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Presidents and First Ladies
Washington directs payment to Revolutionary hero Col. William Darke for his efforts in expanding the Potomac
1. George Washington Document Signed. Manuscript
DS, signed “Go: Washington,” one page, 7.5 x 6, May 25, 1787. Pay order directed to William Hartshorne, treasurer of the Potomac Company. In full: “Please pay to Colo. William Darke or order One Thousand Dollars for acco. of the Potomac Company.” Signed at the conclusion by George Washington, John Fitzgerald, and George Gilpin as directors of the Potomac Company. Endorsed on the reverse by Darke, “Wm. Darke,” to confirm receipt of £300. In fine condition, with light toning, and nicely done repairs to small tears and fold splits.
One of George 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. He appointed Col. Darke—himself a hero of the Revolution—as the company’s key upriver agent at Shepherdstown.
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 contributed to the company’s ineffectiveness and eventual failure. Starting Bid $1000
Handwritten and twice-signed promissory note by John Adams, issued at Boston in March 1770
2. John Adams Autograph Document Signed. ADS, one
page both sides, 7.25 x 3, March 21, 1770. On the front, Adams writes out a promissory note, signing at the conclusion: “Boston, March 21, 1770, For value rec’d I promise to pay Mr. Edmund Soper or order, sixty eight Pounds Fifteen Shillings, and Eight Pence lawfull money on demand, Witness my Hand, Jon Adams.” On the reverse, Adams writes out the body of the document, signing within the text: “Boston, March 22d, 1770… received of John Adams Fifty Pounds Ten Shillings and Six Pence lawfull Money in part of the within Note,” endorsed below by Edmund Soper. In very good to fine condition, with some old adhesive residue, and a hole affecting a couple of words of text. A fantastic example boasting two bold signatures from the influential founding father. Starting Bid $500
Rare Bank of the United States check filled out and signed by Jefferson, paying his cabinetmaker in 1793
3. Thomas Jefferson Signed Check. Rare Bank of the United States check, 6.5 x 2.5, filled out and signed by Jefferson, “Th: Jefferson,” payable to Henry Ingle for $67.03, November 23, 1793. In fine condition, with light toning, and the signature a couple of shades light. Henry Ingle was a cabinetmaker who supplied Thomas Jefferson with both cabinetwork and tools, such as plane blades, sandpaper, chisels, and screws. Jefferson’s memorandum books record this check for $67.03 as a payment in full for cabinetwork. A sought-after rarity, this is just the third Jefferson check we have ever offered. Starting Bid $1000
President Jefferson orders payment to his White House butler
4. Thomas Jefferson Autograph Letter Signed as President. ALS as president, signed “Th: Jefferson,” one page,
7.25 x 4.75, November 30, 1802. Handwritten letter to “Mr. John Barnes” in Georgetown, ordering payment to his trusty White House butler, Etienne Lemaire. In full: “Pay to Mr. Lemaire or order one hundred & thirty five dollars three cents for value received on account.” In very good to fine condition, with old adhesive residue, a few stains, and some small professional repairs.
Jefferson hired Etienne Lemaire as his second White House maître d’hôtel, or ‘steward,’ in late 1801, charging him with management of the domestic staff, supervision of the dinner service and dessert, handling of household accounts, and shopping for groceries and other provisions. Upon parting ways with Jefferson’s retirement to Monticello in 1809, he wrote Lemaire to express ‘the sense of my attachment to you & satisfaction with your services. They were faithful, & skilful, and your whole conduct so marked with good humour, industry, sobriety & economy as never to have given me one moment’s dissatisfaction: and indeed were I to be again in a situation to need services of the same kind, yours would be more acceptable to me than those of any person living.’ Starting Bid $500
mailing panel circa 1794–1799, measuring 9 x 7 open with a central panel of 4.5 x 3, addressed by Thomas Jefferson to “Henry Tazewell of the Senate of the US, Philadelphia.” Docketed in another hand with Jefferson’s name along the left edge. Matted and framed with a portrait to an overall size of 22.5 x 13.5. In very good to fine condition, with soiling and toning, a few small stains, and two areas of repaired paper loss. Tazewell represented Virginia in the US Senate from 1794 until his death in 1799, when Philadelphia was the temporary capital of the United States. A desirable piece connecting two politically influential Virginians. Starting Bid $300
Amidst the Revolution, Jefferson refers a rank dispute to “Col. Wood to have settled by a board of officers”
5. Thomas Jefferson Autograph Endorsement Signed. Revolutionary War–dated autograph endorsement signed, “In Council, Aug. 12, 1780. Referred to Col. Wood to have settled by a board of officers. Th: Jefferson,” penned on the reverse of an ALS written by Hugh McGavock from the Albemarle Barracks, August 5, 1780, regarding several other officers contending with him for rank, “that new officers…appointed that never had a commission before should take command of all others of the same rank.” Professionally inlaid to a slightly larger sheet and in very good to fine condition, with an area of repaired seal-related paper loss.
McGavock served as a recruiter and prison guard at the Albemarle barracks during the Revolution, and later enlisted in the Virginia State Line under Colonel Joseph Crockett. Owing to nepotism and disorderly paperwork, there were multiple instances in his military career where he encountered difficulties in obtaining the ranks and positions to which he was entitled. His own firsthand account of his wartime service can be found in the bounty-land records in the Library of Virginia. Starting Bid $300
8. James Madison Signed Check as President. Office of Pay and Deposit of the Bank of Columbia check, 7.25 x 2.75, filled out and signed by Madison as president, “James Madison,” payable to “Mr. Thorpe or bearer” for $11, July 28, 1813. In fine condition, with small cancellation-related holes. Starting Bid $200
Handwritten letter by Madison requesting the deed for his “House and Lotts in Washington”
7. James Madison Autograph Letter Signed. ALS,
one page, 7.75 x 9.75, August 4, 1828. Bold handwritten letter to Richard Smith, cashier of the Bank of the United States, evidently referring to his purchase of the Cutts–Madison House. In full: “The Bank having now received the final payment for the House and Lotts in Washington which I purchased from it, I have to request that the proper deed of conveyance to me be executed & recorded in the manner conformable to the Law of the place. Should any expence in so doing devolve on me, be so good as to let me know it. I cannot let this occasion pass, Sir, without acknowledging the kind attentions to my concerns with the Bank which I have experienced from you, and offering the sincere thanks due for them, with assurances of my cordial esteem & very friendly wishes.” In fine condition.
