| Bust of Abraham Lincoln |
Thomas "Stonewall Jackson Signs a VMI Diploma |


This Page Was Updated on 2 August 2011
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Albert Pleasonton Letter
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Pleasonton, Alfred (Maj. Genl., U.S.V.; brevetted for leading cavalry at Antietam, Gettysburg, Price's raid) Autograph Letter, signed ("A. Pleasonton / Maj: Genl:"). H.Q., Army of the Potomac (Cavalry Corps): 7 November, 1863; to "Lt. Col. Smith, Chief of Staff," 8vo.; 2p. |
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Pleasonton orders Smith, chief of staff to General Judson Kilpatrick, to inform his boss of some changes of plans on the morning of the movement of the Army of the Potomac that resulted in a handy little victory at Rappahannock Station. Pleasonton writes "Instead of the former orders to Gen. Kilpatrick, - Direct him to move up to Kelly's Ford on this side of the Rappahannock and cross in rear of Gen. French's force and post himself in communication on the left of that command. I will send these orders by and aid at once." Kilpatrick complied with his directions, drove enemy cavalry from Stevensburg, Virginia, and stayed in that position until the next day (O.R., Seri 1, Vol. 29, Pt. 2, p.430). This note, however, is not in the O.R.
Note in pencil is stained and spotted on the front; light chipping of extremtiies with very slight loss, and light loss at horizontal fold, with slight loss to phrase "and cross in rear." Else very good. |
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Edward Everett's Original Chester Square Speech
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Everett, Edward (Mass. statesman; "other orator" at Gettysburg) Manuscript speech w/ cover note (autograph note, initialed) andenvelope. New York: 27 April, 1861; to editor of N.Y. Gazette. 4to; 5p. |
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The five-page manuscript of Everett's patriotic April 27, 1862 speech in New York was given to the New YorkGazette for printing. In the weeks after Fort Sumter New York City was in a patriotic furor, and public addresses like Everett's beat the drum for the war and for the Union. In his lead Everett said, in part, "The great assemblage that I see around me, the simple but interesting ceremonial withwhich the flag of our country has been thrown to the breeze … all proclaiming the deep patriotic sentiment, of which that flag is the symbol and the expression. Nay, it speaks for itself. Its eloquence needs no aid from my lips, to interpret its significance. Fidelity to the Union blazes from its stars; allegiance to the Government, beneath which we live, is wrapped within its folds." The envelope is docketed "Chester Square Flag Raising / Original in Mr. Everett's / hand entirely. / April 27, 1861" .
The cover note is also in Everett's hand with his initials. Letter is clean and complete, with "Mr. Everett's Address" in pencil across the top of page 1, and with a few smudges and finger tip whorls on page 5. An historic and attractive collection. |
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Abraham Lincoln Bust
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Unattributed |
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This cast metal bust of Abraham Lincoln in his lawyer years is 13" high and 10' across the shoulders. It has a rich bronze patina.
A great gift for the law school graduate in your family!
Bearing the number "201" on verso, no other marks or signatures found.
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Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson Signs a Diploma for a VMI Graduate
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Jackson, Thomas J. (1824-1863, Lt. Gen., C.S.A.).Engraved Virginia Military Institute diploma, signed (“T.J. Jackson Prof. Nat. & Expr. Phil. [&] Art” [Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy and Artillery Tactics]. Lexington, Virginia: 4 July, 1860. Giant folio, vellum, 1p.; framed, 14 ½ “ x 17 ¾ “ (sight), 21 ¾ “ x 25” (overall). |
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The diploma of “A.S. Scott of Handy County”, one of the 85 VMI cadets who, along with their artillery instructor “Old Jack”, witnessed the hanging of John Brown at Charles Town, Virginia, on December 2, 1859.
It is signed by the entire VMI faculty, including William Gilham, Commandant of Cadets & Professor of Infantry Tactics, who would go on publish the following year Manual of Instruction for the Volunteers and Militia of the United States, which became the standard for the training of Confederate regiments. Less than two years after they both signed this document, Jackson would press charges against Gilham for neglect of duty while serving under Jackson in the Valley, ultimately resulting in sending Gilham back to VMI. Other signatures of note on the diploma, under “Board of Visiters”, include such future Civil War luminaries as Philip St. Geo. Cocke and “John Letcher / Governor of Virginia”, the first of Virginia’s two Civil War governors.
