(Click thumbnails to view larger images)
[The Papers of Ward B. Burnett. Ward Burnett (1811-84) was a career solider graduating from West Point in 1832 to immediately serve in the Black Hawk War of that same year. He remained in the army until 1836 when he resigned to become a civil engineer. Burnett raised a regiment in the Mexican War and served with great distinction under Winfield Scott – awarded a gold medal by his regiment. As further reward for his services, he was presented with a gold snuff box that had been presented to Andrew Jackson from the City of New York for his heroic 1815 defense of New Orleans. He spent the years between the Mexican War and the Civil War engaged as a civil engineer engaged on the construction of the dry docks at the navy yards at Brooklyn and Philadelphia. He later worked as U.S. surveyor-general for Kansas and Nebraska (1858-60). During the Civil War, he was actively engaged in the recruiting service. The next five (5) lots originate from this important man's family.]


396. LINCOLN, Abraham. Good content A.L.S. "A. Lincoln", 1p. 5 x 8" on Executive Mansion letterhead, Washington, March 7, 1863, to General Ward B. Burnett (1811-84) concerning Burnett's nomination for a commission as brigadier general. Lincoln, two months following his issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, writes in full: "Col. Diven has just been with me seeking to remove a wrong impression which he supposes I might have of you, springing from a report he had once made in the New York Senate, as I understood him- I told him, as I now tell you, that I did not remember to have ever heard of the report, or any thing against you. As I remember, you were nominated last year, and the nomination fell, with many others, because the number nominated exceeded, the law, I call to mind no reason why you have not been re-nominated, except that you have not been in active service, while others more than sufficient to take all the places, have been. Yours truly A. Lincoln." Partial separation at vertical center fold, light toning and soiling, else fine condition. Burnett, a decorated hero of the Mexican War, had been acting as a recruiting officer for volunteers in New York at the start of the Civil War. Because of wounds received at the Battle of Churubusco, he was essentially a cripple and unfit for field service, but a regular officer's commission would have afforded him a larger pension to see him through his later years. Apparently, a regular commission never came for Burnett. In June he received another blow, this time from Secretary of War, Edwin M. STANTON who writes in an accompanying L.S. 1p. 8 x 9.5", Washington, June 20, 1863 to New York Mayor George Opdyke. Stanton replies to Opdyke's request "...that such power be given to General Ward B. Burnett, to muster men into the United States service, as was given to the late Colonel Baker and others, I have to state, that the request having been considered by the Department, it is not deemed expedient to grant it, great inconvenience and prejudice to the service, having been experienced from irregular authority to muster in recruits. The Departments is informed that the force of recruiting officers is amply sufficient to muster in the recruits as fast as is consistent with due examination and proper regard to the interests of the United States..." Light scattered foxing, a few tiny chips, else fine. This did not stop Burnett from taking an active part in the struggle however. William O. Stoddard, an aide to Lincoln who was in New York during the Draft Riots, reported joining a hastily formed militia regiment commanded by Burnett: "When we reached the corner of the Sub-Treasury, there on the steps was General Ward B. Burnett, organizing a company of volunteers that promised to be a good one. I knew that he had commanded the First New York Volunteers in the Mexican War and was accounted a brave, capable officer. That was the man to serve under, and we at once fell into line, recalling our soldier experience in the Rifles. The General swore us in, gave us instructions, looked very cool, and determined but a little bloodthirsty, and we were posted. That is, we were put temporarily in charge of the Treasury, under the impression that there was to be an immediate attack on it. Later we were transferred to the portico of the Custom House, where we kept company with a wide-mouthed mountain howitzer." Ironically, Lincoln penned his letter to Burnett the same week he issued the first draft law in the history of the United States. A great example with verve. (Not in Basler, text unknown.) (Est. $8,000-10,000)


397. Andrew JACKSON (1767-1845) Partly printed D.S. as President, 1p. 14 x 17.5" on vellum, Washington, July 1, 1834 appointing Ward B. Burnett as a Second Lieutenant in the Second Artillery. Countersigned by Lewis CASS as Secretary of War. Weak at folds with some minor losses, very light toning, else very good.
(Est. $800-1,000)


398. (Andrew JACKSON) An interesting set of three letters concerning Jackson's gold snuff box willed by Andrew Jackson that was to be given "to that patriot of New York city who shall be adjudged by his countrymen to have been the most distinguished in defense of his country." This was the same gold snuff box that had been presented to Jackson by the City of New York in appreciation for his defense of New Orleans. The following three letters concern the campaign mounted by the officer corps in New York to have this snuff box awarded to Ward B. Burnett. The lot includes Gideon J. PILLOW (1806-78) A.L.S. 1p. 7.5 x 10", Maury County, Tenn., August 2, 1858 to a General concerning In part: "...I found your interesting letter...in behalf of Genl. Burnett as the proper recipient of the Gold Box, under Genl. Jackson's will...I have transmitted these...to Andrew Jackson Jr. with a letter from myself, strongly expressive of my convictions that Col. Burnett is justly entitled to the request..." Offered together with a second A.L.S. by Pillow, 1p. 8 x 10", Maury County, Tenn. Aug. 26, 1857 to Henry Gaines and A. W. Taylor of the New York volunteers, concerning the same subject: "...I have addressed Andrew Jackson [Jr.] on the subject, and enclosed him your letter, with instructions to return it to me. My impression is that he will withhold the box until a more satisfactory award is made. I never received any communication of any sort - upon any subjects - from the common council of New York..." Also together with an A.L.S. of F. J. Mackey, formerly of the Palmetto Regiment during the Mexican War, 3p. 8 x 10", Washington, June 18, 1858 to Andrew Jackson, Jr. attesting to Burnett's character and integrity. The stuff box was finally released and presented to Ward in 1859 by the City of New York for his gallantry leading the 1st New York Volunteers in the Mexican War. The location of the snuff box is presently unknown. All three letters bear the expected folds, else fine condition. Together, three pieces. (Est. $300-400)


399. BUCHANAN, James. (1791-1868) Partly Printed D.S. as President, 1p. 21 x 16", Washington, July 21, 1858 appointing Ward B. Burnett "to be Surveyor General for the territories of Kansas and Nebraska..." Countersigned by Moses KELLY as acting Secretary of the Interior. Partial fold separations repaired on verso, light dampstains and toning, else very good. Offered together with a second partly printed D.S., 1p. 21 x 16", Washington, Dec. 24, 1858 again appointing Ward B. Burnett "to be Surveyor General for the territories of Kansas and Nebraska..." Countersigned by Jacob Thompson as Secretary of the Interior. Dampstained, weak at folds, separated folds repaired on verso with archival tissue, light toning, else very good. Together, two pieces. (Est. $800-1,000)


