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Sale 301
U.S. Autographs, Stamps and Postal History
| Autographs and Americana: U.S. Presidents |
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Lot 1001 |
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Washington, George (1732-1799), First President of the United states (1789-97), Free-franked cover front addressed in Washington's hand to "James McHenry, Secretary of War, Philadelphia", postmarked manuscript "Alex 29 May" with matching "Free"; the front with original flap and wax seal have been attached on four sides to old paper creating a full folded cover, repaired tear at top, Fine appearance.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000
Since the letter was not endorsed by Washington, the franking privilege that applied would have been that of McHenry. A most unusual item as Washington could have sent the letter on his own frank.
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Lot 1002 |
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Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826), 3rd President of the U.S. (1801-09), Delegate to the Continental Congress from Virginia (1775-76), Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Governor of Va. (1779-81), Member of continental Congress (1783-85), Minister to France (1785-89), Washington's Secretary of State (1790-93), John Adams' Vice President (1797-1801). Printed DS, "Th:Jefferson", as Secretary of State, 1p, 15¼ x 9½ Philadelphia, Mr. 3, 1791. An act approved at the third session of the U.S. Congress "to continue in force for a limited time, an Act, intitled [sic] ‘An Act for the temporary Establishment of the Post-Office…." and further"That all letters to and from the treasurer, comptroller and auditor of the treasury, and the assistant to the Secretary of the Treasury, on public service, shall be received and conveyed by the post, free of postage"; boldly signed, also countersigned, in typeset, by President George Washington, Vice-President John Adams and Speaker of the House Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg. Minor paper loss at lower corners, light toning at top blank margin, Fine and rare document pertaining to the early Post-Office and Treasury Dept. mail.
Estimate 30,000 - 40,000
The U.S. Post Office was created as a temporary government agency on September 22, 1789. It was not until the Act of February 20, 1792, however, that it was made permanent with clearly defined rules and regulations for its organization and development.
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Lot 1003 |
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Jackson, Andrew (1764-1845), 7th President of the U.S. (1829-37). ALS, "Andrew Jackson", 2pp (single sheet, to sides), 8 x 9¾ Hermitage (Nashville, Tenn.), Oct. 12, 1840, to Robert C. Chester, Marshal of the Western District of Tennessee. Tells of traveling with James Polk, who was Governor of Tennessee (1839-41) prior to his becoming the 11th President of the U.S. Talks of "…a laborious journey over rough roads, and inclement weather." and "Notwithstanding the inclemency of the day, Govr. Polk had an attentive audience of upwards of 2000--I think his three speeches on our return rout [sic] had great & good effect.", minor strengthening alone one edge where second leaf, perhaps an address leaf, was removed, some toning, ink on "Ja" of signature smeared, Fine.
Estimate 2,500 - 3,000
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Lot 1004 |
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Jackson, Andrew, Free Frank, "Free Andrew Jackson", as President, Feb. 18, 1837, on folded letter from Sarah York Jackson, the wife of Jackson's adopted son, Andrew Jackson Jr., and de facto First Lady after the death of Jackson's wife in 1834; to her sister in Philadelphia, signed "Sarah"; red Washington, D.C. postmark and matching "Free" handstamp, toning in address area, slight paper loss at fold junctions and internal splitting; a most unusual Jackson Presidential frank for a family member.
Estimate 1,500 - 2,000
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Lot 1005 |
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Jackson, Andrew, Free frank as President, Washington, D.C., Oct. 17, 1831. Bold "Free Andrew Jackson" on folded letter written by Andrew Jackson Donelson, Jackson's nephew and private secretary, postmarked red "City of Washington, Dec 19" c.d.s. and matching "Free" handstamp to P.A. Barker of Buffalo. Letter relates that Jackson clearly recalls Barker's visit the previous year but "is quite sure that you did not urge or solicit the appointment of your brother-in-law Mr. Stewart to the office of Postmaster of Buffalo.", minor internal splitting, Very Fine.
Estimate 1,000 - 1,500
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Lot 1006 |
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Harrison, William Henry (1773-1841), 9th President of the U.S. (1841). Free frank, "Free W.H. Harrison", 1828. Folded cover in Harrison's hand to James Heaton, an Ohio State Representative in Columbus, docketed on reverse "From Genl. Harrison", 1828; repaired tears and split file folds, vertical file fold in center, which does not affect the frank, is completely separated and mended with archival tape, still an attractive and desirable Harrison free frank. Includes a 2004 P.F. Certificate mentioning only "some paper separation along an internal file fold."
