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Presidents and First Ladies
Handwritten Washington letter penned a month before the outbreak of Revolutionary War
1. George Washington Autograph Letter Signed. ALS signed “Go: Washington,” one page, 7.25 x 9.25, March 10, 1775. Addressed from Mount Vernon, a handwritten letter to Edward Snickers, in full: “I have receiv’d your Letter of the 6th Inst’t Inclos’g rec’t for the delivery of Colo. Mercers wheat, as also an acct of what is due to you for Hauling it to my Mill, & Threshing it out, by which you make a Balle of Forty four pounds Seven shillings and Nine pence due to you, which I dare say is right, & therefore acknowledge it to be so, as I keep the Millers receipts.—I had sold my Corn for ready money which was to have been taken away by the first of this Month, & of course I ought to have been in Cash, to have answer’d yours & other demands but have not receiv’d a farthing of the money for which reason I can send you by Mr. Fenton only Twenty pounds—the remaining £24.7.9 I will pay to your Order, so soon as I receive the Cash.—If you do not send your wheat soon, it will be of little use to me. I am Y’r Most Obed’t Serv’t.” Archivally mounted, matted, and framed to an overall size of 15 x 17.25. In fine condition. Starting Bid $2500
Desirable 1794 three-language ship’s pass issued by President Washington to a schooner bound for Jamaica
2. George Washington Document Signed as President. Partly-printed DS as president, signed “G:o Washington,” one page, 12.5 x 15.5, December 9, 1794. Three-language ship’s papers issued to “Charles Mustard of Massachusetts State, master or commander of the Schooner called the Arethusa…lying at present in the port of Bath, bound for Jamaica and laden with Boards, Shingles, Pork & Fish.” Signed in the center by President Washington and countersigned by Secretary of State Edmund Randolph. The bright white paper seal affixed to the left side remains intact. Mounted and framed to an overall size of 17 x 19.75. In very good condition, with overall toning and creasing, scattered stains, repairs to fold splits, and an old repair to the central vertical fold which affects both signatures.
When France declared war on England in February of 1793, the United States was put in a precarious position, proclaiming neutrality but still formally allied with France under the treaty of 1778. Both sides harassed and seized American ships—especially those carrying provisions to the French colonial ports. Used to establish proof of nationality and guarantee protection for ships, these documents were signed in bulk by Washington and Randolph, then forwarded to the collectors of customs at different ports for distribution. There, local officials would confirm the legitimacy of the vessels, their cargo, and their personnel. A desirable ‘sea letter’ signed by America’s first commander-in-chief. Starting Bid $1000
Handwritten letter by President Adams concerning the death of his father in the “great cold at Braintree”—a 1761 flu epidemic
3. John Adams Autograph Letter Signed as President. ALS as president, signed “J. Adams,” one page, 8 x 10, January 22, 1798. Handwritten from Philadelphia to his cousin, Dr. Cotton Tufts, in full: “Inclosed is a Letter from Mr. Webster, which I shall be much obliged if you will answer, thro me. The great cold at Braintree, of which my Father died in 1761 as I believe, but of which as I have no Record here I am not positive, is the object of his inquiry.” A postscript reads: “I write you this month about Business with Brother Cranch & Gen. Lincoln.” In very good to fine condition, with some light toning, and a series of tiny tears along the bottom edge.
On January 13, 1798, Noah Webster, in the course of researching the influenza epidemic of 1789, wrote to President Adams requesting information about a similar contagion that had afflicted the Boston area in 1761 and took the life of his father, John Adams, Sr. Webster asked for the ‘precise year of its prevalence the time of the year, & how extensive it was, and whether fatal to many people.’ Adams replied: ‘In July 1761, I think it was, but have no Record or minute here, My Father died and my Mother was very ill, and I think, Seventeen Persons in the Neighbourhood in Braintree died of a Fever occasioned by an endemial Cold, so much like the Influenza that I Suppose it to have been the Same.’ He suggested that Cotton Tufts, who was practicing medicine during that timeframe, might supply additional information, and then forwarded Webster’s letter to Tufts by this epistle. The knowledge that Tufts provided became a source for Webster’s A Brief History of the Epidemic and Pestilential Diseases, published in Hartford the following year. Starting Bid $1000
John Adams pens a pair of legal documents at the start of the Revolution
4. John Adams Autograph Document Signed. Boldly penned pair of legal documents written in the hand of John Adams, who signs the earlier example within the text, “John Adams,” two pages, 6 x 3.5 and 3 x 3.75, with the first accomplished at Braintree on April 16, 1765, and reading: “For Value rec’d I promise to pay John Adams or his order, Nine Pounds Three Shillings and Nine Pence of lawful Money on Demand, with Interest, Witness, my Hand, Test.” The document is countersigned by Isaac Tirrell and Rachel Marsh, a nanny and general ladies’ maid in the home of John and Abigail Adams just prior to the Revolution. The second unsigned document relates to a case between Joseph Blake, Jr., and Samuel Stoddard, held at the Suffolk Inferior Court in April 1766, which finds Adams amassing a legal fee to the sum of £2.1.6. The sheet is countersigned by two others in the lower left. Archivally mounted, matted, and framed together to an overall size of 17.25 x 10.75. In overall fine condition, with a few light stains. Starting Bid $500
Rare 1802 handwritten promissory note by John Quincy Adams, signed by his father John Adams
5. John Adams and John Quincy Adams Document Signed. Extraordinary DS written in the hand of John Quincy Adams and signed by his father, “John Adams,” one page, 7.5 x 4.5, March 29, 1802. Promissory note penned by John Quincy Adams and signed by John Adams, in full: “Quincy, 29 March 1802. For value received, I promise to pay Mr. Thomas Thaxter jun’r or order eleven hundred and twenty five dollars and fifty cents, in twelve months from this date, with interest untill paid.” Prominently signed at the conclusion by John Adams, and countersigned as a witness by his cousin, the notable physician Cotton Tufts. In fine condition, with toning from prior display. From the collection of noted autograph and manuscript collector Philip D. Sang (1902–1975). Accompanied by engraved portraits of Adams and the White House. Starting Bid $500
Remarkable handwritten land sale document by John Adams, signed four times by the founding father
6. John Adams Autograph Document Signed. ADS, signed four times,
“John Adams,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 12.75, April 26, 1765. Document written mostly in Adams’s hand, concerning the sale of lands in Braintree, Massachusetts; a few blank areas were filled out in another hand, as was the middle portion of the document with survey information for the parcel. Adams incorporates his own name three times within the text, writing, in part: “To all People, to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting. Know ye that We Samuel Niles and John Adams Esquires, and Jonathan Bass, Gentleman, all of Braintree, in the County of Suffolk, and Province of the Massachusetts Bay, in New-England, being a Committee of said Town of Braintree, by a Vote of said Town, at a legal Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of said Town, qualified by law to vote in Town Affairs,…appointed and impowered to make sale of the North Common Lands.” Signed at the conclusion by Niles, Adams, and Bass, and countersigned by two witnesses. Double-matted and framed as part of a hinged display to an overall size of 23 x 21.5; the front of the document is shown beside a portrait of Adams, which opens to show the opposite side in a window in the backing. In fine condition, with a couple of small areas of paper loss. A lengthy document in Adams’s distinctive hand, boasting a remarkable four full signatures. Starting Bid $500
Handwritten letter by Jefferson, acting as attorney for Revolutionary War hero Tadeusz Kosciuszko
7. Thomas Jefferson Autograph Letter Signed. ALS signed “Th: Jefferson, Atty for Genl. Thad. Kosciuszko,” one page, 7.75 x 4.75, June 29, 1811. Handwritten letter to “The Cashier of the Bank of Pennsylvania,” in which Jefferson, acting as the attorney for Revolutionary War hero Tadeusz Kosciuszko, redirects the payment of dividends to satisfy debts. In full: “Be pleased to have paiment made to John Barnes or order of all dividends which shall become due on the 1st day of July ensuing for the shares of stock held by Genl. Thaddeus Kosciuszko in the bank of Pennsylvania, for which this shall be your sufficient voucher.” Corner-mounted, matted, and framed to an overall size of 18.5 x 16. In very good to fine condition, with light staining and toning.
