Spink Shreves Galleries Sale

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THE CIVIL WAR SESQUICENTENNIAL SALE continued...

AUTOGRAPHS AND AMERICANA continued...

Lot

Symbol

CatNo.

Lot Description

CV or Estimate

101

Charleston: Stereo Views Trio of stereoscopic Photographs of Charleston, SC, all printed by E & HT Anthony of NYC, one from a Brady negative, parts of a series, numbers 3075, 3077, and 3442, showing, respectively, ruins of the Catholic cathedral; ruins of the Central Hall; and the Circular Hall and ruins of Secession Hall. Some foxing, all with minor edge wear and soiling, but overall VG. (imagea) (imageb) (Image)

Est. $300-400

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

102

Chase, Salmon P. American statesman (1808-73); Secretary of the Treasury under Abraham Lincoln; a persistent intriguer and presidential hopeful, he resigned in 1864; soon afterward named by Lincoln as Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court. Intriguing content Autograph Letter Signed "S.P. Chase" as Chief Justice, 1 page, 8vo, Washington, October 15, 1866. He writes to Chester [Rice?] in Troy, NY, "In the absence of Gov. Sprague [Chase's son-in-law, William Sprague, former Governor of Rhode Island, now a US Senator] now in Europe with Mrs. [Kate Chase] Sprague, I can do nothing in relation to the foul and false paragraph which you enclose beyond causing copies of the newspaper in which it originated and of newspapers which have copied it, and that other equally false & hardly less foul paragraph to which it is an addendum, to be collected in order to be submitted to him on his return. No punishment can equal the offense..." Folds, pin hole upper left, otherwise VG. William Sprague was reputed to be a philanderer and heavy drinker, and his marriage to Kate Chase was not a happy one. They were divorced in 1882, but rumors had begun by 1866, and it is likely to those that this letter refers. (Image)

Est. $300-400

SOLD for $180.00
Will close during Public Auction

103

Citadel: Cadet's Letter Great group of items from Citadel cadet Stephen F. Hollingsworth. Includes 4-page 8vo printed Invitation to ""The Annual Commencement of the Polytechnic and Calliopean Societies / South Carolina Military Academy, / Friday Evening, April 10, 1863." With calling card with the pencil inscription "With the compliments of Cadet Hollingsworth" and an envelope addressed to Naomi Cox in Clayton's Mills, Hollingsworth's cousin. Invitation has been ironed. Toned, VG, card about good. With good content ALS by Hollingsworth, 4 pages, 8vo, on blue lined paper, "Citadel Academy," June 1864. He writes to Naomi that he was on picket duty on James Island, adjacent to Ft. Sumter, "but I am relieved now, and were it not for the horrible mosquito wounds, I would be none the worse for my tour of two weeks...We have any amount of fighting news, back from Lee's & Johnson's Army, and I might include considerable skirmishing from Beauregard's. The Yankees continue to attack our lines, and are repulsed as often as they do so. Prisoners are arriving here from Va every day - on the way to the Prison depot at Andersonville in SW Georgia. forty of us, and happily, I'm not included, leave here with one hudred & fifty of them tomorrow. Therre are quite a number of Yanks in Andersonville - some eighteen thousand, crowded into a pen of fifteen acres - and I tell you they die ina a hurry..." With choice matching Adversity Cover made from a sheet of bank checks! Letter with some fading and discoloration of paper, otherwise both items VG. Hollingsworth would be wounded in the winter when he was among the cadets called out to fight on James Island. [5] (imagea) (Image)

Est. $750-1,000

SOLD for $850.00
Will close during Public Auction

104

Confederate 2nd Choctaw Regiment Rare Petition Signed by ""Thompson McKinney Capt,"" ""Alfred Fulsom 1st Lt.,"" ""D.F. Haskins Lt. Col.,"" ""Mitchel Leflerd, major,"" and ""H.S. Clay Capt.,"" of the 2nd Choctaw Regiment, Chahtah Tamaha, Indian Territory, July 5, 1864. They request of the General Council of the Choctaw Nation that "In as much as the President of the Confederate states has called for more Choctaw Troops, the undersigned delegates are desirous, that your honorable body should adopt some measure or plan to facillatate [sic]an early re-enlistment of the troops whose term of service have expired or now expiring, as well as to bring or draw out all the able bodied men in the nation who have never been in service for the purpose of filling up the 1st & 2d Choctaw Regiment...We are willing to join the Confederate army for three years or during war..." Age-toned, with minor fold wear, but very sharp and VG. The service of the Choctaw regiments has not been well documented, but references abound of their exceptional service to the Confederate cause. (Image)

