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

141

Porter, Fitz John Union general (1822-1901); after successfully commanding a corps in the Peninsular Campaign, he served under Maj. Gen. John Pope at Second Bull Run, where he was roundly defeated by James Longstreet; court-martialed for insubordination, he was cashiered in 1863; after a 15-year struggle, he cleared his name in 1878, and in 1886 was officially reinstated. His Book "Appeal to the President of the United States for a Re-Examination of the Proceedings of the General Court Marital in his Case, by Maj. Gen'l Fitz John Porter," Morristown, NJ, 1869, 8vo, 64 pages, paper wraps, Signed to"Senator Bayard / Compliments of / F.J. Porter" in top margin of front cover. Toned, back wrap loose but present, overall VG. Most likely this was signed to US Sen. Thomas F. Bayard of Delaware, though possibly it was his father, who had also been a senator; both were "peace Democrats" who had staunchly opposed the war. (Image)

Est. $300-400

SOLD for $190.00
Will close during Public Auction

142

Rosecrans, William S. American soldier, diplomat, and industrialist (1819-98); after victories at Cornith, Stones River, and in the Tullahoma Campaign, he was elevated to command the Union armies in the west, but his mismanagement at Chickamauga led to near-disaster, after which he was removed from command. Great content war-date ALS 1 page, 4to, Cincinnati, December 1, 1863. He writes Major Alexander Doull in Akron, thanking him for an excerpt from a newspaper, adding, "The operations at Chattanooga are very fine and highly gratifying. But with the equation of forces so greatly altered I shall be glad to know why our superiority did not admit of our pushing our victory to farther results and pursuing the flying enemy across the Oostenaula [sic, Osstanaula River] twelve miles beyond Dalton." With a choice carte-de-visite Photograph of Rosecrans in uniform, published by Charles D. Fredricks & Co of NYC. Mounting traces on verso of letter, some soiling, but it and the photograph are both strong and VG. Rosecrans refers here to US Grant's stirring victories over Braxton Bragg at Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge in late November. Joseph Hooker led 21,000 men in pursuit of the fleeing enemy, but just 4100 troops under Patrick Cleburn held him off, allowing Bragg to retreat to Dalton, GA. Rosecrans's criticism is especially sharp because he had been thwarted by Bragg just three months earlier in the same region. (Image)

Est. $1,000-1,500

SOLD for $675.00
Will close during Public Auction

143

Saxton, Rufus American soldier (1824-1908); awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery at Harper's Ferry; commanded the Department of the South, establishing the first black regiment in the US Army; a lifelong abolitionist, he worked for the Freedmen's Bureau after the war. Good content Autograph Letter Signed "R. Saxton / Brig Genl," 3 pages, 8vo, on stationery engraved "Beaufort, South Carolina," August 16, 1863. During the siege of Charleston, he informs Col. WWH Davis of the 104th PA Volunteers "in regard to Capt. Taylor...it is impossible for me to spare him. My duties as Military Governor keep Capt. Rand occupied & I must have Capt. Taylor in the military Dept...My duties are so varied & peculiar that I not only have to work hard myself but I keep my whole staff at work. I hope soon to hear of the capture of Charleston & doubt not I shall...Remember...that you have borne so prominent a part in the capture of the great strong hold of treason." Docketed on verso of last page. Mounting traces on verso of final page, otherwise VG and displays near fine. Despite Saxton's optimism, Charleston would not fall to siege, and would be abandoned only after Sherman's march through the interior of South Carolina in 1865.