400. The Mexican War and Personal Papers of Ward B. Burnett. A fine content archive of papers (approx. 40 pieces) retained by General Ward B. Burnett of New York including communications and letters from his service in the Mexican War as well as personal correspondence and papers concerning family matters. The Mexican war material consists of 21 letters and documents chronicling Burnet's command of the 1st New York Volunteers beginning with the organization and mustering of the regiment at Fort Hamilton, New York in December 1846 to the regiment's return to New York in 1848. The 1st New York (later designated the 2nd New York) arrived off Vera Cruz with Scott's main army in February, 1847 and saw action at Cerro Gordo, Peubla, Contrereas, Churubusco, and Chapultepec. Following the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, the regiment returned to New York in 1848. The papers opens with a December 1847 letter from potential recruits requesting service "involving peculiar danger". Several papers concern regiment matters at Fort Hamilton later that month including the drumming out of "Sergt. O'Riley" for "mutinous and seditious conduct". The regiment departed New York in January 1847 arriving in the Gulf of Mexico in February. Such long distance transport or a large body of troops was a relatively novel task for American armed forces as illustrated in an A.L.S. of Winfield SCOTT 1p. 8 x 10", "Head Quarters of the Army" Brazoo, Feb. 14, 1847 to Assistant Quarter Master, Capt. H. C. Wayne concerning confusion in transporting troops to the Mexican coast: "It is represented that the New York Regiment of U. States Volunteers was embarked in five ships, instead of three, two of which have passed south of Lobos, and three remain off this bar. You will immediately visit the latter ships, and after inspection and consultation with the commanding officers, determine the question, in my name, and by my authority, whether the troops under the Command of Capt. Fairchild, on board the Jubilee, may not be transferred to the other two, containing parts of the same regiment..." On February 26, 1847 the army was "afloat" according to the manuscript General Orders No. 34, off Lobos and "within a very few days, to make a descent on the enemy's coast under circumstances which will demand the utmost vigilances, coolness & exactness of conduct..." The orders continue, in great detail for three pages dictating how the surf boats would be utilized in the amphibious landing at Vera Cruz. Following the capture of the port city, army discipline became a serious concern. A communiquÈ of March 30, 1847 reported that "many volunteers with regulars & sailors, have been seized this morning in committing Acts of violence upon the persons, property & churches of this vicinity & are now in custody. Measures have been taken to prevent the repetition of such outrages..." The regiment marched with Scott inland in April, arriving at Jalapa on April 22 and advanced to Puebla by mid-May. On May 20 Burnet's men were among the advance guard awaiting the arrival of the main army according to a manuscript order issued by Burnett that day ordering his men to be in readiness for an attack. Burnett's men figured prominently in the battles of Contreras and Churubusco and on September 1, 1847 Burnett wrote his men a pre-mature letter of congratulation, on "the investment and capture of the city of Mexico". Following Churubusco, Santa- Ana had pled for a truce to negotiate peace, but instead used it to reinforce his position and attempted to dislodge Scott with disastrous results. The archive also includes several documents concerning regimental casualties during the war, details of courts-martial as well as a good deal of paperwork concerning accounts for the regiment. It also contains a lengthy but undated draft of 25-page speech delivered in Albany recounting his experiences in the Mexican War through the battle of Cerro Gordo. His narration of the latter battle reads in part: "...Genl Twiggs had reconnoitered and determined on an immediate attack but Gen Patterson assuming the command on the 13th determined to await the arrival of the General in Chief. During the delay Col Burnett discovered from which the right of the enemy's line resting on a high bluff adjoining the river could be enfiladed with artillery from the opposite side and having informed Gen Shields of it an engineer was sent the for the first time to reconnoiter It was afterwards determined to establish a Battery there, and three companies of the New York Regiment under Major Burnham performed the labour and protected Lieut Ripley in the performance of this creditable service. Our company was attached to protect a field Battery and the other companies remained with the Brigade under Colonel Burnett. On the afternoon of the 17th the Brigade was ordered to its position to support the division of Genl Twiggs on the main work and reached that point at sunset. From that time until 3 A. M. details to the number of 300 men were called for to aid in placing the 24 pounders and one 64 pound Howitzer in position...at daylight as formed and marched to the immediate vicinity of the commanding point of the enemy's line...orders were received to move to the right and take a battery of five guns upon the road posted upon the enemy's extreme left..." Other pieces include Burnett's appointment as a Brevet Brigadier General in light of his "...gallant and distinguished services during the late war with Mexico..." signed by New York Governor, Horatio SEYMOUR. Other papers in the archive concern his pension, two newspapers (one on the capture of Mexico City), an 1867 divorce as well as other family financial matters. Condition is overall very good to fine with the expected folds and toning. A superb archive of the Mexican War, worthy of further research. (Est. $1,000-1,500)


401. (Mexican War) 1st New York Volunteers. A rare survivor from the Mexican war, a leather-bound account book, 200p. (approx 60p. filled in), 10.5 x 15.5" being the final muster roll of the First New York Volunteers. The members of each company (A-K) are listed by name together with rank, age, when and where enlisted (and by whom), as well as where and when they were formally mustered into the service. A wide "Remarks" column is left at the far right where casualties and deaths are noted. BAt the end of each company, deserters, deaths, and discharges are listed with remarks noting when and where. The First New York Volunteers saw action from Vera Cruz through the capture of Mexico City suffering casualties at Puebla, Cerra Gordo, Churubusco and Chupuletec. Though the regiment suffered greatly in battle, disease was still the greater foe. For every casualty in battle, we find someone "left sick". The most common culprits were yellow fever and diarrhea (aka Montezuma's revenge!). During the regiment's return in the spring of 1848, many were left at New Orleans to recover while the balance continued back to New York. First few pages bear some marginal chips and tears, cover worn, a bit loose at spine, else very good. Together with a
prohibitively rare document.
(Mexican War) The Truce of August 21, 1847. A rare contemporary manuscript copy of the controversial (and ultimately fleeting) truce between U.S. forces under Winfield Scott and the Mexican Army under Antonio LÛpez de Santa Ana concluded after his defeats before Mexico City. The agreement, bearing the secretarial signatures of Scott and Santa Ana, 4p. 8.5 x 13.5", Tacubya, Aug. 24, 1847, reads in part "...an armistice for the purpose of giving the Mexican Government an Opportunity of receiving proposition for peace from the Commissioner appointed by the President of the United States...Hostilities shall instantly and absolutely cease between the Armies of the United States of America, and the United Mexican States within thirty leagues of the Capitol [sic] of the latter States, to allow time to the Commissioner appointed by the United States And the Commissioners to be appointed by the Mexican Republic to negotiate...the Armistice shall continue as long as the Commissioners of the two Governments may be engaged in negotiations..." The truce also forbade the erection of new fortifications, new reinforcements, and restricted deployed forces to their present locations. Though Scott had offered it as a means of concluding the war without further loss of life, Santa Ana used it to buy time to reinforce himself. Negotiations broke off within a week and hostilities resumed with Scott defeating Santa Ana again on the outskirts of Mexico City. On September 15, Santa Ana evacuated the city and was deposed a month later. Offered together with a printed document, 4p. 6 x 8.5", Mexico, Feb. 25, 1848, a general order (#14) from the Army of Mexico detailing the court martial of Captain Samuel H. Montgomery who had written a letter on September 3, 1847 decrying the armistice to the Pennsylvania Argus and is quoted in full: "'After the battles of the 19th and 20th ult., when we had opened up the way to the city, Gen. Scott, much against the wishes of the whole army, granted an armistice (at the solicitation of Santa Anna) on the 31st, which is still in existence, and has given time to the Mexicans to reinforce themselves, and we have now to do the work over again, at the loss of more of our brave men.'" Both pieces bear the expected folds, chipped at margins with minor loss, otherwise very good condition. Wonderful content and history. (Est. $1,000-1,500)


402. LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-65) Good content A.L.S. "A. Lincoln" as President, 1p. 5 x 8" on Executive Mansion letterhead, Washington, July 29, 1864 to sculptor William H. Philip (1829-84), "My dear Sir I have seen your Bust of Secretary Seward, and think it very good; though I must add that I do not consider myself a good judge in such matters." We have yet to locate the bust in question, however Philips created busts of a variety of Civil War personages including David Farragut, Salmon Chase and, following his death, Abraham Lincoln. Mounted to a board, a few minor marginal chips not affecting text, toned at folds with light soiling, else very good. Should be restored.
(Est. $4,000-8,000)


403. LINCOLN, Abraham. Partly-printed D.S. as President "Abraham Lincoln", 1p. folio on vellum, Washington, April 20, 1864, a scarce naval appointment commissioning Charles Green as a "...Captain in the Navy from the 16th day of July 1862..." . Green was a career officer making the rank of Midshipman in 1826 and making Commander in 1855. Within a few months following his promotion to captain, he would retire from the service. Countersigned by Gideon WELLES as Secretary of Navy. Light toning, usual folds, Well's signature light, else very good.
(Est. $5,500-6,500)


404. LINCOLN, Abraham. His signature
"A. Lincoln July 13, 1863" mounted to a blank page inserted into Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews laudatory work, The Perfect Tribute (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1916) 41p. 8vo., illus. with titled boards with gilt lettering on board and spine. Lincoln's signature is on a very clean 3 1/4 x 2" slip and makes a wonderful presentation. July 1863 was an extraordinary eventful month for Lincoln to say the least. The carnage at Gettysburg was still fresh as Lincoln wrote his name here, and he had just received a plaintive appeal from the prominent citizens of New York begging for assistance in putting down the terrible draft riots then engulfing the city. The same day, Lincoln wrote to Ulysses S. Grant congratulating him on his hard-won capture of Vicksburg the previous week: "...do not remember that you and I ever met personally. I write this now as a grateful acknowledgment for the almost inestimable service you have done the country...When you got below, and took Port-Gibson, Grand Gulf, and vicinity, I thought you should go down the river and join Gen. Banks; and when you turned Northward East of the Big Black, I feared it was a mistake. I now wish to make the personal acknowledgment that you were right, and I was wrong." At the time, Lincoln was still hopeful for one more piece of news: the capture of Lee's retreating army by Meade. Much to his disappointment he received word the following day that Lee's army had safely crossed the Potomac into Virginia. (Est. $2,800-3,500)


405. LINCOLN, Abraham. Partial A.D. signed "Lincoln" in another hand and "Saltonstall" in Lincoln's hand, 2p. on a 8 x 3 1/2" sheet of blue paper, [Tazewell County, Ill., Sept., 1852] consisting of approximately eighteen lines of legal text in Lincoln's hand concerning the case of Smith vs. Gaines, a trespassing case in which Lincoln and Saltonstall argued on behalf of the plaintiff, James E. Smith. Ultimately the case was dismissed after an out-of-court settlement was reached between the two parties. A few words affecting by trimming, one lightly toned crease, else very good. (Est. $2,500-3,500)


406. Lincoln legal brief with the rare combination "Parker & Lincoln"; signed twice. Manuscript Document Signed "Parker & Lincoln, p.d.", twice by Abraham Lincoln, two pages, legal folio, docketed September 1852, with the addition of "And def[endent]t. doth the like" in Lincoln's hand, penned on an ADS by N.H. Purple, attorney for the plaintiff in Amos Eggleson vs Tarrant A. Perkins, Tazewell Co. [Ill.]. The plaintiff disputes several pleas of the defendant and specifically accuses him of "falsely and fraudulently" persuading the plaintiff to accept $25 in discharge of a judgment by claiming that such settlement was recommended by the defendant's then attorney, A.H. Saltonstall. Fine. (Est. $5,000-7,000)


407. Abraham Lincoln directs clerk to insert his name into a legal brief. Abraham Lincoln document signed clerically within the body of an annotation. From the Sagamon Circuit Court in Illinois dated March 19, 1850. The document is a 2p. legal brief measuring 8 x 12.5 in the matter of Hiram Penny vs. Henry McHenry, this being testimony by one John Savage in the ongoing property dispute with the plaintiff. The defendant, McHenry, had owed monies to Penny for more than four years. Lincoln, who represented McHenry on several occasions - including defending McHenry against charges of adultery! - has instructed the clerk at the top of the brief to "put in by Mr. Lincoln as lawyer in common on the back." Slight edge chips and small portion at top removed, well below Lincoln's note. (Est. $600-800)


408. (LINCOLN) Partly Printed Document, signed twice in an unknown hand "Lincoln, Coles, Linn & Sheldon/Attys for plff". Champaign Co., Ill., October 1857, one page, folio. William C. McReynolds complains that Luther Eades "unlawfully withholds" possession of a quarter-section of land in the county, to his damage of $1000. A notice at bottom advises Eades that he must "appear and plead" or suffer judgment by default "and the plaintiff will recover possession..." Marginal separation in upper fold, overall a handsome example. (Est. $400-600)


