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Presidents and First Ladies
With North Carolina’s ratification of the Constitution, President Washington expands the United States finance system to its first new state
1. George Washington Letter Signed as President.
Significant LS as president, signed “Go: Washington,” one page, 8 x 12.5, February 20, 1790. Letter to Governor Samuel Huntington of Connecticut, in full: “I have the honor to transmit to Your Excellency an Act passed in the second Session of the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States, entitled ‘an Act for giving effect to the several Acts therein mentioned, in respect to the State of North Carolina, and other purposes.’” Handsomely mounted, matted, and framed with an engraved portrait to an overall size of 25.5 x 21.25. In fine condition.
On September 17, 1787, members of the Constitutional Convention, presided over by George Washington, signed the final draft of the Constitution of the United States. The document required ratification by a minimum of nine states before being placed into effect. By the time George Washington was officially inaugurated as president of the United States on April 30, 1789, just two of the original thirteen colonies—North Carolina and Rhode Island—had not yet ratified the Constitution. While both states feared the consolidation of power in a central government and protested the absence of a Bill of Rights, it became clear that they would be treated as foreign entities if they did not ratify—a worse fate, by all accounts. Acts passed in the first session of Congress applied only to the eleven states—among these were the important Tariff Act of 1789, and further acts regulating commerce along the coast. When North Carolina became the first new state to ratify the Constitution on November 21, 1789, it became a priority of the second session to enact legislation to enforce existing laws upon the new state.
Thus, when the second session of the first Congress opened in 1790, it passed legislation that applied the same tariff and revenue laws to North Carolina as existed in the rest of the states, divided the state into five districts, defined its ports of entry, and acknowledged that ‘by virtue of the adoption of the Constitution of the United States, by the said State of North-Carolina,’ certain penalties were discontinued. President Washington signed the act into law on February 8th, and subsequently had to officially notify the governors of the states. With the present letter, he transmitted the text of the act to Connecticut Governor Samuel Huntington, who had previously been president of the Continental Congress, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and a framer of the Articles of Confederation.
Later in 1790, President Washington would cede the task of notifying governors of new legislation to Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson. As a result, there are few known examples of such Washington letters in private hands. From The Michael Allen Collection. Starting Bid $5000
Rare handwritten letter from Mount Vernon, as George Washington fends off lawsuits in his final days
2. George Washington Autograph Letter Signed. ALS
signed “Go: Washington,” one page, 7.25 x 9, October 27, 1799. Handwritten letter to William Hartshorne, treasurer of the Potomac Company. From his Mount Vernon estate, Washington writes, in full: “Your favor of the 23d inst’t was not received until last night. For the information it gives concerning the suit of Mr. T. Herbert, I thank you.—I hope he will acquiesce in the decision, though unfavourable to his wishes; and no longer give trouble to others, and expence to himself, in prosecuting it.” In very good to fine condition, with scattered light stains, primarily to the edges from old repairs on the reverse.
One of Washington’s greatest interests in the period between the end of the Revolutionary War and the start of his presidency was the development of the picturesque Potomac River as a navigable inland transportation route. The Potowmack Company, formed to accomplish this task using a series of locks and canals, was formed in 1785 and Washington was named the company’s president; Hartshorne was elected treasurer. With an eye toward the greater good of the nation, Washington’s ambitions surpassed those of the ordinary businessman—he believed that improved infrastructure would strengthen the fledgling United States, with the Potomac Canal forming a literal link from east to west and binding together territories in a ‘chain which could never be broken.’ The project was beset by constant difficulty: insufficient funding and constant legal trouble—as evidenced in the present letter—contributed to the company’s ineffectiveness and eventual failure. Starting Bid $2500
Boldly signed Revolutionary War–era free frank from Gen. Washington to ‘Mad’ Anthony Wayne
3. George Washington Signed Free Frank. Fantastic
Revolutionary War–era free-franked mailing cover, measuring 10 x 8.25 unfolded, addressed in another hand, “(Public Service), Brigad’r Gen’l Wayne, Philadelphia,” and boldly franked in the lower left, “Go: Washington.” A later presentation inscription, penned in the lower right corner by Alfred Graff, reads: “Give this to your son Alfred, it is Gen’l Washington’s signature, and Gen’l Wayne of Revolution memory.” Mounted, matted, and framed with an engraved portrait (bearing a facsimile signature), to an overall size of 27.5 x 18.5. In fine condition, with intersecting folds.
Any example of Washington’s autograph dating to the Revolutionary period is highly sought, but this example is particularly desirable as it is directed to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, whose daring tactics—and angry temperament—earned him the nickname ‘Mad Anthony.’ Considered to be one of the most brilliant Continental Army officers, Wayne commanded troops in the Philadelphia Campaign of 1777–1778 before famously leading the 1779 storming of the British fort at Stony Point, New York.
In Charles Hamilton’s Collecting Autograph and Manuscripts, he writes: ‘At the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, in 1775, Congress granted the franking privilege to members of the Continental Congress and to military personnel, thus allowing the speedy flow of official mail by either civil or military couriers…Washington used military couriers almost exclusively.’ From The Michael Allen Collection. Starting Bid $1000
Rare brass ‘1789 Memorable Era’ button from Washington’s inauguration
4. George Washington Brass ‘Dated Eagle’ Inauguration Button. Sought-after
brass shank button issued for the presidential inauguration of George Washington, 1.75˝ in diameter, with the front featuring a central eagle encircled with engraved text: “March the Fourth, 1789 Memorable Era.” Shank to reverse no longer present. It has been majoritively accepted that this button was made shortly before March 4, 1789, the day Washington’s inauguration was originally scheduled. Likewise, it is believed that Washington’s inaugural suit of brown cloth from the Hartford Manufactory was adorned with gilt buttons decorated with an eagle by the engraver William Rollinson. However, no surviving examples have been located, and no direct relation between those buttons and the ‘Dated Eagle’ type offered here has been established. Starting Bid $200
Ornately displayed, substantial locks of George and Martha Washington’s hair
5. George Washington and Martha Washington Hair
Display. Extraordinarily unique, well-documented shadowbox display featuring locks of hair from both George Washington and Martha Washington, presented in an ornate circular floral frame, measuring 20˝ in diameter and 4.5˝ deep. The copious lock of George Washington’s grayish tan hair is tied together with a fine white thread and displayed within a locket-style bezel, while the ample strands of Martha Washington’s light gray hair are loosely held in a similarly ornate frame. Both are mounted on a blue navy felt base between a gilt American bald eagle, which has raised wings, a shield with 13 stars and 13 stripes, an olive branch in its right talon, and three arrows in its left. Appearing beneath each lock are separate engravings of George and Martha Washington. In fine condition. Accompanied by extensive provenance documentation, tracing the locks through the family of Anne Aylett Robinson, the grandniece of George Washington. Anne Aylett Robinson (1783–1804) was the daughter of Col. William Augustine Washington (1757–1810) and Jane (Jenny) Washington (1759–1791). Anne’s mother’s father was John Augustine Washington (1736–1787) whose brother was George Washington; Anne Aylett Robinson was therefore George Washington’s grandniece. She was the granddaughter of John Augustine Washington and Hannah Bushrod Washington (1738–1801). After Anne’s grandmother died, her husband William Robinson (1782–1857) and Hannah’s son, Supreme Court Justice Bushrod Washington (1785–1831) became co-executors of her grandmother’s estate. Starting Bid $10000
Upon Vermont’s entry into the Union, Jefferson signs an act to enforce federal law on the new state
6. Thomas Jefferson Document Signed as Secretary
of State. Significant broadside DS, signed as Secretary of State, “Th: Jefferson,” one page both sides, 8 x 10, March 2, 1791. Broadside publishing an act passed by the Congress of the United States during its Third Session, headed, “An Act giving Effect to the Laws of the United States within the State of Vermont.” The act begins: “Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That from and after the third day of March next, all the laws of the United States, which are not locally inapplicable, ought to have, and shall have, the same force and effect within the state of Vermont, as elsewhere within the United States.” The act goes on to offer specifics regarding judicial districts and requirements, enumeration of inhabitants, and tax and duty collection. Imprinted at the conclusion with the names of Speaker Frederick Muhlenberg, Vice President John Adams, and President George Washington, and prominently signed below in bold ink by Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson. In fine condition, with trimmed edges, and three small stains to the right edge (as well as some staining to the blank integral leaf, in no way affecting the document itself).