In the early 1820s, Richard Cutts, husband of Dolley Madison’s sister Anna, had fallen into difficult financial circumstances and was forced to sell the home he had built on Lafayette Square in Washington, DC. James Madison, given his ‘regard for Mrs. Cutts & her Children & his anxiety to save her from the immediate mortification of being obliged to leave her house & home,’ opted to purchase the property during bankruptcy proceedings through Cutts’ trustee, Richard Smith. Though the purchase agreement was made in 1822, it took much of the rest of the decade to resolve the complicated financial proceedings. Starting Bid $200
9. James Monroe Autograph Letter Signed. ALS as Secretary of State,
signed “Jas. Monroe,” one page, 7.75 x 9.75, April 26, 1815. Handwritten letter to the cashier of the Bank of Columbia, in part: “You will be so good…as to send me in notes 1400 doll’s, & an order on a bank in Richmond payable to Thomas Norwall, for two thousand dls. If the deposit is not made, he assures me that it will be in a day or two. I will thank you in that case to retain it, and send me at present four hundred doll’s.” Addressed on the integral leaf in Monroe’s hand. In fine condition. Starting Bid $300
10. James Monroe Autograph Document
Signed. ADS as Secretary of State, signed “Jas. Monroe,” one page, 6.75 x 2.5, July 21, 1812. Handwritten financial document, in full: “Mr. Smith will be so good as to send me by the bearer four hundred doll’s & oblige.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
11. John Quincy Adams Signed Check. Office
of Discount and Deposit of the Bank of the United States check, 5.75 x 2.25, filled out and signed by Adams, “J. Q. Adams,” payable to “Thomas Adams jun’r” for $55, November 4, 1829. In fine condition, with two small holes. Starting Bid $200
Bold handwritten receipt signed in full by John Quincy Adams
12. John Quincy Adams Autograph Document Signed. ADS, signed “John Quincy Adams,” one page, 7.25 x 4.5, March 16, 1806. Bold and neatly penned handwritten receipt, in part: “Received of Mr. James Smith, as agent of his brother Justus B. Smith, one thousand dollars; being in a receipt of John Delafield jun’r teller of the Bank of New York, for that sum deposited in said Bank, by said James Smith and there placed to my credit.” In very good to fine condition, with light toning and staining, and short split to the end of the central horizontal fold. Starting Bid $200
13. Louisa Adams Autograph Letter Signed. British-born wife of
John Quincy Adams who is the only first lady to have been born outside of the United States (1775-1852). Scarce third-person ALS, one page, 4.75 x 8, November 16, 1835. Handwritten letter to “R. Smith,” in full: “Mrs. Adams requests Mr. Smith to allow her man Mr. Wilson to take the Trunks sent to the Bank previous to his departure for the North.” Addressed on the integral leaf in Adams’s hand. In fine condition, with small mounting remnants to address leaf. Starting Bid $200
14. John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay Document
Signed. Partly-printed vellum DS, signed “J. Q. Adams” as president and “H. Clay” as secretary of state, one page, 11.25 x 15, October 5, 1827. Scallop-top ship’s pass issued to “the Ship Gold Hunter, John E. Knowles master or commander of the burthen of two hundred & eighty one… tons or thereabouts…navigated with Ten men, To Pass with her Company, Passengers, Goods and Merchandize without any hinderance, seisure or molestation.” Signed at the conclusion by President Adams and countersigned by Secretary of State Clay. In very good to fine condition, with small holes along intersecting folds, and the seal only partially present. Starting Bid $200
Handwritten letter by President Jackson to his Treasury Secretary, preparing to remove a federal district attorney from office
15. Andrew Jackson Autograph Letter Signed as President. ALS as president, one page, 4.75 x 7.5, March 12,
1830. Handwritten letter to Secretary of the Treasury Samuel D. Ingham, concerning charges brought against Alexander Brackenridge, federal district attorney for western Pennsylvania. In part: “Some time since the papers relating to the misconduct charged, against Mr. Brackenridge, atto. for the District of West P.A. was placed in my hands—about the same time, a letter was delivered to me from Mr. B. asking some delay in this enquiry to enable him to produce a defense...a note rec’d has ordered me that Mr. B. has furnished you with his defense—will you be good enough to furnish me with it, that I may decide upon this question.” In very good to fine condition, with a stain to the upper right corner, a tear to the lower left edge, and a repair to separation along the vertical fold. Starting Bid $300
16. Andrew Jackson Autograph Document
Signed. ADS signed “Andrew Jackson,” one page, 6.5 x 3, September 4, 1828. Handwritten pay order, in full: “The Cashier of the United States branch Bank at Nashville will pay Jordan Ezzell the sum of thirty three dollars, Hermitage, Sept. 4th 1828.” In very good to fine condition, with a few small holes, and old tape to the upper corner tips. Starting Bid $200
Just after leaving the White House, Van Buren receives funds from the Senate
Autograph endorsement signed “M. Van Buren,” on the reverse of a manuscript document, one page, 8 x 7, March 12, 1841. Van Buren writes, in part: “I constitute…my attorney to receive payments…according to its tenor…and owe the same on the due Bill…left in his hands for that purpose.” The document on the opposite side, signed by Senator Robert J. Walker, in part: “Pay to the order of his Excy. Martin Van Buren nineteen hundred dollars with interest…for a balance due by me to Mr. Van Buren for furniture…the payment to be made by you as Secretary of the Senate out of my per diem as a Senator.” In fine condition, with a small split along one of the intersecting folds. Van Buren had left the White House just a week before the March 12th date of this document. Starting Bid $200
18. Martin Van Buren Signed Check. Bank of Kinderhook
check, 6 x 2.75, filled out and signed by Van Buren, “M. Van Buren,” payable to Gen’l Mandeville for $22.13, April 21, 1856. In fine condition, with a stain along the bottom edge, and paper loss to the left edge. Starting Bid $200
21. William Henry Harrison Autograph Docu-
ment Signed. ADS signed “Wm. H. Harrison, A.D.C.,” one page, 7.75 x 2.5, August 6, 1795. Handwritten commissary order issued from his headquarters at Greenville, Ohio, in full: “For the Shawanoes two hundred & fifty pounds of beef & flour—Commissary.” In fine condition, with a stain touching the signature. Encapsulated in a PSA/ DNA authentication holder. Starting Bid $300
Excessively rare bold presidential signature of William Henry Harrison
19. William Henry Harrison Signature as President. Practically nonexistent ink signature as president, “W. H. Harrison,” on an off-white 5.25 x 2.5 vellum slip clipped from a larger document, signed by Harrison above the printed heading, “By the President,” and also signed by Secretary of State Daniel Webster. In fine condition, with old mounting remnants to the reverse slightly showing through. Accompanied by a photocopy of a 1987 letter from Robert Batchelder, stating the signature was originally acquired by Joseph Nourse, a register of the US treasury and collector of presidential autographs, almost all of which were clipped signatures or partial documents. Batchelder concludes that this signature was likely taken from an unissued ship’s paper. With his presidency lasting only one month, anything signed by Harrison as Chief Executive is extraordinarily rare. Starting Bid $2500