Jefferson was a close friend of Kosciuszko, who had served as a colonel in the Continental Army during the Revolution and oversaw the construction of state-of-the-art fortifications, including those at West Point. Upon his return to Europe, Jefferson oversaw his American affairs and was to be the executor of his estate. However, Jefferson declined to accept the responsibility upon the general’s death in 1817, citing to both his old age and the legal complexities surrounding the estate—it was to be sold, and the proceeds spent on freeing and educating African-American slaves. In this instance, it seems that Jefferson—struggling financially after his retirement to Monticello—had reached out to Kosciuszko for assistance in repaying some debts, and the general was happy to oblige. The two shared many political ideals: Jefferson wrote of Kosciuszko, ‘He is as pure a son of liberty as I have ever known.’ Starting Bid $1000
Important patriotic handwritten letter from President Jefferson to John Stark, praising the “victories of Bennington, the first link in that chain of successes which issued in the surrender at Saratoga”
8. Thomas Jefferson Autograph Letter Signed as President. Superlative ALS as president, signed “Th: Jefferson,”
one page, 7.75 x 8, August 19, 1805. Handwritten letter from Monticello to General John Stark, in full: “I have lately learnt through the channel of the newspapers, and learnt with great pleasure, that you are still in life, & enjoy health & spirits. The victories of Bennington, the first link in that chain of successes which issued in the surrender at Saratoga, are still fresh in the memory of every American, & the name of him who atchieved [sic] them dear to his heart. Permit therefore a stranger who knows you only by the services you have rendered, to express to you the sincere emotions of pleasure and attachment which he felt on learning that your days had been thus prolonged, his fervent prayers that they may still be continued in comfort, and the conviction, that, whenever they end, your memory will be cherished by those who come after you, as of one who has not lived in vain for his country. I salute you, venerable patriot & General, with affection & reverence.” Addressed on the integral leaf in Jefferson’s hand to “General Starke, Derryfield.” In fine condition, with trimmed edges, and complete silking to the reverse. Accompanied by an engraved portrait bearing a facsimile signature.
Remembered as the ‘Hero of Bennington’ for his exemplary service at the Battle of Bennington on August 16, 1777, Stark led a group of New England militiamen in the defeat of a detachment of General John Burgoyne’s army. The victory was a major strategic success for the beleaguered patriot cause, galvanizing support for the independence movement. It is considered one of the early turning points in the American Revolution. After the war, Stark retired from public life to his farm in New Hampshire, where he lived out his days in relative obscurity—even Jefferson, the patriot philosopher then serving as America’s president, seemed surprised to learn that Stark was alive.
In his reply to Jefferson—not sent until November, ‘owing to the imbecility inseparably connected with the wane of life’ in his 77th year—Stark confessed: ‘I once began to think that the labors of the revolution were in vain, and that I should live to see the system restored that I had assisted in destroying. But my fears are at an end, & I am now calmly preparing to meet the unerring fate of man, but with the satisfactorily reflection that I leave a numerous progeny in a land highly favored by nature, and under a government whose principles & views I believe to be correct & just.’ A contemporary true copy of Stark’s reply is included. Starting Bid $5000
Jefferson-Madison ship’s pass for a schooner bound for Havana
9. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison Document Signed as President and Secretary of State.
Partly-printed DS, signed “Th: Jefferson” as president and “James Madison” as secretary of state, one page, 20.5 x 16.25, August 6, 1808. Four-language ship’s papers issued to James Newall, “master or commander of the Schooner called the Aurora…lying at present in the port of New York bound for Havana and laden with Boards, Ballast & Stores.” Signed at center by President Jefferson and countersigned by Secretary of State Madison. Two embossed paper seals remain intact to the lower left. Mounted and framed to an overall size of 26.5 x 22.5. In very good condition, with repairs to tears, splits, and areas of paper loss, and creasing passing through Jefferson’s signature. Starting Bid $300
Madison appoints the USS Constitution’s sailmaker
vellum DS as president, one page, 11.5 x 7.75, June 20, 1812. President Madison appoints William Widgeon as “a sailmaker in the Navy of the United States.” Signed at the conclusion by President Madison and countersigned by Secretary of the Navy Paul Hamilton. In very good to fine condition, with light soiling and trimmed edges. Widgeon was assigned to the USS Constitution, serving as its sailmaker from July 3, 1812–June 22, 1815. He was one of the few members of Constitution’s War of 1812 crew who served during all of the ship’s battles: he was on board Old Ironsides during her engagements with HMS Guerriere on August 19, 1812, with HMS Java on December 29, 1812, and with HMS Cyane and HMS Levant on February 20, 1815. Starting Bid $200
12. James Monroe and John Quincy Adams Document Signed as President and Secretary of
State. Partly-printed DS, signed “James Monroe” as president and “John Quincy Adams” as secretary of state, one page, 16 x 9.75, May 15, 1818. President Monroe appoints Ichabod Pratt of New York as “an appraiser of Goods Wares or Merchandize for the Port of New York.” Neatly signed at the conclusion by President Monroe and countersigned by Secretary of State Adams. The white paper seal affixed to the lower left remains fully intact. In very good condition, with areas of paper loss, and repairs on the back to various tears and fold splits; the signatures are clean and unaffected. A great combination of signatures, making an appointment for an unusual position. Starting Bid $200
The construction of the Adams family tomb, with receipt for the exhumation of John and Abigail Adams
13. John Quincy Adams Document Signed. Manuscript DS, signed “J. Q. Adams,” one page both sides, 8.5 x 13.25, October 2, 1827. Contract for the construction of the family crypt. In part: “This agreement made between John Quincy Adams of Boston in the County of Suffolk and Henry Wood of Quincy…That the said Henry Wood doth covenant and promise on his part to construct a tomb under the stone temple now erecting in said Quincy...The whole to be of handsome hammered granite stone taken from the ledge given by the late John Adams to the Town of Quincy...And the said John Quincy Adams...agree to pay…the sum of four hundred & thirty four dollars and eighty nine cents.” Signed at the conclusion once by John Quincy Adams and twice by Henry Wood, and countersigned by John Quincy Adams’s sons George Washington Adams and John Adams II as witnesses. Also includes a manuscript receipt signed by Wood, in full: “This is to certify that I removed the remains of the late John Adams Esqr. with his Consort from his family tomb in the burying ground to the tomb erected under the new stone Temple in Quincy April the 1, 1828.” In very good condition, with fragile intersecting folds with partial edge separations, and scattered light foxing. Starting Bid $1000
Preparing to leave England to take his place as Secretary of State, Adams examines relief efforts for American sailors stranded abroad
14. John Quincy Adams Autograph Letter Signed. ALS, one page, 7.5 x 9.25, March 11, 1817. Handwritten letter to Colonel Thomas Aspinwall, US consul at London. In part: “I propose to remove very shortly to town, and shall have a number of boxes of Books and other Articles packed up to be shipp’d for Boston. Mr. Grubb mentioned that there was a cellar or Store Room at your Office, where such boxes could without inconvenience to you be deposited.” He adds a postscript, signed “J.Q.A.,” in full: “I should have noticed your Letter of 20 Feb’y enclosing Sibert’s Examination. The numbers of Seamen who have applied to you for relief are so great, that I should be glad to have a statement, of the whole number, marking the respective numbers of white men, and men of colour, and a summary of the principal causes, which have brought them in such multitudes, to your Office as Applicants for relief.” Impressively cloth-matted and framed against a hinged display with a portrait, nameplate, and a plaque offering historical context to an overall size of 36.5 x 23.5; the letter’s frame opens to reveal a plaque transcribing its text, and a window in the backing so that docketing can be viewed. In fine condition. Starting Bid $300
7.75 x 9.75, June 7, 1819. Boldly penned handwritten letter to T. H. Hubbard, in part: “I have received from Mr. W. S. Clarkson, at New York, Bills and Draughts to the amount of $794.50 in part payment of the note due from the Estate of the late Justus B. Smith to me. At foot hereof is a minute of the balance remaining due, after this payment.” Below, Adams writes out an account with a remaining balance of $932.61 due. In very good to fine condition, with staining, affecting only appearance. Starting Bid $200
16. John Quincy Adams Document Signed
