Spink Shreves Galleries Sale

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Autographed Documents & Free Franks of Important American Historical Figures continued...

19TH CENTURY AUTOGRAPHS continued...

Lot

Symbol

CatNo.

Lot Description

CV or Estimate

521

Fillmore, Millard Thirteenth President of the United States, succeeding upon the death of Zachary Taylor (1800-74, served 1850-53); the last Whig to become president; saw the addition of California to the Union; supported the Compromise of 1850, which postponed the growing sectional debate over slavery. Autograph Letter Signed "Millard Fillmore" just months after leaving office, 1 page, 8vo, on black-bordered mourning stationery, Buffalo, New York, August 8, 1853. To bank and brokerage Corcoran & Riggs, he pens, "I shall be happy to hear when you obtain the Bonds of consolidated stock & cash dividends for my Schenectady & Hudson RR Stock." Tipped at left edge to a larger sheet. Closed tear reinforced at bottom left edge with light paper, otherwise VG. Perhaps Fillmore means to refer to the Albany and Schenectady Railroad, which had originally been the Mohawk and Hudson; he could also refer to the Schenectady and Troy. Both roads were made part of the New York Central in 1853. Fillmore was still in mourning for his wife Abigail, who had died on March 30, just a few weeks after her husband left office. (Image)

Est. $400-500

SOLD for $400.00
Will close during Public Auction

522

Secretaries of the Treasury, 1841-53 [Tyler - Fillmore] Excellent group of autographs including partly printed Document Signed "W. Forward" as Secretary, 2/3 page, 4to, [Washington], December 22, 1841. Forward approves the claim of John Reid Jr. in the amount of $35.40, and approves Commissioners Ed Curty, Thomas Lord, and O. Hoffmann to disburse it. Fold wear, VG. With DS "J.C. Spencer," as Commissioner of the Canal Fund, 1 page, oblong 8vo, Albany, NY, October 1, 1841. A pay order to cashier A.D. Patchin on the Bank of Buffalo in the amount of $1136.32. Transferred to L.F. Tiffany on verso. Mounting traces on verso, pin holes at right, overall VG. With LS "J.C. Spencer" as Secretary, 1/3 page, 4to, Washington, May 11, 1843. He informs Aaron O Dayton, Fourth Auditor of the Treasury, that W. Snethen is applying for post of chief clerk in his office. He adds in an Autograph Postscript Signed "J.C.S" that "I have reason to suppose he has written to the President" [John Tyler], adding that "There are reasons why it is better my name should not be quoted in this matter." VG. With ALS "Geo. M. Bibb" as Secretary, 1/3 page, 4to, Washington, September 25, 1844. He writes Collector of the Port of Baltimore N.F. Williams that "From information received since the appointment of Mr. Culley as inspector, it seems proper that he be removed & that the person in whose place he was appointed, be reinstated." VG/F. With ALS R.J. Walker" as Secretary, 1/2 page, 4to, no place, July 12, 1845. He writes C.W. Laurence of New York, "Desirous of making the office of Secret Inspector really useful Judge May was appointed at my suggestion...It is almost indispensable, to enable him to do much good, that his appointment shall remain unknown, & his accounts as they now are separated from the public accounts..." Paste stains at edge, otherwise about G/VG. With ALS "Thos. Corwin" as US Representative from Ohio, 3/4 page, 8vo, Washington, April 27, 1860. He sends Mrs. S.I. Larned of the same city a speech that he says "should not be called a speech, but a talk, for it was altogether unpremeditated." Mounting strip on verso, otherwise VG. With one manuscript and one partly printed LS as Secretary, each 1 page, 4to, Washington, January 22 and May 29, 1851. The first explains to Thomas Dudley of Buffalo that the collectorship for Sacramento has been filled; the second authorizes the merchandise on the Liverpool ship Lady Franklin to sold as per the enclosed invoice (not present), which does not show evidence of fraud. Both VG. Also with an Autograph Envelope Franked "Th. Corwin" in upper right corner, addressed to John A. Blackwell of Washington. Paste stains, otherwise VG. (imagea) (imageb) (Image)

