock had assumed leadership of the 2nd Corps and during the next two days—acting as a wing commander—was instrumental in establishing the successful defense along Cemetery Ridge and thwarting Longstreet’s flanking maneuver against the Round Tops. On July 3rd, Hancock was severely wounded during the climax of Pickett’s Charge and never did fully recover. Gettysburg had many heroes but Hancock’s role in the larger perspective of the battle demands recognition. $1,000 - $1,500
83 General Joseph A. Mower, Large Format Albumen Photograph Albumen photograph, 6.75 x 8.5 in., mounted, 11 x 14 in. Mower is shown wearing his major general’s uniform with XX Corps badge. Joseph A. Mower, “Fighting Joe,” (1827-1870) entered the army during the Mexican War as a private, serving through 1848. He reenlisted as a second lieutenant with 1st U.S. Infantry in 1855, and was commissioned volunteer colonel of the 11th Missouri Infantry at its inception in May 1862. He took command of the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, Army of the Mississippi, for the Second Battle of Corinth, during which he was wounded in the neck and taken prisoner, but was rescued by his comrades later in the battle. Mower was promoted to brigadier general less than two months later, in late November 1862, and commanded a brigade during the Siege of Vicksburg. For the Red River Campaign, he was given command of 1st & 3rd Divisions, XVI Corps, and was awarded regular army brevets for his services at Fort De Russy and Yellow Bayou. Mower was made major general in August 1864 and chosen by Gen. Sherman to lead 1st Division, XVII Corps, during the March to the Sea, following which Sherman gave him command of the whole of XX Corps. He remained in army service after the war, and died of pneumonia while on duty in New Orleans in 1870. $600 - $800
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THE CIVIL WAR | Large Format Images 84 Civil War Albumen Photograph of the 45th Illinois Field & Staff, Including Two Generals Albumen photograph, 6.25 x 8.25 in., mounted, 8 x 10 in., framed, 13.5 x 15.5 in. overall. The photograph shows four officers of the 45th Illinois Infantry, dubbed the “Lead Mine Regiment,� namely (l to r): Melancthon Smith, Jasper Adalmorn Maltby, John Eugene Smith, and Edward Dominicus Kittoe. John E. Smith and Jasper A. Maltby were commissioned colonel and lieutenant colonel respectively when the regiment entered service the day after Christmas, 1861. Smith (18161897) was made brigadier general in late November of the following year, and commanded divisions in XVI, XVII, and XV Corps. He was brevetted major general in the omnibus promotions of March 1865, and after the war was given a regular army commission as colonel of the 27th US Infantry with two brevets to major general for gallant and meritorious service at Vicksburg and the capture of Savannah. Maltby (1826-1867), who had been seriously wounded in the Mexican War, succeeded Smith as colonel of the 45th, and sustained wounds at Fort Donelson and Vicksburg while in command of the regiment. He was promoted to brigadier general in August 1863 and served in the Army of Tennessee through the end of the war, after which he was appointed military mayor of Vicksburg, and died in that position in 1867. Melancthon Smith was commissioned into the 45th as a captain of Co. G, and eventually rose to lieutenant colonel. He is listed as having died of wounds, but no date or location is given. Edward D. Kittoe began his service as surgeon of the Lead Mine Regiment, and eventually became lieutenant colonel and medical inspector on the US Volunteers general medical staff, with a brevet to colonel. $500 - $700
85 William O. Stevens, 72nd New York Infantry, KIA Chancellorsville, Albumen Photograph Oval albumen, 6 x 8 in., by J. Gurney & Son, New York, housed in an exquisite, gilt period frame, 12 x 14 in. overall. William Oliver Stevens was a 32-year-old Harvard graduate and lawyer from Dunkirk, NY, when he was commissioned as captain in Co. D, 72nd New York Infantry, on June 21, 1861. He was promoted to major in Field & Staff just four days later, and to colonel of the regiment in September of 1862. He was severely wounded at Chancellorsville on May 3, 1863, and died there two days later. $500 - $700
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KENTON HARPER MANUSCRIPT ARCHIVE | Mexican War
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86 Kenton Harper, Mexican War-Period Document & Personal Prayer Book Kenton Harper was the sort of remarkable man that the 19th century produced in seeming abundance. Born the son of a newspaperman in Chambersburg, PA, in 1801, Harper was working as a printer in town when he made the decision to purchase his own newspaper in Staunton, VA, and to relocate there in 1823. By any reckoning, it was a good career move. An ambitious young man, he parlayed his success in publishing into social power, winning election to the state legislature and as mayor of Staunton, and reaping the rewards with patronage appointments from friends in the capitol. Smart, ambitious, and well conscious of his political connections, Harper was also a conscientious man when it came to fulfilling his patronage roles. In 1851-1852, Harper played a brief, but fascinating part in the development of the Chickasaw Nation, accepting an appointment as agent to the tribe. He fulfilled his military duty as well, first in the Mexican American War and then in the Confederate Army, rather than Union, during the Civil War. Having carried a Major Generals’ commission in the pre-war militia, Harper was appointed Brigadier General in the Virginia Provisional Army and was given command of the 5th Virginia Infantry, with the rank of Colonel in the Confederate
States Army, which became one of the stalwart regiments in the famed Stonewall Brigade. Kenton barely outlived the war. A book entitled Kenton Harper of Virginia: Editor, Citizen, Soldier, by Thomas Tabb Jeffries, III, (Augusta Co. Historical Society) was just published in 2013 and provides an invaluable look at Harper’s numerous accomplishments as a political leader, editor, soldier, and Indian agent. Lots 86-115 relate to the legacy of Kenton Harper. Lot of 2, including: Kenton Harper’s personal, manuscript copy of the following, as titled at top of the 2pp document: An Act providing for the appointment and commissioning of the field and company officers of the Virginia regiment of Volunteers called into the service of the United States. Passed Decr. 19th 1846. This copy was signed by George W. Mumford and sent to Harper. Harper’s personal prayer book presented to him by the ladies of Trinity Church, Staunton, VA, in December 1846. Opposite the presentation sticker that has been filled out to Captain Harper, Harper lists over a dozen locations and battles. At the bottom of this list, Harper’s daughter, Mary, who ended up with Harper’s effects, has written, Capt. Genl. Kenton Harper died Dec. 25, 1867. $350 - $550
87 Kenton Harper, Mexican War Manuscript Archive, 1847-1848 Lot of 50 letters, consisting of over 175pp of fascinating content dating from January 12, 1847-January 29, 1848. Accompanied by transcription of each letter. Considering Kenton Harper’s education and pre-war experience as a newspaper editor, his letters are long and thorough. He is writing home to his wife Eleanor, whom he called “Ellen,” and on a few occasions, he writes to his son Samuel, both residing in Staunton, VA. Harper’s letters are written from various locations in Mexico, and his descriptions of the Mexican people and their customs are especially graphic and colorful. While it is impossible to relate all of the strong content in these letters, here are some examples: • Jan. 12, 1847, Richmond: Harper states, I returned to the city last evening from Fortress Monroe where I took my company on Friday, finding it necessary to come back to attend some business of my own with the Governor, as well as to look after the proper equipment of my men. I have been dealt with very illiberally by the Governor, in regard to my expenditures (all from my private means) in bringing my company on here, but I have no doubt from the feeling in the Legislature as well as in the public mind, that I shall not be allowed ultimately to suffer. He goes on to talk about equipping the troops...Capt. Huger left Fortress Monroe for New York where he is to embark with the heaviest siege train which has ever been sent out from the country. He bade me
good-bye on the wharf as I left, not expecting to see me again as he said until we meet in Mexico. Since my return here, I have learned that the President has agreed that the Va. Regt. shall consist of 12 companies, and it is determined that two of them shall be armed with rifles and bayonets. My company, it is decided shall be one of the two... He continues...The sword got for me by my friends has arrived, though I have not yet seen it. On page 105 of Jeffries’ book, Kenton Harper of
COWAN’S AMERICAN HISTORY
KENTON HARPER MANUSCRIPT ARCHIVE | Mexican War Virginia, it says that The Richmond Whig described the sword as “a very handsome one, the sword bore upon its guard the inscription, presented by the citizens of Staunton, VA, to Kenton Harper, Capt. Of the Augusta Volunteers, as a testimonial of their respect and affection for him as a soldier and a gentleman.” • Feb. 19, 1847, Off Point Isabel, to Harper’s wife, 4pp: We arrived here last evening, after a voyage of twenty-three days, all well. Havana is a beautiful city, built in the old Spanish style, every house being in truth a castle, capable of easy defense. Harper goes on to give a detailed 2pp description of the buildings and harbor of Havana...There are more than a hundred vessels of different descriptions, with troops, military stores, provitions, etc., all collected here for some vigorous operations against Mexicans. • March 18, 1847, Walnut Springs, near Monterrey, Mexico, to Harper’s wife, 10pp: We left Camargo...with three other companies of the Virginia detachment,...under the command of Col. Randolph, six companies of the Ohio Volunteers, a detachment of Dragoons and Texas Rangers, number about two hundred,...two brass 12 pound pieces, and two 1 pound pivot guns, the whole under the command of Col. Curtis, to open the communication between Camargo and Monterrey which had been cut off by the enemy. Within a few days one of the descending trains and ascending train had been destroyed, the latter with a large quantity of prisoners. The total loss of wagons was about the number 150 which were plundered and burnt, and about 85 of the poor wagoners cruelly butchered. Harper goes on to describe the difficult march to Mier. I detailed a portion of my command under Lieut. Harmon to take back some wagons to bring up the baggage. They saw four or five Lancers (Mexicans) in the bushes on the way but they were no doubt acting as mere spies... Harper describes Mier and what went on there. When leaving Mier, we resumed the march, and saw on the way a considerable number of dead bodies in horrible condition. He describes one of the prisoners being shot and dying. Harper’s command met up with that of General Taylor’s, and Harper states that it was strange that Urrea (the Mexican General) with a force of something like four to one, did not attack us. Harper describes Taylor: The General is a remarkable hardy looking man, rather medium height, thick set and stoop shouldered, and would weigh I suppose about 175. In dress etc., he might readily be taken for a wagon master. The army I find are enthusiastic in his presence. Harper’s travel log continues...We marched about 18 miles to a deserted ranch, passing in the way a number of our wagons which had been burnt by the Mexicans. Several alarms were made that the Mexicans were coming upon us. Kenton calls the country through which they marched the most miserable I have ever seen. He states that they have not yet entered Monterrey. Our flag was unfurled on every occasion we expected to fight. • March 28, 1847, Camargo, Mexico, to Harper’s wife, 4pp: Harper writes about the First Virginia Regiment receiving the honor of making a move to a new station at China, Mexico. Harper states, Whether I live to return, or die in a foreign land, I trust I shall always be actuated, in all my conduct, by a pure and devoted desire for the best interests of those so dear to me...It may be that the war will soon be closed, but God only knows. With “Brasos, April 10, 1847” postmark. • April 16, 1847, China (Mexico), 4pp: Harper had arrived in China with the Virginia Regiment on April 13, and immediately took possession of the town, raised the American Flag, and set up camp. He depicted the march there with 160 wagons as a tedious and harassing one, and more so as the route was new and unknown. The first two days were the hottest I have ever felt. Harper also provides graphic descriptions of the suffering and difficulties in moving the wagons. He references the regiment’s first deaths, and concludes by stating that Gen. Scott has been successful at Vera Cruz and that the enemy near China are exceedingly shy of us. • June 2, 1847, Buena Vista, 5pp: The Augusta Volunteers had left China, and were in Buena Vista, after a continuous march of ten days... one day we had to go twenty-four miles, twenty of which is without water. The sufferings of the men were very great.” He describes the battlefield that lies just before their camp...and looking over it seems pretty miserable a place...whether the Mexicans will try the fortune of war
in the same theater again remains to be seen. The letter also contains a touching poem Harper wrote to his wife. • June 15, 1847, Buena Vista, 4pp: Within a few days we have had diverse conflicting rumors in regard to the movements of the enemy...One of these reports is that a Mexican force of fourteen thousand has been collected at San Louis Potori, with a view to operations in this quarter, and that Gen. Urrea has certainly recrossed the mountains below us with a force of four or five thousand...the force at this place, which may be said now to be emphatically the key to the whole country between this and the mouth of the Reo Grande, does not exceed fifteen hundred all told; and defeated here there would be no other on the line to make even a tolerable resistance to the triumphant enemy. Gen. Taylor, I have understood, feels deep concern as well as indignation at the critical posture in which he has been placed, by the withdrawal of troops from him, and the failure to supply others in their stead...if the enemy comes in the strength reported, there is no hope for one of us but in victory. Defeat or retreat would be inevitable death to us all. This is decidedly the strongest position naturally that we could occupy shorty of Monterrey, and we should be cut to pieces if we attempted, in the face of an enemy, to fall back... The next 14 letters from Harper to his wife and occasionally their son, Sam, dating from June 20 to August 21, 1847, are written from Saltillo, Mexico, and include extremely thorough, colorful, and descriptive content. Most letters have integral postal markings on the reverse of the last page (folded covers). Excerpts include: • June 30, 4pp: Three men died in Harper’s company. Everything remains quiet in the city - the Mexican inhabitants, I think, are becoming more reconciled to our domination...There has been considerable mortality among the natives of Saltillo since we have been here, particularly among children. • July 5, 7pp: In addition to referencing the Mexicans’ advance upon US forces, Harper talks about slavery in Mexico. I learned also that it is not infrequently the case that very young persons (minors) are thus auctioned off, whether for their own debts or debts of their parents...It was not but a few weeks since that a girl of about fourteen or fifteen years of age, and a boy of about the same age, were publicly sold in the streets of Monterrey. Harper also references the newspaper he previously edited, The Spectator, which he receives quite regularly. • July 18: I see that Santa Ana and all the leading Mexicans in their proclamations...speak of the war in which we are waging as against their Nationality and their Holy Religion...The magnificent church in this place, which I have heretofore spoken of bears the marks of two cannon balls, fired against it by order of Gen. Ampudia, on his retreat from Monterrey to enforce a demand upon it for money! Nevertheless, in the face of facts like these, the unprincipled men who rule in turn the poor oppressed Mexicans for their own advantage and aggrandizement will continue to pirate liberty, patriotism, nationality, and their Holy Religion. The truth is that no country on the face of the earth scarcely is worse ground than Mexico...
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KENTON HARPER MANUSCRIPT ARCHIVE | Mexican War • July 19: Gen. Cushing has arrived to take command of our brigade...A report has just come in that Gen. Raos is approaching with a force of three thousand, and intends to attack us. • July 25: Harper writes, We are looking with great anxiety for the next news from Gen. Scott and the city of Mexico...He also discusses the Americans, which engage a large share of the active business here, including American stores, hotels, eating and drinking houses, and livery stables, mostly kept by discharged soldiers...The fact is, where ever the Army goes, the country seems to be Americanized. • August 7: Harper describes a horrible murder of a yellow boy who had traveled with an American as a servant, robbed his master, and was in turn murdered by Mexicans for the gold he had previously stolen. Harper writes, The Mexican character is...the most treacherous possible. They may profess to have become very much attached to you, and beg to be taken into your service...yet at the moment they have the chance to rob or murder you, they are pretty certain to do it. • August 12: Harper describes another bloody affair between Negroes and Mexicans, which may have been a result of the murder of the yellow boy. He speculates that the Negroes may have cut the Mexicans with knives as an act of retaliation. He also mentions two dragoons that were killed within two miles of town by a small party of Mexicans. • September 12, 1847: A few days ago a party of about one hundred dragoons were sent out to scour the country west of the road to Monterrey, where it was reported guerrilla parties were being formed to plunder and destroy our trains. Harper also mentions Major Chevalie, who had resigned command of the Texas Rangers on account of his poor health. • Sept. 18, 1847: Harper received a message from General Wool regarding the appointment of officers to investigate the circumstances surrounding the murder of two men from Illinois regiments, possibly by Mexicans. He described the revolting character of the murders, in which the men were enticed, it seems, by the Mexicans, to a neighboring ranche, to take a game of cards, and while engaged at playing, were suddenly fallen upon and cruelly murdered....No doubt all the Mexicans whose participation in the bloody deed is established will be executed...scarcely a week passes that we do not lose men in some way and the most probably conjecture is that they are murdered. September 30, 1847: We have just received news of the entrance of Gen. Scott into the City of Mexico, after a series of very severe and bloody battles - Santa Ana report says, has retired 120 miles in this direction with the remnant of his army - about seven thousand men.
88 Kenton Harper, Letters Written at the Close of the Mexican War, 1848 Lot of 12 letters dealing with the aftermath of Kenton Harper’s time in Mexico. In 1848, Harper was made military governor in addition to his duties as battalion commander, stationed in Parras, Mexico. 4 letters deal with a situation involving American soldiers that stole from a Mexican merchant. Harper apparently pleased the Mexicans, Don Manuel Ibarras and Joseph Mary Mier as Mier gave Harper a burro for his kindness (2 letters dated June 2, 1848). 3 letters from people thanking Harper for his leadership and kindness. 2 of the 3 are in Spanish, but both of the Spanish letters are interpreted into English (Harper had hired an interpreter to be with him.) Apparently a supporter of Harper’s army, Tore Maria had been wounded and Harper had personally taken an interest in him, as expressed in a letter dated June 2, 1848: ...Because of my wounds I will always appreciate the kindness that you have toward me...I am free now and I don’t need to be afraid of the Mexicans my tongue can express my respect toward
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• October 10, 1847: Harper mentions General Wool’s desire to make him Inspector General of the Division, but Harper writes I prefer adhering to my Regiment. - I want all in services, to hail, emphatically from Virginia, and am disinclined, therefore, to accept a position which would be likely to make me lose that distinctive character. October 28, 1847: Harper discusses a Mexican that was executed for the murder of two Americans at the Alamo, with two of those involved in the crime sentenced to five hundred lashes each. “The execution,” he says, “produced great excitement amongst the Mexicans of Saltillo.” The Mexican authorities claimed the right to try the criminals, stating that “capital punishment is a relick [sic] of barbarism, which no civilized nation now sanctions!...But Gen. Wool did not heed their remonstrance. • December 17, 1847: Harper states that a Military occupation of Mexico would be an expensive operation to our Government, and wholly fruitless for any just national ends and objects; while its conquest and incorporation, with its mongrel, depraved, and ignorant population, could not prove otherwise than ruinous to our free institutions - an unmitigated curse to us. He also describes a severe fight that took place under Captain Lewis, during which approx. sixty Comanche Indians attacked fifteen of his Texas mounted men in the neighborhood of Parras. • December 26, 1847: This day one year ago, the Augusta Volunteers left their homes and friends to serve their Country in a foreign war; and circumstances as they now are, it is, doubtless, to most of them, a day of sad retrospection and melancholy reflection. Harper notes that out of the eighty men that comprised the company when it arrived in Mexico, only fifty-four remained, with eight killed and eighteen sent home, disabled by disease. January 3, 1848: Harper offers a detailed description of the military execution of Victor Galbreath, a Kentucky native who lived in Illinois before the war. He writes, It was truly a most solemn and impressive scene...the poor culprit deported himself with great firmness. He marched to the place of execution unbound, keeping step to the music, and taking his seat upon the coffin eight paces in front of the firing party, he folded his arms in his lap, and straightened himself up so as to present his full front to the fatal volley. The first fire, I regret to say, did not prove entirely effectual, and he had to be dispatched by reserve files. This is the first military execution, I believe, which has taken place upon our line, and I pray God it may be the last. $3,500 - $5,000
KENTON HARPER MANUSCRIPT ARCHIVE | Mexican War you for saving my life from a certain death - may God abundantly bless you for what you have done for me and my child. 1 letter from E. Fontain, the president of the Louisa Railroad Company, dated July 24, 1848, in which Fontain states: I am authorized by the Board of Directors of the Louisa Railroad Company, a free passage over our road as a testimonial of their appreciation of your services and sacrifices in a foreign land... 4 letters, various dates in August 1848 upon Harper’s return to Staunton with his “Augusta Volunteers,” desiring Harper and his officers to be present at a dinner to honor them. 1 letter from Kenton Harper to the committee thanking them for their kindness by declining the invitation. $900 - $1,200
89 Kenton Harper, Mexican War-Period Muster Rolls & Returns Lot of 23 documents, including: 9 muster rolls, with several signed by 2nd Lt. Vincent Geiger, who authored the book about the 1849 Gold Rush entitled Trail to California: The Overland Journal of Vincent Geiger and Wakeman Bryarly. During the Mexican War, Geiger ended up a fugitive with a charge of murder on his head and died in Mexico. Other signatures include Kenton Harper, Lt. Col. T.B. Randolph (China, Mexico, April 30, 1847), Major John G. Washington (Saltillo, Mexico, June 30, 1847), William H. Harman, James F. Preston, etc. 1 Ordnance Office letter to Harper dated August 17, 1847. 8 Returns for the 1st Virginia Volunteer Infantry, including an example written in the hand of Harper, certifying the number of arms and accouterments received and issued to the 1st Virginia Regiment of Volunteers in January 1847. This list includes Muskets and Bayonets, Cartridge Boxes, Belts and Straps, Eagles (Breastplates), U.S. Plates, Canteens, Sergts. Swords and Belts, Musicians Swords and Belts, plus other accouterments. 4 Returns for Company C Battalion of Texas Volunteer Cavalry. 1 Roster for the 1st Virginia Light Infantry (in poor condition). $800 - $1,200
KENTON HARPER MANUSCRIPT ARCHIVE | The Civil War 90 Kenton Harper, Civil War Correspondence from 1864, with Two J.D. Imboden ANsS As the Civil War lingered on and Union troops under General Hunter threatened Harper’s beloved Staunton, Harper felt compelled to offer his services once again to his state of Virginia. This grouping of 28 pieces tells the story of Colonel Harper’s return of service. Noteworthy are 2 autographed notes of CSA General John D. Imboden (18231895), who served with distinction under T.J. “Stonewall” Jackson and knew Harper from his service with the 5th Virginia. The lot includes the following: Major B. Randolph. ALS, 1p, 5 x 7.75 in., “Hd Qrs Staunton.” May 30, 1864. Major B. Randolph giving Colonel Harper command of...all forces to be raised by my order today, - He will assemble and organize them by eight o’clock tomorrow morning or as soon thereafter as possible at the Court House, preparatory to joining Brig Genl J.D. Imboden, Comdg Valley District. Kenton Harper. ANS as Colonel, 1p, 5 x 7.5 in., “Camp at N.R. [North River] Bridge.” June 3, 1864. A penciled note in which Harper is asking General J.D. Imboden a question about how many men from his company should be on duty at the Bridge, with a penciled ANS from General Imboden on reverse, in which he answers his question. Manuscript Special Order No. 148 from Brigadier General Imboden, 2pp, on blue stationary, 7.5 x 9.75 in., “Hd. Qrs. Val. Dist.” June 2, 1864. Order in which Col. Kenton Harper is charged with the formation of a Regiment to be composed of all unsigned companies and detachments, now in the vicinity of Mt. Crawford... SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS, ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND CONDITION REPORTS OF ALL LOTS AT COWANS.COM
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KENTON HARPER MANUSCRIPT ARCHIVE | The Civil War
Harper ALS as Colonel, 1p, 5 x 7.5 in., “Camp at N.R. [North River].” June 2, 1864. Addressed to General Imboden, with a penciled endorsement from General Imboden on the reverse, written in the field. Harper and Imboden discuss taking the proper precautions before any of the men from the Cavalry approach the Bridge. 16 notes or orders sent to Colonel Harper from various commanders, including 2 from Colonel William H. Harman. Also included are 2 Morning Reports filled out and signed by Col. Harper, June 8, 1864. 5 lists referencing the results from the Battle of Piedmont, including those killed, wounded, and missing from Companies C,F,G,I. Lt. William Fisher, Commanding detachment of men from the 23rd, 18th, and Davis’ Battalion of Cavalry, Virginia. ALS in pencil, 1.5pp, 5.75 x 9 in. Fisher gives a “List of killed and wounded and missing,” and then names 13 men with their wounds from Davis’ Battalion. He also lists 2 men from the 23rd Regiment of Virginia Cavalry, plus 5 men from the 18th Virginia Cavalry.
91 Kenton Harper’s Oath of Allegiance and Pardon, Plus Related Documents Lot of 5, including: Kenton Harper’s Virginia Oath of Allegiance, partially printed document, 5 x 8 in., headed “Staunton, Va. July 13, 1865,” and signed by Harper, who swears to “uphold and defend the Government of Virginia.” Harper’s U.S. Amnesty Oath, partially printed document, 7.25 x 7.75 in., headed “Office of Notary Public, Staunton, Va., July 13, 1865,” and signed by Harper and the Notary. Harper swears “in the presence of Almighty God, that I will henceforth faithfully support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Union...” Manuscript copy of President Andrew Johnson’s Pardon, 1.5pp, 7.75 x 10 in. Harper wanted to keep a personal copy of the pardon given by Johnson, and he has written out this copy. Partially printed Pardon of Andrew Johnson with facsimile signature, 2pp, 11.5 x 18 in. August 20, 1866. With some penciled scribbles throughout the document. Plus William H. Seward partially printed transmittal letter with facsimile signature, 8 x 10 in. September 1865. $500 - $700
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Harper ALS as Colonel, in which he expresses a final appeal for citizens to come to the rescue, 2pp, 8 x 12.5 in., “Staunton.” September 14, 1864. Harper begins by stating a Special Order No. 82, which authorizes him to organize the local Reserve Forces in the County of Augusta. He then goes on to appoint the following named men to receive companies in their respective neighborhoods or districts, and earnestly urge upon them the necessity of entering upon the work without delay.” He then lists 12 appointees. The document concludes with various guidelines stated by Harper. All men who are exempted from military service, and capable of bearing arms, will be accepted as volunteer members of the companies, and they earnestly invited to enroll themselves for the defense of their homes...The term of service of the companies will be the unexpired period of the war. Small newspaper article thanking Harper for the “Gallant manner” in which he and his men fought at the Battle of Piedmont. $1,500 - $2,500
KENTON HARPER MANUSCRIPT ARCHIVE | The Civil War 92 Kenton Harper, Collection of Miscellaneous Documents and Manuscripts Group of approx. 35 documents, correspondence, and other miscellaneous items from the Kenton Harper archive, dating from the 1830s-1860s, including a small collection of 10 cut signatures that Harper apparently saved as souvenirs, such as General John Wool (1784-1869) (2); Harper’s interpreter, R. Barney (1); General William H. Harman (1828-1865) (2); and Major B. Randolph (1). An assortment of correspondence, written to and from Harper, ca 1840-1865, including: Alexander H.H. Stuart (1807-1891). 3rd U.S. Secretary of the Interior, from Staunton, VA. ALS as member of House of Representatives, 7pp, 8 x 10 in., dated at “House of Repr.” August 28 [1841-1842?], addressed to Harper, providing a detailed discussion regarding political dealings. Manuscript Article of Agreement between Harper and the Waddell family, November 17, 1848, for the sale of Staunton Spectator; Letter to Harper from R.M. Heath, dated at Richmond, March, 27, 1850, regarding Mexican War expenditures; Letter to Harper from R.W. Heath, 3pp, dated at Richmond, April 29, 1850, regarding the organization and funding of the Virginia regiments in the Mexican War; Letter to Harper from G.A. Porterfield, dated at Martinsburg, March 1, 1849, seeking an appointment to Paymaster at the Harper’s Ferry Armory and stating he is traveling to Washington to attend the inauguration of Zachary Taylor; ALS from Harper dated at Washington, June 4, 1853, 4pp, stating the facts of his service in Mexico; Letter to Harper’s wife from Thomas B. Randolph (17931867), 1p, dated at Waterside, March 28, 1848, regarding the whereabouts of a daguerreotype of Col. Harper that was sent home with colonel from North Carolina; ALS from Robert W. Burke (2nd Lt. 11th Virginia Cav., prev. service in the 17th, 7th, and 10th VA Cav.), 2pp, dated at Richmond, Aug. 31, 1864, regarding Gen. James L. Kemper’s
interest in appointing Harper to a command; four more 1848-1850 dated letters to Harper or his wife, regarding the Mexican War; several covers addressed to Harper’s wife, including three postmarked at Brazos (TX). Other highlights include: Printed General Orders No. 8, Head Quarters 1st Brigade, 4th Division, Army of the Shenandoah, Staunton, VA, June 6, 1865, with the opening text: All colored persons are made free, in pursuance of a Proclamation of the President of the United States, issued January 2nd, 1863, and are now at liberty to make any contract, or agreement with their former masters...; CSA receipt for $600 in Confederate bonds, dated at Staunton, VA, April 1, 1864; Two certificates entitling Harper to a total of 12 shares of stock in the Warm Springs & Harrisonburg Turnpike Company, dated 1838 and 1854; 2 Warm Spring & Harrisonburg Turnpike Company stock certificates issued to Kenton Harper, dated December 12, 1838 and March 16, 1854, each with original paper seals; 25pp typed document The County of Augusta, Virginia: Some of its Confederate and other Military History. $600 - $900
93 Kenton Harper, Virginia Militia Commission, Plus Additional Documents Lot of 4, including: Virginia Militia Commission for Harper as Captain, 1p, 8.25 x 10.5 in. January 3, 1860. Signed by John Letcher (1813-1884). Virginia Governor (1860-1864); Manuscript document appointing Harper as Major General, 1p, 7.75 x 9.75 in. April 28, 1860. Signed by Letcher. Congratulatory ALS to Harper from Adjutant General William H. Richardson, who would go on to be on R.E. Lee’s staff a year later, 1p, 7.75 x 9.75 in. “Adjutant Generals Office.” April 30, 1860. Richardson states, in part: It is a just and honorable testimony to your work as a soldier and patriot, as well merited as any ever was, and it is alike honorable to a commissioner in chief who dares to do what he knows to be right... Harper LS to William H. Richardson, thanking him for his kindness, 1p, 7.75 x 9.75 in. “Glen Allen, Augusta County.” May 2, 1860. $300 - $500
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KENTON HARPER MANUSCRIPT ARCHIVE | The Civil War 94 Kenton Harper, Documents Regarding Appointment as Colonel Lot of 3 documents pertaining to Harper’s discharge from the militia, his appointment as colonel, and the first assignment he received: John Letcher (1813-1884). Virginia Governor (1860-1864). LS as Governor, 1p, 7.75 x 9.75 in., “Executive Department, Richmond.” April 27, 1861. Letter in which Letcher relieves Harper from his militia obligations so that he can join the Virginia Volunteer forces. Francis B. Jones, A.A.G. to Governor Letcher. ALS appointing Harper Colonel of the Virginia Volunteers, 1p, 7.75 x 7.25 in., “Division Head Quarters, Harpers Ferry.” May 4, 1861. Jones writes: If you accept the commission report to Col. Jackson at Harpers Ferry for duty. Original, partially printed telegram, 5.25 x 8.25 in., received by Harper in Staunton, VA, June 17, 1861, to take command of the troops on their way to Harpers Ferry. The two Virginia friends, General William Harman and General Kenton Harper, lived in Staunton, VA, and received this telegram from General Letcher. $400 - $600
95 Thomas Stonewall Jackson Early Civil War-Dated ALS, April 30, 1861 Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson (1824-1863). Confederate General. ALS as Colonel, 1p, 7 x 8.75 in., “Division Head Quarters.” April 30, 1861. T.J. Jackson, who would in three months earn the title “Stonewall,” writes to Kenton Harper referring to Harper as “General.” Actually Harper had lost the title of General in the militia on April 27 and was in the process of being made Colonel in the new Virginia Volunteers. The topic of Jackson’s 50
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letter regards an order that Jackson thought Harper may have intercepted from Union General P. St. George Cooke. Apparently the order was for General Cooke to capture Southern supplies. At the bottom of Jackson’s letter, General Harper has written: Reply made to this effect - I had received no orders. I was acting from what I conceived to be the necessities of my position. $9,000 - $12,000
KENTON HARPER MANUSCRIPT ARCHIVE | The Civil War 96 Early Actions at Harpers Ferry, April 1861, ALS & Questionnaire Lot of 2, including: William Henry Harman (1828-1865), Augusta, VA. ALS as Brigadier General, 1p, 7.75 x 9.75 in., “Headquarters 13th Brigade V.M., Harpers Ferry.” April 21, 1861. Harman tells Harper, who was then still a General in the Militia, that he encloses a question and answer statement. Accompanied by manuscript questionnaire, 7.75 x 9.75 in., which mentions the burning of the buildings at Harpers Ferry! $300 - $500
97 Kenton Harper LS Regarding Presentation of Virginia Volunteers Battle Flag Kenton Harper LS referencing the presentation of the battle flag to the Virginia Volunteers, written by one of his aides and signed by Harper as Colonel, 2pp, 5 x 8 in., “Head Quarters 3rd Infantry, Bolivar.” May 24, 1861. In this letter, Harper writes to Mrs. Ella Bassett, Washington, a descendant of George Washington’s family, thanking her for crafting a Confederate flag for their regiment. On May 23, she presented her flag to Colonels Harper and Harman to fly at the 5th Regiment’s Camp Bolivar Head Quarters. $500 - $700
98 Kenton Harper, Letters & Petition Regarding May 1861 Challenge Lot of 3 letters concerning a challenge that Colonel Kenton Harper faced in May of 1861, including: ALS, Major William Smith Hanger Baylor (1831-1862), given credit for capturing the South’s first Prisoner of War, KIA 2nd Manassas. 1p, 7.75 x 9.75 in.; ALS, Colonel Kenton Harper. 1p, 5 x 8 in.; and manuscript petition signed by 10 officers of the 5th Virginia, 1p, 7.75 x 12.75 in. Each dated May 24, 1861, these letters reference the questionable actions of William Baylor. In his letter, Harper does not mince words, calling Baylor’s actions mutinous and disorganizing, and unless suspended, I shall take at once such measures as my duty and the interests of the service demands. Baylor responds to Harper’s letter and defends his actions and those officers that signed the petition. Major Baylor was in command of the 5th Virginia Regiment prior to Colonel Harper taking over. The document signed by the 10 officers is to show their support that Baylor had not acted inappropriately. The officers’ signatures include: James W. Newton, Chairman (lost leg at Fisher’s Hill); St. Francis C. Roberts Secy (WIA 2nd Manassas); H.J. Williams Capt. of S.G. (So. Guard, WIA Winchester); Lieut. Moses A. McComb; Lieut. Henry Ross; Lieut. William G. Gilkeson; J.H. Waters Capt. W.A.G. (West Augusta Guard); Wm. H. Randolph 2nd Lieut. S.G. (So. Guard, KIA Gaines’ Mill); O.H. Ramsey 2nd Lieut. W.V.I. (West View Infantry); Charles H. Calhoun 2nd Lieut. (Died at Chancellorsville). $500 - $700 SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS, ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND CONDITION REPORTS OF ALL LOTS AT COWANS.COM
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KENTON HARPER MANUSCRIPT ARCHIVE | The Civil War 99 Kenton Harper ALS Regarding Harpers Ferry Armory Kenton Harper. ALS as Colonel, 2pp, 7.75 x 9.75 in., “Head Quarters, Third Va. Infantry, Bolivar.” June 6, 1861. Addressed to Governor [John] Letcher of Virginia. In this letter, Harper describes to the Governor the important role that Captain M.E. Price held in securing the weapons and armory at Harpers Ferry. Harper provides a description of the important role that the Harpers Ferry citizens played in doing this task. Harper gave them two rations each day for their kindness in helping the Southern cause, and appeals to the Governor to pay them promptly. $500 - $700
100 Thomas Stonewall Jackson ALS, June 11, 1861 Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson (1824-1863). Confederate General. ALS as Colonel, 1p, 7.5 x 9.75 in., “Head Quarters Va. Forces, Bolivar.” June 11, 1861. Jackson gives a glowing recommendation of Major J.H. Harman, who was leaving the Quarter Master’s Department and entering the line of the Army. He says the following about Harman: I embrace this opportunity of stating that during the period in which I was commanding
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officer at Harpers Ferry, he by enlarged and comprehensive views, zeal and energy, gave to his Department a degree of efficiency that would have been highly credible to an experienced officer. A fine example of a war-date Jackson letter. Originally mounted in a family album, the letter has been professionally removed and conserved. Originally mounted in a family album, the letter has been professionally removed and conserved. Some light stains on document. $9,000 - $12,000
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101 J.E.B. Stuart ALS, June 12, 1861 J.E.B. Stuart (1833-1864). Famed Confederate Cavalier. ALS as Lieut. Colonel, 1p, 7.75 x 9.75 in., “Head Qrs Camp Clover, 8 P.M.” June 12, 1861. To Col. Kenton Harper. Stuart, who was Lieut. Colonel at the time, sends back to Harper two companies of the 5th Virginia and asks Harper if he could borrow a field piece (canon) and a few rounds, I promise to return it in 24 hours. We wonder what mischief Stuart might have been up to! Stuart goes on to state that his Cavalry are worked hard as the picket and patrol duty are very heavy. A wonderful war-date example. $11,000 - $15,000
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KENTON HARPER MANUSCRIPT ARCHIVE | The Civil War 102 Future CSA General, William Henry Whiting ALS, June 11, 1861 William Henry Whiting (1824-1865). Confederate General. ALS as Inspector General, 1p, 5 x 7.75 in., “Hd. Qrs. Harpers Ferry” June 11, 1861. A letter in which Whiting thanks Kenton Harper for his work at Shepherdstown. Autographs of the Confederacy lists Whiting as “an extremely scarce signature.” Whiting served with distinction in Stonewall Jackson’s Valley Campaign, at Richmond, and before Chancellorsville. He was wounded at the Second Battle of Fort Fisher by a musket ball to his leg and captured. After being transferred to Governor’s Island, NY, Whiting died on March 10, 1865, of dysentery that entered his wounds. $1,200 - $1,500
103 CSA General Joseph E. Johnston’s Signed Order to Evacuate Shepherdstown, June 13, 1861 Lot of 2: Joseph E. Johnston (1807-1891). Confederate General. LS as Brigadier General, 1p, 8 x 8.25 in., “Hd. Qrs. Harpers Ferry.” June 13, 1861. Addressed to Colonel Harper, Johnston states: Intelligence of the enemy’s movements apparently upon Winchester determine me to fall back upon that place this afternoon. Collect your troops, therefore as secretly as you can, and move to the same place by the best route. I am told it is through Charlestown. The time of day for this move I leave to yourself, - as the character of the country which you know must determine whether or not it is best to wait for darkness. Your point of union should be well in the rear and on the route you intend to take. Please seal, and send the enclosed to Col. Stuart. Accompanied by what appears to be the manuscript copy that Colonel Harper was to get to Colonel Stuart, 7.5 x 8.5 in. This copy was made by Major William Smith Hanger Baylor who commanded the 5th Virginia Volunteers, organized in Staunton with Johnston. $1,200 - $1,500
104 Joseph E. Johnston ALS, June 12, 1861 Joseph E. Johnston (1807-1891). Confederate General. ALS as Brigadier General, 1p, 8 x 8.5 in., “Hd. Qrs. Harpers Ferry.” June 12, 1861. Addressed to Colonel Harper. Johnston alerts Harper that Union troops were coming their way by train. Johnston is in great need of wagons at Harpers Ferry and asks Harper if he can quietly take possession of a few. $1,500 - $1,800
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KENTON HARPER MANUSCRIPT ARCHIVE | The Civil War 105 5th Virginia Company Commanders, Letters Regarding Issues They Would Like Colonel Harper to be Aware of or Solve Lot of 3: Captain S.H. Letcher, leader of Co. B, 5th Virginia, the “Rockbridge Rifles,” and brother of Virginia Governor John Letcher. ALS in which Captain Letcher alerts Kenton Harper about a dangerous situation at Shepherd’s Ford, 1p, 8 x 10.25 in., “Shepherds Ford.” June 12, 1861. Letter with some age-related holes. Brigadier General James H. Carson. ALS, 1p, 7.75 x 9.75 in., “Harpers Ferry.” April 30, 1861. Addressed to General Harper, Carson complains about Colonel Jackson, basically saying that Jackson would not communicate with him! Lieut. J.M. Shipman of the “Ready Rifles.” ALS, 1p, 7.5 x 12.25 in., “Shepherdstown.” June 11, 1861. Letter in which Colonel Harper is asked for help as Shipman’s captain is woefully deficient in his duty. $400 - $600
106 Documents Regarding Preparations for the Battle of Manassas, including A.S. Pendleton ALS Lot of 3: A.S. Pendleton (1840-1864). “Sandie” Pendleton was the youngest member of the staff of Gen. T.J. Jackson, and is often referred to as “Stonewall’s man.” He was killed at the Battle of Fisher’s Hill five days before turning 24. ALS, 1p, 7.75 x 9.75 in., “Hd Qrs. 1st Brigade.” June 26, 1861. Pendleton is writing to Captain Baumgartner, the Adjt. of the 5th Virginia Infantry. He notifies three of Colonel Harper’s Captains that he can now equip those companies with cartridge boxes and belts. Captain John Avis. ALS, 1p, 7.75 x 8 in., “Head Quarters Company K, Winchester.” June 18, 1861. Letter regarding securing “Minnie Rifles” for the 5th Virginia. Avis, of Co. K, 5th Virginia, “The Continental Morgan Guards” from Frederick County, VA, served as John Brown’s jailer during the John Brown trial, and accompanied him to the gallows. Brown gave Avis a Sharps carbine, which collectors now call the John Brown model, or “Beecher’s Bible.” DS confirming Colonel Kenton Harper received needed ammunition, 1p, 7.75 x 9.75 in. June 3, 1861. Document signed by various commanders of the 5th Virginia Volunteers (Captains and few Lieutenants) certifying that they received cartridges and caps, including: J.H. Waters; J.H. Stover Funk; A.W. Harman; J.W. Newton; H.J. Williams; W.G. Gilkeson; O.F. Grimman; G.T. Antrim; S.M. Crawford. $1,200 - $1,600
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KENTON HARPER MANUSCRIPT ARCHIVE | The Civil War 107 Thomas Stonewall Jackson ANS, June 30, 1861 Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson (1824-1863). Confederate General. ANS in response to a question that Colonel Kenton Harper had asked. “Camp Stephens.” June 30, 1861. Apparently, Harper had kept this note as a “souvenir example” of his famous commander, as it has been torn off from the letter to which it was attached. There is, however, the portion and opinion that Harper wrote before forwarding it to Jackson. Colonel Harper writes on June 30, 1861: From the tone of the written letter, and the impression derived from it, that the act was the result of misapprehension, I feel no disposition to prosecute the matter further, having done enough as I conceive, for discipline and example. If the officers arrested however, are not satisfied, I would request a Court Martial in the case. Colonel Jackson responds on the same day: The sentinel should have put the officers under guard. As the officer disavows all intention of violating orders I approve of Col. Harpers endorsement. For the collector who desires a nice Jackson ANS, this piece is excellent. $4,000 - $6,000
108 Colonel Kenton Harper’s Written Battle Report on Actions at Hainesville, July 2, 1861 Kenton Harper. ALS as Colonel, 6pp, 5 x 8 in., “Head Qrs, 5th Va. Infantry, Camp Near Martinsburg.” July 2, 1861. In this 6pp report, addressed to Colonel T.J. Jackson, Harper describes in detail the battle with Union General Robert Patterson’s forces at Hainesville, in Berkeley County, VA (now West Virginia), July 2, 1861. Accompanied by Harper’s List of Killed, Wounded, and Missing. A thorough battle report in which Harper describes the actions of his Regiment, stating in part: My men, forever stood well to their work, and by the severity of their fire held the enemy for some time in check, and when they attempted to advance, caused them to waver considerably... anticipating the necessity of finally yielding to such superior force, I sent back Major Baylor to request some artillery to be sent up, before abandoning the Farm buildings, which were the key to my position. Before being forced to retreat, the following, in Harper’s words, occurred: I then commenced falling back, ordering the companies to retire through the fields, and make a stand at every favorable point. This we continued to do, until we reached a piece of open woods. At this point, a piece of Capt. Pendleton’s battery came up, and opened fire down the road. The first two discharges I took to be explosions of the enemy’s shells, which they seemed to be throwing with remarkable accuracy upon my new line. On watching, however, for the next explosion, I discovered what I took to be dust was smoke going out towards the enemy. I then shouted “Boys, it is our Artillery - Rally upon it.” But before we could get up to it, the piece had retired, and we were forced to retreat. Full transcription of report available upon request. $1,200 - $1,600 56
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KENTON HARPER MANUSCRIPT ARCHIVE | The Civil War 109 Kenton Harper ALS, July 22, 1861, Aftermath of Battle of Manassas with Beauregard Endorsement Kenton Harper. ALS as Colonel, 1p, 7.25 x 9.25 in. July 22, 1861. Harper writes to Commanding General P.G.T. Beauregard seeking permission to send his wounded men from the 5th Virginia Regiment that had their residence in Staunton (also Harper’s hometown ) to be sent thither, at once, for treatment, and attention of their relatives. There is no doubt that Colonel Harper loved his men and sought to take care of his hometown friends. Bottom of letter endorsed by CSA General P.G.T. Beauregard and signed in his famous flourish: Approved G.T. Beauregard, Genl. $1,200 - $1,600
110 Battle of Manassas, Eight Reports from 5th Virginia Infantry Commanders Lot of 8 manuscript battle reports on the Battle of Manassas. Colonel Kenton Harper had each of his Company Commanders of the 5th Virginia Infantry write a report on their actions up to the “Stone Bridge,” where they halted. Remaining in the Harper Archive are the reports from Companies A, C, D, F, G, H, K, and L. Each report is one page in length, signed by the Captain of the Company who lists the killed, wounded, and missing. The following excerpt is from the report of Capt. A.W. Harman, from Camp Harman, August 15, 1861: On the 21st of July I went into the Engagement with my three Leiuts. [sic], seven non commissioned officers and forty two privates. When we formed on the hill at the frame house after the engagement, and were marched to the Stone Bridge in Rare (I think) of Col. Elzy’s brigade, I had with my three Lieuts. six non com officers and thirty privates, and marched from the Stone Bridge to Manassas Junction with that Number Rank and file. Thirty Six. Three men left the field without permission, six men were wounded in the engagement. (My first Corporal among the numbers) and I left four men in charge of the wounded. Add this number 13 to the thirty six, makes the forty nine men I left the camp on the morning of the 21st with. I was enabled to keep my men together through out the day by the very efficient services of my officers, both com’ed and non com’ed none of whom were absent from their proper positions during the whole day. Captain Harman references Corporal Doyle at bottom, who was... sick...Not in engagement...wounded near Stone House. According to the Regimental history, Corporal Doyle is recognized as the first man wounded in the Stonewall Brigade with a gunshot wound in his neck, July 2, 1861. $1,500 - $2,500
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KENTON HARPER MANUSCRIPT ARCHIVE | The Civil War 111 Three Manassas Battle Maps Owned by Kenton Harper, Plus Lot of 4, including 3 Manassas Battle maps owned by Colonel Harper along with his personal copy of Battle of Young’s Branch or Manassas Plain, by T.B. Warder & Jas. M. Catlett. Richmond, VA: Enquirer Book and Job Press, Tyler, Wise, Allegre and Smith, 1862. This rare Confederate imprint was published with two fold-out maps. Rarely are the maps ever seen as they would deteriorate from being folded, etc. Colonel Harper had both of these maps preserved in his archive and the larger of the two, titled Battle Field of Young’s Branch or Manassa Plains. Battle fought July 21, 1861, measuring 19 x 21.25 in., includes annotations in Harper’s hand in over 15 locations. The second map, titled Map of the country occupied by the Federal and Confederate Armies on the 18th & 21st July 1861, measures 11.25 x 15.25 in. These two maps present tremendous visual impact for display. The third map, Seat of War, Manassas and its Vicinity, 11 x 11.5 in., is printed on blue paper and was originally issued by the Richmond Enquirer. Each map has been de-acidified and conserved. Besides writing his name on the front of Battle of Young’s Branch, Harper made some comments in the back about the success in taking Rickett’s Battery: Col. Harper’s Regt. drove the enemy from Ricketts’ Battery, (six rifled pieces) and took the Captain prisoner, wounded and had him removed to the house which had been occupied by our General headquarters. (The Lewis home) Capt. Ricketts was an acquaintance of both the Colonel (Harman) and Lt. Col. in the Mexican War. And their competition was mutual on the field. There has been some controversy as to the Regt. which took the battery, first but it had been taken and recaptured several times before, and in the final struggle this Regt. had nine men shot down at the guns, and the lines were so close that one of the men killed his antagonist with a shot after the fight. The Regt. camped in pursuit of the enemy near the Stone Bridge. This work in the capturing of the Ricketts Battery by Capt. J.F. Preston’s Regt. which Gen. Beauregard attributed to Colonel Withers. The latter I understand formally disclaimed it. His Regt. was not within a quarter mile of that engagement and Col. Bartow arrived up with about fifty guns of his command, from my left as my men were down in the grass. $4,000 - $6,000
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112 Kenton Harper’s Manassas Battle Report to T.J. Jackson Kenton Harper. ALS as Colonel, 4pp, 7.5 x 9.5 in., “Head Quarters 5th Infantry, Camp Jackson.” July 22, 1861. Addressed to General T.J. Jackson, the following excerpts come from Colonel Harper’s report of his command of the 5th Virginia on July 21, 1861: About 4 A.M. I repaired as directed by you to the position occupied by General Longstreet, where I held my command for some considerable time, in anticipation of an advance of the enemy on that point, until it became manifest to you that the demonstration made was but a feint. Under your orders I then reunited with the rest of your brigade and moved to a position on the right of General Cocke’s and in rear of Colonel Bartoe’s command, where I remained about one hour. My regiment was again reunited to the brigade and advanced to a position in rare of General Bee’s brigade. Here I was ordered to advance to support of a battery then being brought into a position on my left. My instructions were to hold on to the position until the enemy approached over the crest of the hill, which would bring them within about fifty yards, when I was to fire upon them and charge. This order I executed in part, though subjected to an annoying fire of artillery and musketry, sheltering my men as best I could in my position of inactivity... After briefly falling back, Harper advanced for a second time, reaching the top of the hill and finding the enemy advancing from different points. He again retired to his first position, falling back through the
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skirt of woods in his rear, where he found...General Bee actively engaged in an effort to rally his scattered forces...Very soon...General Beauregard appeared on the field, under whose orders I subsequently acted. We advanced at once upon the enemy, keeping up a brisk and effective fire, which caused them to give way. After regaining the summit of the hill I ordered a charge to be made upon a battery of six pieces, commanded by Captain Ricketts, but such was the eagerness of the men in keeping up their fire upon the retiring foe, I could rally only a portion of the command to the work. At this juncture a considerable number of our troops of different commands had rallied on my left and formed perpendicularly to my line - who were seemingly inactive. I dispatched my adjutant to inform them of my purpose and invite their co-operation which was promptly given. After advancing his regiment to a hill on the right where Colonel Robert Preston’s regiment was stationed, Harper received orders from General Beauregard ...to move towards Centreville by way of the stone bridge. While passing by the battery, I found it operating against the retiring enemy in the distance. This, I am informed, was done by order of Colonel James F. Preston, of our brigade...After passing beyond the stone bridge the troops were halted and held together until near sunset when my command was marched back to Manassas Junction. Harper closes the report with warm acknowledgment of the cooperation of Lt. Colonels Harman and Baylor, as well as the losses of his regiment, including six killed, 47 wounded, and 13 missing. $2,500 - $3,500
KENTON HARPER MANUSCRIPT ARCHIVE | The Civil War 113 Thomas Stonewall Jackson, Endorsement on Kenton Harper ALS, August 12, 1861 Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson (1824-1863). Confederate General. Endorsement as Brigadier General on reverse of 2pp letter written to Jackson by Colonel Harper, 7.5 x 9.25 in., “Camp Near Centreville.” August 12, 1861. Harper’s letter has to do with a private named John N. Harris who Harper feels is possibly being mistreated. Jackson responds in typical Jackson form (by the book), and states: Hd Qrs. 1st Brigd. Aug. 12th, 1861 He can not be released Unless the order comes through Genl. Johnston T.J. Jackson Brig. Genl. Pacs Comdg. 1st Brigd. $2,500 - $3,500
114 Thomas Stonewall Jackson, ALS in Response to Col. Kenton Harper, August 29, 1861 Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson (1824-1863). Confederate General. ALS as Brigadier General, 2pp, on blue, imported paper, 7.5 x 9.75 in., “Head Quarters 1st Brigade, Camp near Centreville.” August 29, 1861. This letter presents one of the finest examples of patriotism and dedication that were traits of these two great leaders. General Lee had authorized General Jackson to offer a payment of $5 a piece for each musket that may be returned of those taken possession of by the people in and about Harpers Ferry. The citizens of Harpers Ferry that were loyal to the South had come to the rescue of the Arsenal when it was set on fire by fleeing Union troops. The citizens of course helped themselves to many of the muskets that had not been burned. General Lee, knowing that the South needed these weapons, therefore authorized
Jackson to buy them. Problem: Jackson states, No public funds had been turned over to me, and I could not procure the amount on credit... to pay these citizens...he had already...donated...his available private funds...for the purpose of securing important ordinance stores...for his troops. So what does he do? His old friend, Colonel Harper, comes to the rescue. Jackson states: I accepted of your patriotic proposition to borrow it from the bank upon your private credit. Previous to this letter, Colonel Harper had written to Jackson concerning this matter. In this letter, Jackson writes Sometimes since you stated to me that Virginia paid the principal, but refused to pay the discount on your note in bank for $2000. Then Jackson demonstrates his character that we have heard so much of: At that time I gave the assurance that if the state would not pay it I would.
