Preparing to supply provisions in support of “the Blockade of Pamplona” during the Peninsular War

168. Duke of Wellington Autograph Letter Signed. ALS signed “Wellington,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.25 x 9.25, September 19, 1813. Handwritten letter marked “Confidential,” concerning the Peninsular War. In part: “From a letter received last night from the Prince D’Anglona commanding the Div’n of the 3d Army proceeding to the Blockade of Pamplona I have reason to apprehend that his Forces have been sent there either…undersupplied or very ill supported with Provisions notwithstanding that I had placed 100,000 Rations at the disposal of the Duque del Parque.” In fine condition. The siege of Pamplona lasted into October, when the French were forced to surrender. Starting Bid $200

344. Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau Document Signed. French military officer (1725–1807) who made a substantial contribution to the American Revolution, including a leading role in the defeat of Lord Cornwallis at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781. Manuscript DS in French, signed “Le cte de Rochambeau,” one page, 8.25 x 13.5, August 25, 1771. An untranslated document approved at the conclusion by Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau. The lower left retains the original red wax seal. In fine condition, with toning along the slightly rough edges. Starting Bid $200

345. Jefferson Davis Autograph Letter

Signed. ALS, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.75 x 8, December 20, 1870. Letter to T. G. Wharton Esquire, marked at the top “Private.” In part: “At the time of my last visit to you I asked your near neighbor Col. Stewart if he could give me any information in regard to a transaction with his Bank in 1862-3 he informed that his books had been destroyed and his memory did not serve...The case is this, in and about 1862 I placed some money in the Bank subject to the draft or to the credit of my Brother. I think there were two deposits one of three thousand dollars and another of nine thousand dollars. I have lost all my papers and the same befell the papers which my Brother took with him to Ala. Unless the Cashier or Clerk remembers with sufficient distinctiveness to establish the fact of the deposit and that it was drawn out; the sum of whatever it was is my loss.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, two tape remnants to reverse of second page, and scattered toning and soiling. Starting Bid $200

346. Jefferson Davis Autograph Letter Signed. ALS signed “Jeffn. Davis,” one page, 7.25 x 4.5, January 23, 1858. Letter to Myron Smith, written from the “Senate Chamber,” in full: “I have the honor to acknowledge your’s and to be your’s very respectfully.” In very good to fine condition, with light staining from old adhesive residue on the reverse, and a collector’s ink notation across the bottom. Starting Bid $200

Published by very signature,

348.

Rarely found 2.25 x 3.75 a near-profile prominently red backstamp reads: “C. R. Rees & Co., Richmond, Va., 1868.” Lee apparently retraced part of his last name due to a faulty pen. In very good to fine condition, with light soiling, slightly trimmed edges to the mount, and a tack hole to the extreme top edge. A desirable postwar image of the Confederate general. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA. Starting Bid $500

“R.

350.

World War II-dated TLS from Douglas MacArthur, one page, 7.75 x 9.75, General Headquarters, Southwest Pacific Area, Office of the Commander-in-Chief letterhead, June 3, 1942. Letter to the Mayor of Huntington Beach, California, in full: “I wish to thank you most sincerely for the honor you have paid me in opening the gates of your city. In accepting the Golden Key, I do so with a sense of distinction and gratitude. If I survive the war, it will be one of my real pleasures to visit Huntington Beach and thereby consummate the brotherhood which its inhabitants have so graciously and generously conferred upon me.” Framed and in fine condition. Starting Bid $200