By an Act of Congress passed on February 18, 1791, Vermont was to be admitted into the United States on the fourth day of March, becoming the first state since the original thirteen colonies to join the Union. The present act deals with the definition of the new state’s federal judiciary, calls for a census, and handles matters of taxation in anticipation of its entry into the nation. The census, conducted promptly in 1791, found that 85,425 people lived there, making Vermont the third smallest state by population—only Rhode Island and Georgia were less populous. A significant early American document, marking the statehood of one of the country’s most scenic locales. Starting Bid $2500
Rare, elegant dessert bowl from Jefferson’s White House china service
7. Thomas Jefferson White House China Dessert
Bowl. Extraordinarily rare circa 1790s china dessert bowl from Thomas Jefferson’s White House service. The stunningly beautiful white Chinese export porcelain serving plate measures 6.25˝ in diameter and 1˝ tall, and features painted blue borders with gilt fleur-de-lis edges. Center of the bowl bears an exceptional hand-painted design featuring Jefferson’s neoclassical shield studded with 13 gold stars enclosing the script initial “J,” surmounted by a plumed knight’s helmet. Restored to fine condition, with some repaired cracks to the base and most gilt designs worn away.
This particular gilt “J” dinner service has long been linked to Thomas Jefferson, including being published in Official White House China (mentioning early Chinese export) by M.B. Klapthor, with examples at one time on display at Monticello, the US State Department Diplomatic Reception Rooms, and the White House (before at least 1908). Jefferson’s 19th century direct lineal descendants strongly believed in Jefferson’s ownership of the 1790s “J” service, sought to re-acquire it, and then gifted four “J” pieces to the White House in the early 1900’s—where each piece has remained for over 100 years. An incredibly rare opportunity to acquire such an attractive piece of US history, as most, if not all, of the other china from the first three presidents were destroyed when the British ransacked and burned the Executive Mansion during the War of 1812. Starting Bid $1000
“Gen’l Washington has informed me of these exchanges”—Gov. Jefferson oversees a prisoner trade during the Revolution
8. Thomas Jefferson Letter
Signed. Revolutionary War–dated LS signed “Th: Jefferson,” one page, 7.25 x 11.75, May 13, 1780. As governor of Virginia, Jefferson sends a letter from Richmond concerning a prisoner exchange authorized by General George Washington. In full: “Permission having been granted by Sir Henry Clinton to two American officers to come out on parole on condition that the same indulgence should be granted to Lord Torphichen and Lieut. Hadden of the Convention prisoners, and these gentlemen desiring of going to New York in the flag Patsy, now lying at this place, you will be pleased to furnish them with passports & take proper paroles. Mr. Hockesley & Mr. Collier of the Convention being also exchanged will be pleased to furnish them with passports to New York, taking such parole & prescribing such route as you shall deem proper; unless either of them should choose to go by the flag in which case the same measures will be taken by you as in the case of the gentlemen first abovementioned. Gen’l Washington has informed me of these exchanges.” Professionally backed and in very good to fine condition, with light toning, and tiny areas of paper loss, along the folds.
In the spring of 1780, General Washington arranged for the exchange of two American officers—Lieut. Robert Randolph and Lieut. Peregrine Fitzhugh, both of whom had been captured at Tappan, New York, in 1778—for British lieutenants James Lord Torpichem and James M. Hadden. Lieutenant Fitzhugh would spend the last two years of the war as an aide-de-camp of General George Washington. An exceptional war-dated letter connecting two of America’s most esteemed founding fathers. Starting Bid $1000
Broadside act signed by Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson upon the federal government’s move to Philadelphia
signed “Th: Jefferson,” one page, 8 x 11.25, March 3, 1791. Broadside publishing an act passed by the Congress of the United States during its Third Session, in part: “An Act in addition to an Act, intituled, ‘An Act for establishing the Salaries of the Executive Officers of Government, with their Assistants and Clerks.’ Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled…That there be allowed to the clerks employed in the several offices attached to the seat of government, in addition to their respective salaries, their reasonable and necessary expences incurred by the removal of Congress from the city of New-York, to the city of Philadelphia.” Imprinted at the conclusion with the names of Speaker Frederick Muhlenberg, Vice President John Adams, and President George Washington, and prominently signed below in bold ink by Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson. In fine condition. The passage of this act provided compensation for clerks in federal offices forced to move from New York to Philadelphia due to the relocation of Congress to that city after its second session, along with enhanced pay for other affected officials. Starting Bid $1000
Handwritten letter from Madison to Jefferson in 1796, introducing a surprise guest to Monticello
10. James Madison Autograph Letter Signed to Thomas Jef-
ferson. ALS signed “J. Madison, Jr.,” one page, 8 x 13, March 21, 1796. Handwritten letter to “Mr. Jefferson,” former Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, who had retired to Monticello upon his resignation in 1793. In full: “At the desire of Mr. de Liancourt, I put into his hands this introduction to your remembrance of him as an acquaintance at Paris. He meditates a visit to the Southern States and expects to have the pleasure of taking Monticello in his route, either in going or returning. I need add nothing to your knowledge of his respectability & virtues I shall only say that the impression I have of both, induces me to concur cheerfully in the use he now makes of me.” Docketed on the reverse in Jefferson’s hand, “Madison, James, Phila. Mar. 21, 96, rec’d June 22.” Interestingly, the paper is watermarked with “GR” surmounted by a crown, representing King George III—from whom these correspondents had fought for independence. In fine condition, with repairs to tiny holes along the left edge.