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KENTON HARPER MANUSCRIPT ARCHIVE | The Civil War In concluding the letter, Jackson asks Harper to submit a statement of the amount due to him with this letter to the state official in charge. And if the state will not allow the amount, return the officer’s refusal to me, and I will make good my promise. In fine condition, the letter has been de-acidified and conserved. Written in dark ink with no fading and minor toning. A truly significant Jackson letter. Full Transcription: Head Quarters 1st Brigade Camp near Centreville Aug. 29th, 1861 Colonel, Whilst commanding officer at Harpers Ferry I received an official letter from Maj. Genl. R.E. Lee dated May 6, 1861, in which he states “You are authorized to offer the payment of $5. a piece for each musket that may be returned of those taken possession of by the people in and about Harpers Ferry. No public funds had been turned over to me, and I could not procure the amount on credit. My available private funds I turned over to the ordinance officer for the purpose of securing important ordinance stores. Under great pressure for funds for the purchase of the amount contemplated in Genl. Lee’s letter, I accepted of your patriotic proposition to borrow it from the Bank upon your private credit. Some time since you stated to me, that Virginia paid the principal, but re-
fused to pay the discount on your note, in Bank for $2000. At that time I gave the assurance that if the state would not pay it I would. This morning I received from you a statement respecting the subject from the cashier of the Bank of the Valley in Winchester. Please forward his statement with this letter to the proper officer for settlement, and if the state will not allow the amount return the officers refusal to me, and I will make good my promise. Your Most Obdt. Servt. T.J. Jackson Brig. Genl. P.A.C.S. Col. Kenton Harper 5th Regt. Va. Vols. Docket in Harper’s hand on reverse: Col. Kenton Harper’s Claim for discounts Paid on $2000 forwarded by him from Valley Bank, Winchester, for the public Service under the authority of Col. Jackson, Comg. Harpers Ferry. $18,000 - $25,000
115 Kenton Harper & Thomas Stonewall Jackson, Letters Signed, Plus A Sad Resignation Lot of 4, including: Kenton Harper. ALS as Colonel, with an endorsement signed by General T.J. Jackson, 1p, 8 x 10 in., “Camp Harman.” August 29, 1861. Colonel Harper writes to Jackson: I have just received intelligence of the serious illness of my wife, of such a nature, indeed, as induces me to apprehend I shall never her again alive. Under the circumstances I feel constrained by the highest obligations of duty to ask leave of absence for a few days. The adjoining page of the letter includes the text: Camp Harman/ Aug. 29th 1861/ Kenton Harper/ Col. 5th Va. Regt./ Applies for leave of absence. It was widely thought that Jackson “turned down” Harper’s request for a leave of absence, but that is not so, as on this document, Jackson signs the following: Hd. Qrs. 29 Aug./ 1st Brigade/ Respectfully approved/ and forwarded/ T.J. Jackson/ Brig. Gen. P.A.C.S./ Comg. 1st Brigade. Below that is written the following, not in Jackson’s hand: Hd. Qrs. Army Potomac/ Aug. 20th 1861/ Disapproved/ By comd. of Gen./ Thos. J. Jackson/ Not granted. It was not Jackson that disapproved Harper’s leave, but that of the Commanding General, Joseph E. Johnston. At some point, this letter was in a fire and a 1 in. portion of Harper’s letter and the “disapproved” portion on the reverse were damaged. To avoid further deterioration, the letter has been deacidified and conservation has been done with the filling of the burned portion. The restoration did not touch or come close to Jackson’s signature, and with the letter and endorsements on separate pages, this piece is excellent for display. Accompanied by: Kenton Harper. ALS as Colonel, 1p, 5 x 8 in., “Camp Harman.” September 3, 1861. Colonel Harper pens a touching and poignant letter to his old friend and commander Stonewall Jackson, tendering his resignation. He writes, in part: I respectfully tender my resignation as Colonel in The 62
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KENTON HARPER MANUSCRIPT ARCHIVE | The Civil War Active Volunteer Forces of Virginia. I deem it an act of justice to myself to say that I do so only because of the peculiar condition of my family, which requires my immediate presence. I hope therefore I may be allowed the indulgence to visit them at once upon my unconditional resignation. On the reverse of this retained copy, Harper has written: Approved by Gen. Jackson, but refused by Gen. Johnston until action could be had upon my resignation at Richmond. Thomas G. Rhett, A.A. General. ALS, 1p, 7.75 x 9.75 in., “Hd Qrs Army of the Potomac.” September 5, 1861. Approval of the resignation of Colonel Harper. Thomas G. Rhett was the older brother of one of the most famous “Fire-Eaters” in the South, Robert Barnwell Rhett, who has been referred to as the “Father of Secession.” Thomas, who served as A.A. General in Richmond, died on December 26, 1861, just three months after signing this document. Manuscript Special Order No. 270, 6.75 x 7.75 in., from the Secretary of War Department in Richmond, VA, September 15, 1861, accepting Harper’s resignation. Signed by the Assistant Adjutant General, George Deas. $5,000 - $7,000
THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | The Confederacy 116 Jefferson Davis, Correspondence with the CSA President 11 items. This war-date archive of correspondence received by Confederate President Jefferson Davis dates from January 1862 to March 1865. Most of these ten letters are from Confederate Congressmen or Senators, and some have notations in Davis’ hand. From Mississippi Senator James Phelan comes a letter dated Tupelo, July 12, 1862, urging Davis to establish partisan companies throughout the western Confederacy. In part: Capt. Wm. Morgan of Fayette Co, Tenn desires to raise a partisan company to operate in that state... The outrages of the enemy have fired the people within their lines with the deadliest animosity. The mass of the enemy furnishes no protection. Hundreds, I know, of all ages, will join such bands, if enlisted as soldiers so as to be treated as prisoners — but the threats and actual executions by the enemy enforce silence & submission as citizens. (Accompanied by an engraving of Phelan.) Also from Mississippi is a December 3, 1862, letter from Wiley Pope Harris, member of the Provisional Confederate Congress and a signer of the Confederate Constitution, urging Davis to strip less important locations of troops in order to defend the state capital of Jackson, noting that if Jackson falls, the Union will gain control of the right bank of the Mississippi and split the Confederacy in half, a situation ...you will not be able to contain its influence over our prospects for Peace and Independence. James Whitfield, a personal friend of Davis, relates in a letter dated August 10, 1863, the great dissatisfaction running through the state with General Pemberton after he surrendered Vicksburg. Whitfield remarks on rumors that Pemberton will resume command of the troops he surrendered at Vicksburg when they are paroled, noting Nothing could be more suicidal and tend more to prevent the prompt return to the Army of those troops who were surrendered at Vicksburg after the expiration of their furloughs than the idea that they were again to be placed under the command of General Pemberton. Two days later, Davis received a letter from near Jackson, Miss, from Ethelbert Barksdale, younger brother of famous CSA general William Barksdale, and a two-term Representative to the Confederate Congress: It is the universal wish of the army and of all the true friends of our cause in this State, that Gen. Pemberton be relieved from duty in this Department. Always regarded with suspicion, his ill success has made him an object of odium so intense that whatever capacity of usefulness he once may have had is utterly destroyed. On June 5, 1863, President Davis received an unsolicited letter from Georgia industrialist John W. Lewis. Noting that the President’s
property had all been destroyed by the Yankees, and doubting that his salary was sufficient to cover living in Richmond, Lewis reaffirms a verbal commitment to loan Davis $1000 to $5000 interest-free for up to five years, to help him out. This letter was docketed by Davis’s private secretary, Benton N. Harrison, as well as being annotated by Davis himself to be placed in his private files. A letter dated January 18, 1864 House of Reps from Congressman Lucius J Gartrell, concerns the ever-recalcitrant Governor of Georgia, Joseph E. Brown, who was constantly denying Davis’s requests for goods and men for the Confederate Army: Enclosed please find telegrams from Governor Brown this morning… Allow me to suggest the propriety of instructing Qr Master Genl to furnish the two engines and 40 cars ask for by Governor Brown and thus he will have no excuse for not promptly transporting supplies to Gen. Johnston. Gartrell led the 7th Georgia Infantry at First Manassas, where the regiment charged and captured Rickett’s Battery before Henry House Hill. Other letters include a long, eloquent letter from Confederate Congressman James Farrow of South Carolina, asking for CSA troops to be stationed near the passes in the Blue Ridge Mountains to prevent Federal raids into the western Carolinas; a note from Congressman Augustus H. Garland of Arkansas, and a note from Missouri Senator John B. Clark forwarding telegrams from Governor Jackson, who had fled with General Sterling Price into Arkansas. $1,500 - $2,500
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117 Robert E. Lee ALS, October 31, 1865, Regarding A Long Lost Horse Robert E. Lee (1807-1870). Confederate General. ALS as General, 1.5pp, 5.5 x 9 in., “Lexington, Va.” October 31, 1865. Lee writes to his old friend and former Quarter Master, Major John A. Harman, asking a favor of the man who had been so resourceful on his staff: Find his long lost, beloved horse Lucy Long. Lee writes to Major Harman, in part: You may recollect that in the spring of ‘64 you were kind enough to send back to be refreshed my sorrel mare. I heard of her last winter at A.M. Hairston’s (in Campbell or some County south of it) endeavoring to get her to me in the spring, but failed. Can you tell me what has become of her, whether captured or not, and whether if not I could get her to me. One of the most iconic images of the war is an aged General Lee sitting astride his famous gray horse Traveller. What many people do not know is that Lee actually owned and rode two horses alternately into battle during the war, the other being his beloved sorrel mare Lucy Long.
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General Lee had received Lucy as a gift from J.E.B. Stuart in 1862. General Lee rode Lucy for two full years during the war until, in 1864, when, according to Douglas Freeman, in his work R.E. Lee, pages 306-307: “Broken down then by hard riding and scanty food, the mare had been sent out to Henry County, Virginia, to recuperate. Lee recalled her before the opening of the Appomattox campaign, but never received her. She got into a stable of government horses and was sent to Danville, where she either was stolen or else was carried off by some soldier when the Confederacy collapsed.” Freeman goes on to state that in 1866, “Lee learned of her whereabouts...and paid for her out of consideration for Stuart’s memory.” What Freeman doesn’t state, nor do we find any other Lee biography is how Lucy Long was found, and this letter gives the rest of the story. $4,000 - $6,000
THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | The Confederacy 118 J.E.B. Stuart ANS, May 27, 1864 J.E.B. Stuart (1833-1864). Famed Confederate Cavalier. Autograph endorsement signed as Major General, 3.5 x 3.5 in., “Head Qrs Cav Corps.” May 27, 1864. This was written by Stuart nine days before he was mortally wounded at Yellow Tavern. An attractive endorsement, framed together with modern engraving of Stuart, 8 x 14 in. overall. $3,500 - $4,500
119 1862 Jenkins’s Vest-Pocket Lexicon Presented by CSA Major Thomas B. Webber, 2nd Kentucky Cavalry, to Dr. George Bickley Lot of 3, including: Jenkins’s Vest-Pocket Lexicon, by Jabez Jenkins. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott & Co., 1862. FFEP inscribed: Major Thos. B. Webber, 2 Ky. Calvary, No. D, Ohio Penitentiary, Columbus, Ohio, Solitary Confinement, Oct. 10 1863. Opposite side of FFEP continues the greeting from Webber, top left corner extremely brittle and partially separated: Ohio Penitentiary, Dec. 1, 1863/ Dr. Bickley/ Dear Sir,/ Having two pocket dictionaries allow me to present you this one which I trust will be acceptable and useful to you./ Your Bros. & Companion, Major Thos. B. Webber, 2 Ky. Cavalry, Gen. John H. Morgan’s Div., C.S.A. Dr. George Bickley was the founder of the Knights of the Golden Circle. Code is written throughout the lexicon, which can be assumed was used by both Webber & Bickley to communicate. The back of the lexicon also includes a pencil drawing of a prison cell titled in code and dated August 9, 1864, Vernon, OH. Accompanied by 2 CDVs, including portrait of Dr. George Bickley, with Brady/Anthony backmark, and signed view of Major Webber, taken while POW, with John J. Gihon, Philadelphia backmark. Webber enlisted as a captain in May of 1862 and was commissioned into Company F of the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry. He was taken prisoner in Ohio on July 22, 1862, and was subsequently exchanged. Webber was later promoted to major in January 1863, but he was recaptured during Morgan’s Ohio Raid in July 1863. $1,500 - $2,000 SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS, ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND CONDITION REPORTS OF ALL LOTS AT COWANS.COM
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120 Private Thomas W. Colley, 1st Virginia Cavalry, Archive 48 items. Private Thomas W. Colley of Emory, VA, served in the famed 1st Virginia cavalry from its formation under JEB Stuart until being mustered out in 1864 due to losing his left foot to wounds. This archive of camp letters is accompanied by the Jan. 1899 issue of Confederate Veteran, Vol. 7 No.1, with a biography of Colley and photo of him holding the standard of the 1st Virginia Cavalry as an old man, and the August 1821 issue of Confederate Veteran, Vol. 29 No. 8, containing the obituary of Colley on page 309, eulogizing him for his courage and powerful physique. His letters in this archive were used for several quotes in the regimental history of the 1st Virginia Cavalry printed in 1991 (hardback copy included.) One of the letters mentions John S. Mosby making it back to camp after being thrown from his horse, noting You recall I mentioned in my last that the Doctors thought it very doubtful whether he would recover or not. Many of the letters relate the almost constant skirmishes the 1st Virginia Cavalry were involved in, first under JEB Stuart’s command, then under the leadership of William “Grumble” Jones, and Fitzhugh Lee. One letter, dated Camp Jackson, June 17th, 1862 is on illustrated letterhead honoring the CSA Cavalry. Other letters mention action surrounding the Seven Days battles, Antietam, Second Manassas and more. Colley missed the fight at Second Manassas, due to having his
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foot creased by a musket ball, preventing him from riding. Despite this, when he found out that the Army of Northern Virginia was invading Maryland, he made a cushion for his foot across his horse, and rode to join them. Colley’s photocopied application for inclusion in the Wall of Fame in Richmond, which accompanies this archive, details the four wounds he received in the line of duty, including being shot through the body and left for dead on the battlefield. The fourth wound, which resulted in the amputation of his foot, disabled him from further service. Some of the letters are from when Colley was detailed to the quartermaster department in Gordonsville after his severe chest wound, bringing worn out horses to the rear, and fresh ones to the front. He chafes at duty in the rear, noting It will suit a man very well that is afraid of bullets. April 2, 1864, finally finds him back with his company, and the news that Grant has assumed command in the East. June 3rd, he writes home about his latest and last wound, taking a bullet through the ankle joint. The last several letters were written from Jackson Hospital, while his foot heals. On June 26, 1864, he speaks of Hunter’s raid against the Confederate railroad between Petersburg and Richmond: He is the grandest villain I ever heard of since the war commenced. On September 7, 1864, he notes that the only chance the South has of an acceptable peace is for anti-draft forces to win the Northern elections, as the Southern Army would be wiped out by the time they could clean out the Yankee armies that were in the field before the election. $3,000 - $4,000
THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | The Confederacy
121 Ambrose M. Hite, 33rd Virginia Infantry, Stonewall Brigade, Civil War Archive 7 items. Ambrose Martin Hite (1843-1921) was a 19-year old native of Page County who was serving as a private in his local militia company, the Page Grays (Co. “E” of the 97th Virginia Militia,) when General “Stonewall” Jackson ordered the Valley militias disbanded in the spring of 1862 and their men transferred into Confederate service. Hite enlisted in Co. “H,” 33rd Virginia Infantry of the “Stonewall Brigade” with most of the Page Grays on April 8, 1862, replacing casualties suffered by the regiment at Kernstown. He served with the 33rd Virginia through the major engagements of the war in the East, including the famous Valley Campaign and Gettysburg, until the Stonewall Brigade was all but wiped out in the Mule Shoe at Spotsylvania. Taken prisoner of war on May 12, 1864, Hite was immediately sent to the Ft. Delaware POW camp, where he remained for the duration. He took the Oath of Allegiance after the war, on June 20, 1865, and was released the same day. These seven letters written by Hite to his family date from April to December of 1863. The first letter, dated April 2, 1863, from Camp Winder, Caroline Co., VA, notes that Four more of our boys were let out of the guardhouse this evening. They were sentenced to be shot, but were reprieved, going on to name presumably local boys from Page Co. June 8, 1863, finds Ambrose writing his father: On a march, Culpepper Co. Va. Speculation among the Stonewall Brigade was that the concentration of forces at Culpepper Court House meant a return to the Valley, but Hite says I am afraid we will have another Manassas scrape, but I only hope we will whip the Yankeys and run them out of Virginia. Little did they realize that this was the start of Lee’s second invasion of the North, which would culminate at Gettysburg. Hite gives such precise information of the marches of the Stonewall Brigade in his letters that you can follow them on a period road map. A letter dated June 29, 1863, contains great content regarding the Gettysburg campaign, as Hite contrasts the enthusiastic reception of the Marylanders of the Army of Northern Virginia with the sullen hostility of the Black Dutch of Pennsylvania once they crossed the border. He notes that Pennsylvania is a rank abolition state... The people are mostly Dutch through this country, and the people are very ugly here... We are about four miles from Carlisle Town. We are twenty two miles from
Harrisburg, which is the capital of this state...We have had no fight with the Yankeys since we crossed the Potomac. After a detailed description of the farmland and crops, he continues Some of the people here don’t believe that Gen Jackson is dead. They think this is one of his raids...Our men are not treating the citizens here as bad as the Yankeys treat you all, by right smart...We are taking their horses and some of their waggons. We also take corn, flour, shugar, and molasses. We are sending lots of flour back to Virginia... We get plenty to eat now. The next letter, with unstamped cover, is dated September 12, 1863, from Camp Stonewall Brigade, Orange Co. VA. Ambrose tells his sister of the news regarding some of their relatives serving in the Stonewall Brigade: I heard from John Hite and David. John is dead and David was left at Gettysburg to wait on the wounded. Don Weekly brought the news, he was left at Gettysburg wounded, he was paroled and sent home. Hite’s 4pp letter of December 5th relates the adventures of the 33rd Virginia in the Battle of Mine Run. He describes how the Stonewall Brigade was marched from Orange Court House towards Mine Run to meet the advance of Meade’s army: When we were marching along, we heard cannonading in our front. After we had gone some three miles the yankeys attacked our division in the rear. (This was General Henry Prince’s 2nd Division of III Corps.) We halted then, and sent out skirmishers. The skirmishers commenced firing very rapidly directly. A line of battle was now formed, and then we was ordered forward. We then started with a yell down through the woods. We then soon came in contact with the yankeys. We drove the yankeys twice from their position. We quit fighting after dark. After this attack (at Paynes Farm,) the 33rd Virginia took its place on the Confederate defensive line, building up their breastworks for the next three days. We expected to have a big fight there, but the yankeys was afraid to attack us in our fortifications... I do not think old Meade will pester us any more this winter. The last letter is actually a letter to his father on one side of the page, and a letter to his sister Fannie on the other. Dated December 13, 1863, Hite notes that casualties have hit the regiment hard, with only five men in his mess now. He mentions again that he would really appreciate a box of provisions from home, and hopes his father can come to camp and visit. It had been a year since the 33rd had left the Valley, and Hite had been home only two days since then. In all, a nice collection of letters from a Valley boy who went to war with Stonewall Jackson and lived through it all. $1,000 - $1,500
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THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | The Confederacy 122 CSA Archive of Daniel N. Speer, 60th Georgia Volunteers 132 items, not including relics. This large, mostly war-date archive covers the life and duties of attorney Daniel Norwood Speer of La Grange, during his service in the Confederate Army as quartermaster of the 60th Georgia Infantry. Included are three prewar slave documents. These three documents relate to the purchase of slaves in antebellum Georgia. The first, dated December 31, 1851, is a bond for John Barnett and William J. Barnett (who is a minor) to pay $3600 to the guardian of Williams new wife, Penelope Barnett (nee Moreland) for ... three negroes, to wit Nelson, a man about 27 years of age, Adeline, a girl about 10 years of age, & Jane, a girl about 11 years of age. The slaves were part of the estate of Penelope’s father. Looked at in a certain way, this document is a father “co-signing” with his son for the purchase of human beings. The second, dated March 15, 1856 is a fee simple deed, where Thomas Douglas is selling a slave woman and her infant to his son-in-law to hold in trust for his daughter: a certain negro woman named Mary and her infant child Mary, being about twenty years of age and her child about one year of age. The last is undated, but is an illuminating view of how slaves were viewed by slaveowners: To Messrs Amos and Beall, I send my little son with an order to R. Davis for a note I give for the purchase of Walter, negro. Any notes that may be left in his hand against Walter I will settle. Please attend to it for me give him the order & send the note by my son, Also send me a statement of the amt I paid on the docket as the note is not credited, and oblige C.Rumple. This may be the same “Walter” mentioned by Speer’s 12 year-old sister when writing to him: Walter had the pleasure of having hot water poured on him yesterday morning, so you see we had like to have had another dead negro. Speer began the war as the quartermaster of the Fannin Greys, a militia company which became Co “B” of the 60th Georgia Infantry. Their first duty was building defensive works on Skidaway Island, on the approaches to Savannah. Duty was not unpleasant, and Speer had his servant (slave) Dick with him. In letters to his wife from Skidaway Island, he notes: Dick is well & sends his respects to all; he is a very good cook. Speer allowed Dick to make some money on the side, by setting up a laundry service and charging a nickel per garment. Two covers from this period have five-cent Jefferson Davis stamps (one blue, one green.) In March 1862, the troops obeyed orders to abandon the fort they had labored so hard to build, replacing the cannon with painted logs and posting sentries along the walls so that the nearby Yankees couldn’t tell the garrison was evacuating. In April, they captured 18 Yankee prisoners, all Dutch (probably German.) Speer writes his wife, I talked with them all. They bear no enmity against the South, are very ignorant and appear to have little spirit in them... Oh! How I wish we had our independence and I was home with you. The 60th Georgia was sent to fight under “Stonewall” Jackson in the Shenandoah Valley. They traveled with Jackson to fight in the Peninsular Campaign to drive McClellan away from Richmond, and participated in the big battles on the Eastern front.
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A letter describing the battle of Antietam survives: I write in the lull of another great battle. Since I last wrote, Harpers Ferry, garrisoned by 12000 United States troops, has surrendered to our (Jackson’s) Army. Near the spot where I now write, two large armies now stand or recline face to face in an almost exhausted condition. Our whole Va and Valley has for two days fought the combined Yankee army. They fought until late last night, and today both combatants seem too much exhausted to resume the attack... Our Brigade and Regt. as usual suffered severely, Genl Lawton is wounded Col Douglas and our Brigadier is killed. Adj, Dan Hill is missing & supposed killed. Speer goes on to list the names of the wounded in the regiment, asking his father-in-law to notify the families. On July 27, 1862, he received the news he had been dreading for months. His tiny sickly infant daughter had died. Speer’s father in law wrote a heart-breaking letter, informing him of the tragedy. Included is the death notice for the baby, dated July 28. At the beginning of the Gettysburg campaign, Speer’s wife asked him to send a lock of his hair. That lock of hair, along with his reply, are included in this archive. Also included is a swatch of fabric from the cloth he bought in Pennsylvania during the invasion and sent home in a box. In November 1863, Speer received a transfer to the Department of the Trans-Mississippi, where he served under Buckner, and split his time between Louisiana and Texas. From the documents in the archive, most of his time was spent scouring both states for horses and mules to buy or impress. He must have performed well in his duties, as his superiors then demanded that he find a locomotive! In the closing days of the war, he was ordered to be on-hand when the cavalry regiments were dismounted, and acquire the horses for the artillery branch. After the war, Speer returned to his law practice in La Grange, but soon moved to Atlanta to become a businessman and industrialist. He remained in Atlanta until his death in 1893. $4,000 - $6,000
THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts 123 David P. Williams, Natchez Planter, Manuscript Archive Regarding Secession 23 items. This interesting archive of letters is written by Natchez plantation owner and slaveholder David P. Williams to William H. Anderson regarding finding private teachers for the children of Natchez’s planter elite. Ranging from April 1859 to April 1861, these letters cover a tumultuous time in the history of the Deep South. The first letter, dated April 20, 1859, is to the Rev. I.W. Hough, asking him to find another teacher in addition to his brother Joel, who is already on his way to Natchez. Mr. Williams requires a moral man, and if he were studying for the ministry would much prefer it as we are very much in want in this neighborhood of someone to preach to our negroes. In addition to qualifications in the different subjects, and being a good disciplinarian, and importantly that is his views in regard to our institutions, if they are not entirely sound, all other requirements would be counteracted. The remaining letters are to William H. Anderson, the man who previously taught at William’s Sligo plantation. Anderson returned North after catching yellow fever, and Williams asked for help in finding a replacement teacher. The Williams, who considered Anderson as family, kept trying to entice him back to Sligo Plantation, but finally realized his health would not allow it. On October 29, 1860, Williams writes to say that he has offered the job to Anderson’s old classmate, J. Oscar Tiel (see Lot 125 for Tiel’s adventures in Natchez). January 1861 brought tragedy to the Williams, as their fourth child in 15 months died of disease. He speaks of the breakup of the United States: The state of our Country is giving us all great anxiety, but I am at last persuaded that it is broken to splinters. peaceably if we can, fighting if we must. I know that there is a great conservative feeling at the North, but even with them, the feelings of aversion to our institutions are such that they are passive even if they could control the lunatics, which I do not believe they can. Then again, if we are to continue our institutions, we will never be as strong again as now. We would have to make such
124 Dartmouth Graduate, Joel Hough, Pre and Early Civil War-Period Archive written from the Deep South 17 items. Archive of letters from teacher and minister Joel J. Hough as a young man employed as a private teacher to the children of wealthy Natchez planters, written to his Yale classmate William H. Anderson. These letters, dated from the summer of 1859 through February of 1862, give a view of life among the elite of the Deep South as seen by a young New Englander. Joel Hough was hired to teach a private school located on the Natchez plantation known as Retirement, which was founded in 1791 on a Spanish land grant. The young man was awestruck at the beauty of the land and the style of living among the wealthy Mississippi planters: The houses here are very fine & furnished with all the elegancy of city life & we live here at Retirement like kings. Being a theological student, he began preaching sermons to the local slaves. Hough’s letters are full of slave content. A fine example is his letter of August 8, 1860, which reads in part: Last Sabbath night a negro killed an overseer on one of Dr. Metcalf’s places. Also two of those detestable hounds here were coupled together & got stride of a fence & hung til both were dead. That cur Punch came into my room one day since you left & I was tempted to give him that whipping he was to have had from you, but mercy got the better of justice & he escaped…. Also heard that Mr. Henry B. has four slave children, one on this place, two at Mr. Session’s and one
demands as cannot be granted, and I do not believe we can depend on the Constitution, if amended to suit us now, when all the power of the government is in the hands of a Republican party. I have been a long time coming to this belief, and feel very sad it must be so… On March 11, 1861, Williams writes Anderson to inform him that Tiel has decided to return North, since the formation of the Confederacy. He expressed hope that secession would be peaceful but assures Anderson there is no chicken hawk in what has been done here. April 2, He writes Anderson, asking him to be on the lookout for the right sort of man to reopen the school in September. This was not to be, as Fort Sumter was fired upon ten days later, igniting the Civil War. $800 - $1,000
elsewhere, & that Mr. Edwin B. had one in town before he was married. Had a spat with Mrs H.B. the other day about the ministers at the North preaching abolition. As the election of 1860 heated up, sectarian passions were inflamed: Since Mr. B returned from the north he is so out of love with everything that is Northern that I fancy there is little chance of the boys going to Andover into college. He is for having them stay here to be soldiers to fight the northern Wide Awakes…last week a daguerro artist [at Jackson, MS] was
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THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts found to have been tampering with slaves, & they took him to nearest tree & elevated him. I called a Mr Sessions to see his teacher & took tea last eve. While there Mr S had a letter from the overseer on one of his river places letting him —- with 125 bales of cotton was burned, and what made the matter worse was that it was set on fire by the negroes & that after it was discovered they all revolted & could be made to do nothing towards saving that —- out under the shed & to keep the buildings about from taking fire… I reckon the darkies will suffer when he gets among them. Hough’s letter of Nov 19 is a fantastic overview of the reaction in the South over Lincoln’s election, as well as his exultation of Lincoln’s victory (a sentiment he wisely keeps to himself.) Political arguments raged at the dinner parties at the local plantations, where he became something of a “whipping boy” for the planters’ anger. He confides in his old classmate Anderson a scathing indictment of the South: While their school system, equestrian locomotion, etc will come in for a full share of praise, that old gallows & an exhibition of a certain piece of rope will make a capital illustration in regard to their social system & reverence of law and the due forms of justice. The tell-tale faces of so many yellow people speaks of the morality of both whites & blacks, & forty six murdered in a single week in New Orleans suggests a volume about passion, gambling, & open contempt & defiance of law.
125 Dartmouth Graduate, J. Oscar Tiel, Pre and Early Civil War-Period Archive 11 items. This archive of letters from J. Oscar Tiel to W.H. Anderson date from December 1860 to August 1862, following his adventures as a New Hampshire Yankee in the Secessionist South, his return North, and enlistment in the “Dartmouth Company” of the three-months 7th Rhode Island cavalry squadron. The first letter, dated December 3, 1860, finds Tiel at Sligo Plantation, outside Natchez, MS. In it, he details his journey from New Hampshire, across to Chicago (where he met President-elect Lincoln and Vice President-elect Hamlin and their wives, shaking their hands.) The train to Cairo was snowed-in, and they had to burn fence railings to survive. He arrived by riverboat to Natchez, where he was employed as a private teacher of the children of rich plantation owners. The next letter, dated February 27, 1861, bears the curious location of New Orleans, Louisiana Southern Republic. The State had seceded from the Union in January, and was an independent nation. Amid the big celebrations is the hope that secession would be “peaceable.” Tiel was reconsidering his situation, and had about decided to return North and attend Harvard. He had apparently taken Anderson’s place as private. On March 16, he took some of the boys down to see the 1814 battlefield where Andrew Jackson defeated the British: All I see in the political aspect of N.O. since the inauguration at W[ashington] is a more thorough preparation for war… I think old family ties must be obliterated in the North. By May, he was back in New Hampshire, studying in various law offices in the city of Franklin. June found him as legal assistant to Judge George Washington Nesmith, looking up case precedents. Despite his friends and pleasant times in the Deep South, Tiel was a “Union Man,” through and through: Our NH regiment is in the advance army, The Sec. Regiment is a more proficient one than the first. The leg. will probably appropriate a million for war purposes, and raise a regiment of state militia in each county. The rebels must succeed or every dollar of northern riches and every life must go. Extermination for one or the other side is my notion. The archive skips a year, to find Tiel in Company “B”, 7th Squadron, Rhode Island Cavalry. From Camp Sprague outside Washington, DC, the squadron made scouting patrols into Virginia: 70
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By January 1861 the young theologian was thoroughly disgusted with all political parties, and the government’s inaction over open rebellion, but notes that The South will not be very easily whipped or kept whipped in case it is once done... It would be disastrous in the extreme for a hostile enemy to come here among the planters. While now there is no danger of servile insurrection, the case would be very different with an army of enemies here. Hough was paid off, and released from his contract a day early by his employer, so he could not address the class. However, all the planters whose children he taught gave him enthusiastic letters of recommendation. He went to stay with his brother, who was a minister, in order to study his Hebrew and prepare for theology seminary. Hough filled in for his brother at his church when he fell ill. His letters to Anderson alternate between catching up on news of old classmates and criticizing the government’s timid approach to the war: If our government don’t get over their fear that they shall hurt somebody, I shan’t care if England, France or JAPAN recognizes the CSA & all pitch in to give us fits. Regarding the draft, which he sees as inevitable, he remarks, ain’t lawyers and ministers exempt? $2,000 - $2,500
You would judge by our riding through these woods and bogs that Knight -Errantry was revived. Our arms are sabers and Colt’s navy revolvers. We had carbines but exchanged yesterday. Probably we are to act as patrolmen in this city. The disciplined troops are being all removed to Richmond, or rather to the peninsula, and the city is left almost unprotected except by the 9th R.I. - 3 months men - and this little squadron...I think I shall continue in the army in some capacity after this three months, or perhaps be transferred sooner to a NH or Mass Regt… I wish to learn from you soon what the state of feeling is in Mass and what the opportunities are to be for commissions. I think I should have no difficulty in procuring any situation in a N.H. regiment. August 14th found Tiel’s cavalry squadron at Winchester, VA, the Federal base of operations in the Shenandoah Valley. They were engaged in scouting and picket duty: There is in and about Winchester a large Union element, much more than I expected to find. Indeed, I didn’t think there was such a sentiment here in any degree. The larger proportion of the people I think are unmistakably Union. They have been quiet, expecting the return of Jackson… I have talked to the sons of men who went across into PA or Md when Jackson advanced... The force stationed here is the brigade of Gen’l White… This is the key to the Valley and is strongly fortified with newly erected forts. No
THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts Jackson can pass here and it seems by late news, he can’t even approach. Tiel also talks more about duty around Washington: At Alexandria we were close to Fairfax Seminary about three miles from the city… There was nothing to do but guard our own camp and drill. Our rides there were not simple recreations, being extended often to thirty and forty miles. Around us was encamped Gen Shield’s brigade, or the remnant of it. The brigade went under Banks with 5000 men, and there are but a thousand left, and of the missing, but few are prisoners. The last time we were out, we stopped to supper at an old Rebel’s fed our horses and ourselves bountifully and then drove off a hundred head of his cattle and some horses.
He notes that their term of service is about to expire: Our three months are up the 24th Sept. It is said we are to go to RI a week earlier and be mustered out on that day for the double purpose of getting as many as possible of the RI boys to re enlist and also of organizing as soon as may be possible a battalion of cavalry, which our major is to command. Actually, with Lee invading Maryland, the squadron volunteered to remain on active duty until the Confederates were driven back into Virginia. When Union forces were driven out of the Valley, and Harpers Ferry surrendered, the 7th RI Cavalry managed to evade capture and return to the Army of the Potomac, where it did picket duty during Antietam. $1,000 - $1,500
126 Quantrill’s Raid in Lawrence, Kansas, Civil War Letter & CDV A Civil War letter on Quantrill’s raid in Lawrence, KS, written by a female hotel/inn owner M.A.C(hesley). Killam (1831-1916). 4pp (4.75 x 8 in.), Lawrence, KS, Apr. 25, 1864. Accompanied by a CDV of Lawrence. Born in Barnstead, NH, Mary A. Chesley married George F. Killam on December 14, 1854. Mary was a religious person. The Killams were described as “pronounced abolitionists,” and joined others in 1855 in the migration to Kansas, to add to the residents who would vote to keep Kansas slavery free. They operated the Eastern House hotel, then built a larger frame hotel/boarding house, the Killam Hotel. Many prominent people were guests, including John Brown, William Phillips and Jim Lane. George Killam died on May 13, 1863. On August 21 of that same year, William Clarke Quantrill and some 300 (or more) Confederate raiders entered Lawrence at dawn. Mary writes to her Uncle back in New Hampshire: ...the rebels came upon us like a flash of lightning in a clear day. They took six men from my house & shot 5 of them immediately. Killed a negro who had run in for safety, shot him in my dining room, & he burned up. God only knows the anguish of that hour. 83 women lost husbands, 240 children were made orphans. No description can do justice to its details. There were 183 houses on fire at the same time. The old & young & old fared alike. Men were shot with their wives clinging to them & with their children in their arms.... She tells him: I will first say that I lost all I had in the world except my soap staf(?), that is my house & all its contents. Clothing & all, saved only about 5 dollars worth & that was bedding. Saved not a single picture. I was what the world termed in good circumstances. I was offered five thousand dollars for my three lots on which the house stood. Then had all my furniture besides which I could have sold for two thousand more.... If my house had not been burned I should now been out of debt & money besides & in two years more would have commanded 10,000 at any time my property would have brought that at any sale, I still own my lots, ....My lots are very valuable, good as any in town. After the war, Mrs. Killam built a new house on one of the lots, not in the same location as the first. She built herself a separate house some time later on another of the lots. The accompanying CDV provides a view of the west side of Massachusetts Street in Lawrence, looking north, ca early 1860s, with the Eldridge Hotel at the end of the block. Our thanks to jms (Portals2history), who posted Mary Killam’s biographical information on Find-a-Grave. Please see that site for additional information. $1,000 - $1,500
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THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | The Union 127 Joshua Chamberlain, CMOH Gettysburg, ANS, November 30, 1864 Joshua Chamberlain (1828-1914). College professor from Maine who volunteered his services and became a Medal of Honor-winning Brevet Major General, and later a four-time Governor of Maine and president of Bowdoin College. ANS as Brigadier General, 2.5 x 3.25 in., “Hd. Qrs. 1 Brigade 1 Div. 5 Corps.” November 30, 1864. A beautiful ANS signed J.L. Chamberlain, Brig. Gen. Comdg. $1,500 - $2,500
128 Napoleon Dana, Union POW Exchange Document Signed Manuscript document dated April 14, 1865, which discusses the return of Union prisoner’s of war from the Confederate camps: Vicksburg, Miss. April 14th, 1865. 1st It is understood that the Confederate Agents of Exchange at this point, agree to permit the prisoners now encamped near this city, to go to such places as the United States may direct, upon parole of honor, not to serve against the Confederate States in any Military or constabulary capacity until regularly exchanged. 2nd. That they have been induced to this action by the following telegraphic despatches from Lieut. Gen. Grant, U.S.A. and Col. Robert Ould Chie4f of Exchange Bureau, C.S.A. official copies of which having been furnished by Major General N.J.T. Dana Commanding Department of Mississippi. Cairo, Ill. April 10th 1865. “By telegraph from Headquarters Armies Appomatox. April 9th, 1865.” The telegraphs from General Grant and Col. Ould inform Dana that prisoners are being sent to Vicksburg after being released. Then: 3rd. That paroled prisoners under this agreement, furloughed home, while observing the terms upon which their paroles are given, are not to be captured by the United States or Confederate forces, so long a they conform to the law. The telegraph messages were sent, obviously, after the signing of the surrender by Confederate forces at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. One of the problems was that other Confederate Armies had not yet surrendered, only the ANV. Joseph Johnston’s Army of Tennessee was still fighting Sherman’s forces; Kirby Smith was 72
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still fighting in the Trans-Mississippi region; Stand Watie’s Cherokee Mounted Rifles were still fighting in Indian Territory; as were many smaller Armies and independent units, such as Mosby’s Rangers/ raiders. The telegraph messages were sent to let all generals know that released prisoners were not to be captured, although some of them were not in ready communication. Signed on the third page by Maj. Gen. N.J. Dana, District of Vicksburg, and N.G. Wallis and A.M. Henderson, Commissioner of Exchange for the Confederacy. Napoleon Jackson Tecumseh Dana (1822-1905) was a graduate of the USMA (1842, 29/56). He, like most graduates in the 1840s, served garrison duty in the West until the start of the Mexican War. After that short conflict, he returned to garrison duty in the north, principally Minnesota. He resigned in 1855 to take up a civilian career, although he remained active in the state militia. With the start of the Civil War, he raised the first Minnesota infantry unit and was commissioned Brig. Gen. in 1862, attached to the Army of the Potomac. He served in early battles in the Eastern Theater, including Richmond and Antietam, where he was seriously wounded and thought to be dead. After recovering, he fought in the south and west, serving in the Armies of the Gulf, Tennessee and Mississippi. With Lee’s surrender, he resigned to engage in mining in the west. The Army seems to have exposed him to opportunities he might not otherwise have considered. After a short period, like so many other generals, he became a superintendent of railroads. By the end of the century, President Cleveland tapped him as commissioner of pensions, although McKinley replaced him when he came to office. $1,000 - $1,500
THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | The Union 129 Union General, Edward Wild, Civil War Archive 18 letters, 3 CDVs, and 2 associated items. An archive of letters concerning Brigadier General Edward Augustus Wild. Eschewing his medical training, he enlisted on May 22, 1861, as a captain in the 1st Massachusetts Infantry, commanding two companies of the regiment at First Manassas. He was wounded at Fair Oaks in the Peninsular Campaign. Promoted colonel to command the 35th Massachusetts Infantry, he was severely wounded a second time at the battle of South Mountain, when a musket ball shattered his upper left arm, requiring amputation at the shoulder. After recovering, he was promoted to brigadier general, and tasked with organizing the freed slaves of North Carolina into Union infantry regiments. He led what became known as “Wild’s African Brigade” on operations in the Carolinas and the siege of Petersburg, ending with occupation duty in the former Confederate capital of Richmond. Immediately after the war, Wild worked in asserting military control in Georgia, including helping establish Freedman’s Bureau offices. Most of these letters were sent to Wild’s mother, and consist not only of letters from Wild himself, but many from his wife and brothers. The archive starts out strong with a letter dated August 4, 1861, from Fort Albany in Alexandria, VA. In it, Wild gives a vivid description of how the different sounds of the various deadly projectiles hurtling towards him seemed like being trapped inside a gigantic pipe organ. Relating how his two companies were left hanging on the left flank after the collapse of the Union Army, he describes how they ended up in Alexandria and were pressed into service preparing for a possible Confederate attack.