Est. $500-750

SOLD for $375.00
Will close during Public Auction

523

Cobb, Howell American politician (1815-68); US Secretary of the Treasury under Buchanan; earlier, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Governor of Georgia; a founder of the Confederate States, he led its legislature before entering the military, where he would reach the rank of major general. Manuscript Letter Signed "Howell Cobb" as Secretary, 1 page, 4to, Washington, January 19, 1858. To S.P. Russel, referring him to the New York Collector of Customs regarding his question about duties on cotton hosiery! With MLS "Howell Cobb" as Secretary, 1/2 page, 4to, [Washington], April 2, 1859. An interesting letter to Treasury clerk John F. Hartley, appointing him "a member of the Board for the examination of Clerks for appointment in the office of the Secretary of the Treasury, vice, James N. Barker, dec'd." VG. Hartley had joined the Treasury in 1838 and would serve for nearly forty years. Cobb, on the other hand, was removed from office in December 1860 due to his openly secessionist views. (Image)

Est. $300-400

SOLD for $250.00
Will close during Public Auction

524

Secretaries of the Treasury 1853-61 - Small but quality group of autographs from the era of Pierce through Buchanan. Includes Manuscript Letter Signed "James Guthrie" as Secretary, 1 page, 4to, Washington, March 28, 1855. To Treasury clerk John F. Hartley in care of Collector of the Port of New York, H.I. Redfield, directing him to take charge of a matter concerning property that has apparently been seized by the district attorney but that belongs to a Mr. John Chitwood, a third party. VG. With partly printed Letter Signed "Philip F. Thomas" as Secretary, 1 page, 4to, Washington, December 29, 1860. To Augustus Schell, Collector of Customs in New York, he sends authorization to accept merchandise "imported from Bremen in the Ship 'Tuisko'..." Edge wear, partial fold separation, overall Good. With ALS "John A. Dix," 1-1/2 pages, 8vo, on black-bordered mourning stationery, Port Chester, [NY], August 3, 1852. He writes to John H. George about an invitation to speak at "a Mass Convention to be held at Hillsborough [NH], the birthplace & former residence of Genl. [and then presidential candidate Franklin] Pierce...I have sincere pleasure in accepting." Some soiling, especially on blank verso of second page, otherwise VG. With ADS "John A. Dix" as president of the Mississippi and Missouri Railroad, 1/2 page, 4to, on official vignetted stationery, New York, February 20, 1857. He writes, "We hereby certify that the Oskaloosa division of the Mississippi & Missouri Rail Road as located, passes through the Counties of Muscatine, Louisa, Washington, Keokuck [sic] and Mahaska, in the State of Iowa, and no other." Some toning, otherwise VG. With a carte-de-visite Photograph of Dix in uniform as a major general, published by C.D. Fredricks, 1865. With identification, owner's note, and two-cent revenue stamp on verso. VG/F. (imagea) (Image)

Est. $400-500

SOLD for $250.00
Will close during Public Auction

525

Lincoln, Abraham Sixteenth President of the United States (1809-65, served from 1861); a humble Illinois lawyer, his remarkable speeches and debates together with his unexpected political shrewdness gained him the 1860 Republican nomination; his victory led ultimately to the Secession Crisis and the US Civil War; in meeting that challenge while showing profound humanity he has come to be regarded as the greatest American President. Partly engraved Document Signed "Abraham Lincoln" as President, 1 page, folio, on vellum, Washington, August 7, 1861. He appoints "William Richardson...Additional Paymaster in the service of the United States," dating from June 1. Also signed by Secretary of War "Simon Cameron" and docketed by Adjutant General "L. Thomas". Light fold wear, toning especially at corners, otherwise VG. With large printed portrait. Cameron would be obliged to resign his post early in 1862 due to his toleration of, and possible profit from, corruption in the awarding of supply contracts. (Image)