An amazing piece of Americana, covering both the coming of war and the war to come.
Four vertical folds, with 2” x 1 ½” fragment missing along third fold from top, but not effecting text; v. lt. fox. & creasing at top of diploma, else v.g, w/ ribbon, though faded, still affixed. Photographed through frame, much nicer in person. |
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Lincoln Signs a Commission for a Colonel
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Lincoln, Abraham Partly Printed Document Signed, as President, countersigned by Sec. of War Edwin M. Stanton, Washington D.C. , 16 April, 1862 . F.; 1 p. Approx. 22 ½" x 19 ¾". |
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A military appointment for Electus Backus as Colonel of the 6th Infantry, effective 20 February, 1862. Backus was a career officer, and son of a hero of the War of 1812 (also named Electus Backus). He received a brevet as major in 1846 "for gallant and meritorious conduct at Monterey ." At age fifty-eight he received this well-deserved promotion to colonel, and was detailed as a mustering and disbursing officer at Detroit – suggesting that his health already precluded him from service in the field. Backus died on duty June 7, 1862 , after thirty-eight years of active service to the country.
Clean w/ usual folds – 1 through Stanton 's sig.; both sigs are clear. Framed. |
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Montgomery Blair as Spokesman for Abraham Lincoln
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Blair, Montgomery (Lincoln's Postmaster General) Autograph Letter, signed. Washington: 14 April 1862. Octavo; 1p. |
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In full: "The enclosed (not present) is authoritative - that is I can say privately it has rec[eived]d the sanction of the president since it was spoken. But it appears on its face to be the speech of a friend & from public facts so that no other facts need be stated to make it an _____. / In haste yours truly / M. Blair / Wash. Apr 14.62". I
t would be interesting to know which pamphlet expressing the administrations views by other means. |
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George Washington Signed Military Discharge
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Washington, George (1st President) Partly Printed Discharge, signed (“Go: Washington”). Given t Head Quarters (Newburgh, N.Y.): 8 June 1783. Sm. f.; 1-1/2p. |
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As “General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America” Washington certifies that Alexander Kidel, in the 1st or New York Regiment, has faithfully served “eight years and being inlisted (sic) for the war only, is hereby discharged from the American Army.” Countersigned by J. Trumbull Jr., Sec., and Adjutant Jo. Win____. Strong signature.
Usual overall lt. browning, scattered foxing, and folds (missing the sig); water tide marks, partially over sig, but not effecting it; vertical fold break of bottom half; 2 small paper adhesions on verso. |
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Grant and Lee Signed Cartes-de-Visite
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Grant, Ulysses S. and Robert E. Lee. Signed Cartes-de-visite on the mounts below the images: “U.S. Grant / Lt. Gen. U.S.A.” and “R E Lee” respectively. |
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Price: The Pair… $10,500.00 |
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The Grant cdv has the backmark of E. A. Anthony, New York, and was produced from a negative of Mathew Brady. That of Lee has the post-war marking of L. B. Kline, Huntingdon, PA, taken from the war-time Vannerson “Blockade” photographs.
Each bears a clear, bold signature and is in very good condition; the Grant has two clipped corners (for ease of placement in a cdv album). |
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Leonard Volk's casting of Lincoln's Left Hand
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Volk, Leonard W. (1828-1895) Lincoln’s Left Hand. Full Bronze N.p.; n.d. (originally executed in Springfield, Ill., May 1860). Lettered on the cuff, “A. Lincoln / L. W. Volk, / fecit” and then, in a script, “from J. Berchem / Founder, Grand Crossing. Ill.” |
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Jules Berchem (1855-1930) was a caster at the American Bronze Company in Chicago, which also produced sculptor Lorado Taft’s famous Eternal Silence, the Dexter Graves Monument in Graceland Cemetery, Chicago, IL.
A spectacular casting, most likely from the original mold, lent by fellow Chicagoan Leonard Volk. The skin detail is astonishing, as is the most unusual addition of Lincoln’s wrist, absent from all others we’ve seen. There is both a gravitas and a humanizing feeling to this hand; one would not seemingly be surprised if it unfolded and grasped the hand of the viewer. |
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U.S. Grant-signed Pass for Special Agent Markland, Grant's "Mailman."