as President. Partly-printed vellum DS as president, signed “J. Q. Adams,” one page, 13.5 x 8.5, October 25, 1825. President Adams grants to the heirs of Neill Campbell a parcel of land “containing Eighty acres of the Lands directed to be sold at Shawneetown.” Signed at the conclusion in ink by President Adams and countersigned by Commissioner of the General Land Office George Graham. The white paper seal affixed to the lower left remains intact. Framed to an overall size of 15.75 x 10.75. In fine condition, with areas of light soiling. Starting Bid $200
17. Andrew Jackson Autograph Letter Signed as President. ALS as president, one page, 7.25 x 8.25, April 22, 1829. Handwritten letter to Secretary of the Treasury Samuel D. Ingham, whom Jackson errantly titles as “Sec. of the Navy.” In full: “For the security of the revenue, the following rule is suggested to be established in the customs. All bonds taken by collectors to be deposited in Bank, (U. States) when taken, as a credit to the United States, there to remain untill they become due, & if not paid, then delivered to the att’o for the District, for collection. If you approve let it be adopted. I would like to receive your views on this subject.” Matted and framed and in fine condition, with a small stain to the center. Starting Bid $300
Seventeen days after his heroic defense of New Orleans, Gen. Jackson makes recommendations for “the proper defences of this country”
18. Andrew Jackson Letter Signed on Battle of New Orleans. War-dated LS signed “Andrew Jackson, Major Gen’l
Comd’g,” three pages on two sheets, 8 x 10, January 25, 1815. Letter to the Secretary of War sent from New Orleans seventeen days after his heroic defense of the city, reporting on movements of the enemy and making recommendations with regard to troop strength and equipment. In full: “I advised you, on the 20th that the enemy had two nights before, decamped & returned to his flotilla. No circumstances have since transpired to render it certain whether he intends to abandon his original purpose altogether, or to apply his exertions for its accomplishment at some other point. My own opinion is that his late discomfiture have left him without the means of promoting it, at present, with much likeliness of success. Having manifested, however, by bringing with him all the preparations for the immediate establishment of Colonial government, not only the facility with which he calculated on attaining his object, but the high sense which he entertains of its value, it is not improbable that tho, disappointed in the expectation of early conquest, he may still retain the hope of final success. If such be his feelings & views the interval of his absence ought to be industriously employed in making provision for his return. For the defense of this district, should the enemy think proper to renew his attempts, five thousand Regular troops are in my opinion, necessary.” In fine condition. Accompanied by an unsigned engraved portrait.
In the historic Battle of New Orleans on January 8, 1815, Jackson’s outnumbered American forces defeated the British invaders, suffering only 71 casualties in comparison to Britain’s 2,042. Reporting on several military matters just weeks after this decisive moment in the War of 1812, Jackson prepares to strengthen the nation’s defenses—not knowing whether or not the British would return. In fact, the Treaty of Ghent had already been signed—formally ending the war—but news of it was still en route from Europe. Considered by many one of the greatest American land victories of all time, the battle made Jackson an American hero and propelled him to the presidency in 1829. Starting Bid $300
19. Andrew Jackson Document Signed as President.
Partly-printed vellum DS as president, one page, 13 x 16.25, March 15, 1831. President Jackson appoints William H. C. Bartlett as “Second Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers in the service of the United States.” Prominently signed at the conclusion by President Jackson and countersigned by Secretary of War John H. Eaton. The white paper seal affixed to the upper left remains intact. Mounted and framed to an overall size of 17.25 x 21. In fine condition, with overall toning and wrinkling. Starting Bid $200
20. Andrew Jackson Document Signed as President. Partly-printed vellum DS as president, one page, 15.25 x 9.5, April 13, 1829. President Jackson grants John and George Schroll of Ohio a parcel from the “Lands offered for sale at Tiffin, Ohio, containing Eighty Acres.” Boldly signed at the conclusion by President Jackson and countersigned by Commissioner of the General Land Office George Graham. The white paper seal affixed to the lower left remains intact. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
As a first year VP, Van Buren writes to President Jackson concerning a statement from a notable commodore
21. Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren Docketing as President
and Autograph Letter Signed. ALS signed “M. Van Buren,” one page, 7.75 x 12.75, no date but circa 1833. Letter to “The President,” Andrew Jackson, initialed and docketed by Jackson on the reverse. Van Buren’s letter, in part: “My friend Mr. Hoffman will call upon you at ten in the morning to ask some assistance from you in the prosecution of Mr. Decatur’s bill.” On the reverse of the second integral leaf, Jackson writes: “Major Lewis will please send this & let me see him early-Capt Stuart must be seen on tomorrow after Mr. Hoffman has the interview with me. A. J.” In very good to fine condition, with a missing lower right corner and seal-related loss to integral address leaf. Starting Bid $300
22. Martin Van Buren and Millard Fillmore (2) Letters Signed. Two letters by the future presidents: an ALS signed “M.
Van Buren,” one page, 7.75 x 9.25, November 17, 1825, in part: “I congratulate on our success. We have certainly elected…a certain majority in the house from 15 to 25. So much for adherence to good principles. I concur with you fully in your speculations on the business. The case is one full of difficulty & must be looked upon deliberately”; and an LS signed “Millard Fillmore,” one page, 7.5 x 9.25, December 22, 1852, in part: “Accept my thanks for the list of books which you sent me treating upon the duties of Consuls...two reasons will deprive me of the pleasure of purchasing. One is, that most of the books to which you refer are either in French or Spanish, and I desire them in English. The other and more important is, that the fund appropriated by Congress to this object has been exhausted.” Matted and framed together to an overall size of 21 x 14. In fine condition, with two light stains to the Van Buren letter. Starting Bid $200
Rare appointment signed by William Henry Harrison while administering the District of Louisiana after its purchase from France
23. William Henry Harrison Document
Signed. Partly-printed DS, signed “Will’m Henry Harrison,” one page, 12.5 x 7.75, October 1, 1804. As governor of the Indiana Territory and of the District of Louisiana, Harrison appoints Andrew Welson “to be Recorder of our said District of New Madrid.” In very good condition, with toning, staining, and separations along the somewhat fragile folds. After the conclusion of the Louisiana Purchase, Harrison 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. Starting Bid $300
24. William Henry Harrison Signed Check. Miami Exporting Company check, 6 x 2, filled out and signed by Harrison, “Will’m Henry Harrison,” payable to Mr. Whiteman for $15, February 7, 1815. Archivally mounted, matted, and framed to an overall size of 13 x 9.25. In fine condition, with light toning from prior display. Our first Harrison signed check in five years. Starting Bid $300
In a handwritten presidential letter to the Secretary of the Navy, Tyler oversees a contract dispute “relative to the building ‘The Cob Wharf’ in New York”
25. John Tyler Autograph Letter Signed as President. ALS as president signed “J. Tyler,” one page both sides, 7.75 x 10, October 11, 1844. Handwritten letter marked “Private,” to Secretary of the Navy John Young Mason, in part: “I receive information from a private source of much complaint existing in New York and some trouble being likely to arise from the desperation made of the contract relative to the building ‘The Cob Wharf’ in New York. The facts as stated to me are that an order for a public advertisement for terms was issued here as orders to be made, and that a man of the name of Griffin backed by perfect security, was the lowest bidder....Will you please look into this matter.” In fine condition, with writing showing through from opposing sides. Starting Bid $200
lum DS as president, one page, 13.5 x 17, September 9, 1841. President Tyler appoints Samuel L. Breese as “a Captain in the Navy.” Signed at the conclusion by John Tyler, and countersigned by J. D. Simms as Acting Secretary of the Navy. Original Navy Department seal remains affixed to the lower vignette. Archivally mounted and framed to an overall size of 18.25 x 21.5. In fine condition, with overall wrinkling. Starting Bid $200
Four-language ship’s papers for a Pacific whaling voyage
27. John Tyler and Daniel Webster Docu-
ment Signed. Partly-printed DS, signed “John Tyler” as president and “Dan’l Webster” as secretary of state, one page, 20.5 x 16.5, August 18, 1842. Four-language ship’s papers issued to Aaron C. Cushman, “master or commander of the Ship called George Howland…lying at present in the port of New Bedford bound for Pacific Ocean and laden with Provisions, Stores & Utensils for a whaling voyage.” Boldly signed at center by President Tyler and countersigned by Secretary of State Webster. The embossed white paper seal remains fully intact. Mounted, matted, and framed to an overall size of 29.5 x 25.5. In fine condition, with some creasing to the top edge. Starting Bid $200