Est. $750-1,000

SOLD for $1,100.00
Will close during Public Auction

105

CSA First National Flag Rare hand-sewn cotton presentation war-date First National Flag, 40.75"" x 71.5"", created ca. November 1861. Blue canton with 12 white stars, eleven 4.25"" arranged in three groups of three and one of two, and a central 7" star, all in a "Southern cross" pattern. Two red and one white bar, with "VICTORY OR DEATH" appliqued to obverse only in white bar. Scalloped right edge. Leading edge bound with red and blue cotton, with three thread-bound eyelets at top, middle and bottom. Several small tears at edges and interior, some with old repairs; with large horizontal fractures in top bar, and staining to white elements. The number of stars suggests that this flag was created after pro-secession members of the Missouri legislature voted to secede (but without a quorum) on October 31, 1861, but before Kentucky's secessionist faction was recognized as a seceded state on December 10. This flag was probably created for a North Carolina unit, as that state's flags most often include the motto "Victory or Death." The damage to it does not appear to be caused by battle, leaving it undetermined whether this was used on the field. With a fabric analysis by Textile Preservation Associates of Keedysville, MD. (imagea) (imageb) (Image)

Est. $60,000-75,000

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

106

Confederate Veterans: 1905 Reunion Great pair of items from a meeting of United Confederate Veterans in Missouri. A ca 10"" red, white, and blue Ribbon with gold-colored tassels at bottom, for the 1905 UCV reception at Kansas City, October 3-4. Apparently hand-colored, with UCV flag-like emblem at center. A number of tassel strands are gone. With 5.5" x 7.75" "Stainless Banner" Flag with white field and red and blue Southern cross canton, with the place and date of the reunion in gold letters on field. In VG/F condition for an item of its age. (imagea) (Image)

Est. $400-500

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

107

CSA Collection A small but interesting group, including Letter Signed by ""S.R. Mallory / Secretary of the Navy,"" 1 page and one line, 4to, on official imprinted stationery, Richmond, February 4, 1862. He sends regrets to William Graves of Norfolk for delays in payment on his contract, "caused by the want of Treasury notes which cannot be printed and signed fast enough to meet the demand," which should permit payment in a few days. Extensive staining from prior tape repairs at splits, affecting signature. With clipped Signature of CSA Vice President "Alexander W. Stephens," his autograph confirmation that a debt has been "settled in full...27 Nov. 1869." On a .8" x 3.25" sheet, tipped to a 12mo card. With pair of carte-de-visite Photographs identified in print on mounts as "Gen. Braxton Bragg, CSA" and Gen. James Longstreet, CSA." Longstreet's is a photographic image from an engraving. Both clipped a bit at top, crease in Bragg, but both VG. With two 1864 CSA $10 Banknotes, T-68, one well circulated. [6] (imagea) (imageb) (Image)

Est. $300-400

SOLD for $200.00
Will close during Public Auction

108

Dahlgren, John A American naval officer and inventor (1809-70); known as the father of modern naval ordnance, he developed naval howitzers and shell guns suited for long-range fire; commanded the Washington Navy Yard early in the Civil War; later led the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Good personal and war content Autograph Letter Signed "Most Affectionately / Your Brother," 2 pages on separate sheets, "Off Morris Is.," August 10, [1863]. He writes his sister Patty, "Our worst enemy here is the climate. Officers and men break down daily and have to be sent away...Charley ought not to come before Octr. The work will be tedious and done step by step. The Confds are now plainly preparing the second step for us - as if they admitted the fall of Sumter. In a few days we resume, and the cannonade will exceed any previous. I have a Regiment of Marines and also a Battery in the trenches manned by Sailors. Afloat we shall be in full fig. Tell Ully [his son, Ulric Dahlgren]he will yet be in time to enter Charleston with his Regiment - But must not be in a hurry to get well. A Colonel at 21 will be a phenomenon. Com A of the Marines (McCawly's) are six-footers, regular Grenadiers...Give my love to the Colonel and tell him Newport will make all right." Minor closed tear at fold of second page, otherwise VG. Ulric Dahlgren had lost his foot in a daring raid on July 6; he was subsequently named a colonel, skipping over the rank of major. He would be killed in March 1864 while on another infamous raid with the dual aims of releasing prisoners of war in Richmond and assassinating Jefferson Davis! The latter order was convincingly disavowed by the Union high command, but not so convincingly by Col Dahlgren's chief, Gen Judson Kilpatrick, who had sent him on the raid. Admiral Dahlgren's other comments concern the ongoing assault on Charleston, which had climaxed in a disastrous assault on Fort Wagner in July. The city was never captured from the sea. (imagea) (Image)