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Grant, Ulysses S. (18th President; General in Chief, U.S.A.) Partly Printed Document, vellum military pass for Colonel A. H. Markland, signed ("U.S. Grant / Lieut General"), City Point, Va., July 4, 1864, approx 7 ¾" x 12". |
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Markland held the position of Special Agent of the Post Office Department of the Army, and such was Grant's "mail man." This pass gave Markland permission to go anywhere in Union lines to make deliveries, with the direction that "The Quarter Master's Department will furnish … transportation on all military roads and on chartered steamboats in Government service." The vellum document, grandly printed, was no simple pass, but a free ticket to go anywhere in the army to complete his task, including full passage on the purpose-built military railroads surrounding Petersburg. Grant mentions Markland and his mission in his Memoirs, and Carl Sandburg describes an emotional interaction between Markland and President Lincoln in late 1864. Markland visited the White House before embarking on a journey to make contact with General W. T. Sherman's army, which had lately been "lost" from the rest of the country while marching through Georgia. A misty-eyed Lincoln asked Markland to say to Sherman "God bless him, and God bless his army. That is as much as I can say, and more than I can write." This document might easily have accompanied Markland on that mission, carrying long-delayed letters from home to Sherman's soldiers.
Usual toning; light foxing, including very faint spots over Grant's signature; else near fine. A beautiful and particularly historic document considering the crucial mission it facilitated. |
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Andrew Johnson Signed Military Commission
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Johnson, Andrew [17th President] Document, signed in full. Washington: 8 May 1865. F.; 1p.; blue seal. Military Commission for John C. Smith as a Colonel "By Brevet", to rank from 20 February 1865. Counter-signed by "E. M. Stanton" as Sec of War. |
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A clear, handsome signature as President. These commissions actually signed by Johnson have become increasingly uncommon, as he stopped signing and used a stamp on most commission commencing soon after this one was signed.
Excellent; usual folds. |
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GENERAL DANIEL SICKLES COLLECTION
Featuring
GENERAL SICKLES' USE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN SCOUTS IN
TWO INTELLIGENCE REPORTS FROM THE FRONT LINES
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Sickles, Daniel E. (Maj. Genl., U.S.V.; lost a leg at Gettysburg) Two Autograph Letters, signed (one "D. E. Sickles, Brig. Gen.", the other, a "Copy" in Sickles' hand, "/sgd./ D. E. Sickles, Brig. Gen."): Each 14 March [1862]; to Gen. Joseph Hooker. 4vo.; 1p.. With envelope addressed by Sickles, "Genl. D. E. Sickles / to / Genl. Joseph Hooker / Confidential Correspondence / touching position &c. of / the enemy near the Rappahannock." |
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These letters from Sickles to Hooker detail a scouting mission by African American agents in Sickles' employ.
In one letter, Sickles writes that the scouts have returned, "all but one – and I fear he was shot by the enemy's pickets last night." One survivor, "Jim – a very intelligent and reliable man…" reports that the scouts went as far as Fredericksburg (about 13 miles from Sickles' position in lower Maryland), that the Confederates there were entrenching and expecting a big battle, and that prominent Confederate families of Fredericksburg, including the family of D. H. Maury, were preparing to evacuate.
Another report, a copy in Sickles' hand and dated one hour earlier, gives detailed intelligence gained from contrabands picked up by the Navy that accurately indicates a Confederate withdrawal from positions near Aquia Creek. In the O.R. (Series 1, Vol. VI, p.756) General Hooker reports the information up the chain of command on the same day, borrowing some of Sickles' language verbatim.
These are very intriguing and historically valuable letters, revealing an example of the use of freedmen by the Union Army, as both passive sources of general intelligence and as active (combatant) agents used in scouting behind enemy lines; this well before Emancipation was being seriously considered by Union authorities. That the conservative Democrat Sickles' made such ready use of these assets – he directs in a margin note that his agent "Jim" should be paid a whopping $100.00 for his service – seems strange. Yet Sickles, like U.S. Grant, was a pragmatic soldier, willing to use any means available to gain advantage over his enemy.