409. An historical Abraham Lincoln family item.
An 88-page leather-bound day-book carrying business entries through 1807 kept by the President's great uncle and shows the close association to Daniel Boone's family – A treasure trove for Lincoln collectors and genealogists. The cover of the book reads "Abraham Lincoln's Day Book January 1st, 1799", 8" x 12.5", 88 pages, carrying business entries - what sold, and to whom - through 1807. The leather cover is in poor condition but the internal pages are very fine. All and all, this remarkable lot is a virtual treasure trove of Lincoln scholarship. From the Henry E. Luhrs Collection. This Lincoln book is that of a fifth generation Abraham Lincoln born in 1736 and died in 1806. He was the son of Mordecai Lincoln and Mary Robeson. Abraham was married to Anne Boone (Daniel). This Abraham Lincoln was the President's great uncle. Lincoln's great-great grandfather came to Pennsylvania with his brother, Abraham. After Mordecai's first wife passed away in 1727, he married Mary Robeson in 1729. That same year he leases a thousand-acre farm in present Exeter Township, which he later purchased. The Mordecai Lincoln farm lies only four miles from the Daniel Boone homestead from where Daniel and his father migrated to North Carolina. Lincoln's grandfather was a good friend of Daniel Boone. Relations between the two families must have been close since both were active in public affairs. Mordecai's youngest son, Abraham Lincoln married Daniel Boone's first cousin, Anne Boone proving that the Pennsylvania Lincolns were not Quaker, since the Exeter Friends Meeting censured Anne Boone, a Quaker, for marrying "out of meeting". The day book carries entries from 1797 to 1808 including entries for Joseph Boone for bushels of corn, beef, seed and wheat. Also 1797 and 1801 entries for Valentine Heart for "halling logs", "planks", "scantling", and "rafters." Ancestors names are also listed including a relative of Mordecai's wife, Amery Robeson whose relative Ann Robeson purchased some beef. On page 49/50, there reads two entries, "Abraham Lincoln departed this life January 31, 1806." This is in reference to President Lincoln's great uncle. Then another entry reads, "Ann Lincoln departed this life on April 4, 1807." That entry refers to Anne Boone. Many of the people listed in the book paid cash for their purchases but some bartered their services such as spending a day threshing flax, reaping, husking corn, cleaning oats, digging ditches, planting corn and hay making. The end pages of the book have additional dates and entries squaring away some of the debts. It appears Joshua Boone helped settle the accounts of Thomas Cherington in accordance to the last will and testament of James Boone "as being part of legacy left to my mother by said dec'd" The farm was believed to be a 210 acre estate in Virginia which Mordecai inherited after his father's death. Mordecai's son must have run it after that. (Est. $3,000-3,500)
Lincoln's last proclamations!


410. Broadside 8 1/2 x 13" Closing Certain Ports, April 11, 1865...A PROCLAMATION...and Port of Key West to Remain Open, April 11, 1865...A PROCLAMATION. Both printed on an 8 1/2 x 13" broadside, signed in type by the President and Secretary of State Seward. Excellent condition. The last printed War Proclamation of this type. These proclamations relate to the closure of previously blockaded ports currently under Union occupation; the opening of the port of Key West; and threatening European powers with reciprocal treatment unless U.S. ships entering foreign ports are treated equally with ships of other foreign powers. (An example sold in 1915 at the big Anderson Galleries sale for $3.75... while a Booth signature made just $6.50!) Some edge tears at bottom margin repaired on verso, overall quite fine - and rare. (Est. $1,000-1,500)
"Respect the Sabbath and keep it Holy..."
so says the Old Testament and Old Abe!


411. (LINCOLN, Abraham.) A printing of a presidential order concerning the "Observance of the Sabbath Day in the Army and Navy", 1p. 4.5 x 7", Washington, Nov. 15, 1862. In what would be considered a most controversial order in this day and age, Lincoln "desires and enjoins the orderly observance of the Sabbath by officers and men in the military and naval service. The importance for man and beast of the prescribed weekly rest...demand that Sunday labor in the Army and Navy be reduced to the measure of strict necessity..." Quoting George Washington as precedent Lincoln demanded that "The discipline and character of the national forces should not suffer, nor the cause they defend be imperiled, by the profanation of the day or name of the Most High..." Tipped at left margin to a larger sheet, else fine. (Est. $200-400)
A pass to the White House
during the middle of the War.


412. 1862 White House Pass. Autograph Pass. In full: "Fort Monroe Jun 27 '62 / Pass to White House / one trip," not signed. Stamped: "Lieut Wm E. Blake/Aide de Camp and/Provost Marshall," on 5" x 2.25" slip of paper affixed to 9.25" x 3" sheet. (Est. $300-400)
An odd appeal to the President.


413. (LINCOLN, Abraham.) Manuscript Letter Signed by two members of the Board of Inspection of the Washington Asylum, [n.p., n.d. c. 1864] to Lincoln requesting a magistrate for the asylum, recommending one William Slater, "one of the commissioners, who is a reliable union man, and is qualified for the position..." On the verso appears a note, in an unknown hand, but most likely the words of Lincoln, concerning Mr. Slater, whom Lincoln had nominated as a Justice of the Peace, "and was rejected by the Senate, simply because no one of the committee knew him; nor did Mr. Bowen, then a clerk in the Senate, on whom the committee much relied for necessary information. Mr. S. was much mortified, as I was also & Mr. Bowen expressed, great regret, upon learning who Mr. S. was..." The Washington Asylum was not an insane asylum, but an almshouse and a workhouse for the poor and indigent of Washington. Mounting strip on verso of top margin, else fine. An odd, fun association piece. (Est. $150-300)
Requesting that the President free Confederate prisoners.


414. (LINCOLN) YEAMAN, George Helm. (1829-1908) A Representative from Kentucky; born in Hardin County, Ky., November 1, 1829; completed preparatory studies; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1852 and commenced practice in Owensboro, Ky.; judge of Davis County in 1854; member of the State house of representatives in 1861; elected as a Unionist to the Thirty-seventh Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of James S. Jackson; reelected to the 38th Congress and served from December 1, 1862, to March 3, 1865; unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1864 to the Thirty-ninth Congress; United States Minister to Denmark 1865-1870; resigned in 1870 and settled in New York City; lecturer on constitutional law at Columbia College; president of the Medico-Legal Society of New York; died in Jersey City, N.J., February 23, 1908; interment in Webb Memorial Chapel, Madison, N.J. ALS: "Geo. H. Yeaman", 1.5 pages, 7.75" x 10.25", front and verso. Thirty-Eighth Congress pictorial stationery, Washington, February 27, 1865. To President Lincoln recommending nine Confederate prisoners "for release, under the amnesty oath." After originally listing two names, the Unionist Congressman from Kentucky adds three at the bottom and four more on verso on February 28th, signing his name again. Mounting remnant in blank area on verso. (Est. $300-500)


415. Lincoln loved the Theatre...and attended often! An A.L.S. of a Lt. William Henry Shelton of the 1st NY Light Artillery on seeing the Lincoln family at Ford's Theatre over two consecutive nights. 5p. 8vo., Culpepper, Va., April 9, 1864, describing a recent night in Washington in which he "heard Edwin Forrest as Macbeth at Ford's Theatre." However the main attraction was, as he styled it "the royal family", which "occupied a box and formed the main attraction between the scenes. Mrs. Lincoln had a lady friend with her and each was clad in [illeg.] capes surmounted by a white hat and feather. Little Isaac [read Tad?] was dressed in the uniform of an officer of the U.S. navy. It is not expected that I shall speak of the clothes of Abraham the father." Our correspondent continues noting "Although I am no great friend of the drama, I was well pleased with the acting of the great Forrest. Macduff and lady Macbeth did their parts pretty well in support of the King (Macbeth) but as is usually the case were not quite up to the star performance. Lady M. did particularly well she demands the hard hart, cold blood to perform the deed." The next night, Sheeton returned to Ford's to discover, to his surprise "to see the Lincoln family again. A gentleman who sat next to me said rather sneeringly that he believed the president attended the theatre instead of going to church. I told him that perhaps we ought to be at church instead. He sad every man was his own judge of that, and I added 'Old Abe included." Don't you think I had him?" Light usual folds, else fine. GREAT content! (Est. $400-600)
The girl who got Lincoln to grow his beard!


