THE
GRANT GALLERY
An extra-illustrated set of Grant's Memoirs...
Includes an original manuscript draft page of his 1870 State of the
Union Address.
761. GRANT, Ulysses Simpson. (1822-85) Two (2) manuscript
pieces bound in to an extra-illustrated set of Personal Memoirs of
U. S. Grant. (New York: Charles L. Webster & Company, 1885-86)
2 vols., 8vo., rebound in calf and marbled boards, with gilt lettering
on spine. In volume one, mounted to a blank page before page 7, is a manuscript
D.S. 1p., 8 x 3 1/2", [n.p.], April 4, [1885], "6.30 A.M." signed by Grant's
attending physicians, George F. SHRADY and J. H. DOUGLASS
reporting on Grant's condition during his prolonged illness before his
demise in July, 1885. They report that "General Grant awoke after a continuous
sleep of eight hours and related in a lucid and humorous manner his dream
while under the influence of the anodyne. He feels refreshed and cheerful
and asks for a cup of coffee. His pulse is the same." Fine condition.
The second volume, tipped in before page 17 is a Draft Autograph Manuscript
of Ulysses S. GRANT (not signed), 1p. 13 1/2 x 8 1/2", [n.p., n.d.,
c. November-December, 1870], docketed on verso: "Part of Grant's Message".
A draft portion of his December 5, 1870 State of the Union address to
Congress which reads in full: "in their places by the Senate[.] My views
were always expressed in favor of Civil service reform the bill proposed
by the Hon. Mr. Jenkes [sic Jenckes], of R[hode]. I[sland]. But I am not
wedded to any special measure but favor any that will work an improvement
upon the present system. Both subjects have been before Congress so often,
and have been so ably argued, that I will offer no reason for my". This
was an omitted portion of his December 5 message as found in The Papers
of Ulysses S. Grant (Vol., 21, p. 41). He chose this text in its place:
"Always favoring practical reforms, I respectfully call your attention
to one abuse of long standing which I would like to see remedied by this
Congress. It is a reform in the civil service of the country. I would
have it go beyond the mere fixing of the tenure of office of clerks and
employees who do not require 'the advice and consent of the Senate' to
make their appointments complete. I would have it govern, not the tenure,
but the manner of making all appointments. There is no duty which so much
embarrasses the Executive and heads of Departments as that of appointments,
nor is there any such arduous and thankless labor imposed on Senators
and Representatives as that of finding places for constituents. The present
system does not secure the best men, and often not even fit men, for public
place. The elevation and purification of the civil service of the Government
will be hailed with approval by the whole people of the United States."
The portions of the draft that were used in the final draft of his December
5 message were donated to the Library of Congress by Ulysses S. Grant
III. Though Grant's administration was perhaps the most corrupt in American
history (save perhaps Harding), Grant clearly understood the evils of
the patronage system and reiterated his support for civil service reform
throughout his tenure as President. A few slight fold separations, else
fine. The two volumes are in overall very good condition save for loose
binding to volume one and the usual rubbing.
(Est. $2,500-3,500)
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762. GRANT, U.S. Signed Photograph measuring 11 1/2" X 15"
overall, photograph size 7 1/2" X 10". Albumen image of Grant showing
him waist up as President. Boldly signed and dated May 17, 1885, just
two months before his death. Signature area has toned from previous framing.
Few scratches to the right of Grant, wear at very top of mount, else fine.
Our consignor was informed that this signed image came directly from a
descendant of Grant by marriage. It's actually quite remarkable that the
former President was still signing photographs while terminally ill with
throat cancer, which would take his life in July 1885. Large signed images
of Grant are quite scarce. Would look great matted and framed. (Est. $1,000-1,500)
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763. GRANT, Ulysses S. Printed DS "U.S. Grant" as President
of the Soldiers Monument Association and "S.C. Harris" as Secretary, 1p,
14x17. Galena, Ill., 1865 August 28. Manuscript completed to a Mrs. B.B.