François Alexandre Frédéric, Duc de La Rochefoucauld-Liancourt (1747–1827), was a French philanthropist, author, political figure, and social reformer. Uninvited, he arrived at Monticello on June 22, 1796, bearing letters of introduction from William Branch Giles and James Madison, and remained for a week. On the topic of Liancourt in December 1795, Jefferson had remarked to Madison that he had little interest in ‘renewing a slight acquaintance, never valued.’ Nevertheless, he seems to have shown courteous hospitality to his unexpected guest. A fascinating piece of correspondence between founders, enhanced by the desirable docket in Jefferson’s hand. Starting Bid $500
Treaty of Ghent negotiators John Quincy Adams and Albert Gallatin pursue a $6 million loan to bolster the war effort in 1814—rare complete US government loan package from the Treasury Secretary’s archives
13. John Quincy Adams and Albert Gallatin Letter Signed with Loan Document Archive. Important archive
of manuscripts from the collection of Secretary of the Treasury William H. Crawford, involving a proposed loan from Europe to support the United States government during the War of 1812. The US faced a $50 million shortfall in revenue, brought on by restricted trade, years of seizures of merchant ships, and the expense of the war. There was a real question as to whether the federal government would be able to continue to support the military during wartime. To meet this challenge, Congress authorized President James Madison to borrow up to $25 million. As structuring the loan into tranches would make it more palatable to the public, they first sought a loan in the amount of $6 million. Trusted diplomats John Quincy Adams and Albert Gallatin were already in Europe to begin negotiating the Treaty of Ghent, and they were charged with acquiring the loan at the same time.
On October 3, Gallatin wrote confidentially to the bankers Willem and Jan Willink in Amsterdam, who had been investors in the Louisiana Purchase, seeking funds up to $6 million. A true copy of this letter is included, bearing secretarial signatures of Gallatin and Adams. Gallatin received a response from the Willinks, explaining that they would be unable to lend the money on terms likely to be acceptable. The Ghent negotiators then wrote to Secretary Crawford with this news on October 16th to ask for his advice. Their letter is the highlight of this archive: ALS in Gallatin’s hand, signed by both, “Albert Gallatin” and “John Quincy Adams,” one page both sides, 7 x 8.75, Ghent, October 16, 1814. In part: “We received your letter of 26th September, and wrote immediately by Mr. Boyd to our bankers at Amsterdam on the subject of the loan. Their answer gives no hope of success at this time at that place; but as you will perceive it holds out some expectation that on the contingency of favorable circumstances, the object may be obtainable after the commencement of the ensuing year. We are of opinion that such enquiries should now be made at Paris, as may enable us to give the necessary information to our government by the next dispatch vessel; and we believe that if any considerable portion of the loan can be obtained by your operations, the residue will be raised at Amsterdam. In what manner these enquiries should be made, without their object becoming public, you will be best able to judge. It is probable that the two houses of Hottinger and of Delessert, who have both some property in America, may be safely entrusted with the object…We enclose copies of the powers and instructions from the Treasury.” Included is the complete loan package enclosed with the letter, all in a secretarial hand but most with annotations by John Quincy Adams. These documents are: Manuscript copy of the document from the Secretary of Treasury authorizing Gallatin and Adams to seek a loan “not exceeding in the whole six millions of dollars” in Europe, with minor corrections in Adams’s hand (adding “said,” “the,” and “sum” to the text). Manuscript copy of the document from Secretary of State James Monroe affixing the seal of his office to a copy of the act of Congress, attesting to the authenticity of the Act, with two amendments in Adams’s hand (adding “shall” and “the”). Manuscript copy of the Act of Congress “to authorize a loan for a sum not exceeding twenty five millions of dollars,” amended several times in Adams’s hand (adding “thus borrowed,” “hereby,” “in,” “and,” “thus,” and “of,” with some repetition). Manuscript copy of an order by President James Madison authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury, or his designates, to obtain the loan.
As it turned out, the response from France was even less encouraging than the one from Holland. Crawford responded to Gallatin that he had ‘made sufficient enquiry to ascertain that no loan can be obtained in France upon terms which can be accepted.’ The budget shortfall thus went unsolved, forcing the United States to default on some of its debts in November 1814 with missed interest payments on bonds. Only the end of the war would put the nation on a more stable financial footing. We know of no similar documents to exist in private hands. This historic archive was originally obtained from a Crawford heir. From The Michael Allen Collection. Starting Bid $5000
of Pay and Deposit of the Bank of Columbia ‘private account’ check, 6.75 x 2.5, filled out and signed by Madison as president, “James Madison,” payable to “A. B. or bearer” for $100, September 21, 1814. Mounted, matted, and framed with a portrait to an overall size of 13.75 x 19.75. In very good to fine condition, with intersecting folds, and a stain to the upper right. From The Michael Allen Collection. Starting Bid $200
Handwritten response to nuisance news from the French minister: “It will not set fire to the Potowmack, the Seine or the Thames”
12. John Quincy Adams Autograph Letter Signed. ALS, one page, 7.25 x 9, September 9, 1817. Handwritten letter to Richard Rush, his successor as United States Minister to the United Kingdom, marked “Private.” In full: “I am stepping into the carriage on my way to Washington, and have scarcely a moment to acknowledge to receipt of your two favours of the 2s inst. and their enclosures. I had previously received one from you of 23d ulto. and one from Mr. Brent of 1 inst. with enclosed Letters for me from Europe. If the Communication from the French Minister is as important as that which Lord Castlereagh took so much trouble to transmit, it will not set fire to the Potowmack, the Seine or the Thames.” Gorgeously mounted, matted, and framed with an engraved portrait to an overall size of 22.5 x 17. In fine condition. Adams wrote this letter when departing from his home in Quincy, Massachusetts, for Washington, DC, to assume his position as secretary of state in the cabinet of President James Monroe. Monroe took office on March 4, 1817, and recalled Adams from his diplomatic post in London to become the new secretary of state. In the interim period, Richard Rush acted in his place; once Adams arrived, Rush was appointed as minister to the United Kingdom. Adams finally arrived in Washington on September 20, and officially began his duties as secretary of state on September 22. Starting Bid $500