416. (BEDELL, Grace) A very fine content letter being the only contemporary mention in contemporary manuscript of the famous suggestion of Grace Bidell that Lincoln grow a beard. A.L.S. of E. J. Brewster, 4p. 5 x 8", Oxford Furnace [N.J.], Feb. 20, 1861, "...I am satisfied that the 'Secesh' [Rebel] cigars are better than anything we have here...I don't know hardly what to think of the Rail Splitter's speeches, but notice that the N.Y. Herald [&] N.Y. Express, and papers of that stamp, all ridiculing his sayings and action in kissing the girl that recommended him to raise whiskers. I am inclined to think well of that incident, but am afraid the girl will hereafter suffer great inconvenience, for every chap that meets her will want to salute the girl that Abe kissed. Hope she will make them all stand back until I meet her. S. T. is a little worried abt the speeches. He don't think they come quite up to the scratch. Little too much. Sameness..." When Abraham Lincoln was campaigning for president in 1860, he received a letter from 11 year old Grace Bedell, which read, "I have got four brothers and part of them will vote for you anyway and if you will let your whiskers grow I will try and get the rest of them to vote for you...You would look a great deal better for your face is so thin...And all the ladies like whiskers and they would tease their husbands to vote for you and then you would be President..." While the Bedell story was remarked upon in great detail by the newspapers of the day, this is the first instance in which we have seen anyone remark upon the story at the time. Lincoln, en route to Washington, met with the young girl while on a brief stop in Westfield, NY. Standing from his train car, Lincoln remarked that "Some three months ago, I received a letter from a young lady here; it was a very pretty letter, and she advised me to let my whiskers grow, as it would improve my personal appearance; acting partly upon her suggestion, I have done so; and now, if she is here, I would like to see her; I think her name was Miss BARLLY. [sic Bedell]'' A young boy pointed out the blushing young girl to Lincoln and the assembled crowd parted so he could make his way to her. Lincoln gave her several hearty kisses amid cries of delight from the crowd and quickly boarded the train to depart for Buffalo. Very light toning from dampstain, usual folds, else very good. (Est. $2,000-2,500)


417. LINCOLN, Mary Todd. (1818-82) Scarce A.L.S. "Mrs. A. Lincoln" 1p. 8vo., Chicago, June 9, 1866 written to a Union general requesting a pass for a family friend. In full: "Mr. [Alexander] Williamson writes me requesting a free pass for Mrs. W. to New York and for himself to Pittsburg & as far as Chicago if he desires. Mr. W. has been a kind friend to me and I hope you will grant his request...". Williamson was hired by Mary Lincoln in September 1861 to tutor Willie and Tad while the Lincoln family resided in Washington. After Willie's death in 1862, Williamson no longer tutored Tad, but he and his wife became close family friends and even helped support Mary in the years following her husband's death. Minor soiling, else very good. (Est. $3,500-4,500)


418 . (LINCOLN, Mary) A letter in the hand of her private secretary, Charles S. Sweet, 2p. 8vo. on War Department letterhead, Washington, Mar. 21, 1881 to Mrs. Rosa Wallach of Washington informing her that "Mrs. Lincoln directs me to say to you that your letter was handed to her just as she was getting ready to leave the city. She handed the letter to the secretary [likely Robert Lincoln who was Garfield's Secretary of War] and spoke to him in regard to the matter referred to by you. But the Secretary said that the application must be made directly to the Secretary of the Navy, and that it would not be possible for him to exert any personal influence in that direction..." So much for nepotism! Partial separation at folds, light toning, else very good.
(Est. $150-250)


419. LINCOLN , Robert Todd. (1843-1926) American lawyer who was the oldest and only surviving son of President Abraham Lincoln; attended Harvard during the early years of the Civil War; his desire to serve in the Union Army was thwarted by his mother who feared for his life; through the intervention of his father, he served on General U.S. Grant's staff during the last months of the Civil War; after the assassination of his father, he went to Chicago where he began the practice of law in 1867; in 1875, much to his dismay, he found himself the object of intense public curiosity and criticism when he petitioned the courts to institutionalize his mother because of her mental state; served as Secretary of War [1881-85] under Presidents James A. Garfield and Chester A. Arthur, and then [1889-93] as U.S. Minister to Great Britain; from 1897 to 1911, he was president of the Pullman Car Company. A.L.S. as U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, 2p., 5 x 8" on U.S. Legation letterhead, London, June 23, 1891[?] to William. W. Thomas, Jr., U.S. Ambassador at Stockholm introducing Mr. Lloyd Carpenter Griscom and offering his personal recommendation. Usual creases, else fine. (Est. $250-350)


420. LINCOLN, Robert Todd. T.L.S. 2p. 8vo., Chicago, May 13, 1910 to William E. Reed in New York concerning summer plans at Hildene, his Manchester, Vermont home: "...I very much hope that we shall see you and Mrs. Reed in Manchester this summer. The telescope is working all right, the only trouble being that I am, unhappily, not able to be there to work it. I think the orientation is now quite exact enough for any practical purpose, as I can - or rather could last fall - easily set the finder on any desired object before opening the shutter of the dome. I am hoping to be able to spend a few days there just after the transit of the Comet, which I have not seen..." Usual folds, else fine. (Est. $250-350)


421. LINCOLN, Robert Todd. Large Signature "R.T. Lincoln" on a card [2-1/2 in. x 4-1/16 in.] Age-toned. Mounting traces on verso. (Est. $100-200)


422. LINCOLN, Robert Todd. Manuscript Letter Signed "Robert T. Lincoln" as Sec. of War, 2p., 8vo., on imprinted War Dept. stationery, September 22, 1882. To "Hon. James M. Dalzell, / Caldwell, Ohio," explaining "I am in receipt of your letter of the 19th instant, in which you invite me to be present at the Soldiers' Re-Union, to be held at Caldwell, Ohio, on October 1st and 2nd. I am very much obliged for the kind terms in which you convey your invitation; but it is not possible for me to accept it. I have been compelled, for various reasons, to remain in Washington during the whole summer until now, when I am starting for Illinois, to attend to some long-neglected private business. It is impossible for me to say when I will have any leisure; and in the meantime I cannot make any engagements. Thanking you for your invitation, I am / Very respectfully yours, Robert T. Lincoln." A painfully shy man, Lincoln was forced to endure the limelight he despised through much of his life. He once referred to the general public as a "damning hyena." Normal age-toning, with blank horizontal margins slightly trimmed, otherwise in very good condition. (Est. $300-500)


423. LINCOLN, Robert Todd. Partly-printed D.S. filled out in his hand, a check drawn on The Riggs National Bank of Washington, Mar. 2, 1917 for $3.75 payable to "Georges & Emile." Punch cancellation only marginally affects signature, else fine. (Est. $300-500)


424. LINCOLN, Robert Todd. Check drawn on the Riggs Bank, Washington, Apr. 3, 1917 payable to W. B. Holtclaw, for $2.00. Cancellation punches affect signature, else fine. (Est. $300-500)


425. One of the FOUR (4) family members named Mary! Autograph of Mary Harlan Lincoln, wife of Robert Todd Lincoln. In the family line, the matriach was of course Mary Todd. Then, eldest son Robert had to complicate matters by marrying a Mary of his own! A daughter was named Mary as was a grandaughter. Signature from the bottom panel of a bank check. A bold, clean example. (Est. $50-80)
The absolute LAST in the Lincoln line...