Est. $1,000-1,500

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

109

Dahlgren, John Late war Manuscript Letter Signed ""J.A. Dahlgren / Rear Adml Commdg S.A.B.Sqd,"" 1 page, 4to, ""Flag Ship / Charleston Harbor"" April 29, 1865. He replies Lt Commander S.P. Quackenbush of the USS Mingoe at Georgetown, SC, "You are authorized to send the guns, also the shot, to a Northern port, provided the cost does not exceed from Two to Three Dollars per Ton. It may however, be impracticable to remove the guns; - if so send theshot only. A Coal Schooner will afford the best opportunity." Small stain in bottom margin, otherwise VG. Quackenbush had captured the blockade runner Princess Royal, which was transporting vital Confederate naval ordnance, outside Charleston earlier in the war; he would later become a rear admiral. Most likely the guns being discussed were part of Battery White, which had protected Georgetown from naval assault. (Image)

Est. $500-750

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

110

Dahlgren John A Outstanding war era carte-de-visite Photograph Signed on verso as ""Father"" and inscribed there in full, ""For Paul Dahlgren / from his father / Charleston / May 21"" 1865."" A striking full-length image in uniform as rear admiral in front of one of the guns he designed, printed by Matthew Brady's studio, identified in print on verso. With inscription (in another hand) on recto "Off Charleston - 1865." Staining on verso affecting signature and most of inscription, but fully legible. Otherwise VG. (imagea) (Image)

Est. $1,000-1,500

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

111

[Dahlgren, John] Exceptional pair of carte-de-visite Photographs, one printed by Fredricks & Co of New York, a handsome 3/4 length image of Dahlgren as a lieutenant, posed beside a rifled cannon. With an 1865 image by Brady of Washington, DC, of Dahlgren's coat of arms, incorporating a cannon and anchor on a gold-tinted field with the motto "Quorum Pars Fui," meaning "in which I played a part;" the name "Dahlgren" has been written in on the mount. The first has only the lightest soiling, otherwise VG/F, while the latter is soiled, VG. (imagea) (Image)

Est. $300-400

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

112

Devens, Charles American statesman and soldier (1820-91); US Attorney General under Rutherford B Hayes; Union general during the Civil War. Good war content Autograph Letter Signed ""Chas. W. Devens Jr / Brig Gen Vols USA,"" 1-1/3 pages, 4to, Boston, February 22, 1864. Writing from the "Head Qs Draft Rendezvous," he writes an unnamed recipient about the potential promotion of Col. William H. Noble of the 17th Connecticut Volunteers to brigadier general: "During the short time that I commanded the 1st Div 11 Army Corps I found Col. Noble...a faithful and efficient officer...At the battle of Chancellorsville although the Regiment was not under my own eye until after we were forced from our first position...I have every reason to believe that Col. Noble did his whole duty faithfully and gallantly. Since that time Col. Noble has commanded a Brigade a large portion of the time and I do not doubt that if promoted he would prove himself most worthy of it." Three closed tears repaired with Scotch tape, with tape reinforcements at fold edges. Toning down center of letter, pin hole, otherwise VG. Colonel Noble did not receive the promotion, though he was brevetted in March 1865. On Chirstmas Eve 1864, was captured and spent two months in Andersonville Prison. (Image)

Est. $500-750

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

113

Estes, Llewellyn G. American soldier (1843-1905); served on the staff of cavalry commander Gen. Judson Kilpatrick; outside Atlanta, led a charge across a burning bridge that scattered a vastly superior enemy force, for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Manuscript Letter Signed "L.G. Estes / Asst. Adj't Genl.," 2/3 page, 4to, on imprinted stationery of the Third Cavalry Division, Gainsville, VA, October 22, 1863. He sends an extract from Special Order #42 by Brig. Genl. Kilpatrick to Lt. C.H. Safford of the 5th Michigan Cavalry, directing that "Captain A.W. Duggan 1st Michigan Cavalry will immediately proceed to Alexandria with Lieut. J.J. McDonald 1st Virginia Cavalry, and Lieut C.H. Safford...with One hundred and Fifty Four Men, belonging to Second Brigade 3rd Division, to report to Commanding Officer of the Dismounted Camp...and have the Men remounted, and return..." Dampstain along top inch, edge wear, about VG. With biographical information on Estes. (Image)