The envelope shows light foxing with some loss where it was torn open; letters clean and readable with no lossThe letter marked "copy" is, nevertheless, in Sickles' hand with a genuine signature, albeit written in more haste than the other.
Download the entire list. |
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China from the Lincoln Family
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[Lincoln, Robert Todd & Mary Harlan] Large Soup Bowl, featuring outer and inner gilt bands. 9-½" diameter. |
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Bowl features an approximately 1-½ inch fluted edge, with a gilt border. Mounted and handsomely framed in a shadow box, featuring a light blue, nubby silk lining.
Interior is smooth. Minor kiln fault and pock do not detract. Includes a notarized document from Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith detailing the hallmark on the bottom of the bowl, and that this belonged to his grandfather, Robert.
Very good; very light rubbing of gilt; two very small pits in the bowl. |
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Chittenden, Capt. R. H. & Wood, Frank. MINNEHAHA. St. Paul: 1863. 7p. |
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Written “To the Memory of the Victims of the Indian Massacre of 1862,” this tribute of the Sioux Uprising in Minnesota was published by Munger Brother of St. Paul, and in New York by William A Pond.
Light toning; starting to split at spine; else very good. |
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Higgins, H. M., THE PATRIOTIC GLEE BOOK. (Chicago): H. M. Higgins, 1863. 1st edition, 208 (12)p. |
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This war-dated patriotic songbook is particularly scarce for being a Chicago pre-fire imprint. Much published material from wartime Chicago was virtually obliterated by the disaster of 1871. Publisher Higgins offered the work to the public as a “tribute to Freedom,” and claims “Glee Clubs and Musical Societies will find this, a Work of rare merit.” The songs, arranged for four voices, include “Dying Volunteer,” “Brave Boys They Are,” by Henry C. Work (the most notable songsmith represented), “Contraband’s Jubilee,” and “Volunteer’s Grave.” A fascinating war time relic of life on the Chicago home front.
Light foxing; small tears to end sheets with slight loss; hinges starting on leather spine; chipped extremities with about 2” loss on rear board; front board slightly darkened with wear, but engraving is detailed and beautiful. |
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[Lincoln, Abraham]. LINCOLN CAMPAIGN SONGSTER FOR THE USE OF CLUBS. CONTAINING ALL THE MOST POPULAR SONGS. Philadelphia: Mason & Co., 1864. 1st edition, 16p., 32mo., original printed buff wrappers [M-323]. |
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First and only edition of this songster for Lincoln’s second campaign. The portrait on the cover, derived from the 1860 Cooper Union photo, depicts a beardless Lincoln in spite of the fact that Lincoln had a beard at the time. Includes eleven campaign songs, such as Shout Aloud for Lincoln, Hurrah! For Lincoln and Johnson, and Union and Lincoln. An advertisement for Lincoln badges, pins and emblems appears on the back wrapper.
Light damp-stains on front cover; darker stain on back. |
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Wyman, A. P. CHRISTMAS BELLS MARCH, Op. 17. Cleveland: 1884. 5p. Illustrated cover. |
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This Christmas march came wrapped in an illustrated cover featuring color Civil War battle scenes and motifs.
Light soil; bound in string tight but starting; else very good. |
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(--) Ritchie, Alexander H. (engraver). THE DEATH OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN. Steel Engraving by A. H. Ritchie. , 46" x 38" (sight), Circa 1868. Artists Proof, Signed by Ritchie. |
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Alexander Hay Ritchie was one of the leading American engravers of historical scenes; in 1865-66 had engraved a large print based on Francis B. Carpenter’s important painting of 'The First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation Before the Cabinet, " (shown above). Perhaps the success of that print inspired Ritchie to paint an image of “The Death of President Lincoln,” which he then engraved and in 1868 published as a large print which he hoped would sell as well as the other had.
The image is interesting for its similarities and differences to previous prints. The room appears to be larger and the number of mourners has grown to twenty-six. However, Ritchie said he personally visited the room at Petersen’s and the wall paper, bed, rug and prints on the wall all seem pretty correct. Indeed, the three main prints on the wall all appear to be in their correct locations and they are quite clearly depicted in this engraving). Also shown is a fourth print, as had been described by George Townsend an often flamboyant, and sometimes inaccurate Civil War journalist. Though the number of mourners in Ritchie's image is probably exaggerated, Townsend did list just two less, so perhaps this print is not too far from historically accurate. Certainly the print was praised by a number of people who were at the death scene and no one at the time complained about its inaccuracy. (Our thanks go to Chris Lane of ILAB for providing the above description)
This artist's proof employs the chine colle technique and is on onion skin paper, allowing complete ink penetration and contrast. As a result, this print is much brighter than other versions available at the time.