Est. $300-400

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

144

Scott, Winfield American soldier (1786-1866); gained national fame for his heroics in the War of 1812; General-in-Chief of US forces from the Mexican War through the early Civil War; presidential candidate in 1840 and 1852. Early Autograph Letter Signed "Winfield Scott" while Brigadier General, 1-1/2 pages, 4to, "Head Qrs. Eastern Dept. / New York," February 4, 1823. He informs his friend H[ugh] Brady that "I have this moment received the official information (in the new army list) of your promotion to the rank of brigadier general. As an old brother soldier, I take the liberty of felicitating you on the event. Altho' the rank has been delayed many years after it was fully merited, I trust it will give you as much pleasure, as the news will afford to your many friends..." Age-toned, with chipped and slightly torn left margin, partial mounting strip at left edge, otherwise in very good condition. Hugh Brady had commanded an infantry regiment under Scott at the Battle of Lundy's Lane in the War of 1812. He was brevetted Brigadier General on July 6, 1822, for ten years of service in one grade, and in May 1848 was brevetted Major General for meritorious conduct. (Image)

Est. $300-400

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

145

Seddon, James A. Good Document Signed ""J.A. Seddon"" as Secretary of War, 1 page, legal folio, on imprinted War Department form, Richmond, December 12, 1864. A request to Secretary of the Treasury George A. Trenholm for a warrant in the amount of $30,000, payable in favor of CSA Treasurer E.C. Elmore "to be placed to the credit of Maj. A.H. Campbell Corps of Engrs. / Richmond Va...'For Engineer Service'..." A small second sheet has been tipped to the bottom of the page with the total amount remitted since April 1, 1864, $140,000, with the balance due for the 3rd quarter, $11,247.14, and the balance from November 30, $12,285.03. Also signed by Comptroller Louis Cruger and Auditor WHT Taylor, who also adds a signed note in pencil. Small piece out of top left corner, where there are also traces of paste, overall VG. Major Albert H. Campbell was chief of the Topographical Bureau for the Department of Northern Virginia. (Image)

Est. $500-750

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

146

Seddon, James A. American politician (1815-80); served as Secretary of War for the Confederate States of America from late 1862 to the beginning of 1865; earlier, a US Representative from Virginia. Scarce Document Signed ""J.A. Seddon"" as CSA Secretary of War, 1 page, legal folio, on imprinted War Department form, Richmond, November 29, 1864. He requests from Secretary of the Treasury George Trenholm a warrant for $2000 "in favor of Col. A.G. Taliferro, [sic, Taliaferro] Enrolling officer, 7th Cong. District, University of Va in settlement of his act..." Also signed by Comptroller Louis Cruger and Auditor WHT Taylor. Paste traces at upper left corner, edge wear, VG. Seddon would spend just one more month as Secretary of War, tendering his resignation on January 1, 1865. Col Alexander Galt Taliaferro (pronounced "Tolliver,") had served under TJ "Stonewall" Jackson until he was wounded at Second Manassas and took the recruiting assignment at Charlottesville. (Image)

Est. $500-750

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

147

Sedgwick, John Union general in the US Civil War (1813-64); a capable corps commander, he was killed by snipers at Spotsylvania while exhorting his troops that the enemy ""couldn't hit an elephant"" at that distance; the highest-ranking Union casualty of the war. Rare wartime Autograph Letter Signed "John Sedgwick / Colonel 4th Cavalry / Maj Genl. bvt," 1/3 page, 8vo, on field stationery imprinted "Head-Quarters 9th Army Corps," January 28, 1863. He writes briefly to Mr. C. Kundle Horton of Buffalo, "Your note of the 24th inst is received, and if you will call on Mr. W.B. Peck, he can give you the desired information." Some uneven age-toning, otherwise VG. With modern photograph of a painting of Sedgwick's death. [2] (Image)

Est. $400-500

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

148

[Sherdidan, Philip H.] American soldier (1831-88); Union general during the Civil War, rising to become one of the most successful field commanders; instrumental in forcing Lee's surrender at Appomattox; afterward a fierce Indian fighter and General of the Army. Important Manuscript Order signed by brevet Col. G.A. Forsyth, 1 page, narrow 8vo, on stationery imprinted "Headquarters Middle Military Division," Charlottesville, VA, March 4, 1865. "By Order of Major Genl Sheridan," he directs that "All officers & soldiers will respect the family & property of Mrs. [Varina]Davis." Some foxing, uneven top edge, small tear in right margin, but VG. At the time of this order, Sheridan was on his way east to join Gen U.S. Grant before Petersburg. Having secured the Shenandoah Valley for the Union, he sensed that the end was near, and wanted his army to be "in at the death." (Image)