Extremely rare and early handwritten pay order from Harrison as “Governor of the Indiana Territory”
20. William Henry Harrison Autograph Docu-
ment Signed. Very early ADS, signed “Will’m Henry Harrison,” one page, 8 x 6, December 31, 1802. Handwritten pay order submitted to the “Cashier of the Bank of the United States,” in full: “Please to pay to John Rice Jones Esquire or his order fifty Dollars being part of my salary for Governor of the Indiana Territory for the quarter ending the 31st of December 1802.” Endorsed on the reverse by Jones, directing the payment to Simon & Philips, merchants in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In fine condition, with four small old tape stains. This is an extremely early document from the Indiana Territory, which had been incorporated by Congress in 1800. President John Adams appointed Harrison, a Northwest Territory congressman, as the first governor of Indiana, and he took office in early 1801. Starting Bid $300
Handwritten post-presidential promissory note by John Tyler
22. John Tyler Autograph Document Signed. ADS signed “John Tyler,” one page, 7.75 x 4.5, June 24, 1846. Handwritten promissory note issued at Washington, in part: “Four months after date value received, I promise to pay Corcoran and Riggs at their Banking House…Two Thousand Dollars.” In fine condition. A scarce, bold autograph penned one year after he left office. Starting Bid $300
Triple-signed document filled out by John Tyler as “Senator in Congress from the state of Virginia”
DS, one page, 7.5 x 9.75, February 28, 1833. Power of attorney document filled out and signed by Tyler, writing his name twice within the body, and signing once at the conclusion. In part: “I, the undersigned subscribed, John Tyler, Senator in Congress from the state of Virginia, have made, constituted, and appointed Richard Smith Cash’r of the U. S. Bank at Washington, my true and lawful Attorney, for me and in my name and stead, to sign or endorse any note or notes.” Signed at the conclusion by Senator Tyler, and countersigned twice by Justice of the Peace John P. Van Ness. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Rare House of Representatives paycheck endorsed by James K. Polk
24. James K. Polk Signed Check.
Choice US House of Representatives/Office of Discount and Deposit bank check, 5 x 2, filled out in and signed by Speaker Andrew Stevenson, “A. Stevenson,” payable to James K. Polk for $200, June 8, 1832, endorsed on the reverse, “James K. Polk.” In fine to very fine condition. At this time Polk was serving as a member of the House of Representatives from Tennessee, earning a salary of $8 per day; this check evidently represents his earnings for 25 days. Starting Bid $200
Handwritten letter from Taylor to his son-in-law from “Camp near Monterey” during the Mexican-American War
25. Zachary Taylor Autograph Letter
Signed. War-dated ALS signed “Z. Taylor,” one page both sides, 5 x 7.75, June 3, 1847. Bold handwritten letter to his son-in-law, Dr. Robert C. Wood, at the U.S. Army barracks in New Orleans, written from “Camp near Monterey Mexico.” In part: “I wrote you a few days since at considerable length, since when nothing of interest has taken place not having had a word from Gen’l Scott’s column nor of moment from any other quarter; not having had a mail since I wrote from the East. On the subject of the draft… looking over my papers in relation to it, I find the mistake respecting the same, was owing to my own absence; as I mentioned to you, I got two sets of drafts in duplicate…Nothing as yet from Jarvis we do not know whether or not he has reached the Rio Grande—My love to Ann & the children.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Taylor orders writing supplies for Fort Crawford
26. Zachary Taylor Document Signed. Manuscript DS, signed “Z. Taylor, Col., 1st Regt. U. S. Infy., Comdg.,” one page, 7.75 x 5.5, annotated on the reverse as the second quarter of 1833. “Special Requisition” document for “Twelve quires of letter paper” and “Fifty Quills.” Taylor certifies that “the above requisition is correct, and that the articles specified are absolutely requisite for the public service. The annual allowance having been expended in the regular duties of the office.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
In a handwritten letter as president, Fillmore requests a legal volume “bound for the Executive Mansion”
president, one page, 5 x 8, October 15, 1851. Handwritten letter to bookseller Frank Taylor, in part: “If you have Wharton’s state trials please send me a copy…bound for the Executive Mansion.” In very good to fine condition, with light soiling and some small tears. Taylor operated the Waverly Book-Store on Pennsylvania Avenue, providing works to Washington’s elite movers and shakers for decades in the middle of the 19th century. Starting Bid $200
Handwritten letter by President Pierce relative to the proposed purchase of Cuba
28. Franklin Pierce Autograph Letter Signed as President. ALS as president, signed “Fr. Pierce,” one page both
sides, 5.75 x 7, December 7, 1854. Handwritten letter to N. H. Osgood in New York. In part: “The Spanish Minister is, I learn, still unable to give any attention to business and I am unable to see his Secy in season to communicate prior to the day that Genl. Spofford has fixed upon for his departure—I inclose herewith three letters from Genl. Cushing to personal friends in Cuba—Wishing for Genl. Spofford a safe passage & pleasant sojourn.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds with one small edge separation and brushing to ink in a couple words. Starting Bid $200
29. Franklin Pierce Autograph Letter Signed. ALS,
one page, 7.75 x 9.75, November 12, 1857. Handwritten letter to “the Cash’r of the Webster Bank, Boston.” In part: “Please to pay to Charles Minot Esq’r Cash’r of the Mechanicks Bank Concord N.H. any dividends which are now due or which may hereafter become due to me on stock of the Webster Bank.” In fine condition, with minor loss to the right edge. Starting Bid $200
Rare autograph check from Buchanan to his niece, who would play the role of first lady in his administration
30. James Buchanan and Harriet Lane Autograph Check Signed. Rare and
desirable handwritten check, 8 x 2.5, filled out and signed by Buchanan, “James Buchanan,” payable to Harriet R. Lane for $50, February 3, 1852; endorsed on the reverse by Lane, “Harriet Lane,” and countersigned by several others. In fine condition, with cancelation cuts and light soiling. Harriet Rebecca Lane (1830–1903) was the niece of President James Buchanan, a lifelong bachelor, who acted as his first lady from 1857 to 1861. Starting Bid $200
31. James Buchanan: Harriet Lane. Niece (1830–1903) of President James Buchanan, a lifelong bachelor, who acted as his first lady from 1857 to 1861. Rare ALS signed “Harriet Lane Johnston,” one page both sides, 4 x 5.25, May 6, 1875. Handwritten letter to “Mrs. Wilson,” in part: If you & Gen. Wilson have nothing more agreeable to do this morning, will you drive with us in the Park at four o’clock?” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
One week after being named the Republican presidential candidate, Lincoln writes a check to his brother-in-law