A note on the photographs: This print was photographed though the glass. The artists' signatures and the print itself are much brighter is person. This is probably the finest version of this print we have ever had.
Excellent condition, in original frame, Not examined out of frame. |
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(Lincoln, Abraham) Autograph Letter, signed “A Lincoln." Executive Mansion, Washington: 31 March 1863; [To Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War]; Octavo (8vo.); one (1) page. Basler, Second Supplement, p.71. |
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Reads in full:
“To-day Gov. Morton says that as a general rule, he does not recommend colonels for promotion; and that he departs in the two following cases because of what he deems peculiar merit.
“Col. Silas Colgrove, of 27th Ind. – with Hooker, not a very good disciplinarian; but particularly brave, and inspiring to his men in battle.
“Col. John Wilder, of 17th Ind. With Rosecrans – good in all respects – a very superior officer.”
This important recommendation, originating with Governor Oliver P. Morton of Indiana, had far-reaching consequences for both officers and for the war. During the Antietam campaign, six months prior to the writing of this note, Colonel Colgrove was closely involved in the discovery of General Robert E. Lee’s Special Order Number 191 - the famous “Lost Order.” After receiving the found order from three of his subordinates Colgrove determined its validity and importance, and personally walked it to XII Corps Headquarters. As a result of this important intelligence the Union Army came within a hair’s breadth of destroying Lee’s army at Antietam. Colgrove later served gallantly in the fight for Culp’s Hill at Gettysburg.
Hindsight proves that Lincoln was right about Colonel Wilder being “a very superior officer.” He outfitted his brigade of mounted infantry with Spencer repeating rifles at his own expense, and created one of the most effective brigades of shock troops of the war. Wilder’s Lightning Brigade won laurels at Hoover’s Gap (where they defeated a Confederate infantry force many times their own size), and later at Chickamauga. The Chickamauga battlefield features the giant “Wilder’s Tower” monument which commemorates the important service of the Lightning Brigade in that battle.
Both officers were brevetted brigadier general on the same day, sixteen months after Lincoln’s recommendation.
Excellent condition; one vertical fold.
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(Newspaper - Revolutionary Period) THE CONNECTICUT COURANT. September 2, 1765. 14 1/4 x 10 3/8. |
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The paper contains Sir Francis Bernard's Proclamation describing in detail the Stamp Act Riot and the mob's attack upon various houses and offering rewards for the leaders and any participant, and a pardon plus reward for the stoolie.
Light toning; two large spots; folds. Else good. |
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(--) THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST. Vol II; Num. 195, April 20, 1776. 7 5/8 x 9 1/2. |
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On the second page are seven "Reasons for a Declaration of Independence of the American Colonies" and other military news: the finding of Maj. General Warren's body on Bunker's-hill; reports of the Virginia inhabitants being warm for independence; and New England troops in New York city.
Disbound. |
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(--) THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST. Vol II; Num. 235 July 23, 1776. 7 5/8 x 9 1/2. |
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Much on war matters. Including, under the New York section, that Thursday last the Declaration of the Independancy of the United States of America was published at the Courthouse...the coat of arms of his Majesty George the III was torn it pieces and burnt in the presence of the spectators."
Lt. toning; disbound. |
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INDIANAPOLIS GAZETTE. Vo., V; Num. 214. September 5, 1826. 12 x 20. |
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Reports of James Wilkinson and General Scott's military enterprises of 1791 in the Ohio and the Wabash River area.
Front page quite toned; some foxing; small tears w/ no loss of text along horizontal fold; original ink at top margin "J. Hann/Morristown (?) MS.