Howard. In full: "This Certifies that Mrs. B.B. Howard Is hereby Constituted
a Member of the Jo Daviess Soldiers' Monument Association." Vignette of
Lincoln at top center and five other smaller vignettes. Engraved by the
Continental Bank Note Co., New York. At the time the Civil War broke out,
former soldier Ulysses S. Grant was working in his father's hardware store
in Galena, Illinois. Four years later, Lieutenant General Grant was the
hero of Galena and of the War, which ended in April 1865. The citizens
of that town purchased a furnished home in Galena and presented it to
the previously poor and homeless Grant. He signed its deed on August 18,
1865 - just ten days prior to these certificates being issued. Other honors
were heaped upon the General, including the honorary presidency of the
Jo Daviess Soldiers' Monument Association. Galena is located on the Mississippi
River in Jo Daviess County - formed in 1827 out of Henry and Putnam Counties.
It is named for Maj. Joseph H. Daveiss, U.S. District Attorney for Kentucky,
who was killed in 1811 at the Battle of Tippecanoe. (Daveiss was very
much a Daniel Boone-like figure... a frontier lawyer military hero who
died in patriotic service.) Light folds, a bright, clean example of a
very rare document. (Est. $700-900)
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764. GRANT, Ulysses S. Signature with rank, "U. S. Grant Major
General" on a 2 1/2 x 1" slip. A fine example that would frame nicely
with an appropriate illustration or portrait. (Est. $300-400)
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765. (GRANT, Julia Dent.) A 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" swatch of pattered
fabric taken from a dress worn by Julia Grant affixed to the verso of
her black-bordered mourning calling card. Identified in ink on the card
as a piece "...of a dress worn by Mrs. Grant at her son Ulysses wedding..."
Very good. Certainly a "different" relic than those usually seen! (Est.
$200-300)
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Grant writes to the Sec. of War who has reported him to the President
for failing to submit reports.
766. (GRANT, Ulysses S.) Manuscript Document completed and
signed "U.S. Grant" by his aide (at a time his writing hand was bandaged
following a fall), two pages, 8 x 10". To Secretary of War, C. M. Conrad,
Fort Vancouver, January 4, 1852. "Sir: I have just receive your note of
the 2nd of November, 1852, notifying me that I had been reported to the
President as having failed to render within the period prescribed by law,
my accounts for the quarter ending the 30th of June, 1852. I would respectfully
state that I left Governor's Island on the 30th of June, on a leave of
absence for a few days, to attend to some business in Washington City
before sailing for this coast. Returning I reached New York City about
11 o'clock at night where I learned to my astonishment, for the first
time, that the 4th Inf. were to go aboard the steamer Ohio the next morning
so as to be ready to sail by 2 o'clock P.M. on the 5th. Otherwise my accounts
would have been rendered within the time prescribed by law. As it is they
were forwarded by the first mail after our arrival at our destination."
Grant would later write on how this type of bureaucratic nonsense was
the worst aspect of military life. Obviously this one delay in reporting
was not put on his record - just six months later he received his captain's
commission. An exceptionally fine letter, with second endorsement sheet.
Another important piece with fine content. (Est. $500-800)
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767. Frederick Volck. German-Confederate American. AN ORIGINAL
BRONZE BUST OF GENERAL ULYSSES GRANT. This finely cast bronze was presented
to President Grant from General Robert E. Lee when General Grant became
President of the USA .This goodwill offering by these gentlemen of the
South was in gratitude for the favorable treatment Gen. Grant showed Gen.
Lee at the surrender at Appomattox which ended the Civil War. It is recorded
in Grant's book & diary that Lee visited Grant at the White House
twice while he was President. Volck created in 1863 the similar image
of Gen. Lee while Lee was the lead general in the Confederacy Army. This
bronze was sold in last year's Rail Splitter auction. This bronze
of Gen. Grant is signed and dated "FREDERICK VOLCK, 1869, RICHMOND, VA."
19" tall, the bronze rests on a circular 2" black marble plinth &
weighs an impressive 50-pounds! A masterpiece of artwork. (Est. $4,000-4,500)
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768. Rare photo of U. S. Grant, taken fifteen days after receiving
the Republican presidential nomination. 4 x 5 1/2" albumen photograph
affixed to a 6 1/2 x 8 1/2" mount. Titled "Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, U.S.A.
Photographed by T. R. Burnham, 351 Washington St., Boston, in Washington,
D.C., June 5th 1868." Grant is shown seated, in military uniform, with
a gold watch chain on his vest and four-star shoulder boards. The albumen
is bold with excellent detail and contrast. There is a small circular
stain to the right of his shoulder. The mount is evenly toned with some
light dampstains along the sides and bottom which barely touch the right
side of the photo. We have also seen a much larger version of the same
photo - both versions considered rare and seldom offered for sale. (Est.