Estimate 750 - 1,000
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Lot 1007 |
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Pierce, Franklin (1804-1869) with Davis, Jefferson, 14th President of the U.S., first president arrested while in office (for running over an old woman with his horse) DS, 13½ x 17¼ as President, Washington, D.C., Jan. 10, 1855. Military commission of one James Thompson as "First Lieutenant in the Second Regiment of Artillery", large clear signature with bold countersignature "Jeff.n Davis" as Secretary of War.", insignificant paper loss along lightly toned folds, one vertical fold passing through "Franklin, matted to an overall 36½ x 27½ with engraved portraits of Pierce and Davis, each above an engraved steel identification plaque. An uncommon combination and a handsome display.
Estimate 3,000 - 4,000
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Lot 1008 |
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Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865), 16th President of the United States (1861-1865). DS, 1p, 8 x 10, Washington, D.C., July 3, 1863. Draft call for the Fourth District of the State of Massachusetts to supply 2,798 troops as "their proportional part of the quota"…"under the Act approved March 3, 1863, entitled 'An Act for enrolling and Calling out the National Forces, and for other purposes'". The act allowed "for the number of men herein assigned and FIFTY PER CENT IN ADDITION." Framed, with a photograph of Lincoln, to an overall 19 x 15, very minor browning, remarkably fresh and Very Fine. Only four such Draft Calls are recorded from Massachusetts.
Estimate 20,000 - 25,000
AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE DRAFT CALL SIGNED BY LINCOLN ON THE FINAL DAY OF THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG.
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Lot 1009 |
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[Lincoln] John Hay and John Nicolay free franks, Pair of Presidential envelopes imprinted "From the President of the United States", one endorsed by Hay, the other by Nicolay, both postmarked Washington, the first Nov 9, 1861, the second Jan 19, 186? Fine to Very Fine. A very scarce pair of covers for the Lincoln collector.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000
John Nicolay was Lincoln's secretary throughout his presidency. When the value of mail became too much for one person to handle he enlisted the help of his friend Jon Hay. Both lived in the White House and saw Lincoln virtually every day.
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Lot 1010 |
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Grant, Ulysses Simpson (1822-1885), 18th President of the U.S. (1869-77), U.S. Army Lt. General and general-in-chief, , ES "U.S. Grant", 8 x 10, Headquarters Armies United States, City Point, Va. Feb. 20, 1865. Signed endorsement on verso of ALS from Robert Ould, Confederate Agent for Prisoner Exchange, to Lt. Col. Jonathon E. Mulford, Asst. Agent of Exchange requesting the whereabouts of a 2nd Lot. Edward S. Ruggles of the C.S. Signal Corps, the request is passed from Mulford to Grant to Bt. Brig. Gen'l W Hoffman, Commissary Gen'l of Prisoners, who adds his signature to a Feb 23 endorsement telling of Ruggles' presence as P.O.W. in New Orleans. The letter is then sent on to Asst. Adj. Gen'l T.S. Burrell, who adds his signature to a Feb 27 endorsement, and finally, back to Mulford, who again signs on Mar. 27 at Fort Monroe upon returning the letter to Ould. The letter has been split into thirds and mended along folds, Ould's letter is faded but endorsements are strong.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000
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Lot 1011 |
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Grant, Ulysses S., 18th U.S. President.
Free frank "U.S. Grant" as President on "Executive" imprint envelope addressed in his hand to Matt H. Carpenter, U.S. Senate, at Hoffman House in New York City, mailed from his summer home at Long Branch N.J., entering the mails with "Long Branch N.J. Jul 16" c.d.s.; opened at top, flap tear and tiny edge nick repair, Very Fine and scarce.
Estimate 1,000 - 1,500
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Lot 1012 |
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Grant, Ulysses S., Free frank "U.S. Grant" as President on "from the President of the United States." imprint envelope with secretary crossed out, addressed in his hand to Hamilton Fish, the Secretary of State in Washington D.C., mailed from his summer home at Long Branch N.J., entering the mails with "Long Branch N.J. Sep" c.d.s.; barely reduced at left, Very Fine. also accompanied by two carte de vistes and a trade card of Grant.