Handwritten endorsement by President Lincoln to release a Confederate POW
32. Abraham Lincoln Signed Check. Exceptional Springfield Marine & Fire Insurance Company check, 7.25 x 2.25, filled out and signed by Lincoln, “A. Lincoln,” payable to his brother-in-law, C. M. Smith, for $122.75, May 25, 1860. In fine condition, with small holes to the vignette and at center. Clark Moulton Smith, who was married to Ann Todd, sister of Mary Todd Lincoln, was a successful Springfield merchant who operated five stores in the city: dry goods, clothing and shoe stores, a pharmacy, and a grocery market. According to the stores’ ledgers, the Lincolns regularly bought clothes and dry goods from Smith, along with staples such as sugar and coffee. At the time Lincoln wrote this check, he had just been nominated as his party’s candidate for president at the Republican National Convention in Chicago on May 18th. A superb piece of Lincolniana. Starting Bid $1000
33. Abraham Lincoln Autograph Endorsement
Signed as President. Civil War-dated autograph endorsement signed as president, “Let this man be discharged. A. Lincoln, Jan. 13, 1865,” penned on the detached docketing panel of an affidavit submitted to him, folded to 3.5 x 4. The document, which remains only partially intact, requests the release of a soldier held prisoner who “was conscripted into the Rebel service in the month of October 1862 and assigned to the 18th Tenn. Rebel Inf. Regt. and was captured on or about the 18th of May 1864 at Resaca, Ga.” They go on to vouch for his excellence of character and for his sincerity if allowed to take the oath of allegiance. The Lincoln piece is in very good condition, with a central vertical fold, and light toning from prior display; the affidavit is in poor condition, with several areas or paper loss and old tape stains. Starting Bid $500
President Johnson pays his black White House valet during the Reconstruction era
35. Andrew Johnson Signed Check as President. Rare First National Bank check, 8.25 x 3.25, filled out in another hand and signed by Johnson as president, “Andrew Johnson,” payable to William Slade for $632.77 (for May accounts), June 18, 1867; endorsed on the reverse by Slade, “Wm. Slade.” In fine condition. William Slade (died 1868) was the African-American White House messenger, valet, and steward during the Lincoln and Johnson administrations; at the time, this was one of the highest posts available to a black Washingtonian. The Vermont Transcript reported on the death of Slade on March 20, 1868: ‘He was a colored man…appointed by President Lincoln [as] Messenger at the White House, and President Johnson made him Steward, giving him the disbursement of all the moneys expended there.’ This check was evidently written to pay for the White House household bills overseen by Slade for the month of May. Starting Bid $200
36. U. S. Grant Signed Check. Jay Cooke &
Co. Bankers check, 8 x 2.75, filled out and signed by Grant, “U. S. Grant,” payable to the Washington Gaslight Co. for $11.54, stamp-dated October 5, 1866. In fine condition, with a few small tape stains. Starting Bid $200
38. Rutherford B. Hayes Signed Check.
First National Bank of Fremont check, 6.5 x 3, filled out and signed by Hayes, “Rutherford B. Hayes,” payable to The Commandery of the State of Ohio for $5, January 2, 1891. In fine condition, with light adhesive residue to the reverse sides. Hayes became a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States in 1881, and was elected commander of the Ohio Commandery in 1883. Starting Bid $200
37. Rutherford B. Hayes Autograph Letter
Signed as President. Rare ALS as president, signed “R. B. Hayes,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 6.75, Executive Mansion letterhead, April 19, 1878. Letter to Minnesota Governor and his future Secretary of War Alexander Ramsey, in part: “I have your note asking me to give a friendly hearing to the invitation of the State Agricultural Society of Minnesota. It would certainly be an agreeable trip at the time indicated. But it is out of the question to make engagements so far ahead.” In fine condition, with rusty circular paperclip impression to the top of the first page. Starting Bid $200
39. James A. Garfield Signed Check. Scarce
Sergeant at Arms, United States House of Representatives counter check, 8 x 3.5, filled out and signed by Garfield, “J. A. Garfield,” payable to “Myself, Cash” for $100, February 9, 1875. In fine condition, with light edge toning, and a crease to the lower left corner. Starting Bid $200
40. James A. Garfield Letter Signed. LS signed “J. A. Garfield,” one page, 5.25 x 8.25, July 17, 1880. Letter to the Hon. Albert Mansfield Pratt in Cheshire, Massachusetts, in part: “Yours of the 10th inst. received. No request has come to me in behalf of the party to whom your letter refers.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original House of Representatives mailing envelope. Accompanied by a laminated ALS by Lucretia Garfield to Mabel Pratt (daughter of Albert Mansfield Pratt), July 5, 1880, congratulating her on graduating from Vassar on behalf of her and Gen. Garfield. Albert Mansfield Pratt had formerly been mayor of Bryan, Ohio, and the Pratt and Garfield families were close friends. Starting Bid $200
Rare $500 check written from Arthur to his wife
41. Chester A. Arthur and Nell Arthur Signed Check. The Nassau Bank check, 7.5 x 2.75, filled out and signed by Arthur, “C. A. Arthur,” payable to his wife, E. L. H. Arthur, for $500, October 25, 1877; endorsed on the reverse by Ellen Lewis Herndon ‘Nell’ Arthur, “E. L. H. Arthur,” with a countersignature below. In fine condition. A rare autograph combination from the future president and first lady. Starting Bid $200
42. Grover Cleveland Signed Check. The Fourth National
Bank check, 7.75 x 3, filled out and signed by Cleveland, “Grover Cleveland,” payable to The Princeton Bank for $25, February 18, 1908. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
President Harrison assembles a committee to raise “subscriptions for the relief of the Johnstown sufferers”
44. Benjamin Harrison Document Signed as President. Rare partly-printed DS as president, signed “Benj. Harrison,” one page, 8.5 x 3.25, June 4, 1889. President Harrison appoints James E. Fitch “to receive subscriptions for the relief of the Johnstown sufferers. He will turn over all funds received by him to the Treasurer, E. Kurtz Johnson, appointed at the general meeting of citizens this afternoon, and will announce the several amounts given and names of the contributors in the daily newspapers.” Signed neatly at the conclusion by Harrison. In fine condition, with several vertical folds. The result of a catastrophic dam failure, the Johnstown Flood occurred on Friday, May 31, 1889, killing over 2,200 people. Four days later, President Harrison called a gathering of 300 in Willard’s Hall to devise measures of relief. His appeal for assistance was so eloquent that nearly $10,000 was raised in the hour and a half that the meeting was in session. Starting Bid $200
43. Benjamin Harrison Signed Photograph. Uncommon
4.25 x 6.5 cabinet photo of Harrison by Clark of Indianapolis, boldly signed on the mount in ink, “Benj. Harrison.” In fine condition, with scattered light staining and old mounting tape to reverse edges. Very scarce in this format, this is the first autographed photograph of Benjamin Harrison we have offered in over five years. Starting Bid $200