14. Andrew Jackson Document Signed as President.
Manuscript DS as president, one page, 16 x 11.5, January 5, 1836. President Jackson appoints R. M. Patterson as “Director of the Mint of the United States.” Boldly signed at the conclusion by President Jackson and countersigned by Secretary of State John Forsyth. The white paper seal affixed to the lower left remains fully intact. Beautifully mounted, matted, and framed with a portrait and medal commemorating Patterson to an overall size of 39 x 21; a window in the backing allows the medals reverse to be viewed, reading: “A parting token of regard from the officers and clerks of the mint, 1851.” The medal is extremely scarce and desirable in its own right, as one of just 28 struck. In fine condition. The appointee, Robert Maskell Patterson, was the son of former Mint Director Robert Patterson, Sr. (1806-24), and succeeded his brother-in-law, Samuel Moore (1824-35), in the position. Patterson’s term witnessed the introduction of steam power to the coining process, as well as many other mechanical and statutory improvements that made America’s coinage equal or superior to that of European nations. He also oversaw the debut of several new coin issues, including the gold dollar and double eagle in 1849-50, and the silver three-cent piece in 1851. He supervised the creation of new designs for all of the existing denominations, as well as the restoration of silver dollar and gold eagle coinage during 1836-38. From The Michael Allen Collection. Starting Bid $2500
Early handwritten letter from Jackson as a 30-year-old Tennessee Senator
page, 7.75 x 12.5, December 19, 1797. Addressed from Philadelphia, a handwritten letter to his friend Colonel Robert Hays, in part: “I have been anxiously waiting to receive a line from you...I have not heard from any of my Cumberland friends since I left home however I will exercise patience until the next post and see what it may bring. With respect to news, business is not yet ripe for communicating—therefore will [not] touch upon foreign or domestick. With respect to Mercantile Transactions I have nothing certain on that head, but from the many failures, and the crowd of respectable citizens in Jail, Commerce wears a more dreary aspect than ever…had I only cash, bargains might be had in that line but, all confidence between man and man is at an end, therefore difficult to obtain credit…Make my respects to your lady and deliver the inclosed to Mrs. Jackson.” In very good to fine condition, with some light staining, and professional repairs to fold splits and seal-related paper loss. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed by Jackson, who adds his franking signature to the upper left corner: “Free, A. Jackson.” Starting Bid $500
Solemn 1845 letter on the death of an old friend, a spokesman for Jacksonian democracy
8.25, January 2, 1845. Letter to Thomas Dawson, expressing his condolences over the loss of his father, Moses Dawson, in full: “Yours of the 19th ultimo has come to hand & found me scarcely able to wield my pen to acknowledge it. Your other letters come duly to hand, and I am sure no one with more heartfelt sincerity sympathized with you in your great bereavement on the death of your much lamented father. He was my friend, peace be to his name and consolation to his family. As it respects my letters to your father, you will please keep them, allways recollecting that they were written not for publication, but in haste and for his eye, as a friend.” Cloth-matted and framed with an engraving bearing a facsimile signature to an overall size of 14 x 23.5. In very good to fine condition, with apparent overall silking. Read more The Dawson Collection online at www. RRAuction.com. Starting Bid $300
17. Martin Van Buren Autograph Letter Signed. ALS
signed “M. Van Buren,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8, November 23, 1855. Handwritten letter to “My dear Son,” in part: “I have a letter from Kimble fixing Wednesday of next week for your visit to me…I am not yet fairly over a cold I took coming home, & should not have a moment to entertain the idea of visiting N. York nor any other place this winter.” In fine condition, with scattered light foxing. Accompanied by five handwritten letters by his son John Van Buren, a notable lawyer and politician in his own right. Starting Bid $200
Partly-printed vellum DS as president, signed “M. Van Buren,” one page, 10.75 x 14.5, May 18, 1840. Scalloped-top ship’s pass issued to the “Schooner Benjamin DeWolf of Newport, Wm. H. Smyley master or commander…To Pass with her Company Passengers Goods and Merchandize without any hinderance seisure or molestation.” Signed at the conclusion by President Van Buren and countersigned by Secretary of State John Forsyth.” Handsomely archivally mounted, matted, and framed under Tru-Vue UV Glass to an overall size of 15.75 x 19.75. The white paper seal affixed to the lower left remains intact. In very good to fine condition, with small stains, minor loss along the vertical fold, and three cancellation holes affecting the signatures. From The Michael Allen Collection. Starting Bid $200
After the Louisiana Purchase, Gov. Harrison oversees the transition of government: “I have delayed in writing...to inform you of the final arrangement of our Government relative to Louisiana”
ALS signed “Will’m Henry Harrison,” one page both sides, 7.75 x 10, February 24, 1804. Handwritten letter as governor of the Indiana Territory to Col. Charles DeHault Delassus, lieutenant governor of Upper Louisiana. In part: “I have delayed writing to you for some time under the expectation of being able to inform you of the final arrangement of our Government relative to Louisiana. I am however disappointed—for as yet I have seen only the draft of a law on the subject which has not yet been adopted—but I believe that or something very like it will ultimately pass. For Upper Louisiana a Governor is to be appointed who is to be vested with all the powers of the late Governor Gen’l and the laws now in force are to prevail. The Commandants however of the several districts are to be appointed by the President.” After some discussion of the pay scale, he continues: “If your venerable father should determine to remain where he is assure him my friend that every exertion in my power will be made to procure for him one of these appointments. I am not by any means sure that I shall succeed, but my friends have some influence. I mean to write myself immediately to the President on the subject, and I have some reason to believe that he will respect my recommendation. I would like to know as soon as possible when you propose to take your departure, and if you go to New Orleans or embark at Philadelphia for Spain—in the latter case I would have the pleasure of seeing you here.” In very good to fine condition, with scattered staining, seal-related paper loss to the integral address leaf which also slightly affects the left edge of the first page, and complete silking to the first page and address leaf; the second (signed) page is not silked. In 1804, after the conclusion of the Louisiana Purchase, Harrison—then serving as governor of the Indiana Territory—was assigned to administer the civilian government of the District of Louisiana. He remained in that position until the Louisiana Territory was formally established on July 4, 1805, and Brigadier General James Wilkinson assumed the duties of governor. Starting Bid $500
President Tyler praises “your exalted merits as a jurist, and worth as a man” in a handwritten letter to Horace Binney
ALS as president, one page, 8 x 10, January 26, 1842. Letter to prominent Philadelphia lawyer Horace Binney, in full: “I took the liberty, on being informed of the death of Judge Hopkinson, of nominating you to the Senate as his successor to the judicial station so long and so usefully held by him. I did this without previously consulting you, upon the principle that it was every way my duty to make you a tender of the place in the only way in which it could officially be done—and to devolve upon you the privilege of declining or accepting as your own sense of what best became you to do so, should dictate. I felt also desirous of tendering you in a manner which could not be misunderstood on evidence of my own opinion of your exalted merits as a jurist, and worth as a man. In this opinion I am most happy now to inform you that the Senate has fully concur’d, and that I shall forward you as soon as it can be made out, your commission in due form. I beg you to accept my sincere wishes for your health happiness and long life.” In fine condition.