A September 29, 1862, letter from Wild’s wife Ellen to his mother describes his trek to seek medical aid after his arm was shattered in battle, passing houses full of wounded, and climbing fences in the dark while holding his bad arm with his good one. When stretcher bearers found him, the first ambulance they came to had General Reno’s body in it, so they continued on. Wild, an ardent abolitionist, was proud of his black brigade. In a postscript to a September 17, 1863, letter from Folly Island SC, he notes, Wagner and Gregg have fallen. Some of my men were of the foremost to rush into them. They being all night in the trenches, armed themselves with pikes from the ditch of Wagner, and rushed upon Gregg, ahead of everything. In 1864, Ellen came to live at Brigade HQ, and on September 19, she writes a charming letter to her mother in law describing the primitive conditions in camp. In July 1865, Wild warns Ellen: This will be no place for you for a long time yet. The Rebels are beaten, but not subdued…. the people are beaten, they submit, some decently, but the majority in a surly & grumbling manner, and too many of them vent their spite on the poor Negroes. Slavery is in full force in all the rural districts outside the reach of the military arm, & within our reach there are constant outrages, mainly by the planters, but some by the Negroes. Many letters regard the health of Wild’s father, who had apparently suffered a stroke. Several others are written by Ellen to Wild’s mother, so that Wild would not have to write twice with his single arm. Also included are two full-length CDVs of Wild, taken in Boston, and one bust portrait taken in Union-controlled Norfolk, which shows a scar on Wild’s left eye after being wounded. $2,000 - $2,250
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130 Civil War Archive of Brothers, General Edward Wild & Walter Wild, 54th Massachusetts & 36th USCT 46 war-date and post-war documents, 3 CDVs. Captain Walter H. Wild began his service in the Union Army on April 17, 1861, a mere three days after the fall of Ft. Sumter. Enlisting as a corporal in the 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery (3 months,) he was part of Patterson’s Army of the Shenandoah. Unlike his brother Edward, a captain in the 1st Massachusetts Infantry, Walter missed the first battle of Bull Run. Re-enlisting in March 1862, Wild served in South Carolina with the 3rd Rhode Island Heavy Artillery as a bugler. On March 13, 1863, he was commissioned as first lieutenant of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, a colored unit made famous in the film “Glory.” On October 28, he was promoted to captain in the 36th US Colored Troops. However, he spent much of the latter part of the war as aide de camp to his brother, who had been promoted brigadier general and charged with raising and training black troops in North Carolina. While serving in General Wild’s “African Brigade,” Walter was wounded in the forehead at the battle of Wilson’s Wharf. Legend has it that he had a silver plate the size of a silver half dollar implanted in his skull as a result. This archive contains several letters from Walter Wild that stretch from 1861 to 1866. It also contains letters from family members relating to the service of the Wild brothers, and concerning the elder Dr. Wild, who had suffered a stroke. In addition, it includes three CDVs taken in occupied Norfolk, VA. The first letters, from Wild’s service in the 1st RI Light Artillery, reveal his enthusiasm for soldiering, but also his jaded view with how the war was conducted. On May 12, 1862, Walter sees his first colored troops in Federal service: They have already begun organizing a black regiment with white officers here, similar to the Sepoys of India.Two companies were sent out the morn to drive in the contraband from the upper end of the island, able bodied men only. I shall be glad to see it done. They are a lazy saucy pack of hounds costing U.S. a pretty sum. By the summer of 1863, Walter was serving as Edward’s only staff officer, as they tried to train, equip, and find white officers for the colored regiments they had been tasked to raise. The troops were eager and willing, and soon Walter believed they drilled as well as the troops in the 54th Massachusetts. What was holding them back was a lack of commissioned officers willing to lead black troops (whether from prejudice, or the fact that white officers captured leading black troops were summarily executed by the Rebels.) This situation was seen as an opportunity by ambitious lower ranks: However, this will not long be so for white men have condescended and even asked to become non commissioned officers with the prospect of promotion. 74
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On October 17, 1863, on Folly Island, SC, Capt. Wild notes they are Fighting in the old McClellan style with shovel and pick and axe and hatchet. Proud of the progress the free blacks and freed slaves had made, Wild states: I only wish we could exhibit our brigade today for a few hours in any northern city, and if we did not satisfy the most incredulous of our efficiency would willingly hide my diminished head (a reference to the piece of his skull missing after being wounded in the head at Wilson’s Wharf ). $2,000 - $3,000
THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | The Union 131 Major William L. Burt, Civil War-Period Massachusetts Judge Advocate General, Manuscript Archive When large numbers of Massachusetts troops were sent to the Department of the Gulf for a planned invasion of Texas, Governor Andrew commissioned his trusted friend William L. Burt as a major, and appointed him as Judge Advocate General to watch over the welfare of the troops. In this position, he spent a great deal of time at the headquarters of General Nathaniel Banks. On February 9, 1865, he was promoted to Brigadier General and served for several years as Judge Advocate General of Massachusetts. This archive from the Burt family contains four wardate documents, as well as a large number of postwar documents. Many are RSVPs from the elite families of New England for the 1889 wedding of Burt’s daughter Ema to Gilbert Brown, as well as several letters from the Daughters of the American Revolution. Also included is a handwritten genealogy of the family to Colonial times and related material. Two of the war-date documents, dated September 3, 1862, and April 7, 1863, involve enlisting Burt in expediting the promotion of Col. Burr Porter of the 40th Massachusetts Infantry to Brigadier General, despite the opposition of his superior General Thomas. Thomas disliked Porter intensely for the latter’s support of bringing Negro soldiers into the Army. Despite leading a brigade, Porter never received his promotion, and resigned his commission. In 1865, he was recommissioned as Colonel to lead a cavalry regiment. The remaining two war-date letters are from soldiers petitioning directly for a commission or promotion. The first, dated September 8, 1862, is from a soldier in the 9th Massachusetts Infantry, which had
132 Surgeon Henry Janes, Camp Letterman, Manuscript Archive on Gettysburg 20 items. Dr. Henry Janes (1832-1915) was Regimental Surgeon for the 3rd Vermont Infantry from its formation in June 1861 through the battle of Antietam. He was detailed to run two hospitals caring for the Antietam wounded, then was appointed Divisional medical officer of 2nd Division, VI Corps at Fredericksburg. After the battle, he went under flag of truce across enemy lines to treat and repatriate wounded Union soldiers. Promoted to VI Corps medical officer, he traveled with the Corps to the battle of Gettysburg. After the battle, he helped treat more than 20,000 wounded Union and Confederate soldiers. The giant sprawling hospital complex that had been formed there was named Camp Letterman, for Medical Director of the Army of the Potomac Jonathan Letterman. When the Army began its pursuit of Lee into Virginia, Letterman put Janes in charge. Janes, who like Letterman, constantly strived to improve the Army medical service, worked on procedures for treating the nearly always fatal gunshot fractures of the thigh besides amputation, saving the limbs of hundreds of soldiers. Dr Janes served throughout the war, advancing the science of treating major gunshot wounds. This archive of 20 items date from August to December 1863, during Janes’ tenure as commander of Army medical facilities at Gettysburg, and gives us some insight into the man in charge of saving as many lives as possible in the largest battlefield medical organization in history, up to that time. By August, pressure was building to consolidate the number of temporary hospitals, so that the surgeons and staff could rejoin their regiments. The first letter, from District Head Quarters at
recently suffered severe losses at Gaines’ Mill and Malvern Hill. The author describes the chaotic state of the regiment after losing so many men and officers. The second letter, dated February 6, 1863, is from Capt. John L. Swift of the 3rd Massachusetts Cavalry on duty in Louisiana, asking for Burt’s help in obtaining the vacant majority in the regiment. Apparently he did not get the promotion, as records show him resigning that June. $700 - $1,000
Chambersburg, PA, dated August 15, 1863, notes a report that conditions at the Seminary in Gettysburg, which was being used as an emergency hospital, are unfavorable, and instructs Janes to transfer the wounded to medical camp set up outside town as soon as they can be safely moved. August 25 brings a letter from the Surgeon General’s office in Washington, DC, again regarding the hospital at the Seminary: It is reported that there is much sickness in Seminary Hospital at Gettysburg, owing to the proximity of bodies imperfectly buried. You will please report the facts of the case at once, and take such action as may be most proper to remedy the evil; reporting your action also. Janes replies to this letter on the 28th, noting that there is nothing to the rumor: There were a considerable number of confederate soldiers buried during the battle in one hole immediately to the rear of the building. These bodies have been exhumed and removed to the grave yard. Many of the letters in the archive involve pressure on Janes to move Confederate wounded from the hospitals into POW camps at a faster pace. Two letters, urging the removal of all Confederate wounded, but especially Generals Trimble and Kemper, to Baltimore without delay, seem curious until put into perspective. Confederate General John McCausland had been sent into Pennsylvania on a mission of revenge for the Union army burning homes in the Shenandoah Valley. McCausland hit Chambersburg on July 30, only 25 miles west of Gettysburg. It was also the headquarters of the Department of the Susquehanna. The Rebels demanded $100,000 in gold or $500,000 in greenbacks, or they would burn down the town. When the money was not forthcoming, over 500 homes and buildings were put to the torch. This raised fears of a raid on Gettysburg to free the Confederate prisoners there. The first letter from Chambersburg, dated August 17, orders Trimble, Kemper, and any other Rebels able to withstand the journey, to be sent to Baltimore. Three days later, a more urgent
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order arrives: I am instructed by Maj Genl Couch to direct you to send to Baltimore without delay all the higher wounded officers at Gettysburg and vicinity that by any arrangement can possibly bear removal if you have not done so already. The General considers it a matter of importance that they should be removed at once and would like you to give your personal attention to the matter and strain a point of necessity to accomplish it. If General Trimble or Kemper could be removed into town a month ago, they are probably able to move now to Baltimore… A special messenger will bring you this and I need hardly add that it is important that the instructions herein given should be carried out without delay. August 27 brings another letter regarding Confederate wounded, signed by Col. William Hoffman, Commissary General of Prisoners: I have to request that you will forward to the Depot on Johnsons Island near Sandusky O. all rebel officers among the sick and wounded prisoners in your charge, as fast as they are sufficiently recovered to bear the fatigue of the journey. None must be permitted to escape by being detained there beyond the proper time for their removal. Two months later, it seemed that there were still a number of Confederates under medical care at Gettysburg, and that some people were not at all pleased with the latitude with which Janes was affording them: Headquarters York District, Gettysburg: October 8th, 1863 Surgeon Janes, I am directed by Brig Genl Ferry to call your attention to the fact that Rebel Prisoners both officers and men are allowed to visit Gettysburg upon passes issued by you. It is reported that Rebel officers have been seen in town as late as 11 o’clock P.M. in company with females. It is not considered conducive to the best interests of this service to grant 76
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such permits to officers or men in the Rebel service except in cases of great necessity. and even then they should report in camp before sunset of the day on which the pass is given. A week later, the decision was taken from Janes’ hands: You will have all the Rebel wounded capable of being moved, also all Rebel Surgeons, Chaplains, Nurses, and attendants in Hospitals under your charge, removed to Baltimore by the early train tomorrow morning (Thursday Oct 15th) The Quarter Master of the Post will provide transportation. On November 10, Dr. Janes writes to Col. Hoffman that there were 5090 Confederates of all ranks listed as being treated in the various hospitals at Gettysburg under his command, and that the names, ranks, and units will be supplied once the staff has processed the pay rolls for the 15,000 Union wounded. The rolls apparently ended up being lost in transit, as on December 5, Janes replies that there was no persistent delay in furnishing them, and that in any case, he had no clerks but random privates pulled from ranks to handle the paperwork from treating 20,000 wounded. A November 10 letter on US Sanitary Commission letterhead from New York to Dr. Janes asks what the procedures are for the Commission being repaid for the $900 expended at Gettysburg for assistance to the wounded. This ALS is from the Rev. Dr. Gordon Winslow, Sr., who also served as chaplain to the Duryee’s Zouaves/5th NY Infantry. The Rev. Winslow died in June 1864, when he fell from a hospital steamer while accompanying his wounded son Col. Cleveland Winslow after the Colonel’s mortal wound at Cold Harbor. $7,000 - $9,000
THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | The Union 133 Civil War Archive Pertaining to Camp Letterman and the Release of a POW 4 letters related to the release of Pvt. George L. Hadley, 3rd Alabama (POW Gettysburg). Camp Letterman was a series of field hospitals established by both sides in the vicinity of the Gettysburg Battlefield. Dr. Henry Janes, Surgeon, US Vols., was left in charge of the hospitals, many of which were in churches, barns, schools, and private homes. On July 5, the number of soldiers who were too seriously wounded to be moved with their respective armies was 20,995 - roughly 2/3 Union and 1/3 Confederate. Under orders to establish a general hospital at Gettysburg, Janes set about doing that, selecting a site that was elevated, so it was well-drained and caught cooling breezes. It was well-treed, providing shade as well. As soldiers could travel, they were moved to the rail depot and sent home or to other military hospitals in the eastern cities. Janes was left with a little over 4,000 seriously injured men that he consolidated into his selected area. They set up everything from cook tents to surgical tents to mortuary facilities, as well as residential quarters for patients and staff. By November, only 100 remained. One of those in the Confederate camp was George L. Hadley. Hadley was a native of South Weare, NH, born in 1841. For reasons that are not clear, he moved to the south some time about 1859. Thus when the Civil War broke out, he ended up enlisting in the 3rd AL Vol. Infy. He was wounded, apparently seriously, at Gettysburg. He appears to have been one of the last remaining soldiers there when the camp was broken up at the onset of winter. The first letter [South Weare, NH, Nov. 22, 1863] is to Dr. Janes from John L. Hadley, George’s father. He asks Janes to intervene on behalf of his son. He has written me of the kindness manifested towards him by yourself and other Union surgeons,...[and] I have received letters from Mrs. Mary C. Warden and Mrs. Hannah Weltz speaking in high terms of his good deportment and manifesting great interest in his welfare....For the interest taken by yourself and others in his favor, I am truly grateful. I have further to ask that if he is not released before the Hospital at Gettysburg is broken up, that you will continue to exert your influence in his favor. He has always been a kind and dutiful son. For more than two years we were cut off from all communication with him - now providentially left within our lines, it seems hard that he cannot be permitted to return and visit the home of his youth, his mother, sisters and brothers whom he has not seen for over four years.
134 US Army Surgeon, Jonathan Letterman, Two Civil War Letters Regarding Camp Letterman Dr. Jonathan Letterman, Medical Director for the Army of the Potomac, 2 ALsS regarding matters at Camp Letterman, Gettysburg, PA, addressed to Dr. Henry Janes, who was in charge of the camp, dated August 29, 1863 and October 29, 1863. Each with letterhead, “HeadQuarters, Army of the Potomac, Medical Director’s Office.” Jonathan Letterman is credited as the father of modern battlefield medicine. In developing the “Letterman Plan” he laid the foundation for not only military medical treatment, but also civilian emergency medicine and disaster relief. His system enabled thousands of wounded men to recover and be treated during the Civil War and after. Letterman, the son of a well-known surgeon, was born December 11, 1824 in Canonsburg, PA. He attended and graduated from Jefferson College in 1845 and graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1849. Dr. Letterman joined the Army Medical Department that same year. At the beginning of the Civil War, he was assigned to the Army of the Potomac and later named Medical Director. After the Second Manassas, General George McClellan gave Letterman full authority to significantly improve the deplorable medical treatment provided to
It takes a month, but Janes does write to his superiors when he arrives in Washington, DC [Dec. 21, 1863]. I have the honor to call your attention to a communication from Private George L. Hadley, Co. H. 3d Ala. ... desiring to be released on taking the oath of allegiance. I have every reason to believe that Hadley is Union & that his friends & sympathizers are Union. During his stay in Gettysburgh [sic] his conduct was exemplary....[I am] willing myself to vouch for his future good conduct. A few days later [Dec. 31, 1863] George again writes to Dr. Janes: I am still here, in [the] charge of the Prov. Marshal, and have heard nothing relative to the disposition that is to e made of me. The final note is on letterhead of the Office of Commissary General of Prisoners, Washington, DC, dated Jany. 6, 1864, to Dr. Janes: In reply to your communication of Dec. 21/63, I am directed by the Comsry Genl. of Prisoners to inform you that the care of Private Geo. L. Hadley Co. H 3d Ala. Regt., a prisoner of war, had been submitted to the Secretary of War by whom it has not been favorably considered. Private Hadley apparently got home some time in the next few months. Records indicate that George L. Hadley died May 11, 1875, but the cause is not clear. He would have only been about 34 years of age. $1,000 - $1,500
the wounded. He was extraordinarily successful in his efforts. Dr. Letterman resigned from the Army in December 1864 and moved to San Francisco, CA, where he served as the city’s coroner. His wife, Mary Digges Lee Letterman, died in November 1867, causing Letterman to fall into deep depression and illness. He died in San Francisco on March 15, 1872. He and his wife are buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Camp Letterman was the largest field hospital built in North America. Its mission was to treat the severely wounded from the Battle of Gettysburg. Shortly after the battle, Assistant Adjutant-Gen. Seth Williams directed Dr. Letterman to care for the fallen soldiers who “cannot be moved with the army.” He appointed members of his command headed by Dr. Henry Janes to comply. They faced the daunting task of treating 20,995 wounded, 14,193 Union and 6,802 Confederate. Those who recovered sufficiently enough to travel were sent home or to more permanent military hospitals. The 4,200 remaining were moved to Camp Letterman’s hospital tents, being in no condition to travel. Hundreds of tents were constructed for surgery, housing the wounded, and supplies. A morgue and cemetery were established and saw the burial of over 1200 men. The Camp operated until November 20, 1863, the day after Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
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THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | The Union Perhaps the finest legacy of Camp Letterman was that both Union and Confederate soldiers were treated equally with the best care that could be provided under the circumstances. Those who did not survive were buried side by side without regard to their allegiances. The 2 letters cover a follow up on a request from Dr. Janes: I had requested…to send you twenty (20) surgeons—will you please inform me if they were sent and if so what time they arrived and reported to you. How does Camp Letterman flourish[?] Have you got all the wounded into Camp [?]. The second letter is a request for information on a Confederate soldier named W. O. Marshall of Company G, 4th Alabama. $1,000 - $1,500
THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | Vermont
135 Samuel E. Pingree, 3rd Vermont Infantry, Medal of Honor Winner and Later Governor of Vermont, Civil War Archive Lot includes 31 Civil War-era letters and covers, a set of Major’s shoulder boards, cartridge box plate, GAR badge, GAR hat insignia, Vermont GAR appointment to Judge Advocate, and photographs of Pingree’s hometown of Windsor, VT. At the battle of Lee’s Mills on April 16, 1862, Capt. Samuel E. Pingree of the 3rd Vermont Infantry was wounded twice in an assault across a creek into enemy rifle pits. Struck in the upper leg while crossing the deep creek, he regained his footing to continue leading the 78
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charge into the enemy positions near the creek. When reinforcements were not forthcoming, Pingree and his men held out against enemy counterattacks, with Pingree having his right thumb shot away before receiving orders to fall back across the creek. On August 17, 1891, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions. By January 1863, he had attained the rank of Lt. Col. and commanded the 3rd Vermont. The correspondence in this archive is from Samuel Pingree, his brother Stephen, who also rose to the rank of Lt. Col. and command of a regiment in the same “Vermont Brigade,” the 4th Vermont Infantry. Two letters are from a third brother, William, who expresses the sentiment
THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | Vermont that perhaps he should leave college and also serve his country. Notable excerpts include this early war letter, written from Camp Baxter on July 23, 1861: We had something of a mutiny in camp. It was suppressed by shooting 4 men, one of whom died instantly… A great battle was fought at Manassas and probably we were repulsed. During the Peninsular Campaign, near Flint Hill, VA, Samuel writes: We moved forward last Sunday night for the purpose of attacking the enemy but… they had commenced their retreat as soon as our right wing under Gen. Banks began to move over the river.” Many can see a speedy end of this rebellion. I cannot… we shall have to follow them through the entire breadth of the South before they are overcome. On June 10, 1863, the Vermont Brigade was ordered to probe across the Rappahannock River to find whether Lee’s army still held its defensive positions along the river: The Vt Brigade were chosen for another crossing of the river below Fredericksburg on the 6th inst.. fought the enemy out of their rifle pits before crossing the river in boats, & by killing & wounding a few of them capturing 138 of them & losing 48 in killed & wounded ourselves, took possession of the old Bernard Plantation where we have twice fought before. Lee had just begun moving the Army of Northern Virginia in his last and greatest invasion of the North, which culminated at Gettysburg.
Pingree’s October 29, 1863 letter gives a fairly complete timeline of the Bristoe Campaign, noting, It is now known beyond question that in the late campaign Gen. Lee’s object was to turn our right and cut off communications & supplies and reach the defenses of the Bull Run Stephen’s letters include one written halfway from Williamsburg to Richmond, dated May 11, 1862, during the Peninsular Campaign, where he rates the performances of the various generals, and two from New York City in the autumn of 1863 where the Vermont Brigade had been ordered to suppress the draft riots. One last letter from South of Petersburg on June 23 [1864] finds Stephen eager for the recent draftees to be sent down to replenish his ranks: Our brigade has lost the most of any in the Army - over 2000 in all. - and about 100 officers, including 8 out of 13 field officers. After the war, Samuel Pingree was active in Republican politics, as well as resuming his law practice in concert with his brother Stephen. Samuel served as Lt. Governor of Vermont from 1882 to 1884, and governor from 1884 to 1886. $3,000 - $5,000
THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | Connecticut 136 Andersonville Prison Collection of Hiram Buckingham, Co. A., 16th Connecticut Infantry, One of the Few Who Escaped Lot of 5 items owned by Pvt. Hiram Buckingham, a resident of Hartford, CT, who enlisted on August 6, 1862, and became a member of Co. A, 16th Connecticut Infantry. On April 20, 1864, he was captured at Plymouth, NC. The men captured at Plymouth were referred to by the “Raiders” (Union prisoners who would rob and steal fresh meat) as “Pilgrims.” Buckingham was one of the very few who actually escaped from Andersonville on September 20, 1864. This collection of 5 items was originally framed by Buckingham, and as Secretary of the Andersonville Survivors Committee, he had 2 cards printed up, which are part of the lot. The collection includes: • Buckingham’s 4-part prisoner of war badge, which shows a prisoner being attacked by a prison guard dog, with text at top, Andersonville 1864, and at bottom, Death before Dishonor. Buckingham was from Connecticut and the hanger at the top of the badge states Connecticut Survivors of...bar below with Andersonville. Attached to red, white, and blue American flag ribbon. 3.5 in. ln. • 3.5 x 5.5 in. card listing the officers of the National Prisoner of War Association. Buckingham’s name appears as “Secretary, “ and after his name, he has written Designer of badge. In the middle of the card is a picture of the badge he designed. • 3.5 x 5.5 in. card with printed picture of the shanty that Buckingham lived in at Andersonville. Under the drawing in period ink, Buckingham has written H.B. Builder. At the bottom of the page in type face, Andersonville Palatial Residence. Along with this card is a
3.5 x 2 in. card that Buckingham had placed under the “shanty” card in his display. Written in period ink: Residence of/ Hiram Buckingham/ Andersonville Ga./ During summer 1864. • 6.5 x 8.5 in. heavy card stock board from the back of Buckingham’s framed items. The board is darkly toned, but in readable, period ink, Buckingham has written: April 20 to Oct. 1864/ Sketched by Charles Post, Essex Ct./ Co. K 11th Conn. Inf. an old schoolmate while/ in Andersonville, where he died Sept. 1st, 1864./ No. of grave 7487./ This shanty was built and occupied/ by myself and Charlie Post 11th. Conn. Norman/ Hope Co. A 16th Conn. Albert Walker Commissary/ Sergt. 16th Conn. and J.W. Merrill 24th N.Y./ Battery whom I took in sick. Got a pass one/ day to go out to cut wood and brought the poles/ and pine boughs with which it was thatched in/ my blanket./ I am washing in a big pine chip/ made my escape in Oct. by taking the name/ of a dead sailor John Sullivan. Ship/ under writer captured in New Berne, N.C./ For whom the Govt. made speech and made/ by way of Libby Prison Richmond./ Hiram Buckingham. Charles Post of Essex, CT, died of disease at Andersonville Prison on
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THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | Connecticut September 1, 1864. He is buried at Anderson National Cemetery, grave site number 7487. • 2 in. photograph of Buckingham mounted in large GAR, 7 x 13 in., 5-pointed brass star, with 7 x 3 in. eagle at top and U.S. flag hanging below. The star is inscribed, Hiram Buckingham, Q.M. Sergt. 16 Conn. Vols. Mounted in a walnut board, 13 x 20.5 in. overall. Apparently, the different officers of the Andersonville Survivors Association were each presented with one of these personalized medallions. A very impressive piece! A wonderful grouping that presents a truly amazing story regarding Buckingham, one of the few men who escaped from Andersonville, featuring a drawing produced by a tent mate who died at Andersonville. $2,000 - $3,000
THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | New York 137 Duryee’s Zouaves, 5th New York Volunteers, Civil War-Era Scrapbook Large, folio-sized scrapbook of Civil War-era newspaper clippings and items associated with the 5th New York Volunteers, known as the National, or Duryee’s Zouaves. Listed in Fox’s Fighting 300, Duryee’s Zouaves were recruited in New York City and surrounding boroughs as one of the earliest volunteer units to answer the call. They were famous for their discipline and esprit de corps. The 5th New York served in the one volunteer brigade in General Syke’s division of Regular Army troops, who proclaimed them one of the best volunteer units he ever saw. At Gaines Mill, where they lost one third of their complement, the regiment actually stopped while under heavy enemy fire, and dressed its lines before advancing. At Second Bull Run, the National Zouaves lost 117 of a total of 490 men killed or mortally wounded, 23 percent. This was the greatest loss of life by one regiment in any battle of the war. This scrapbook, which is missing its front cover, contains 55+ pages of newspaper clippings, mostly following the war news in 1863, but also the 1864 and 1872 Presidential elections from a “liberal Republican” viewpoint. There are approximately two dozen handwritten and printed documents pertaining to the 5th New York, many of them regarding Companies “G” and “H”. Noteworthy among these are 4 color illustrations of Ft. Federal Hill in Baltimore, showing several Zouaves in their distinctive uniforms; a copy of a furlough pass for 72-year-old Private Abraham D. Millis to return to Brooklyn to visit family (Millis served his full term and was mustered out with the regiment); records of various courts martial, primarily charges of AWOL; a daily time schedule for camp (reveille at 6:30am, etc). One interesting court martial was against Private John McAnspie of “C” Co., for “placing a scurrilous placard” on the company bulletin board ridiculing his corporal, much to the enjoyment of the soldiers. He was docked 15 days’ pay, and forced to march in front of the guard post for 5 hours a day for 15 days with 30 pounds of rocks in his backpack, and limited to bread and water. The last section of the scrapbook contains a very large section of fold-out maps from the New York Herald, of July 27, 1861, covering every theater of war, with detail maps of several areas such as Richmond, Savannah, Charleston, Pensacola, the Washington D.C. area (including Rebel positions at Manassas Junction) and Western areas such as Missouri. $600 - $900
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THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | New York 138 George R. Farley, 117th New York Infantry, Civil War Diary This war-date diary of George R. Farley covers his entire Civil War service in the 117th New York Infantry, from August 18, 1862, to October 3, 1864 with an entry from Hampton Hospital. The diary is endorsed on the flyleaf Memorandum of George R. Farley, Co I 117th Regt NYSV. In pencil above that, in a shaky hand, it is endorsed For Miss Abbie M Janes. Farley enlisted as a corporal in July 1862 and was mustered into Co. “F” of the 117th New York Infantry one month later. He was promoted to sergeant in February 1863. The 117th New York’s first major action was in the Bermuda Hundred campaign under Butler, where it was heavily engaged at Drewry’s Bluff. In the early part of the campaign, the 117th was involved in destroying the railroad between Richmond and Petersburg at Clover Hill Junction. Farley gives daily first-hand accounts of the Bermuda Hundred campaign, Cold Harbor (where the 117th was in the second line of battle,) and the start of the Petersburg campaign. For Sgt. Farley, the most memorable day in the war came on Thursday, Sept. 29, 1864: Last night at twelve o’clock we crossed the James river at Deep Bottom. As soon as the break of day, we drove the rebs. and in the second charge that was made, I was wounded. I was struck with a
139 124th NY Letter Written on Muster Roll, April 21-28, 1865, Including Accounts of Booth’s Capture, Lincoln’s Funeral, Johnston’s Surrender, and More 4pp, each 15.5 x 21 in., penned by Pvt. Alexander M. Valet, Co. I, 124th New York Infantry, on a United States Army Muster Roll and Pay Roll form, addressed to Ettie (his wife), dated at Augur USA Hospl., [Alexandria], Va., the top of the page April 26 [1865], but with entries until the 30th. Alexander M. Valet (or Valett), enlisted at Newburgh, NY, August 11, 1862, and was mustered out at Augur Hospital June 2, 1865. The writer begins by saying he is elated as he has heard a rumor that all men in service since 1862 will be receiving furloughs for the remainder of their term of service, and will receive half pay to be on call in case of emergency. He says that IX Corps is nearby and All is quiet and peaceful — for four years this is the first time the Army of the Potomac has had no enemy in front — the boys say that they cannot hardly realize the fact. He says that some paroled Confederate prisoners that have already taken up arms again despite of Lee’s surrender, and that a squadron of cavalry has been sent out with authority to shoot them right on the spot. The next paragraph begins, Well Ettie another day has gone never to return but this day will be remembered for years to come or I may say as long as the World stands...the capture of J. Wilkes Booth, the President’s Murderer...he was captured today about 3 miles from here by a Sergeant of the 16th NY Cavalry but it is to be regretted that he was not taken alive...he was shot dead or at least died within 3 hours after receiving the wound...It
shell in my right hand. I then went to the field hospital and Dr. Carpenter amputated part of my right hand and three fingers. I was then taken to Deep Bottom in an ambulance. At twelve oclock at night we took a boat for Hampton. Farley was discharged as a result of these wounds on December 11, 1864. $600 - $800
was to good a death for him...he ought to have been tortured to death the cowardly villian. He goes on to say that there are still conspirators on the loose, and he believes that the assassin’s famous brother (Edwin Booth) must have known as well. The writer says he had been to Washington for Lincoln’s funeral procession and saw the body lying in state in the White House: I never saw such a large crowd in my life...It seemed as though every inhabitant of Washington male and female black and white was there... He says the procession took an hour and 25 minutes to pass his point, and he has heard about similar tributes throughout the North as the funeral train proceeds to Springfield. He continues, ...Just for a moment look at the difference four years ago when he was inaugurated, he was
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THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | New York greeted with the scoffs and sneers of the proud and aristocratic in both Hemispheres and now having conducted the greatest war in modern times to a successful conclusion and being triumphantly reelected and reinaugurated he dies by the hand of a cowardly assassin with a halo of true glory about his honorable name, loved and respected by the very men who hated him four years ago. Not only do the American people mourn him as if he were the Father of each family but the sentiment of reverence has spread to the British Provinces and so far as we have heard from them they say that the news of the fearful calamity evinced a deeper sympathy than was ever shown before by Foreigners... He goes on to note that he read in that day’s newspaper that the conspiracy may have started in Canada and been approved by the “Knights of the Golden Circle” in Richmond. The entry for April 28th begins with a lengthy and enthusiastic description of the the beauty of a spring morning in Virginia, which makes him reflect:...thank God that I am permitted to enjoy it while so many of my comrades that was as buoyant in health as myself a short time ago are now laid low in the dust, some by the hand of disease others by the whistling bullet or the wizzing shell. He says he often finds himself thinking about his time as a soldier and always comes to the conclusion that only a divine providence saved him from being mangled and maimed by those deadly missiles, and that if he indeed makes it home he will lead a different life than before out of a feeling of duty toward God that will take a lifetime to fulfill.
The next several paragraphs include reminisces of home and his wife, including talk about planting corn, cucumber, and melons. He mentions what seems to be the upcoming Grand Review and that he would love to have his wife come to Washington to see it and then to tour the battlefields at Bull Run, Chancellorsville, and Gettsyburg on their way home, so that he can show her exactly where he fought. He mentions that he would love to have his father (or father-in-law) come as well, but an old farmer as a general thing does not like to get out of the smoke of their own chimney, which he jokes may actually be a good thing as then they are not to be blown up by steamboat boilers and mashed to pieces, alluding to the explosion of the SS Sultana on April 27. The entry for April 29th says that a young orderly burst into the hospital that morning with the news that Gen. Johnston had surrendered his entire army on the same terms as Lee, and that it was been ordered that all soldiers remaining in hospitals be honorably discharged with full and immediate pay: ...hip hip hurrah well well you never saw such a crazy lot of boys as was in this hospital this morning on receipt of the news... The final entry on the 30th states that it is not almost certain he will be discharged by June 1st (he was actually discharged June 2). He died in 1905 at the age of 65 and is buried in Ulster County, NY. $1,000 - $1,500
THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | Pennsylvania 140 Capt. Rees G. Richards, 45th Pennsylvania Volunteers, POW, Civil War Archive Lot of 6 letters pertaining to actions in Fredericksburg and Petersburg, VA, as well as the capture of Rees Richards by Confederate forces, including letters written by Richards (3), Eugene Beauge, and Samuel Hayne (2); 1p manuscript biography of Richards by an unknown author; plus accompanying articles written about the letters. Rees Griffith Richards (1842-1917) was a distinguished figure during and after the Civil War. He served as a captain in Company G of the Pennsylvania 45th Infantry and was the 16th Lieutenant Governor of the State of Ohio from 1882 to 1884. Richards was born near Swansea, Wales, and subsequently moved with his family to Ontario, Canada before settling in Tioga County, PA. During the war, he fought valiantly with the Pennsylvania 45th Infantry and is remembered for rallying his troops at the Battle of the Wilderness by leading them in singing a stirring rendition of The Battle Cry of Freedom. Richards joined the 45th at the outbreak of the war as a sergeant and was promoted to lieutenant, then to captain in 1862. He was captured by Confederate forces at the Battle of the Crater in Petersburg and was held prisoner at Asylum Prison Camp in South Carolina until February 1865, when he escaped and rejoined Union forces. He mustered out with his unit at Alexandria, VA, on July 17, 1865. After the war, Richards moved to Youngstown, OH, to engage in the mercantile trade and study law. He became a prominent attorney and politician in the Ohio House and Senate, which led to the Lieutenant Governor position. He was elected to two terms as Common Pleas Judge in Jefferson County. It is reported that Richards had been up for nomination to the US Supreme Court but lost the opportunity 82
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due to the untimely death of President James Garfield. He was a member of the GAR and Loyal Legion until his death at the age of 74 in Steubenville, OH. The 45th Pennsylvania began recruiting in June 1861 and was organized and mustered into service at Camp Curtin in Harrisburg, PA, in October 1861. The 45th was involved in some of the heaviest fighting of the war including South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, Jackson, Blue Springs, Campbell’s Station, Weldon Railroad, Hatcher’s Run, the Siege of Knoxville, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, the Siege of Petersburg, the Crater, Poplar Spring Church, Fort Stedman, and the assault and fall of Petersburg. The unit was mustered out of service July 17, 1865. Richards’ first letter was written from Fredericksburg in January 1863,
THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | Pennsylvania between the First and Second Battles. He realized that heavy action would be coming: We are yet in Camp but do not expect to remain long. There is something to be done soon and we are the tools with which the end will be brought about. Be not worried about my safety for I may come out all right… Placing our trust in God we willingly perform our duty and if it be His will to preserve my unworthy existence, all will be well…Despair not for there is always abundant hope as long as there is life. In a letter written to Richards’ mother by Eugene Beague - a colleague-, he includes difficult news: As a friend of the Captain, I feel it my duty to inform you, painful as the task is to me, that Rees is at best, a captive in the hands of the enemy…We fought a terrible battle day before yesterday in which hundreds of our brave boys were slain or taken prisoner. As usual the Captain was at…the head of his company but … became isolated and I hope taken prisoner instead of sharing the fate of so many who fallen in the defense of their country…You may well be proud of such a son and God grant that he may return to cheer you all with his presence… On the following day, Samuel Hayne, Company G, 1st Lieutenant, writes to Richards’ mother: Perhaps you have already learned by the newspapers or otherwise of the battle in front of Petersburg on Saturday
last…Our Regiment lost 67 men in killed, wounded and missing, many of whom are prisoners in the hands of the Rebels…Do not be needlessly alarmed when I tell you that your son …is among the missing and is believed to be a prisoner…do not allow yourself to think that he is killed, for there were many others with him and the chance was good to be taken prisoner unharmed. On September 1, 1864, Haynes writes Mrs. Richards with good news: I am happy to be able to inform you…that a letter has been received… saying that all the Officers of the Regt. Who have been missing…are prisoners of war…This of course includes your son… The lot also includes a letter written by Richards to his mother and sisters on June 9, 1865. The war was over, the armies were disbanding, and Richards writes: Men were both happy and yet the tears would fain start at parting with old and well tried comrades on may a bloody field— happy that the dangers are over but sorry to bid a final adieu to those whose friendship has been baptized with the blood of dying comrades. Fortunately, Richards was able to return home shortly after writing this letter and begin a long and prosperous life in Ohio. $400 - $600
THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | Ohio 141 Sgt. Charles Weber, 10th Ohio Infantry, Archive Including Photographs, Accouterments, & Post-War Memoir Lot of approx. 25 items related to Sergeant Charles Weber and his family, ca 1861-1920. Charles Weber (nee Daniel Karl Weber) was born October 14, 1835, in Permassens, Bavaria. In 1852, at age 16, he immigrated to the US, arriving in Cincinnati, OH, two years later. During the Civil War, Weber was a soldier and officer in the Union Army, and after the war, he became a plumber, was married twice, and fathered 15 children. He died April 2, 1920, at the age of 84 and is buried at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati. Weber volunteered for Union Army service with Company B of the 10th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment on April 22, 1861. He mustered in as a sergeant and was promoted to second lieutenant in November 1862, and to first lieutenant in May of 1863. He mustered out June 17, 1864, and returned to Cincinnati. Weber was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and acted as Commander of the William Nelson Post 186 in Cincinnati. The 10th Ohio Infantry was organized at Camp Harrison near Cincinnati, OH, for three month’s service under Colonel William Haines Lytle. It was later reorganized at Camp Dennison for three years of service and subsequently assigned to General H.W. Benham’s Brigade, Kanawha Division, Western Virginia. The 10th Ohio Infantry disassembled in June 1864. The 10th Ohio was active in the West Virginia Campaign of 1861, and saw action in Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, at Perrysville, Murfreesboro, Stones River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Dalton and Recasa. The regiment lost a total of 168 men during its service. The archive features the following: Sixth plate tintype of Charles Weber as second lieutenant, housed in patriotic union case, accompanied by a photographic enlargement, almost certainly made from the aforementioned tintype of Weber, enhanced with
charcoal or pastels, 13.5 x 16.5 in. (sight), framed, 24.5 x 27.5 in.; 2 ninth plate tintypes, including hand-tinted view of a young soldier in uniform, identified by consignor as one of Weber’s sons, wearing US belt buckle, with period note behind plate, written in German, with reference to October 8, 1864 date and Perryville, KY, and a view of a young boy, possibly another one of Weber’s sons, also identified on period, German note behind image; partially printed GAR certificate presented to Weber, with his war-period photo mounted at center, 21.5 x 27.5 in. (sight), framed, 29 x 35 in.; 14 GAR buttons; 2 GAR calling cards; 2 flasks; eagle pin; eagle belt buckle; framed chalk portrait
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THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | Ohio identified by consignor as Weber’s second wife, Caroline, 13 x 16 in. (sight), framed, 20.75 x 25 in.; a hanging, plaster profile portrait in relief of a gentleman identified by consignor as one of Weber’s sons, signed and dated 1877, 14 x 17 in.; and 2 obituaries. The lot also includes Webers’ post-Civil War memoir written in pencil, approx. 30pp (6 lose pages and tablet with 25 completed pages), titled Our Last Campaign in WV 1861, accompanied by a clean manuscript copy of the memoirs. The account provides a strong perspective of a soldier’s life as General Benham skirmished with CSA Forces led by General John B. Floyd (who went on to Fort Donelson); plus an ALS from Joseph Heiser, GAR Post (Maysville) to the William Nelson Post (Cincinnati), regarding a suggested donation of General William Nelson’s hat and plume to his namesake Post. Descended Directly in the Family of Sgt. Charles Weber $1,500 - $2,500
142 Colonel Orland Smith, 73rd Ohio Infantry, Archive Including War Diaries, Sword, and Escutcheon This outstanding lot has something for Civil War collectors of all persuasions. Col. Orland Smith of the 73rd Ohio Infantry was a brigade commander in both the Eastern and Western theaters. His troops at Gettysburg held Cemetery Hill against determined Confederate attacks, providing a rallying point for disrupted Union soldiers the vital first day of the battle. Late in the first day, General Hancock saw Smith’s brigade standing firm, and approached him. Hancock told Smith “My corps is on the way, but will not be here in time. This position should be held at all hazards. Now Colonel, can you hold it?” 84
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When Smith replied he thought they could, Hancock asked “WILL you hold it?” to which Smith replied “I will.” After Gettysburg, Smith’s brigade was sent to the Western Theater, where it played a prominent role in lifting the siege of Chattanooga. At the battle of Wauhatchie (Lookout Valley,) Smith flung his brigade at Rebel forces poised on a hilltop flanking Federal forces, leading the hill to be renamed “Smith’s Hill.” After the war, Smith returned to the railroad business, serving as Vice President of the B&O Railroad and as executive in other railroads.
THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | Ohio
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This archive contains the sword and scabbard that Smith carried into battle, the scabbard bearing the dent of a Minie ball fired at him on Missionary Ridge. The scabbard deflected the shot, but mortally wounded his horse. Also included is a hand-colored 6 x8 in. albumen photograph of Smith as a colonel (5.5 x 7.5 in. visible), professionally re-framed in a 13.25 x 15.25 in. contemporary frame. The most colorful item is a breathtaking, hand-painted escutcheon on canvas, detailing Smith’s wartime service. In the top left quadrant is the bugle of the 73rd Ohio Infantry. The lower left quadrant displays the four divisional badges he served under. The upper right shows his ranks of Colonel and Brigadier General, and the lower right quadrant presents the flags of the 1st Division, 11th Corps, as well as the national flag. The bars of the red cross, which are centered on the Seal of the State of Ohio, list all the engagements Smith fought in. Depictions of his medals hang below. 25 x 30 in., framed, 26.25 x 31.25 in. overall. The “meat” of the archive is five diaries. The first details Smith’s business dealings before the war, two more are war-date diaries (1862 and 1863) that include copies of telegrams received from superiors, one is the war-date diary of his wife, and the last is an 1865 post-war diary (Smith resigned his commission on February 17, 1864 and returned to the railroad business). The archive is also accompanied by a large amount of photocopied research material. $6,000 - $8,000
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143 Colonel Orland Smith Presentation Silver Service American, ca 1872. A five piece sterling presentation service by Gorham for Colonel Orland Smith (1825-1903) including a hot water urn on stand, tea pot, coffee pot, two-handled sugar bowl and creamer, together with a silver-plated and monogrammed tray by Meridan Brittania Co, urn engraved Col. Orland Smith/From his Columbus Friends/1883, each sterling piece monogrammed S and stamped with Gorham marks and date letter E; urn ht. 18.75 in., silver wt. 204ozt (6353g). Accompanied by a framed certificate presented to Smith by a committee of his friends and neighbors in Columbus, Ohio, on March 17, 1883. Smith and his wife were presented with the silver set because they were moving away from the Columbus area. $5,000 - $7,000
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THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | Ohio 144 Pvt. Joseph P. Vannest, 120th Ohio Infantry, Civil War Letters Written Aboard the Steamers Silver Wave and Pringle Lot of 3 letters, dated November 27 (10pp), December 2 (4pp), and December 8, 1862 (11pp). Each features an illustration of a Civil War battle. Joseph P. Vannest was a private in Co. F, 120th Ohio Infantry. In this small, but interesting group of letters, Pvt. Vannest provides the reader with a close up view as seen from aboard the Steamer Silver Wave, and the Steamer Pringle. The first letter, dated November 27, 1862, features an illustration of the Desperate Cavalry Charge at Battle near Springfield. At this time, the 120th was patrolling the river at Louisville and Indiana. Vannest mentions Covington, KY, as well as some Indiana towns on the opposite shore. The letter dated December 2, 1862, describes Vannest’s journey from Louisville down the Ohio River. He mentions an evening when he and others from his company decided to go into the wilds of Ky, arming themselves with a few good Colt’s revolvers, to use in a case of an emergency. During this outing, he and his friends came upon a plantation, hunted for chickens, and captured one good fat turkey before being scared off by bloodhounds. Vannest mentions taking a slave with them when they fled the scene, stating that when the officers agreed to bring him along, I will bet you never saw a gladder being in your life. This ends at page 4, and is missing content. The letter has the illustration of the Cavalry Charge at Springfield. The final letter, dated December 8, 1862, describes Vannest’s boat journey, which passed Smithland, KY, and the Cumberland River, and Paducah, KY, at the mouth of the Tennessee River. He writes about the ship wreck of the old Silver Wave, in which they hit
145 Civil War Medic & Drummer, Harvey A. Chapman, 121st Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Manuscript Archive Lot of 77 war-date letters (including 37 soldier’s letters), August 3, 1862-September 27, 1865, with the majority of Chapman’s letters accompanied by the original mailing envelope; pocket diary spanning January 1, 1864 - May 18, 1864. Archival material comes with typed transcriptions of letters and journal as well as a copy of the 2006 book in which the manuscripts were published, entitled The Man Who Carried a Drum: 108 War Letters and Love Letters of a Civil War Medic, by David Wesley Chapman. Harvey Amasa Chapman was a farmer from Union County, OH, who enlisted in the Union Army on August 16, 1862. Large numbers of Ohioans enlisted at this time to help repel the advancing Confederate Army which, under the leadership of General Braxton Bragg, was marching north nearly unimpeded through Kentucky and threatening to cross into Ohio. On September 11, 1862, Chapman mustered into service at Camp Delaware with “I” Co. of the Ohio 121st Infantry. The men in his regiment, consisting primarily of enlistees from Ohio’s Delaware, Knox, Union, Hardin, Logan, and Morrow Counties, were to serve three-year enlistments. At the time of his enlistment Chapman was a 37 year-old widow and father to two young sons, Darius and Fred. He left his sons in Central Ohio in the care of his brother Alonzo and his sister Annis, both of whom figure prominently in this correspondence. A religious man, Chapman enlisted as a musician and acted as an infantry drummer as well as a medic during his enlistment. In this way he could serve his country without carrying a weapon or engaging directly in violence, something that may have been objectionable to a man of his deep conviction. The letters in the archive are very personal in nature. Correspondents are friends and family members of Harvey Chapman primarily located in Ohio. The overall perspective represented in the letters is that of a typical Central Ohio farming family of which Harvey Chapman remained a central figure even after his deployment. Yet a great deal of information related to period politics, social conditions, army life,
rocks and destroyed the bottom of the boat. The Fort Wayne was summoned and saved them from the river. They then continued their trip to Memphis. The letter sheet has an illustration of the Brilliant Engagement of General Bank’s Division with the Rebel Forces under Stonewall Jackson, Aug 9th, 1862. A wonderful trio of letters, with description of life on patrol boats on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Acquired by the consignor from the Risvold collection. $400 - $600
hardship, and significant military engagements can be found here as well. Harvey’s first letter home, dated September 17, 1862, is written from Cincinnati and is addressed to his parents…I was disappointed in getting a furlow to come home. Our Col. refused to issue any permit of the kind whatever./We had marching orders on Wednsday at 4 P.M. for this place. We went aboard the cars at 6 O’Clock in the eve. & after riding all night arrived here at 6 the next morning. The cty was all excitement – troops poreing in at allmost every hour./16 000 armed soldiers crost the Ohio river into K.Y. the day we arived. There are now 50 000 soldiers incampt within 8 ms of Covington garding the railroad and other roads leading to this place. Nearly every letter written by Harvey includes an exhortation to write more frequently. Like all soldiers, Harvey is hungry for news and letters from home. Mail service was frequently interrupted because of the war and could be slow or even non-existent. It is clear Harvey is unsure at times whether his family is writing to him, and he pleads with them to be prompt with their responses to his letters. On November 29, 1862, Harvey writes from Perryville, KY: As for war news & army movements, we know nothing, only what we see. I have written to you for information, but do not get any, even in regard to home affairs. I have been in this house 27 days & have written home three times & received no answer. If you have written & I have not received, you are excuseable./But you have not written, you are realy hard hearted. You cannot imagine how anxious I am to hear from home, from Father & Mother & my children. How you ar all getting along. Harvey had good reason to be anxious for news from home. Whilst his family members were not in direct danger from the war itself, life was difficult on the home front and posed its own unique challenges. Correspondence details the hardships faced by Harvey’s family while he was away, including maintaining his farm, raising his boys, dealing with cold and drought, managing money, and, most frightening, enduring outbreaks of sickness. These letters are filled with descriptions of both Harvey’s health and that of his family, neighbors, and friends. Central Ohio was plagued over the war years by outbreaks
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of scarlet fever, diphtheria, consumption, smallpox, diarrhea, and whooping cough. Life was difficult and fragile not just for the soldiers, but for the settlers as well. On April 2, 1864, Harvey’s brother Alonzo writes to him about the suffering in their community: Your letter gave us the greatful information of your good health…. There has ben some sickness here and some have died…. Spencer Holycross is dead….Doc. Hayne is very sick. Jona Marshall has lost two daughters with Erysipylis. Jona’s oldest son George Marshall’s wife is in a bad state of health – is rather insane./We are in common health, the most of us. My Clara had a chill today. Had had one before, but she has gotten over it and is around – as perk as usual. Hope she won’t have it long…I am mistaken. Jona’s girls died of Diptheria. Your boys are as well as common. Harvey’s health would be a constant sort of anxiety for his family as well. Harvey dealt with chronic bouts of diarrhea, and painful rheumatism that was exacerbated by exposure to cold, damp weather and long marches. On May 16, 1863, Harvey writes to his sister Annis from Camp near Franklin, TN: You desire to know the worst condition of my health. Well, my general health is good, but I am very muched of a cripple on account of rheumatism. If the Rebs were to make a dash on us and put us to flight, I should have to surrender, for I could not shoot with my drum sticks, nor run with my legs./ I can walk about camp where I pleas, but it is with short slowe step. My limbs do not swell like some others, but I have constant acheing pain in my hip or the small of my back, and sometimes up in the boane of my left thy frequently aches. I go to get up, a stitch will ketch me in the back that I have to make the seckond & often the thurd effort befor I can get up./ But I doant get discouraged. I think I shall get better and have strong faith that this war will end by suppression so that we shall return home before an other winter. Harvey’s faith that the war would end in the near term was a common sentiment, but one that would not come to fruition. As the war raged on, both Harvey and his correspondents write of their desire for news 88
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from the battlefront and share the information they do have. The letters demonstrate that little information on the wider war effort was getting to the troops, and that rumors circulating in the north about troop movements and battles were often grossly inaccurate. Harvey’s own first-hand observations on the war, however, provide clear and vivid accounts of the violence and extreme difficulty endured by soldiers. On September 27, 1863, Harvey writes to his sister Annis about his experience at the Battle of Chickamauga, which with more than 34,000 combined casualties was the deadliest battle in the Civil War besides Gettysburg: Our Regt. fought on the right wing. You must not ask, nor expect me to discribe the sum of action, for I caunt do it under presant circumstances, for I am two near woarn out with fatigue. But sufise it to say that I was in the whole engagement, from the time comensed, which was about 12 A.M., and continued until 4 P.M. I had charge of apart of our Ambulance Chorps, and carried one end of a Lyter, to carry off 15 wounded men./We dashed up under the fire of the enemys fire and pick up the poor wounded boys & then run, takeing the best advantage of the ground to skrean us from the ball we could. It seamed to me the balls passed evry place except were the space I occupied, but I escaped on injured. Describing his mindset during battle Harvey goes on to say that my mind was onusually composed and my nerves were steddy./ My trust was in the Lord & I felt myself wonderfully supported y his divine influence and when the cannon thunderd and the shells burst & bulets whized around me, my nerves did not relax nor niether was my hope in my Savir wavering and feal as tho I should be hurt. During his time with the 121st Infantry, Harvey Chapman witnessed some of the major engagements of the Civil War. Letters in the collection detail his experiences at the Battles of Perryville, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, and then as part of General Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign, in which his
THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | Ohio regiment participated in engagements at Buzzard Roost and Tunnel Hill. The 121st then pursued Confederate General Joseph Johnson throughout Georgia until ultimately participating in the Siege of Atlanta. As a medic and particularly as a drummer, Harvey faced fewer immediate mortal threats than his fellow enlistees. Harvey was well aware of this fact. On March 21, 1864, Harvey advises his brother Alonzo to tell a friend to get him a fife & lern to play. He may be drafted into this war & a musition can get along much easyer than a common soldier & for which reason it is well worth his while to lern to blow the fife. The letters contain other interesting observations on army musicians such as this tidbit contained in a June 1863 letter to Annis: I am glad you have received the things I sent to the Valley. The bundle consisted of one blue camp blanket, one white blanket, one read shirt, an oald blouse with some trinkets in the pockets, amongue which was a little ball of read strips of flannel./ It may be a curiosity to you to know what they ware used for. The musitions in time of battle ar required to tie such as one of those strips round his left arm to disignate him as a non-Combatent. And if captured, will be treated as such, or expects to be. Our Chorpse of musitions wore those strips in battle at Perryville, K.Y. Another recurrent theme found in the letters is expansive discussion on politics, particularly the Copperheads, a vocal group of Democrats who opposed the Civil War and wanted an immediate peace settlement with the Confederates. Led by two Democratic congressmen from Ohio, this movement was exceptionally strong in Ohio and elicited sheer outrage from numerous letter writers. In June 1863 Alonzo describes the Copperheads as wicked demagogues who desire to inagurate civil war in our state. C.P. Perkins, a friend of Harvey’s, says this of the Copperheads in 1863: There is a party here in the North, to say it plainly the regular old mean democrats party are raising the cry of peace, and magnifying every error and mistake of the present administration, and sympathizing with the rebels and doing every thing they can to weaken public confidence in our government, all for political purposes. Pretending to be devoted to the union, their purpose no doubt is to take possession of the government and then acknowledge independence of the Southern Confederacy. Additional items of local and national interest such as this are found throughout the letters, including sentiments on slavery, Lincoln, John Hunt Morgan and Morgan’s Raid, the role of women, a potential draft, the competency of the Union military command, the railroad, and the Universalist church. Pervasive throughout all the letters are references to God, and the deep and abiding faith that sustains both Harvey and his friends and family on the home front. The pocket diary accompanying the letters represents a period of just under five months, from January 1, 1864, through May 18, 1864. Harvey spent most of this time period in winter camp in northern Georgia prior to joining Sherman’s campaign in the summer of 1864. While Harvey mentions other diaries he kept during the war, this appears to be the only one to have survived. Much like the letters he wrote, the diary is full of daily camp life and ritual: drilling, making dinner, rations, checking for mail, cutting wood. We learn that Harvey shaved soldiers to make extra money to send home and wrote letters for those soldiers who were unable to do so themselves. Harvey writes in his diary of his health and the daily weather conditions as on this entry from January 1864. 14th. Thursday morning. A very white & heavy frost, a very thickfog, and damp breakfast over [?] call made & gards mouted – a light camp gard on today Beef on boiling for dinner. Doant feel feel very well today did not sleep much last night Made a dore to our shanty made morter and dobed the cracks makes it much warmmer/ Dress parade is over, time to get supper No letters from home today Yet hope I may get one this eve male. Occasionally, a diary entry provides a more detailed description of an event, such as this entry from May 8, 1864: 8th. Sunday morning. Orders to march at 6 O’Clock AM. No dobt, but we will be in a hard fight before night. The designe is to attack the rebs at Buzzard’s Roost today at four ms distance from hear./May the Lord have mercy on us & prosper the Cause. Liberty & wrighteousness./10 O’Clock A.M. Still hear on T. Hill. There is a goodeal of musket fireing in front on the left & in the Centre, we
ar expecting to be ordered out in a fiew minits./12 O’Clock A.M. The 121st Regt. Has just received orders to march to the front as skirmishers to relieve the 108th Ill., who were sent out this morning. I was ordered to take charge of a squad of convalesents & report them back to the Commander of the 2nd Dav Ambulance Commander, to be sent to the Hospt. Had to march them one mild & a half & have done so & returned to wait for further orders from the Regimental Surgeon Dr. Hill Commanding musitions as Ambulance Corps./Two hours later: can hear our Regt skirmishing very distinctly./ Was ordered up to the Regt at dark, found them thre milds in the front, within one mild of Buzzard’s Roost, where we expect a warm engagement with the rebs tomorrow. In conjunction with his letters, the diary demonstrates that Harvey was a dedicated soldier, a good father, and a deeply religious man. Like the tens of thousands of men fighting for the Union cause, Harvey believed strongly in his mission and in the certainty that the North would prevail.. Descended Directly in the Family of Harvey A. Chapman $4,000 - $6,000
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THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | Illinois 146 Robert M. Campbell, 17th Illinois & 47th USCT, Civil War Archive The lot includes correspondence related to Robert M. Campbell, accompanied by a CDV signed by Campbell as Captain, with backmark of D.P. Barr, Army Photographer. Palace of Art. Vicksburg, Mississippi. The correspondence includes: four leaves (eight pages) detached from a pocket diary (3 x 4.5 in.), covering the period of April 6 to May 18, 1862. The first page and part of the second are the most significant (his spelling retained): Sabbath April 6th 1862 We were surprised by the Enemy early this morning. They advanced in large force under Gen Johnson [sic - Albert Sidney Johnston] & Beaureguard. Surprised our army under Gen. Grant and forced our lines back for one mile taking possession of our camps. Our Regt fought well losed a large lot of men, had two killed in our Co. F. Thume [Frederick] & F. Olert [Ferdinand] Had 6 wounded. We were reinforced by Buell about dark. I was on guard all night. Monday Apr 7th 62 We were ordered forward. The enemy fell back. We routed them __ist. It was done by hard fighting. Our Regt was in Col. Marsh Bry__ _____ brought up in front of a large force run them… we came back to our camp found everything torn up & destroyed _____ my diary. Tuesday Apr. 8 Were called out in line but false alarm. Raining today. The report of or [our] killed & Wounded were Killed 16 Wounded 114. Our Co. 2 Killed 7 Wounded…. By about the 24th of April they moved to a new camp. Things were reasonably quiet (for a war) for the next month. The lot also includes a number of documents that make up the life of a captain, including 20 rosters of issues and returns of clothing, equipment and ordnance for early 1865 - Feb. (6), March (4), April (2), and May (7), plus a 4th Quarter muster and pay roll. The first two months found the 47th USCT in Barrancas, FL; by April they had moved to Mobile, AL; May found them still in Mobile, but by the end of the month they were in New Orleans on their way to Texas. The 47th was on garrison duty in Texas until the end of the year, then mustered out in Jan. 1866. The three letters from Capt. Campbell include: 3pp, Camp 47th Regt. U.S. Cold. Inft., Vicksburg, Miss. Sept 20th, 1864. To his brother, Alex. He tells his younger brother that he is doing well, and tells him to study hard in school so he can write a long letter. Later he includes an extract from a circular read to his unit, the circular ordered by Maj. Gen. N.J.T. Dana. He quotes from a communication received from Col. Kerr, another commander of a colored unit, who wrote: ‘I find the health of the colored troops is much better than that of the white: but am unable to assign any reason therefore. I also feel it my duty to report that in respect shown and attention to saluting officers and in the details of camp life the colored troops of this command exceed the white.’ The favorable reason of difference in the health mentioned in Colonel Kerr’s report is on acct of greater attention being paid to duty by officers of colo[red regts] than officers of white Regiments. By order of Maj. Gen. N.J.T. Dana. {Damage to last page with significant paper loss.} In a short 1p letter that is only dated “Tuesday morning 14” (they were in Barrancas, FL), he describes the rain. It seemed to never stop, and he was having trouble finding a place dry to write. However (probably after a few of his own “mud marches” over the years in service), Let it rain all the time. Still we have no mud. The water soaks into the sand as fast as it falls.
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The first letter includes a cover addressed to Mr. M.D. Campbell, Monmouth, Warren county, Illinois. Camp near Jackson Tenn. July 6th 1862. He tells his father that they thought they were being sent east, but it was a false alarm…we have not gone yet [to Washington, DC] nor do I expect we will go now unless our Eastern Army fails to do aney thing then I suppose they will call on the western boys to go and do the fighting for them. Well we have spent an other 4th in the army and rather a dull one….He goes on to describe the drill competition that was held…our band boys started home on the 4th they lossed there horns at the Battle of Shilo and were mustered out last week. We have aney amount of Black Berries. Some of our mess are out about every day we have lots of pies. We have had rine apples, pears & Peaches. There will be aney amount of ripe fruit here soon. He goes on to tell his father the few papers they have access to and requests a couple from home occasionally. The last family letter is from Esther Campbell to her brother, Robert. 4pp on patriotic stationery, only dated May 29th. Mostly family news, but at the beginning she notes: Mother is giving you Jesse about having your hair sheared, she says not to come home if you have it cut. I do hope you will take her advice, and not be so disfigured. The last letter also has its cover addressed to Capt. R.M. Campbell, Monmouth, IL. The letter is 2pp from General C.C. (Christopher Columbus) Andrews. The General tells Campbell to address inquiries regarding his book about the “Campaign of Mobile” to D. Van Nostrand, New York, and notes that the publication was rather expensive on account of illustrations, &c. (Andrews, C.C. “History of the Campaign of Mobile.” New York: D. Van Nostrand, 1867) Born in 1829, Christopher Columbus Andrews studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1850. He moved to Minnesota near the end of the decade, and in 1859 was elected to the senate from his adopted state. When the war broke out, he enlisted as a private but was soon commissioned as a Captain. He surrendered at Murfreesboro and secured an exchange in October 1862. After this he rose through the ranks to Brig. Gen., serving in campaigns that resulted in the capture of Little Rock, AR, and the siege of Ft. Blakely, AL. The latter
THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs and Manuscripts | Illinois engagement is mentioned in the letter, as Andrews returned to Blakely and spent a week studying the battlefield and mapping it for the book. After Lee’s surrender, he was sent to Texas to set it up for the Reconstruction governor, mustering out in Jan. 1866. After the war, he returned to politics, serving as minister to Sweden and consul-general to Brazil. He also authored a number of historical and political works (including books about Sweden and Brazil). He died in St. Paul, MN, in 1922.
147 First Sergeant James S. Campbell, 83rd Illinois, KIA, Civil War Archive Lot of 5 letters connected to 1st Sergeant James S. Campbell, including one from J. (John) A. Gordon, likely a family friend, regarding Campbell’s 1862 death in battle. Pennsylvania native, James Shield Campbell (18361862) journeyed with his parents to Monmouth, IL, in 1856, graduating from Monmouth College in 1862. He enlisted in Company C of the 83rd Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, July 21, 1862, as a 1st sergeant. Campbell served with that unit until his death on February 3, 1863, in the Second Battle of Fort Donelson (Dover, TN). This was the unit’s first serious battle, and early on in the fighting, Campbell was shot through the heart and killed instantly. He is buried in Monmouth Cemetery in Monmouth, Warren County, IL. The Illinois 83rd Infantry was organized at Monmouth, IL, on August 21, 1862, and mustered out June 26, 1865 at Nashville, TN. During service the unit lost five officers and 116 enlisted men for a total of 121 fatalities. The regiment served in the Western theater of the war for its duration. It is best known for the Battle of Dover or Second Fort Donelson on February 3, 1863, where Colonel Abner Harding repulsed the forces of Generals Joseph Wheeler and Nathan Bedford Forrest. It was one of the few defeats for Forrest and bitterly set him against Wheeler. The Union victory kept the Cumberland River open to traffic during the remainder or the War. Four of the letters are principally connected to family news and the early maneuvering of the Regiment in Tennessee. The final letter, dated February 8, 1863, from Corporal John A. Gordon to Campbell’s parents is a brave but sorrowful recounting of James’ death in battle: Providence…has vouchsafed to the Federal arms another victory at Fort Donelson. Yet his is indeed a sad office who communicates to you,
Not a lot is known about Robert Campbell. He seems to be a native of Monmouth, IL. He enlisted in the 17th IL Vols. in May 1861 after Lincoln’s first call. In August 1863 he was discharged for promotion to the 47th USCT and commissioned Captain of Co. F. The 17th Illinois spent most of its time in the Western Theater. The 47th USCT was sent south. They also mustered out in Jan. 1866. Campbell was active in the GAR and died in Peoria in 1932. $700 - $900
bereaved parents, the details of that battle. James Campbell is dead. Alas, the desolate hearts bereft of their jewels by this cruel event; fountains of tears unsealed-aching voids which this world can never fill…We were exposed to scathing fire and were ordered to fall back under cover of the hill. While executing this movement, James was struck by a rifle ball, which passed through or near the heart killing him instantly…He was endeavoring to get the boys collected when he fell. He died at his first, noble heroics…In him you have lost a son, nobler than which, was never dedicated to the cause of humanity. Campbell was buried initially at Ft. Donelson and later returned home to Monmouth. $400 - $600
THE CIVIL WAR | Autographs & Manuscripts | Navy 148 U.S. Steamer Curlew, Southern Atlantic Blockading Squadron, U.S. Navy Journal Kept in a Book Captured from a Confederate Officer in Charleston, SC 65pp. Although today it plays only a small role in popular ideas about the Civil War, the Navy was a key element in the Union strategy to crush the rebellion, and the means by which the industrial power of the north would gradually starve the southern war machine. Charles Duncan’s journal of his time commanding the Steamer Curlew, one of many ships requisitioned by the U.S. Navy at the start of the war, offers a revealing look into the earliest months of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron and includes a singularly detailed account of early-war Port Royal Expedition and the dramatic capture of Hilton Head, SC, signaling the re-entry of Federal forces into the secessionist heartland. Built by Samuel Sneden in 1856 for the Commercial Steamboat Company of Providence, RI, the Curlew began life as a 150 foot SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS, ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND CONDITION REPORTS OF ALL LOTS AT COWANS.COM
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wooden-hulled propeller freighter running between her home port and New York City. With the outbreak of the Civil War, however, she took a different tack. Purchased by the Federal Navy for $44,000, the Curlew was outfitted as a gunboat and assigned to the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, armed with a 30 pound rifled gun on its fore deck and six smooth-bored 32 pounders on the main. Under the command of Lt. P.G. Watmough, the Curlew saw its first action at Port Royal, but after her machinery proved inadequate, she was towed back to New York and returned to her owners. The Curlew was chartered twice more during the war, however, first by the Quartermaster’s Department in October 1862, when she traveled as far south as New Orleans, and second from June-October 1863, when she was again deployed as a gunboat. Returning to commercial service for a final time, the Curlew was running out of Baltimore in November 5, 1863, when she collided with the steamer Louisiana near Point Lookout, Md., and sank, the crew escaping. While the Curlew escaped Louisiana intact, Louisiana exacted her revenge. This ledger-sized volume includes the logbook of the Curlew during its first stint in the U.S. service, and begins with a splash: This book was taken from Bay Point Fort, Port Royal, Beaufort District, South Carolina, after the surrender of Forts Hilton Hear and Bay Point... and previously belonged to Capt. E. A. Rave of the 12th Regiment South Carolina Volunteers, now appropriated by Charles L. Duncan of the U.S. Navy for a private Journal. The aforementioned book itself is a lined “blank book” manufactured by noted Charleston, SC, printers and stationers Evans & Cogswell and carries pasted on the inside cover one of their distinctive and handsomely engraved nameplates. What follows is a full 20 pages of Duncan’s detailed account of the actions of the Curlew during that expedition, with a particularly rich account of the capture of Hilton Head and Bay Point. Characteristic entries: Nov. 5, 1861: At 8 oclock the batteries on Hilton Head & Bay Point commenced fire, at 8:45 entered to discover the probable strength of their Batteries…At 11.55 the Curlew weighed anchor and steamed up to the assistance of the Smith, a few shots were exchanged with the rebels without any effect, they being at too great a distance... 2.30 PM Capt went on board Flag Ship, the Curlew in the meanwhile got underweigh, 3.30 Capt returned and the advance commenced. The attack was to be directed against Hilton Head, the main line led by Flag Ship and followed by a line of four steamers, in the following order: Pembena, Senica, Curlew, and Penguin... Much more. Nov. 7, 1861: ... At 11.20 all the ships engaged on Hilton Head Battery at 11.23 the Flag Ship made signal for all the ships to follow her motions, at 12.43 the firing on both sides now very brisk and heavy. At 1.35 the Gun Boats only engaged, they keep up the Flank firing but are feebly answered, the larger vessels laying a mile further up the Bay. 2.10 the land Batteries 92
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have ceased firing. 2.27 they are apparently deserted. 2.37 the Flag Ship hoists signal to form in order of Battle without regard to seniority — she is now moving down towards Hilton Head. At 3 PM the Fort surrendered, and all hand called on Deck and gave three rousing for the victory and three more for the commodore, it is now plain that the whole encampment of the enemy is entirely deserted.... at 3.18 the stars and stripes were proudly on South Carolina soil and on the same flag staff where but half an hour before the secession Flag loomed up in all its glory.... The Curlew escaped unharmed although in the hottest of the engagement, 43 shells & 182 shots were fired from our main deck... To reinforce his account, Duncan copied a long letter from a shipboard comrade describing the same incidents in equal detail. The journal of the Curlew contains less combat thereafter, but it provides no less an important record of events. In addition to including copies of some of the orders issued by Blockading Squadron commanders, the journal offers interesting details about the seamen’s first contact with the people of South Carolina and includes these fascinating records of the turbulent days onshore and interactions with the enslaved population left behind: Nov. 9, 1861: The Curlew & Pembina were ordered up Beaufort River — at 2 PM weighed anchor and steamed slowly. At 4 PM came to anchor off Beaufort Town in 4 fathoms of water. We found the town deserted by the whites, with the exception of one man who was Oh Be Joyfull. The negroes were pillaging and plundering the town. The negroes inform us that the rebel steamer run ashore up the river Friday, the Privateer Lady Davis one of the number... Nov. 11: At 12 midnight I was requested by Capt. Watmough to take the Gig with a picked crew armed and equipped as the emergency required, and go on a sort of a reconnoitering expedition. My friend Campbell, as soon as he knew that I was going, volunteered his services, which proposal I gladly accepted, so we started, and as Campbell then said, we presented quite Piratical appearances. We pulled along the banks of the River, around the marshes, and along the shore of the town, but neither saw or heard anything but the negroes pillaging the town and carrying off in Boats their Booty. I hailed a number of Boats and ordered them to come alongside, which they seemed rather loth to do, But after repeated calls and some encouragement on my part (which I should not have given had I not known they were poor ignorant negroes) they succeed in mustering much courage to obey the command. In conversation with the negroes, they told us they were most starved to death, and had nothing to eat but oysters and that their masters were hooting them for fear they would run away, and be of service to the Yankees, as they call us. We returned to the Curlew at 4 AM much pleased with our midnight excursion... The war-date portion of the journal ends Nov. 23, however it also includes a list of ships sailing from Fortress Monroe in October 1861 as part of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, listing each ship and commander, as well as guns or tonnage, for transports. The remainder of the volume includes later naval accounts, 1876-1888, mostly for labor and repair work on ships, and at the end (not counted in the total page count) are some civilian accounts. Duncan’s journal is a rare survival, as an important record of the early operations of the Federal Navy, as a relic of war, and as testimony to the establishment of the first union beachhead in South Carolina. $500 - $700
THE CIVIL WAR | Art
149 Edwin Forbes, Original Civil War Pencil Drawing Pencil drawing titled in lower right corner, Stoneman’s Switch, Falmouth, Va. April 2nd, 1863. Signed at lower left, Edwin Forbes, New York. 9.875 x 13.25 in., matted in original, period frame, 15 x 18 in. This detailed drawing shows a Union Cavalry officer smoking his pipe inside a fully equipped tent with fold-down desk. In searching the name “Stoneman’s Switch,” we find another Forbes drawing with the title “Winter Camp near Stoneman’s Switch, Falmouth, Va.,” which was created January 25, 1863, and is in the Morgan Collection of Civil War Drawings at the Library of Congress. Professionally conserved and in very fine condition, the drawing is a remarkable example of Forbes’ Civil War-period work. $3,500 - $5,500
150 The Myriopticon, A Historical Panorama of the Rebellion, Toy Theater The Myriopticon, A Historical Panorama of the Rebellion, published by Milton Bradley & Co., Springfield, MA. The box measures 5.25 x 8.5 x 2.5 in. high, containing another box meant to look like a stage theater, with a reel of 22 printed, hand-painted scenes from the war that scroll by (full length of reel about 15 feet). Scenes include the bombardment of Fort Sumter, the killing of Elmer Ellsworth, the first clash of ironclads, caring for the wounded at Antietam, escaped slaves seeking refuge in the Union lines, the fall of Richmond, and various other various battle and camp scenes. Ca late-1860s. $600 - $800
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NOVEMBER 21, 2014 CINCINNATI, OHIO
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THE CIVIL WAR | Folk Art 151 Lt. John J. Ferris, 19th Massachusetts Volunteers, WIA Gettysburg, KIA Spotsylvania Court House, Exceptional Carved Civil War Pipe Massive, burl/ root wood pipe, 3.125 in. high, 3 in. across base, 3.5 in. from front to back of stem holder. Recessed panel on the front with crossed cannon and shield beneath inscribed 19th Mass. Vols., with Fair Oaks carved in relief on the bottom. The name of the pipe’s owner Lieut. Ferris, is incise carved on the underside of the bowl. This is John J. Ferris, who enlisted in the 19th Massachusetts on August 13, 1861, and rose through the ranks to his promotion to 2nd Lieutenant on January 22, 1863. Ferris was subsequently killed at Spotsylvania Court House on May 12, 1864, after suffering wounds at Gettysburg on July 3 and Bristoe Station on October 14, 1863. A remarkable record, which is further attested to by the carving on the pipe. Relief carved around the top of the bowl Antietam - Glendale. The underside of the bowl is carved in relief with the following battles: Peach Orchard, Savage Station, Nelsons Farm, Malvern Hill, Forlorn Hope, and Fredericksburg. The top of the stem holder is carved in relief Battles 61, 2 & 3. Each of six flat panels on the sides are incise carved with battles including: Bull Run, Edwards Ferry, Balls Bluff, York Town, West Point, and Flint Hill. The pipe, which shows no signs of ever having been smoked, is in near perfect condition overall with deep, rich patina, and it is one of the most visually impressive and historically significant examples that we have encountered. $3,000 - $4,000
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152 John Howard Kitching, 6th New York Heavy Artillery, Carved Civil War Folk Art Pipe American, ca 1864. A folk art carved pipe with a large patriotic shield below the date 1864, flanked by two banners, one bearing the rank and name of the soldier Col. J. Kitching, the other identifying his unit 6th N.Y. Artillery, and the base of the pipe formed from rounded leaves. The pipe is displayed in a wooden case between a carte de visite by Israel & Co. (Baltimore, MD) of the soldier as a Lt. Colonel and a contemporary photograph of his gravestone; pipe length 2 in.; case height 3.5 in., width 11.75 in., depth 5 in. Bvt. Brigadier General John Howard Kitching, Col. 6th New York Heavy Artillery, earlier 2nd NYHA, was wounded in the foot Oct. 19, 1864 at Cedar Creek, VA, and died of resulting complications the following January at his home in Dobbs Ferry, NY, receiving posthumous brevet. This lot also includes biographical info about Kitching, as well as a copy of Gordon C. Rhea’s article “Butchery at Bethesda Church” from America’s Civil War (January 2002). The article discusses Kitching’s role in the battle and includes his photograph. $1,500 - $2,500
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THE CIVIL WAR | Maps and Atlases 153 Charleston Harbor, Civil War-Date Map Owned by Confederate Engineer Col. David B. Harris, Plus Lot of 2, featuring a hand-tinted map of Charleston Harbor accompanied by a hand-tinted albumen print of the Confederate Major of Engineers, D.B. Harris, who owned and signed the map. The photo, by Cook, measures approx. 7 x 9 in., housed in period frame, 15 x 17 in. The map, entitled Plan of the Approach and Attack on Ft. Sumter by the Federal Iron Clad Fleet, 7 April, 1863, is ink signed in the bottom margin, Approved G.T. Beauregard, Genl. Comdg., and Approved D.B. Harris, Maj. & Chief Engineer. With Wm. A. Walker, C.S. Eng. Corps. printed at bottom left corner of map. At top, beneath the title is printed, Drawn to Accompany Engineer Report, and ink signed, Wm. H. Echols, Major Engs. The map itself measures 6 x 10.25 in., and has been annotated with a number of hand-written names: Inner Harbor/ Outer Harbor/ Ship Channel/ Battery Gregg - 3 7/8 miles to C. [Charleston] (written beside Fort Sumter). Beside each Confederate Fort or Battery, which are named Bee, Fort Moultrie, Beauregard, Wagner, etc., there is a small, hand-tinted Confederate flag, and the water portion of the harbor is tinted blue. Eight tiny ships are printed on the map, with one labeled in ink Keokuk. The Federal Ironclad Keokuk was sunk and the Confederates salvaged its enormous Dahlgren cannon, which is now mounted at White Point Garden on the Battery. One ship labeled Ironsides has been added in ink. Between Sullivan’s Island and Fort Sumter is printed Rope Obstructions, with Torpedoes written in as well. The detail of this small map is remarkable, and incredibly impressive when enlarged photographically (one enlargement included with lot). David Bullock Harris (1814-1864) was born in Louisa County, VA. His father was a railroad President (Louisa Railroad, which became the Virginia Central). Harris graduated from the United States Military Academy and was an engineering instructor at the academy. By 1845, he had acquired “Woodville,” a Goochland County, VA plantation where he grew tobacco and where he resided at the outbreak of the Civil War. Serving on the staff of Confederate General Philip St. George Cocke, he was engaged at the first battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861. General P.G.T. Beauregard asked Harris to join his staff and Harris planned the defenses of Centreville, VA. Harris was promoted to Captain in the Confederate Engineers in February of 1862, then to Major in October 1862, Lt. Colonel in May of 1863, and Colonel in October 1863. Besides Centreville, Harris planned the defenses of Fort Pillow, Island Number Ten, Vicksburg, and Charleston, SC. With Beauregard in Charleston, Harris worked constantly to improve the fortifications and these formidable defenses gave Charleston the distinction of being the longest besieged city in our history! Beauregard brought Harris to Petersburg in the summer of 1864 and he planned the defenses there…the second longest besieged city in our history! Going back to Charleston as Chief Engineer in the Department of South Carolina, he died of Yellow Fever on October 10, 1864. President Jefferson Davis had planned (verbally promised) a promotion to Brigadier General Just before Harris died. He is buried in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, VA. While the map is dated April 7, 1863, we know that Harris must have signed it Approved very close to that date as he signs as Major. He would become Colonel in October. Two exceptional pieces of Confederate and Charleston Naval history. $4,000 - $6,000 SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS, ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND CONDITION REPORTS OF ALL LOTS AT COWANS.COM
NOVEMBER 21, 2014 CINCINNATI, OHIO
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THE CIVIL WAR | Maps and Atlases 154 Scarce Gettysburg Battlefield Map, T. Ditterline, 1863 Ditterline, T. Sketch of the Battles of Gettysburg, July 1st, 2nd, and 3d, 1863…Accompanied by an Explanatory Map. New York: C.A. Alvord, 1863. 12mo, in paper wraps with gilt title on cover, 24 numbered pp. Folding map, 17 x 20.5 in. Battlefield depicted in oval: Field of Gettysburg, July 1st, 2nd & 3rd, 1863. Prepared by T. Ditterline. A scarce map, printed within a year after the battle, and almost certainly the first published map of the historic confrontation, which most scholars believe was the beginning of the end of the Confederacy. Even more scarce to find map still in wraps with explanatory booklet, as many were detached and framed. Little is known of Ditterline, though on the last page of the pamphlet he does indicate his indebtedness to the several correspondents of the press who were present and witnessed the battles, and from whose descriptions of the fight he has freely extracted; as also to the citizens of the town, and particularly D. McCenaughy, Esq., who has kindly furnished him with much valuable information. Not in Broadfoot. $4,000 - $6,000
155 Atlas to Accompany the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, 3 Volumes, 1891-1895 Davis, Maj. George B., Perry, Leslie, and Kirkley, Joseph W. Compiled by Capt. Calvin D. Cowles, 23d U.S. Infantry. Atlas to Accompany the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Washington: GPO, 1891-1895, 3 vols. Folio, red cloth with red leather corners on boards, marbled page edges; it appears that the spines were replaced with a red “leatherette” some time ago. Vol. 1, plates 1 - 70; Vol. 2, plates 71-135C; Vol. 3, plates 136-175. Most with color. Volumes appear to be complete. So many of these atlases were broken apart and the maps framed or sold separately, this is a rare find. The Civil War visualized. $1,500 - $3,000
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THE CIVIL WAR | Broadsides | Confederate 156 Confederate Broadside Issued by James B. Clay, October 1862 Printed broadside issued by Henry Clay’s son, Lt. James B. Clay, in which he makes a plea for Southern sympathizers to defend their homes from Yankee invasion. Lexington, KY. October 9, 1862. 9 x 12 in., framed, 11.25 x 14.5 in. Apparently this broadside was kept by a Confederate soldier, perhaps as a “souvenir.” At the top, From David Griffith, Co. C 5 Regt. is written in period ink. Griffith was a member of the 5th Kentucky Infantry, and he was mustered out on October 20, 1862. James Clay (1817-1864) became owner of Ashland, his father’s estate, after Henry Clay died in 1852. The mansion was in serious disrepair, and Clay rebuilt the home following his father’s original floor plan as a memorial to him. In February 1861, Clay was selected to represent Kentucky at the Peace Conference in Washington, D.C. The Conference failed as an effort to ward off war, and when Fort Sumter was fired upon, Clay allied himself with the Confederacy. Lexington had both Union and Confederate sympathizers. Clay, fearing that there might be repercussions against his family and himself, decided to flee further south in August 1861. He was captured in Garrard County, KY, before he could get out of the state and was imprisoned for a short time. As the Confederates were victorious during the first year of the year, Clay returned home to Ashland and kept a low profile. Confederate troops seized control of Lexington by the summer of 1862. It was time for Clay to take action. He was asked to raise troops for General Braxton Bragg, and thus this broadside was printed in an effort to raise men for a regiment of infantry. The broadside’s date, October 9, 1862, is very significant because it was on October 8 that Bragg was routed at the Battle of Perryville and Confederate forces were expelled from the state. Clay, now recognized as a Confederate officer, had to make his escape and arrived in Cuba by Christmas. Early in 1863, Clay went to Montreal where many Confederate ex-patriots had relocated. Unfortunately, by this time, Clay had become ill with tuberculosis, and his family rented Ashland to relatives so they could join him in Canada. He died in Montreal in January of 1864, never to see the memorial he built for his father again. $3,500 - $4,500
157 CSA Lt. Colonel Frank H. Langley’s Old First Virginia Infantry Broadside Partially printed, colorful honorable service broadside presented to Frank H. Langley by the Old First Virginia Infantry Association. The document states that Langley served as Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, and Lieutenant Colonel in the “Old First.” Langley served from April 21, 1861, until the last day of the war in 1865. Judging from the various ranks he held, he must have done it all! The First Virginia Regimental states that Langley was captured at Sayler’s Creek at the end of the war and was sent to Johnson’s Island POW Camp. The document is signed by William H. Palmer, who served on General A.P. Hill’s staff and was wounded at Williamsburg and Chancellorsville. Also signed by Charles T. Loehr, who was wounded at Gettysburg and Cold Harbor, and after the war, was the author of War History of the Old First Virginia Infantry Regiment. Printed by Baughman Brothers, Richmond, VA. 10.5 x 13 in., framed, 13.5 x 15.5 in. $900 - $1,200
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NOVEMBER 21, 2014 CINCINNATI, OHIO
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THE CIVIL WAR | Broadsides | Union 158 Gettysburg Campaign, Important Civil War Broadside from Frederick, Maryland, July 1863 Printed broadside from the Gettysburg Campaign announcing that Frederick City, MD, would be placed under Martial Law as a result of Lee’s retreating army being close by. Boldly headed Head-Quarters/ Frederick City, MD., July 8th 1863, the broadside goes on to announce General Order No. 1 by authority of Major General French commanding the 3rd Army Corps, with military assuming command of the city of Frederick, MD. Major Cole, Maryland Cavalry would act as Provost Marshal. Signed in type by Colonel Marshall Lefferts, 7th Regiment New York State Troops. Marked at bottom, Printed by Schley, Keefer & Co., Examiner Power & Rotary Presses, Frederick. 9 x 13 in., framed, 11 x 15.25 in. $2,000 - $3,000
159 Civil War Broadside, Cavalry Horses will be Purchased at Evansville, Indiana! Printed broadside with the bold heading Cavalry Horses!, advertising that Cavalry Horses will be purchased at Evansville, Indiana, In Open Market, on and after April 1st, 1864, for which $140.00 will be paid. By order of Capt. Ingham Coryell, Chief Quartermaster of the Western Div. Cav. Bureau, and Capt. F.H. Erman, Commissary of Subsistence and Acting Asst. Quartermaster. It is stipulated that horses must be between five and nine years old, from 14.5 to 16 hands high, of sufficient breadth and bone for Cavalry service, bridle-wise, in good flesh, and free from all defects. 8 x 10.5 in., framed, 12.5 x 15 in. $500 - $700
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THE CIVIL WAR | Equipment
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160 Exceptionally Rare Confederate Cipher Disc Brass mechanical wheel cipher consisting of two concentric discs that share a common axle, each with the 26 letters from the Latin alphabet written out clockwise. Outer disc approx. 57mm dia., inner disc approx. 41mm. The inner disc is stamped at center CSA / S.S. (Confederate States of America Secret Service). Reverse stamped with maker’s mark F. Labarre/ Richmond, VA. Housed in 4.75 x 6.625 in. book-style presentation case produced specifically for the disc by the Lakeside Press, Chicago, spine labeled in gilt Decoding Device - C.S.A. Secret Service. An extremely rare decoding device used by the Confederates to encrypt secret messages throughout the Civil War, created by gold and silver worker, Francis LaBarre, ca 1862. At the start of the war, LaBarre (b. 1818), who was working in Washington, DC, fled the city for Richmond, where he was contracted by the Confederate Army to produce brass cipher devices as well as other medals. LaBarre enlisted in the Confederate Army as a private on April 22, 1861, in Alexandria, VA, and was mustered into Co. H of the 7th Virginia Infantry. Within a year, he was discharged on May 14, 1862, but during his time in the army, LaBarre’s official military occupation was listed as “plater.” He is referenced as a “tinner” in an 1864 Baltimore City Directory as well as an 1870 Baltimore census. (Information obtained from the Crypto Museum Website and GenForum Website, October 16, 2014.) One of a handful of Confederate cipher discs known to exist, this example comes from the highly regarded collection of distinguished American historian, Philip D. Sang (1902-1975). Other known examples are housed in the collection of the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, VA, (2), the Smithsonian Institution (1), and private collections (2). From the Collection of Philip D. Sang $10,000 - $15,000
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NOVEMBER 21, 2014 CINCINNATI, OHIO
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THE CIVIL WAR | Equipment 161 Civil War Surgeon’s Field Desk & Related Items of Dr. John Cooper This exceptional lot features the field desk with key, the original designs and notes for the construction of the desk, three CDVs and a cabinet card of Dr. Cooper, five war-date documents relating to the desk and Cooper’s service, and two binders containing research materials. Desk measures 18.75 x 32 x 18 in. high. when closed, with Cooper painted in an arch above the handles on both sides. A contract surgeon for several regiments at the beginning of the war, Dr. John Cooper advance to take charge of the US Army hospitals it Alexandria, VA, and New Orleans, prior to being assigned to significant medical positions within the 15th and 17th Army Corps. Perhaps his most noteworthy contribution, however, was the design of an ambulance dubbed by soldiers as “Cooper’s Pie Wagon.” The inventive doctor composed the plans for the desk with maximum utility in mind. Every item he requires has a designated drawer or slot, and the whole is designed to waste as little space as possible during travel: The bookcase is movable and sets on top of the other when open for use & in transport it sets in front of the other and, raising the leaf and letting down the top, the whole forms a chest little larger than a common trunk. He calls it A present from Uncle Sam, and notes that it was Made in Alexandria Va at the the Quartermaster’s repair shops. The three CDVs are Civil War-era, including a view made in Mobile, AL, while the cabinet card is a postwar portrait produced in New York, ca 1890. The documents include: a letter from Cooper to his brother, dated May 1862 at the Alexandria hospital; a United States Express Co. receipt for delivery of a box to Alexandria; the orders from Dept. of the Gulf Headquarters in New Orleans ordering Dr. Cooper to Fort St. Philip, Mississippi River, Dec. 1863; orders from the Dept. of Tenn. HQ at Raleigh relieving Cooper of duty with the 15th Army Corps and directing him to the 17th Army Corps, April 1865; and orders from 17th Corps HQ at Louisville regarding inspection of sick and wounded soldiers, June 1865. The accompanying research material provides a comprehensive record of Dr. Cooper’s service through photocopied letters and official documents. $3,000 - $5,000
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THE CIVIL WAR | Relics
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162 General John Sedgwick, Relics from his Death, Including Corps Badge, Lock of Hair, and Gold Coin Lot of 5. One of the most highly regarded, unfailingly competent, and truly beloved commanders of the Federal army during the Civil War, Major General John Sedgwick may best be remembered for the bitter irony of the last words that ever left his lips: They couldn’t hit an elephant at this distance! This fine lot includes a lock of Major General Sedgwick’s hair intricately woven and placed within a golden Greek cross, a symbol of Sedgwick’s 6th Army Corps, .625 in. square; an English gold coin found in Sedgwick’s uniform pocket upon his death, .75 in diameter; a small pocket knife, .75 in. closed; and a letter written by Sedgwick’s niece, Emily Sedgwick Tracy, that describes the final relics of the Major General. John Sedgwick (1813-1864) was an old soldier with two decades of military experience fighting Indians and Mexicans before the Civil War. Upon hostilities, Sedgwick inherited the Colonelcy of the 1st US Cavalry and was quickly appointed Brigadier General in August 1861. He took command of a division and was wounded at Frayser’s Farm in June 1862, but was still promoted to Major General in July.
The Death of General Sedgwick, by Julian Scott. Housed at the Drake House Museum, Plainfield, NJ.