28. John Tyler and John C. Calhoun Document Signed as President and Secretary of State.
Partly-printed vellum DS, signed “J. Tyler” as president and “J. C. Calhoun” as secretary of state, one page, 12.75 x 15.5, October 21, 1844. Scalloped-top ship’s pass issued to the “Brig Edward, Thomas J. Southworth master or commander of the burthen of 133 37/95 tons.” Signed at the conclusion by President John Tyler, and countersigned below by Secretary of State John C. Calhoun and Collector of Customs Joseph T. Adams. The embossed seal is no longer present. Archivally mounted and framed to an overall size of 17 x 19.5. In fine condition, with scattered small stains. Starting Bid $200
29. James K. Polk Document Signed as President. DS as
president, one page, 8 x 10, March 21, 1845. President Polk directs the “Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to the pardon of Thomas Sangster, and for his release.” Neatly signed at the conclusion by President Polk. Mounted, matted, and framed to an overall size of 14.75 x 17. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Rare appointment from President Taylor for an American consul in Brazil
31. Zachary Taylor Document Signed as President. Partly-printed DS as president, signed “Z. Taylor,” one page, 13.25 x 10.25, August 9, 1849. President Zachary Taylor appoints Thomas Turner of New York as “Consul of the United States of America, for the Port of Bahia de San Salvador in the Empire of Brazil.” Signed boldly at the conclusion by Taylor. Lower left corner bears the original off-white paper seal. Double-matted and framed with an engraving and facsimile signature to an overall size of 25 x 17.25. In fine condition, with intersecting folds. Given his short 16-month tenure in the White House, presidential autographs by Taylor are especially scarce, with this diplomatic commission a particularly rare example. Starting Bid $500
President Taylor writes to America’s first Secretary of the Interior in a rare handwritten letter as president
30. Zachary Taylor Autograph Letter Signed as President. Rare ALS as president, signed “Z. Taylor,” one page,
5 x 8, November 27, 1849. Boldly penned handwritten letter to Secretary of the Interior Thomas Ewing, in full: “Permit me to introduce you to my friend Mr. Henry Waller of Louisiana, who has business connected with your dept., as he informs me any facility you may be able to afford him in transacting it, will oblige your, ob’t serv’t.” Addressed on the reverse of the second integral page in Taylor’s hand, “Hon. Tho’s Ewing, Secr’y of the Interior, Washington, Politeness of Mr. Waller.” In very good to fine condition, with several old pieces of tape to the edges, and a light block of toning from prior display.
The Department of the Interior, which consolidated bureaus such as the General Land Office from the Treasury Department and the Indian Bureau from the War Department, had been created by Congress on the eve of President Taylor’s inauguration. In crafting his cabinet Taylor aimed to represent the geographic diversity of America, choosing the Hon. Thomas Ewing—who hailed from the politically ripe state of Ohio—as the new department’s first head. This letter introduces the secretary to Henry Waller, a surveyor from Taylor’s home state of Louisiana. Waller’s “business connected with your dept.” was presumably in relation to Land Office operations. Handwritten letters from Taylor’s presidency are rare, as he passed away just sixteen months into his term and wrote little during that time. A scarce and exceedingly desirable letter from a sitting president to a cabinet member. Starting Bid $2500
32. Zachary Taylor Document Signed. Manuscript
DS, signed “Z. Taylor, Col. Comd’g,” one page, 7.75 x 9.75, June 26, 1834. Requisition document signed by Lt. Beall, in part: “Special Requisition for Flannel for the use of Ordnance Department at For Crawford, M.T., No. of yards 6.” Endorsed below by Taylor to approve the request, and signed again by Beall to confirm receipt. Mounted, matted, and framed to an overall size of 14.25 x 16.5. In fine condition, with light showthrough from the reverse. Starting Bid $200
Partly-printed vellum DS as president, one page, 13.5 x 15.5, July 12, 1852. President Fillmore appoints Frederick A. Boardman as “a Midshipman in the Navy of the United States.” Boldly signed at the conclusion by President Fillmore and countersigned by Secretary of the Navy William A. Graham. The white paper seal affixed at the bottom remains fully intact. In fine condition, with intersecting folds and overall wrinkling. Starting Bid $200
Fillmore on the death of the former first lady: “My dear wife is no more”
33. Millard Fillmore Autograph Letter Signed. ALS, one page, 5.25 x
8.25, April 3, 1853. Four weeks after leaving the presidency, Fillmore informs his brother of the death of his wife. In part: “My Dear Brother Charles, My dear wife is no more. She died at Washington on Wednesday the 30th ult. and we left with her remains the next day for this place, and arrived here night before last, and she was buried yesterday. Her disease was inflammation of the lungs arising from a severe cold…which soon terminated in a dropsy of the lungs. She bore all her sufferings with uncomplaining fortitude…without a struggle or a groan. The rest of my family are here, and as well as could be expected, but as are all saddened with grief.” In very good to fine condition, with a repaired area to the body, and a corner crease passing through the last name of the signature. Starting Bid $200
Civil War commission for an artillery officer signed by Abraham Lincoln
35. Abraham Lincoln Document Signed
as President. Civil War–dated partly-printed vellum DS as president, one page, 14 x 18, February 26, 1862. President Lincoln appoints John L. Turner as “Second Lieutenant in the Third Regiment of Artillery in the service of the United States.” Signed at the conclusion by President Lincoln and countersigned by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. The blue seal affixed to the upper left remains intact. Handsomely doublematted and framed to an overall size of 22.75 x 27. In fine condition, with overall wrinkling, and the handwritten text of the document very light. Starting Bid $1000
Civil War-dated handwritten endorsement by Abraham Lincoln
36. Abraham Lincoln Autograph Endorsement Signed
as President. Civil War–dated autograph endorsement signed as president, “A. Lincoln,” on a 3 x 2.5 slip clipped from a larger document, September 1, 1864. Lincoln writes, in full: “Let this man be discharged.” In very good to fine condition, with creasing, toning from prior display, and staining to the left edge from a piece of old tape on the back. Includes an associated letter written to “His Excellency A. Lincoln,” from his native Springfield, Illinois, August 30, 186[4], requesting the discharge of a soldier who became disabled during service with the Union Army. The letter is in fair condition, with paper loss and old tape repairs. The date of Lincoln’s endorsement—September 1st, 1864—was a significant one in the Civil War, as it marked Gen. William T. Sherman’s capture of Atlanta. A superb Civil War piece. Starting Bid $500
Important handwritten 1861 letter from Andrew Johnson to William T. Sherman: “If we invade Tennessee and place Arms in the hands of Union men they will in a very short time take charge of Secession themselves”
37. Andrew Johnson Autograph Letter Signed to Gen. Sherman.
Civil War-dated ALS, four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, October 30, 1861. Handwritten letter to “Genl. W. T. Sherman,” written from Camp Dick Robinson and marked “Private.” In part: “If Zollicoffer could have been followed up at the time of his retreat, he would not have stopped until he reached Knoxville. If the present force can be increased some four or six Regiments, be prepared to take the field at once we can have the E. Tennessee & Va. Rail Road in our possession in less than three weeks with sufficient force to hold it against the whole power of the S. Confederacy which can be brought to bear at this time.