A staunch anti-Jacksonian, Binney had served in the House of Representatives from 1833 to 1835 before returning to Philadelphia to practice law. On January 13th, Tyler had submitted to the Senate the nomination of Binney to be a United States judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, to replace the deceased Joseph Hopkinson. Although the Senate immediately confirmed the nomination, and despite the wishes of President Tyler, Secretary of State Daniel Webster, and other members of the cabinet, Binney ultimately declined the judgeship. Starting Bid $200
Two handwritten genealogies by Millard Fillmore, penned as a 19-year-old clerk and as the 53-yearold former president, containing five full signatures
22. Millard Fillmore (2) Autograph Manuscripts on His Father’s Genealogy with (5) Total Signatures. Note-
worthy pair of autograph manuscripts in the hand of Millard Fillmore, who signs his name a total of five times throughout, with both manuscripts relating to the genealogy of his father, Nathaniel Fillmore. The first, penned by Fillmore as a 19-year-old law clerk, is a one-page chronological listing of his father’s family, 8 x 12.75, January 29, 1819, signed within the text, “Millard Fillmore” and at the conclusion, “Written by Millard Fillmore, Sempronius, Cayuga county state of N. York.” The second, more detailed manuscript was penned by Fillmore five-and-a-half months after leaving the presidency on August 23, 1853, 10 total pages, 7.75 x 9.75, signed three times in full: within the header, “Genealogy of Nathaniel Fillmore grand son of John Fillmore of Connecticut & his descendants, By Millard Fillmore of Buffalo, N.Y.”; within the text on the sixth page, “Millard Fillmore”; and in the docket on the reverse of last page: “Genealogy of Nath’l Fillmore’s Descendants, By Millard Fillmore, Sept. 8, 1853,” with Fillmore signing his initials below. In overall very good to fine condition, with partial separations to fragile folds of earlier document, and wear to upper left corner of some pages of the later document. Starting Bid $300
24. Millard Fillmore Autograph Letter Signed as Vice President. Scarce
ALS as vice president, one page, 8 x 10, April 6, 1850. Handwritten letter, in full: “I have your letter of the 4th inst. The name of the Attorney General of New York is Chatfield, but his given name I do not recollect. A letter addressed to ‘The Attorney General, Albany, N.Y.,’ will be sufficient.” In fine condition. Fillmore served as vice president for only 16 months before ascending to the presidency upon Zachary Taylor’s death, making any correspondence in this capacity quite rare. Starting Bid $200
In the lead up to the 1839 Whig National Convention, Congressman Fillmore makes known “a very general conviction” that Henry Clay “ought not, and can not be our candidate for the Presidency”
23. Millard Fillmore Autograph Letter Signed. ALS, one page both sides, 8 x 10, September 1, 1839. Handwritten letter to future New York State Senator Ephraim Gossin, candidly assessing Whig presidential hopefuls in the election of 1840. In part: “There seems to be a very general conviction here that Clay ought not, and can not be our candidate for the Presidency. The elections in Tennessee and Indiana have brushed the scales from the eyes of his most blind and enthusiastic advisors and supporters. The only thing to be apprehended is that they have seen their errors too late. That our case has become desperate. But the prospect now is that Clay and [William Henry] Harrison will both be dropped and [Winfield] Scott taken up. Either his name will run like a prairie fire or the nomination will fall still born from the convention. If the former we triumph, if the latter, the doom of whiggery is sealed forever, and we may as well at once bow our necks to the galling and servile yoke of locco focoism.” Addressed on the second integral page by Fillmore, who adds his franking signature in the upper right, “Free, M. Fillmore, M. C.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $300
25. James Buchanan Circular Letter Signed. Circular letter signed on his
first day as secretary of state, “James Buchanan,” one page, 8 x 11.75, March 10, 1845. Department of State circular letter, addressed to “A. D. Mann, U. S. Consul, Bremen,” in full: “I have the honor to inform you that the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, has appointed me Secretary of State of the United States, and that I have this day entered upon the duties of that office.” In fine condition, with paper loss to the top and bottom edges, easily matted out. After taking office on March 10th, Buchanan served out his full term as secretary of state under James K. Polk, marked by some major accomplishments; namely, nearly doubling the territorial extent of the United States through the Oregon Treaty and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Starting Bid $300
Historically important document rebuilding the North–South economy in 1865: President Lincoln grants a permit to transport cotton across “the national military lines”
26. Abraham Lincoln Document Signed as President.
Important manuscript DS as president, two pages, 7.75 x 13.25, March 7, 1865. Significant document issued from the Executive Mansion, permitting trade across military lines during the Civil War. In part: “Where Archibald D. Grieff of New Orleans, Louisiana, claims to own or control products of the insurrectionary states and to have arrangements whereby he will be able to bring such products within the national military lines, and sell and deliver them to agents authorized to purchase for the United States under the act of Congress of July 2, 1864, and the regulations of the Secretary of the Treasury; It is ordered that all such products which an authorized agent of the government shall have agreed to purchase and the said Grieff shall have stipulated to deliver as shown by the certificate of the agent prescribed by Regulation VIII… And being transported or in store awaiting transportation in fulfillment of said stipulations and in pursuance of regulations of the Secretary of the Treasury, shall be free from seizure, detention or forfeiture to the United States, and officers of the army and navy and civil officers of the government will observe this order and will give the said Grieff and his agents and means of transportation and said products free and unmolested passage through the lines, other than blockaded lines, and safe contact within the lines while going for or returning with said products or while the said products are in store awaiting transportation for the purposes aforesaid.” In fine condition, with scattered staining. From The Michael Allen Collection. Starting Bid $5000
Important handwritten contract resolution by Abraham Lincoln, presiding over a disputed order for Austrian arms amidst the Civil War
27. Abraham Lincoln Autograph Letter Signed as
President. Civil War–dated ALS as president, signed “A. Lincoln,” one page, 8 x 10, Executive Mansion letterhead, April 23, 1862. Handwritten letter by President Lincoln, displaying his sharp legal talents while ensuring that the federal government is not subject to fraud in the requisition of arms during the Civil War. In full: “It is said that in the case of the contract of S. Dingle & Co., in relation to arms, a dispute has arisen as to the proper construction of a clause in an order signed by me, which clause is in these words ‘and that all not conforming thereto’ (the contract) ‘be appraised by the Ordnance officer at New York, and received at such place as he may determine.’ This order was prepared with reference to a definite number of Arms expected to be delivered within a definite time, and not in reference to an indefinite number to be delivered in an indefinite time. I certainly did not expect that, under the clause in question, a lot of guns would be appraised at one price at one time, and another lot, of precisely the same quality, appraised at different prices at another time—I expected that when, under the clause, the price of a particular quality of gun was fixed, it would stand throughout the transaction, neither going down nor up—I still think this is the just construction.” In fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity and grading from PSA/DNA, evaluating the autograph as a “9.” From The Michael Allen Collection. Starting Bid $5000
28. Abraham Lincoln Document Signed as
President. Civil War-dated partly-printed vellum DS as president, one page, 15.5 x 18.5, March 24, 1863. President Lincoln appoints John Long as a “Hospital Chaplain” in the service of the United States. Signed at the conclusion in ink by Abraham Lincoln, and countersigned by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. A replacement homemade seal has been applied to the upper left. In very good to fine condition, with scattered light staining and toning, and the signatures several shades light. Three weeks earlier, President Lincoln signed into law the Enrollment Act of 1863, an act passed by Congress to provide fresh manpower for the Union Army. Replacing the Militia Act from the year prior, the Enrollment Act became the first genuine national conscription law, which required the enrollment of every male citizen and any immigrants who had filed for citizenship, between 20 and 45 years of age, unless exempted by the Act. Starting Bid $1000
President Lincoln approves a Confederate discharge: “Sec, this man takes the oath of Dec. 8”
29. Abraham Lincoln Autograph Note Signed as President. Civil War-dated ANS as president, signed “A. Lincoln,” penned at the top of a letter sent by John E. Rohrer to Ohio Congressman Samuel S. Cox on behalf of John D. Davis, a Confederate prisoner of war at Camp Morton in Indianapolis. The letter, one page, both sides, 5 x 8, January 3, 1865, is penned in the upper right of the reverse by President Lincoln: “Sec, this man takes the oath of Dec. 8, 1863 & be discharged. A. Lincoln, Jan. 3, 1865.” Written from Reynoldsburg, Ohio, the letter from Rohrer to Cox, in part (spelling and grammar retained): “I Recivt a paper from H. W. Wessells commissary genneral of prisoners informing me that my letter was laid before the Secretary of War...I am so Ergent on account of the boys health (as his health is very poor) and I am afeard if he stays their much longer that he will becom wors or perhaps die before he gets out do for him all you can.” In very good condition, with toning from prior display, and old tape stains, one of which touches several words of the endorsement. Starting Bid $500
Handwritten letter from Andrew Johnson to the Treasury Secretary, asking for an accounting of the “Smithson fund”—the fortune that established the Smithsonian Institution
31. Andrew Johnson Autograph Letter Signed. Rare
ALS, one page, 8 x 10, January 28, 1850. Handwritten letter to Secretary of the Treasury William M. Meredith, in full: “Will you be kind enough to inform me what kind debentures the Smithson fund consist, the prospect of their being paid and when—the original amount received by the United States—the amount of interest paid out of the Treasury upon the same and whether that interest has been reinvested or vested in stocks of the U.S. In sum, I would like to know the precise condition of the fund and whether Arkansas and the other states holding the fund have paid back into the Treasury either interest or principal, or made any arrangements to do the same.” After signing the letter, Johnson signs again within his address: “Address—Andrew Johnson, House of Reps.” Addressed on the integral leaf in Johnson’s hand. Fully silked and professionally inlaid into a slightly larger sheet, and in fine condition. Ac-
companied by a custom-made quarter-leather clamshell case.