$600-800)
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769. A fine outdoor steroview, "Lieut. Gen. Grant. Wife and Son,
at his Head Quarters, City Point, Va." (Est. $100-300)
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770. U.S. Grant CDV, Anthony back imprint. Superb Grant CDV, c.
1863, as Lieutenant General. Most probably taken shortly before his victory
at Vicksburg. An extremely difficult image to source. Excellent tone,
detail. (Est. $400-500)
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771. A gorgeous, resonant pose of Gen. Grant on Brady board. Save
for light spot in field at top, a very fresh, clean example. (Est. $200-400)
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772. U.S. Grant. Quite rare carte, c. 1862-1863, with T.F. Saltsman,
Nashville, Tenn. back imprint. An early Civil War image of Grant as Lieutenant
General in excellent condition with just a hint of age at the top right
edge. (Est. $400-600)
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773. One of his last photographs in uniform. A fine portrait of
the General just before he left the military for a career in politics.
1868 imprint by Burnham of Massachusetts, a tough portrait to source in
carte format. (Est. $300-500)
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774. Grant with mourning bands affixed to his sleeves following
the Lincoln funeral. A fine specimen. (Est. $100-150)
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775. Scarce Grant carte by Henzey of Philadelphia. Board trimmed
at bottom not into albumen, great tone and detail. The General poses in
a Napoleonic stance. (Est. $200-300)
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776. Pair of CDVs, one on a titled board showing Grant just after
the Lincoln mourning service, the other by Burnham. Slight clips to corners,
two (2) nice cartes. (Est. $100-200)
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777. U.S. Grant by Day & Wilson of Memphis. There is some discoloration
from a design pattern found on ornate CDVs that must have faced this carte
and some even mottling. Nonetheless, a very rare, early portrait. (Est.
$100-200)
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778. U.S. Grant by Anthony/Brady. Some age mottling as shown, another
scarce portrait. (Est. $150-200)
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779. Oval albumen affixed to an ornately designed carte board.
A somewhat different presentation. (Est. $80-100)
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780. A later, post-war portrait of President Grant by Gurney &
Sons. (The man doesn't look terribly pleased!) A scarce study, nice presentation,
just a hint of age. (Est. $150-200)
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781. This one is special! As
detailed (in VERY small part!) on verso: "This sword, which was presented
to Gen. Grant by Jo Daviess County, Illinois, was finished at the Ames
Manuf. Co., Chicopee, Mass. The grasp and guard are ornamented with classical
designs..." The extensive presentation lists every attribute, the inscriptions,
the gold detailing, and the military record of the hero. Given that his
record concludes with November 1863 (Chattanooga), we assume this was
a gift from that year. Issued from the General's hometown, "Pierce's Photographic
Rooms, Galena, Ill." This is the first we've seen... what a great "relic"
item!
(Est. $300-500)
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782. Political rally in support of U.S. Grant's campaign. An interesting
carte, brass band standing in the foreground with a large bass drum; they
stand in front of "J.C. Mann's Saloon." (No relation we believe!) They
display the American flag at left, on a peach mount by Philp & Solomons
of Washington. A fun image in carte format.
(Est. $150-200)
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783. Seymour and Blair 1868 campaign CDV from the 1868 Presidential
race that pitted Horatio Seymour against U.S. Grant. The CDV has some
light age, else very fine. (Est. $100-150)
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784. Colfax CDV, some mounting remnants/loss at very top of board,
exceptional clarity and detail - a warm portrait of the Speaker of the
House and Vice President. (Est. $50-70)
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785. Horace Greeley CDV, Anthony-Brady back imprint. Editor of
New York Tribune and Presidential candidate in 1872. Excellent.
(Est. $75-100)
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786. Grant and Colfax presidential campaign carte shows the 1868
Republican nominees, eagles, George Washington, American flags, etc. "Grant
and Colfax Presidential Campaign of 1868. We intend to fight it out on
this line if it takes ALL SUMMER." Mint. (Est. $200-250)
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787. Grant and Colfax 1868 political campaign CDV by John Goldin,
Washington, D.C. CDV pictures a large eagle: "Presidential Campaign 1868
Grant Colfax We purpose To Fight It Out On This Line If It Takes All Summer.