Est. $4,000-5,000

SOLD for $5,250.00
Will close during Public Auction

526

Lincoln, Abraham Choice partly engraved Document Signed "Abraham Lincoln" as President, 1 page, folio, on vellum, Washington, August 1, 1864. While Union sieges were underway against Petersburg in Virginia and Atlanta in the deep South, Lincoln appoints "Jacob W. Keller...Captain in the Veteran Reserve Corps in the service of the United States" retroactive to January 2. Also signed by Secretary of War "E.M. Stanton". With green War Department seal at upper left. Age-toned, with fold wear especially at vertical fold, affecting military vignette at the foot of the document. Otherwise VG, with a bold Lincoln signature. At around this time, Lincoln and General US Grant made one of the happiest appointments of the war, putting Gen. Philip Sheridan in command of the Army of the Shenandoah despite Secretary Stanton's objections. Sheridan would scour the Shenandoah Valley of Confederate raiders and render the region useless as the South's breadbasket, before taking part in the final pursuit of Lee's army. With large printed portrait. (Image)

Est. $4,000-5,000

SOLD for $4,500.00
Will close during Public Auction

527

Lincoln, Abraham Partly printed War Department Document Signed "Abraham Lincoln" as President, 1 page, 4to, Washington, April 22, 1863. He names "Reverend James B. Crane of Pennsylvania...Chaplain of the United States Hospital at Philadelphia." Also signed by Secretary of War "Edwin M. Stanton." Laminated for preservation, lending it a dappled appearance, otherwise VG. Times were darkening for the Union in the spring of 1863, when this document was signed. In May, the North would suffer a severe defeat at Chancellorsville, and soon Robert E. Lee would be emboldened to attempt a strategic raid into Pennsylvania. But already at the time of this appointment, US Grant was maneuvering to invest Vicksburg, the last major Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi. By Independence Day, Union victories there and at Gettysburg would signal the turning point of the war. (Image)

Est. $3,000-4,000

SOLD for $5,000.00
Will close during Public Auction

528

[Lincoln, Abraham] Choice date carte-de-visite Photograph by Matthew B. Brady, a three-quarter-length pose of Abraham Lincoln standing with his left arm behind his back. Printed by E.A. Anthony of New York. With two-cent Andrew Jackson postage stamp on verso (Scott type 73), treated as a revenue stamp and canceled on April 29, 1865, two weeks after his assassination, while his funeral train was crossing the state of Ohio. Spotting of photographic surface, otherwise G/VG. With tinted carte-de-visite size Lithograph of a young, beardless Lincoln, printed by Story Brothers of Peoria, IL. With a two-cent George Washington revenue stamp (R-15) on verso, cancelled but undated. However, these stamps were only used in the years 1864-66, making it highly likely that this was a memento after the president's murder. In an elaborate gold metal frame. Creasing, apparently from when it was fitted into the frame, and some scrapes on recto affecting image, otherwise Good. With great election content ALS "C. Delano," 1 page, 4to, Mt. Vernon, Ohio, August 24, 2864. To state Treasurer G. Volney Dorsey and James Williams of Columbus, he writes, "This will be handed you by Capt. George Hollister whose name I sent you yesterday as the proper person to carry votes and blanks &c to our soldiers. Capt. Hollister...energetic discreet and loyal. Give him all needful information and let him work for this business is very important..." Some smudging, otherwise VG. (imagea) (imageb) (Image)