Est. $300-400

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

114

Floyd, John B. Confederate general (1806-63); Governor of Virginia; Secretary of War under President Buchanan; he served under Lee in the West Virginia campaign and was later ordered to Fort Donelson; transferred command to General Pillow and made his escape from "Unconditional Surrender" Grant; President Davis removed him from service but he was soon commissioned a Major General of Virginia State troops; died in the field in August, 1863 as a result of exposure. Choice pair of Manuscript Letters Signed "John B. Floyd" as Secretary of War, 1/3 page and 1 page, 4to, Washington, May 22, and November 19, 1858. The first is official notification of the appointment of "...Geo: C. Thomas, Esq..." to a temporary clerkship in the Quarter Master General's Office, ordering him to report for duty to Major General Jesup. The second gives approval to James Bradbury of Augusta, Maine, about "the introduction of gas at Kennebec Arsenal." First with overall age-toning and spotting, otherwise Good; second with one interior closed tear and edge war, VG [2] (Image)

Est. $300-400

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

115

Forrest, French American naval officer (1796-1866); served the US Navy in the War of 1812 and Mexican War before joining the Confederacy; commanded the naval yard at Norfolk, armoring the CSS Virginia; later commanded the James River Squadron. Scarce Manuscript Document Signed "F. Forrest / Chief of Bureau," 1 page, 4to, on imprinted "Confederate States / Office of Orders and Detail / NAVY DEPARTMENT" stationery, on blue lined paper, Richmond, May 13, 1862. He informs Lt. John Rutledge, "You are hereby detached from the CS 'Nansemond,' and will proceed to Savannah, Ga, and report to Commander Brent...for duty in the Battery..." Docketed at bottom by Thos. Brent at bottom. Age-toning, soiling on verso, VG. One month earlier, Ft. Pulaski, Savannah's primary defense against invasion, had been reduced by Union artillery, bringing the city under Federal blockade. (Image)

Est. $1,000-1,500

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

116

[Forrest, Nathan B.]: Cavalry Parole Rare partly printed Document Signed by Col Henry Bertram of the 20th Wisconsin Infantry as Commissioner for the United States, in the name of Gen ERS Canby, 1 page, oblong 8vo, Meridian, MS, May 16, 1865, #84-54. Issued to Private F.M. Lassiter of Company I, 28th Mississippi Cavalry, whose home is listed as Vicksburg. Uneven toning, stains and holes at fold intersections, otherwise G/VG. The 28th Mississippi Cavalry served under Gen Nathan B Forrest, traveling all over Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia to engage Union forces.

Est. $1,200-1,500

SOLD for $1,200.00
Will close during Public Auction

117

Gardiner, Samuel American inventor; devised an exploding bullet for use against ammunition wagons; the United States purchased 110,000 of them, but soldiers (including Confederates, who had captured at least 10,000 rounds) used them against enemy personnel, notably at the Battle of Gettysburg; condemned as "barbarous" by Gen. US Grant, they were later outlawed. Important Document Signed "Saml. Gardiner," 3 pages, legal folio, New York, November 19, 1861. An agreement between the inventor and Robert J. Hubbard, in which Gardiner, having "invented a new and useful improvement and invention in the forming and designing of an Explosive projectile, called an Explosive Bullet, or shell or Ball for Muskets, Rifles and Cannons, and an Explosive or detonating powder to be used therewith and a new fuze in form and substance also to be used in connection with the above...has heretofore filed in the Office of the Commissioner of Patents" sells to Hubbard a 1/8 share in the patent rights on the bullets in consideration of $500, including 1/8 of any money received in a contract with the United States government to purchase the shells. Signed by both men at close, with notarization on verso of last page. Minor edge wear, overall VG. Gardiner's bullet was ingeniously fused to detonate 1.25 seconds after being fired, and was made in at least two calibers, .58 for the standard Union rifle and .52 for Sharps carbines. He offered them to the US government in June 1862 and was given a contract that November. Only 20,000 of the smaller caliber were issued, making them prized rarities for collectors of genuine Civil War ammunition. (Image)