" Reads "Executed with a Spencerian Steel Pen by W. F. McLennan". Light
wear, else fine. First example we have seen, ever!
(Est. $200-300)
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788. "Last Photograph of Gen. Grant, Four Days Before His Death."
A sad study, cabinet card with 1885 copyright lines on verso and oberse
by Gilman of Mt. McGregor, NY. Odd that he was allowed to take a photo
of the General so near the end. (Est. $100-200)
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789. Absolutely pristine... we repeat, PRISTINE!, matching Grant
and Colfax brass-matted ferrotype stickpins. 26 x 32mm. These are not
the small, gem-sized tins, but rather quite large specimens... almost
1 1/2" tall. The Grant example has a bright, shiny surface -- clean as
the day it was made. Both super mint condition with original pins. The
1868 campaign is well-represented in these two badges! (Est. $600-800)
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790. Grant and Colfax ferros set in a classic 22mm. brass frame.
Similar to the frame issued for Lincoln (#1864-103), this enjoys a great
deal of lustre. Tintypes have light bubbling to emulsion and some scratches,
but overall the portraits remain quite bold. A fine example of an 1868
campaign item. (Est. $250-300)
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791. Grant and Colfax back-to-back ferrotype. 28mm., the Colfax
portait quite bright, some flaws in the Grant ferro as shown with areas
of emulsion faults. The "For President 1868" makes the brass shell one
of the nicer devices of the campaign. A mint example would command $750,
this should well be worth... (Est. $150-200)
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792. Grant Memorial Medal. A large, 63mm., white metal commemorative
medal by Morgan, the Chief Engraver at the U.S. Mint. About uncirculated,
highly detailed. (Est. $60-80)
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793. 1868 Grant Medal. U.S.G.-1868 #2. A large 60 mm. bronze bearing
a high relief bust by Hugues Bovy of Geneva. A quote from Grant is present
on verso: "I intend to fight it out on this line if it take all summer."
Uncirculated condition with nice deep toning. (Est. $100-150)
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794. Grant 1881 Convention Medal... a special issue! One
of the more interesting pieces of political exonumia we have encountered,
a 2 3/4" diameter bronze medal featuring a bust profile of Grant surrounded
by laurels and a series of numbers. The verso identifies the medal as
a "Commemorative of the 36 Ballots of The Old Guard for Ulysses S. Grant
For President" at the 1880 Chicago Convention. A self-congratulatory piece
cast in 1881 by the loyal supporters of U.S. Grant who stuck by him through
36 ballots at the 1880 Convention as Grant attempted to win an unprecedented
third nomination for President. This unique offering has been engraved
with the name of the original recipient, John Cessna. Offered together
with a leather-bound book, 31p, 6 1/4 x 8", adorned with a hollow replica
of the medal on the recto and verso printed for a reunion dinner of "The
Old Guard" in Philadelphia on April 25, 1893. This select group, nicknamed
"306" for the number of delegates who stood with Grant on the final ballot
as the balance of the convention stampeded to Garfield. A fascinating
piece of political memorabilia. (Est. $400-500)
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795. U.S. Grant ABC plate, 5" in diameter, period soft blue/gray
glaze, minor, typical crazing, a different portrait of the general. (Est.
$150-200)
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796. U.S. Grant Staffordshire spill-vase, c. 1863. Extremely well
made porcelain, 3 3/8" tall General Grant portrait is surrounded by stars
and a light blue background. These small pieces of china were made during
the Civil War (there is a Lincoln mate). The piece is in excellent condition
and retains much of the original gold highlights. (Est. $200-$300)
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797. 1868 Ulysses S. Grant campaign bio in yellow pictorial wraps.
6 x 9 1/2", The Life and Campaigns of Gen. U. S. Grant by Gen. James
G. Wilson. Published by Robert M. deWitt of New York City. 100p.,
generally excellent condition, minor chipping and discoloration along
bottom edges of cover, as shown. Inside title page contains a summary
of Grant's career, followed by a laudatory poem with biblical imagery
by the Union League's George Boker. (Est. $100-150)
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798. Lovely red, white, and blue Grant and Colfax electorat ticket.