Est. $300-400

SOLD for $800.00
Will close during Public Auction

529

Chase, Salmon P. American jurist and politician (1808-73); Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court; Secretary of the Treasury under Abraham Lincoln; earlier, US Senator and Governor of Ohio; probably his most important act as Secretary was to create legal tender currency, vital to financing the Civil War. Early, Outstanding anti-slavery content Autograph Letter Signed "Very truly your friend, S: P: Chase" as the de facto leader of the Liberty Party in Ohio, 1/2 page, 4to, Cincinnati, May 26, 1845. Written on the integral leaf of a circular inviting the recipient to "A Southern and Western Convention of the Friends of Constitutional Liberty," it exhorts the reader: "Hath not the time come when you OUGHT to take sides? 'If the Lord be God follow him; but if Baal, follow him.' I do not pretend to prescribe a course for you; but may I not ask you to look at the matter patiently & determine the question of duty for yourself." The biblical quote (1 Kings 18:21) repeats the challenge that the prophet Elijah made to the apostate Israelites, essentially saying that they must follow the true deity, either the Lord or Baal, but must choose between them. Baal, as the circular makes clear, represents the Slave Power, against whose "criminal asurpations" [sic] the Liberty Party fights an "uncompromising war." Heavy fold wear including nearly complete separation of uppermost horizontal fold, affecting first line of letter; small piece out not affecting text. Otherwise Good, with paper clear and ink sharp and clean. Good patronage content ALS "S.P. Chase" as Secretary of the Treasury, 1-1/2 pages, 8vo, Washington, September 8, 1862. He writes in a surprisingly hasty hand to Elliot C. Cowdin of New York City that "The appointment of which you complain was made by the President on the recommendation of some of the best citizens of New York. The law [put?] the power of appointment in the President & not in the Secretary of the Treasury and the President exercises it on such information as is within his reach...I earnestly hope that experience will prove the selection not so injudicious as you think it now..." With original Treasury Department envelope franked by J.F. Hartley, one of the Treasury's clerks. With some partial fold splits, otherwise VG. With a copy of the letter that prompted the response, in which Cowdin complains that "Mr. John Mack who has just been appointed U.S. Collector for the 4th District of this City is universally regarded as UTTERLY INCOMPETENT AND UNWORTHY OF THE OFFICE...My appreciation of your own high character and patriotism leads me to infer that Mr. Mack has been IMPOSED UPON YOU..." Mack had been appointed in consequence of a new revenue tax put in place to help cover the increasing costs of the war. This took the form of an excise tax - which would have used revenue stamps - on playing cards, telegrams, alcohol, and other luxury or entertainment items; and also a progressive income tax on those who earned above a certain amount. (imagea) (Image)

Est. $750-1,000

SOLD for $600.00
Will close during Public Auction

530

Davis, Jefferson Only president of the Confederate States (1808-89, served 1861-65); earlier, US Secretary of War and a powerful US Senator from Mississippi. Choice Autograph Document Signed "Jefferson Davis," 1 page, narrow oblong 8vo, Memphis, Tennessee, July 22, 1872. A check drawn on the Union and Planters Bank in the amount of $50, payable to cash. With a 2-cent revenue stamp (R-135) affixed at left, bearing the likeness of George Washington. Cut cancellation not touching signature. VG. At the time, Davis was president of the Carolina Life Insurance Company, which was based in Memphis. It was one of the first stages in his later life after having been released from prison in 1869. (Image)

Est. $750-1,000

SOLD for $1,300.00
Will close during Public Auction

531

Johnson, Andrew Seventeenth President of the United States (1808-75, served 1865-69), succeeding upon the death of Abraham Lincoln; earlier, US Senator and then Military Governor of Tennessee; the only southern senator to remain loyal to the Union in the Secession Crisis; caught in a power struggle with the post-Civil War US Senate, he was the first president to be impeached, holding on to his office by a single vote. Rare double signature Document Signed "Andrew Johnson" as President, 1 page, narrow oblong 8vo, Washington August 13, 1866. A check drawn on the First National Bank of Washington in the amount of $563.46, payable to William Glade July accts." At upper right is a two-cent bank check revenue stamp (R-6) Signed and mis-dated "7/13/66 / A.J." by way of official cancellation. Endorsed by Glade on verso. Spindle hole and cut cancellation, neither touching signatures. VG. With a great vignette of the bank at left edge, pronouncing it the "Government Depository and Financial Agent of the United States." Two weeks after signing this check, Johnson would embark on the disastrous "Swing Around the Circle" tour in support of Democrat and moderate Republican candidates. The election went strongly in favor of the Radical Republicans, ensuring a hostile Congress for the rest of his term. Bank checks are probably the most common form of autograph bearing a revenue stamp, though the present document has the added attraction of Johnson's own cancellation initials. (Image)