The “Smithson Fund” held the fortune left to the United States by James Smithson in 1835, earmarked for the rather vague foundation of ‘an Establishment for the increase & diffusion of knowledge among men.’ Amidst some controversy over how the funds should be used for that purpose, they were invested into state bonds; any interest earned would be allocated toward the same purpose. In this letter, Johnson requests an accounting of the state of the fund just as ground broke on the construction of the Smithsonian Institution’s first building, known as ‘The Castle.’ Johnson had long opposed the acceptance of the Smithson funds, out of a concern that American taxpayers would be stuck with the bill if the legacy proved insufficient for its lofty vision. A rare, twice-signed letter associated with one of America’s prized public institutions. Starting Bid $500
32. Rutherford B. Hayes Autograph Letter Signed.
ALS signed “Rutherford B. Hayes,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.5 x 8.5, April 9, 1890. Handwritten letter to L. Clark Davis, assistant editor of the Public Ledger in Philadelphia, concerning a potential letter of recommendation for a commission to West Point or Annapolis. In part: “In this case I am ready to do whatever you wish. I must, however, frankly tell you how little it will probably avail. The present administration has been more than friendly and kind. Without asking often or much I have in all cases been gratified by considerate treatment, and always successful—properly so I think—except in one case and that was in the very case you present—not the individual, but the class of appointment. The truth is that the President has so many near to him—Cabinet officers, Senators and Representatives &c &c &c who make personal appeals for the places at the Two Academies that he finds it hard to save his own pet cases. My suggestion is that I write a personal letter introducing you to the President as a special friend of mine…If I merely write in behalf of the young man it will be known, of course, that I do it without personal knowledge of him. I cannot make any more cases, my cases. I am at the end of that string. Indeed I have presented more of them than I intended…I must say that the President’s appointments to the Academies are about as hard to get as the best place at his disposal.” He adds a brief postscript, signed “H.,” giving his schedule for travels to Philadelphia, New York, and Bermuda. In fine condition, with short splits to the ends of the folds. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Hayes’s own hand. A desirable, lengthy autograph letter by Hayes, neatly signed with his rare full signature. Starting Bid $200
Roosevelt lobbies for trade unions in 1913: “Now here were young girls, many of them undeveloped children, toiling excessive hours each day, often in dark unsanitary conditions, generally for low wages”
33. Theodore Roosevelt Typed Letter Signed. TLS,
six pages, 8.5 x 10.5, January 24, 1913. Lengthy letter to Assemblyman Michael A. Schapp in New York City, commenting on labor unions and the right to organize, with several annotations by Roosevelt. In part: “It seems to me that in the interest of the people of New York it is now imperatively necessary that the Legislature of the State should undertake a thorough investigation into the labor conditions of the special industries severally designated as white goods, wrapper and kimona.” He goes on to enumerate his firsthand observations of the poor wages and conditions of young women immigrants working in textile factories: “The girls often support the whole family on their scanty sweatshop earnings...young girls, many of them undeveloped children, toiling excessive hours each day, often in dark unsanitary conditions, generally for low wages, diminished in many cases by charges for machines, electric power, for needles and even for drinking water. These girls are to be the future mothers of part of our American citizenship of the next generation…We cannot as a community sit in apathy and permit these young girls to fight in the streets for a living wage and for hours and conditions of labor which shall not threaten their very lives.” In fine condition, with light edge toning to the first page. Accompanied by Harry A. Gordon’s five-page typed statement referred to by Roosevelt, a four-page TLS from Gordon to Schapp explaining his position, and a booklet entitled ‘Protocol of Peace in the Dress and Waist Industry.’ Starting Bid $1000
Very early mid-1880s signed portrait of Theodore Roosevelt
34. Theodore Roosevelt Signed Photograph. Early and
exceptional circa mid-1880s original 3 x 4.5 albumen portrait of the young Theodore Roosevelt, affixed to its original 4.25 x 6.5 Charles L. Ritzmann mount, signed on the mount in ink, “Theodore Roosevelt.” Archivally mounted, matted, and framed under Tru-Vue UV Glas to an overall size of 11.5 x 13.75. In fine condition, with a faint stain to the left edge, and a slight crease to the lower right corner. Ritzmann was active in New York City as a seller of celebrity photographs from circa 1870s–1890s.