2 1/2 x 8", an excellent California ballot with interesting association:
the gentleman running for Congress, Frank M. Pixley (1825-95), had fought
alongside the standard-bearer (Grant!) during the War at the Battle of
Cold Harbor. A fine, bright example. (Est. $150-200)
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799. Extremely scarce 1868 political hopeful! This
7 1/2 x 3 1/2" advertising note, printed in green and black on tan, mounting
remnants on verso from album removal, light foxing in areas, clipped upper
corner, presents a dramatic appeal on behalf of George H. Pendleton as
the "People's Nominee" going into the Democratic Convention. We recently
found an example sold in a national auction for $1,500+ presented as an
1864 campaign item... the misattribution understandable givent hat Pendleton
(1825-89) was the Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate running with
George McClellan in 1864. An Ohio Congressman and Senator, he went into
the post-War convention opposing the candidacy of U.S. Grant as a leading
hopeful! A rare piece of political ephemera that displays quite well.
(Est. $500-800)
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800. A fine matched pair of election covers from the 1868 election
(Grant-Colfax and Seymour-Blair), one credited "Owens & Agar... New
York" on verso. Overall very bright and clean, very fine. (Est. $150-200)
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801. Grant and Greeley 1872 campaign advertising from Dayton, Ohio.
Wonderful 1872 campaign piece featuring images of Horace Greeley and U.S.
Grant. The circular advertises "The Farmers Friend Grain Drill" below
their images, with more grain drill information on the reverse. Most political
collectors are familiar with the "Bartenders Friend" campaign buttons
from the 1940 campaign, this has the same flavor as this grain drill manufacturer
is "sitting on the fence" when it comes to supporting one candidate over
another. A wonderful 1872 campaign relic in fine condition save for some
light typical age. (Est. $200-300)
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802. "Come One! Come All!" Wonderful 2 3/4 x 5" card from a celebration
in New Jersey by the local Wigwam for the 1868 inauguration of Grant and
Colfax. Printed in red. The crowd was invited to hear the elequent blathering
of the local politico, Newark's own Cortland Parker (1818-1907) who had
been a delegate to Republican National Convention from New Jersey in '68.
A fun item. (Est. $40-60)
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803. Decorating Grant's Tomb. A lovely printed invitation
from Post No. 327 of the new York G.A.R. inviting the bearer to "Decoration
of Gen. Grant's Tomb" on Memorial Day, May 31, 1886. Before he was interred
in the monumental structure designed by John Duncan completed in 1897,
Grant was interred in a smaller, temporary structure located in Riverside
Park. This was the first Memorial Decoration held following his death
from throat cancer the previous August. Printed on heavy card stock with
a thin black border on beveled edges. Pristine. (Est. $100-200)
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804. "Lieutenant General Grant's Grand March." Lee & Walker's
ode to Grant, 6p., a bust of Grant framed by two banners listing his long
list of victories including Fort Donalson, Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg,
Chickamauga and others. Likely published in 1864, as none of his 1864
victories are yet listed. Extremely light foxing, binding remnants at
left margin, else very bright and clean. (Est. $80-100)
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805. "General Grant's Grand March." 6p. sheet music also by Lee
& Walker, Philadelphia, this in 1862. The publisher also notes the
availability of other titles including "General Grant's Polka", and "General
Grant's Quick Step." An excellent unbound version on separate sheets,
overall quite clean with extremely light foxing at margins. (Est. $80-100)
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806. Another variant of Grant's Grand March, 6p., 1865.
A later edition, revised to reflect Grant's elevated rank since the 1862
publication. Lightly foxed at margins, small losses at left margin from
previous binding. (Est. $80-100)
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807. A great jugate! "For Seymour, Blair and Liberty."
Sheet music, 5p., bearing portaits of the 1868 Democratic nominees. Published
by Lyon & Healy, Chicago. Moderate foxing, a few marginal tears, string
binding remnant at edge, else very good... and scarce! (Est. $300-400)
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808. Ulysses Grant Chromolithograph, by E. C. Middleton, 13 x 16"
oval (17 x 22" framed). A gorgeous portrait skillfully retouched in oil
in background, top of hair, and coat. Housed in a bright, gold period
gesso frame with a few surface cracks. (Est. $400-600)
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