426. The rare signature of Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith. Beckwith (1904-85) represents the last living family member... direct progeny of the President. His mother was Jessie Harlan Beckwith who was a daughter of Robert Todd Lincoln. Bob Beckwith was a colorful character...women, booze, gambing, fast sports cars, often selling "family relics" to support his vices. (He was a regular visitor to Ralph Newman and others when cash became an issue!) Despite three wives, he never fathered a child. For some reason, he seldom signed things. This is fun: a 1955 copy of Ruth Painter Randall's book Lincoln's Sons signed on the free end-paper by Beckwith. A great association piece. (Est. $150-200)
Walking with style! A relic cane from the Rail Splitter.


427. Lincoln "Rail" Cane. One of the most popular contemporary "relics" during Lincoln's tenure in office were canes composed from fence rails split by Lincoln himself. The split fence rail was already a potent campaign symbol evoking the precedent set by William Henry Harrison's 1840 "Log Cabin" campaign promoting the ideal of the rustic but wise, self-reliant frontiersman. The "Rail Splitter" was the brainchild of Richard J. Oglesby, who in the spring of 1860 had spoken to John Hanks, an old friend of Lincoln from Macon County. Hanks recalled that he and Lincoln had split 3000 rails for a fence soon after the Lincoln family came to Illinois in 1830. Visiting the site of that feat, the two identified two of the rails and secreted them back to Decatur for the Republican State Convention May 5, 1860. At the appointed moment Hanks and another man carried out the rails into the convention with a banner between them reading: "ABRAHAM LINCOLN/The Rail Candidate/FOR PRESIDENT IN 1860/Two rails from a lot of 3,000/made in 1830 by Hanks and Abe Lincoln." (Lincoln, who was present, remarked that he may have split those particular rails, but would never know.) The slogan was an instant hit and the term "Railsplitter" became part of the political parlance, even becoming the title of a Chicago campaign newspaper (our namesake!) The rail also became a prop for political cartoonists helping further the association. Lincoln was also reported to be a fan of the cane and walking sticks; numerous examples were presented to him before and throughout his presidency. A cane made of wood from Henry Clay's home was presented to Lincoln during the 1858 debates. Several others were given to him including the noted "Broderick oak cane" presented to the President in 1863 and the "assassination cane" of black ebony with nine dots representing the seceded states which was said to have been left by Lincoln in his box at Ford's Theatre the night he was shot. A walking stick, presented by John A. McClernand in 1857, was carried to Washington and used during the first inauguration. Following the 1860 nomination, Oglesby was inundated with requests for pieces of split rails and apparently John Hanks managed a good living supplying those requests. Offered here is one of those relics, a wooden cane, 36" in length in American walnut – the wood, in fact, that Lincoln used – harvested from trees lining the Wabash. An ivory handle tops the cane, a 1/2" silver band between handle and staff bear the words "Lincoln Rail" on one side and "A. F. Frye" on the other. Brass reinforcing band at bottom a little loose, as is the silver band, other usual marks of wear and age, otherwise a fine presentation. We have seen examples of these "split rail" canes sell in excess of $4,000 at auction in the past several years. A great relic! (Est. $2,000-4,000)
Autographs: Political and Social


428. (Early Associates) Ozias M. HATCH (1814-93) Lincoln associate, Secretary of State of Illinois, and a significant political supporter. Partly-printed D.S. 7 x 3", Springfield, Jan 3, 1864, a check for $45.50 drawn on the private bank of Jacob Bunn of Springfield. Bunn handled the transaction in which Lincoln purchased the German weekly paper, Illinois Staats-Anzeiger. Contemporary ink mark affects signature, a few minor marginal tears, very good. A fine twice-association piece. (Est. $50-80)


429. CHASE, Salmon P. (1808-73) American lawyer who served as Sec. of the Treasury in Lincoln's Cabinet, originating the National Banking System in 1863; was appointed Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court by Lincoln in 1864. Prior to the Civil War, Chase served as Governor of Ohio. Fine content L.S. as Sec. of the Treasury, 7p. 8 x 12 1/2", "Treasury Department [Washington], April 4, 1863 authorizing William G. "Parson" Brownlow as a Special Agent of the Treasury Department "to receive and collect abandoned or captured property, including all Cotton, Tobacco, and other merchandise and property seized under Military or Naval Orders, or abandoned by the owners, in the States of Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama..." excepting military and naval stores. The document details the manner in which Brownlow was to conduct this business including full transcriptions of the receipts he was to issue for abandoned property. Before the outbreak of the war, William "Parson" Brownlow was a staunch advocate of slavery, but an equally vocal opponent of secession and, through his newspaper, railed against the Confederate state government of Tennessee until his paper was suppressed in October 1861. After a period of house arrest, and a subsequent jail term, Confederate Sec. of War Judah P. Benjamin ordered Brownlow exiled and he was escorted to the Federal lines. He quickly removed to
Cincinnati and began a speaking tour throughout the North. During his time in the North, his views on slavery changed, and he supported Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Brownlow returned to Tennessee with Burnside's Army in the fall of 1863 and quickly became a leading Unionist. He was elected governor by acclamation in 1865. With original transmittal envelope. Bound with string running through two grommets at top, usual folds, else fine condition. (Est. $300-500)


430. CHASE, Salmon P. Scarce Autograph Quotation Signed "S:P: Chase" while Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, 1/3 page, on 8vo [5-1/2 in. x 4-7/16 in.] sheet of stationery, no place, undated. In purple ink, he pens: "Dread naught but sin / S:P: Chase / Jan. 11, 69." Light age-toning and faint soiling, otherwise in very good condition. (Est. $200-300)


431. CHASE, Salmon P. Partly-printed DS "S.P. Chase" as war-time Sec. of the Treasury, 1 page, 4to, Treasury Department, Washington, April 1, 1862. Countersigned by Collector of Customs "H. Barney." Customs clearance approval issued to Robert Murray for merchandise imported from Port au Prince aboard the Helena Augusta, "there not appearing any just ground to suspect that a fraud upon the revenue was intended..." Blank margins frayed with slight paper loss. (Est. $200-250)