Estimate 1,500 - 2,000
A SCARCE USAGE FROM GRANT'S SUMMER HOME AT LONG BRANCH N.J.
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Lot 1013 |
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[Grant] Swiffer, C.C., President Grant's Private Secretary.
Secretarial free frank "C.C. Swiffer" on Executive Mansion imprint envelope addressed to John A. Brigham, U.S. Envoy Extraordinaire and Minister Plenipotentiary at Yedo, Japan, endorsed "Through Dept. of State U.S.A." at upper right and carried outside the regular mails via State Department diplomatic pouch; no flap and tiny edge tears at upper right, Fine, a scarce Executive usage to a foreign destination.
Estimate 1,000 - 1,500
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Lot 1014 |
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Garfield, James Abram (1831-1881), 20th President of the U.S. (Mar. 4 - Sept. 19, 1881), assassinated. LS, "J.A. Garfield", as President, 1½p, 5 x 8, Washington, D.C., June 7, 1881. Letter on Executive Mansion letterhead to Senator George Edmunds of Vermont thanking him "for your congratulations on the recovery of Mrs. Garfield. [from malaria] This is her thirty-fourth day in bed…Her appetite has returned and I think her recovery is certain." He closed with "About ten days ago I appointed young Lyman as a Cadet at West Point." Exceptionally fresh and Very Fine.
Estimate 20,000 - 25,000
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Lot 1015 |
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Garfield, James A., 20th U.S. President.
ALS, "J A Garfield", 1p, 5 x 8, Chicago, June 8, 1880. Signed receiver's copy of telegram written entirely in Garfield's hand to Hon. John Sherman, on the evening that Garfield secured the Republican Presidential nomination, "Many thanks for your generous message. The result was wholly unsought & unexpected." with penciled note, probably from Sherman, "An absolute lie & he knew (so) - all was proved later"; small piece out at bottom, Fine and very interesting.
Estimate 1,000 - 1,500
Garfield had not been a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination at the time the convention had begun. He was John Sherman's manager for securing the presidential nomination for Sherman. Garfield hoped he would receive Sherman's support for nomination as U.S. Senator from Ohio, but the convention became deadlocked. On the 33rd ballot, the delegates broke their ranks and rushed for Garfield, who received 399 votes.
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Lot 1016 |
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Garfield, James A., Free frank as congressman, "J.A. Garfield", on undated cover addressed in his hand to New York City, small style Washington integral "Free" c.d.s.; small faults, still Fine. Accompanying this are two cabinet photos, one with caption "Republican Candidate for President", and the being the basis for the vignette on the memorial stamp.
Estimate 200 - 300
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Lot 1017 |
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[Garfield], two beautiful engraved cards, each approximately 9½ x 6, first is "Inaugural Reception & Promenade Concert" at the National Museum, 4 March 1881, with portraits of Garfield, Arthur and George Washington, etc., other is magnificent mourning card, "Memorial Service of James Abram Garfield" with poerful head and shoulders portrait; latter with small rub at upper right, still Very Fine.
Estimate 400 - 500
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Lot 1018 |
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[Garfield], Guiteau, Charles, President Garfield's assassin.
Signature on card, accompanied by unused sheet of Guiteau's law office stationery with Chicago Tribune news article attached to it, Fine and scarce Garfield collateral.
Estimate 400 - 500
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Lot 1019 |
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[Garfield] three items relating to Garfield's death:, ticker tape strip reading "Garfield was shot", silk mourning ribbon "To the Memory of our Deceased President", and an all-over advertising cover bearing 10¢ brown (188) to England showing the front page of Boston Sunday Budget for July 3, 1881 with the headline "The President Resting Easily at Midnight. Mrs. Garfield With Him." etc.; strip with small faults, a Very Fine group.
Estimate 300 - 400
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Lot 1020 |
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[Garfield] nine different collateral items, comprising 1882 cover used from Maine with blind embossed bust of Garfield on flap, 1888 cover with Garfield Wash. Terr. c.d.s., cabinent photo "President Garfield" as offered by Allentown Pa. photographer, out of the mails multicolor advertisement cover for GAR 35th encampment showing Garfield memorial, Garfield Album with 15 small illustrations, two trade cards for hats and caps showing Garfield and Winfield Hancock, two carte de vistes showing the President and Mrs. Garfield, Fine to Very Fine group.