45. Benjamin Harrison Autograph Letter Signed as
President. ALS as president, signed “Benj. Harrison,” one page, 5.75 x 8.75, annotated February 22, 1890. Handwritten draft of a telegram to the Hon. C. C. Hines in Indianapolis, marked “By Telegraph.” In full: “If you want to sell make me an offer by letter giving me the dimensions of lots and cost to us. Perhaps I will buy.” In fine condition, with a trimmed top edge and scattered small stains. Starting Bid $200
46. William McKinley Signed Check as President. American Security and Trust Company check, 7.25 x 3, filled out in another hand and signed by McKinley as president, “William McKinley,” payable to Frank F. Bonnet for $2.75, February 11, 1898. In fine condition. The Frank F. Bonnet Company was a jeweler, silversmith, and optician based in Columbus, Ohio. Presidentially signed checks are always desirable, and this fine example boasts McKinley’s less common full signature. Starting Bid $200
Partly-printed vellum DS as president, one page, 14 x 17, March 9, 1898. President McKinley appoints Charles M. Tozer as “an Ensign in the Navy.” Boldly signed at the conclusion by President McKinley and countersigned by Secretary of the Navy John D. Long. The blue Navy Department seal affixed at the bottom remains intact. Nicely matted with a portrait to an overall size of 21 x 31.5. In fine condition, with overall rippling due to the nature of the vellum. Starting Bid $200
48. William McKinley Signed Photograph. Matte-finish 5 x 7.25
cabinet-style portrait of William McKinley, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “For S. D. Kirkpatrick, very cordially, W. McKinley.” Published by S. V. Courtney and McKinley Block of Canton, Ohio. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
President. The Riggs National Bank personal check, 8.25 x 2.75, filled out in another hand and signed by Roosevelt as president, “Theodore Roosevelt,” payable to B. Rich’s Sons for $8, March 2, 1909. In fine condition, with several unobtrusive vertical folds. B. Rich’s Sons was a shoe store in Washington, D.C., located just a few blocks from the White House on the corner of F and 10th. Roosevelt would leave office just two days later on March 4th. Starting Bid $200
50. Theodore and Edith Roosevelt (2) Autograph Letters Signed as President and First Lady. Two ALSs,
individually signed “Theodore Roosevelt” as president and “Edith Kermit Roosevelt” as first lady, both two pages on two adjoining sheets, White House letterhead, 4 x 5.25 and 5.25 x 6.75, dated November 10, 1902, and December 29, [1902]. Both handwritten letters are addressed to George von Lengerke Meyer, the ambassador to Italy. Theodore’s letter, in part: “This is to introduce my sister in law Miss Emily Caron..She is to be in Rome this winter and I venture to commend her to your courtesy.” The Edith letter, in part: “It was most kind of you to allow my parcel a corner in the bag...With thanks and the President’s regards.” In overall fine condition, with an area of thinning paper to the second page of the Theodore letter. Starting Bid $500
51. William H. Taft Autograph Letter Signed as President. Un-
common ALS as president signed “Wm. H. Taft,” one page, 6 x 8.75, March 19, 1909. Brief handwritten letter to Margery A. Stevens of Brooklyn, in full: “I am honored to be permitted to put my name in such company.” In fine condition. An exceptionally early handwritten letter from President Taft, who had moved into the White House only two weeks prior. Starting Bid $200
52. William H. Taft Signed Photograph. Vintage
matte-finish 6.75 x 9.75 photo of Taft by the Harris & Ewing Studio of Washington, D.C., signed and inscribed in the lower border in fountain pen as president, “For Assistant to the Atty General, J. A. Fowler of Tennessee, one of the most earnest, effective, honest and faithful servants I have known, Wm. H. Taft, The White House, March 3, 1913.” In very fine condition. Starting Bid $200
President Wilson visits West Point in May 1916
53. Woodrow Wilson (2) Autograph and Typed Letters Signed as President. Very rare pairing of letters signed by
President Wilson: a TLS, one page, 5.25 x 8, White House letterhead, May 17, 1916, addressed to Secretary of War Newton D. Baker, in part: “I have your letter about the West Point commencement. I hope sincerely that I can arrange to attend. I have hoped ever since I came here to go to West Point and say a few words to the graduating class”; and an ALS, in pencil, one page, 4 x 6.25, handwritten the following day on May 18th, addressed to “My dear Ed,” in part: “I am passing through the city on my way to West Point—but the interval is too brief to see you. Your letter reached me this morning just before I left.” In overall fine condition, with old tape to the edges of, and a block of toning to, the typed letter; the handwritten letter shows brushing to a few words of text. Starting Bid $500
54. Woodrow Wilson Signed Check. The Princeton Bank
check, 7 x 2.75, filled out and signed by Woodrow Wilson, payable to James Hogarty for $3.86, February 15, 1901. In very good to fine condition, with creasing to the lower right. Starting Bid $200
55. Warren G. Harding Signed Check as President.
Rare personal check, 8.25 x 3, filled out in type and signed as president by Warren G. Harding, payable to John H. Magruder for $162.68, February 20, 1922. Affixed to a slightly larger cardstock mount and in fine condition. A scarce signed check from President Harding, one of only a few we have ever offered. Starting Bid $200
Rare handwritten letter from President Coolidge
ALS as president, one page, 7 x 8.75, White House letterhead, July 25, 1927. Handwritten letter to a gentleman in Larchmont, New York, in full: “Mr. Sanders has presented your request which is herewith granted.” In fine condition. Accompanied by an unsigned engraving. Starting Bid $200
one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland letterhead, January 15, 1924. Letter to friend and business associate Colonel Edgar A. Hamilton, in part: “I want to call your attention to some interesting figures relating to depository bonds running to the State of New York, which I have received from the office of the State Treasurer, Honorable George K. Shuler, Albany...we are now in 3rd place and nearly $4,000,000 ahead of the next company. I hope that within the next year we will pass the American and continue to gain on the National.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Archive of 34 signed checks from President Franklin D. Roosevelt
57. Franklin D. Roosevelt Archive of (34) Checks Signed as President. Check archive relating to President Franklin
D. Roosevelt, containing his last check register book and numerous signed checks from FDR’s personal checking account with the Guaranty Trust Company (GTC) of New York, dated between September 30, 1944 and March 16, 1945, twenty-seven days before his death. The collection is highlighted by a total of 34 canceled checks, all filled out in the hand of FDR’s personal secretary, Grace G. Tully, and all signed by President Roosevelt, “Franklin D. Roosevelt.” Most notable are two checks from December 7, 1944, the third anniversary of Pearl Harbor: one to Father Flanagan of Boys Town (not endorsed by Flanagan), and another for $1,000 to his wife, Eleanor Roosevelt, who endorses the reverse as “Anna Eleanor Roosevelt.”