At Antietam, Sedgwick was wounded three times. Shortly before Chancellorsville he took over the 6th Corps and commanded the same at Gettysburg where it was not as heavily engaged as other units of the army. In the Overland Campaign of 1864, the 6th Corps defended against assaults by Gen. Ewell’s 2nd Corps at the Battle of the Wilderness. While supervising the deployment of his troops at Spotsylvania on May 9, 1864, Sedgwick’s front attracted Confederate fire when some of the infantry shifted. During this incident, General John Sedgwick Sedgwick was instantly killed by a rebel sharpshooter when a bullet struck him below the left eye, only moments after he had uttered his famous quote in response to observing several soldiers frantically dodging enemy fire. Subsequently, General Sedgwick’s body was accompanied home by members of his staff and was interred in the family plot in Cornwall Hollow, CT. This year marks the 150th Anniversary of Sedgwick’s death at Spotsylvania. Emily Sedgwick Tracy (1842-1933) was the daughter of John Sedgwick’s brother, Philo Collins Sedgwick. Upon her death in 1933, Emily was laid to rest right behind her uncle in the family plot. In the letter penned by Emily and included in this archive, she documents the General’s relics: The Enclosed English gold piece was found in Gen Sedgwick’s purse when he was shot and taken from his pocket- / The Greek Cross the badge of the 6th Corps - with his hair in the centre - / The little knife brought me from Sheffield Eng. By Mrs. Stuart Wolcott / Emily S. Tracy. Mrs. Stuart Wolcott was Emily’s cousin. She was the stepdaughter of General Sedgwick’s sister, Emily Sedgwick Welch, who published A Biographical Sketch: Major General John Sedgwick in 1899, and whose letters from the General form a large part of his published correspondence. A remarkable group of relics with great provenance. $4,000 - $6,000
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NOVEMBER 21, 2014 CINCINNATI, OHIO
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THE CIVIL WAR | Relics 163 Civil War ID Disc, J.A. Smith, 1st Maryland Infantry, Listing Ten Battles Scarce pewter ID disc, 1.5 in. dia., stamped: J.A. Smith/ Co. B/ 1st Reg./ MD. Vol./ Baltimore, Md. The reverse lists the following 10 battles in extremely small stamping: War of 1861/ Antietam/ Catlick Sta./ Harper’s Ferry/ Antietam/ Mine Run/ Bristow Station/ Spotsylvania Court House/ Petersburg/ Weldon RR/ Deep Bottom/ Reams Station/ Engaged in the above battles. Note that Antietam is listed twice. John A. Smith enlisted in Company B in August of 1862 and fought throughout the remainder of the war. The loop at the top of the disc has broken off indicating that Smith likely had to carry this item in his pocket. It is quite unusual to encounter ID discs from Maryland, especially one that lists 10 Civil War battles! $2,000 - $2,500
164 Civil War, Antietam Temporary Burial Markings, Identified to Capt. J. Beeks, 27th Georgia Infantry Lot of 3, including the temporary wooden headboard marked Capt./ J. Beeks/ 27th GA Inf., measuring approx. 7.5 x 34.5 in. Accompanied by the red, white, and blue cloth banner that covered the coffin when Capt. Beeks was moved to the Confederate Cemetery in Hagerstown, MD, measuring approx. 21.25 x 82.25 in. The flag’s center white stripe bears the same marking, Capt./ J. Beeks/ 27th GA Inf. Beek’s identification tag, which consists of an 1838 coin stamped Beeks/ 27 GA, is also included. Two holes have been punched through the coin’s center and string has been used to attach it to a small piece of burlap. John C. Beeks enlisted in August 1861 as a 2nd lieutenant and was commissioned into Co. G of the 27th Georgia Infantry. He was promoted to 1st lieutenant on February 20, 1862, and within a few months was wounded in action at Seven Pines, VA, on May 31, 1862. After being promoted to captain in July 1862, Beeks was wounded and captured during the Battle of Antietam at Sharpsburg, MD, on September 17, 1862, and he died four days later at the Hoffman House Hospital in Sharpsburg. $1,000 - $1,500
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165 Antietam War Log Piece of shell embedded within log, 27 in. ln., 8 in. dia., accompanied by period, inked label that reads: Piece of shell fired from/ Rebel battery, A.P. Hill/ Commanding near Dunker/ Church Battle of Antietam/ Sept. 17, 1862. Consignor relates that the label floated off the log during Hurricane Sandy, 2012. Dunker Church was one of the most noted landmarks on the Antietam Battlefield. Throughout the battle, considered one of the bloodiest in US history, the church was the focal point of a number of Union attacks against the Confederate left flank. Most reports produced by Union and Confederate commanders on both sides make references to the church. $1,500 - $2,500
THE CIVIL WAR | Relics 166 CSS Virginia Relic, Salvaged Wood Made into a Lap Desk by “Colored Carpenters” Wooden lap desk, 15 x 9 x 5 in. high, affixed with a period inked note reading: Made by colored carpenters of Norfolk, Va., in the summer of 1864 from wood taken from the wreck of the rebel (ship) Merrimac disabled by “The little Yankee Cheesebox” The Monitor in the ever memorable fight in Hampton Roads March of 1862. / After her defeat the Merrimac reentered Norfolk bay and sank near Crainey Island. A portion of the wreck still remaining up to the fall of 1864 where it was frequently seen by the owner of the desk. The desk was found in a home in upstate New York along with four other Civil War-related items which are included in this lot: the book Three Years with the Adirondack Regiment (118th New York Volunteer Infantry), by John L. Cunningham, Maj. 118th NY, published by the author in 1920, with inscription to Grace and Helen Somerville compliments of the author; Upton’s Infantry Tactics, by Bvt. Maj. Gen. Emory Upton, published by D. Appleton & Co., 1867, inscribed Thomas Knowlson, Capt., 72 Regt. N.G.S.N.Y.; a post-war copy photograph of an unidentified soldier, published by a Warrensburgh, NY, photographer; and a postwar kepi embroidered CMC. The 118th NY was in Virginia for most of the war, including the Peninsula Campaign, but we were unable to make a definitive identification of the soldier who owned the relic. $600 - $800
detail of note
167 Relic of the Candle Wick Used During the Signing of the Terms of Surrender at Appomattox, With Provenance from Col. Charles Venable, R.E. Lee’s Aide-de-Camp Sixth plate photograph case containing a coiled candle wick and two small pieces of wood. An inked note in the case reads: From Col. Venable / Piece of [] used to write the terms of Surrender between Genls Lee & Grant. A chip from the Flag Staff at Fort Moultrie April 1861. The photograph case is a crude form typical of those made in the South during the Civil War, and in fact is inked on the cover Style of Confederacy 1863 / Mississippi 1863. Charles S. Venable (1827-1900) was a mathematics professor from Virginia who served as aide-decamp on the staff of Lt. Gen. Robert E. Lee for the majority of the Civil War. He was teaching in South Carolina and a lieutenant in the South Carolina militia when South Carolina seceded from the Union in December 1860, and became a private in Co. A, 2nd South Carolina Infantry during the preparations for war. Venable was present for the firing of the first shots at Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, and joined the staff of Gen. Lee with the rank of major in the spring of 1862, serving alongside Lee from the outset of the Peninsula Campaign to the surrender at Appomattox, by which time he held the rank of lieutenant colonel. After the war, he joined the faculty of the University of Virginia, where he published important papers on mathematics and served as Chairman of Faculty for several years. $1,000 - $2,000 SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS, ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND CONDITION REPORTS OF ALL LOTS AT COWANS.COM
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THE CIVIL WAR | Relics 168 USS Kearsarge Framed Flag Relic Flag fragment, 3.75 x 1.25 in., sewn to a 4 x 5 in. note reading: Piece of pennant of the U.S.S. Kearsarge at the masthead at the time of battle with the C.S. Alabama, June 19th 1864, off Cherbourg, France./ Capt. John A. Winslow commanding “Kearsarge.” Framed with a silver gelatin photograph of Winslow and a modern depiction of the battle, 15.5 x 16.5 in. overall, and accompanied by a letter from John Winslow Jr., 2pp, dated at US Training Station Newport (RI), Sept. 27, 1899, regarding his gift of the relic and photograph to the recipient. Also included is a ticket to the dedication of the Capt. Winslow statue at Boston, May 1908. $800 - $1,000
detail
THE CIVIL WAR | GAR 169 38-Star GAR Badge Flag Silk, 15.5 x 23.5 in., printed flag. 38 stars configured in modified triple medallion pattern surrounding image of GAR membership badge. The badge shown on this flag, the last of several designs, is the 1880 style manufactured by J.K. Davison of Philadelphia. Canton resting on red war stripe. Ca 1881-1896. Framed, 21.5 x 29.5 in. $2,000 - $3,000
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FLAGS AND PATRIOTIC TEXTILES
170 36-Star Grand Luminary Flag Cotton and wool, approx. 72 x 140 in., with 36 machine-sewn, double-appliqued cotton stars configured in the “Great Star” or “Grand Luminary” pattern on a wool canton. The fly consists of 13 machine-sewn, cotton stripes. A small patch with an indecipherable inked inscription, possibly a maker’s mark, is hand-stitched to the bottom white stripe, near the hoist end. Considering the large size of the flag, it was possibly made to be used as a Naval ensign. The 36-star flag became official on July 4, 1865 when Nevada was admitted to the Union. Ca 1865-1867. A fine, Civil War-era flag featuring the rare “Grand Luminary” star pattern. $3,500 - $5,500
SPANISH AMERICAN WAR | Relics 171 USS Maine Porthole Cover Approx. 15.25 x 15.25 in., housed in a frame 24 in. sq. and 4 in. deep. Under the porthole is a metal presentation piece in which the following is etched: Relic from U.S.S. Maine Presented to James M. Dermody Camp No. 5 U.S.W.V. By Rep. N.A. Tufts, Sept. 27, 1912 James M. Dermody Camp No.5 of the United Spanish War Veterans was located in Waltham, MA. Its namesake was a private in Co. G, 7th US Infantry, killed in the fighting before Santiago, July 1-3, 1898. In 1911, Rear Admiral Charles E. Vreeland organized a special court of inquiry in order to investigate the cause of the explosion and to recover the remaining dead for proper burial, resulting in a cofferdam being built around the wreck to allow inspection and facilitate the removal of bodies. The findings were inconclusive, but the 66 newly located dead were given a burial at Arlington National Cemetery and the hull was refloated and scuttled away from the bay on March 16, 1912. The main mast was transported to Arlington where it was installed in the cemetery and dedicated as the USS Maine Mast Memorial by President Woodrow Wilson on Memorial Day, 1915. Acquired from a Washington, DC, estate auction. $1,000 - $1,500 SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS, ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND CONDITION REPORTS OF ALL LOTS AT COWANS.COM
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EARLY PHOTOGRAPHY 172 Outstanding Whole Plate Daguerreotype of a Large Group Whole plate daguerreotype of a distinguished-looking group of seven men and two women, possibly a family portrait. Housed in a paper case, wellworn and separated at the spine. $800 - $1,000
173 Half Plate Daguerreotype of an Odd Fellows Member Wearing a Gold-Tinted Apron Beautifully hand-colored, half plate daguerreotype portrait of a bearded Odd Fellow wearing a long, gold-fringed apron decorated with embroidered flowers, leaves, crossed swords, and other symbols associated with the fraternal organization. Note the letters F L T within the three links that stretch across the gentleman’s abdomen, which stand for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows’ motto “Friendship Love Truth.” Housed in half case, with inked identification under the plate Gilbert Schmitz. $2,000 - $3,000
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EARLY PHOTOGRAPHY 174 Quarter Plate Daguerreotype of John A.P. Fisk, President of NYC “Fat Men’s Club”, by Knapp Quarter plate daguerreotype under a mat inscribed in red ink John A.P. Fisk Aged 15/ Weight 360 Pounds, housed in full, pressed paper case, interior velvet lining embossed Knapp/ Artist/ Alhambra/ 559/ Broadway. John Anson Peckham Fisk (1836-1898) was a well-known New York City restaurateur and a member and president of the famed Fat Men’s Club. An 1894 New York Times article reporting on the failure of his Broad Street restaurant after nearly 50 years in business states that “everybody in the down-town section knew Mr. Fisk,” and describes his eatery as “especially elaborate.” The article goes on to note that Fisk was a third-generation chop house keeper, and that his father and grandfather — both men of “great avoirdupois” — required that he reach the weight of 295 lbs. before entering the family business, which he did at age 13. Fisk was over 500 lbs at the time the article was written in 1894, and the Times notes his presidency of the Fat Men’s Club as “a distinction his weight entitled him.” The Fat Men’s Club was an East Coast gentleman’s association which limited membership to men weighing at least 200 lbs. The club held an annual gala in New York to raise money for its annual clambake in Connecticut, and both were covered with perverse curiosity by dozens of publications, from Harper’s Weekly to the New Zealand Star — in fact the New York Times, in an 1891 article on the 25th annual celebration, titled “Fat Men at a Clambake,” described them as “that affable assortment Brobdingnagian adiposity known wherever English newspapers are read.” An account of the 1869 gala, which includes a mention of Mr. Fisk serving as president, says that 150 to 200 members attended, and “as no member is permitted to weigh less than 200 pounds, the aggregate of humanity represented entitles it to be called the largest ball of the season.” The writer gets even cheekier later on, commenting that although many of the wives of the members were thin, “there were enough heavyweights among the sex to vindicate the theory of women’s rights and prove that women can compete with men, even in fatness, if they choose.” With only 23 members in attendance, as some had unsurprisingly died and “some got thin on a foreign diet,” voiding their membership,
the 1891 clambake required 25 bushels of clams, 100 chickens, 10 bushels of oysters, 500 ears of corn, a barrel-and-a-half of potatoes, a barrel of onions, 40 watermelons, and “other things in proportion.” After the feast, some men actually held a footrace (“the contestants came in puffing like steam engines”) and competed for the title of Most Graceful Dancer, while others attempted somersaults and did gymnastic exhibitions on the high bar. $2,000 - $3,000
175 Quarter Plate Daguerreotype of Asa Tift, Key West Ship Salvager and Builder of Ernest Hemingway’s Home, With Hemingway Provenance Quarter plate daguerreotype housed in a pressed-paper case with inked identification affixed to the pad. A native of Connecticut, Asa Forsyth Tift (1812-1889) was a marine architect who came to Key West to take advantage of the many shipwrecks in the area. He started what would become the most successful salvage operation in Florida, and was able to build the grandest home in Key West in 1851. Tift was close friends with Key West native and US Senator Stephen Mallory, and when Mallory became CSA Secretary of the Navy during the Civil War, Asa and his brother Nelson Tift offered their expertise to aid the Confederate cause. Nelson designed an unusual 252foot, 20-gun ironclad warship that was to be commissioned the CSS Mississippi, and Asa financed the project and oversaw construction for no personal profit. Just weeks before she was to be launched, however, Farragut’s fleet advanced past New Orleans toward the construction site, and the Mississippi was ordered burned to prevent capture on April 25, 1862. Asa Tift’s former home was purchased by Ernest Hemingway in 1931, and the writer penned many of his most famous novels in the home’s parlor. It is now listed as US National Historic Landmark as The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. The daguerreotype offered here was found by Hemingway’s widow Mary when cleaning out his belongings from the store room at Sloppy Joe’s Bar in 1962 (see also the items offered as Lot 226). $300 - $500 SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS, ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND CONDITION REPORTS OF ALL LOTS AT COWANS.COM
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176 Quarter Plate Tintype of a Baseball Player Quarter plate tintype of a mustached gentleman wearing baseball gear, standing beside a young boy. Housed under mat and glass in a floral pressed paper case. $400 - $600
178 Three CDVs of Baseball Players Lot of 3, including: ca late 1870s to early 1880s albumen carte of a baseball player wearing a baseball uniform with a bibbed shirt embroidered with an Olde English “S” and holding a bat, carte by C.C. Urill; ca 1890s silver gelatin view of two players wearing shirts that look to be embroidered “A S T I” and “L C”, carte by O.S. Hodge, Des Moines, IA; and an albumen carte by Bell, Cincinnati, of a young boy who may or may not be resting his hat on a baseball bat. $300 - $500
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177 Tintype of Three Baseball Players CDV-sized tintype of three men dressed in early baseball gear; housed in a pressed-paper case. $500 - $700
EARLY PHOTOGRAPHY 179 Mathew Brady’s Gallery of Illustrious Americans Brady, Mathew B. The Gallery of Illustrious Americans, Containing the Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Twenty-four of the Most Eminent Citizens of the American Republic, Since the Death of Washington. From Daguerreotypes by Brady – Engraved by D’Avignon. Lester, C. Edwards, ed. New York: M.B. Brady, F. d’Avignon, C. Edwards Lester, 1850. Elephant folio, green cloth boards with gilt front, blindstamped design on back boards, gilt page edges. Title page; salutation leaf; nine large lithograph portraits on heavy paper, all but one with a tissue protective leaf, many with d’Avignon’s blindstamp, and one- or twopage biography of the person: Zachary Taylor, John C. Calhoun, Daniel Webster, Silas Wright, John C. Fremont, William H. Prescott, Winfield Scott, Millard Fillmore, William E. Channing. Originally issued with twelve lithograph portraits, this example is missing portraits as well as the accompanying biographies of Henry Clay, John James Audubon, and Lewis Cass. Also missing Index. A scarce and extremely important work in the history of photography in America. The volume features lithographs that were based on Brady’s daguerreotype portraits of prominent political figures. The lithographs were created by transferring the images secured with the camera onto the heavy paper. Despite certain transformations that could occur during the process of copying, a portrait based on a daguerreotype had substantial appeal because it was perceived as providing a more natural representation of the sitter. Brady’s ambitious plan was to issue these portraits semi-monthly for two years for $1 each, or $20 for the set of 24. For those who paid in advance, a portfolio was included in which to house the portraits. It is estimated that only about 50 portfolio sets were sold. Having paid d’Avignon $100 each to engrave the portraits, Brady needed to recover some of his costs. The first 12 completed portraits were bound into volumes from the remaining prints, although it is unknown how many of these bound volumes were produced. Brady announced his intention to include in the next dozen: Dewitt Clinton, Washington Irving, James Kent; the others were not revealed (maybe not decided?). Many see this group of portraits as representing the peak of Brady’s career. Even though he went on to photograph 18 Presidents and Generals on both sides, as well as soldiers in the field, these images mark the beginnings of photographic portraiture in America by one of the masters of the art. $1,000 - $1,500
SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS, ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND CONDITION REPORTS OF ALL LOTS AT COWANS.COM
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POLITICS IN AMERICA | Politics Before Lincoln 180 George Washington Strand of Hair, Plus Includes 2 approx. 3/8 in. strands of President George Washington’s hair, housed in a modern frame under glass with several flakes of the red cedar case that contained George Washington’s coffin. The relics are framed together with a modern portrait of Washington and his facsimile signature, 18 x 22 in. overall. The strands of hair were once part of a larger lock of hair presented to Thomas Farmer in 1845 by a young lady employed by a hair braiding establishment on Chatham St., New York. The young lady, who was in the process of making a locket or bracelet from Washington and General Andrew Jackson’s hair for a jewelry store on Broadway, gave a lock of the hair to Farmer. The strands offered here were obtained from Farmer’s lock, originally accompanied by a letter of provenance, which previously sold at Alexander Autographs on October 15, 2005. Copies of the previous auction listing and letter of provenance accompany the lot, as well as a Letter of Authenticity signed by Ryan T. Mack of Griffin Memorabilia. The removed pieces from the original outer case that housed Washington’s casket in 1799 were once part of a larger piece presented to Congressman Timothy Hedges in 1831, and the lot includes a copy of a letter from Mrs. Paul Hedges, the wife of a descendant of Timothy Hedges, tracing the provenance of the relic, as well as a Letter of Authenticity signed by Ryan T. Mack. $600 - $800
181 Rare William Henry Harrison Campaign Band Box American, multi-colored block-printed paper-on-pasteboard band box and lid relating to the 1840 Presidential campaign of General William Henry Harrison, measuring 11 in. tall x 16 in. long x 12.375 in. wide. The underside of lid bears the period, printed label From Mrs. F. Martin’s Round, Square and Fancy Bandbox Manufactory, Corner of South Street and Lovely Lane, Near Market street, Baltimore. Each side of the band box is wonderfully decorated with a log
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cabin, cider barrel, US flag, and a depiction of Harrison greeting a uniformed, disabled veteran of the Indian Wars who is on a peg leg with crutch, his dog behind. A steamboat on the river bearing the name Ohio is visible in the background, as well as the sun rising over the hills, which was undoubtedly inspired by the Ohio State Seal. The lid is also decorated with what appears to be a lakeside scene, showing animals playing beneath a tall tree in the foreground and what appears be a large building in the distance. $2,000 - $3,000
POLITICS IN AMERICA | Politics Before Lincoln 182 James Buchanan Grand National Inaugural Ball Invitation & Envelope Lot of 2, includes invitation and envelope, 1857. Invitation 7 x 10.25 in. on cardstock, with Miss Espasia Ramburger handwritten on the invitation to the Grand National Inauguration Ball, March Fourth, James Buchanan, Pres. US / Jno. C. Breckenridge, Vice Pres. US, to be held in Judiciary Square, Washington, DC. This wonderful invitation made by Toppan, Carpenter & Co., Philadelphia, gives the impression that it was engraved on marble. The invitation includes the original transmittal envelope to Miss Ramburger of Philadelphia, 7.5 x 10.75 in., with free frank of Jehu Glancy Jones (1811-1878), Representative from Pennsylvania (1851-1858) and friend of Buchanan’s. Buchanan would appoint him Minister to Austria in December 1858, where he served for three years. $500 - $700
POLITICS IN AMERICA | Lincolniana 183 Abraham Lincoln ALS Written During the Lincoln-Douglas Debates 1p, 5.25 x 7.75 in., Springfield [IL], 2 Aug. 1858. Note entirely in Lincoln’s hand: Dear Whitney, yours of the 31st is just received. I shall write to B. C. Cook at Ottawa and to Lovejoy himself as to the subject you suggested. Pardon me for not writing a longer letter as I have a great many letters to write. Your friend as ever, A. Lincoln. While not a supporter of slavery, neither was Lincoln an abolitionist. He had some sympathy for the capital investment slaves represented, and knew its abolition would jeopardize the Union. Early in his political career he supported plans that would phase out the practice gradually, attempting to preserve the Republican moral high ground and the Union simultaneously. Opposition to the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which gave voters the right to choose whether slavery would be allowed in a new territory, resulted in 1854 in the formation of the Republican party. However, then, as now, the party encompassed more conservative and more radical factions. Owen Lovejoy was part of the more radical abolition faction. His brother, Elijah, also an abolitionist, was killed in Alton, Illinois, trying to protect a new press brought in to replace one (of many) that had been destroyed by proslavery residents. Elijah is often cited as being the first martyr to freedom of the press. Being something of a “natural” politician, Lincoln tried to avoid the extremes, but, like all politicians, he occasionally offended one faction or another. His “House Divided” speech, delivered earlier in the summer of 1858 when Lincoln was selected to oppose Stephen Douglas for his Illinois senate seat, was thought too radical by many in the party. In spite of their different viewpoints, Lincoln certainly respected and trusted Lovejoy as a person, and the two become friends along the way. The letter to which Lincoln was responding was from Henry Whitney, a fellow Republican. In his letter, Whitney warned Lincoln about the political dangers of getting close to radicals such as Lovejoy. Elements in the Republican party were threatening to support Douglas’s Democrats in many local and congressional races. As alluded to in this note, Lincoln passed the information along to Burton C. Cook, another Republican detail
and lawyer in one of the most prestigious law firms in Ottawa, IL, which just a few weeks later would be the site of the first of seven debates with Douglas. In his note written the 2nd of August, he tells Cook: ...[T]here is a plan on foot ... to run Douglas Republicans for Congress and for the Legislature,...if they can only get the encouragement of our folks nominating pretty extreme abolitionists.... Please have your eye upon this. In this response to Whitney, Lincoln implies he will keep Lovejoy at arm’s length, but his exact response to Lovejoy has been lost. Lovejoy’s response to Lincoln, however, survives, and in his letter of 4 August, he ends with: Yours for the ultimate extinction of slavery. Over the months of August through November 1858 Lincoln and Douglas engaged in a series of debates. Most centered around slavery, with Lincoln emphasizing the immorality of the practice and Douglas supporting “popular sovereignty” - the basis of the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Although Lincoln lost the election, the debates thrust him into the national spotlight, and ultimately gained him the party nomination for president two years later. In this sesquicentennial year of these historic debates, (and, of course, an election year) we might remember that occasionally losses lead to greater victories. Found inside a book purchased at a Florida flea market, this letter was featured on a segment of the PBS series History Detectives, Episode 10, 2007. $3,000 - $5,000
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184 Abraham Lincoln Appointment Signed as President for Maj. Henry B. Reese, Additional Paymaster Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865). Partially printed document signed. 1p, 15.75 x 19.75 in. (sight), on vellum, with embossed seal, affixed upper left. Washington, August 7, 1861. Appointment of Henry B. Reese as Additional Paymaster. Signed by Abraham Lincoln as President (18611865), and Simon Cameron (1799-1889), as Secretary of War (18611862). Framed, 16.75 x 20.75 in. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Lancaster, OH, native, Henry Bickham Reese (1832-1902) enlisted on June 1, 1861 as a Major and was commissioned into the US Volunteers Paymaster’s Department. As this appointment indicates, Reese was promoted to Major and Additional Paymaster on the same day of enlistment, and was later promoted by brevet to Lt. Colonel in March of 1865. Following the war, he continued his duties as Paymaster in the US Army until retiring in July of 1888. $4,000 - $6,000 112
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POLITICS IN AMERICA | Lincolniana
185 Abraham Lincoln Appointment Signed as President for Delano T. Smith, Tax Commissioner for the District of Tennessee, September 1863 Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865). Partially printed document signed. 1p, 11 x 14.5 in. Washington, September 11, 1863. Appointment of Delano T. Smith as Tax Commissioner for the District of Tennessee under the Act of Congress approved June 7th, 1862. Signed by Abraham Lincoln as President (1861-1865), and Salmon P. Chase (1808-1873) as Secretary of the Treasury (1861-1864). Left portion of document is affixed to portion of loose album page, and a letter is affixed on the reverse side of this album page. Headed “State of Tennessee, Executive Department, Nashville,” dated October 12, 1863, the letter provides a recommendation of Delano T. Smith to the kind consideration of all officers in the Dep’t. of the Cumberland, and is signed Andrew Johnson, Mil. Gov. Tenn. Johnson held this position from March 1862 - March 1865. (See also Lots 186-187, 205-206, which relate to Delano T. Smith and descended directly in his family.) Descended Directly in the Family of Delano T. Smith $4,000 - $6,000
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NOVEMBER 21, 2014 CINCINNATI, OHIO
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186 Abraham Lincoln Appointment Signed as President for Delano T. Smith, Tax Commissioner for the District of Tennessee, August 1864 Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865). Partially printed document signed. 1p, 14.5 x 14.75 in. Washington, August 10, 1864. Appointment of Delano T. Smith as Direct Tax Commissioner for the District of the State of Tennessee. Signed by Abraham Lincoln as President (1861-1865), and William P. Fessenden (18061869) as Secretary of the Treasury (1864-1865). Document fully separated along central, vertical fold, but this does not impact the signatures. The top left corner of document is affixed to portion of loose album page, and a letter is affixed on the reverse side of this album page. The letter, headed “Treasury Department,” dated May 9, 1864, is addressed to Smith, and explains that although his nomination was not sent to the Senate as soon as it should have been, it was confirmed. The writer, whose signature is indecipherable, also references the slaughter at Fort Pillow, that will not be permitted to go unpunished. He also discusses the Confederate POWs, and states, It would do something towards the prevention of them, if the President would revoke his Amnesty Proclamation and insist upon putting colored soldiers upon the same footing with all the rest. An interesting letter from the Treasury Department. Descended Directly in the Family of Delano T. Smith $800 - $1,200
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POLITICS IN AMERICA | Lincolniana 187 Emancipation Proclamation, Printed Copy, & Other Slavery-Related Imprints Lot of 3 imprints previously housed in a scrapbook owned by Delano T. Smith, including: Printed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation issued by Abraham Lincoln. Washington, DC: January 3, 1863. 8.25 x 13 in., 2pp. First page headed “Department of State,” stating that the recipient will “receive herewith a copy of a proclamation which was issued by the President on the first day of January...” (document incomplete). Full proclamation on second page. Printed document issued by Lincoln to Congress, Gradual Abolishment of Slavery. Message from the President of the United States, in relation to Co-operating with any State for the gradual abolishment of slavery. Washington, DC: March 6, 1862. 6 x 9.25 in., 2pp. Printed pamphlet, Liberty or Slavery? Daniel O’Connell on American Slavery. Reply to O’Connell by Hon. S.P. Chase. Chronicle Print, 1863. 6 x 9.5 in., paper wrappers, 15pp. Descended Directly in the Family of Delano T. Smith $300 - $500
188 Admiral John Dahlgren, Personal Book of Poems from which Abraham Lincoln Read Aloud, May 1863 Halleck, Fitz-Green. Alnwick Castle, With Other Poems. New York: George Dearborn, 1836. 8vo, pressed buckram boards with gilt design, 98pp. Front pastedown with nameplate MVD, for Madeleine Vinton Dahlgren, the wife of Rear Admiral John Dahlgren, and inked on page 19 (the fourth of six pages of the poem “Marco Bozzaris”), From this book President Lincoln read aloud this and other poems on the evenings of May 22nd and May 23rd, 1863. Madeleine Vinton Dahlgren compiled her late husband’s memoirs in 1882, Memoir of John A. Dahlgren (Boston: James R. Osgood & Co.), which contains on page 368 an the entry for May 22, 1863: I received a telegram from Secretary of War for a boat in the evening. So about nine came a carriage with Stanton and, to my surprise, the President, bound on a quiet trip to Acquia. He left so privately that Mrs. Lincoln alone knew it. I told them there was nothing to eat in the steamboat. I had eatables, bedding, &c., tumbled in, and we left at ten PM, after supper. The President read aloud to us from Halleck’s poems1, and then we went to impromptu beds. Madeleine’s footnote reads: President Lincoln had real dramatic power as a reader, and recited poetic passages with pathos. The copy of Halleck from which the President read on this occasion, now belongs to us, and “Marco Bozzaris” is marked as the piece read aloud to Secretary Stanton and Admiral Dahlgren. What a mournful and prophetic suggestiveness there was in the selection! How truly may it now be said of Lincoln, “For thou art Freedom’s now, and Fame’s; One of the few, the immortal names, That were not born to die. Madeleine Vinton Dahlgren to Charles Bunker Dahlgren; obtained from sale of the latter’s summer home in Rye, NY $400 - $600
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NOVEMBER 21, 2014 CINCINNATI, OHIO
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189 Autographs of Eminent Americans, Presentation Document Featuring Signatures of Lincoln, Custer, Grant, & Other Civil War-Era Figures Original ink and watercolor drawing signed by O.L. Pruden, dated Washington, DC, 1866, featuring at center an Abraham Lincoln clipped signature, surrounded by 11 other signatures of prominent figures from the Civil War era, including cabinet members, congressmen and generals. Namely: Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885); Maj. Gen. George Armstrong Custer (1839-1876); Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase (1808-1873); Sec. of State William H. Seward (1801-1872); Sec. of War Edwin Stanton (1814-1869); Sec. of the Navy Gideon Welles (18021878); Sec. of Treasury Hugh McCulloch (1808-1895); Treasurer of the US Francis E. Spinner; US Sen. Charles Sumner (1811-1874); Maj. Gen. Quincy A. Gilmore (1825-1888); and Judge Advocate General of the Army Joseph Holt (1807-1894). 9 x 12 in. (sight), housed in a period frame, 17.25 x 20.25 in. overall.
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The piece was drawn and compiled for the original recipient as a token of appreciation for her work with the US Sanitary Commission. The artist, Major Octavius L. Pruden, had come to Washington in 1862 as part of the 11th New Jersey Infantry, but as his New York Times obituary stated, “his exceptional skill with the pen made his services of such value to the Adjutant that he was soon withdrawn from the ranks and assigned to clerical duty. His copies of reports, rivaling steel engravings in artistic finish, attracted attention at headquarters, and when his regiment finally moved he was kept behind and installed in the War Department, and later transferred to the White House.” Pruden served as a secretary in the White House from the administration of Pres. Grant until his death in 1902, during the early days of the Theodore Roosevelt administration, and the Times states that he was at every official transaction in the White House during that period, including the nomination of everyone “from a cabinet minister to a postmaster in a country cross-road” and “copies of all the President’s messages, annual and incidental.” $4,000 - $6,000
POLITICS IN AMERICA | Lincolniana 190 King Hostick - Georg Studio Collection of Abraham Lincoln Photographs Lot of 12, including six silver gelatin photographs printed from negatives owned by King V. Hostick at the Herbert Georg Studio, Springfield, IL, printed ca 1950s-1970s, from the original negatives by Alexander Hesler, taken at Springfield, IL, June 3, 1860. One framed, oval-length print is 8 x 10 in., and bears the Herbert Georg Studio/ 301 West Carpenter/ Springfield, IL stamp on verso; two are 8 x 10 in. prints; and three 11 x 14 in. prints. These examples are comprised of the poses catalogued by Ostendorf as O-26 and O-27. The originals were made two weeks after Lincoln was nominated for President at the Republican National Convention in Chicago, and were well received by many, including Lincoln, who said of the two portraits here: That looks better and expresses me better than any I have ever seen; if it pleases the people I am satisfied [Ostendorf, p.47]. Also included are two prints, 11 x 14 in. and 8 x 10 in., both head detail enlargements of the pose made at Alexander Gardner’s studio in Washington, November 8, 1863; an 11 x 14 in. print showing Abraham Lincoln’s tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, IL; a 4 x 5.5 in. reproduction of the Lincoln ambrotype by Abraham Byers; and two souvenir printings of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and his famous letter to Mrs. Bixby, produced by the Western Bank Note & Eng. Co., Chicago. The entire
2 of 12
group was purchased as a box lot from a small auction in Illinois, and the offering is supplemented by copied paperwork suggesting that these photographs came from King Hostick or an employee of the studio. $1,000 - $1,500
191 No Lot 192 Abraham Lincoln Bronze Bust by George E. Bissell George Bissell (American, 1839-1920), signed Geo. E. Bissell / Sc / Copyrighted on back of bust, inscribed J.E. Caldwell & Co. / Gorham Co. Founders / O46 and MFA; ht. 16.5 in. $3,000 - $5,000
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POLITICS IN AMERICA | Lincolniana 193 Abraham Lincoln, Folk Art Portrait Painted on Violin Owned by Governor & General Isaac I. Stevens Violin, 23 in. long, featuring a painted portrait of Abraham Lincoln wearing a short beard. It has been suggested that the painting was produced around Lincoln’s 1860 election or during the early part of the Civil War, and it could be one of a few known paintings of Lincoln created during his lifetime. The portrait is surrounded by a border of 21 stars that relate to the number of Northern States in the Union at the start of the war. West Virginia entered the Union in June of 1863, and Nevada in 1864. The weeping Liberty at the bottom of the painting could be weeping for the Union or for Lincoln’s death. The violin came from the family of Issac I. Stevens (1818-1862), the first Governor of Washington Territory, and Civil War General that died at the Battle of Chantilly on September 1, 1862. The painting descended through the Stevens family to Ruth Eskridge, who sold the estate’s historical material to Bill McGreer in 1973. McGreer sold the violin to Portland Oregon dealer, Norm Moore, in the late 1970s, and it was purchased from Mr. Moore by the consignor in 2013. The painting on the violin was conserved by the Western Center for the Conservation of Fine Arts in Denver. $3,000 - $5,000
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POLITICS IN AMERICA | Lincolniana | The Assassination and Funeral 194 Abraham Lincoln, Fine Funeral Memento A gem-size albumen portrait of Lincoln framed in a small brass mat affixed to a red, white, and blue ribbon. The whole piece housed inside a pocket watch case with the typed note Bought and worn at Abraham Lincoln’s funeral by George Spears Beekman, May 4th, 1865. Accompanied by clippings from the Illinois State Register, Oct. 21, 1927, and Illinois State Journal, Oct. 23, 1927, the former titled G.S. Beekman Treasures Souvenir Sold at Lincoln’s Funeral, which explains that Beekman bought the piece for $0.25 from a hawker at the corner of Fourth and Monroe on the day of Lincoln’s funeral. Beekman stated, “I was a boy of 16 — I am 78 now — and the entire city, as well as persons from all over the world, had gathered for the rites, not yet recovered from the shock that accompanied the president’s death. With other boys I had been at the station when the funeral train arrived. A military sentry nearly took my head off because I peeked into the car in which the body lay.” $500 - $700
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POLITICS IN AMERICA | Lincolniana | The Assassination and Funeral
195 Very Rare Cabinet Card of Pillow Cases Used at the Time of Death of President Lincoln Cabinet card, imprinted on verso: This is to certify that the Photograph of Pillow Cases is correct. These cases were in use on the bed at the time of death of President A. Lincoln, and are now in my possession. / F. Petersen, Washington, D.C., July 20, 1893. Also on verso is a handstamp of the signature of John T. Ford under the text Your evidence of the great crime committed at my Theatre on the 14th of April 1865 is all authentic., and a handstamp of the signature of John E. Buckingham, the doorkeeper at Ford’s Theatre that night. $300 - $500
196 John Wilkes Booth as Hamlet, 1863 Broadside Printed broadside, 6 x 18 in., advertising a performance of Hamlet starring “the Popular Young Tragedian” John Wilkes Booth, Wednesday evening, Sept. 30, 1863, at Willard’s Howard Athenaeum in Boston, MA. $800 - $1,000
POLITICS IN AMERICA | Politics After Lincoln 197 Ulysses S. Grant Albumen Photograph by Mathew Brady, 1868 Albumen photograph, 6.25 x 8 in., on 11 x 14 in. mount, with printed title, President Grant, and credit to M.B. Brady/ 352 Penn. Avenue, Washington, D.C. 1868. Possibly a previously unpublished view of Ulysses S. Grant taken at the start of his presidency, this photograph comes from the Library of American painter, George P.A. Healy (1813-1894), who is considered one of the most successful portraitists of the 19th Century (See also Lot 59). From the Library of Artist, G.P.A. Healy $400 - $600
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POLITICS IN AMERICA | Politics After Lincoln
198 Rookwood James Garfield Memorial Pitcher attributed to Ferdinand Mersman American (Cincinnati), ca 1881. A Rookwood pitcher with a profile portrait of President James Garfield in front of two crossed American flags in high relief with Garfield beneath. Opposite side features an eagle with shield perched on branch. Leaves at neck on both sides with acanthine decoration on spout. Modeled from a sage green clay with a dull glaze. Decoration attributed to Ferdinand Mersman. Part of a limited production of 100 (see The Book of Rookwood Pottery); ht. 11.5 in. Property from the Garfield Robbins Zimmerman House, Hiram, Ohio $800 - $1,200
199 Blaine & Logan, Bolt of Two Campaign Banners Bolt includes 2 complete Blaine and Logan banners printed on cotton. Each completed banner features red, white, and blue horizontal stripes, with 6 five-pointed stars on blue and Blaine and Logan on white, and measures 24.5 x 40 in.; 24.5 x 80 in. overall. Right edge of each banner stamped, Printed by Richmond Mfg. Co. $500 - $700
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POLITICS IN AMERICA | Politics After Lincoln
200 Harry S. Truman, Portable Poker Table Identified to the Former President While in Residence at Blair House Portable, folding poker table, with two small plaques inscribed Harry S. Truman U.S.A. and Blair House Washington D.C., each mounted on one of the sides of the octagonal table top. 30 in. tall, 54 in. wide. Portion of original paper label on underside of table top identifies the maker as Marquette Mfg. Co., Ludington, Mich., which was a furniture manufacturing company operating in the 1940s. Harry Truman learned to play cards on his aunt and uncle’s Missouri farm at an early age, and over time, he developed an affinity specifically for the game of poker. While he continued to play the game during his presidency, going so far as to requisition a set of chips embossed with the presidential seal for use in the White House, efforts were made to keep Truman’s poker playing quiet while in office. Although this portable poker table lacks additional provenance that absolutely proves Truman’s connection to it, the inscribed plaque indicating that Truman used the table at Blair House in Washington, D.C., provides circumstantial evidence of the table’s origin. The White House actually underwent major renovation in the middle of Truman’s time in office, and as a result, the President lived at Blair House between 1948 and 1952. The consignor relates that the table was discovered by his son who was a construction worker assigned the task of cleaning out the
basement of a home previously used as an assisted care facility in Cheesman Park, Denver, CO. It has been suggested that the table was brought to Denver by Truman’s Secretary of Agriculture, Charles F. Brannan. In 1953, Brannan returned to his hometown of Denver after Truman left office, and he lived in proximity to the Cheesman Park home in which the table was found. However, no direct connection can be made between Brannan and the former residents. (Information obtained from news story entitled “Denver’s Piece of Presidential History,” by Tim Ryan, KUSA-TV, October 16, 2014.) $10,000 - $15,000
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POLITICS IN AMERICA | Political Movements 201 Carrie Nation ANS, Plus Group of Photographs Lot of 7, including postcard of log cabin, captioned in negative Carrie Nation”s Old log Cabin / Her Oklahoma Home. / Copyrighted 1908 by Dedrick. Reverse addressed to Kate Doneghy, Macon, MO. with pencil note signed Your Devoted Niece Carry. Entire note: My Dear Aunt Your letter to hand while my health is good my arms are too lame to while it is a struggle Dear Aunt to [about 1 1/2 lines partially erased] I live from day to day only He has Said I will never leave thee you forsake Thee but I cannot write often or much Annie & girls are better. The lot also includes the following photos: CDV of Nation’s father, George Moore; cabinet photograph of Nation with a hatchet in hand, copyrighted 1901; cabinet photograph of Nation and her (second) husband and four children; 2 cabinet card-sized photos on 6 x 8 in. mounts showing Nation in jail praying, each captioned on verso, Carry nation in jail. Taken while in prayer. Accompanied by the autobiography: The Use and Need of the Life of Carry A. Nation. Written by Herself. Topeka: F.M. Steves & Sons, 1905. 8vo, printed paper wraps, 201pp plus 1p ad. Carrie (also spelled Carry) Amelia Moore Nation was born in Gerrard County, KY, in 1846. Because of financial difficulties, the family moved a number of times during her childhood, finally settling in Belton, MO, moving to Kansas City when threatened by Confederate soldiers. While nursing Union soldiers, she met a young physician, Dr. Charles Gloyd. They were married in 1867. The doctor was by all accounts an alcoholic, and one of the reasons Nation became so radical a prohibitionist. They separated about a year after the marriage, and he died in 1869 of alcohol-related issues. She married David Nation in 1874, a minister, journalist, attorney, and nearly two decades her senior. He also had children by an earlier marriage. David, also, seems to have been something of an “activist,” or troublemaker, depending on one’s point of view. They purchased a farm in Texas, but it failed since neither knew much about farming. After some political problems, they moved to Medicine Lodge, KS, where Nation ultimately began her temperance campaign. When her protests and hymns had little effect, she decided to pray for direction. She swore she heard God tell her to “go to Kiowa” and reassured her that he would stand by her. She interpreted this as telling her to take something to smash the bars. She began with rocks, then moved up to her signature hatchet, and expanded her range of towns. Her mother was known to have mental problems; her daughter had mental problems. By the end of her life, Nation, also, was institutionalized. She died in the Evergreen Place Hospital in 1911. $2,000 - $3,000
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POLITICS IN AMERICA | Political Movements
202 Suffragettes at 1912 Political Rally, Outstanding Series of Photographs Lot of 3 outstanding photographs of a 1912 political rally in New Hampshire. All silver gelatin prints by Kimball of Concord, NH; two mounted to 8 x 10 in., the third to 5.75 x 7.75 in. One of the larger views shows a group of women posed in a horsedrawn carriage, holding signs that read Down With Man, We Want Our Rights, and National Suffrage Party / Maimie Magilicuddy for President / Mary Milholland for Vice Pres. The driver appears to be a woman dressed as a man, one woman wears a mustache, and one wears blackface. The other larger view looks down upon a crowd of enthusiastic supporters of all three major candidates in the 1912 presidential race. Two men in front hold Roosevelt & Johnson posters, two people are dressed as a Republican elephant, one man is dressed as Teddy Roosevelt, and several people wear blackface and other costumes, and many hold signs (including the women’s rights signs seen in the aforementioned photograph). Signs include: We Want Protection / Vote for Taft; Massa Taft Say Open Season Fo’ Possum (held by a man in blackface); Vote For Woodrow Wilson; Muck-Rakers; Win With Wilson; Do We Get Your Goat or Your Vote? (held by a woman); We Want Music With Our Meals; Vote Lydia Pinkham For Next President (held by a woman— Lydia Pinkham’s was a popular brand of “women’s tonic” used to treat menstrual pain); We Vote For First Man That Gives Us A Square Meal (held
by a man in blackface); Give Us What We Want / We’ll Get It Anyhow (held by a woman); and more. The smaller view shows a man speaking to many of the same people seen in the first two photographs. $500 - $700
203 African American Suffragette, Votes for Women, Bisque Figurine Rare, bisque statuette depicting an African American suffragette displaying a “Votes for Women” sign, 7.5 in. ht. Attributed to Schafer and Vater, a German porcelain company founded in 1896 that was especially famous for producing a series of around 20 suffrage-related statuettes, including this example, which is often referred to as the “Sojourner Truth” figurine. $500 - $700
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AUTOGRAPHS & MANUSCRIPTS | Political
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204 Signers of the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution, Autograph Group Including Mifflin, Hopkinson, King, Bartlett, et al. Lot includes: Thomas Mifflin (1744-1800). Major General and Quartermaster General of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, President of the Continental Congress (1783-1784), delegate to the Constitutional Convention and signer of the US Constitution, and first Governor of Pennsylvania (17901799). Autographed receipt, July 27, 1787. Accompanied by a steel engraving. Francis Hopkinson (1737-1791). Delegate to the Continental Congress and signer of the Declaration of Independence; also a writer of satirical pamphlets which advocated American independence and a member of the committees which designed the US flag and Great Seal of the United States. Autographed receipt, Nov. 7, 1787. Rufus King (1755-1827). Massachusetts delegate to the Continental Congress, signer of US Constitution, US Senator from New York (1813-1825), Federalist candidate for President of the United States (1816), and US Minister to Great Britain (1825-1826). ALS, 1p, No. 18, 1807, n.p., regarding a shipment of butter. Accompanied by a steel engraving. Josiah Bartlett (1729-1795). New Hampshire delegate to the Continental Congress, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Governor of New Hampshire (1790-1794). Autographed arrest warrant, 1.5pp, February 4, 1785, Rockingham Co., NH. Robert Treat Paine (1731-1814). Signer of the Declaration of
Independence from Massachusetts. Signed indictment, Sept. 18. 1780, Bristol Co., MA. Also a possible James Wilson (1742-1798) docketed document. $1,000 - $1,500
205 Minnesota Politician & U.S. Tax Commissioner, Delano T. Smith, Archive Including Recommendations Signed by Colfax, Ramsey, Spinner, & More Lot of 11 documents pertaining to the political career of Delano T. Smith, previously housed in a scrapbook owned by him. Born in Litchfield, NY, and educated at the Clinton Liberal Institute, Smith (1830-1905) studied law and was admitted to the bar in Albany in 1852. He then traveled west to Dixon, IL, where he briefly practiced law. Within three years, Smith moved to Minnesota and became a prominent political figure in the Republican party, representing the state in both the house and senate. He specialized in financial matters, and as a result was highly recommended to serve as auditor for the US Treasury Department under Salmon Chase during Lincoln’s first administration. Although he lost out on this position, Smith was later appointed to the office of US Direct Tax Commissioner of the state of Tennessee, which involved collecting taxes from the rebel states. His 1863 and 1864 appointments to this position, each signed by Lincoln, are offered as Lots 185 and 186 in this auction. Smith held this position from 1863-1865, when he resigned and moved to New York to work in real estate. Smith also worked with his brother to promote the first subway in New York City, known as the Arcade Railway. However, in 1869, he decided to move west to Marshalltown, IA, where he again worked in real estate and engaged in farming and stock raising at his farm known as Highland Home. Smith remained in Marshalltown until his death on May 10, 1905. The lot features the following letters of introduction and/or recommendation for Smith, signed by political figures of the Civil War period: ALS, including written recommendations from Francis E. Spinner (1802-1890), US Congressman, New York, and Preston King (1806-1865), US Senator, New York. 2pp. May 14, 1859; ALS, recommendation from Alexander Ramsey (1815-1903), US Senator, Minnesota, and Secretary of War. 1p. August 18, 1859; ALS Schuyler Colfax (1823-1885), future Vice President under U.S. Grant. 1p. October 1, 1859. Addressed to Governor Banks (likely Nathaniel Banks of Massachusetts), with a glowing introduction to Smith. A manuscript recommendation of Smith to the office of Auditor, dated June 20, 1862, from Washington, and addressed to Salmon Chase, Secretary of the Treasury, is also included, and features
signatures of several members of congress: Richard Franchot; Fernando Beaman; F.A. Pike; Schuyler Colfax; John Goodwin; John Potter; Theodore Pomeroy; John Rice; George Julian; Burt Van Horn; James Wilson; F.F. Low; A.A. Sargent; R.E. Trowbridge; and John Hutchins. The document is partially affixed to album page, and a September 30, 1863, signed letter of introduction from J.M. Edmunds, Grand President of Grand Council of Union League is mounted to opposite side of page. A manuscript pass through military lines for Smith from “Headquarters, Military Division of the Mississippi,” Nashville, TN, January 4, 1865, signed by General J.D. Webster also accompanies the lot and is mounted to portion of album page, with a letter to Preston King, signer indecipherable, including a strong recommendation of Smith mounted to opposite side of page. Lastly, the lot includes 4 land grants issued to Smith, each secretarial signed, from the administrations of Buchanan, dated 1857 (2), Johnson, dated 1866 (1), and Grant, dated 1870 (1). (See also Lots 185-187 and 206, which relate to Delano T. Smith and descended directly in his family.) Descended Directly in the Family of Delano T. Smith $500 - $700
COWAN’S AMERICAN HISTORY
AUTOGRAPHS & MANUSCRIPTS | Political 206 Rare James Henry Lane Frontier Guard Signed Discharge for Delano T. Smith, May 1861 Partially printed discharge for Delano T. Smith, a member of James H. Lane’s Frontier Guards. 9 x 15.25 in. Signed by Lane and witnessed by J.B. Stockton, 2nd Lieut. Printed signatures of Simon Cameron and Abraham Lincoln, as well as another of Lane’s. Wonderful document with an engraving of the White House at top and geometric border around the whole. In one of those seldom reported events of the Civil War, James H. Lane of Kansas formed a purely volunteer group made up largely of Kansas men - from senators and house members, job seekers, clerks and ordinary folks. Kansas had just been admitted to the Union on January 29, 1861, and many Jayhawkers were in Washington for various reasons. A similar company, “Clay Guards,” was formed by Cassius Clay of Kentucky. Several “real” militia units were headed to Washington from New York and Pennsylvania, but when the 6th Massachusetts was attacked in Baltimore, and rumors started trickling in that Washington would be attacked and the President held hostage, the government decided to err on the side of safety. Lane had offered a small force to guard the President on his trip from Illinois to the capital, an offer that was politely declined. However, this new threat was more serious, and Washington was caught between Virginia, which seceded on April 17, and Maryland, which was in upheaval and looked as if it would also secede. Word was sent to James Lane in Willard’s Hotel, where he had taken up residence, from General Winfield Scott and Secretary of War, Simon Cameron. Lane sent runners to rally his men, and they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House, where they bivouacked in the East Room. There are numerous descriptions of that surreal scene in contemporary newspapers - armed men, and a motley group at that, arms stacked down the center of the room, with men sleeping on the velvet carpet along either wall, gas chandeliers overhead. Sentinels walking the room reportedly would not even allow the President and First Lady to enter. By April 27, several state militias had arrived in Washington. Lane wrote to Secretary of War Cameron requesting authority to disband the Guard and honorably discharge its members given the number of troops that were then in the city. Cameron concurred, and the Frontier Guard ceased to exist, barely 10 days after it formed.