It is not necessary to make any great loss of men at Cumberland Gap. There are other Gaps through which we can pass and turn his rear or cut him off from all supplies. I hope that it will be both convenient and in conformity with your Judgment to send a force sufficient to penetrate E. Tennessee and take possession of the Road at two points. If ten or fifteen thousand men could enter E. Tennessee they could be doubled by recruits from the people in ten day’s time...
To remain in winter quarters on this side of the mountain or in Ky. will be ruinous to the Union men in the South and especially in Tennessee. The delay has already been so great that [despair?] would now follow. If we invade Tennessee and place Arms in the hands of Union men they will in a very short time take charge of Secession themselves and relieve others from the trouble.” In very good to fine condition, with old tape repairs fold separations. Starting Bid $300
as President. Desirable partly-printed DS as president, one page, 15.5 x 9.25, April 22, 1865. President Johnson appoints Albert Van Kleeck as “Deputy Postmaster at Poughkeepsie, in the State of New York.” Signed at the conclusion by Andrew Johnson, and countersigned by Acting Secretary of State William Hunter. Archivally double-matted and framed to an overall size of 23 x 17. In very good to fine condition, with overall wrinkling, and light staining affecting appearance. An exceptionally early Johnson-signed presidential document, as Lincoln was assassinated just a week earlier on April 15th. Starting Bid $200
39. U. S. Grant Document Signed as
President. Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 17 x 10.75, March 26, 1873. President Grant appoints Henry D. Shaffer as “Deputy Postmaster at Canton, in the State of Ohio.” Signed neatly at the conclusion by U.S. Grant, and countersigned by Secretary of State Hamilton Fish. Original embossed white seal remains affixed to the lower left corner. Archivally mounted, matted, and framed to an overall size of 21.5 x 15. Includes an official document from the Post Office Department appointing Shaffer as the Deputy Postmaster at Canton, signed below by Postmaster General John A. J. Creswell. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
40. U. S. Grant Autograph Letter Signed. ALS, two
pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.75 x 7.75, October 6, 1866. Handwritten letter to a major, in full: “Please go to the 1st National Bank, over Jay Cook’s Banking House, and take up a note against me due to-day. The enclosed check probably falls short a few dollars of paying it but please make up the balance and I will return it.” Mounted, matted, and framed to an overall size of 16.5 x 14.5. In fine condition, with some fingerprint smudges to the bottom edge. Starting Bid $200
Grant commissions a Civil War hero as a gunner in the US Navy
printed vellum DS as president, one page, 15 x 18.5, April 19, 1875. President Grant appoints Cornelius Cronin as “a Gunner in the Navy of the United States.” Signed at the conclusion by President Grant and countersigned by Secretary of the Navy George M. Robeson. The blue seal affixed at the bottom remains mostly intact. In very good to fine condition, with overall toning and staining. Cronin had received the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Mobile Bay and capture of New Orleans during the Civil War. Starting Bid $200
Acting Attorney General W. A. Field offers a rare first-hand glimpse into President Grant’s cabinet meetings
43. U. S. Grant: Walbridge A. Field. Three ALSs signed “W. A. Field” as Acting Attorney General, totaling eleven pages on sets of adjoining sheets (two on official letterhead of the “Attorney General’s Office”), 5 x 8, dated August 6–September 1, 1869. All to Attorney General Ebenezer A. Hoar (apparently on leave in Concord, MA) detailing conversations with and directions from President U. S. Grant at cabinet meetings attended by Field in Hoar’s absence, as well as legal affairs, military matters, diplomacy, appointments and internal Executive Branch deliberations. In overall fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Excessively rare handwritten telegram from President Garfield to the “Executive Mansion,” asking for news from New York
44. James A. Garfield Autograph Letter
Signed. ALS as president signed “J. A. Garfield,” written in pencil on a 5.75 x 8.25 American Union telegraph sheet, June 4, [1881]. A telegram directed to O. L. Pruden at the “Executive Mansion,” dispatched from Fort Monroe during his visit to Virginia. In full: “If you have any bulletin from New York repeat it to me here.” In fine condition, with two very small tape stains to the upper corners. Garfield was in Virginia to visit the Hampton Institute, Fort Monroe, and an old soldiers’ home, where on June 5th he was greeted by 750 veterans marching in review. He would be shot by Charles Guiteau less than a month later, on July 2nd, and he died of complications in September. Because of Guiteau’s devilish feat, Garfield’s autograph as president is of the utmost rarity. Starting Bid $1000
45. James A. Garfield Letter Signed. LS signed
“J. A. Garfield,” one page both sides, 5 x 8, House of Representatives letterhead, January 2, 1877. Letter to General J. M. Conly regarding the disputed HayesTilden election. In part: “When I was in Columbus…I saw an article in your paper by Judge Swayne on the constitutional provisions in reference to counting the Electoral vote. I was struck with it as an able statement of the case…I hope our editors will scorch Banning for his talk of violence in the House, as he is the first member to speak of such a thing in either house.” In fine condition. A remarkable letter, as it anticipates 2021’s storming of the Capitol during the counting of electoral votes—a day that did, tragically, result in violence. Starting Bid $200
First edition of The Pleasures of Angling, presented by President Arthur to a Missouri senator
46. Chester A. Arthur Signed Book. Signed book: The
Pleasures of Angling with Rod and Reel for Trout and Salmon by George Dawson. First edition. NY: Sheldon & Company, 1876. Hardcover, 5.5 x 7.5, 264 pages. Signed and inscribed on the first free end page in purple pencil as president to George Graham Vest, “Senator Vest, with sincere regards of Chester A. Arthur, June 20, 1882.” Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: VG/ None, with cracked hinges and edgewear. Starting Bid $200
President Roosevelt sends thanks for a Steiff, “the Teddy Bear of the Fatherland”
47. Theodore Roosevelt Typed Letter Signed as
President on Teddy Bear. TLS as president, one page, 7 x 8.75, White House letterhead, January 15, 1908. Fantastic letter to Sebastian Walter, in full: “It was mighty nice of you to send me the Black Forest Teddy Bear—the Teddy Bear of the Fatherland—and to accompany it with such a pleasant and friendly letter. The bear works to perfection, and has been the admiration of my friends and family already.” In fine condition, with a few light stains, slight bleeding to the signature, and faint toning from prior display.