Included is FDR’s black leather GTC check register book, with all of the checks before number 178 (April 9, 1945) removed from the register, which bears a few notations in Roosevelt’s hand; and a set of six GTC bank statement pages dated between October 31, 1944, and June 30, 1945, five of which are headed “Honorable Franklin D. Roosevelt, The White House, Washington, D.C.,” and the last example, dated two-and-a-months after his death, “Honorable Franklin D. Roosevelt, Deceased, Statements and Cancelled Vouchers to Auditing Dept., Fifth Avenue Office.” In overall fine condition. Starting Bid $1000
page, 8.5 x 11, Roosevelt & O’Connor, Counselors at Law letterhead, December 23, 1926. Letter to New York Supreme Court Judge Morgan J. O’Brien, in full: “Mr. Benjamin F. Crowley of this office is a candidate for membership in the Bankers Club and I write you this merely to tell you that he is a splendid type of fellow and not only mighty nice personally, but also is extremely efficient as a lawyer. He is a graduate of Yale and of the Harvard Law School, and is a member of the Yale Club.” In fine condition, with a rusty paperclip impression to the top edge. Accompanied by a copy of O’Brien’s reply letter. Starting Bid $200
Thanking the White House Chief of Staff for good wishes upon his 64th birthday
60. Harry S. Truman Autograph Letter Signed as
President. ALS as president, one page, 7 x 8.75, White House letterhead, May 9, 1948. Handwritten letter to John R. Steelman, his chief of staff, in full: “Your birthday note was read with appreciation and much satisfaction. You were very kind to me. The communication from you made the 64th birthday much happier. My able staff, represented by you makes my job possible; and I’d say that to each of them too.” In fine condition, with trivial stains along the extreme bottom edge. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Truman’s hand. Starting Bid $300
Check. TLS signed “Harry,” one page, 8 x 10.5, United States Senate letterhead, May 3, 1937. Letter to his future secretary of the treasury, Col. John W. Snyder, with Truman adding a lengthy handwritten postscript below, ”Here is a check for my part of Williamsburg. I’ll let the hootel [sic] offset the gasoline although J.K. only smelled it,” and, in the left margin, Truman adds the total sum, “Hotel 6.00, Tickets 1.50, Dinner 1.50, Lunch 1.00, 10.00.” Includes the referenced Hamilton National Bank check, 6.25 x 2.75, filled out and signed by Truman, payable to Snyder for $10, May 3, 1937. In overall fine condition, with filing holes to the top of both the letter and un-cashed check. Starting Bid $200
President Truman invests $50,000 in Government Bonds
as president, one page, 7 x 8.75, White House letterhead, August 31, 1951. Letter to former Secretary of the Treasury John W. Snyder, in full: “I am enclosing you two checks which come to a total of Fifty Thousand ($50,000) Dollars. I’ll appreciate it most highly if you will invest them in Government Bonds in the same manner you did before.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
63. Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower Signed Check. New Hampshire Insurance Company business check, 8.5 x 3.5, filled out in type and addressed to Eisenhower’s insurance agent Richard C. Leib, payable to “The Honorable Dwight D. Eisenhower and Mrs. Mamie D. Eisenhower” for $20.52, February 9, 1962. Endorsed on the reverse in black ink, “Dwight D. Eisenhower” and “Mrs. Mamie D. Eisenhower.” The reason for the payment is defined on the front as “Mysterious Disappearance.” In very good to fine condition, with scattered small stains, three vertical folds, and old tape over a tear to the lower left corner. An uncommon dual-signed check from Ike and Mamie. Starting Bid $200
Rare check from the presidential hopeful for a replacement copy of “Major Campaign Speeches of Adlai Stevenson”
64. John F. Kennedy Signed Check. Personal check, 8.5 x 3.25, filled out in another hand and signed by Kennedy, “John Kennedy,” payable to World Affairs Bookshop for $10, January 11, 1960. In fine condition. The invoice from Washington’s World Affairs Bookshop is unsigned and addressed to Kennedy’s Senate office, 8 x 5, December 28, 1959, headed: “Replacement copies supplied to Loan Division, Library of Congress.” It lists two books, “Major Campaign Speeches of Adlai Stevenson” and “Morison: The American Style,” at five dollars apiece.