Since they served without pay, they were never mustered into Federal service, and thus no roll of members was ever written down. The numbers of men in the unit is generally thought to have been about 120 (some have claimed as many as 200, but the former seems more reasonable given the circumstances). Probably less than half of those are known. Lane decided that even though his men received no compensation, they would at least be received by the President and receive a discharge. This is the result of that decision. An extremely rare item, since fewer than 150 were probably ever printed. Descended Directly in the Family of Delano T. Smith $1,000 - $1,500
207 Civil War-Era Senators, Governors, and Cabinet Members, Signed Group of CDVs Lot of 9 autographed CDVs, including: Edwin M. Stanton (1814-1869), Secretary of War under Lincoln and Johnson, carte by Brady, signed on the print; Henry Wilson (18121875), abolitionist senator from Mass. (1855-73), Vice Pres. of the US under Pres. Grant (1873-75), carte by Brady, signed on the print; Edwin D. Morgan, simultaneously served as Union major general and Gov. of New York (1859-62), also US Senator-NY (1863-69), carte by Brady, signed on the print; John Sherman (1823-1900), brother of Gen. W.T. Sherman, served as US Sen.-OH, (1861-77), later Sec. of Treasury under Pres. Hayes and Sec. of State under Pres. McKinley, carte by Brady; two cartes of Schuyler Colfax (1823-1885), Vice Pres. under Grant (1869-73), US Rep.-IN (1855-69), Speaker of the House (1863-69), vignette carte by Alexander Gardner, signed on the print, and a view by Masury, Boston, signed in the recto margin; two cartes of John J. Crittenden (1787-1863), Atty. Gen. under Presidents Wm. H. Harrison, Tyler and Fillmore (1841, 1850-53), US Sen.KY (4 term from 1817-61); Gov. of KY (1848-50); US Rep.-KY (1861-63), two uncredited cartes, both signed in the recto margin; Benjamin Wade (1800-1878), US Sen.-OH (1851-69), Pres. pro tem. (1867-69), carte by Brady, signed on the print. $1,000 - $2,000 SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS, ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND CONDITION REPORTS OF ALL LOTS AT COWANS.COM
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AUTOGRAPHS & MANUSCRIPTS | Political 208 US Supreme Court, 1904, Autographed Photograph Photograph of the nine Justices from the 1904 US Supreme Court, copyrighted in the negative 1904/ C.M. Bell Photograph Co., 6.75 x 8.5 in., on larger mount autographed by the following Justices: John Marshall Harlan (1833-1911), Associate Justice (1877-1911); Melville Fuller (1833-1910), Chief Justice (1888-1910); David J. Brewer (18371910), Associate Justice (1889-1910); Henry Billings Brown (18361913), Associate Justice (1890-1906); Edward Douglass White (18451921), Associate Justice (1894-1910) and Chief Justice (1910-1921); Rufus Wheeler Peckham (1838-1909), Associate Justice (1895-1909), clipped signature affixed to mount; Joseph McKenna (1843-1926), Associate Justice (1898-1925); Oliver Wendell Holmes (1841-1935), Associate Justice (1902-1932); William R. Day (1849-1923), Associate Justice (1903-1922). Mount verso pencil inscribed: July 3rd 1906/ For Miss Hallie Whiting, Canton, O./ From William R. Day/ Cor. 5th & Cleveland Ave. Framed, 12.75 x 15.25 in. $800 - $1,200
209 1960s Political Scrapbook Including Gus Grissom Signature and Kennedy Campaign Ephemera A ca 1960s political scrapbook compiled by a Southern Indiana democrat, containing campaign ephemera, correspondence, and clippings, mostly related to John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and the space program, including a Virgil “Gus” Grisson TLS and several secretarially signed and autopen John F. Kennedy letters. The Grissom TLS is dated June 5, 1961, on Project Mercury letterhead, thanking the collector for a letter of support. JFK For President secretarially signed TLS and 8 x 10 in. publicity photo, accompanied by the original envelope; JFK For President secretarially signed TLS thanking the collector for the “many courtesies extended to [JFK’s] mother while she was in Louisville, accompanied by a Kodachrome portrait of Rose Kennedy; JFK autopen thank you note, housed in the original 1961 White House envelope with a small American flag stick pin; Ticket to Kennedy’s inauguration; Two Kodachrome photographs of JFK arriving at a presidential visit; Louisville Courier-Journal press photograph of Kennedy visiting Louisville; Homage to President John Fitzgerald Kennedy postcard booklet of scenes from his funeral, unused and in excellent condition; Postcards of the assassination site; 10 x 13 in. JFK portrait by Fabian Bachrach; TLsS on White House stationary from Kennedy’s personal secretary Evelyn Lincoln (2) and special assistant Ralph Dungan; 10.5 x 13.25 in. Plastichrome portrait of RFK by Philippe Halsman; Citizen’s For Kennedy stamped RFK publicity photo with facsimile signature; Program to a 1966 Indiana speech by RFK, accompanied by a press photo of the event; and more. $600 - $800
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AUTOGRAPHS & MANUSCRIPTS | The Napoleonic Wars 210 Napoleon Bonaparte & Prince Felix Bacciochi, Signed Agreement, 1804 Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821). An 1804 agreement between Napoleon I and Prince Felix Bacciochi, husband of Napoleon’s eldest sister, Elisa, concerning the sale of property by Bacciochi to Napoleon. Signed by both parties. 4pp of text, plus 4 blank pages containing two Rep. Fra. 75 cen. stamps. Signed Napoleon fully and boldly, and underneath by Felix Pasquale Baciocchi (1762-1841). Pages separated and hinged into an attractive, leather-bound album with gilt-imprinted cover. $1,000 - $2,000
211 Napoleon Bonaparte, Signed Manuscript List of Proposed Officers for the Dragons, Garde Imperiale, 1808 Manuscript listing proposed officers for Garde Imperiale No. 2 Dragons, 4pp, 8.75 x 10.5 in., signed by colonel of the regiment Jean-Toussaint Arrighi de Casanova (1778-1853), and marked Np at top left by Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821). The chart lists 12 officers of the regiment, and states their rank, details of their previous campaigns and service, and observations. $800 - $1,200
212 Napoleon Bonaparte LS, January 29, 1811 Napoleon Bonaparte (17691821). LS, 1p, 7.25 x 9 in., January 29, 1811, addressed to Major General, Mon Cousin, instructing him to give the order that no Spanish prisoners are to remain at the Depot de Paris and Major Quasnel is to be responsible for anyone left under the addressee’s command under pretext of illness, etc. Initialed by Napoleon. $800 - $1,200
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213 Military Passport for a Voltigeur of the Garde Imperial, 1811 Partially printed passport, 4pp, 10 x 15 in., dated August 16, 1811, allowing travel for Philippe Braun, 1st Regiment de Voltigeurs, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Company, signed an/ or stamped at several military checkpoints, mostly in what is now Germany. $200 - $400
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AUTOGRAPHS & MANUSCRIPTS | The Napoleonic Wars 214 Napoleon Bonaparte LS, April 30, 1812 Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821). LS, 3.5pp, 7.25 x 9 in., dated April 29, 1812, at SaintCloud, addressed to Comte de Cessac, Minister for the Administration of the War, initialed by Napoleon on the fourth page. Napoleon is replying to a report about for cavalry horses for the Army of Spain, forcefully rejecting the proposed transfer of 2,400 horses, including 144 horses for cuirassiers, which must not be moved because it would be impossible to replace them in Poland. He demands more information about the horse situation as it relates to the Dragoons, Light Horse, and Hussars, and says dans une guerre active, il n’y a plan, ni complet ni effectif pour la force du regimen puisque du soir au matin cette force peut changer,” basically that in active war, there is no safe level of strength and equipment, as things can change overnight. At the time Napoleon was issuing a torrent of orders from the Chateau de Saint-Cloud in preparation for the French invasion of Russia that would begin June 24. $800 - $1,200
215 Imperial Guard Member, Jean Baptiste Phal, Group of Documents Signed by Davout & Clarke Lot of 3 documents relating to the military career of Jean Baptiste Phal, who served with the Garde Imperiale in Spain, Prussia, France, and was present at Waterloo. Includes: Legion of Honor award document, dated April 6, 1813, when Phal was serving as sergeant major in the 7th Regt. Voltigeur de la Garde Imperiale, signed by Lacepde; very rare promotion document from the Hundred Days, dated April 28, 1815, at Paris, commissioning Phal a lieutenant in 1st Regt. de Voltigeurs of the Garde, signed M.P. Eckmuhl, for Marshal-Prince Eckmuhl, Louis Nicolas Davout (1770-1823); and a commission appointing Phal to lieutenant in the Legion of the Cote d’Or, dated September 9, 1816, signed M’l D. de Feltre, for Marshal Duke de Fletre, Henri Jacques Guillaume Clarke (1765-1818). Documents accompanied by printed translations and a photocopy of Phal’s service record. $500 - $700
216 Waterloo Veteran, Auguste Prosper Michaud, Set of Documents, Including Two Signed by Soult Lot of 5-plus documents relating to the military career of French officer Auguste Prosper Michaud. Michaud joined the 3rd Regiment de Voltigeurs of the Garde Imperiale on May 28, 1815, served at Waterloo the following month, and was discharged in September. He then joined the 53rd Regiment of the Line in 1817 and served for nearly 30 years, retiring in 1846. This lot includes: Michaud’s discharge, dated Sept. 15, 1815, signed by Gen. Nicolas Philippe Guye (1773-1845); promotion to lieutenant, 53rd Regt. of the Line, dated Dec. 9, 1831, signed by Marshal Jean-de-Dieu Soult, Duke of Dalmatia (1769-1851), just a year prior to his first of three terms as Prime Minister of France (signature M’l Duc de Dalmatia); Michaud’s promotion to captain in the 53rd, dated April 22, 1839, signed by the Minister for War; Legion of Honor document regarding Michaud’s appointment to Chevalier, dated Nov. 28, 1844, signed by Marshal Soult; document regarding Michaud’s St. Helena Medal, awarded in 1857 to soldiers who had fought in the Napoleonic Wars; plus a set of records from the Minister for War’s office, dated 1888, relating to the military careers of Auguste Prosper Michaud and his father Pierre Michaud, who rose all the way to the rank of General de Division in 1794. $500 - $700 128
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AUTOGRAPHS & MANUSCRIPTS | French and Indian Wars 217 French & Indian War-Period Document Requesting Pay, Fort Cumberland, 1755 Manuscript document issued by John Rutherford, Captain, 3.75 x 6.25 in. Fort Cumberland, 1755. Document requesting pay for a teamster by the name of Enoch Ziggler who was in General Edward Braddock’s Expedition against Fort Duquesne. Perfect for display. The document states, in part: Enoch Ziggler Teamster joined with part of Colonel Dunbars Detachment of Cumberland on the 20th of May with 6 pack horses transporting Kings Stores on the Expedition under General Braddock against Fort Dequesne Returning July 22 1755 64 days inclusive at the rate of 12 shillings per day with the publick finding forage. Less 4:0 Advance. The Braddock expedition, named after General Edward Braddock, was a failed British military expedition that took place in the summer of 1855, involving the attempt to capture the French Fort Duquesne. General Braddock died leading the British forces in this effort, which was viewed as a major setback for the British at the start of the French and Indian War. $300 - $500
AUTOGRAPHS & MANUSCRIPTS | Colonial and Revolution 218 Pre-Revolutionary War Document from the College of William and Mary’s “Flat Head Club,” The First College Fraternity in America Manuscript document on vellum, 13.75 x 14 in. May 8, 1773. Handwritten in Latin, in beautiful calligraphic style, the document attests that...Gulielmo Leigh was a young man of good character and for three years living in the Society we found he always was honest. This is attested by seal of the Society and signatures of the President and Members...Given on the Premises of William and Mary College in Virginia (loose translation). The Flat Head Club was recommending Leigh to the S.P.D. (likely another club or student fraternity). Signed by 13 members, the President being James Innes, who would be a colonel and aide to General George Washington a few years later. Also signed by St. George Tucker, Beverly Randolph, and 10 others, most who probably fought in the Revolutionary War. An interesting document from the Flat Head Club, which is considered the first recorded college fraternity in America and included famous members such as Thomas Jefferson. $300 - $500
219 Log for the Ship Washington, 1795 Approx. 9.5 x 15 in. blank journal (i.e., only lined pages), red leather with embossed border on covers (may have been gilt when made). As with many blank journals, there are two sections, one beginning from each cover. This is one of the earliest ship’s logs we have encountered, and it relates to a merchant vessel, from the earliest days of our nation as an independent force in commerce. From one direction, the first free endpaper includes a manuscript note: Major John McCulloch of the Pensylvania [sic] Artillery at the time of the Revolution & who was killed by 11 stubborn fools of a jury who would not give a just verdict & kept the Major shut up 48 hours in a jury room, which brought on Apoplexy of which he died in 1800. —— The eldest son of Major John McCulloch was Doctor Saml. McCulloch, who acted as ships steward, supercargo & sailing master on his father’s ship and this journal of a Voyage & Wreck was kept by him —- and it will be of interest to you & the boys – so I send it to find a place in your Family Archives —- Aug 19th 1892 John S. McCulloch To Geo. S. McCulloch Esq. Staten Island New York SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS, ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND CONDITION REPORTS OF ALL LOTS AT COWANS.COM
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AUTOGRAPHS & MANUSCRIPTS | Colonial and Revolution [Note: the “supercargo” was hired by the owner of the cargo to manage it, and, in fact, was the second most important person on the ship after the captain.] After this is a section titled Rules for finding the longitude / Methods on the first two pages, followed by 45 observations for the ship Washington between 10 July 1795 and 15 June 1796. The next section bears the title Method of solving a Lunar Observation by a New and simple Projection, and five pages with 4 examples, each with a diagram of the geometry behind the method. The second part - turning the journal upside-down - has another manuscript title page: Journal of a Voyage in the Ship Washington by Sam’l. McCulloch 1796. The first two pages contain a list of the crew for the journey to Calcutta and back to New York. There are 46 men listed. Among these are 16 specialists - commander, surgeon, cooper, carpenter, sailmaker, supercargo, ship’s steward, cabin steward, cabin cook, ship’s cook, first, second and third mates, etc. There are 17 seamen, 5 “ordinary seamen,” seven “boys,” and one “cabbin [sic] boy.” The section after this is Measurements of ship - Hull, masts & yards. One note indicates that she is 540 1/2 tons. The following page is Lengths & Sizes of the Running Rigging. We have not seen these in logs previously, but the advantage for constructing replacements if lost in a storm, etc. is obvious. The next part references the Code of Signals taken from Capt. Samuel Hubbart’s journal...in Company with the China Fleet / Received from Sir Erasmus Gorver, Knt. [Knight], Commander of the Lion, Man of War, 1794. This is followed by colorful drawings of signal flags and their meanings. The last section is the actual log of the journey - 138 days out of Calcutta, headed for Hamburgh, two days per page, from 2 Feb. 1796 to 18 June 1796, when she wrecked at Mount’s Bay off Land’s End, Cornwall (Mount’s Bay is on the English Channel coast of Cornwall, on the eastern side of Land’s End peninsula). Most of the journal is fairly routine, giving the typical weather, setting or reefing (shortening) of sails, repairs made, latitude and longitude, etc. One day they found two barrels of beef spoiled and had to throw them overboard. Occasionally, there is an inventory of water (at one point enough for 110 days). On 29 March: Joseph Gonsalvus received one dozen & a half lashes from the Boatswain, agreeable to the order of the Captain. All hands were mustered on the Quarter deck to witness the Punishment. The culprit has for some time past been discovered to be frequently intoxicated, having no other means of acquiring liquor, but by embezelment. He was this day caught with half a Gallon of Rum, which he stole in the night. 17 April, “Lying at St. Helena.” …At 4 PM Capt. Hubbart, Mr. D’Arcy, Mr. Farmer & myself went on shore. We found lying here the London Capt. Grant, the Princess Emelia Capt. Millett & the Barwell Cpt. Welladvice(?),
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British Indiamen from Bombay, and the Eliza Ann Capt Loyd [Lloyd?] from Calcutta. We are informed that the Cleopatra Capt. Dikey sailed from this on the 8th Inst. & the Major Pinkney on the 13th Inst. … They brought more water on board and made a few repairs. They unmoored at 8AM on 20 April and got ready to sail. Also Brought on more food, including a bullock, potatoes and fruit. Mr. Farmer procured a new servant maid from the islands and left his other behind, since she had been confined for three weeks with Typhus. On the 25th of April, they reached Ascension Island, and Hubbart, D’Arcy, Grant and he went on shore. Next night, they and 20 men, in groups of 5, went on shore to spend the night catching turtles. About the 3rd of May a number of the officers became very ill. He describes the symptoms in clinical detail. I impute it all to the Turtle diet. Two days later, Two of our Turtles died last night. A number of times he refers to the luminosity of the seas at night. [7 May] Seas appeared uncommonly luminous which continued until day light. This Phenomenon I believe has never yet been satisfactorily accounted for. Capt. Cook, if I recollect right, supposes it owing to animalcula in the water possessing the same power of showing light that the light[ning] bug does. If this was the case ought we not to see it more frequently? I am rather of an opinion however, that it is owing to the Commintures of the rain water with the Salt. Having had a great deal of rain some days past, renders this conjecture somewhat probable. On 17 May, they encountered a fleet of 21 ships. One stood toward them in the early afternoon (i.e., aimed the guns on that side in their direction). A boat was sent out. She proved to be the Quebec, British Frigate, Capt. Cook ...Rear Admiral Pool with a Convoy of 21 Sail of Transports & Gun boats with 10,000 soldiers on board bound to Barbadoes & out 5 weeks. About three weeks later they encountered another ship who appeared to be chasing them…[B]ut it blowing fresh with a rough Seas & he having shown no colors, the Captain did not think it proper to shorten sail for her. At noon she was nearly out of sight astern. Then came that fateful day, 18 June: At ½ past 5 PM saw several fishing boats standing out of Mount’s Bay. At 6 PM shortened Sail & took a Pilot on board from one of them who agreed to carry the Ship into Falmouth for 10 Guineas, made all possible sail again upon the Course ordered by the Pilot as I log. At 8 PM the weather became very thick & hazy again. At 9 PM I thought I heard the surf break on the shore, which I immediately remarked to the Pilot. He said that we were nearly up with the Lizard, ordered all the light sails in, to brace the Yards sharp & haul to the Southward, but immediately discovered one of the Stag Rocks close upon our larboard bow, having the Flood tide with us, & considerable way on the Ship, we soon found ourselves completely surrounded with rocks. Hove alls aback & endeavored to get the Ship out from among them, but our efforts were
AUTOGRAPHS & MANUSCRIPTS | Colonial and Revolution ineffectual, for the tide having as much command of her that she was in a few minutes driven on the Rocks without a possibility of getting her off again. He goes on to describe the efforts to save her – firing a distress signal with the guns, cutting away the long boats, manning the pumps, etc. Meanwhile, Upon the first observing the Rocks the Pilot appeared in the greatest confusion & acted with much inconsistency. He made his escape in one of the country boats, in the morning, unobserved by any of our Crew. They began shuttling off the cargo, and anything else useful (even sails) to shore and leaving men to guard it. Toward the end, he notes: The Ship was totally lost but the cargo principally saved, thro’ the exertion of the Crew & the assistance procured by Mssr. G.C. For(?) Jones. $2,000 - $3,000
AUTOGRAPHS & MANUSCRIPTS | General Americana
220 Illustrated Manuscript Account of Western New York Fruit Tree Cultivator, Ira Weaver Lot of 3 items belonging to Ira Weaver, a fruit grower in Western and Central New York State, active from at least the 1820s to 1840s. Items relate to his techniques and advances in the pruning and grafting of fruit trees, particularly apple, pear, plum, cherry and apricot, for which Weaver describes a method of grafting new cultivars from old stock buried horizontally. Items include: 6.25 x 7.75 in. notebook, containing 14 watercolor diagrams, each opposite a page of inked text corresponding to the drawing. The first page is inked: Ira Weaver’s discovery and improvement in increasing Fruit Trees of all kinds./ I claim as my discovery the increasing trees from the roots bodies and tops of good Natural Fruit Trees, and Grafted fruit Trees, by planting Trees perpendicular horizontal or inclined and producing roots and shoots from the forming trees as given in the following drawings and schedules of the same hereinafter described. Signed by Weaver and B. Chamberlain, first Judge of Cattaraugus County Courts, April 8, 1842.
6.25 x 7.75 in. notebook containing 28 signed documents from land owners in Western and Central New York State which attest to the success of grafts that Weaver implemented for them, ca 1827-1849. For example, one grower notes in 1843 that the grafts Weaver set in 1827 are still fruitful, and another grower notes the survival of 74 of 76 grafts set for the season of 1827 and that they bore fruit exceeding any he had ever seen. One note, dated April 27, 1831, at Geneseo, is from the noted Western New York pioneer, educator, and agriculturalist James Wadsworth (1768-1844), who states he knew Mr. Weaver for five seasons and …he has been more successful than any other person I have ever employed, particularly in store fruit such as cherries, plums, apricots, etc. Other prominent customers who signed notes include US Congressman Philo C. Fuller (1787-1855), several judges (such as Charles H. Carroll of Livingston County, nephew of the signer of the US Constitution of the same name), a Col. Wm. Fitzhugh, a Gen. Elijah Rathbone, et al. Gov. of New York Daniel Tompkins was also a customer, but his note has been clipped out. The book includes recipes for oil cloth blacking, furniture polish, burn ointment, yeast,
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wine, gin, rum, bitters and more, as well as newspaper clippings regarding fruit and grafting, and a ledger recording what he was owed for pruning and grafting services during the 1854 season. An Epitome of Mr. Forsyth’s Treatise on the Culture and Management of Fruit-Trees. Philadelphia: T.L. Plowman, 1803. 8vo, leather covers, 186pp. Inked on FFEP, Ira Weaver’s Book bought March 12th 1825 of Peter Yates Esq. or Judge Yates./ Pompey March 12th 1825/ Fruit Treaties/ Judge Peter Yates Cousin to Joseph Governor of the State of New York. This
book contains notes on the various cultivars of apples, peaches, plums, apricots, etc., with planting and harvesting suggestions, plus 15 plates showing appropriate pruning techniques and even design of required tools and the recommended layout of a farmhouse. We could find little biographical information on Ira Weaver, but a History of Cattaraugus County lists him as having served as Justice of the Peace in Hinsdale, NY, in 1834. $4,000 - $6,000
221 Abner Chapman, First Schoolteacher & Storekeeper in Union County, Ohio, Early 19th Century Store Ledger & Related Documents Ledger with dates from 1803 to about 1852. The typical purchases and payments are recorded (whiskey, cloth, tobacco, more whiskey); also, some labor, such as a payment to Ephraim Higgins for one day’s work on the highway. Abner and Relief (Baldwin) Chapman were natives of Vermont. Abner was born about 1790, and he and his brother, David, came to Ohio on foot in 1810. They first stopped in Franklin County, then moved on to Union County the following year. Abner was a pioneer of Jerome Township. He taught school off and on for many years, sometimes in his home, later in a one-room schoolhouse. He also made his living surveying and keeping a hotel. He served as Justice of the Peace and as Captain in a local militia. He had six children survive to adulthood, one of whom was Harvey. The Civil War letters of Harvey Chapman are in Lot 145 of this auction. Later in life Abner became a convert to the temperance movement, and destroyed all of his barrels of whiskey. He died in 1864 at the age of 74 years. Abner also apparently used the ledger to keep his other important papers. A later owner of the book took these out and accumulated them in a folder. They are also the typical scraps torn from an unused part of some other document with a receipt or IOU scribbled on them. Includes a copy of The History of Union County, Ohio. Chicago: W.H. Beers & Co., 1883. Copyright 1996 of the facsimile reprint by the Union County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society. Three volumes (Vol. 1, Vol. II, part 1, Vol. II, part 2). There is information on the Chapman family in several places, but largest block is in Vol. II, pt. 1, p. 244. Descended Directly in the Chapman Family $500 - $700 132
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AUTOGRAPHS & MANUSCRIPTS | General Americana 222 U.S. Lighthouse Establishment, Mississippi, Missouri, & Ohio River System, Archive of Documents Lot of 60+ documents related to the U.S. Light-House Establishment, dated at Cincinnati, July to September, 1877. One group of 18 documents (Form 28) is noted as “Appropriation for Lighting and Buoyage of Miss., Mo. & Ohio Rivers.” Issued at Cincinnati, Albert Fautz, USN, Comdr. These appear to be for items such as linens, lanterns, cans, carpets, room rentals and wharfage fees. A group of three documents (Form 7) are payroll forms, for six people on board the tender Lily and one person in the Office of the Inspector of the 14th District, and a group of eight are disbursement forms (Forms 3 and 6). Another group consists of 41 account sheets of the amounts owed various vendors (Form 4). The items ordered include everything from foodstuffs - meat, ice, butter, eggs, milk, baking powder, etc. - to scrub brushes, sponges, pitchers, plates, and much more. The United States Lighthouse Establishment was formed under the Department of the Treasury in 1789. Existing lighthouses were
transferred to the establishment. It built Cape Henry LH in 1792. In 1910 the Bureau of Lighthouses was created and all types of navigation were included. Lighthouses were going from oils and kerosene to electricity and then to radiobeacon. After the coastal waters, these major rivers - Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio - were the most important water transportation routes in the nation. $1,000 - $1,500
AUTOGRAPHS & MANUSCRIPTS | Artists, Authors and Musicians 223 Political Cartoonist, Thomas Nast, Autographed Photograph Thomas Nast (1840-1902). German-born American editorial cartoonist and caricaturist, identified as the “Father of the American Cartoon.” Known for creating the modern version of Santa Claus and the political symbol of the elephant representing the Republican Party. Associated with Harper’s Weekly, ca 1859-1886. Cabinet card photograph of Nast by Sarony, NY, signed and dated on mount recto, Th. Nast./ April - 20 - 1885. $500 - $700
224 Lew Wallace ALS, Including Discussion of Jesse James Lew Wallace (1827-1905). Union major general in the Civil War, Governor of New Mexico Territory (1878-1881), and author of the bestselling book Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1880). ALS, 2.5pp, 6 x 9.5 in., “Hotel Bristol, New York” letterhead. November 20, 1895. Addressed to J.L. Chilton. An interesting letter in which Wallace responds to an individual questioning his treatment of Jesse James while he served as Governor of the New Mexico Territory. He states, I for one would be the last official to say the judiciary and public law officers are all honest and of the utmost integrity. Unfortunately they are not...There are a good many men across the country unjustly charged and convicted. But we can never have perfect justices until we have perfect men. He goes on to discuss Jesse James, who roamed quite freely for many years. We know he was aided at times by various law enforcement agents...It is known that Jessie [sic] James was first convicted of a crime he was innocent thereof which embarked the brothers on a life of crime. Wallace said that as Governor, he never considered pardoning the James brothers, adding, I for one do not consider Jessie [sic] James a “Robin Hood” as the Eastern Journals do seem to find him. A reward posted by a Governor for a man dead or alive indicates that a capital
crime or crimes have been committed...that no shadow of doubt exists as to the guilt of the accused. It will of course encourage an officer of the law to shoot first and ask no questions. This under ordinary circumstances is reproachable. But in the case of Jessie [sic] James I believe several have been justifiable. $400 - $600
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AUTOGRAPHS & MANUSCRIPTS | Artists, Authors and Musicians 225 The Story of My Life, Signed by Helen Keller Keller, Helen. The Story of My Life. New York: Doubleday, Page & Company, 1903 (March). First edition. 8vo, ribbed maroon cloth, gilt front and spine, gilt top edges of pages, no dj, frontis photo of Keller with Anne Sullivan, 441pp. Signed Helen Keller on ffep. Accompanying materials indicate the provenance of this volume: A.W. Anthony, a friend and committee member with Miss Keller, to his granddaughter, Beth Dressler, and from her to “Kristin.” Helen Keller (1880-1968) began this story before her life had barely started. She was just 22 and a student at Radcliffe. One of her English teachers, Dr. Charles Copeland, suggested she write about her personal experiences. The exercise helped her develop her writing skills, already substantial. In 1902, Ladies’ Home Journal serialized her life story (up to that point), and offered her a substantial fee - the first time she realized she might be able to make a living as a writer. Doubleday then picked up the autobiography the following year. It was an instant success, and remains in print after a century. $300 - $500
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226 Ernest Hemingway Items with Provenance, Including Signed Receipt, Compass, and Painting Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961). Signed receipt from the Guaranty Trust Company of New York in Paris for $3,000 in bank notes, dated at Paris, June 30, 1927, just a year after the publication of The Sun Also Rises and a year before Hemingway’s return to the United States. Lot also includes: a Weems hand bearing compass housed in the original wood case marked on the lid Salvage Dept. and with a typed label inside the lid reading Ernest Hemingway / P.O. Box 406 / Key West, Fla.; an oil on canvas portrait of Hemingway, 18 x 20 in., the canvas marked at the edge Key West Hand Print Fabric Co. and signed P. Serus(?) at l.r.; and a ca 1930s photograph of a man and woman, housed in a sleeve from Chez Firehouse / American Music Hall / New York City, inked Ernest at top center. The items in this lot, along with others including the daguerreotype of Asa Tift offered in this sale as Lot 175 and a typewriter which sold at Christie’s in 2011, were found by Ernest Hemingway’s widow Mary when cleaning out his belongings from the store room at Sloppy Joe’s Bar in 1962. $1,000 - $2,000
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BOOKS 227 Mathematical Collections and Translations, Galileo and Thos. Salusbury Salusbury, Thomas. Mathematical Collections and Translations: The First Tome in Two Parts. London: Printed by William Leybourn, MDCLXI (1661). First part consists of Galileo’s “System of the World” (Dialogo), his “Epistle to the Grand Dutchesse Mother concerning the Authority of Holy Scripture in Philosophical Controversies;” Johannes Kepler’s and Didacus a Stunica’s “Reconcilings of Scripture Texts,” and Foscarinus’ Epistle to Father Fantonus reconciling the Authority of Scripture. First section with separate tp: Galileo Galilei. The Systeme of the World in Four Dialogues Wherein the Two Grand Systemes of Ptolomy and Copernicus are Largely Discoursed of: And the Reasons, both Phylosophical and Physical, as well on the one side as the other, impartially and indefinitely propounded: By Galileus Galileus Linceus, a Gentleman of Florence: Extraordinary Professor of the Mathematicks in the University of Pisa; and Chief Mathematician to Grand Duke of Tuscany. Inglished from the Original Italian Copy by Thomas Salusbury. London, Printed by William Leybourne, 1661 (MDCLXI). Folio (8.5 x 13 in.); later black cloth (leatherette) (prob. 19th century); [xii], tipped in frontis of Galileo, 424 numb. pages, plus 4 plates, one at end of each dialogue and illus. in text. New tp: The Ancient and Modern Doctrine of Holy Fathers, and J(I) udicious Divines, Concerning the rash citation of the Testimony of Sacred Scripture, in Conclusions meerly Natural, and that may be proved by Sensible Experiments, and Necessary Demonstrations.... And now rendered into English from the Italian by Thomas Salusbury. London, William Leybourn, 1661. New tp at p. 471: An Epistle of the Reverend father Paolo Antioni Foscarini, a Carmelite; Concerning the Pythagorian and Copernican Opinion of the Mobility of the Earth and Stability of the Sun; and of the New Systeme or constitution of the World. In which the Authorities of Sacred Scripture, and Assertions of Divines, commonly alledged against this Opinion, are Reconciled. Written to the Most Reverend Father, Sebastiano Fantoni, General of the Order of Carmelites. Englished from the Original, by Thomas Salusburie. London, William Leybourn, MDCLXI (1661); pp 473 - 503; colophon; [xxiii] Index (“A Table of the most Observable Persons and Matters Mentioned in the First Part of the First Tome.”). Separate tp: Mathematical Collections and Translations: the Second Tome. The Second Part;... By Thomas Salusbury, Esq. London, William Leybourne, MDCLXI. (with list of the 4 parts contained within, the first two also having their own tps); errata for Part II facing tp, [xii], 118 numbered pp, [v]. Should be “First Tome, Second Part.” There are a few errors in the typesetting of this volume, but all pages are present. Pages 70-75 numbered 70-71-7222-74-74-75; page 290 with “274” on verso of p. 289; pages 306 - 230 - 308; page 354 is set as 345; page 253 should be Dialogue III, not II, in header; page 389 with Dialogue III in header, even though it is in IV; and in second part pages 14-17-16-17. Throughout, on various title pages, there is the typical variation in spelling of Salusbury/Salusburie and Leybourne/Leybourn. This was the first translation of Galileo’s work and was very influential in the English-speaking world. He set up his argument as a discussion between a proponent of Copernicus’ model of the solar system/universe (Salviati), a follower of Ptolemy and Aristotle (Simplicio - likely also a play on words, implying simple-minded), and a neutral intelligent layman (Sagredo), who becomes convinced of the correctness of the Copernican view as the discussions continue over four days. The discussion touches on many topics other than astronomy, both as part of
the main debate and also as examples of what Galileo considers good science. He also attempted to use tides as a direct argument for the Earth’s motion, an argument that did not work as well as Galileo had hoped, but seemingly explains the addition of the second part of the tome, “Of the Mensuration of Running Waters.” This part was written by Benedetto Antonio Castelli (1578-1643), a student, friend and supporter of Galileo, and, later, teacher to his son. Castelli was a Benedictine monk, as the first name indicates, and also a friend of Pope Urban’s. Yet, Castelli was never arrested for heresy, and, indeed, became abbot of the monastery at Monte Cassino, yet he held similar views to those of Galileo. Galileo’s arrest has more characteristics of politics than conflict between religion and science. There have been a number of suggestions as to what those factors may have been (an insult to the Pope, conflict between the Pope and the Duke of Tuscany, etc.), but none yet definitive. $10,000 - $15,000
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BOOKS 228 Indian Nations of Canada Colden, Cadwaller. The History of the Five Nations of Canada, Which are the Barrier between the English and French in that Part of the World. with Particular Accounts of their Religion, manners, Customs, Laws, and Government; their Several Battles and Treaties with the European Nations; their Wars with the Other Indians; and a True Account of the Present State of our Trade with them. IN which are shewn, the great Advantage of their Trade and Alliance to the British Nation; and the Intrigues and Attempts of the French to engage them from us; a Subject nearly concerning all our American Plantations, and highly meriting the Consideration of the British Nation. By the Honourable Cadwaller Colden, Esq; one of his Majesty’s Counsel, and Surveyor-General of New York. To which are added, Accounts of the several other Nations of Indians in North-America, their Numbers, Strength, &c. and the Treaties which have been lately made with them. London: Printed for John Whiston, Lockyer Davis, and John Ward, 1750. 8vo, full leather, gilt lettering on black spine label, gilt borders on boards, five spine bands, red page edges; 1 pg ad in front, xvi, [4], 283pp plus one page ad at rear. Frontis folding map of the eastern lakes, with just the edges of Lake Michigan and Lake
229 An Analysis of the French and Indian War [Mitchell, Dr. John] The Contest in America Between Great Britain and France, with Its Consequences and Importance; Giving an Account of the Views and Designs of the French with the Interests of Great Britain, and the Situation of the British and French Colonies, in all Parts of America: in Which a Proper Barrier between the Two Nations in North America is Pointed out, with a Method to Prosecute the War so as to Obtain that Necessary Security for our Colonies. By an Impartial Hand. London: A. Millar, 1762. 12mo, half-leather over plain paper-covered boards, five spine bands, 244pp. [Howes M-676] Generally ascribed to Mitchell, but some also attribute it to Oliver Goldsmith. [Sabin 49693] John Mitchell (1711 - 1768) was born to a wealthy Virginia family, and attended Edinburgh University in Scotland. Although he only completed two of the three years of the medical program there, when he returned to Virginia, he practiced as a physician. He also had a keen interest in the local botany. In 1746, ill health forced Mitchell and his wife to go to London, where he continued his interest in plants. Since gardening was a common hobby, he met many influential men of the day. A couple years after his move to London, he was approached by the 2nd Earl of Halifax to make an up-to-date map of the colonies, and Halifax decided Mitchell was the expert on the colonies. As Mitchell pulled together what was known at the time in Europe, he realized it was inadequate. Halifax ordered the governors of the colonies to have new maps sent to England, which most seem to have done. Mitchell then fitted the maps together, and drafted a large - 6.5 x 4.5 foot map of North America. The map is so full of notes and commentaries (some accurate, some not) that reductions of the map made these unreadable. Mitchell’s map was published in 1755 by Andrew Millar, the same publisher as this volume. Could this anonymously written tome be Mitchell’s thoughts on the situation in America during the French and Indian War? Some of the early speculations on why Mitchell made his famous map, which remained one of the most accurate for decades, and was used at the Treaty of Paris for defining the new nation at the end of the Revolution, was that he was concerned that the “powers that be” in London were ignoring the colonies and their problems. This turned out not to be the reason the map was constructed, but Mitchell might have been concerned about his fellow colonials nonetheless. 136
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Superior (“The Upper Lake”) on left for reference, with those sections of America and Canada surrounding the lakes and St. Lawrence to just beyond Quebec, the traditional home of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois). A scarce reference relating to the powerful Five (later Six) Nations Confederacy just prior to the French and Indian War. $500 - $800
The text defies the notion that its author was “Impartial.” After suggesting a number of potential improvements, the author notes: “But there is an obstruction to all these improvements in our colonies, especially in the northern colonies on the continent, where they are most wanted, that is insurmountable, and makes it impossible for them ever to attempt them in any general manner at least, so as to turn to any considerable account to this nation, so long as those colonies remain in the situation they are in at present, that is, by being surrounded on all sides by the French.” $1,500 - $2,500
BOOKS 230 Zebulon Pike’s Expeditions to the Sources of the Mississippi, 1805-1807 Pike, Zebulon Montgomery (1779-1813). An Account of Expeditions to the Sources of the Mississippi, and Through the Western Parts of Louisiana, to the Sources of the Arkansaw, Kans, La Platte, and Pierre Jaun, Rivers; Performed by Order of the Government of the United States During the Years 1805, 1806, and 1807. and a Tour Through the Interior Parts of New Spain, When Conducted Through These Provinces, by Order of the Captain-General, in the Year 1807. Philadelphia: C. & A. Conrad, & Co., Somervell & Conrad (Petersburgh), Bonsal, Conrad & Co. (Norfolk) and Fielding, Lucas, Jr. (Baltimore); John Binns, Printer, 1810. 8vo, papercovered boards, page edges untrimmed (these were often intended to be bound to match the purchaser’s library); presently in custom envelope and slipcase; collation: frontis port. by Edwin, 5pp, 277pp, [3 blank] (ii - chart), 65pp (Appendix, Pt. I) plus 2 folding charts, 53pp (Appendix, Pt. II) plus 1 folding chart, 87pp (Appendix, Pt. III), one single-page map and 5 folding maps. Zebulon Pike was born in Somerset County, NJ, but grew up in frontier outposts in the Northwest Territory (Ohio & Illinois). He followed his father’s footsteps into the army, and became a lieutenant in 1799. It was as a captain that he was sent on this expedition by Thomas Jefferson to explore the southern part of the Louisiana Territory, even while Lewis and Clark were heading northwest, and the FreemanCustis expedition was looking for a more efficient route to Santa Fe. Pike’s account of his explorations was extremely popular when it was published in 1810. Shortly after, war broke out again with England. Pike was by then a Brig. General. He was killed in the Battle of York, Ontario, in April 1813. He was only 34 years of age.
The expedition did “discover” what came to be known as Pike’s Peak. They attempted to climb the mountain, but lack of food and waistdeep snow kept them from getting all the way to the top. Pike and the expedition were captured by the Spanish in the northern part of the Mexican territory (what is now southern Colorado) and held in Santa Fe. Pike was released about four months later, but some of his men were held for years. He was also able to obtain intelligence about Spanish-Mexican relations and had access to maps of the southwest while in Santa Fe, turning what could have been a overall bad situation into something with a number of benefits. $10,000 - $15,000
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BOOKS 231 Thomas Jefferson’s Correspondence, Four Volumes, 1829 Jefferson, Thomas. Ed. by Thomas Jefferson Randolph. Memoir, Correspondence, and Miscellanies, from the Papers of Thomas Jefferson. Charlottesville: F. Carr and Co., 1829. 8vo, leather with black leather spine label for title, black leather label for volume no., gilt lettering on spine; vol. 1, frontis opposite half title, x, 466pp, 4 folding pages of facsimile of Jefferson’s copy of “Declaration;” vol. 2, iv, 500pp; vol. 3, iv, 519pp; vol. 4, iv, 532pp. This was the first publication of the ever-popular Jefferson’s papers after his death in 1826. It was edited by Jefferson’s oldest grandson along with his mother (Jefferson’s daughter), in an attempt by the family to establish control of Jefferson’s legacy, and, in the process, offset some of Jefferson’s debts. They were not very successful at the latter. The family was able to “pick and choose” which documents and letters to include, and assiduously avoided controversial ones (slavery, etc.) in their efforts to control how history would judge this founding father. (Some information from monticello.org.) $1,000 - $1,500
232 Ticknor’s Life of William Prescott, 1864, with ALS Ticknor, George. Life of William Hickling Prescott. Boston: Ticknor and Fields, 1864. Large 8vo, green cloth with gilt device and border on front, gilt lettering on spine; x, 491pp. Tipped in ALS from Ticknor to Rev. D. Pierce requesting information about the number of Congregational ministers and parishes in 1800, 1815, 1825, and 1835. 1p, (6.5 x 9 in.), Boston, 13 Apr. 1835. Also a tipped in engraving of Prescott on second fep, and a couple of newspaper articles affixed to front pastedown. The frontis of the book is also a portrait of Prescott, though not so labeled. William Hickling Prescott (1796-1859) was an American historian, widely recognized as the first American scientific historiographer. His specialty was Spain and her empire. His grandfather was William Prescott, the militia colonel who led the colonists at Breeds Hill/Bunker Hill. William H. was born in Salem, but the family moved to Boston in 1808. There he had access to the extensive library of John Quincy Adams, and eventually became a trustee of the library. He became a student at Harvard at the age of 15. His eyesight degenerated after reportedly being hit with a crust of bread in a student food fight (although he could have also acquired some unrecognized pathogen at the time or have had a genetic condition). After graduation he traveled in Europe, visiting John Quincy Adams in London. He went to Paris, then Italy. When he returned to Paris the following spring, he met George Ticknor, another American Hispanist. Prescott went back to London, spending some time in the Cambridge library.