Roosevelt first came to prominence with the publication of The Naval War of 1812 in 1882, which established him as a serious historian. Elected to the New York State Assembly in 1882, 1883, and 1884, he earned a reputation as an ardent fighter of corruption and became known for his exhilarating hunting excursions in the Dakotas. He returned to public life in the 1890s, serving as a member of the United States Civil Service Commission, Police Commissioner of New York City, and Assistant Secretary of the Navy, before resigning to lead the Rough Riders during the Spanish–American War. Returning from Cuba as a war hero, he was elected to the vice presidency on the McKinley-Roosevelt ticket, and ascended to the presidency upon McKinley’s death. A superb, ultra-early portrait of a great American. From The Michael Allen Collection. Starting Bid $500
35. William H. Taft Correspondence Lot to Woodrow Wilson: (2) Typed Letters with Handwritten Notes
and a Typed Memorandum. Fascinating grouping of correspondence from William H. Taft to President Woodrow Wilson in relation to the impending ratification of the Treaty of Versailles, consisting of two typed letters and a typed memorandum, five pages in total, with each bearing handwritten notations by Taft. Each missive is accompanied by its rough draft. The first letter is dated March 18, 1919; the “Memorandum for the President,” is dated at the top in pencil by Taft, “March 19th 1919”; and the second letter, dated March 28, 1919, is addressed to Joseph Tumulty, the private secretary of President Wilson. In overall very good to fine condition, with creasing and edge wear to some of the pages. Starting Bid $200
Superb quote-rich letter from Wilson “becoming a candidate for the Presidential nomination in 1912”—“I simply say I do not feel myself at all sure that I am qualified”
37. Woodrow Wilson Typed Letter Signed. TLS, one page,
6 x 7, personal letterhead, January 2, 1911. Letter to Lewis Minor Coleman, the U.S. District Attorney for East Tennessee, in part: “I can hardly say how I myself feel about the possibility of my becoming a candidate for the Presidential nomination in 1912. My present sincere belief is that I should saw wood at home and not think about 1912 at all….I simply say I do not feel myself at all sure that I am qualified. I can only feel grateful that so many of my friends feel that I am.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
38. Warren G. Harding Typed Letter Signed as President and Signed Check. Two items:
a TLS as president, signed “Warren G. Harding,” one page, 6.75 x 7.5, White House letterhead, April 20, 1921, to Henry R. Schaffner, general business manager of The Marion Star, in part: “I am in receipt of the enclosed bill for dues to the Marion Club. It was my understanding that the Harding Company covered three memberships to the Club. I will be glad to have mine included in the list if that continues to be the arrangement”; and a Marion Star business check, 7.75 x 3, filled out and signed by Harding, “W. G. Harding,” payable to G. M. Knauer, Agent, for $44.78, April 1, 1908. Matted and framed together with a memorial cover and two images to an overall size of 23 x 20. In fine condition. From The Michael Allen Collection. Starting Bid $200
FDR’s annual message to the Boy Scouts, encouraging them “to live up to the highest ideals of the Scout Law in fulfilling our duty to God, to country and to our fellow men”
president, one page, 7 x 8.75, White House letterhead, [annotated 1937 on the reverse]. Typed annual statement to the “Boy Scouts of America,” in full: “As the old year draws to a close and another year brings us new opportunities of usefulness we must, as faithful Scouts, renew our determination to live up to the highest ideals of the Scout Law in fulfilling our duty to God, to country and to our fellow men. In this spirit I wish all my fellow Scouts a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.” In very good to fine condition, with light toning and soiling, a few small stains, a paperclip impression to the upper left corner, and a central vertical fold. The title of Honorary President of the Boy Scouts of America has been given to every U.S. president since William Howard Taft. A fantastic association letter as FDR was a friend of the Boy Scouts of America. Starting Bid $200
40. Franklin D. Roosevelt Typed Letter
Signed. TLS as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, signed “F. D. Roosevelt,” two pages, 8 x 10.5, Secretary of the Navy letterhead, October 29, 1914. Letter to Annabel Crinnion, in part: “The Department notes that you have been granted a patent for life-saving suits for war ships...In this connection, however, the Department advises you that since the sinking of the ‘Titanic’ some 250 life saving devices, boats, lifesaving suits, preservers, etc., have been submitted, none of which have been found to have sufficient merit to warrant their adoption.” In fine condition. Great content associated with the Titanic disaster and American ingenuity. Starting Bid $200
FDR extends his best wishes for the dedication of “the Thomas Alva Edison bridge”
as president, one page, 7 x 8.75, White House letterhead, November 29, 1940. Letter to Governor A. Harry Moore of New Jersey, in full: “It was good to get your letter of November 27, and to hear that you are ready to dedicate the Thomas Alva Edison bridge. I am sorry that I can not be present at these ceremonies, but if my present plans work out I expect to be on a brief vacation in the South on the fourteenth. Will you please be good enough to extend my sincere greetings to all those attending the dedication ceremonies,” with handwritten addition: “and especially to the Gov-Elect!” In very good to fine condition, with short splits to the ends of the three horizontal folds, a small stain to the lower left corner, and light soiling and toning to the edges. New Jersey’s “Gov-Elect” was Charles Edison, the great inventor’s son, who had served as Secretary of the Navy in FDR’s administration. An excellent association between great Americans. Starting Bid $200
Weighing national security against individual liberty during the Red Scare, President Truman opines on the “future of the Commission on Internal Security and Individual Rights”
43. Harry S. Truman Typed Letter Signed as President. TTLS as presi-
dent, one page, 8 x 10.5, White House letterhead, July 16, 1951. Letter to the Hon. Charles H. Silver of New York, marked “Confidential.” In part: “I have been giving much thought to the future of the Commission on Internal Security and Individual Rights. I had hoped that the Congress would soon enact the legislation to exempt the members of the Commission and its staff from the conflict-of-interest statutes...I understand that you are one of the members for whom the conflict-of-interest statutes do create a problem. Consequently, it is my purpose to accept your resignation as soon as I am able…Until then, I think it is best for no announcement to be made on the matter.” In very good to fine condition, with creasing to the top and bottom blank areas, and heavier creasing to the left margin. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Starting Bid $200
Ike writes home to Mamie from London, 1942: “We can always have something happen that will throw us into a storm!”
44. Dwight D. Eisenhower Autograph Letter Signed. World War II–dated ALS signed “Ike,” three pages, 6 x 9, August 16, [1942]. Handwritten letter to his wife Mamie, in full: “Sunday again! The days race by so rapidly that I cannot keep track. But I didn’t come to work this a.m. until 10:00, so I’ve already had my holiday! There’s been a hiatus in our mail receipts. Nothing from you this week—but Butch has had nothing either, so I’m sure it is just been connections somewhere. I hear a number of people saying they’ve had no recent mail. I’m not so busy today as usual. Have one more big conference (at 3:30) then the rest of the day should be quiet. Of course, we can always have something happen that will throw us into a storm!” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Exceedingly rare 1910 check from Eisenhower’s hometown job—just one year after finishing high school
45. Dwight D. Eisenhower Signed Check. Abilene Manufacturing Company business check, 8.5 x 3, filled out by a company secretary, payable to Dwight Eisenhower for $8.75, July 9, 1910, endorsed on the reverse in pencil, “Dwight Eisenhower.” In fine condition, with expected check wear. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA. Starting Bid $200
46. Dwight D. Eisenhower Typed Letter Signed as
President. TLS as president, signed “D. E.,” two pages, 7 x 10.25, White House letterhead, May 6, 1958. Letter to businessman Irving Geist. In part: “I am sure it is no news to you that I am engaged in an all-out effort to secure legislation under which the Defense Department may be organized to meet modern security requirements with maximum efficiency and minimum cost…As of today, the Defense Department must operate under a system, or lack of system, similar to one that, as I say, would not be tolerated by a successful business corporation. All of us know that the competition faced by the Defense Department is the sternest in the world, that provided by the military might of the Soviet Union. The single objective of the Defense Department is the nation’s security; in this it must be successful…In a successful company the Board of Directors operates through its Chief Executive Officer…I believe that, in a similar manner, the Secretary of Defense must, under broad policies prescribed by the Congress, make sure that the Defense establishment operates under a single direction.” In fine condition, with a stray ink mark near the signature. Eisenhower oversaw the first major reorganization of the Department of Defense in 1958, which streamlined departments and channels of authority. Starting Bid $200
Ike votes absentee in NYC: “Business affairs of Columbia University, of which I am President, requires me to be absent”
47. Dwight D. Eisenhower Document Signed. Partly-printed DS, one page, 7 x 15.5,
October 13, 1950. Eisenhower’s “Affidavit and Application to the Board of Elections for Absentee Voters’ Ballots,” partially filled out in his hand with the reason for his absence: “Business affairs of Columbia University, of which I am President, requires me to be absent on a trip to Chicago.” In fine condition. The 1950 election saw Democrats lose twenty-eight seats to the Republican Party in the House of Representatives, and five seats in the U.S. Senate, setting the stage for Eisenhower’s landslide presidential victory in 1952. Starting Bid $200
Photograph. Superb matte-finish 14 x 11 photo of John F. Kennedy seated with Senator George Smathers of Florida, affixed to its original 15.5 x 13.5 mount, signed and inscribed on the mount in fountain pen to the photographer, a Miami Herald photojournalist, “To Charles Trainor, with best wishes, John Kennedy.” Nicely matted and framed to an overall size of 24.5 x 22.5. In fine condition, with light silvering to the perimeter of the image. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from Beckett Authentication Services.