Est. $2,000-3,000

SOLD for $3,250.00
Will close during Public Auction

532

Secretaries of the Treasury, 1861-69 [Lincoln-Johnson] Interesting group of autographs from the Civil War and the tumultuous early years of Reconstruction. Includes uncommon Autograph Postal Cover Franked "S.P. Chase" as US Senator-elect, ca. January 15,1849, enclosing a circular to "Messrs. Fran & Andrew / Columbus / O" regarding the upcoming semester of law school at Cambridge. An unusual date for a franked cover, though possibly it was hand-delivered. VG. With Autograph Cover Franked "W.P. Fessenden / U.S. Senate," postmarked Washington, March 5, 1859, addressed to "Simon Gratz Esq / Harrisburg / Penna." Front panel only, clipped from rest of cover. With an exceptionally clear black ink handstamp postmark reading "FREE," overall VG. With LS "H. McCulloch" as Secretary, 1 page, small 4to (lower 1/4 of page cut away), Washington, February 17, 1868. He authorizes an unidentified recipient "to release to Bameo Hillard one horse, one harness, and one sleigh upon payment of the appraised value - $83. - and expenses..." With ALS "Hugh McCulloch," 2/3 page, 8vo, Washington, January 31, 1891. To Julius Stover, he explains that "I have long since parted with all the autographs of Presidents Lincoln and Arthur that I could spare." McCulloch served as Secretary of the Treasury under both presidents. VG. With a 16mo Card Signed "Hugh McCulloch / February 1886." Fine. (Image)

Est. $400-500

SOLD for $350.00
Will close during Public Auction

533

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; achieved daring early victories at Ft. Donelson and Ft. Henry; captured Vicksburg, the last major Mississippi port in rebel hands; led the final assault on Richmond; first man since George Washington to achieve the rank of lieutenant general in the US Army. Great Autograph Document Signed "U.S. Grant" as President, 1 page, narrow oblong 8vo, Washington, July 22, 1869. A First National Bank check in the amount of $100, payable to his son "Cadet F[rederick] D[ent] Grant," who was then studying at West Point. Although the paper was printed with its own two cent revenue stamp vignette at center (RN-B1), he has affixed a two-cent (R-2) Revenue Stamp Signed "July 22 / 69 / U.S.G." to the upper right corner. Fred endorses the verso for transfer and it is further transferred three times. Cut cancellation over President Grant's signature, with minor loss, mostly affecting his middle initial. Closed edge tears and two minor spindle holes, folds, otherwise VG. The early days of the new Grant administration had seemed promising after the ineffective presidency of Andrew Johnson. However, in just two months Jim Fiske and Jay Gould's attempt to corner the gold market, which they thought had been tacitly endorsed by Grant, led to a plummet in gold prices after the government sold off $4 million of it. This set off a financial panic on September 24, 1869, which became known as "Black Friday". Fred Grant would later serve on the staff of Gen. George A. Custer; he received leave for the birth of his daughter Julia in June 1876, and thus was not at Little Bighorn on June 25-26, when Custer and every cavalryman who took part in the battle was killed by Sioux warriors. (Image)

Est. $750-1,000

SOLD for $900.00
Will close during Public Auction

534

Grant, Ulysses S. Choice association Autograph Document Signed "U.S. Grant" as General of the Army, 1 page, narrow oblong 8vo, Washington, February 12, 1867. A bank check drawn on Jay Cooke & Co. in the amount of $50, payable to his first cousin, "Mrs. America Baldwin or order / Maysville, Ky." The check is transferred a few times on verso, but also has an unusual Presentation Signed by "U.S. Grant, Jr.," Grant's second son, presenting his father's autograph to US Treasury engraver A.F.C. Smillie, who also signs. Cut cancellation not affecting signature. With a two-cent first issue revenue stamp at upper right (R-15), cancelled "U.S.G. / Feb. 12 1867," though apparently in a secretarial hand. Closed internal tear extending from cancellation, mounting traces on verso, otherwise VG. General Grant had attended school in Maysville as a boy, where he got to know his cousins, children of his father's brothers Peter and Roswell, including his cousin America, who would later serve as a postmaster! (Image)