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Prescott returned to the United States later in 1817. He started studying law, abandoning that road because of his progressively deteriorating eyesight. Instead, he devoted himself to literature. It was his friendship with Ticknor that sparked his interest in Spain. His first foray into the field was a History of Ferdinand and Isabella, followed by Conquest of Mexico and Conquest of Peru. His writing took place in “fits and starts,” depending on his eyesight, as well as other illnesses (he had a bought of rheumatic fever just after graduation, and episodes of rheumatism throughout life). He suffered two strokes in January 1859; the second was fatal. Ticknor’s biography of his friend was the first after his death, and was considered the best until new information became available in the second half of the 20th century. $1,500 - $2,500
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233 Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, First Edition Clemens, Samuel (Mark Twain). Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. (Tom Sawyer’s Comrade). New York: Charles L. Webster and Company, 1885. 8vo, illustrated green cloth with gilt front and spine, 366pp. This copy has most of the first edition points: Page 13: erroneous reference to page 88 for “Him and another Man,” [later changed to 87]. Page 9:”Huck Decided to Leave” [later changed to “Decides”]. Frontis bust of Twain with table scarf visible. Page 57: “with the was” [later changed to “with the saw”]. Page 155: there is a font difference between the two 5s. The only second printing point: Page 283 does not appear to be conjugate with title page, and Uncle Silas has a straight fly. $4,000 - $8,000
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MAPS 234 Map of Virginia and Maryland, 1755 Vaugondy, Robert de. Carte de la Virginie et du Maryland. Dressée sur la grand carte Angloise de Mrs.(Messieurs) Josué Fry et Pierre Jefferson, Par le Sr. Robert de Vaugondy, Geographe ordinaire du Rois. Avec Privilege. 1755. 18 x 24 in. (to neat lines), hand colored. Grave (Engraved by) E. Haussard. Framed and glazed, approx. 21 x 26.5 in. Title cartouche with strapwork and plants, plus scale of distances. Relief shown pictorially. From the Atlas Universel of Gilles and Didier Robert de Vaugondy. Vaugondy’s version of the Joshua Fry and Peter Jefferson map of pre-Revolutionary War Virginia and Maryland. Although title and major features, such as the ocean, are in French, much of the map is in English (such as the “Dismal Swamp,” and most other rivers and place names - King and Queen County, Chesapeake Bay.) Only De La War and its associated bay seem to be in the French format. $1,000 - $1,500
THE PANAMA CANAL 235 Important 1880s French Panama Canal Photo Album Large horizontal folio volume, ca 1887, bound in red embossed Moroccan boards with embossed and gilt title on front board reading in French: A Mr. G.A. Burt. Superintendant General Du Panama Rail Road. Vues & Travaux Dans L’isthme De Panama. Son Devoue Rob. De Meuse. (Mr. G.A. Burt. Superintendent General of Panama Railroad. Views & Works in the Isthmus of Panama). This volume contains 100 albumen photographs, most 8 x 9 in., with a few larger, and an onion skin map of the proposed route of the canal as frontis. The volume has marbled end papers and pastedowns and many of the photos have penciled titles in French below. All photos are mounted on light cardstock sheets with linen strip bindings, with one photo per sheet, back of each blank. The first image measures 9.7 x 13.5 in., and consists of a photo of a map entitled Plan De La Ville De Panama. The album contains some truly wonderful photographs, including panoramic images comprised of two or more photos, many showing the unfortunate Caribbean workers of African origin brought over by the thousands to work on the canal, who died in vast numbers from yellow fever and malaria. Additional views include: an image of a fresh graveyard of French workers on the canal, many different floating dredges, steam shovels, hopper cars for spoil from digging the canal, many of the towns and cities along the route of the railroad or canal, cathedrals, Las Bovedas, Paraiso, the Culibra Cut, Colon, a view of the John L. Stephens monument in Colon, wharfs, company housing and warehouses, railway cars and locomotives, and much more. The theodolite/transit offered as Lot 236 in this auction was purchased from the same estate as this album. George A. Burt (18??-1909) was an American engineer hired by the French Canal Company to build and operate the railroad used to construct the canal. In 1885, he was forced to telegraph President Grover Cleveland, asking him to send troops to Panama to put down a revolution against the government of Colombia. Cleveland sent in the Marines to put down the rebellion until more Federal forces from Colombia could arrive to restore order. This episode is interesting as the US government under Theodore Roosevelt helped instigate a revolution that freed Panama from the Colombian government 1 of 100 140
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and installed a puppet government who would allow the US to do what they wished to finish the work that the French had started and control the finished canal and a large swath of land surrounding it, which became known as the Canal Zone. It seems appropriate that this and the theodolite should be offered at auction on this the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Panama Canal. $1,500 - $2,500
236 French Theodolite Made for the Construction of the Panama Canal An important scientific surveying instrument specifically made for the 1880s French attempt to construct the Panama Canal. The brass instrument is engraved on the exterior of the horizontal circle ring, Mon Richer Guyard & Canary a Paris. The inner portion of the horizontal circle ring is engraved in the same hand, Cu du Canal de Panama, with the silvered Vernier between. This piece has the standard telescope mounted between the top vertical mounted Vernier scale with spirit level and folding magnifier, two folding magnifiers mounted inside the horizontal Vernier scale, and an additional telescope mounted below this scale. It is complete and in working order, ca 1879; 7 in. diameter x 13 in. high. This and the above photo album (Lot 235) came from the estate of the descendants of Mr. G.A. Burt, an American engineer who was in charge of the railroad used by the French company during their attempt at building the canal. $1,500 - $2,500
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TRANSPORTATION | Watercraft 237 Model of the Henry Grace a Dieu, 16th Century English “Great Ship” Wooden model of the Tudor warship, Henry Grace à Dieu, popularly known as the “Great Harry,” comprised of bamboo and lemonwood, with a hand-rubbed lacquer finish. An accompanying copied document from the consignor indicates that 10,410 wooden pegs were used in the construction of the model. 46 in. tall, from base to top, 50 in. wide. The Henry Grace à Dieu was an English carrack or “great ship” that was originally built at Woolwich Dockyard between 1512-1514. It has been said that she was ordered by Henry VIII in response to the Scottish ship Michael, which launched in 1511. The “Great Harry” was 165 feet long, weighing 1,000–1,500 tons. She was the first English twodecker and was one of the first vessels to feature gunports. She also had twenty heavy bronze cannon. In all, she mounted 43 heavy guns and 141 light guns. The “Great Harry” was considered the largest and most powerful warship in Europe when she was launched in 1514. Although present at the Battle of the Solent against the French in 1545, the “Great Harry” saw little action, and her demise is uncertain. It has been suggested that she was either destroyed by fire in 1553 at Woolwich or ended up as an abandoned hulk on the bank of the River Thames. $1,500 - $2,000
TRANSPORTATION | Railroad 238 Baldwin Locomotive Builders Lithograph Vibrantly colored lithograph advertising M.W. Baldwin & Co. Locomotive Builders Philadelphia. Marked along bottom margin, Lith. & Printed in Colors by L.N. Rosenthal, Cor. 5th & Chestnut Sts. Phila./ On Stone by Max Rosenthal/ Jonathan Ord, Del. Ca 1850s. 19.5 x 37.5 in. (sight), matted and framed, 29.5 x 46.75 in. An attractive print promoting what was for many years America’s leading locomotive manufacturer. $1,000 - $2,000
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TRANSPORTATION | The Birth of Aviation 239 Wright Flyer, Hallmarked Sterling Silver Model English, hallmarked sterling silver model of the famous Wright Flyer with external details including engine, propellers, struts, flying wires, and more. Wingspan, 10 in. Approx. 2.25 in. tall. Mounted on wood with plaque attached, inscribed Wright Flyer. Approx. 4.75 in. tall overall. Hallmarks indicate that the model was produced in London, 20th century. $500 - $700
240 Glenn Curtiss, Curtiss Exhibit Large Format Aviation Photographs Lot of 12 large format prints, each measuring approx. 15 x 20.5 in., on larger, 18.75 x 20.5 in. mounts with applied paper labels that include a title, image number, and indication that they each come from a Curtiss Exhibit. A typed label from Robbins & Robbins/ Attorneys/ Hornell N.Y. is also affixed to each mount. Research indicates that this law practice was in operation during the early 1920s. Although unmarked, most of the images were originally taken by H.M. Benner of Hammondsport, NY. An interesting group of Curtiss images produced in a size that we have not previously encountered. The lot includes the following titles: “Silver Dart” Built by Aerial Exp’t Ass’n 1908 (3); Aero Soc. Machine (“Gold Bug”) Built by Herring Curtiss Co. 1909; A.E.A. Glider Built by Aerial Exp. Ass’n.; “June Bug” Built by Aerial Exp’t Ass’n. 1908; Rheims Machine (Gordon-Bennett) Built by Herring Curtiss Co. 1909; “White Wing” Built by Aerial Exp’t Ass’n 1908 (2). Aviation pioneer Glenn H. Curtiss (1878-1930) developed an interest in bicycles at a young age, and in the early 1900s, he started a business designing, building, and repairing bicycles. Eventually, he began adding motors to the bicycles, therefore converting them to motorcycles. He even started racing them. As a result of Curtiss’ accomplishments with building and racing motorcycles, balloonist Thomas Scott Baldwin asked him to power his airship, the California Arrow, with a Curtiss engine. Baldwin also motivated Curtiss to become more involved with aviation. In 1906, he offered to sell the Wright Brothers one of his engines, but they declined. The following year, Curtiss joined the Aerial Experiment Association, or AEA, which was founded by Alexander Graham Bell. He made great strides in aircraft experimentation while working with Bell and other members of the AEA, including winning the first leg of the Scientific American trophy in 1908 for flying a plane called the June Bug a distance of 5,090 feet across Pleasant Valley in Hammondsport. When the AEA disbanded in 1909, Curtiss began working on his own, but he had been given the AEA’s aircraft designs and patents. In 1909, Curtiss sold his plane called the Gold Bug, or Curtiss No. 1, to the New York Aero Club for $5000. The sale of Curtiss’ new plane angered the Wright Brothers and triggered a patent battle that would not end until 1914 when the U.S. Government pressured both the Wright and Curtiss companies to resolve their differences in order to meet the aviation needs of the war. By the 1910s, Curtiss was focusing on naval aviation and how he could improve it. In 1911, he became the first to use an aircraft to make a ship-borne landing, to make a successful takeoff from water, and to make a hydroplane flight to a ship. As a result of these achievements, the U.S. Navy ordered two Curtiss A-1 hydroplanes, and Curtiss earned the title of “Father of American Naval Aviation.” Between 1913 and 1914, Curtiss began building tractor airplanes, which have propellers up front, opposed to the earliest airplanes, which have propellers in the back. By 1916, Curtis had modified his earlier models of the tractor airplanes to produce JN-4, which was nicknamed the Jenny. He came out with more than 15 versions of this plane among other models including flying boats over the next few years and manufactured more aircraft than any other American during World War I. Curtiss continued to display his innovative nature and inventiveness until he died from complications after appendix surgery in Buffalo, NY, in 1930. $2,000 - $3,000 3 of 12 SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS, ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND CONDITION REPORTS OF ALL LOTS AT COWANS.COM
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TRANSPORTATION | The Birth of Aviation 241 Album of Early Aviation Photographs, Including Glenn Curtiss Lot of 82 photographs, the vast majority showing Glenn Curtiss and his experimental aircraft, ca 1910-1918, as well as views of his partners and pilots. 14 photographs measure 8 x 10 in., 54 are 4.5 x 6.75 in., 3 are 3.25 x 5.5 in., and the rest roughly 4 x 6 in. Almost all are accompanied by typewritten captions. Subjects include: Alexander Graham Bell with Curtiss and other members of the Aerial Experiment Association, including Augustus Post and Lt. Selfridge; A.G. Bell’s “Cygnet 2” tetrahedral kite, piloted by J.A.D. McCurdy, at Baddeck, Nova Scotia; Curtiss and Henry Ford posed with a Curtiss flying boat; several views of the “Langley Aerodrome” being prepared and flown at Hammondsport, NY; Thomas Scott Baldwin with the dirigible built for the US Government; Baldwin and Curtiss together; Curtiss with his “Flying Ice Boat” and “Red Wing” ski plane;the trial flight of “White Wings”; the trial flight of the “June Bug”; J.A.D. McCurdy at the controls of the “Silver Dart”; female aviation pioneer Ruth Bancroft Law at the controls of her trick flying machine; Curtiss at Reims, France, 1910; the Curtiss Bleecker Helicopter; the “Pfistner Monoplane” in flight; the Army training planes at the Curtiss Aviation School; the “Gold Bug” and other experimental flying boats; Lincoln Beachy at the controls of his exhibition plane; two views of aviator Victor Carlstrom performing a loop trick, and another view of the crash that killed him; an aerial view of Newport News; Curtiss with the “America” flying boat; the wreck which caused the death of Curtiss instructor Stephen McGordon at Newport News, 1917; the wreck of “sea plane model R-s” at Keuka Lake, NY; plus a letter from the Curtiss Aeroplane & Motor Corporation’s Dept. of Education and Sales Promotion, dated July 26, 1919, at New York, regarding photographs of Katherine Stinson and her Curtiss flying machine. Also included but not related to the other photographs are several views of World War I planes in a warehouse. $1,000 - $1,500
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242 Albin K. Longren, Early Aviation Glass Dry Plate Negatives Lot of two 8 x 10 in. negatives of one of Albin K. Longren’s early biplanes, ca 1913. One negative shows the aircraft somewhere on the plains, surrounded by technicians and a crowd of curious onlookers, while the other shows the same but with a Longren Aviators Exhibition Flyers truck parked behind the plane. The latter is inscribed in the negative Copyright July 17th, 1913, by M.A. Ellingson. Martin A. Ellingson was active in Cambridge, NE, from 1894 to 1914, and in McCook, SD, from 1914 to 1925. Albin K. Longren (1882-1950) was an aviation pioneer who designed, built, and flew his own airplanes as early as 1911. Based out of Topeka, KS, “The Birdman” barnstormed around the Midwest, successfully completing 1,372 exhibition flights between September 1911 and late 1914 (an average of more than one per day). Longren’s first two airplanes used rear-mounted push-propellers, as did his fifth, which is on display at the Kansas Museum of History and described as being built in 1914. Therefore, the negatives offered here must show his No. 3 or No. 4 design, with a three-blade, front-mounted propeller. We could only find one other image of this configuration. These particular negatives appear to never have been published. $400 - $600
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TRANSPORTATION | The Birth of Aviation 243 Margaret Bourke-White Photograph of the U.S.S. Akron with Frame Made from the Duraluminum Used In Construction of the Airship Silver gelatin photograph, 17 x 23 in. (sight), signed lower right Bourke-White. An iconic image of American photography documenting the maiden launch of this airship from the air dock in Akron. Framed in aluminum, 20.25 x 26 in., with attached plaque inscribed: Winner/French Lick Garage/Third Annual Goodyear Dealers Zeppelin Race/July-August 1931/This Frame Is Made Of Duralumin Used In Girder/Construction of the United States Airship “Akron”/Built By The Goodyear Zeppelin Corporation. $1,000 - $2,000
GENERAL AMERICANA | Photographic Archives 244 Colonel Robert M. Thompson Family Travelogue Featuring Photographs of the American South & Cuba, 1904-1907 Album with leather-covered boards, 15.25 x 16 in., containing 750+ photographs, most on printing-out paper, documenting the 19041907 houseboat travels of Colonel Robert M. Thompson and his family and friends. The majority of the photographs measure between 3.25 x 4 in. and 3.25 x 5.5 in., with approx. 18 larger format photographs measuring between 4.5 x 6.5 in. and 7.5 x 9.25 in. The photos are mounted in corner holders, between two and seven per album page, and many are accompanied by written captions or numbers. Approx. 40 postcards, invitations, and menus from Thompson’s travels are also housed in the album. With an additional 13pp of typed text taken from Judge Wallace Nesbitt’s journal, recounting a portion of the trip pictured in the album. Nesbitt was one of Thompson’s business partners, and is pictured multiple times throughout the album. Robert Means Thompson (1849-1930), born in Corsica, PA, was appointed to the US Naval Academy in July 1864, and graduated tenth in his class of 1868, before going on to serve in the West Indian Squadron aboard the Contoocook, as well as in the Mediterranean Squadron on the Franklin, Richmond, and Guard. He also served aboard the USS Wachusett and at the Naval Torpedo Station in Newport, RI. After being commissioned ensign in April 1869, Thompson was promoted to master in July 1870 but retired from the Navy in November 1871 to study law at Harvard. He practiced law in Boston between 1876-1878, but then went on to engage in mining and smelting enterprises, which were quite lucrative. He served as president of Orford Copper, which subsequently merged into the International Nickel Company of Canada. Among his many accomplishments, Thompson was twice president of the American Olympic Association (1912, 1924), president of the New York Athletic Club (1912), and president of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers as well as the Navy League. The hundreds of snapshots housed within this travelogue capture various elements of Thompson’s adventures aboard his houseboat, referred to as “The Everglades.” A November 1904 invitation to a reception held right before Thompson departed from St. Louis, MO, is mounted at the front of the album. The photos document the wide range of people, including African Americans, and places that Thompson encountered throughout Memphis, TN, Helena and Arkansas City, AR, Vicksburg and Natchez, MS, Montgomery, AL, New Orleans and Madisonville, LA, Pensacola, Apalachicola, Cedar Key, Punta Rassa, Tampa, Fort Meyers, Miami, and Palm Beach, FL, among many other areas. The album also includes numerous views of boats along the Mississippi River, Lake Pontchartrain, the Suwanee River, and more, plus several images of a New York Yacht Club cruise in 1905. The snapshots also capture activities aboard the “Everglades,” such as
fishing and putting, as well as hunting excursions that took place on land. A journey to Havana, Cuba, is documented through views of the city, some laborers, and Havana harbor, including some shots of the USS Maine. $1,500 - $2,500
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245 Archive of Amateur Photographer Edwin W. Terrass, Featuring Views of Akron, Ohio, and Southern California Lot includes over 800 photographs, ca 1870s-1900s or later, predominately from Akron, OH, and Southern California. All belonged to Edwin W. Terrass (1858-1912), an Akron cigar merchant and amateur photographer. Most are Terrass’ own work, accompanied by various professional cabinet cards and the like. Most Akron photographs, of which there are at least 300, are ca 1880s-1890s amateur silver gelatin prints on mounts measuring 4 x 5 in. to 10 x 12 in. Subjects include homes and streets around town, including the downtown area. The Ohio and Erie Canal through Akron is featured many times, as are the Portage Lakes and many creeks, streams, and forest scenes in the Cuyahoga Valley area. There are views of a summer camp, with men and boys camping, swimming, fishing, and fist-fighting, views of what appears to be a GAR reunion or 4th of July parade, views of a race track or fairgrounds, etc. Mr. Terrass also featured animals in many of his pictures, such as horses, sheep, zoo animals, and especially dogs. There are at least 30 views comprising a series showing a young boy hunting for rabbit, accompanied by his dog.
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GENERAL AMERICANA| Photographic Archives Another group of about 100 10 x 12 in. amateur photographs is set in Southern California, ca mid-1880s to early 1900s, made during Edwin’s visits to see his brother, Milford Byron Terrass (1851-1937), a surveyor for the Sante Fe Railroad who lived west of Los Angeles. Views are concentrated on the San Bernardino/Riverside area, with additional views in Los Angeles County and Catalina Island. Many of these are well-composed landscapes and city views, while others show fine homes, parks, and buildings such as the Pasadena Opera House. In addition, there is a series of views of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, an early view of the Hotel del Coronado outside San Diego, and commercial views of the construction of Cajon Pass, the San Diego Flume, and the Sweetwater Dam. Other groups include: a set of about 25 photographs of Niagara Falls, in various sizes; about forty 4.25 x 5 in. mounted photographs of scenes around Quebec City; about forty 4.25 x 5 in. mounted photographs of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, plus several others in larger sizes; ten 5 x 8 in. cyanotypes of animals, landscapes, and a man sailing; and 60+ amateur photographs and professional cabinet cards of Edwin Terrass’ friends and family. $8,000 - $12,000
246 William Preston Mayfield, Collection of Vintage Silver Prints of Dayton, Ohio Lot of 34 silver prints, each approx. 8 x 10 in., with William Preston Mayfield’s Dayton, OH, handstamp on verso. Eight prints also include Mayfield’s blindstamp. William Preston Mayfield (1896-1974) was an aerial, commercial, and newspaper photographer primarily associated with the Dayton Daily News in Dayton, OH. Within a year after making his first photograph in 1909, Mayfield took what is considered to be the first ever photograph from an airplane. With Orville Wright at the controls, he shot the Wright hanger at Huffman Prairie. After working several years for the Dayton Daily News, Mayfield opened a large commercial studio in 1937. This collection of photographs documents the people and places of Dayton, and features several views of area businesses, restaurants, and factories. Some of the photographs capture the hustle and bustle of downtown Dayton during the early-to-mid 20th century. A view of the Miller Aeroplane & Supply Co. storefront is also included in the collection. $1,500 - $3,000
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247 Fort D.A. Russell, Wyoming Territory, Pencil and Ink Drawing, 1869 Pencil and ink drawing titled at bottom Ft. Russell./ from the South, signed and dated lower right A.F. Alden, Del./ Aug. 1869. 8.125 x 11 in. This highly detailed depiction of Fort D.A. Russell, Wyoming Territory, comes from a collection of material related to the US Military’s presence in the west, which was compiled by Charles Henry Alden (1836-1906). A Mayflower descendant, Alden was commissioned an Asst. Surgeon for the US Army Medical Staff on June 23, 1860, and served at various stations in New Mexico. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Alden was captured on July 27, 1861, together with a large portion of the 7th Infantry by Confederate forces at San Augustine Springs, NM. He was paroled, and over the next year served at POW camps at Fort Leavenworth, Jefferson Barracks, and Rouse’s Point, NY. Once his parole expired, Alden served at various locations throughout the remainder of the war, and was brevetted Major and Lt. Colonel in March of 1865 for his “faithful and meritorious service.” In June 1865, he was advanced to the grade of Captain of regular corps, and again advanced in July 1866 to Major. From the 1860s-1890s, Alden was stationed at a number of posts throughout the west, including Fort D.A. Russell, Fort Yates (Standing Rock Agency), and a number of Oregon and Washington posts. This rare drawing of Fort D.A. Russell, dated 1869, corresponds with the period of time that Alden was there. In 1867, he had been transferred to duty with the 30th Infantry, which was in Wyoming protecting the builders of the Union Pacific Railroad. He served as part of this duty as well as at Fort D.A. Russell over the next three years. (Information obtained from the US Army Medical Department, Office of Medical History website, May 10, 2014.) $2,500 - $4,500
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WESTERN AMERICANA | Indian Wars | Photography
248 Rare CDV Pose of Olive Oatman, Indian Captive CDV by Powelson, Rochester, NY, with inked identification (or possible signature?) Olive Oatman / Rochester on verso. She wears a dark dress, with vertical lines tattooed on her chin, a clear indication of her time as a captive. Cowan’s has sold a handful of Oatman CDVs over the years, but we have never encountered this particular pose. She appears a few years older than she does in the more commonly seen images. Olive Oatman (1838-1903) was abducted while traveling to California with her family in 1851. Yavapai Indians attacked them and five of the family were killed. The only survivors were Lorenzo, Olive, and Mary Ann Oatman. Lorenzo was left for dead, but recovered and reached Casas Grandes. The Yavapai Indians traded the sisters to the Mojave, where they were adopted by a chief. In 1856 the army found out about Olive and traded for her, but Mary Ann had died earlier of disease. Soon after her return, a pastor named Royal B. Stratton wrote a best-selling biography about Oatman titled Life Among the Indians, and donated the royalties to fund her education at the University of the Pacific, where she was one of the first female students. $600 - $800
249 Very Scarce Albumen Photograph of the Officers’ Quarters at Fort Bridger, Wyoming Territory, Late 1860s Albumen photograph, 9 x 12 in., mounted, 13 x 16 in., showing officers posed outside their quarters at Fort Bridger. Photograph likely made by A.J. Russell during his visit to the fort in 1869. $1,000 - $2,000
250 General George A Custer, Cabinet Card by Mora Rare pose of Custer as lieutenant general by Jose M. Mora, New York, ca March 1876, only about three months before Custer’s death. Inked identification in the lower margin. This photograph is cataloged in Katz’s Custer in Photographs as K-152. $1,000 - $1,500 SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS, ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND CONDITION REPORTS OF ALL LOTS AT COWANS.COM
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WESTERN AMERICANA | Indian Wars | Photography 251 General George A. Custer, Rare Cabinet Card in Civilian Dress, 1876 Rarely encountered cabinet card of Custer in civilian dress, taken in March 1876, just three months before his death, by photographer Jose M. Mora of New York (cataloged by Katz as K-149). This was Custer’s second-to-last studio session. Albumen print with typed label affixed at lower center. $1,000 - $1,500
WESTERN AMERICANA | Indian Wars | Autographs and Manuscripts 252 Myles Keogh ALS to his Sister Margaret This sentimental 2pp letter from the famous cavalry officer Myles Keogh to his sister Margaret was written at Fort Hays, KS, in 1869, according to postmarks on the cover. Fort Hayes served as the headquarters of the US 7th Cavalry during its 1868-1869 campaign against the Cheyenne and Kiowa tribes on the Great Plains. In the letter, Keogh reacts to the news that his uncle has died: I am glad he left what little there was to the family. I only wish it was ten times the sum.... I am sorry I could not see him again. He says that he can’t wait to get a furlough to come home to Ireland and see the family. I did not think anything could interest me again, but I find myself castle building about my trip. Keogh had become melancholy after the war, greatly affected by his friend and mentor General John Buford dying in his arms in 1863, and his ordeals as a POW in 1864 - an experience he once described as nearly killing him. He closes the letter by promising to send home a photo of himself, which he says will be of him sitting with an Indian squaw. The letter is accompanied by a monogrammed cover postmarked Hays City Kan May 9 [1869], with subsequent New York, London, and Carlow postmarks. Myles Keogh (1840-1876) was a famous Irish-born cavalry officer of the U.S. Civil War and subsequent Indian Wars. While serving in the Valley under Shields, he came within minutes of capturing the famous Rebel general “Stonewall” Jackson at the battle of Port Republic. The most trusted of General John Buford’s staff, Keogh was part of the cavalry vanguard that prevented A.P. Hill’s Confederates from seizing the high ground at the start of the battle of Gettysburg. When Buford fell ill after the battle, it was Keogh who cared for him, up to his death. Despite his fame in the Civil War, Keogh is perhaps best known as leading Co. “I” U.S. 7th Cavalry in its last stand at Little Big Horn. Separated from the main group, which was led by Custer, Keogh and his surrounded men fought overwhelming odds until they were cut 150
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down to a man. The Indians did not mutilate Keogh’s body as they did many others. This is attributed to the Papal medal he wore around his neck, from his service in the army of Pope Pius IX in 1860. $1,000 - $1,500
WESTERN AMERICANA | Indian Wars | Autographs and Manuscripts
253 Myles Keogh, Collection of Letters Written by Acquaintances 12 documents, many with covers. This Civil War-date and post-war archive, written by relatives and friends of Capt. Myles Keogh, includes some long and detailed letters chronicling the lives of the Irish immigrants who fought in the Union Army. Authors include Joseph O’Keefe and Daniel Joseph Keily, who served with Keogh in the Papal Army in 1860. They were recruited into the Union Army together as captains. Two letters by O’Keefe to Keogh’s brother in Ireland bring the news of Keogh’s capture on General Stoneman’s failed raid to liberate Federal prisoners in Andersonville. In a letter dated August 30, 1864, on Head Quarters Middle Military Division letterhead, O’Keefe writes: My dear Keogh, I am very sorry to have to announce the capture of your brother. He was taken with Gen Stoneman, and distinguished himself very much before he was taken. The papers say that everyone admired his reckless bravery in rallying the men… I got a letter from him last night. He was quite well & at Charleston South Carolina. I hope he will soon be released. Gen Sheridan is very anxious to get him on his staff and I am sure he would like Gen Sheridan very much. On September 17, 1864, he writes that he has contacted his uncle, the Bishop of Cork, to see if he can intercede with the Bishop of Charleston, SC, in effecting Keogh’s release. Keily, serving as chief of staff for General Shields, writes that Myles came through Antietam OK, noting we have fully a million men in the field besides they are going to draft on the 10th inst 300,000 men more to be kept in reserve. The issue of the struggle therefore can be no longer doubtful. The South is completely exhausted in men, money, & material. Two cousins of Keogh, Dan Keogh O’Sullivan and Richard Keogh, came to America in the summer of 1863. Myles used his influence to place them in volunteer positions in the Union Army, while paying for their expenses. O’Sullivan, serving as a volunteer on General William French’s staff, writes home about his adventures: Some hard fighting during the last ten days. I had my share of it with the Guerillas. He was leading a small baggage train when fifty mounted partisans attacked, Standing their ground, the escort’s gunfire alerted a nearby Federal cavalry patrol,
who rode to the rescue. He also mentions hazards of another sort: If Tom were here he could satisfy his thirst on nig[g]er women. I met one in Warrington yesterday a brunett(?) dressed in white with long yet black curls flowing down to her waist… They keep near the camps, however I keep wide of them. He tells Thomas Keogh, Myles’ brother, Ireland is the land of saints; remain there for your soul’s sake. In January 1864, O’Sullivan got a job as a recruiting officer for Col. Keily, with the promise of a Lieutenant’s commission if he signed up 42 men in thirty days... in Natchez, MS! Until then, he wouldn’t be paid. In a detailed, 10pp letter home, he describes his time in America, recording the hardship of trying to find a job as an Irishman. While he extolls the beauty of Natchez and the female population, he is worried, because the Rebels are “in great force” about six miles from town: [w]e cannot tell at what minute they may attack. I hope they won’t mind it, as the troops stationed here are principally Colored, and I don’t know how they would act if the enemy attacked by night. General John Buford had died just a couple of weeks before this letter was written. O’Sullivan writes: Poor Myles, Gen Buford’s death was a great blow to him. About the same time, Richard Keogh writes home from the Shenandoah Valley, where he is serving under Sheridan: You must have heard of Buford’s death… I had a letter from Myles a few days after saying he would come out to this army to see after his horses and that he would come see me. He was greatly put about. He attended B till at last died in his arms. He was in Washington when he wrote. The only postwar letter is by Richard, dated April 28, 1866, from Chicago. In it, he gives Thomas Keogh advice on real estate, telling him to look into rental property in the city instead of buying farmland and working it, and relating a rather simplistic view of the plantation system in the South: The Southerners were the people that made by land in this country on account of the slave trade. They had their labor for nothing, had 4 or 5 hundred of those niggers working for them and a crop of young niggers every year the same as you will have your lambs next spring. Sold those at from 1000 to 3000 $ a head at 8 or 10 years old… They had magnificent dwellings, but now they are impoverished.... $2,000 - $2,500
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WESTERN AMERICANA | Indian Wars | Autographs and Manuscripts 254 Cavalry Officer Myles Keogh with Friends, Two CDVs Lot of 2 cartes, each with T.M. Schleier’s, Nashville, TN backmark, including a studio portrait of Myles Keogh standing at right, posed with three unidentified soldiers, the one seated at left with 23rd Corps shield on hat. Signed on verso by an ADC and AAAC of the District of East Tennessee, signer’s name is indecipherable. Accompanied by a second studio view of Keogh standing at right, posed with an unidentified officer and two women. $1,000 - $1,500
verso detail
255 General George Stoneman and Staff CDV, Inscribed by Myles Keogh CDV of Union Cavalry General George Stoneman with his staff, including Myles Keogh, who appears third from left in the back row, on mount marked below image Entered According to Act of Congress in
the year 1862 by A. Gardner, Washington, DC. Although the CDV bears Gardner’s name, this view was taken by James F. Gibson at Falmouth, VA. Inscribed by Keogh on verso: Staff of Maj. Genl. Stoneman/ Comdg Cavalry Corps/ U.S. Army of the/ Potomac/ 1862-3. $500 - $650
verso details
256 Captain Robert Morrow & Myles Keogh, Plus Bvt. Major General Eli Long, Two CDVs Lot of 2 cartes, the first, a studio view of Myles Keogh standing beside Captain Robert Morrow, AAG to John Schofield, seated, holding crutches after being wounded in the left knee in a cavalry charge that occurred near Salisbury, NC, on March 30, 1865. Keogh led the 12th Kentucky Cavalry in this charge. Verso with Leon Van Loo’s Cincinnati, 152
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OH, imprint and the following inscription, believed to be in Keogh’s hand: R. Morrow/ & Keogh/ after his wounds/ 1865. Accompanied by Brady studio portrait of two officers shaking hands, ink identified below image as Long (left) and Morrow (right), with Goodbye inscribed between the identifications. Verso features written inscription from Morrow commemorating Eli Long’s departure from President Johnson’s staff in 1866. Inscribed For Col. Keogh. $1,000 - $1,500
WESTERN AMERICANA | Indian Wars | Autographs and Manuscripts 257 General Torbert with Lt. Henry Winsor & Captain Wadsworth, Civil War CDV Studio CDV by Brady of three officers, pencil identified on verso as General Alfred T.A. Torbert, seated at center in uniform, with a member of Torbert’s staff, Lieutenant Henry Winsor, 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry, dressed in civilian clothing at right, and Captain Craig Wharton Wadsworth, a Buford staff officer with a wonderful Gettysburg record, kneeling in civilian clothing at left. $450 - $550
258 Lt. Frederick H. Beecher, WIA Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, KIA Beecher Island, CDV Carte of two gentleman, ink identified on mount recto as Lt. Frederick H. Beecher and Dr. Tucker or Trudeau (?), with Williams & McDonald, Denver City, C.T. imprint. Nephew of famed abolitionist, Henry W. Beecher, Frederick H. Beecher enlisted as a sergeant in August of 1862 and was mustered into Company B of the 16th Maine Infantry. While with the 16th Maine, he was promoted to 2nd lieutenant 2/63; severely wounded in the knee at Fredericksburg, VA, 12/13/62; promoted 1st lieutenant 4/63; and wounded at Gettysburg on 7/1/63. Beecher was discharged for promotion in August of 1864 and commissioned into the Veteran Reserve Corps as a 2nd lieutenant; brevetted 1st lieutenant and captain 12/65. Although he survived the Civil War, Beecher was later killed by Plains Indians at Delaware Creek, KS, on September 17, 1868, and the conflict was subsequently named the Battle of Beecher Island in his honor. See Military Images, Vol. 14, pages 22-25 for story, and Vol. 14/7, page 3. $800 - $1,000
259 Generals Alexander, Randol, and Pennington, Signed CDVs Lot of 3 autographed cartes, including: Gardner view of Brigadier General Andrew J. Alexander of the US Army 3rd Cavalry, signed on mount recto; Brady carte of Brigadier General Alanson Merwin Randol, autographed below image as Colonel of the 2nd New York Cavalry. Randol also served with the famed US Horse Artillery Brigade, which saw action at Gettysburg; and CDV of Brigadier General A.C.M. Pennington, signed below image as Colonel of the 3rd New Jersey Cavalry, with verso inscription Winchester Va/ February 15th 1865, and K.W. Beniczky, New York backmark. Between 1863-1864, Pennington commanded Battery M, 2nd US Artillery, which was in the Horse Artillery that reported to General George Custer at the Battle of Gettysburg. He was brevetted major for actions at Gettysburg on 7/3/63, soon after being brevetted captain for actions at Beverly Ford, VA, 6/9/63. For his distinguished service throughout the war, Pennington was also awarded brevet promotions to colonel in the regular army and brigadier general of volunteers. $750 - $850
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WESTERN AMERICANA | Indian Wars | Autographs and Manuscripts 260 Captain Albert P. Morrow, 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry and 7th US Cavalry, CDV and Tintype Lot of 2 images of Captain Albert P. Morrow, including a tintype featuring a bust portrait, housed in paper mat inscribed by Myles Keogh, Albert P. Morrow/ Capt. 6th Lancers/ USA, with Tennant & Tobias, St. Louis, MO, backmark; and anonymous CDV of Morrow standing with a sword at his side. After enlisting as a sergeant and serving with the 17th Pennsylvania Infantry from April 1861 through August 1861, Albert P. Morrow mustered into Company C of the 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry, known as Rush’s Lancers, in September 1861, until he was transferred into Field & Staff of the Pennsylvania 2nd Provl. Cavalry in June 1865. While with the 6th, Morrow was promoted to sergeant major 11/61; 2nd lieutenant 3/62; 1st lieutenant 11/62; captain 2/64; major 2/65; brevetted colonel 3/65; lt. colonel 3/65. Records indicate that he was a POW at an unknown location in June of 1862, and returned two months later, and that he was WIA at Greencastle, PA, on 7/3/1863. Following the Civil War, Morrow served as captain of the 7th US Cavalry (7/66); major, 9th US Cavalry (3/67); lt. colonel, 6th US cavalry (12/82); and colonel, 3rd US Cavalry (2/91). After over 30 years of service in the US Army, Morrow retired on August 16, 1892. $500 - $700
261 New Hampshire and USCT Officer’s Indian Wars Archive, Including Rare Postmarks 77 letters, plus covers, many with rare postmarks. Nathaniel S. Wheeler served three years in the New Hampshire 11th Infantry in the Civil War, being discharged on April 24, 1865, to become a lieutenant in the 125th Regiment, US Colored Troops. After the war, the 125th was sent West to fight the Plains Indians. Promoted to captain of Company “G,” he mustered out on October 3, 1867, shortly before the regiment was disbanded. This archive of letters addressed to Wheeler at various “Wild West” duty posts such as Leavenworth, Ft. Bliss, TX, and Ft Craig, NM, spans 1865 through 1867. While most are from his wife and friends in New Hampshire, some are from colleagues manning frontier forts. These passages give an idea of the hardship and frustration experienced by Civil War veterans while trying to chase down elusive Apaches and other tribes in the desert Southwest. One colleague relates the joy of being caught in the badlands during 154
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an April blizzard, with no firewood to be found: When we got to the Rio Pueblo we had a bitterly cold storm with much snow and a heavy north wind, so that I laid there two nights and a day. During the whole time, everyone stayed in bed to keep warm, as there was no wood, and what little fire could be raised was used for cooking. Another officer remarks, I could express myself to my satisfaction if I were a swearing man... what a trouble these infernal Indians are. On May 11, 1867, Wheeler was regaled with the tale of Lt. Clifford of the 2nd Cavalry: Lt. Clifford of the 2nd Cav halted through here a short time ago on a seven day leave, after his wife who again left him whilst he was kept under guard. He did not catch her though, at Albuquerque he drew a revolver on Col. Duncan and demanded his wife from him or something else to that effect, doing the same towards several other officers, for which he suddenly found himself in the guard house. What will eventually come of him I cannot say. The Court Martial at Albuquerque is still in session and likely will be for some time yet. $600 - $800
WESTERN AMERICANA | Indian Wars | Autographs and Manuscripts
262 Surgeon Numon N. Horton, 47th USCT, Manuscript Archive 8 items. Archive of assorted immediate post-war letters received by Capt. Robert M. Campbell of the 47th Regiment, United States Colored Troops. Primarily from Dr. Numon Norris Horton (1838-1892), Assistant Surgeon of the 47th, but also including some correspondence from Capt. Emanuel W. Hershe, who led Company “K” of the 47th. Hershe, a confirmed bachelor, pleads with Campbell not to abandon his old comrade for married life, but Remember Blakely & like one of your ebonys make the resolve “to shoulder your musket & rally ‘round the flag boys”. Dr. Horton, who settled in Kansas immediately after the 47th USCT was mustered out in Texas on January 5, 1866, was an inventor as well as a physician, patenting a popular swiveling and reclining chair for railroad cars. Horton Chair Cars filled a demand between buying a sleeping berth, and attempting to sleep in a regular seat. Two interesting letters by Horton include one dated January 7, 1867, describing how their former Colonel, Ferdinand E. Peebles, had swindled Horton and another partner in a business in Mobile, AL, and had also absconded with the fund that the colored troops had donated to build a memorial to President Lincoln. Another was written in March of that year, extolling the virtues of Fort Scott, and trying to entice Campbell to move there. This 3pp letter is written on a circular describing Fort Scott and Bourbon County in glowing terms. $500 - $700
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263 Chaplain Francis Weaver, 10th US Cavalry, Buffalo Soldiers, Manuscript Archive An archive of approx. 40 letters, official documents, and cards connected with Chaplain Francis (Frank) Weaver, including a biographical sketch written by him. November 1864-early 20th Century. With many official US Government documents that appear to have been part of Weaver’s government service/ employment records. Accompanied by 7 family documents that are not connected directly to Weaver. Francis Weaver’s story is one of perseverance and strength. He was born into a substantial family on May 20, 1844, at Newry, Blair County, PA, and joined Company C of the 53rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry at the age of 17 on October 10, 1861. Weaver participated in some of the most significant battles of the War including the siege of Yorktown, Fair Oaks, Gaines Mill, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, Antietam, South Mountain, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. He was wounded more than twenty times - almost mortally at Gettysburg. After the war, Weaver took a position in Washington with the Treasury Department but left to return to complete his education. Weaver graduated from Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, and then graduated from Gettysburg Theological Seminary. In 1880, he became Chaplain to the 10th Cavalry -the famed Buffalo Soldiers - at Fort Concho, TX. He served with that unit in many locations across the Great Plains and southwestern US (including Fort Apache). He retired August 18, 1897, due to the disabilities sustained in his years of service. Returning to Pennsylvania, Weaver lived out his life as a landowner/ farmer. He died at the age of 83 on April 10, 1928, and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The Pennsylvania 53rd regiment was organized at Camp Curtin in Harrisburg, PA, in the summer of 1861. By late September, the first companies had been organized and were mustered into the service of the United States on September 28 at Camp Curtin. Company C was composed of men from Blair and Huntington Counties. In November they moved to Washington, DC, and then onward to serve in most of the major battles in the Eastern Theater of the Civil War. The 10th Cavalry was relocated to Fort Concho, TX, in 1875. Their mission was to map and develop the territory and to protect the US Mail, against Indian and Mexican revolutionary raiding. The units were
composed of African American soldiers with a white officer corp. Their rugged perseverance in a fight earned them the grudging honor amongst the Native American tribes as being “tough as buffalos.” During their 20 years of work, the Buffalo Soldiers served throughout the Western US from Texas and New Mexico to Montana and the Dakotas. Because this collection contains many official documents regarding Weaver’s service, several include signatures of notable Adjutants and Assistants, such as: • A letter of recommendation signed by Samuel Steel Blair, US Representative from PA. • Authorization to enter government employment signed by Charles A. Dana, Assistant Secretary of War. • Draft of letter signed by Robert T. Lincoln, (first son of President Abraham Lincoln). • Two ALsS from Adjutant General Samuel Breck. • Leave of Absence authorization signed by J. C. Kelton (later Adjutant General). • Leave of Absence authorization signed by Samuel D. Sturgis (Sturgis, SD, is his Namesake). • Letter of Recommendation signed by Stevens T. Norvell (Commander of the Buffalo Soldiers units). $1,000 - $1,500
264 Buffalo Soldier Commission for M.O.H. Recipient, Louis Henry Carpenter Partially printed document signed. 9.75 x 15.75 in., on vellum. Washington, October 26, 1865. Appointment of L.H. Carpenter as Colonel in the 5th Regiment of Colored Cavalry. Signed by Acting Assistant Secretary of War, Thomas T. Eckert, and Assistant Adjutant General Volunteering, C.W. Foster, who would later become the President of the Western Union Corporation, with reverse signed by Captain J.B. Shaw. Louis Henry Carpenter (1839-1916) was a U.S. Army brigadier general and recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions in the American
Indian Wars. He dropped out of college to enlist in the Union Army at the start of the Civil War in 1861 and was commissioned an officer the following year. During the Civil War, he participated in at least 14 campaigns, primarily with the 6th U.S. Cavalry Regiment and as regimental commander of the 5th U.S. Colored Cavalry Regiment. At the close of the war, he held the rank of brevet lieutenant colonel, colonel of volunteers and also received a commission to first lieutenant in the Regular U.S. Army. Carpenter received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Indian Wars while serving with the Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th U.S. Cavalry. After the war, until his transfer back East in 1887, he served primarily on the western frontier.
COWAN’S AMERICAN HISTORY
WESTERN AMERICANA | Indian Wars | Autographs and Manuscripts Carpenter engaged many American Indian tribes, dealt with various renegades, and explored vast areas of uncharted territory from Texas to Arizona. During the Spanish American War, he commanded an occupation force and became the first military governor of Puerto Principe, Cuba. After 38 continuous years of service, Carpenter retired from the Army on October 19, 1899, as brigadier general, and became a speaker and writer. $300 - $500
WESTERN AMERICANA | American Indian Art
265 Drawing by Chief Rain-In-The-Face, Standing Rock Agency, Dakota Territory, Ca 1881-1885 Ink and crayon drawing, 5 x 8 in., showing a Lakota Sioux rider firing a pistol at a bison. Drawing affixed to a 7.75 x 10 in. mount inked in the lower margin Drawn by Rain-in-the-face/ Standing Rock Agency, Dakota. Rain-in-the-Face (1835-1905) was a Hunkpapa Lakota known for leading warriors against the United States at the Fetterman Massacre
in 1868 and at Little Bighorn in 1876. He fled to Canada following the latter, but surrendered in 1880 and was taken to Standing Rock Agency, D.T., where he lived the rest of his life. Rain-in-the-Face was a favorite subject of photographer D.F. Barry during his time on the reservation (likely due to the accusation that he cut out Tom Custer’s heart on the battlefield at Little Bighorn, which the chief denied), but very few drawings by Rain-in-the-Face are known to exist. $2,500 - $3,500
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WESTERN AMERICANA | American Indian Photography 266 Fine Sixth Plate Daguerreotype of a Distinguished Iroquois Indian A striking, sixth plate daguerreotype portrait of an aged, unidentified Iroquois Indian wearing a cravat, vest, and coat that was likely made of red broadcloth. Housed in full, pressed paper case, with newspaper clipping lining area behind plate, which notes the year 1844. $2,000 - $3,000
267 Sixth Plate Tintype of American Indian with Knife, Identified as an Oklahoma Deputy Sheriff Sixth plate tintype portrait of an American Indian wearing a hand-tinted ring and bracelets, and displaying a large knife. The subject’s coat is secured with a finger-woven sash of wool yarn, and the fringes can be seen on both sides. Housed in full, pressed paper case. On the case interior, behind the image, the following penciled note is written: Wade G (or D)_ _ _iner/ Deputy Sheriff/ Bartlesville/ Oklahoma/ 1881. The subject’s last name is partially indecipherable, which makes it difficult to obtain additional information regarding his identity. Nevertheless, based on the inscription, it has been suggested that the subject may be Cherokee, Choctaw, or Delaware. Bartlesville, OK, was built on what had originally been Cherokee land, which was later sold for the use of the Delaware. An interesting portrait, worthy of additional research. Our sincere thanks to Mike Cowdrey for providing information regarding this tintype. $500 - $700
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WESTERN AMERICANA | American Indian Photography 268 W.H. Jackson Photographs of Pawnee Braves Four albumen photographs of Pawnee braves printed by William Henry Jackson, identified in pencil on verso as 572 Pawnee Pappooses; 576 Particular to the time of day - Pawnee; 582 Fox - Pawnee; and 588 Young Pawnee Brave, from the Hayden Survey, 1872, 7.75 x 9.5 in. overall, on U.S. Geological Survey of the Territories, Hayden Expedition mount, 11 x 14.5 in. $1,000 - $1,500
269 C.W. Carter’s Celebrated Indian Photographs, Salt Lake City, Containing Twelve CDVs of Pahute, Ute, & Cheyenne Indians Album, 2.5 x 4.25 in., with paper boards, front and back covers featuring gilt title C.W. Carter’s Celebrated Indian Photographs. Salt Lake City. The album contains 12 CDVs, each mounted on accordion-folded card stock that measures approx. 30 in. when unfolded. The album includes the following cartes, as titled on mount below each image: Pahute Brave (3); Group of Pahute Indians (2); Pahute Squaws (2); Pahute Indians, the three Beauties; Ute Indians; Indian Courtship - Utes; Cheyenne Wigwams; Cheyenne Indians. $1,000 - $1,500
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WESTERN AMERICANA | American Indian Photography
270 CDV of Southern Ute Chiefs Posed with Two Interpreters/ Indian Agents Carte de visite lacking a studio imprint, with period, inked inscription on verso: Southern Ute Chiefs Shawanoh & “Wolf” with Indian Agent Maj. Head & Interpret. W.P. Godfrey. Although the location is unknown, this was likely taken during a treaty delegation, ca late 1860s-early 1870s. War Chief Shawanoh, also known as “Shavano,” seated at left, was a Tabeguache Ute that served as one of Chief Ouray’s lieutenants. A studio portrait produced by William Henry Jackson, ca 1869-1874, shows Shavano wearing the same long braids, military issue wool sweater, and peace medallion, suggesting that this studio view may have been produced at the same time by Jackson, although this cannot be confirmed. $400 - $600
271 W.G. Chamberlain CDV of Ute Chief Curicata with Two Squaws CDV, ca 1877, with W.G. Chamberlain’s Denver imprint and Washington & two squaws written on verso. Seated between two squaws, Curicata is shown wearing a top hat, peace medal, and Navajo first phase blanket around his waist. Curicata was a Ute chief whose twin brother, Ka-ni-ache, was active in signing several treaties that ultimately moved the Utes to the western reservation of Colorado. $500 - $700
272 W.G. Chamberlain CDVs of Southern Ute Chiefs & Squaws Lot of 5 CDVs, with 4 featuring W.G. Chamberlain’s Denver, CO, backmark, including 2 portraits of unidentified Southern Ute chiefs, plus 2 portraits of squaws posed with their children in cradles. One of the portraits is titled in the negative The Nations Pet. Accompanied by a studio view of an unidentified chief with a Colt revolver tucked in his belt, lacking a photographer’s imprint. $1,500 - $2,500
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WESTERN AMERICANA | American Indian Photography
273 Sitting Bull Cabinet Card by George Spencer Silver gelatin cabinet photograph of Sitting Bull, in traditional dress, standing with a pipe and beaded tobacco bag. Sitting Bull’s signature in the print, and George E. Spencer’s Fort Sheridan (IL) imprint in the recto margin. $500 - $700
274 Group of Kootenai Indians and Chief Isador, Albumen Photograph by Boorne & May, Calgary Albumen boudoir card with Boorne & May’s Calgary, N.W.T., imprint in the lower margin and printed titled in the negative, 802. Group of Kootenai Indians and Chief Isedor (sic). Chief Isadore (d. 1894) was a hereditary chief of the Kootenai (Ktunaxa) who led the tribe during its transitional period in the 1880s, helping them overcome the decline of the buffalo herds and the white settlement of their homeland. Only a few images of Isadore are known. $500 - $700
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WESTERN AMERICANA | American Indian Photography | Pictorialists 275 Beverly B. Dobbs, Alaskan Photograph Album Oblong folio album in black pebbled leather containing 117 silver gelatin images (two hand-colored, three cyanotypes), most 8 x 10 in. with some smaller, many signed and titled in the negative by Beverly Dobbs (American, 1868-1937). Images by Frank H. Nowell (1864-1950) and George Cantwell (1870-1948) are also included towards the back of the album. An exceptional album illustrating the rough-hewn nature of Nome and its surroundings. Highlights include elegant portraits of the Inuit and their homes, walrus hunting, gold mining claims and the purification process, as well as images of the vast landscape. According to a paper label affixed to the first page of the album, the album was assembled by Arthur Kah of Sidney, OH, around 1900. Kah moved to Alaska to operate the Gold Assay Headquarters. $4,000 - $6,000
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WESTERN AMERICANA | American Indian Photography | Pictorialists 276 Karl Moon, Hand Colored Photograph, Peh-Tsa-Moie, Osage Gelatin silver print, hand-colored with oil, Peh Tsa Moie, Osage, by Karl (Carl) Moon (1879-1948), ink signed Karl Moon lower left, with stenciled title on backing of the original Karl Moon frame; 16 x 20 in., 21.625 x 25.625 in. with frame. Frame with scattered chips and scratches. $3,000 - $4,000
277 Edward Curtis Portfolio Photogravure, Standing Two-Oto From The North American Indian; Standing Two-Oto, plate 675, 1927, folio, 11.5 x 15.625 in., overall, 12.75 x 17.5 in., professionally framed, 19.75 x 24.25 in. $800 - $1,000
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WESTERN AMERICANA | Autographs and Manuscripts 278 Correspondence with Frontiersman Robert Campbell Regarding the Fur Trade, 1825 Lot of 3 letters. Robert Campbell (1804-1879) was born in Ireland to a Scots family of modest means. But as the youngest child of his father’s second wife, his inheritance would not be much, if anything. He decided to follow his older brother, Hugh, to America. Hugh seemed to find his place in North Carolina. Robert went on soon after and arrived in St. Louis in 1824. Shortly after arrival, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis (consumption), and it was recommended that he head West for the climate. He joined the fur trading party of Jedediah Smith in late 1825. When he realized Campbell’s literacy, Smith made him the expedition clerk. The group spent a couple of hard winters in the mountains. The expedition split into two groups, reconnecting occasionally. The group with which Campbell was traveling was attacked by Indians, suffering a number of losses. They were attacked again the next summer, but this time with few losses. Letters are dated April 30, May 9, and May 25, 1825. The first two are from James Keyh(?), the third, from Robt. Wiley. In the first letter, written from Cape Girardeau, Keyh writes: We met the Phoenix and suppose you must have received the goods although I had not an opportunity of ascertaining that they were aboard. He also informs Campbell about a payment on an account and about a few barrels of pork that are on hand. The second letter was posted from Wheeling. Keyh notes that they arrived later than anticipated because of the low water in the rivers. Therefore he will take the stage overland to Baltimore instead of continuing on the river to Pittsburgh. The third letter is from Philadelphia. Mr. Wiley notes that he has just received a letter from Mr. Keyh. They are expecting a ship from Ireland any day. He notes that there is not much newsworthy on his end, in part because he is stuck in the store most of the time. He does thank Campbell for the moccasins that Campbell sent to him. Campbell decided to return to St. Louis in the spring of 1829, with 45 packs of beaver pelts, which he sold for over $22,000, for which he received a commission. He later established himself in St. Louis as a banker and real estate broker. He married and raised a family, and opened a dry goods store, specializing in goods needed by frontiersmen and explorers, and in turn sending furs and Indian goods to the East. In addition, he ran a hotel (until it burned in 1877) and bought steamboats. On one of these, the A.B. Chambers, Mark Twain had his first pilot’s job on the Mississippi.