In a 2017 piece for the Miami Herald, Trainor’s son discussed another image of JFK taken by his father, adding: “On March 10, 1962, my father was assigned to cover Kennedy at a fundraising event at the Fontainebleau hotel on Miami Beach. Kennedy was sitting at a long dinner table, in formal wear, next to his close friend Florida Sen. George Smathers.” Starting Bid $300
JFK writes one month after taking his Senate seat: “We have been terribly swamped these first few weeks”
49. John F. Kennedy Typed Letter Signed. TLS signed “John Kennedy,”
one page, 7 x 10, United States Senate letterhead, February 19, 1953. Letter to “Mr. Watson,” in full: “As we have been terribly swamped these first few weeks, I have been delayed in answering you as quickly as I had hoped. I am now securing the necessary information and you should hear from me again on it within a week.” A 1964 Kennedy memorial postage stamp with first day cancelation has been applied below. Archivally double-matted and framed under Tru-Vue Conservation Glass to an overall size of 15.5 x 18.5. In fine condition. Congressman Kennedy had won his Senate election in November 1962, and took his seat in the Senate on January 3, 1953. At the start of his first term, he focused on Massachusetts-specific issues by sponsoring bills to help the fishing, textile manufacturing, and watchmaking industries. From The Michael Allen Collection. Starting Bid $200
To Harry S. Truman IV: “Your great granduncle is my favorite president”
51. Jimmy Carter Autograph Letter Signed. ALS, one page, 6.5 x 8.5,
April 14, 1986. Handwritten letter to Harry S. Truman IV, in full: “I have said many times that your great granduncle is my favorite president and one of history’s all time great leaders. He was strong, bold, honest, and a champion of freedom & human rights.” In very fine condition. A great association between plain-spoken Democratic presidents. Starting Bid $200
Rare early letter from Clinton at Yale, evoking the words of “a great southerner, Thomas Wolfe,” to console a close friend
53. Bill Clinton Typed Letter Signed. TLS signed “Bill,” one page, 5.5 x
8.5, Yale University letterhead, [1970]. Letter to Dale, in full: “Mother wrote to me a few days ago, telling of all the loss you have suffered in so short a time. And I thought I would write to you, though of course there is really nothing terribly profound I can say that would have much meaning compared to what you have just been through. Just before he died, a man I wish had been a friend of mine, a great southerner, Thomas Wolfe, wrote what seems to me a finer testament to the beauty and meaning of life, any life, than any religious statement I have read:
‘Something has spoken to me in the night, burning the tapers of the waning year; something has spoken in the night, and told me I shall die. I know not where. Saying: To lose the earth you know for greater knowing; to lose the life you have for greater life; to leave the friends you loved for greater loving; to find a land more kind than home, more large than earth—Whereon the pillars of this earth are founded, towards which the conscience of the world is tending—a wind is rising, and the rivers flow.’ I am thinking of you and hope you are getting through the days with characteristic grit. See you Christmas.” In fine condition, with some light creasing, and a clipped upper right corner. An early, touching letter of condolences from Clinton, written in his mid-twenties while attending Yale Law School. Clinton letters dating to this period, written on Yale letterhead, are quite rare, with this example all the more desirable given its thoughtful content and mention of the great Thomas Wolfe, whose posthumous work You Can’t Go Home Again Clinton cites as one of his favorite books. Starting Bid $200
The Clintons reimburse a $300 painting of Buddy the dog
54. Bill and Hillary Clinton Signed Check and Typed
Letter Signed. Unusual combination of a TLS and check: an intriguing TLS signed “Bill Clinton,” one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, February 2, 2001. Letter to Brian Ready, in full: “Hillary and I appreciate your friendship and generosity during this past year. However, to resolve all questions concerning the whole matter, we are sending you the enclosed check. We apologize for any inconvenience or difficulty this may cause. Thank you very much.” Includes the aforesaid personal check, 6 x 2.75, filled out in another hand and signed by Hillary Clinton, “H. R. Clinton,” payable to Brian Ready for $300, February 2, 2001. In overall fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, as well as a provenance letter from Ready, dated November 20, 2009, in full: “I managed The Scarborough Gallery in Chappaqua, NY in 2000, where the Clinton’s had bought a home when Bill went out of office. An art salesman told me to buy a painting of a chocolate lab he had that looked like Buddy (their dog) and to give it to the Clinton’s as a ‘welcome to the neighborhood’ gift, which I did. I never heard anything until a few months later when I got a call from the Whitehouse [sic] asking me what the value of the painting was. Bill Clinton did wind up doing some picture framing with me, nothing big just repairs and small jobs. A few months after the call my name started coming out in all these newspapers (along with Sylvester Stallone and Jack Nicholson) as part of the $190k in gifts they had to return to people or pay for when Bill went out of office. A while after that I received this apology letter from Bill and the $300 check signed by Hillary.” In the weeks before the president left the White House and the first lady entered the Senate, the Clintons officially accepted over $190,000 worth of furniture, china, and other lavish parting gifts from a myriad of famous friends. Unaware that many of said gifts were presented solely to the White House, the Clintons transported the offerings, as well as other valuable presidential keepsakes, to their new five-bedroom house on 15 Old House Lane in Chappaqua, New York. The Clintons transition into public life sparked a controversy that additionally marred the first lady’s opening moments as a senator, a dual role she held for some 18 days. As a means to lesson public pressure, the Clintons returned much of the White House furniture, and reimbursed a total of $86,000 worth of gifts, including Ready’s $300 likeness of Buddy the chocolate Lab. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
President Bush looks forward to “a more hopeful and peaceful Middle East”
55. George W. Bush Typed Letter Signed as President. TLS
as president, one page, 6.75 x 8.75, White House letterhead, June 18, 2008. Letter to Orry Ben-Porath, a senior advisor in the office of the President of Israel. In full: “Thank you for meeting with me during my trip back to Israel. I was honored to join you in celebrating Israel’s 60th anniversary. It was a fitting opportunity to reaffirm the enduring friendship between our peoples. Our strong and close relationship is based on our love of liberty, devotion to justice, and respect for human dignity, and I look forward to continuing to work with you to help build a more hopeful and peaceful Middle East.” In very fine condition. President Bush had visited Israel in January 2008, returning in June to mark the 60th anniversary of the state’s founding. While in Israel, he addressed the Knesset and met with President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Starting Bid $200
56. Joe Biden 2021 Inauguration Flag. Very desirable 5´ x 8´ nylon American flag that was flown over the United States Capitol during the presidential inauguration of Joe Biden on January 20, 2021. Includes a printed presentation certificate from Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton, in part: “This is to certify that the accompanying flag was flown over the United States Capitol on January 20, 2021. The flag was flown at the request of the Honorable Donald S. Beyer, Jr., Member of Congress, to commemorate the 59th Presidential Inauguration. On this historic occasion, Joseph R. Biden Jr. became the 46th President of the United States and Kamala D. Harris became the first woman, first African American, and first South Asian American to serve as Vice President of the United States.” In very fine condition. Accompanied by the original box. Starting Bid $200