Est. $500-750

SOLD for $550.00
Will close during Public Auction

535

Grant, Ulysses S. Outstanding historical interest Autograph Document Signed as President, 1 page, narrow oblong 8vo, Washington, November 3, 1873. A check on a "Jay Cooke & Co. Bankers" bank check, but with that name crossed through by the President, who writes in "U.S. Nat. Bank." Payable to cash or bearer in the amount of $3500. Imprinted with a two-cent revenue stamp (RN-D1). Cut cancellation just touches without obscuring the first initial in Grant's signature. Two closed spindle holes, otherwise VG. The year 1873 is notorious for the banking panic that took place that September, beginning the Long Depression, which would last until 1879. The panic was started by the failure of Jay Cooke & Co., hence the necessity of changing the present check! President Grant had himself been partly responsible for the crisis due to his policy of contracting the supply of paper money. (Image)

Est. $500-750

SOLD for $475.00
Will close during Public Auction

536

Sherman, John American politician (1823-1900); US Secretary of State under McKinley and US Secretary of the Treasury under Hayes; earlier, an influential US Senator from Ohio, sponsoring the Sherman Antitrust Act; brother of Gen. William T. Sherman. A good pair of Manuscript Letters Signed "John Sherman" as Secretary of the Treasury, each 1 page, 4to, on imprinted Treasury Department stationery, August 8 and October 23, 1879. Both are to US Appraiser E.B. Moore of Philadelphia, the first acknowledging receipt of "Your application for the permanent continuance in service of John Odell and Matthew Muir, as packers at $900 per annum, and John Ryan and George C. Freeman, laborers at $700" and will refer the matter to Assistant Secretary John B. Hawley; Moore may keep them on 10 days beyond their current term while the matter is pending. Light toning and wear at top edge, otherwise VG. Hawley would leave office the following March to run for governor of Illinois and to support U.S. Grant in a possible bid for a third (nonconsecutive) term. Since Sherman was also a candidate, rumors arose that he had ousted his assistant. Sherman had hoped to win nomination as a compromise between Grant and James G. Blaine, but it went to a dark horse--Sherman's own campaign manager, James A. Garfield. The second letter informs Moore that "The nomination of Sylvester Bonnafon, Jr., to be Examiner no. 6, in your office, at a compensation of seventeen hundred dollars per annum, vice George W. Hacker, deceased...is hereby approved..." Some edge wear and light toning, otherwise VG. Seventeen hundred 1879 dollars is an income equivalent to about $36,000 today. (imagea) (Image)

Est. $500-750

SOLD for $325.00
Will close during Public Auction

537

Secretaries of the Treasury, 1869-77 [Grant-Hayes] Autographs from the administrations of U.S. Grant and Rutherford B. Hayes. Includes Autograph Letter Signed "Geo: S. Boutwell" as US Representative from MA, 1 page, 8vo, Washington, May 22, 1863. He tells Francis Southwick of Albany, NY that he has forwarded his letter "to Miss Clarissa Butler of Groton, Mass., whose mother was a relative of the late Mr. Varnam." Blotting and consequent offsetting from addressee line, otherwise VG. With LS "Geo: S. Boutwell" as Secretary, 1-1/5 pages, 4to, on imprinted official stationery, Washington, November 15, 1870. He writes to Major John Coon of the Society of the Army of the Cumberland that he cannot attend their fourth annual reunion, but that "General [George H.] Thomas was a pure patriot and an able soldier, and I join heartily in the honors which your Society bestows upon his name and memory." Toned, with some wear at left edge, paper clip marks, overall VG. General Thomas, "The Rock of Chickamauga," has come to be considered one of the top Union generals, though at the time he was criticized for his deliberation and care when preparing for battle. Grant had nearly removed him from command before the Battle of Nashville for refusing to attack, but Thomas had simply been waiting for an ice storm to end. Nashville became the most lopsided Union victory, effectively ending the war in the west. General Thomas had just died in March 1870. With ALS "Geo: S. Boutwell," 1 page, 4to, Groton, December 2, 1903. In a very shaky hand, the elderly Boutwell writes Charles Bistwell of Boston to assure him that "you may count with reasonable certainty upon my presence at the Festival of the Unitarian Club at the Vendome..." Fold wear, otherwise G/VG. The Vendome Hotel in Boston would be the site of a tragic fire in 1972 that took the lives of nine firefighters. With DS "Wm. A. Richardson" as Secretary, 1 page, legal folio, Washington, September 29, 1873, authorizing Assistant Secretary John F. Hartley to "sign warrants for the payment of money into the public treasury, and all warrants for the disbursement from the public treasury." With embossed Treasury Seal. Some smudges, else VG. With LS "B.H. Bristow" as Secretary, 2/3 page, 4to, on Treasury Department stationery, Washington September 21, 1874. He writes Attorney General George H. Williams, transmitting copies of papers relating to "John S. Pray and others, owners of Ships 'Prima Donna,' 'Semiramis,' and 'Yosemite'..." (not present). VG. With LS "L.M. Morrill" as Secretary, 1 page, 8vo, on official stationery, Washington, December 9, 1876. To Ben Perley Poore of the same city, he sends a correction to the Congressional Directory: "My residence at present is Wormley's. My wife and two daughters are with me." Finally, with a 16mo Card Signed "John Sherman / Secy Treasy.". Fine. (imagea) (imageb) (Image)

