6 minute read
Military
316. The Connecticut Gazette; and the Universal Intelligencer (March 2, 1781). The Connecticut Gazette; and
the Universal Intelligencer, March 2, 1781 (New-London, printed by Timothy Green). Contains important news of the news of the Clinton-Arbuthnot Peace Declaration, prizes taken by Capt. John Paul Jones, and the Battle of Cowpens. Starting Bid $500
317. USS Constitution 1973 Oak Restoration Pen
Stand. Impressive dual pen stand made from wood reclaimed during the 1973 restoration of the USS Constitution. The stand measures 15.5 x 4.5 x 3, with a plastic pen holder and miniature brass cannon to either side, and the upper central block affixed with an engraved plaque: “Made of Oak Removed from the USS Constitution (IX-21) During Restoration 1973.” The two original pens are included. In fine condition, with the left plastic pen holder cracked and loose. Starting Bid $200
318. USS Constitution 1927 Bronze Restoration Ashtray. Foundry cast bronze ashtray made from metal reclaimed during the 1927 restoration of the USS Constitution. The ashtray measures 6.25 x 4.5 x 1, with bowl featuring an embossed design of the three-masted heavy frigate, with raised text: “Old Ironsides, Launched 1797, 1804 Tripoli, 1812 Guerriere Java, 1815 Cyane Levant, U.S. Frigate Constitution.” The ashtray rim bears two holders and text: “This material was taken from the U.S. Frigate Constitution, Keel laid 1794, rebuilding 1927.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Image larger than actual size. 320. Robert E. Lee Signed Carte-de-Visite Photo-
graph. Uncommon 2.25 x 3.5 carte-de-visite photo of Lee in formal attire, boldly signed in ink, “R. E. Lee.” Displayed in a hand-cut mat and framed to an overall size of 11.75 x 7.75, with a typed provenance note: “This picture was given to my grandmother Annis Adaline McCarty when she was a girl by Robert E. Lee. She was born October 1, 1829, the year Robert E. Lee graduated from West Point with honors. She married September 18, 1855 to Lewis Leander Poats, V.” In very good condition, with fading to the image and clear tape over most of the signature. Starting Bid $300
Amidst runaway inflation and Gen. Grant on the horizon, Jefferson Davis submits estimates of “sums needed for the support of the Government” to the Confederate Congress
319. Jefferson Davis Letter Signed. Civil War–dated
LS, signed “Jefferson Davis,” one page, 7.5 x 9, February 12, 1864. Letter sent from Richmond to the “Senate and House of Representatives” of the Confederate States of America, in full: “I herewith transmit for your consideration a communication from the Secretary of the Treasury, submitting our Estimate of additional sums needed for the support of the Government. I recommend an appropriation of the amount specified for the purposes indicated.” Handsomely double-matted and framed with a portrait to an overall size of 25.75 x 19.5. In fine condition, with some light creasing.
Unlike the North, which had an economy bolstered by commercial and manufacturing interests, the rural South’s wealth was largely concentrated in agrarian land and slaves. As efforts to raise revenue through taxation were ineffective, Jefferson Davis’s administration turned to loans and the sale of bonds to finance the war effort. By the spring of 1863, crushing inflation motivated Richmond to enact comprehensive legislation that included a progressive income tax, levies on certain goods, excise and license duties, and a ten-percent tax on agricultural products (to be paid with those crops, rather than the CSA’s own depreciating cash). Although these policies kept the Confederacy’s armies from starving, the government’s financial situation remained dire. In early 1864, the Confederate Treasury Department submitted an urgent report to President Davis, outlining the funds necessary to continue running the government—everything from the War Department to the Post Office—for the first half of the year, amounting to over $3.6 million.
With this letter, Davis placed the report before the Confederate Congress. The Journal of the Congress of the Confederate States of America records this letter, and the fact that action on it began the same day. On February 17th, Congress passed an omnibus package related to taxes, currency, and loans, on top of a new conscription bill. The financial acts authorized unlimited borrowing and mandated the exchange of Treasury notes for bonds, in a last ditch effort to curtail inflation. By the time these policies were implemented in April 1864, General U. S. Grant was readying his Overland Campaign, and within a year he would capture Richmond. With Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, the Confederacy’s notes and bonds were rendered all but worthless. From The Michael Allen Collection. Starting Bid $1500
Napoleon prepares his troops for the Siege of Riga in 1812
321. Napoleon Letter
Signed. LS in French, signed “Nap.,” one page both sides, 7 x 9, August 1, 1812. Letter written to General Berthier at the beginning of the invasion of Russia, with instructions to the Étienne Macdonald, Duke of Taranto, about the equipage of officers of siege from Tilsitt who have to prepare for the siege of Riga. He also promises to present “decorations de la legion” to the best soldiers. In fine condition. Starting Bid $300
322. Napoleon Signed Endorsement. LS in French sent to Napoleon
by Berruyer, Squadron Chief of the 11th Regiment of Hussars, and endorsed by Napoleon, “Bonaparte,” one page, 9.25 x 14, February 19, 1802. In part: “As chief of the squadron for nine years in the 11th Regiment of Hussars, I made the campaign which was followed by the Treaty of Campo-Fornio… where I had the pleasure of meriting your attention. I rejoined my Corps after the Treaty. I then commanded it with the Army of Italy. After the Battle of la Trebia, where I was injured, and the Regiment destroyed, the General in Chief gave me proof of his satisfaction and named me to the position of Chief of Brigade of my troop The generals under whom I had served and all the regiment viewed my promotion with pleasure. For three years, the place was vacant because of the dismissal of Brigade Chief Avice. He was my friend; I knew that libel was the cause of his disgrace; I refused and urged his reintegration. You wished well, General, to know and to repair the injustice which was done to him. Today, this Brigade Chief is taking steps to obtain his retirement. If I am not permitted, General Consul, to obtain the position close to you which I have the honor to ask of you, dare I solicit a post which I refused in time, and which will be to me all the more honorable that I will take it from you.” Napoleon endorses the letter in the upper left, granting the man a sum of money and letter of satisfaction. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