Est. $300-400

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

149

Slavery: South Carolina Interesting ALS, 1 page, 4to, Charleston, July 29, 1863, by JW Harrison, Aide of Gov. M.L. Bonham, who writes to Major Echols that ""I am directed by the Governor to furnish you the accompanying list of names of Gentlemen who have been recommended as energetic and capable Managers of Slaves, now engaged in work on the fortifications around this city. Theses gentlemen have been requested to report to you immediately and the Governor hopes they will be able to render you valuable aid in the management of the Slaves and pushing on to Completion the several works..." With six men named below. Wear and soiling at right edge, but VG. Maintaining control of slaves was particularly difficult in places where a large Union presence was close by, as escape was a constant danger. Just weeks earlier, a regiment of black US troops undertook a disastrous attack on nearby Ft. Wagner, which the Confederates would finally abandon in early September. (Image)

Est. $300-400

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

150

Slave Tag Scarce 1851 copper Slave Tag, ca. 1.5"" x 1.5"". Stamped ""Charleston / 1851 / Servant / 2285."" Flaw in stamping the ""A"" in ""Servant."" Overall in Fine condition and a very attractive example of the type. These tags were made to fit various occupations for which slaves were hired out by their owners, and were evidence that the proper tax had been paid. "Servant" is the most frequently seen occupation; "porter," "fisher," "mechanic," and the very rare "carpenter" are among the others. Accompanied by vol. xxvii, #6 of "North South Trader's Civil War" with an article on collecting slave tags. (Image)

Est. $1,500-2,000

SOLD for $1,250.00
Will close during Public Auction

151

SS Sultana Disaster Outstanding cabinet card Photograph printed by James L. Duck of ""Caro and Sebewaing, Mich,"" showing the SS Sultana, a steamer, laden with thousands of men at Helena, AR, on April 26, 1865. A long description in pen on verso tells the story: "Built 1863 - Registered 719 Tons, carried 1300 Tons. Took on 2000 soldiers at Vicksburg just from rebel prison pens. Passengers & crew numbered 200 making a total of 2200 on board. 7 miles above Memphis Tenn on the morning of Apr 27 - 1865 one of her boilers exploded & she took fire. In 20 minutes burnt to the waters edge & sunk whereby 1600 people lost there [sic] lives." Some foxing and toning, but a clear image, overall VG. No doubt this was printed shortly after the disaster, the most deadly marine accident in US history. (Image)

Est. $300-400

SOLD for $1,150.00
Will close during Public Auction

152

Stanton, Edwin M. American lawyer and politician (1814-69); US Attorney General under James Buchanan, championing a hard line against secession; US Secretary of War under Abraham Lincoln, where his tireless devotion to his work helped turn the Union army into an irresistible fighting force; initially dismissive of Lincoln, he became one of his most devoted lieutenants; his dismissal after a power struggle with President Andrew Jackson led to Jackson's impeachment trial. Incredible content Autograph Document Signed "Edwin M. Stanton" as Secretary of War, 1 page, narrow 8vo, on imprinted "By order of theSecretary of War" stationery, Washington, September 11, 1862. He orders the Adjutant General to "give a pass for transportation to Levi E. Short to go to Hilton Head & take with him 400 gross Greek fire and report to General [Quincy Adams] Gilmore. Also a letter of introduction to Gen. Gilmore with request that he furnish Mr. Short subsistence & quarter..." He adds a postscript: "Direct the Chief of ordnance to order 400 gross of Mr. Short's greek fire." With brief clerk's docket at close noting that the orders have been fulfilled. Sharp toning along former fold at left, otherwise VG. General Gillmore had been in charge of siege operations against Charleston, including the bloody assault on Ft. Wagner portrayed in the film Glory. The city refused to fall, and the use of Greek fire, flammable liquid comparable to a modern Molotov cocktail, was clearly a desperate measure to overcome Charleston's strong defenses. However, the city would not fall back into Federal hands until surrendered in February 1865, after Gen. WT Sherman's army had marched through the interior of South Carolina and isolated it. (Image)