Est. $500-750

SOLD for $400.00
Will close during Public Auction

538

Garfield, Lucretia First Lady of 20th President of the United States James A. Garfield (1833-1918); her intelligence and dignity made her a fine match for her husband, who had been a college professor; the nation took her to its heart during her husband's long deterioration after he was shot on July 2, 1881. Choice partly printed Autograph Document Signed "Lucretia R. Garfield," 1 page, narrow oblong 8vo, Cleveland, Ohio, October 1, 1898. A check drawn on the National Bank of Commerce in the amount of $20, payable to Anna M. Johnson. At right is a two-cent documentary Revenue Stamp Signed "L.R.G. / Oct. 1st" by way of cancellation. An 1898 series stamp (R-164). Cut cancellation not touching stamp or signature, overall VG/F. With small 8vo engraved portrait. (imagea) (Image)

Est. $300-400

SOLD for $525.00
Will close during Public Auction

539

Arthur, Chester A. Twenty-first President of the United States (1829-86, served 1881-85); succeeded upon the assassination of James A. Garfield; earlier Collector of Customs for New York, he was added to the 1880 Republican ticket to counter Garfield's reputation for reform; after becoming President, he surprised critics and friends alike by doing away with much of the patronage system. Good signature combination early Document Signed "C.A. Arthur" as Collector of the Port of New York, 1 page, narrow oblong 8vo, New York, March 16, 1872. A check drawn on the Nassau Bank in the amount of $25, payable to George Hillier. At upper left is a two-cent third issue (R-135) Revenue Stamp Signed "C.A.A. / Mch 16 / 1872." Endorsed by Hillier on verso. Closed spindle hole repaired with Scotch tape on verso. VG. Arthur, then a protege of New York political boss Roscoe Conkling, had been appointed Collector by President U.S. Grant. Though happy to serve the party with the nation's plummest office for patronage, Arthur was simultaneously personally honest, not handing out jobs for financial gain as did many of his predecessors. Nonetheless, he was removed from office by reform-minded President Hayes in 1878. (Image)

Est. $400-500

SOLD for $675.00
Will close during Public Auction

540

Arthur, Chester A. Unusual Autograph Document Signed "C.A. Arthur" as President, 1 page, narrow oblong 8vo, New York, September 18, 1882. A check drawn on the Nassau Bank in the amount of $50, to the order of "C.A. Arthur Jr.," in effect providing a second signature. The check is imprinted with a two-cent revenue stamp (RN-G1). On the verso is the endorsement signature of C.A. Arthur Jr., who transfers the amount to D. Schreifer. With a further presentation signature by Chester A. Arthur III, who presents his father's and grandfather's autographs to his friend Ron Bygum. Closed cut cancellation not affecting main signature. Folds, edge wear, otherwise VG. At the time of this check, Chester Jr. had just enrolled at Princeton University. (Image)

Est. $400-500

SOLD for $500.00
Will close during Public Auction