WESTERN AMERICANA | California 279 Half Plate Daguerreotype of Early California Attorney, Hall McAllister and his Wife Half plate daguerreotype of Hall McAllister (1825-1888) and his wife, matted and housed in wall frame, 4.75 x 6 in., with typed label affixed on verso identifying the subjects as Father and Mother/ Mr. and Mrs. Hall McAllister. McAllister was one of the first (and wealthiest) attorney’s in California, practicing there from 1849 until his death. A leader of the California Bar, his statue is located at City Hall in >San Francisco. His father, Matthew Hall McAllister (1800-65) was Mayor of Savannah, a Georgia state senator, and, in 1855, the first Judge of the U.S. Circuit Court for the District of California. His brother, Ward McAllister (1827-95), was a S.F. Attorney and NY Socialite who coined the phrase “The Four Hundred.” Given his wife’s age, we would presume that the daguerreotype was taken in the mid-1850s, and therefore most likely taken in San Francisco. This may be one the earliest known photographs of McAllister. $500 - $700
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Campbell’s wife, Virginia, was 18 years his junior. Campbell had to wait several years after he met her until she was old enough to marry. But the couple seemed to be successful. They had 13 children, although only three lived to adulthood. Robert Campbell was such a significant member of the St. Louis community that the family home has been preserved as a museum since WWII. $500 - $700
WESTERN AMERICANA | California 280 Fine Quarter Plate Daguerreotype of Nathaniel Miller, California Pioneer, Armed and Dressed in Fringed Buckskin Jacket Quarter plate daguerreotype of California pioneer Nathaniel Miller (1815-1896). Miller wears a fringed buckskin jacket with a large knife tucked in his belt and a percussion rifle slung over his shoulder. Miller’s obituary in the Dec. 24, 1896, edition of the New York Times, states that the New York native went to California in 1849, where he “assisted in forming the first vigilance committee at San Francisco,” “erected the first building on Battery Street,” and “amassed considerable wealth.” He returned to his hometown of Brookhaven on Long Island and served as Town Supervisor during the Civil War, after which Brookhaven was the only town in the county to be free of debt. Descended Directly in the Family of Nathaniel Miller $4,000 - $6,000
281 Fine Quarter Plate Daguerreotype of Nathaniel Miller, California Pioneer, Armed and Dressed in Fringed Buckskin Jacket Quarter plate daguerreotype of California pioneer Nathaniel Miller (1815-1896), taken during the same session as the daguerreotype offered as the previous lot. Miller stands slightly closer to the camera in this example. Descended Directly in the Family of Nathaniel Miller $4,000 - $6,000
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WESTERN AMERICANA | California 282 Very Early San Francisco Committee of Vigilance Membership Certificate of Nathaniel Miller Dated June 19, 1851. No. 206, indicating Miller was a very early member. 9.75 x 13 in., housed in a 13.5 x 16.75 in. frame affixed on verso with two signed documents from the California Historical Society, ca 1964. The Committee of Vigilance was formed to combat the lawlessness in the Gold Rush boomtown in the wake of over 100 murders and not a single murder conviction during one stretch in 1849-1851. It was formed June 9, 1851, and the group hanged its first criminal, an Australian thief, the very next day. The certificate offered here is dated June 19, just ten days after the founding of the organization, and No. 206 of a membership that would eventually total 700-1,000. The committee organized the lynching of three more men over the next two months, in addition to whippings, forced exiles out of California for American citizens, and deportations to Australia for foreigners. The committee served its purpose and therefore became less needed over the next few years, but was resurrected in 1856 with a new focus on government corruption, specifically the policies of the local Democratic Party machine. The vigilantes formed the People’s Party, which would control the city for the next decade and was eventually absorbed into the Republican Party. This second movement, however, had many critics, even among those who sympathized with its politics, including William Tecumseh Sherman, who at the time was serving as major general in the San Francisco militia, and disparaged the group in his memoirs. Descended Directly in the Family of Nathaniel Miller $1,000 - $1,500
283 San Francisco Pocket Map As surveyed by Henry S. Dexter, Dec. 1851. Inscribed on inside cover N. Miller, for Nathaniel Miller, California Pioneer who is the subject of the daguerreotypes in Lots 280-281, and the Committee of Vigilance certificate, Lot 282. Pocket map in embossed leather-covered boards, approx. 4 x 6 in., with Map of San Francisco California in gilt on front. Map is 29 x 42 in. Title Map of the City of San Francisco with its Additions, Showing Two of the Routes for the Introduction of Water by the Mountain Lake Water Company. December 1851. At top are the profiles of the two proposed routes, elevations on map shown by hachures. With the rapid growth of San Francisco after the discovery of gold, the city on the hill had no ready source of fresh water. By 1851, investors planned to dig a tunnel from Mountain Lake to the city to transport a supply of water (to be sold for profit). Several routes were proposed, and these two were the “front runners.” The company broke ground in 1853 to much fanfare. The supply of water would cure all of the nascent city’s problems - fire, sanitation (and consequent public health), purifying the air (presumably with some fountains), settling the dust, and, “preserving life from flames and hearts from fears,” as reported in the newspapers of the day (www.presidio.gov). The company eventually went bankrupt, its tunnel only begun. The Presidio Trust has been trying to locate the entire structure. How far did they get before abandoning the tunnel? Historic records barely mention the project. A rare map recording a little-known part of the Golden Gate city’s history. Descended Directly in the Family of Nathaniel Miller $1,000 - $1,500
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WESTERN AMERICANA | California
284 The Wide West Newspaper, San Francisco, California, July 4, 1856 The Wide West, Fourth of July Illustrated Edition, San Francisco, CA, W.W. Nortz & Co. Publishers, dated July 4, 1856, 4pp, 21.5 x 28.75 in. An early California newspaper featuring several articles that focus on San Francisco’s Committee of Vigilance, many accompanied by detailed illustrations, including multiple articles on James King of William (18221856), a San Francisco newspaper editor who fought passionately against corruption and immorality and whose shooting death resulted in the establishment of the second San Francisco Vigilance Committee
in 1856. The articles and illustrations cover King’s life, his assassination and funeral procession, the hanging of those involved in the shooting of King, and the design for the monument that would honor him. A rare San Francisco newspaper published from 1854-1858. Additional copies found at the Huntington Library, San Marino, CA, and Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Yale University, New Haven, CT. $2,000 - $3,000
WESTERN AMERICANA | Mining and Miners 285 Gold Nugget and Carved Walrus Tusk Brooch from Suter’s, Fairbanks, Alaska High karat, covered bar brooch, likely 24k, with Alaskan gold nugget border, set with carved, ellipse-shaped walrus tusk. Reverse marked Suter’s. E.A. Suter was a jeweler, optician, and watchmaker who operated a store on Cushman Street in Fairbanks, AK, in the year following the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898-1899. L.W. Suter was the leading jeweler in Nome, AK, during the same era. 8dwt. .875 x 2.125 in. $600 - $800
detail
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WESTERN AMERICANA | Photography | Expeditions
286 Timothy O’Sullivan, Wheeler Expedition Photograph, Grand Canon, Colorado River, Near Paria Creek, Looking West Albumen photograph, titled on mount recto, Grand Canon, Colorado River, Near Paria Creek, Looking West, with T.H. O’Sullivan Phot. lower left and No. 5 lower right, 7.875 x 10.75 in., mounted on larger printed War Department cardstock, 15.5 x 18.875 in. Produced by O’Sullivan during the Wheeler Expedition of 1871. $1,000 - $1,500
288 Timothy O’Sullivan, Wheeler Expedition Photograph, View Near Head of Conejos River, Col. Albumen photograph, titled on mount recto, View Near Head of Conejos River, Col., with T.H. O’Sullivan Phot. lower left and No. 17 lower right, 8 x 10.75 in., mounted on larger printed War Department cardstock, 15.5 x 18.875 in. Produced by O’Sullivan during the Wheeler Expedition of 1871. $1,000 - $1,500
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287 Timothy O’Sullivan, Wheeler Expedition Photograph, Canon of the Colorado River Albumen photograph, titled on mount recto, Canon of the Colorado River, near Mouth of San Juan River, Arizona, with T.H. O’Sullivan Phot. lower left and No. 14 lower right, 7.875 x 10.875 in., mounted on larger printed War Department cardstock, 15.5 x 18.875 in. Produced by O’Sullivan during the Wheeler Expedition of 1871. $1,000 - $1,500
WESTERN AMERICANA | Photography | Expeditions
detail of photograph showing F.V. Hayden
289 W.H. Jackson Albumen Photograph, Camp at Mystic Lake, Featuring F.V. Hayden Albumen photograph titled in the negative, Camp on Mystic Lake, 10.25 x 13 in., on Dept. of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey of the Territories mount, 14 x 17 in., with gilt border and Jackson’s Washington, D.C. credit line. This Hayden photograph appears to be the best example in terms of condition when compared with two other prints that have appeared at auction since 2000.
A beautifully composed camp scene featuring Professor F.V. Hayden seated with a book in his hand at right, with the same, distinctive hat that the pioneering geologist is shown wearing in other known images (see detail). It has also been suggested that the gentleman seated at left may be landscape artist Thomas Moran, who traveled with the expedition, or W.H. Jackson himself, although these identifications cannot be confirmed. $2,000 - $3,000
290 W.H. Jackson Albumen Photograph, Mountain of the Holy Cross Albumen photograph titled in the negative, Mountain of the Holy Cross, 10.25 x 13 in., on Dept. of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey of the Territories/ Prof. F.V. Hayden in Charge mount, 14 x 17 in., with gilt border and Jackson’s credit line. In August of 1873, Jackson became the first to photograph Colorado’s Mountain of the Holy Cross, forever providing proof of its existence, and this albumen is a fine example of one of his best known photographs. $1,000 - $1,500
291 W.H. Jackson, Hayden Expedition Albumen Photographs of Montana Territory Lot of 2 albumen photographs, each on Dept. of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey of the Territories mount, with gilt border and Jackson’s Washington, D.C. credit line, including the following: Arched Falls - Foot of Mt. Blackmore, M.T., as titled in negative, 9.75 x 12.875 in., on 14 x 17 in. mount; untitled view of Yellowstone, Montana Territory, 8.25 x 13.25 in., on 15.25 x 11 in. mount. $500 - $700
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WESTERN AMERICANA | Photography | Landscapes 292 Orotone of a Klondike Mountain Scene Unsigned, but identified as Lake Aetlin, Alaska on frame backing, actually meaning Atlin Lake, British Colombia/Yukon Territory, just east of the Alaska panhandle and the site of some of the richest deposits found during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898-1899. 6.25 x 8.25 in. plate, housed in original arts and crafts bronzed gesso and wood frame, 8.625 x 10.625 in. $300 - $500
WESTERN AMERICANA | Photography | Cowboys
293 C.D. Kirkland’s Views of Cow-Boy Life, Five Boudoir Photographs Lot of 5 boudoir card photographs by C.D. Kirkland, Cheyenne, WY, from his series Views of Cow-Boy Life and the Cattle Business, ca 1888. Titles include: No. 5 Cowboy and Pony; No. 36 Branding a Steer; No. 37 Horse Herd; No. 44 Throwing a Steer; and No. 49 General View of Round Up. Nos. 5, 44, and 49 with index of available titles imprinted on verso. $1,200 - $1,800
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294 C.D. Kirkland’s Views of Cow-Boy Life, Two Fine Views of Cowboys at the Chuck Wagon Lot of 2 boudoir card photographs by C.D. Kirkland, Cheyenne, WY, from his series Views of Cow-Boy Life and the Cattle Business, ca 1888. Titles include No. 25 The Mess Wagon and No. 67 The Mess Wagon Making Pies. Both with index of available titles imprinted on verso. The Clarence and Mildred Long Collection of Indiana Artists $1,200 - $1,800
WESTERN AMERICANA | Wild West Shows
detail
295 William F. Cody Lock of Hair Descended In The Cody Family, Plus Related Items Lot of 30+ 2-3 in. strands of hair, framed together with Cody stamps, coins, tokens, a facsimile signature and modern photograph, 18.5 in. x 22.5 in. overall.
Descended directly in the family of William F. Cody to his great-greatgrandson. Accompanied by Cody family lineage and notarized letter of provenance. $1,500 - $2,500
296 Buffalo Bill Cody Cabinet Card by Elmer Chickering, Boston Cabinet card of Cody wearing a suit, hat, and gold buffalo tie pin. Photo by Elmer Chickering, Boston, ca early 1890s. Cowan’s sold a large format photograph from Cody’s personal collection of a different pose from the same sitting in our January 2014 sale, offered as Lot 52. $500 - $700
297 Buffalo Bill Cody Cabinet Card by Sarony, Plus Companion Advertising CDV Lot of 2, including a ca 1870s albumen cabinet card by Sarony and an albumen CDV of the same pose. The CDV is an advertising CDV for advertising CDVs, imprinted on verso: Photograph Novelty / We sell you a Card Photograph for 25 Cents, and on the back advertise the Goods you can buy for $1.00. / Please Examine our Goods In Departments from A to G. $500 - $700
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NOVEMBER 21, 2014 CINCINNATI, OHIO
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WESTERN AMERICANA | Wild West Shows 298 Buffalo Bill Cody Cabinet Card by Stacy Silver gelatin cabinet card by Stacy, Brooklyn, showing Cody in show regalia, holding a lariat and standing beside his custom saddle bearing a likeness of himself, upon which rests his Winchester rifle. $300 - $500
299 Fine Annie Oakley Cabinet Card Woodburytype cabinet card, lacking a studio imprint but produced in England ca 1890s, titled on mount below image, Miss Annie Oakley,/ “Little Sure Shot.”/ Buffalo Bill’s Wild West. With a lengthy description of the celebrated performer printed on verso. A fabulous example with deep, rich tones. $2,000 - $3,000
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WESTERN AMERICANA | Wild West Shows
300 Buffalo Bill Cody and Annie Oakley, Cabinet Cards by Brisbois, Lot of Three Lot of 3 cabinet cards by Brisbois, Chicago, including a view of William F. Cody in civilian clothing, a view of Cody in show regalia and posed with his custom saddle, and a view of Annie Oakley wearing many of her shooting medals. All three with facsimile signatures in the lower margin. $1,000 - $1,500
301 Cabinet Card of Captain Jack Crawford in His GAR Uniform A fine, vignetted image with the blindstamp of Thomas Houseworth, San Francisco, at lower right of the print, showing a young Captain Jack wearing an Infantry kepi, GAR medal, and reunion medal. A Civil War veteran of the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry, the “Poet Scout” was active in the GAR throughout his life. This scarce image illustrated in Wilson and Martin’s book Buffalo Bill’s Wild West: An American Legend. $800 - $1,000
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NOVEMBER 21, 2014 CINCINNATI, OHIO
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GENERAL AMERICANA | Entertainment 302 Archive of the “Eiffel Eyeful,” Burlesque Star Lois De Fee The term “burlesque” is derived from the Italian burla, a joke, mockery, parody. The meaning has expanded since its early literary forms, and the form was applied to music and theater. American burlesque theater derives from English burlesque, and it is generally traced to the arrival on American shores of Lydia Thompson and the “British Blondes.” They were an immediate sensation, with long lines for tickets even before they arrived in 1868. Eventually British and American burlesques went their own ways, with the American form incorporating elements of minstrel shows and vaudeville, and later, cancan from France. The British form evolved into musical comedy by the turn of the 20th century. American burlesque hit its peak by 1900 and continued as a major entertainment form through the 1930s and into the war years. The focus was increasingly on exotic dancing and comedy. As Ann Corio and Joseph DiMona note in “This Was Burlesque,” (1968: 39-40): Burlesque was like a rocket that got off the ground in 1900 when Sam Scribner formed the Columbia Circuit. Along the way there were some of the brightest sparks ever seen in show business – sparks that issued forth from a group of comedians whose names read like a roll call of a Hall of Fame of humor. Among them were W.C. Fields, Will Rogers, Bert Lahr, Ed Wynn, Joe E. Brown, Leon Errol, Buster Keaton, Joe Penner, Eddie Cantor, Bobby Clark, Al Jolson, Jimmy Durante, and Abbott and Costello. Burlesque was the breeding grounds for these great comics. It gave them a stage, an audience, and a chance to develop the acts, mannerisms, pantomime, or whatever made them famous. Al Jolson sang his first song in a burlesque house. Joe E. Brown was part of an acrobatic team; he had never said a word on stage or tried to be funny until he entered burlesque. …In his autobiography, [Joe E.] Brown wrote: ‘The public’s low opinion of burlesque today has caused more than one prominent star to soft-pedal his (or her) humble beginnings in the field. I am much too grateful for the things I learned in burlesque to belittle its importance in my story….’ As far as the “girls” went, the transition from dance to strip was gradual and subtle. To advertise their attractions, many of the “Burlesque Queens” had a trademark – Sally Rand’s fans, Zorita’s snakes, other “girls” used doves or parrots or even exotic furs, Lois DeFee (6’ 4”) and Ricki Covette (6’ 8”) had “stature.” Even though it was in its heyday, burlesque took a number of “hits” in this time period – two world wars, a depression, and, worst of all, Prohibition. Then many of the performers, especially actors and comedians, began moving to film and television – good for a wider audience, not as good for burlesque. By the 1950s it became strictly a strip show, and incorporated what many of the earlier stars saw as coarser elements, including what many people identify with striptease, the “bump and grind.” When asked about modern striptease, Lois once quipped: “Modern day girls are nude, lewd, and get screwed.” (Goldwyn, 244) Not so in her day. This was seldom part of early burlesque, and when it came to be expected, many of the stars, including Lois and Zorita, who (it must be admitted were also aging) retired. The earlier performances were more sensuous, more suggestive. Many of these stars of the stage are now gone, and many forgotten for their earlier roles. Only those who made it “big” in film or television tend to be remembered, which is a shame in many ways. These were the pioneers of mass entertainment. These were the ones who made the “transition.” In many respects they also crafted the forms that entertainment took in the second part of the 20th century. Born in a small town, either Missouri (passport) or Texas (Goldwin, 2006), depending on the source, Lois DeFee lost her parents early and was raised in Texas by an aunt (her father’s sister) and uncle. It was not a happy situation, and Lois began trying to run away at the age of four. She finally succeeded at 13. In her early attempts she headed west; this time she went south, and ended up in Miami. One club owner was recruiting showgirls for a stint in Cuba. Lois recalls: “Brass monkey me. I walked right in and got the job.” (Goldwyn, 239) But she was tall and probably did not appear to be barely a teenager. She would advertise her height in her heyday as a burlesque queen at 6 foot 4 inches, or thereabouts. She was a bit shorter in stocking feet, but not much. The show played in Cuba for several months. The 174
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producer discovered Lois’ lack of dancing talent, so they had her stand as a nude statue in the back of the line or parade slowly across the stage – elements that apparently became part of her later performance style. She also made lifelong friends in Cuba, including the ambassador and his wife. When the show left Cuba, it was to open in Miami. Lois missed the train stop and continued to New York. She contacted a friend of another acquaintance from Cuba, and he gave her a job as bouncer at The Dizzy Club. The job grabbed attention, including that of Walter Winchell, who also would become a friend. It was Winchell who later dubbed Lois the “Eiffel Eyeful.” In 1933, she moved to Leon & Eddie’s club on 52nd, also as a bouncer. She later recalled that she never really “bounced” anyone, but served more as a hostess and occasionally calmed potential problems probably just by being a distraction. If she came up to talk to you, you probably forgot what you were going to fight about. In 1939, she got a job at the New York World’s Fair in the Amazon exhibit as “Queen of the Amazons.” The title stuck, and occasionally was modified to “Queen of the Glamazons.” It was here that Al Minsky recruited her for a featured act in one of his venues. The only catch was that she would be doing a striptease. She confessed later that she had no idea how to do one, but went to the clubs and watched over a dozen in a week. She was smart and a quick study, and for $400 a week, she would develop her own style and performance. Her style was so sophisticated and stately that she had a large following of women as well as men. Lois was married a number of times. The citations vary from five to eight, with seven being the most common. In one of the interviews in the collection of papers in this lot, the interviewer asked how many times she had been married, and she quipped something to the effect of “often enough to make my sex life legal.” The “Lois stunt” that is cited everywhere is her marriage to midget Billy Curtis (3’ 2”). Some have speculated that it was all prearranged, because the marriage was annulled within a day or two – by the same judge that married them. The lot consists of numerous photographs, both of Lois and of the many stars of burlesque whose paths she crossed in her various clubs and travels. Some are framed, some are trimmed as if mounted as part of a collage. The lot also includes: personal papers; many newspaper ads and announcements; a costume and costume jewelry; a “theme book” titled “Lois Erlanger,” which appears to record her memories later in life. The “theme book” includes notes from a European tour; a list of people with the header “They went on to Bigger stages”; a section labeled “Comics | Straights”; and a large section labeled “Girls,” referencing names such as Dimples Delight, Winnie Garrett, Zorita, and many more. The lot includes 4 photographic binders, one of which contains many publicity photos, series of photos demonstrating portions of her act in a club, and views of clubs and theaters promoting “Lois DeFee.” The second binder contains 27 publicity stills of Lois in different costumes, all by Bruno, Hollywood. The third binder appears to contain mostly personal photos, capturing Lois with friends, including several men, some of whom may have been husbands. The fourth binder also contains mostly personal photos, some labeled in Lois’s hand. Dozens of framed and unframed photos inscribed to Lois and signed by stars of the early 20th century also accompany the lot. Most are
GENERAL AMERICANA | Entertainment publicity photos measuring between 7 x 9 in. and 8 x 10 in. Some highlights include: • Maxie Rosenbloom (1907-1976) – “Slapsie Maxie.” • Micky Walker (1903-1981, Boxing HOF). • Joe E. Lewis (Joseph Klewan, 1902-1971). • Mike Mazurki (1907-1990) (3). • Ed “Strangler” Lewis (Robert Herman Julius Friedrich, 1891-1966, 6-time World Heavyweight Champ). • Betty Hutton (1921-2007) (2). • “Wally & Carol Ann.” Wallace Beery and his adopted daughter, Carol Ann Beery. • The Ritz Bros. Comedy team of three brothers, Al (1901-1965), Jimmy (1904-1985) and Harry (1907-1986). • Billy Swanson (orchestra leader). • Danny Lewis (1902-1980, father of Jerry Lewis). • Vincent Lopez (1895-1975, band leader & pianist). • Little Jackie Heller (d. 1988). • William Frawley (1887-1966) (photo signed “Bill Frawley”). • Billy ‘Zoot’ Reed. • Gene Kelly (1912-1996). • George Montgomery (1916-2000) (possibly 2). • Eddy Duchin (1909-1951, pianist, bandleader, father of Peter Duchin). • Hank Henry (1906-1981, Ocean’s 11). • Zorita (Kathryn Boyd, 1915-2001). • Dave Rubinoff (1897-1986). • Cesar Romero (1907-1994). • Robert Alda (1914-1986, father of Alan). • Joe Toots Mondt, Cowboy Champ (1894-1976, Wrestling HOF). • Red Buttons (1919-2006). • Milton Berle (1908-2002). • Arthur Treacher (1894-1975), {“For Lois (The Tall) – From Arthur (The Tallest)”}. • Wally Vernon (1905-1970). Accompanied by several photographs of burlesque “queens” and performers, no longer household names, although many were in their day (Iris Adrian, Delightful Dolores Dawn, Vicki Vigil, Virginia, Sonya Corday, Ginger Britton, Renee, and more). Two books accompany the lot: Hope, Bob. I Owe Russia $1200. Garden City: Doubleday & Company, Inc., 1963. 12mo, w/dj. Inscribed to Lois and signed by Bob Hope on ffep. Plus Richman, Harry. A Hell of a Life. New York: Duell, Sloan and Pearce, 1966. 12mo, w/dj. Containing seven notes and letters from Harry Richman (dating from 1959-1967), most on his letterhead. Personal items include: a velvet jewelry box on brass feet that contains just a few items: 3 pairs of earrings; a “Lois” pin; a bar pin; a faux pearl necklace; cut glass necklace; hair comb; 4 large tubes containing “rhinestones/crystals” that came from, or were going to be used on costumes; a dark red velvet-covered box containing a necklace with a note in Lois’ hand, indicating that it was a gift from Arthur Treacher, celebrating the birth of her daughter; ascot (brand) green suede clutch with “L. de F.” in gilt on flap; compact with mirror, powder and puff intact; numerous personal papers, such as sponsorship rejections, passports, etc. The collection also includes several pieces of commercial sheet music, most importantly, the manuscript scores for
Conductor, Piano, 1st Trumpet, 2nd Trumpet, 1st Alto, 3rd Alto, Tenor Sax, Trombone, Bass, Drums, with pieces written for DeFee. Most were written by Manny Blanc, and include Music for “G” String, Fee’s Weirdee, Haitian Strip, The Blues, Voodoo, Chino, and Houri. All are marked “Lois DeFee” in the upper right corner. In addition to popular music, Manny Blanc (b.1914) composed symphonies and ballets, string quartets, brass, as well as playing with orchestras such as Tommy Dorsey’s. He was also a successful painter. The collection also features a number of loose newspaper clippings, articles, and interviews with Lois, including a copy of Flirt, dated April 1952, with a two-page spread on Lois (pp 32-33): She’s the biggest attraction to hit burleycue in many years!...This teasin’ torso-tosser is wowin’ the peelin’ circuit! No wonder! That’s a lotta gal, eh boys?”; two copies of the program for the 1968 Miss USA Pageant program held that year in Miami, with Lois DeFee listed as the Sales Director; clipped ads promoting various clubs and Lois’ appearances, as well as some of her publicity stunts. Among the number of interviews printed in the newspaper clippings and articles cut from periodicals, is a notable discussion with Lois about burlesque performers changing their names. Lois stated that she would never do that, as she had built up some name recognition. She noted that some of her more conservative relatives had asked her to change it, and when she refused, THEY changed THEIR names. Their loss. This clearly was a woman of character, who was a character (in the best sense). We wish we could have known her, and she should not be forgotten. References Corio, Ann with Joseph DiMona. This was Burlesque. New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1968. Goldwyn, Liz. Pretty Things. New York: Regan (HarperCollins), 2006. Descended Directly in the Family of Lois De Fee $3,000 - $5,000
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Office Staff President and Principal Auctioneer C. Wesley Cowan - info@cowans.com Business Operations Reid Sikes - reid@cowans.com Specialists American Indian Art Danica M. Farnand - indianart@cowans.com Susan Labry Meyn Books and Manuscripts Patricia Tench - info@cowans.com Fine and Decorative Art Diane Wachs - decarts@cowans.com Graydon Sikes - art@cowans.com Kirstie Craven - kcraven@cowans.com Jennifer Howe - jenniferhowe@cowans.com Sam Cowan - sam@cowans.com Jonathan Nolting - jonathan@cowans.com Leah Vogelpohl - leah@cowans.com Pauline Archambault - pauline@cowans.com Historic Firearms and Early Militaria Jack Lewis - firearms@cowans.com Joe Moran - joe@cowans.com Joe Higgins - photographer Bill Lewis - bill@cowans.com Emery Maury Doug Hamilton Carolyn Luken American History Katie Horstman - historic@cowans.com Matt Chapman - matt@cowans.com Fine Jewelry and Timepieces Brad Wanstrath - jewelry@cowans.com
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Terms and Conditions By registering and bidding in an auction conducted by Cowan’s Auctions, Inc. (“Cowan’s”), bidders (whether present in person, by telephone, by agent, by written or telephone absentee bid instruction, or through a live internet connection) agree to be bound by these terms. These are the complete and only terms and conditions on which all property is offered for sale. Cowan’s retains the right to bar any bidder from participating in any auction and to exclude or reject any bid. 1) REGISTRATION. All bidders must register their name, permanent street address (no P.O. Boxes), and telephone number prior to the auction. Unless known to Cowan’s, all registrants are required to present two forms of identification, at least one of which must include a current photograph. Bidders may be required to present a valid Visa or MasterCard. By registering with Cowan’s or submitting an absentee bid form, an individual registrant authorizes Cowan’s to obtain a copy of his or her consumer credit report and authorizes Cowan’s, at its sole discretion, to use the information contained therein to make business decisions regarding the registrant’s participation in the bidding process. 2) ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS. Bidding on any item, whether in person, by phone, by absentee bid or via a live internet auction indicates the bidder’s agreement to be bound by these Terms and Conditions for Bidders. Any right of bidder under this agreement shall not be assignable and shall only be enforceable by the original buyer. The rights and obligations of the parties shall be governed by the laws of the state of Ohio. All bidders submit to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts in Ohio. 3) TERMS OF SALE. Announcements made the day of auction take precedence over any previous communication. The auctioneer reserves the right to withdraw any lot at any time before its final sale and to reject any bid for any reason. The highest bidder for each lot acknowledged by the auctioneer shall be the “buyer”. If any dispute arises as to any bidding, or between two or more bidders, at the sole discretion of the auctioneer, the successful bidder will be determined or the disputed lot shall be put up again at the last undisputed bid and resold. 4) BUYER’S PREMIUM. (a) Buyer’s Premium for “Antique and Modern Firearms” auctions; the Auctioneer will collect and retain from the Buyer, as additional commission, a premium equal to 17.5% the Sale Price of each Lot up to and including $200,000, plus 10% of the amount by which the Sale Price exceeds $200,000. (b) Buyer’s Premium for “Fine and Decorative Art”, “Modern Ceramics”, “American Indian and Western Art”, “American History”, “Fine Jewelry and Timepieces” , “World at War” and any other specialized auctions; the Auctioneer will collect and retain from the Buyer, as additional commission, a premium equal to 20% the Sale Price of each Lot up to and including $200,000, plus 10% of the amount by which the Sale Price exceeds $200,000. (c) Buyer’s Premium for online, timed and other third-party bidding platforms may vary. 5) ESTIMATES AND RESERVES. Presale estimates are intended to be guides and may or may not reflect the ultimate hammer price of a lot. Cowan’s retains the right to change estimates on any lot up to time of sale. A reserve is a confidential minimum price agreed upon by the seller of the lot and Cowan’s. In the case of reserved lots, the seller has authorized Cowan’s to bid on seller’s behalf until the reserve price is reached. In no case will the reserve be higher than the low presale estimate. Cowan’s standard house reserve on all property at auction is one-half of the low estimate. 6) WARRANTIES AND DISCLAIMERS. Cowan’s makes a limited warranty only to the original buyer of record concerning the authenticity of each lot for a period of 14 days after bidder’s receipt of the purchased lot. If a buyer is not satisfied that the lot purchased is genuine, the buyer may, at his or her own expense, obtain the opinion of two mutually agreed upon recognized experts in the field of the disputed lot. If these experts determine that the item is not genuine, the buyer’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the rescission of the sale and refund of the amount paid for the item. It is specifically understood and agreed that the rescission of the sale and refund is exclusive and in lieu of any other remedy which might otherwise be available as a matter of law or in equity, and such remedy is conditioned upon the buyer returning the property in the same condition as at the time of sale. Cowan’s shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages. All sales are final, with no returns or refunds except as provided in this limited warranty. Except as provided in the immediately proceeding paragraph, EVERY LOT IS SOLD “AS IS”, without any representations or warranties by Cowan’s or the seller as to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, condition or value of the property, or the correctness or completeness of the catalogue or other description of the property, and no statement, whether written or oral, shall be deemed such a representation, warranty or assumption of liability. Cowan’s makes no representation or warranty that the buyer of manuscript material, photographs, prints or works of art will acquire any copyright or reproduction rights. Cowan’s does not guarantee the working order of any clock, watch, electronic or mechanical device. Dimensions given in the catalogue descriptions may be approximate. 7) DEFINITIONS OF AUTHORSHIP. “By” or “Maker/Artist” — in our opinion, the work is by the artist or maker stated “Attributed to” — in our opinion, the work is probably, but not definitely, by the artist or maker stated “Signed” or “Marked” — in our opinion, the signature or mark is that of the stated artist or maker “Bearing the signature (or mark) of” — in our opinion, the signature or mark is probably, but not definitely, that of the artist or maker stated “Circle of” — in our opinion, the work is of the period and by an artist or maker closely associated with the stated artist or maker “School of” — in our opinion, the work is by a pupil or follower of the stated artist or maker “Manner of” — in our opinion, the work is of the period and done in the style of the stated artist or maker “After” — in our opinion, the work is a copy of a work by the stated artist or maker 8) INSPECTION. Except for Online-Only Auctions, all lots are available for inspection prior to the auction. Condition reports for most items can be found online at Cowan’s website, www.cowans.com, and prospective bidders are encouraged to contact Cowan’s directly for additional information regarding the condition of any lot. Cowan’s does not warrant the condition of any item. Buyers interested in the condition of an item are encouraged to contact Cowan’s and, to the best of our ability, we will document for the prospective bidder the condition status on any lot. Condition is always a subjective evaluation and final responsibility rests with the buyer to assess the condition of any item sold by Cowan’s. ABSENTEE, TELEPHONE AND INTERNET BIDDING Absentee and telephone bidding is offered as a free service to our customers and prospective bidders. Cowan’s shall not be responsible for any errors or failures in executing bids, either absentee, telephone or via the internet. 9) ABSENTEE BIDDING. Absentee bids are accepted via mail, fax, email and on Cowan’s website. Such bids will be posted with the time and date of arrival, with ties being awarded to the earliest bidder. Absentee bids that are faxed or emailed to Cowan’s need to be in the office at least 2 hours before the sale begins. An absentee bidder unknown to Cowan’s may be required to submit a bank letter of credit prior to the auction, or, using a credit card, deposit with Cowan’s a fee equaling 30% of the absentee bid. All absentee bids are executed competitively by a member of the auction staff. The auction staff will try to purchase the lot for the lowest price possible and will bid up to the amount designated by the absentee bidder only if necessary. Cowan’s does not accept “buy bids,” or absentee bids which have no limit. In the event of a tie bid between a floor and an absentee bidder, the floor bid will be honored.
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10) TELEPHONE BIDDING. Bidding live via the telephone is available on a first come, first served basis for those lots with a low estimate of $500 or greater. In order for Cowan’s to efficiently serve the needs of those who wish to bid by phone, please note the following: • To participate in the auction by telephone, potential bidders must complete and sign the absentee bid form and check “I WISH TO BID BY TELEPHONE” for the designated lots. Potential bidders may also reserve a phone line on Cowan’s website. If faxing or emailing requests for phone bidding, they need to be in Cowan’s office 2 hours before the sale begins. Once the auction begins, requests left on Cowan’s website may not be retrieved by the staff. • Telephone bidders are advised to indicate an “insurance bid”, which amount will become an absentee bid, pursuant to the absentee bidding process set forth above, if Cowan’s can not reach the bidder by telephone for a particular indicated lot. • Telephone bidders must disable any caller ID or other call blocking mechanism. • Cowan’s sells about 100 lots per hour, so telephone bidders should plan accordingly. Cowan’s will attempt to reach each telephone bidder, but Cowan’s is in no way responsible for missed calls. 11) INTERNET BIDDING. Internet bidding is available through our website; additionally, Cowan’s may post certain auctions on Live Auctioneers (liveauctioneers.com) or Proxibid (proxibid.com). There may be terms which apply solely to internet bids that should be reviewed online at the time of sale. Cowan’s is not responsible for any failure to execute a bid and shall have no liability to any bidder for any technical or other failure associated with an internet auction. 12) BIDDING INCREMENTS. The following increments are used at the auction. Absentee bids must fall within these increments. Cowan’s will automatically reduce any absentee bid to the closest increment if the bid falls outside the published range of increments. For Bids Falling Between Bidding Increment $0-500 $25 $501-1,000 $50 $1,001-3,000 $100 $3,001-5,000 $250 $5,001 and up $500 or at the discretion of the auctioneer Cowan’s reserves the right to modify increments at any time during the auction. AFTER THE AUCTION 13) BUYER’S RESPONSIBILITY. Upon the fall of the hammer, title to the offered lot shall pass to the buyer and the buyer immediately (a) assumes full risk and responsibility for the lot, including liability for loss or damage and (b) is liable for payment of the Purchase Price (as defined below) to Cowan’s. It is the buyer’s responsibility to ask specific questions on condition related concerns prior to the auction. Cowan’s will not rescind sales with buyers that have disputes regarding firearm’s bore condition. 14) PURCHASE PRICE AND PAYMENT. The discounted “Purchase Price” for each lot shall equal the hammer price, buyer’s premium, sales tax and, if applicable, all packing, handling, insurance and shipping costs. Payment may be made with cash, personal or traveler’s check or credit card. Cowan’s reserves the right to hold a purchased lot until a check has cleared. A convenience fee of $15.00 will be assessed to all transactions made in the alternate payment channels: Phone payments are made available as a convenience outside Cowan’s Auctions customary payment channels, therefore these payments are qualified as payments made in the alternative payment channel. All forms of payment made using this method will be assessed the convenience fee. Please call Cowan’s Auctions if you have any questions regarding this policy. PLEASE NOTE: A surcharge of 2% will be assessed to all credit card transactions. This surcharge is not greater than our cost of acceptance. Buyers who are present at the auction must pay the full Purchase Price at the time of the sale. Buyers who bid by telephone or who are absentee bidders will be invoiced within 5 days after the close of the auction and must pay the full Purchase Price for each purchased lot within 14 days after the date of the auction. By signing the absentee bid form or placing a bid by telephone, an absentee bidder authorizes Cowan’s to charge the Purchase Price for each lot for which such bidder is the successful bidder to the credit card number provided by telephone or on the absentee bid form, unless payment in full or alternative payment instruction is received within 14 days after the date of the auction. No property will be released by Cowan’s unless the Purchase Price has been paid in full. Institutional billing may be available, and should be arranged prior to the auction. Cowan’s may impose late charges of 1.5% per month (or the highest interest rate allowed) on any amount owed to Cowan’s that remains unpaid after 30 days. Buyer shall be liable for any collection costs or attorney’s fees incurred by Cowan’s to collect payment, to the extent permitted by law. 15) SALES TAX. Buyers are required to pay any applicable state and local sales tax. 16) SHIPPING. At the request of the buyer, Cowan’s will authorize the shipment of purchased items usually within two weeks after payment has been received. Shipment is generally made via UPS or Fed-Ex Ground. Unless buyer gives special instructions, the shipping method shall be at the sole discretion Cowan’s Auctions. Cowan’s is in no way responsible for the acts or omissions of independent handlers, packers or shippers of purchased items or for any loss, damage or delay from the packing or shipping of any property. ADVICE TO INTERNATIONAL BUYERS. Cowan’s will not ship any package containing a firearm to any location other than within the United States. Buyers outside the United States must make their own shipping arrangements taking full risk for the transportation of any firearm. Property made of or containing certain plant or animal materials, such as coral, crocodile, ivory, whalebone, baleen, tortoiseshell, etc., may require a license or certificate before exportation from the United States and importation to another country. If you are purchasing items that contain these materials, you need to check the government wildlife import requirements in the countries from which and to which the item is being shipped prior to bidding. Since the export and import licenses are independently issued by the countries of origin and destination, obtaining one does not guarantee that you can obtain the other. Purchasers are responsible for making timely payments on items won at auction, even if a license is delayed or denied. 17) SHIPPING CHARGES. Buyers are required to pay for all packing, shipping and insurance charges. Overseas duty charges are the responsibility of the successful bidder. Be aware that for larger and/or valuable items, shipping charges can be substantial. 18) REMOVAL AND STORAGE OF PROPERTY. If purchased property has not been removed, or Cowan’s has not received shipping instructions within 21 days after the auction date, a $10 per item per day storage fee may be charged to the buyer. 19) CANCELLATION OF SALE. If purchased property remains in the custody of Cowan’s for a period of 60 days following the auction, Cowan’s may, at its option, cancel the sale, retaining as liquidated damages any payments made by the buyer, or resell the property at auction or by any other commercially reasonable means, for the account and at the risk of the buyer, and in such event, buyer shall be liable for the payment of all deficiencies plus all of Cowan’s costs, including but not limited to storage and costs of both sales. This right of cancellation is in addition to any and all other remedies available to Cowan’s. 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6270 Este Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45232 513.871.1670 Fax: 513.871.8670 info@cowans.com cowans.com
DATE/TIME RECEIVED _________________________________________________ PH/FAX_________________ MAIL___________ E-MAIL______________________ SALE NO. ___________________________________________________________ (FOR OFFICE USE ONLY)
Name (please print)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City__________________________________________________________ State_________________________________________ Zip______________________ Phone________________________________________Fax____________________________________________ Email____________________________________ I request that Cowan’s Auctions, Inc. (“Cowan’s”) (i) enter bids on the following lots up to the maximum price I have indicated for each lot in the “Absentee Bid” column; or (ii) reserve a telephone line for telephone bidding for the lots indicated. I request that if Cowan’s is unable to reach me for telephone bidding for a lot, that Cowan’s enter bids on such lot up to the maximum price indicated in the “Insurance Bid” column. I understand that Cowan’s will execute the absentee bids competitively on my behalf. I further understand that Cowan’s executes absentee bids and allows telephone bids as a convenience for customers and that Cowan’s is not responsible for failure to execute bids or for errors relating to the execution of my bids. I agree to be bound by the Terms and Conditions for Bidders printed in the auction catalog and listed on Cowan’s web site www.cowanauctions.com and I understand that I am responsible for determining the condition and authenticity of any lot, and that all items are sold AS IS with no returns or refunds. By submitting this Absentee Bid Form, I authorize Cowan’s to obtain a copy of my individual consumer credit report and authorize Cowan’s, at its sole discretion, to use the information contained therein to make business decisions regarding my participation in the bidding process.
Lot No.
Description
Absentee Bid I Wish to Bid by Phone Insurance Bid (phone bidders only)
If my bid is successful, I understand that the purchase price for each lot will be the sum of the hammer price, the buyer’s premium, sales tax and all packing, handling, insurance and shipping costs (the “purchase price”). I understand that I will be invoiced within 5 days after the auction and that I will be responsible for paying Cowan’s the full purchase price immediately upon receipt of the invoice. Cowan’s may impose late charges of 1.5% per month (or the highest interest rate allowed) on any amount owed to Cowan’s that remains unpaid after 30 days. By signing this absentee bid form I authorize Cowan’s to charge the credit card listed below for the full purchase price of each lot for which my bid is successful, unless payment in full or alternative payment instructions are received by Cowan’s within 14 days after the date of the auction.
Visa/Mastercard Number_______________________________________ Exp. Date_________________ Security Code (3 or 4 digit number on credit card)________ Print Name (as it appears on credit card)_________________________________________Signature (must be signed)______________________________________
How did you find out about the auction? (Please check as many as appropriate) q Received printed flier q Received printed catalogue q Received email blast q Saw it on our website 180
COWAN’S AMERICAN HISTORY
q Saw an advertisement Which publication: __________________________________________________________ q Referred by a friend q Other: ____________________________________________________________________
Cowan’s 6270 Este Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45232 513.871.1670 fax 513.871.8670 info@cowans.com cowans.com