The now-ubiquitous Teddy Bear was created to honor President Roosevelt, following the story of a 1902 Mississippi bear hunt: unlike the other hunters in the group, Roosevelt had not located a single bear. When his assistants tracked one down, they clubbed it and tied it to a tree, inviting him to shoot it. Roosevelt refused, deeming it unsportsmanlike. Headlines nationwide praised the president’s integrity. The story inspired Morris Michtom, a Brooklyn candy shop owner, to create a small stuffed bear and—after receiving permission from the president for use of his name—place it in the store’s window beneath a sign, ‘Teddy’s bear.’ At the same time, the Steiff company in Germany began producing high-quality stuffed bears—presumably what Roosevelt received from Walter, prompting this cordial reply. This is the only Roosevelt letter we’ve offered that mentions Teddy Bears. Starting Bid $500
48. Theodore Roosevelt Typed Letter Signed as President. TLS as president, three pages, 8 x 10.5, White House
letterhead, September 13, 1906. Confidential letter to Henry White, ambassador to Italy, who Roosevelt once called ‘the most useful man in the entire diplomatic service.’ Packed with significant content, Roosevelt comments on hunting, disarmament, the Cuban Revolution, and the American voter. In part: “I do not think any Ambassador has a right to send photographs like that to an elderly President who used to hunt himself, and in whom such photographs excite a feeling of wild envy and revolt. Think of your having got five ibex, not to speak of the fifteen chamois!...I entirely agree with his position about disarmament. It would be an admirable thing if we could get the nations not to improve their arms. Ask the King if it would not be possible to get them to agree hereafter not to build any ships of more than a certain size... Just at the moment I am so angry with that infernal little Cuban republic that I would like to wipe its people off the face of the earth. All we have wanted from them was that they would behave themselves and be prosperous and happy so that we would not have to interfere. And now, lo and behold, they have started an utterly unjustifiable and pointless revolution and may get things into such a snarl that we have no alternative save to intervene—which will at once convince the suspicious idiots in South America that we do wish to interfere after all, and perhaps have some land-hunger!” In addition to making several handwritten corrections to the text, Roosevelt adds a handwritten postscript; “I think it is toss up whether we do or do not win in the congressional election; there are many fools, and many good men who do not take the trouble to think deeply—and they vote.” In very good to fine condition, with some light creasing, and several rusty paperclip impressions. Starting Bid $200
49. Theodore Roosevelt Document Signed as Presi-
dent. Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 21.25 x 17.25, June 5, 1908. President Roosevelt appoints James F. Stutesman of Indiana as “Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Bolivia.” Boldly signed at the conclusion by President Roosevelt and countersigned by Secretary of State Elihu Root. The white paper seal affixed to the lower left remains intact. Double-matted and framed to an overall size of 29 x 25. In very good to fine condition, with scattered creasing, and a small stain to the top edge. Starting Bid $200
50. Theodore Roosevelt and William H. Taft Document Signed as
President and Secretary of War. Partly-printed vellum DS, signed “Theodore Roosevelt” as president and “Wm. H. Taft” as secretary of war, one page, 15.5 x 19.5, March 24, 1904. President Roosevelt appoints John L. Tiernan as “Brigadier General in the service of the United States.” Signed at the conclusion by President Roosevelt and countersigned by Secretary of War Taft. The blue seal affixed to the lower left remains intact. In fine condition, with slight skipping to Taft’s signature. Starting Bid $200
51. William H. Taft Typed Letter Signed as President. TLS as president signed “Wm. H. Taft,” two pages, 8 x 10.5, White House letterhead, August 3, 1912. Letter to former Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Marcus P. Knowlton, marked “Confidential.” Writing while engaged in a three-way reelection campaign, Taft seeks to handle the matter of judicial appointments in a delicate way. In part: “I think there is a feeling in Massachusetts that there has been too great a disposition in hunting judges to go into that Brahmin class of Back Bayites and not to select some competent lawyer from the State at large; and perhaps if other things were equal I ought to defer to that sentiment, because the times are out of joint and it is exceedingly important that in the selection of judges we should not only have men who can administer justice and who know the law, but that we should also have men of sufficient knowledge of affairs not to involve the Court in unnecessary controversy.” In fine condition. Taft—who would go on to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States after his presidency—understood the importance of his judicial appointments, and weighed them carefully. Starting Bid $200
Handwritten White House letter by President Harding to his sister “at Xmas time”
52. Warren G. Harding Autograph Letter Signed
as President. ALS as president, one page, 7 x 9, White House letterhead, December 23, 1922. Handwritten letter to his sister Abigail, in full: “Enclosed find a little Christmas gift, a token of a brother’s loving regard. I shall think of you at Xmas time, and I shall have a real regret that I can not celebrate in the atmosphere of home and amid the surroundings of family and friends. My love and good wishes to you.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original White House mailing envelope. A heartfelt missive between siblings that reveals Harding’s disappointment in not being able to spend the holidays with his friends and family back in Ohio; his wife, Florence, had collapsed from kidney failure the September prior and was still confined to a wheelchair. This would be the second and last Christmas Harding celebrated as president. Handwritten letters from Harding as commander-in-chief—especially those bearing familial content— remain exceedingly rare and sought-after. Starting Bid $500
53. Herbert Hoover Autograph Letter Signed. ALS in pencil, one page,
8.25 x 6.75, Western Union letterhead, November 4, 1928. Letter to “David Hinshaw, Republican National Committee,” written just two days before the 1928 presidential election. In part: “I want you to carry along my feeling of gratitude not only for all these months of most effective service but my heartfelt appreciation of your personal devotion and loyalty.” Handsomely double-matted and framed with an engraved portrait to an overall size of 14.5 x 22.5. In fine condition. Provenance: The Albert H. Small Collection, Christie’s, May 2012. Starting Bid $200
Hand-corrected speech used on the ‘32 campaign trail by President Hoover
54. Herbert Hoover Hand-Corrected and Signed Campaign Speech. Printed reading
copy of his speech ‘The Success of Recovery’ used during his campaign as the incumbent president in 1932, 75 pages, signed and inscribed on the first page in fountain pen to his personal secretary, “MSS used at Detroit, Oct. 22, 1932, To French Strother—From one Orator to another, with the affection of Herbert Hoover.” Includes approximately ten pages of handwritten notes, composition fragments, and corrections made in pencil by Hoover, plus mimeographed additions. Hoover outlines the contents of his speech at the beginning: “I wish to present to you the evidence that the measures and policies of the Republican administration are winning this major battle for recovery…It can be demonstrated that the tide has turned and the gigantic forces of depression are in retreat. Our measures and policies have demonstrated their effectiveness. They have preserved the American people from certain chaos and have preserved a final fortress of stability in the world.” Includes the original White House transmittal envelope, signed in the upper left in pencil, “From, Herbert Hoover.” In overall fine condition. Starting Bid $300
55. Herbert Hoover Document Signed as President. DS as president,
one page, 8 x 12.5, June 9, 1930. President Hoover submits a report “to the Congress of the United States,” in part: “I commend to the favorable consideration of the Congress...that legislation may be enacted to authorize an appropriation of not exceeding $44,446.05 for the payment of interest on funds represented by drafts drawn on the Secretary of State by the American Embassy in Petrograd and the American Embassy in Constantinople and transfers which the Embassy at Constantinople undertook to make by cable communications to the Secretary of State between December 23, 1915, and April 21, 1917.” In very good to fine condition, with toning from prior display, and a rusty paperclip impression to the top edge. Starting Bid $200
Handwritten letter as president from FDR to a fellow collector: “I, too, have been collecting source material for many years—mostly U. S. Navy”
56. Franklin D. Roosevelt Autograph Letter Signed as President. ALS as president, one page, 7 x 8.75, White House
letterhead, February 19, 1934. Letter to Frank C. Deering, in full: “Some day I shall hope to heave the pleasure of seeing your collection—I, too, have been collecting source material for many years—mostly U. S. Navy.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Roosevelt’s hand.
FDR’s collection of naval artwork earned renewed national interest in 1962, when President John F. Kennedy initiated an exhibition dedicated to it at the National Archives, organized under the name ‘The Old Navy, 1776–1860: An Exhibit of Prints and Watercolors from the Naval Collection of Franklin D. Roosevelt.’ Kennedy also published a fascinating article in the August 10, 1962 issue of Life Magazine, detailing his impressions of the collection and describing Roosevelt’s collecting habits. In closing, JFK observed: ‘‘The Old Navy’ is thus evidence of the collecting passion of an extraordinary President. But it is much more than this. It is, as Roosevelt intended it should be, a reminder of the strength and style of our naval tradition.’ Starting Bid $1000
57. Franklin D. Roosevelt Typed Letter Signed as President on Star Spangled Banner. Important TLS
as president, one page, 7 x 8.75, White House letterhead, May 16, 1939. Letter to W. Tilghman Hemsley, chairman of the executive committee of the Star Spangled Banner Regatta. In full: “Please accept my thanks for your kind letter of May twelfth inviting me to attend the celebration of the one hundred twenty-fifth anniversary of the writing of the Star Spangled Banner, inspired by the bombardment of Fort McHenry. I regret exceedingly that circumstances make it impossible to accept this invitation to participate in person. I hope, however, the celebration will be a successful one and one that will inspire all who participate with a new sense of appreciation of the stirring events it commemorates.” In fine condition, with light edge toning. Accompanied by photocopies of associated correspondence (Hemsley’s letter inviting him to the event, an internal White House memo, and their retained copy of this reply), provided to the consignor by the FDR Presidential Library & Museum. This is the only presidential letter on White House stationery mentioning the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ ever to come up for auction. A remarkable and patriotic piece. Starting Bid $500
58. Franklin D. Roosevelt Signed Book and (2) Personally-
Owned Books. Signed book: The Dew Drop: A Tribute of Affection for MDCCCLIII. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Grambo & Co., 1853. Hardcover, 5.25 x 7.5, 328 pages. Signed on the first free end page in ink with his ownership signature, “Franklin D. Roosevelt, Hyde Park,” adding, “Sartain Plates,” to identify the illustrator/engraver, John Sartain. In fine condition, with some light soiling to the signed page. Book condition: VG-/None, with losses and rubbing to spine, scuffing and rubbing to boards, and an unrelated presentation inscription above FDR’s signature.