432. (Early Associate) DAWSON, John. (1791-1850) A member of Lincoln's Long Nine which relocated the state capital to Springfield. A senior member of the group, Dawson served in the War of 1812, the Black Hawk War, as well as serving for five terms as a Whig member of the state legislature beginning in 1836. Endorsement at the bottom of a manuscript D.S., 1p. 4to., [n.p.] Nov. 20, 1829, witnessing an appraisal of "a certain mare...5 years old...14 Hands high..." together with other pertinent markings "to be worth $25 by us." Minor marginal tears and chips not affecting text, light foxing, fine. (Est. $100-300)


433. (Early Associates) A document bearing the signatures of two Lincoln associates including George SPEARS and John CLARY, both residents of Clary's Grove, near New Salem on a A.D.S. of clerk Nathan DRESSER, 1p. 4to., [Menard County], Ill., July 14, 1845 noting receipt of "one copy of the laws of Illinois for the session of 1844, 45" Signed by Clary, Spears and twelve others, some of who knew Lincoln. John Clary was one of the founders of Clary's Grove together with his brother William Clary. Thomas Reep wrote of Clary " he was a great admirer of Lincoln and enjoyed his frequent visits." (Lincoln at New Salem, 1927). Spears, also of Clary's Grove had requested a receipt from Lincoln when Spears had paid the postage on the Sangamon journal with Lincoln writing to Spears: "...now that I have waited a full year you choose to wound my feeling by insisting that unless you get a receipt I will probably make you pay it again..." Light folds, and a few toned spots, else fine. (Est. $100-300)


434. HARLAN, James. (1820-99) Lincoln's long-time friend who was a candidate for the Republican nomination for Vice President in 1868; U.S. Senator from Iowa [Whig, Republican, 1856-65-1867-73], he replaced John Usher in April 1865 as Sec. of the Interior and served until 1866 when differences with President Johnson prompted his resignation; despite allegations of corruption in the Interior Dept., Harlan was speedily returned to his old job in the Senate; an attorney, sometime co-counsel to Lincoln, he headed Lincoln's campaign fund raising in 1864; Mary Todd Lincoln abetted and encouraged a relationship between Senator Harlan's daughter Mary and her son Robert, resulting in the two being married in 1868. Manuscript Letter Signed "Jas. Harlan" while Senator, 8vo, on imprinted Senate stationery, Washington, December 9, 1868. To "A.T. Goodman" in Cleveland: "...I regret to inform you I have no copies (at my disposal) of Lanman's Dictionary of Congress. Only one was furnished each of the Senators. I am informed the work can be procured of Messrs 'Coyle and Towers' of this city." In very good condition. (Est. $100-150)


435. HARLAN, James. A.L.S., 8 x 10", Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Nov. 12, 1893 thanking his correspondent for his good wishes. Light toning, usual folds, else very good. (Est. $40-60)
Bodyguard,
close friend...
a rare calling card.


436. LAMON, Ward Hill. (1828-93) Illinois lawyer, later Washington Marshal and Lincoln bodyguard whom the President called "my particular friend." Lamon's Life of Abraham Lincoln (1872) was based chiefly on material which Lamon bought from W.H. Herndon. A fun A.N. on the recto and verso of his 3 x 2" personal calling card inscribing it "To Mademoiselle Fisher with compliments of Col. Ward H. Lamon Washington D.C. [name and city in print] and hopes she will accept... an invitation to visit her old uncle from the mountains without danger of getting her little feet wet." Vertical crease, light toning, else very good. A scarce example. (Est. $300-600)


437. Seward writes as he convalesces from the attempt on his life. SEWARD, William H. A.L.S. 2p. 4to. on black-bordered mourning stationery, Washington, Aug. 8, 1865 to Dennis R. Alvord. Still recovering from the assassination attempt, and mourning the recent loss of his wife Frances who had died in June, he apologizes for his tardy reply to a Mr. Alvord's letter of July 12 adding "I am glad to hear one speak of Mrs. Seward who knew her as well as you did..." Overall clean with a few toned specks, blank page separated, usual light creases, fine. A nice example. (Est. $200-300)


438. SEWARD, William H. (1801-72) An interesting collection of three (3) D.S., 1p. ea., 11 x 17", Washington, Nov. 19, 1861 and Jan. 7, 1864, being passports issued to three different women who were traveling to Havana. Offered together with various papers from the American consulate in Havana and a Spanish passport. All bear minor chips, light folds and other minor wear, overall very good condition. (Est. $200-400)


439. STANTON, Edwin M. (1814-69) American lawyer who served as Sec. of War under Lincoln and Johnson, guiding the War Department throughout the Civil War and Reconstruction; dismissed by President Johnson on February 21, 1868, but refused to leave office, provoking the impeachment action against Johnson; later appointed Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court but died before taking office. Incomplete partly-printed Document Signed "Edwin M. Stanton" as Secretary of War, oblong 8vo [5-3/8 in. x 8-1/16 in.], Washington, January 29, 1868. Countersigned "E.D. Townsend" as Assistant Adjutant General. The concluding portion of a military document bearing choice signatures of Stanton and Townsend, signed during administration of President Johnson, only days before Johnson attempted to dismiss Stanton from office, an action that provoked impeachment proceedings against the President. Normal age-toning, weak fold edges reinforced on verso with tape. Ideal for display. (Est. $200-300)


440. STUART, John T. (1807-85) Lincoln's first law partner and early political mentor. Lincoln partnered with Stuart from 1837-41, maintaining the office while Stuart served in Congress. Stuart and Lincoln parted ways and increasingly grew apart over political ideology. Stuart did not support Lincoln's 1860 candidacy. They did remain cordial. Stuart was a cousin of Mary Todd. Later, he oversaw the erection of the Lincoln tomb as a Director of the National Lincoln Monument Assoc. Signature on a 3 x 2" card adding "Springfield Illinois." A pretty example. (Est. $80-100)


441. STODDARD, William O. (1835-1925) One of Lincoln's trusted White House private secretaries who was among the earliest [1859] to promote Lincoln's presidential candidacy through his newspaper, Central Illinois Gazette in West Urbana, IL. Made assistant to presidential secretaries John G. Nicolay and John Hay, he was given the responsibility of screening the incoming mail, some 200 to 300 letters a day, throwing away the great quantity that came from cranks and lunatics. He wrote about his presidential experiences in 1890 in Inside the White House in War Times. Uncommon ALS "William O. Stoddard," 1 page, 8vo, on his imprinted stationery, Madison, NJ, Jan 3, 1912. "My Dear Daughter Catalina, I wish to thank you and your husband for your joint and several remembrances of 'the old man.' It is a sort of picture, to me, of his mind and work. I know yours. I read the preface to myself, first, and then, aloud, to Daisy. Tell him I know those hills and that I also know the Great Beyond Land. Happy New Year to both of you." A quite fine example. (Est. $150-250)