In 1956, with his eye on the White House, Senator John F. Kennedy was greatly disappointed when, instead of selecting him as his vice-presidential running mate, Adlai Stevenson left the nomination in the hands of the Democratic National Convention; Kennedy came in second, losing to Tennessee Senator Estes Kefauver. Four years later, Kennedy again found himself at odds with Stevenson, who informally challenged his nomination. Checks from the soon-to-be president are exceedingly rare, and with its excellent political association at a crucial time in his career—just nine days after announcing his own candidacy—this is a highly desirable piece. Starting Bid $500
JFK appoints his power of attorney in 1955
65. John F. Kennedy Document
Signed. DS, two pages, 8.5 x 13, June 8, 1955. Interesting power of attorney document, in part: “Know all men by these presents, that I, John F. Kennedy, of 122 Bowdoin Street, City of Boston, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby constitute, designate and appoint Paul E. Murphy, of No. 230 Park Avenue, City and State of New York, my true and lawful attorney, for me, in my name and stead.” In very good to fine condition, with moderate to heavy overall creasing and wrinkling, and some skipping to Kennedy’s signature. Murphy worked in Joseph Kennedy’s New York office, where he oversaw some of the family’s business and issued checks for JFK’s expenses. Starting Bid $200
66. John F. Kennedy 1960 Presidential Campaign Brochure. Circa 1960
presidential campaign brochure for Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy, 3.75 x 9, signed on the front panel in green ink by Kennedy. Produced by the Wisconsin Volunteers for Kennedy, the pamphlet proclaims: “A time for greatness, U. S. Senator John F. Kennedy for President,” with an image of Kennedy looking towards the beckoning White House. The brochure opens into a well-illustrated 11 x 17.5 redwhite-and-blue advertisement of Kennedy’s accomplishments, under the heading: “In a time for greatness…A man destined to be great…” In fine condition, with the end of the signature quite light. Starting Bid $200
John, his brother Robert, and father Joseph, transfer Bronx property to the Archbishop of New York after JFK wins his Massachusetts senate seat and heads for Washington in 1953
68. John, Robert, and Joseph Kennedy (3) Documents Signed. Three notarized Bargain and Sale deeds, individu-
ally signed “John F. Kennedy,” “Robert F. Kennedy,” and “Joseph M. Kennedy,” respectively, all one page both sides, measuring 8.5 x 28 unfolded, two dated December 4, 1952, and one dated January 12, 1953. These documents transfer a parcel of land in the Bronx to the Archbishop of New York. The documents, mostly identical in their phrasing, read, in part: “I, John F. Kennedy, residing at 122 Bowdoin Street, Boston, Massachusetts, party of the first part, and The Archbishop of New York, a New York Corporation…party of the second part, Witnesseth, that the party of the first part, in consideration of Ten ($10.00) dollars lawful money of the United States, and other valuable consideration, paid by the party of the second part, does hereby grant and release unto the party of the second part, its successors, and assigns forever all that certain piece or parcel of land, lying and being in the Borough of the Bronx, City and State of New York.” The parcel in question bordered Waring Avenue and Bronxwood Avenue. A receipt from the Queens County Clerk is stapled to each deed as well. In fine condition, with horizontal storage folds, expected stamps and notations, and some scattered light toning and soiling.
On January 4, 1953, John F. Kennedy was sworn into office as a Massachusetts senator. As a youth, he had grown up in the Riverdale section of the Bronx and maintained a residence there although his permanent address remained in his home state. After his election to the Senate, he sold his property at the corner of Waring and Bronxwood Avenues and signed a lease for his Georgetown House on January 14, the apartment where he later proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier. The couple were married in Newport, Rhode Island on September 12 that same year and returned to Washington to live. In these three notarized documents signed by JFK, his brother Robert, and his father Joseph, the Kennedys transferred property to the Archbishop of New York, Cardinal Spellman, who founded many Catholic private schools in New York and Boston. An incredible trio of matching documents with excellent interconnected association. Starting Bid $500
Kennedy campaigns in ‘52
67. John F. Kennedy Typed Letter Signed. TLS signed
“John Kennedy,” one page, 5.75 x 7.75, House of Representatives letterhead, January 24, 1952. Letter sent while campaigning for his seat in the US Senate, to a future constituent in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. In full: “It certainly was a pleasure to meet you while I was in Longmeadow recently. I enjoyed talking with you and with the members of the Longmeadow Men’s Club, and do hope to see you again soon.” Handsomely double-matted and framed with a portrait to an overall size of 11 x 20. In very good to fine condition, with light creasing along the two mailing folds. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, bearing a preprinted free frank. Starting Bid $200
Rare check endorsed by LBJ as Senate Majority Whip
69. Lyndon B. Johnson Signed Check. First National Bank in Dallas check, 8 x 3, filled out and signed by J. W. Hickman, payable to Lyndon B. Johnson for $5.00, December 21, 1950, endorsed on the reverse by Johnson, “Lyndon B. Johnson, For deposit only in account with Riggs Nat’l Bank.” In fine condition. Johnson was chosen as Senate Majority Whip following the 1950 general election. Starting Bid $200
70. Richard Nixon (5) Documents Signed. Five documents signed by Nixon, chronicling a financial transaction involving an oil well in Oklahoma: a Graham-Michaelis Drilling, Inc., check made payable to Nixon for $19,325.30, March 4, 1968, endorsed on the reverse, “Richard M. Nixon”; a DS signed “Richard M. Nixon,” one page, March 1, 1968, authorizing the sale of certain interests “in oil production from the Mulbery #1-11 Unit”; a DS signed “Richard M. Nixon,” one page, no date, signed by witnesses in connection with the sale; a DS signed “Richard M. Nixon,” three pages, 8.5 x 14, December 28, 1966, concerning a mortgage from Stockyards National Bank in the amount of $36,000; and a DS signed “Richard M. Nixon,” two pages, 8.5 x 14, June 6, 1967, authorizing payments to Stockyards National Bank drawn from his interests in an oil well. In overall fine condition. Starting Bid $500
Rare high-level commission from President Nixon on his first day in office
71. Richard Nixon Document Signed as President.
Scarce partly-printed DS as president, one page, 23 x 19, January 21, 1969. President Nixon appoints Bryce N. Harlow of Virginia as “Assistant to the President of the United States of America.” Signed boldly at the conclusion by Richard Nixon, and countersigned by Secretary of State William P. Rogers. The large beige paper seal, which is exhibiting some slight peeling, remains affixed to the lower left. Rolled and in fine condition, with three light vertical folds. Starting Bid $200
Rare presidential speech notes—Ford addresses the American recession of 1975
73. Gerald Ford 1975 Conference Board Speech Lot . Rare grouping of three items relating to President Ford’s address to the Conference Board at the Sheraton-Park Hotel in Washington, D.C., on January 22, 1975. The group is highlighted by a typed fifth draft of Ford’s speech, eight pages, January 21, 1975, copiously emended and annotated in pencil by the president. The speech is accompanied by an ALS in pencil, signed with his initials, “GRF,” written on a sheet of Aboard Air Force One letterhead, and a one-page “Clearance Form for Presidential Speech Material,” which bears an ANS in the upper right corner, initialed in red felt tip, “GRF, Change as per Alan Greenspan, p. 12.” The form, directed to the president from Paul A. Theis, lists the following fields: Speechwriter, “Bakshian,” Editors, “Casserly / Theis,” and Basic Research/Speech Material Supplier, “Scheduling Office and Research Office, Economic Policy,” with a clearance list at the bottom initialed by several White House personnel members. In overall fine condition. Starting Bid $500
74. Gerald Ford Signed Check. William Morris Agency business check, 8.5 x 3.5, filled out in type and signed by agency executive Larry Lewis, payable to Gerald R. Ford & Betty Ford for $1,666.67, October 13, 1977, endorsed on the reverse in ink, “Enclosed for deposit only in the account of Gerald R. Ford in Bank of America, Gerald R. Ford.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Elusive handwritten letter from President Carter
dent. ALS as president, one page, 6.75 x 8.75, White House letterhead, April 22, 1977. Brief handwritten letter to Joe Hall, in full: “Thanks for your good advice on the space and energy programs.” In very good to fine condition, with a small smudge to the recipient’s first name, and complete lamination on both sides. A decidedly rare piece of presidential correspondence, handwritten letters from President Carter remain virtually unattainable. Starting Bid $300
Reagan thanks Jonathan Winters, his former Dean Martin Show roaster, for his “generous words”
76. Ronald Reagan Autograph Letter Signed as
President. ALS as president, one page, 6.75 x 9, White House letterhead, no date. Handwritten letter to actor Jonathan Winters, in full: “It was good to hear from you and I appreciate your generous words. Nancy sends her best and I’m happy to join your collection.” In fine condition, with light irregular toning.
Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Profiles in History affirming that the letter was obtained “directly from Jonathan Winters, to whom the letter was addressed.” Starting Bid $300
77. Ronald Reagan Signed Check. Bank of
America check, 5.75 x 2.5, filled out and signed by Reagan, “Ronald Reagan,” payable to Nino Pipitone Jr. for $25, June 16, 1948. In fine condition. Reagan and Nino Pipitone, Sr., appeared in two films together—The Voice of the Turtle (1947) and John Loves Mary (1949). The younger Pipitone appeared as an uncredited child in several films, including The Song of Bernadette, Heaven Can Wait, and A Bell for Adano. Starting Bid $200
President Bush salutes a Hearst editorial about the Tiananmen Square protests— “Please tell him he is ‘right on’”
ALS as president, one page both sides, 6.5 x 4, engraved White House stationery card letterhead, December 15, 1989. Handwritten letter to an unknown recipient named “Joe,” in full: “I was delighted by Randy Hearst’s editorial about China. Will you please tell him he is ‘right on’ but, more, that I am very grateful. Have a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Decade.” In very fine condition. Starting Bid $200
As chairman, Bush signs over a check “to order of Republican National Committee”
Check. Two early items: an ALS on both sides of a 6.25 x 4 Republican National Committee stationery card, no date but circa 1974, to Dr. Irving O. Thomas, in full: “Thanks for your letter—here’s the cover back—signed!! The check will go to help out party work. There is no charge for the signature—I endorsed the check over to our party—Thanks for your interest”; and the check filled out and signed by Irving O. Thomas, 8.25 x 3, made payable to Bush for $5, June 4, 1974, endorsed on the reverse, “George Bush, pay to order of Republican National Committee.” In very good to fine condition, with intersecting folds to the note card. Starting Bid $200
80. Bill and Hillary Clinton Document Signed as President and First Lady. DS, signed as president, “Bill Clinton,”
and as first lady, “Hillary Rodham Clinton,” one page, 8.5 x 11, individually dated March 5 and 7, 1999. In full: “This will certify that we have incurred legal expenses in connection with the Whitewater matter, from November 1, 1998 to January 31, 1999, in an amount of $1,034,043.58, as reflected on the attached statement of Williams & Connolly, dated March 3, 1999, as certified by David E. Kendall, Esq. A total of $3,737,228.06 is presently due for billed but unpaid legal fees and expenses. We further certify that we are familiar with the legal services rendered, that we have read the Clinton Legal Expense Trust Indenture, dated February 17, 1998, and that we believe these legal expenses are appropriate for reimbursement by the Trust.” Signed and dated at the conclusion in blue ink by the president, and signed and dated below in black ballpoint by the first lady. In very fine condition. Both the Williams & Connolly Statement for Legal Services Rendered and the Certification by Counsel are included.
This presidential-signed document dates to an extremely litigious period during the Clinton administration. The Clinton Legal Expense Trust was formed in 1998 to continue raising money for legal expenses towards the Whitewater real estate controversy involving President and First Lady Clinton, as well as the Paula Jones sexual harassment lawsuit filed against the president on May 6, 1994. The trust also covered expenses in a second campaign fundraising controversy, legal fees resulting from the Monica Lewinsky matter, and the ongoing Clinton impeachment. Fascinating insight into the legal defense fund of the nation’s 42nd chief executive. Starting Bid $1000
Amid the greatest financial crisis since the Depression, President Obama remains optimistic on economy— “Things will keep getting better”
81. Barack Obama Autograph Letter Signed as President. Rare ALS as president, one page, 6.5 x 4, White House stationery card, postmarked January 11, 2010. Handwritten letter to Jennifer Cline, in full: “Thanks for the very kind and inspiring letter. I know times are tough, but knowing there are folks out there like you and your husband give me confidence that things will keep getting better!” In very fine condition. Accompanied by the original White House mailing envelopes, as well as a copy of a Huffington Post article from November 2, 2010, which lends background on the recipient, Jennifer Cline, and the original sale of the letter. During his State of the Union speech on January 27, 2010, Obama declared ‘the markets are now stabilized, and we’ve recovered most of the money we spent on the banks.’ From the time of that message to the day Obama left office, an on-the-mend US economy created about 2.4 million jobs per year. An inspiring message of hope relating to what is perhaps Obama’s greatest accomplishment—handwritten letters from Obama as president remain especially scarce. Starting Bid $1000
82. Donald Trump Signed Book. Rare signed book with
an important association: Trump: The America We Deserve. First edition. Los Angeles: Renaissance Books, 2000. Hardcover with dust jacket, 6.25 x 9.25, 286 pages. Signed and inscribed on the first free end page in black felt tip to Rudy Giuliani, “Jan 2000—To Rudy—The best mayor N.Y.C. has ever had! I promise never to run against you—Donald.” In very fine condition. A remarkable New York City association, long pre-dating their controversial White House years. Starting Bid $500
Flown over the US Capitol on Election Day 2020
83. Joe Biden 2020 Election Day Flag. Very desirable 5´ x 8´ nylon American flag that was flown over the United States Capitol on November 3, 2020, the date of the United States presidential election. 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 November 3, 2020...to commemorate the 59th presidential election.” In very fine condition. Accompanied by the original box. Starting Bid $200
84. Joe Biden Signed Photograph. Color satin-finish 14
x 11 photo of President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, along with other members of the national security team, as they receive an update on the mission against Osama bin Laden in the Situation Room of the White House on May 1, 2011, signed in black felt tip, “Keep the faith! Joe Biden, 2-21-19.” In very fine condition, with a JSA label affixed to the lower corner. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from JSA. Starting Bid $200
86. Four Presidents Signed Photo-
graph. Color satin-finish 8 x 10 photo of Presidents Nixon through Reagan gathered at the White House prior to departing for Anwar Sadat’s funeral in 1981, signed in the lower border in black felt tip, “Ronald Reagan,” “Gerald R. Ford,” “Jimmy Carter,” and “Richard Nixon.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