Includes two unsigned books from Roosevelt’s personal library: Explication des Évangiles des Dimanches, Vol. III, by C. G. Luzerne, Paris: Méquignon Junior, 1836; and Les Petits Prophetes (Vol. XII), Cologne: Jean de la Pierre, 1714. Both sold as part of lot 143, ‘The Roosevelt Era’ sale, Christie’s New York, 14 February 2001. In good to very good condition. Starting Bid $200
“Some day!!”—desirable signed ‘Dewey Defeats Truman’ photograph
60. Harry S. Truman Signed Photograph and Typed Letter Signed. Vintage glossy 8 x 10 photo of Truman holding
up the iconic ‘Dewey Defeats Truman’ issue of the Chicago Tribune, signed and inscribed on the newspaper in fountain pen, “To Alexander Nahas, Some day!! Harry S. Truman,” who adds the date above, “Signed 3–30–62.” Reverse bears two Wide World Photo stamps and an affixed caption sheet dated November 5, 1948. Included with the photo is a TLS from Truman to Nahas, one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, March 28, 1962, in full: “As you have requested, I have signed the picture and it is being returned to you, herewith. I was glad to autograph the picture and appreciate what you had to say concerning it.” The letter is framed to a slightly larger size. In overall fine condition. Starting Bid $1000
‘The buck stops here’—rare signed silver certificate presented by President Truman to his Secretary of the Treasury
61. Harry S. Truman Signed Currency and Photograph. Impressive display of items from the estate of John W. Snyder, highlighted by an uncirculated Series 1935C silver certificate, engraved with the signatures of United States Treasurer W. A. Julian and Secretary of the Treasury John W. Snyder, signed in black ink on the portrait side by Truman and presented to Snyder; and a color 6 x 4.5 informal photo of Truman and Snyder in old age with an uncut sheet of $1 bills, signed on the mount in blue ballpoint by Truman. Also includes an official White House envelope addressed in Truman’s hand, “Sec. of Treas, Personal”; a facsimile copy of Truman’s nomination of Snyder to be be Secretary of the Treasury; and an official copy of the Senate’s confirmation of the appointment, signed by Secretary Leslie L. Biffle. All items are cloth-matted and framed along with a small plaque and replica sign of Truman’s saying, “The buck stops here,” to an overall size of 25 x 33. In fine condition. Provenance: the Estate of John W. Snyder. Starting Bid $500
63. Harry S. Truman Typed Letter Signed as President. TLS as president,
two pages, 8 x 10.5, White House letterhead, August 2, 1946. Letter to Dr. John Roy Steelman, his White House Chief of Staff, in part: “I think it well to reiterate my conviction that General Marshall’s mission in China is of tremendous importance to our national welfare...Second only to the considerations affecting the Marshall mission, weight should be given to effecting a speedy roll-up of our military and naval operations in the Pacific, and to bringing home promptly the largest possible number of our soldiers, sailors and marines and reducing the number of civilian employees of our armed services overseas.” In very good to fine condition, with light staining and rusty staple holes. Starting Bid $200
64. Harry S. Truman Document Signed as President. Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 19.25 x 15.25, November 12, 1946. President Truman appoints Willard L. Thorp “an Assistant Secretary of State…for the time being and until the end of the next session of the Senate of the United States, and no longer.” Signed at the conclusion by Truman and countersigned by acting Secretary of State Dean Acheson. Nicely matted and framed to an overall size of 29 x 25. In fine condition, with some light curling to the intact seal. Starting Bid $200
Impressive letter from President Eisenhower, expressing how the government “should do for the people only what they cannot well do for themselves”
65. Dwight D. Eisenhower Typed Letter Signed as President on His Administration Accomplishments. TLS
as president, signed “DE,” three pages, 7 x 10.25, White House letterhead, October 18, 1958. Lengthy letter to friend Irving Geist, in part: “I have just realized that I have not had...an opportunity to talk to you about...the vital and basic issues for which Republicans are fighting in 1958...Here then...are the reasons I hope the votes of America—Republican, Independent and discerning Democrats—will assure that the 86th Congress is solidly Republican in character.” Eisenhower proceeds to, in great detail, expound on the success of his administration, the Federal budget and reckless spending, inflation, racketeering, and the role of government and how it “should do for the people only what they cannot well do for themselves.” He concludes by saying “with your help, and with the help of people of integrity and a deep love of and desire to preserve our way of life, we will have the kind of Congress we need. I send you herewith a list of items that...will bring to your mind a few of the accomplishments of the past five and one-half years.” The referenced “ACCOMPLISHMENTS” list is included. In fine condition. Provenance: Christie’s, Lot 230: May 19, 2006. Starting Bid $200
Rare presidential nomination from Eisenhower
Sought-after DS as president, one page, 6.75 x 12.75, August 25, 1959. Official nomination letter from the White House, in full: “To the Senate of the United States, I nominate David A. Lindsay, of New York, to be General Counsel for the Department of the Treasury, to succeed Nelson P. Rose.” Signed boldly at the conclusion by President Eisenhower. Archivally matted and framed with an engraving and the original presidential red wax seal, removed from the official communication sent to the Senate, to an overall size of 17.75 x 18.25. In fine condition, with a couple areas of faint toning. Starting Bid $200
67. John F. Kennedy Typed Letter Signed as President on the Loss of His Infant Son, Patrick. TLS as presi-
dent signed “John Kennedy,” one page, 6.5 x 8.25, White House letterhead, August 14, 1963. Letter to Ohio Congressman Charles Vanik, written five days after the loss of the Kennedys’ infant son, Patrick. In full: “Mrs. Kennedy and I were deeply moved by your thoughtful remembrance on the loss of our son. Your kind expression of sympathy meant a great deal to us.” Kennedy amends the more formal salutation in his own hand and adds “Charles.” Archivally cloth-matted and framed with a photo of the Kennedy family and a JFK half dollar coin to an overall size of 21.5 x 17.25. In fine condition. Starting Bid $300
68. John F. Kennedy Signed Photograph. Vintage
glossy 7.75 x 9.75 photo of American President Kennedy shaking hands with Chilean President Jorge Alessandri, with Charles W. Cole, the U. S. Ambassador to Chile, seen smiling between them, signed in bold black ink, “John F. Kennedy,” and in fountain pen by both Alessandri and Cole. In very good to fine condition, with surface impressions touching the diplomats’ faces, and a thin horizontal crease passing across the photo and JFK’s head. Starting Bid $300
“John,” one page, 6.25 x 9, personal Congress of the United States letterhead, November 29, 1951. Letter to fellow Massachusetts Representative John O’Rourke, in full: “I want to thank you for taking the time to attend the Boston Chamber of Commerce Luncheon. Your being there certainly added a great deal to the success of the affair, and I certainly appreciate the interest.” Kennedy adds a handwritten postscript: “John: Hope to see you soon.” In fine condition, with a slight brush to the postscript. Starting Bid $200
70. Lyndon B. Johnson Civil Rights Act Signing Pen. Historic dipping pen used by President Lyndon B. Johnson to sign the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 (H.R. 7152), presented to influential labor leader George Meany. The official ‘bill signer’ Esterbrook pen measures 6.25˝ long and features a black plastic grip with a Lucite handle imprinted with “The President—The White House.” The pen is mounted, triple-matted, and framed with a descriptive plaque and an image of the bill signing ceremony to an overall size of 18.75 x 22; in the image, Meany, standing to the right of Martin Luther King, Jr., is seen just after receiving his pen from the president. In fine condition. Accompanied by the original typed descriptive slip and a letter of provenance from the granddaughter of George Meany, in part: “In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson signed into law The Civil Rights Act which ended segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination on the bases of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. After signing that historic bill, President Johnson handed one of the pens used to my grandfather who was standing directly behind him and next to Dr. King.” Starting Bid $1000