Est. $600-700

SOLD for $750.00
Will close during Public Auction

153

Thomas, George H. Civil War Union general (1816-70); gained national acclaim with his regiment's stout defense at the Battle of Chickamauga, earning the sobriquet ""The Rock of Chickamauga;"" commanded the breakthrough at Chattanooga; broke up the army of John Bell Hood, securing the Western Theater for the Union and making Sherman's March possible. Rare carte-de-visite Photograph Signed "Geo. H. Thomas / Brig. Genl. USA" on mount just below image. Dated by recipient "Feb. 15/65" on verso. A choice image of Thomas in his brigadier general's uniform, published by "Morse's / Gallery of the Cumberland," Nashville, TN. Mounting traces and partial R2 revenue stamp on verso. Some rubbing of surface in blank background, but VG. This was presented by Thomas to a cavalry officer under his command. Though one of the most important Union generals in the war, Thomas was overshadowed by Grant, Sherman, and Sheridan. (Image)

Est. $1,000-1,500

SOLD for $850.00
Will close during Public Auction

154

Trans-Mississippi: Texas Treasury Receipt Uncommon partly printed Document signed by auditor D.F. [Shall?], 1 page, 4to, on imprinted stationery of the "Treasury Agency, T[rans] M[ississippi] Department / Auditor's Office," Marshall, Texas, , August 26, 1864. To Major WH Thomas in Shreveport, LA, a requisition #7 for $1,000,000 issued on the Confederate States Depository in Marshall, appropriations for the "Purchase of Subsistence Stores and Commissary property." Docketed on verso. Light fold and edge wear, but VG. Marshall and Shreveport were the two headquarters for the department, which encompassed all Confederate territory west of the Mississippi River. Because of an influx of money and postage stamps late in the war, some believe the Confederate government planned to flee to Marshall once Richmond fell. (Image)

Est. $200-300

SOLD for $250.00
Will close during Public Auction

155

Trans-Mississippi: William H. Thomas A choice Document Signed by Chief Commissary of Subsistence, Maj. ""Wm. H. Thomas,"" 1 page, oblong folio, on blue lined paper, Shreveport, LA, ca. April 1, 1864. His account of army subsistence for the quarter ending March 31, which he certifies as "a true statement of all moneys received expended and transferred...and that the balance of 1,065,257 dollars & one cents is due the Confederate States by me, and is on deposit in Treasury notes with HJG Battle, CS Depositor at Shreveport La." Small holes at intersections of folds, otherwise VG. (Image)

Est. $600-800

SOLD for $1,050.00
Will close during Public Auction

156

Union Patriotic Covers A nice selection of unused patriotic Postal Covers. Eighteen are Union covers, as follows: John Bell and John C. Breckenridge covers with "TRAITOR" printed in red across their faces; Jefferson Davis with a violin, stating he "can't play Yankee Doodle to save his life; a blue star cover with an embossed image of George Washington; caricature of "General Boar-a-guard, / On Duty;" Ft. Sumter with a large color US eagle eating snakes, flanked by Andrew Jackson and John T Calhoun; red and black "Col. Ellsworth, the Martyr;" red and blue "Col. Ellsworth, His last Letter to his Parents;" black, blue and red Liberty & Washington, "Beware of Traitors!" eagle with shield "The Union - The Constitution, and the Enforcement of the Laws;" blue eagle "My Wings / Can't be Clipped!" red eagle "The First Blood" poem; blue and red US flag with liberty cap "One Flag and One Government;" blue and red Constitution "The Union, it must be preserved;" blue and red eagle and shaking hands "In Union / There is Strength;" blue and red eagle on globe "Wrapt in its folds, Our Whole Country shines...;" red and blue eagle with red stars for the states "Love / One / Another;" bayonet and slavery padlock "The Lock and Key;" a red and blue CSA cover with Stars and Bars and Jefferson Davis; and a panel (no back) with Andrew Johnson in a crown as a "stamp." Except for the last, all are VG. [20] (Image)