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Herndon, William H. & Weik, Jesse W. HERNDON’S LINCOLN; THE TRUE STORY OF A GREAT LIFE … THE HISTORY AND PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. Chicago: Belford-Clarke Co., 1890. 1st; 3 volumes; 1,255p.; ft. [Howes H-440] Scarce -- Signed: “With the regards of Jesse W. Weik, Newcastle, Ind., March 22, 1890”. |
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Herndon seemingly never signed this set, and very seldom by co-author Jesse Weik. Book plate of Ex Libris of Frank C. Deering.
Each enclosed in protective wrapper, within a half leather, marble slipcase. Some wear and soiling; rubbing; start of sep. from spine; otherwise good. |
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Hill, Frederick Trevor. LINCOLN THE LAWYER. New York: 1913. Ltd Ed., #610/800 copies 334p.; ft., illus., t.e.g |
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Presented to Governor Adlai Stevenson, “To a courageous man admired by millions; ‘Let none falter who thinks he is right’ – November 11, 1952”. Includes banquet menu for the celebration of the 105th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth on February 12, 1914.
Half leather, tightly bound; usual wear; very clean. |
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Sparks, Edwin Erle. COLLECTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS STATE HISTORICAL LIBRARY VOLUME III; LINCOLN SERIES, VOL. 1; THE LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DEBATES OF 1858. Springfield: 1908. 627p., ft., illus., map. |
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Includes program for banquet held on the 102nd anniversary of Lincoln’s birth (February 1911). Several additional photographs of attendees and speakers, including William Howard Taft.
Half leather/half marble; rubbing; some soiling on outer pages; usual wear; minor start of separation from spine. |
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(Spanish American War) (Commemorative Fan). Jenny Lind Style, with blue paper pansies mounted to blue muslin. 14” x 9”, opened. |
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Each flower bears the raised, printed likeness of a Spanish American war notable. Included are Roosevelt, Hobson, Watson, Lee, McKinley, Shafter, Dewey, Evans, and Sampson.
The last petal is blank. Conspicuously absent is that of Schley. Sampson and Schley were at odds over credit for the victory at the battle of Santiego de Cuba - the largest naval engagement of the Spanish American War. After charges were made against Schley an investigation of Schley’s conduct before and during the battle was launched. Although the court praised Schley's role in the sinking of the Spanish Squadron, it criticized him for his delay in locating the enemy squadron and for disobeying an order to remain in contact.
In floriography, the pansy symbolizes thought and is associated with deep contemplation.
Well executed hand painting on each flower. Balsa wood construction. Sticks, ribs, leaves, loop and rivet are solid. Very good, no noted flaws. |
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FRANKLIN C. COURTER [1854 – 1947]
American Artist; Specialized in Portraits of Lincoln and in Landscape Paintings
Born in New Jersey, Courter attended Albion Preparatory School of Albion College where he devoted a great deal of time to art. In 1888, he was appointed Professor of Drawing and Painting at Albion College, and went on to become Head of the Art Department. He also served as Art Director for the Austin Manufacturing Company in Harvey, IL, from 1896 to 1899.
Lincoln became Courter’s enduring passion, producing numerous studies of Abraham Lincoln from 1870 until his death at age 90.. He dedicated himself to collecting anything that related to the 16th President, including photographs and life masks.
Courter’s mammoth painting of Sojourner Truth giving a bible to Lincoln was exhibited in the Michigan building at the World’s Fair in 1893. Commissioned by the Kellogg cereal family, it was later destroyed by fire; but the oil had gained him recognition and a wealthy Armenian immigrant, Dikran Bedikian, commissioned Courter to paint several Lincoln portraits. His knowledge of Lincoln’s physiogamy, along with his passion for the man, led to over 25 oils.
Courter later wrote: “Since that picture [Sojourner Truth] was painted, every angle of the subject has been of interest. All biographies, photographs, and engravings, the life mask, and full descriptions of his complexion and other data are made a deep study, for the sole purpose of realizing as nearly perfect as possible every characteristic. Over 40 years of almost constant study of Lincoln for historical purposes brings one to be acquainted with his subject. One may safely say this is a life portrait.” |
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Courter, Franklin C. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. Oil portrait on panel, of Lincoln wearing spectacles, signed lower right by Franklin C. Courter. 11.5" x 15.5" (image); 18" x 22" (overall). |
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A three-quarter, shoulder-length view based on a photograph of Lincoln and son, Tad, taken by Anthony Berger at Brady's Gallery, Washington , D.C. , February 9, 1864 [Ostendorf, O-93A].