71. Richard Nixon Signed Book and Watergate
Tapes. Signed book: The Watergate Tapes. Flatsigned edition, numbered 2/100. Nashville: FlatSigned Press, 2009. Leather-bound hardcover, 6.25 x 9.25, 468 pages. Signed on the colophon in blue ballpoint by Richard Nixon. Housed in a custom wooden case, 15.5 x 12 x 3.75, along with four cassette tapes entitled “President Richard Nixon Watergate Tapes from the Grave.” In fine condition, with some wear to the case’s inner maroon lining. The dedication page explains the special commemorative volume was created several years after Nixon’s death. Starting Bid $200
“RN,” one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, January 24, 1983. Letter to columnist Aileen Mehle, known by the pen name “Suzy” Knickerbocker, in part: “I marvel at your powers of observation and your fabulous memory. You made no notes and yet got every fact exactly right. I wish some of your colleagues in the media had your dedication to excellence & your sense of fairness. Above all we are delighted that you could join us as a guest on such short notice. Apart from what you write, you never fail to add glamor to an event.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Flown over the US Capitol and presented to Vice President Nixon in 1960
73. Richard Nixon 1960 US Capitol Flown Flag. Signifi-
cant 50-star American flag flown over the United State Capitol on August 19, 1960, presented to Vice President Richard Nixon shortly after his nomination for president. The 100% cotton flag, manufactured by the Dettra Flag Company under the ‘Bull Dog Bunting’ brand name, measures 5’ x 8’, and is housed in its original box. Includes the original transmittal letter signed by Architect of the Capitol J. George Stewart, August 19, 1960, to “Honorable Richard Nixon, Vice President of the United States,” in full: “My dear Mr. Vice President: This is to certify that the enclosed flag has flown over the Capitol of the United States.” Flag is in fine condition; box is very good, with overall soiling and splits to corners.
The 50-star United States flag was officially adopted on July 4, 1960, making this a very early example—made even more important by its direct presidential association. Nixon had been nominated as the Republican candidate for president on July 28, 1960, running against John F. Kennedy. Although Nixon lost by a slim margin, he would prevail in the presidential elections of 1968 and 1972. Starting Bid $200
Amidst the violent summer of ‘68: “There have been some threats, and apparently I’m one the Black Panthers have named as part of the price if Huey Newton should be convicted; also in retaliation for the King murder”
74. Ronald Reagan Autograph Letter Signed. ALS signed “Ron,” one
page, 6 x 9, no date but struck through and annotated July 25, 1968. Handwritten letter to “Chuck,” in part: “There have been some threats, and apparently I’m one the Black Panthers have named as part of the price if Huey Newton should be convicted; also in retaliation for the King murder. The recall movement is really a political gimmick & I’m doubtful it will get anywhere at all. Some who’ve defected have been quoted in the press as saying there was no real effort to bring about a recall, but merely to create an embarrassment prior to the convention.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Large portrait of President Reagan and his 1985 cabinet
75. Ronald Reagan and Cabinet Signed Photograph. Color satin-finish 20 x 16 replacement photo of President Reagan in the White House with his 1985 cabinet and top advisors, affixed to its original 21 x 18.75 mount, signed on the mount in black felt tip by all pictured, including: Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Terrel H. Bell, John R. Block, Raymond J. Donovan, David Stockman, Malcolm Baldrige, Jeane Kirkpatrick, Donald T. Regan, William French Smith, Samuel R. Pierce, Elizabeth Dole, and others. Matted and framed to an overall size of 30 x 27.5. In fine condition, with a small ding to the lower blank area of the mount. Starting Bid $300
Handwritten letter as president: “I loved your letter with the Lincoln quote—it was a real boost”
76. Bill Clinton Autograph Letter Signed as President. Scarce ALS
as president, signed “Bill,” one page, 6.75 x 8.75, White House letterhead, June 4, 1993. Handwritten letter to Paul Bursey, Jr., of the nonprofit Putting the Earth First, in full: “I loved your letter with the Lincoln quote—it was a real boost.” In fine condition. Accompanied by a copy of Bursey’s original letter, which includes a quote by Lincoln, in part: “If I tried to read, much less answer, all the criticisms made of me and all the attacks leveled against me, this office would have to be closed for all other business.” Starting Bid $200
Rare, early 1997 “Friends of Barack Obama” check, signed by the future president— the only example we have offered
78. Barack Obama Signed Check. Rare, early Friends of Barack Obama check, 8.25 x 3, filled out in another hand and signed by Obama, “Barack Obama,” payable to Miss America Co-Ed Pageant for $25, July, 1997. Obama changes the date from June 27th to July 1st, initialing the change, “B.H.O.” In very fine condition. Friends of Barack Obama was his official campaign committee; at the time he signed this check, he had just taken his seat as a member of the Illinois state senate. Extremely rare in this format, this is the first Barack Obama check we have offered. Starting Bid $500
“To the People of K’Ogelo”— the birthplace of Obama’s father
79. Barack Obama Autograph Note Signed. ANS as president, one
page, 6.25 x 9.25, White House letterhead, no date. In full: “To the People of K’Ogelo—Thank you for the prayers and support! Barack Obama.” In very fine condition. President Obama’s father was born and raised in K’Ogelo, Kenya, and in 1960 at age 24 enrolled at the University of Hawaii. There he met Ann Dunham, and the next year she became pregnant with the future president. A remarkable association with Obama’s family and past, which he chronicled in the acclaimed 1995 book Dreams from My Father. Starting Bid $500
Mock Letter. Felt tip signature, “Barack Obama,” on a 6 x 9 page, on which a copy of the conclusion from his famous letter to a schoolteacher has been printed; the beginning of the letter is included on a same-size sheet of mock White House stationery. The text, in part: “Every single thing I do as President is aimed at making sure every child in America has the same opportunities this country gave me. A good education. Caring mentors who kept me on the straight and narrow. Safe places to learn and grow. I couldn’t agree more with you that we need to train and support more excellent teachers like you, and pay them what they truly deserve.” In fine condition, with trimmed edges. Starting Bid $200
Rare 1995 check signed by Michelle Obama for “1000 Announcement Invitations,” preceding Barack Obama’s first political campaign
81. Michelle Obama Signed Check. South Shore Bank check, 7.75 x 3.25, partially filled out and signed by Obama, “Michelle Obama,” payable to All Print for $275, September 1, 1995. Obama fills out the amount and the memo, “1000 Announcement Invitations”; her sister-in-law, Janis L. Robinson, also signs, filling out the date and recipient. In very fine condition. These announcement invitations were most likely associated with Barack Obama’s run for an Illinois state senate seat—he began fundraising in July 1995, created a campaign committee on August 7th, and filed its statement of organization on September 5th. On September 19, 1995, the 34-year-old Barack Obama announced his candidacy to a standing-room-only audience of 200 supporters at the Ramada Inn Lakeshore. He would go on to win the November 1996 election, taking 82% of the vote. Rare in this format, this is the first Michelle Obama check we have offered. Starting Bid $200