442. TREAT, Samuel H. (1811-87) Lincoln associate and friend. Treat removed from New York to Springfield where he became a successful lawyer at the Sangamon County Bar. In 1841 he was appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court where he served to 1855. A.D.S. 1p. 7 x 3", [Springfield], Oct. 12, 1839 a receipt for $5 "being in full for Legal Services..." Irregular margins, else fine. (Est. $100-300)


443. (LINCOLN Associates Group) A set of six signatures on small slips of various Illinois associates of Abraham Lincoln including Norman B. JUDD, Jesse O. NORTON (2, including a franking signature), Anthony L. KNAPP, Isaac N. MORRIS, and James H. WOODWORTH. Together, six pieces, all mounted to a larger sheet and in very good to fine condition. (OPEN)


444. (Lincoln's Administration) Nice collection of seven (7) signatures, comprising Lincoln's first Vice President and six men who served in his Cabinet. Includes: "Yours Truly / H. Hamlin"; "Edwd. Bates"; "Simon Cameron"; "W.P. Fessenden/Maine"; "Hugh McCulloch/Secretary of the Treasury/Feb, 1869"; "William H. Seward"; "Respectfully/Gideon Welles". Most are penned on sheets about 1-1/2 in. x 3 in. or larger, with Bates being on a larger inlaid sheet cut from an 1858 hotel register. The Seward signature is smaller, cut close on the right touching the "d" of his last name, otherwise all signatures are in very good condition. (Est. $300-500)
Lincoln's closest assistant writes on the President's genealogy.


445. HAY, John. (1838-1905) In addition to serving closely as one of President Lincoln's personal secretaries, Hay was Secretary of State under both McKinley and Roosevelt. ALS, on letterhead from "Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C." Dec. 22 [n.y.], to Frank C. Harris: "Dear Sir, I thank you very much for the interesting paper you have so kindly sent me. I think the Abraham mentioned must have been the half-brother of John Lincoln, the President's great grandfather -- and therefore a cousin of Abraham, the Kentucky Pioneer, the grand father of the President. Yours sincerely, John Hay." About as pretty – and content-rich an example as you will find! A pristine specimen. (Est. $900-1,200)


446. HAMLIN, Hannibal. Lovely Autograph Sentiment Signed on U.S. Senate Chamber letterhead, April 26, 1870, to Miss Bester (sic.), the wife of Lincoln friend and political ally from Peoria, Illinois, George C. Bestor. A lovely example.
(Est. $250-300)
Lincoln's V.P. has no autographs of the
martyred President to spare!


447. HAMLIN, Hannibal. A.L.S. 1p. 8vo., Bangor, Nov. 9, 1889 to a Louis Keller informing him that he has no more examples of Lincoln's autograph that he can send. Tiny chip to margin and small tape stain at bottom edge else very good. Fun association for today's collector! (Est. $250-300)
Dedication of the Washington Monument.


448. HAMLIN, Hannibal. A.L.S. 2p. 8vo., Bangor, Jan. 29, 1885 to Senator John Sherman, responding to the latter's invitation to attend the unveiling of the recently completed Washington monument. Hamlin replies: "I have been honored in the receipt of the invitation of the Commission in relation to the Dedication of the Washington monument... In view of the importance of the event and its national Character, I do not feel at liberty to decline your initiation, and I cordially accept the same..." Work began on the Washington Monument long before Hamlin's tenure as Vice President. Indeed the first efforts to raise funds for a monument began within a few months following Washington's demise in 1799, ten years before Hamlin's birth. The most serious effort began in 1833 with the formation of the Washington Monument Society which raised funds for construction which began in 1844 and lasted for 10 years until the society ran out of money. When Hamlin arrived in Washington in 1861 he would have seen an incomplete 176 feet high, Mark Twain said it looked like a "a hollow, over-sized chimney." It lasted in this state until 1876, when Senator Sherman introduced legislation to complete the structure that was finally completed a mere nine years later. Light toning, else fine. (Est. $500-700)


449. JOHNSON, Andrew. (1808-75). Fine content A.L.S. 8vo., Greenville, Tenn., June 26, 1869, a scarce look into his immediate post-presidential career in Tennessee politics. Leaving the White House in March, the much-maligned Johnson returned to Tennessee to re-enter the state's politics where he attempted to navigate a neutral course between former Confederates and the radicals under Parson Brownlow — in essence a microcosm of the political landscape he just left in Washington. Tennessee had escaped military rule during Reconstruction and had already returned to the Union by the time Johnson arrived on the scene. Positioning himself for a run for the Senate, he took the stump for centrist Republicans over the summer of 1869, facing down angry threats of ex-Confederates. Here, Johnson responds to a political committee concerning a planned address in Smith County, TN: "Gentleman. In compliance with your request I will address the people of Smith County at Carthage on Tuesday 20th of July if agreeable to the committee- If that day is not Suitable will please advise me as soon as convenient - Since I had the pleasure of an interview with you at Gallatin. I feel well satisfied that there is a great change going on in the public mind and if there is a reasonable effort made the state can be redeemed - Accept assurances of my esteem & Andrew Johnson." Johnson's hopes were well-founded and the radicals were defeated by the moderates both for the governorship and the legislature. Unfortunately for Johnson, he was defeated for the Senate in the legislature by a narrow margin, partly due to the machinations of the radical Brownlow and the fact that neither Radical nor Secessionist could stomach him. Light soiling, else fine. (Est. $1,500-2,000)


450. JOHNSON, Andrew. MsLS on Executive Mansion stationery, 1p, 10"x8", Washington, 1867 Aug. 13. Very good. There are some weak folds, one of which (center horizontal) has been repaired on verso with archival paper. Slight general wear and mounting traces on verso of right margin. It is addressed to five gentlemen, "I have received your letter of the 24th ult. inviting me to attend the National Exhibition of Horses in Springfield on the 27th instant. I thank you for the courtesy of the invitation and sincerely regret that my official duties will compel me to forego the pleasure of compliance..." White House letters of Johnson are far scarcer than signed documents.
(Est. $1,500-1,800)
President Johnson's authorization
to designate Forts Hays and Wallace in Kansas as military reservations.


451. JOHNSON, Andrew. In 1865 Fort Hays and Fort Wallace were created in Kansas for the protection of travelers to the West, to protect stage and freight wagons traveling along the Smoky Hill Trail to Denver, as well as construction workers who were building the Union Pacific Railway parallel to the Smoky Hill Trail. This trail was repeatedly attacked by Southern Cheyenne and Southern Arapaho Indians. Under Gen. William T. Sherman, commander of the Military Division of the Missouri, a series of these outposts were created to augment Fort Riley and included Forts Hays, Wallace as well as Fort Harker, and a host of minor camps along the Smoky Hill Trail. On August 28, 1868, President Johnson signed an authorization to convert Forts Hays and Wallace into military reservations and declared 8,926 acres surrounding it and including Fort Wallace in this authorization. MsDS, 10 x 8", [Washington, DC], 1868 Aug. 8. Very good. Slight soiling. One paper repair on verso of a weak fold and small mounting traces. The President's authorization signed at the end of the docume