Est. $2,000-3,000

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

118

Gilmer, Jeremy F American soldier (1818-83); Chief Engineer of the Confederate Army, he directed the defenses of Charleston and Atlanta; severely wounded at Shiloh. Uncommon Autograph Letter Signed ""J.F. Gilmer"" as Chief Engineer, 4 pages, 8vo, on blue paper, Charleston, November 5, 1863. He writes to Col. AS Rivers, Acting Chief in Richmond during Gilmer's absence, about a few promotions, explaining, "Please say unofficially to the Hon. Secretary of War [James Seddon] that I have not taken command of troops in the defense of Charleston because I thought I could be of more service as a second in command. This left me free to represent the Comdg. General at all points...My relations with Genl. Beauregard are good...My presence here (this entre nous) may not be so acceptable to some others - for instance - [Beauregard's chief of staff, Gen. Thomas] Jordan, [commander of the military district, Gen. Roswell S.] Ripley etc. but with these officers good personal relations are preserveed...I spoke to the President on the importance of my return to Richmond...He said I should do so, whenever in my judgment I could leave Charleston without injury to the service here. The enemy is concentrating his fires from land & water on the broken walls of Sumter, but up to this time our new bomb-proofs casemated battery etc. have not been seriously injured. We will give them a long & a hard fight for the ruins of Sumter. Our new lines on James Island are finished in a measure, and armed." In VG/F condition. Gilmer's defenses held, and Charleston was never captured in battle during the war. (Image)

Est. $1,500-2,000

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

119

Grant, Ulysses S. Eighteenth President of the United States (1822-85, served 1869-77); the top Union general of the Civil War, rising from the rank of colonel; first man since George Washington to achieve the rank of lieutenant general in the US Army. Choice unaccomplished engraved Document Signed "U.S. Grant" as president of the Jo Daviess Soldiers' Monument Association, 1 page, 15" x 11" showing, Galena, IL, August 28, 1865. Also signed by JC Smith as secretary. Not numbered or issued, the document certifies membership in the association, which was formed to erect a monument to the soldiers from Jo Daviess County, IL, who fought to preserve the Union. The beautiful certificate features an engraving of Abraham Lincoln surrounded by clouds, rays of light, US flags, and six tattered banners, crowned by an eagle with a scroll in its beak. With four other vignettes, of an allegorical woman with flag and olive branch in front of the Capitol; an allegorical woman on a warship with doves; miners working underground; and a soldier with his horse at a blacksmith. Soft creases at lower right, one through signature, otherwise about Fine. Matted under glass in a wooden frame, 23" x 19" overall size. The Soldiers' Monument now resides in Galena's Grant Park. (Image)

Est. $500-750

SOLD for $500.00
Will close during Public Auction

120

Hampton, Wade American politician and Confederate cavalry commander (1818-1902); son of one of Charleston's leading families, his daring exploits as a cavalry commander led him to be one of only three men without prewar experience named lieutenant generals in the CS Army; after the war, became Governor and US Senator from SC, helping signal the end of Reconstruction. Fine content Autograph Letter Signed "Yr Brother," 2-1/2 pages, 8vo, Martinsburg, [WV], October 5, 1862. Writing to his sister, Mary Hampton Fisher, he thanks God that the family is all well, since "Death has often been very near to us...I can scarcely realize that all of us who came into this war fifteen months ago are still safe & well. When I look back over the battlefields of that long time & remember the thousands who lie there now, my heart is deeply thankful for that mercy which has spared me & mine. I pray that we may still be spared, but if this is not to be, I pray that I may be able to discharge my duty faithfully...My heart has grown sick of this war & I long for peace. If it does not come this winter, there is no saying when we may look for it. As long as the madness of the Yankees continues so long will this fearful war...The Yankees will not attack us here & I suppose we shall have to move off before very long. [Hampton's brother] Frank has taken his position as Lt. Col. Poor fellow...He seems calm & I have no doubt but that his duties here will serve to distract his mind from his sorrow. Kit [Hampton's other brother, Christopher]has not yet come, but I suppose he is on the way..." Bottom half of last page torn away, but letter complete. Age-toned, but VG. Frank Hampton would not survive the war, dying under Wade's command at Brandy Station in June 1863, the largest cavalry battle to ever occur on American soil. Wade Hampton would also lose one of his sons in a war where few could boast that divine mercy spared them and theirs. Just a few days after this letter, Hampton would join JEB Stuart in an infamous raid on Chambersburg, PA. An outstanding content letter showing Hampton's faith, commitment to duty, and love of family. (imagea) (Image)

Est. $1,500-2,000

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction