Military

Ultra-rare American naval autograph— a letter on deserters from Captain John Lawrence to Commodore Rodgers

302. James Lawrence Autograph Letter Signed. American naval officer who served as a commander of the USS Chesapeake during the War of 1812. He is perhaps best known for his dying command, ‘Don’t give up the ship!,’ following an intense battle with the HMS Shannon off of Boston Harbor. ALS signed “Jas. Lawrence,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 9.25, September 6, 1810. Written from “Brooklline,” a letter to Commodore John Rodgers of the USS President, in part: “The man who signs himself Simon Latham, deserted from the Wasp previous to my taking charge of her, on examination a few days past I found that after making good the time he was absent...he deserted from the boat whilst getting off wood,—the other, Truly, I understood from Captn Shaw, when last in Norfolk, had been transferred from the Gunboat to the Wasp...I was ignorant of his having been sent from the Gunboats untill I saw Captn Shaw his time is now out.” In very good to fine condition, with partial splitting to the hinge, two edge tears, ink erosion affecting one word of text, and seal-related paper loss to the integral address leaf. Starting Bid $500

Rare signed portrait of the Confederate general

303. Robert E. Lee Signed Photograph. Highly desirable 2.5 x 4 carte-de-visite portrait of Robert E. Lee in uniform with three stars discernible on his collar, boldly signed in ink, “R. E. Lee.” Published by The ‘Lee’ Photographic Gallery of Richmond, Virginia. In very good to fine condition, with light overall soiling, scattered small spots, and some skipping to the signature. Starting Bid $500

304. James Longstreet Autograph Letter Signed. ALS signed “James

Longstreet, Paymaster,” one page, 7.75 x 9.75, March 28, 1861. Letter to Major R. B. Reynolds, in part: “My intention was to suggest that some of it be left here for the convenience of officers and discharged soldiers. It certainly can make no difference to me personally who receives the funds…I have never entertained for a moment, the idea of having the Department without turning over my funds to you.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200

Patent model of Stuart’s saber hanger invention, with a letter pitching it to the Virginia legislature

305. J. E. B. Stuart Autograph Letter Signed and Saber Hanger Patent Model. Remarkable archive associated

with Stuart’s invention of a saber hanger, including an ALS encouraging purchase of his device for state troops and the original patent model displayed in a shadowbox.

The ALS, signed “J. E. B. Stuart,” is written on the reverse of the full-page diagram from a two-page circular advertising the invention, 8.25 x 10.5, January 25, 1860, in part: “I write...to enclose this to you to ask that you bring the improvement described to the notice of the Legislature and have it introduced into the Cavalry Service of our state. Get at least an appropriation for $500...This improvement meets with great favor among the officers of the Army.”

Stuart’s original brass working patent model, along with its patent office tag (“No. 25,684, 1859, J. E. B. Stuart, Method of attaching sabers & belts, Patented Oct. 4th 1859”) is mounted in an impressive 32 x 24 shadowbox, along with prints of the text of the patent and an image of Stuart in uniform. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200

Patton writes home from Mounted Service School

308. George S. Patton Autograph Letter Signed. ALS signed “George S. Patton, Jr.,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.5 x 7, Mounted Service School, Fort Riley, Kansas letterhead, no date but likely circa 1913. Letter to his “Mama,” in part: “Sundies here are like Sheridan or a grave yard I never saw anything so quiet...I started my instruction Thursday and gave two lessons with fair success so I hope it will be all right. So far I have been able to take the riding course with the class of course it does not amount to much yet just riding at a walk and trot and getting settled in the saddle.” In fine condition. Accompanied by a modern glossy photo of Gen. Patton. Starting Bid $200

309. Horatio Nelson Hand-Addressed Free Frank.

Sought-after hand-addressed and free franked cover, measuring 8.75 x 7.25 with a central panel of 4.75 x 3, addressed by Nelson to “William Pearce, Esq’r, Admiralty, London,” and franked in the lower left corner by Horatio Nelson as Duke of Bronte, “N & B.” In very good to fine condition, with light toning and soiling, and some seal-related paper loss. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA and an engraved portrait bearing a facsimile signature. Starting Bid $200