Estimate 300 - 400
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Lot 1021 |
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Taft, William Howard (1857-1980), 27th President of the U.S. (1909-13). Free frank," Wm H Taft", as ex-President and Chief Justice of U.S. Supreme Court, Washington, D.C., May 15, 1928. Bold signature on legal size White House penalty envelope, typed address to Mr. William T. Marshall, postmarked Washington, D.C., Very Fine and very rare frank as Chief Justice.
Estimate 1,000 - 1,500
The Chief Justice has never had the franking privilege, nor, at this time, did ex-Presidents.
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Lot 1022 |
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Coolidge, John Calvin (1872-1933), 30th President of the U.S. (1923-29), TSS, "Calvin Coolidge", 17 separate pages, 6½ x 9, no place, c. 1928. A contemporary typescript of his address on the 10th anniversary of Armistice Day, in part "…it is already apparent that our final cost will run well towards $100,000,000,000, or half the entire wealth of the country when we entered the conflict…war is the most destructive agency that ever afflicts the earth. Yet it is the dead here and abroad who are gone forever", Very Fine.
Estimate 400 - 600
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Lot 1023 |
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Truman, Harry S., 33rd President of the U.S. (1945-53). Free frank as President, Washington, D.C., Sept. 23, 1948. Bold signature on White House envelope, typed address to Edwin C. Johnson, Senator from Colorado, at the U.S. Senate, postmarked Washington, D.C. "5" duplex postmark, Very Fine and rare.
Estimate 3,000 - 4,000
THE ONLY TRUMAN FRANK EVER TO APPEAR AT AUCTION.
Truman rarely franked letters. In fact, there are letters known to collectors where he refused to frank an envelope, saying that to do so would be illegal!
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Lot 1024 |
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Truman, Harry S. (1884-1972), Typed manuscript signed, "H.S.T.", as President, 7pp + small note, 8½ x 11. Proposals for election reform, given in a speech to the Senate Elections Committee including "ways to make registration and voting easier…proposals to provide inducements to vote and penalties for not voting…problems presented by deliberately biased news coverage…increased use of techniques of defamation and character assassination…a central depository where all reports of contributions and expenditures in campaigns for federal office will be filed for public inspection…" Truman has written in pencil at bottom of first page "Bill:- I've made some marks on the attached. Use them if you like. They are only for clarification. It is a good document. H.S.T." Small note attached at top in ink "Memo to Mr. Boyle:- I'm returning your recommendations to the Senate Committee on elections with some minor suggestions. H.S.T." William Boyle was Chairman of the democratic National Committee. Fine and quite rare as President.
Estimate 1,500 - 2,000
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Lot 1025 |
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Kennedy, John Fitzgerald (1917-1963), 35th President of the U.S. (1961-63), assassinated. TLS, "John F Kennedy", as President, 1½pp, 7 x 10½ Washington, D.C., July 2, 1962. On White House letterhead to the American Legion on the occasion of the Legion's 44th Convention, speaks of "two things we must do to see that the terrors of war are not unleashed": "be strong so that weakness does not tempt hostile nations into miscalculations" and "prove to…uncommitted peoples who hover between the choice of freedom or of communism, that our way can satisfy their needs"; slight rust stains at staple hole top left corner, small smudge above signature, a Fine patriotic letter propetic in that it was written only three months before the "Cuban Missile Crisis".
Estimate 3,000 - 4,000
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Lot 1026 |
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Ford, Gerald Rudolf (1913-), 38th President of the U.S. (1974-77). ALS, "Jerry", as President, 1p, 6¼ x 8½ no place, June 2 (no year). Letter to "Dick" on personal letterhead with embossed Presidential seal sending birthday wishes and "Look forward to seeing you at Beaver Creek", additional postscript with golf content: "Have a beautiful, new set of Kenneth Smith clubs- same handicap. P.S.S. Sorry for the tardiness. J." Very Fine.
Estimate 400 - 600
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Lot 1027 |
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Arnold, Benedict (1741-1801), American Revolutionary War General who, in July of 1880, turned traitor by attaining command of West Point for the sole purpose of surrendering it to the British. DS, "Ben Arnold", 1p, 7¾ x 12½ St. John, New Brunswick, June 20, 1788. New Brunswick Supreme Court deposition filed by Arnold against one James Grieg to recover a debt of £40. Signed by Arnold as the deponent; mild toning along folds. Fine.
Estimate 3,000 - 4,000
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