Est. $100-150

SOLD for $300.00
Will close during Public Auction

157

Union Patriotic Publications Pair of desirable war-date items. "Six Military and Patriotic Illustrated Songs," NY and Washington, Charles Magnus, no date. 8vo, folding out into six leaves. Includes tinted illustrated lyrics to ""Our Grandfathers' Days," "The Captain with His Whiskers," "Want - a Substitute," "Dixie's Land," "Young America and Ould Ireland," and "Kingdom Coming." First leaf detached, all with wear at folds, most reinforced on blank versos with archive tape. Soiled printed boards, but G/VG. With "The House that Jeff Built," NY, American News Co, no date but ca. 1865. 8vo, illustrated printed front wrap, 16 pages. An illustrated poem, with drawings of Jefferson Davis, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, etc. It recounts the rise and fall of the Confederacy through the death of Lincoln. Owner's note on front wrap. some minor chipping and fold wear, but VG. [2] (Image)

Est. $300-400

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

158

Union: Quartermasters ADS, 1 page, oblong 4to, on printed ""List of Quartermaster's Stores"" form, Camp Griffin, VA, November 30 1861. Completed by Lt CS McEntee, acting brigade quartermaster for the 6th Maine regiment. He accounts for 152 cords of wood for the regiment, and 15 more for the hospital. Fold wear, soiling, VG. With printed General Orders #27, by Quartermaster General MC Meigs, 1 page, 8vo, Washington, July 29, 1864. He relays extracts from an act of Congress increasing pay for soldiers, specifically regarding travel pay (not available for discharge travel when it is provided by the government) and horses (no longer to be provided by soldiers unless short-term mounted troops). File holes and binding holes at left, VG. [2]

Est. $150-200

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

159

Union Rifle: Joslyn Carbine Exceptional Joslyn Model 1862 transition to 1864 .52 caliber single-shot carbine Rifle, 22"" barrel, serial #2633 on breech door. Brass parts include contoured butt plate, trigger guard, and single barrel ring. With two-leaf hinged sight, and on left, saddle bar and riding ring. Lock plate reads "JOSLYN FIRE ARMS Co / STONINGTON / CONN;" breech door reads "W.F. Jos[ly]n's Patent / Octo[ber] 8th 1861 / Jun[e 2]4th 1862," with hole as issued obscuring parts of the inscription. Two inspection stamps in stock on left side, with one on barrel. Usual nicks and gashes in stock, but overall condition is excellent. At least 8,000 Joslyn carbines were issued to Union cavalry and sailors. The first version was manufactured in 1862, with a new version in 1864. This is the intermediate version, in which some features of the 1864 model had begun to appear on a basically 1862 design. (imagea) (imageb) (imagec)

Est. $1,000-1,500

SOLD for $1,300.00
Will close during Public Auction

160

Union Sword: M1840 Cavalry Saber Choice condition Model 1840 Cavalry Saber, with wire-wrapped leather grip and brass guard. Manufacturer's stamp ""R & C"" on flat back edge of sword near hilt, for German sword maker Rohrig & Co of Solingen; no inspection stamps found. With original scabbard. Scabbard mottled but with only traces of rust; blade remarkably clean, with the tiniest nicks and no pitting; small scrape along edge of guard. Some usual looseness of wire on grip, with flaking of some leather, but an outstanding example. Many of these swords were imported, especially early in the war, when domestic manufacturers could not meet demand. Appropriately, Solingen is famous for its swordsmiths, and is known as the "City of Blades." (imagea) (imageb) (imagec)

Est. $500-750

SOLD for $500.00
Will close during Public Auction