This particular image is one of the most popular of Lincoln , partly because it was of him reading. But this close-up of him wearing spectacles is one of Courter’s finest! The colors remain both vibrant and warm, causing a true 19th century feel. Here, certainly, is “Father Abraham.” |
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ABRAHAM LINCOLN. Oil on masonite, signed in the lower right by Franklin C. Courter. A letter signed by the artist is preserved on the verso, discussing his obsession with Lincoln as a subject. 16" x 20" (sight). |
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Perhaps based on Brady’s January 8, 1864 photograph [O87].
Courter is faithful to the subject, but injects a living spirit to the image. |
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LINCOLN’S SECOND EARLIEST PHOTOGRAPH
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(Lincoln Photograph). Ninth-Plate Ruby Glass Ambrotype By Roderick A. Cole (attributed) Peoria, Illinois: O-14 (variant) circa 1858. |
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Housed in an 1865 period frame, with mourning ribbons setting off the ambrotype at the corners. The entire is in a specially designed purple velvet box, which also houses half of the original gutta purcha case for the image, with its cover glass and brass matt.
An image popularized on campaign ribbons and campaign button ferrotypes during the 1860 presidential campaign. Probably obtained during the campaign and then, after the assassination, removed from the half-case and switched to the frame. Mourning ribbons were added and the whole reverently hung on the wall as a memorial to the fallen leader.
A powerful reminder of the emotions Mr. Lincoln’s murder engendered. |
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(Lincoln, Abraham). Tintype, (Maker Unknown), Approximately 3-1/4 x 2-1/4 inches. Ostendorf-6; Kunhardt-AL.1854.1 |
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From the Lost Original Daguerreotype by J. C. F. Polycarpus Von Schneidau; (Chicago: October 1854). Then fashioned into an Ambrotype by Samuel G. Alschular, (Chicago: July, 1858). The ambrotype is in the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum, Springfield; and the other existing image, a faded salt print (probably made by Alschular), is at the Chicago History Museum. In fact, only two other 19th century images exist, in the form of cabinet cards.
Lincoln visited Chicago on October 27th and 28th of 1854 and spoke out against the possible extension of slavery resulting from the Kansas/Nebraska Act. It is logical that on October 27th, either before or after this important Chicago speech, Lincoln had the opportunity to have a photograph taken while in the company of George Schneider, who had invited Lincoln to speak and was the publisher of the German Whig newspaper, Illinois Staats Zeitung -- probably the original newspaper Lincoln is holding.
Many historians were misled by the newspaper that Lincoln holds in the photo. The words “PRESS AND TRIBUNE” clearly appear in it. The Chicago Press and Tribune was first published under that name on July 1, 1858 and the masthead was only used by until March 17, 1859. The newspaper heading type was added on the negative from which the salt print and the ninth plate ambrotype were made. The middle word “AND” is larger than the other names, and the entire title “PRESS AND TRIBUNE” is placed too low on the paper, conveniently positioned so that Lincoln’s fingers did not cover the masthead.
Probably George Schneider himself allowed the words to be changed at Joseph Medill’s request, for the Chicago Press and Tribune had the most to gain. Publisher Medill was a firm supporter of Lincoln in his quest for a Senate seat (and later for President), along with fellow anti-slavery publisher Schneider. In a clever marketing tactic, Joseph Medill most likely hoped to capitalize on the famous Lincoln holding the Tribune during the upcoming campaign for the Senate. |
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(Lincoln Statuary) [Vannia(?), E.] “ Lincoln the Orator” Standing Statue in plaster. No place: No date (circa first third of the 20th century). Approximately 49” (H) x 23” (W) x 15” (D); set on a base of 4.75” (H). |
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The sculptor has placed Lincoln in the classical stance of the 19th century orator; Daniel Webster and Benjamin Disraeli were portrayed in this manner. The Victorian orator was taught in school to stand with one hand outstretched, palm up in appeal, while the other rests on a nearby table or stand. The present statue was on display in the John D. Lippy “Lincoln Room” museum in the David Wills house, where Lincoln stayed while in Gettysburg to deliver his “Address.”
Excellent condition with a rich patina. Perhaps only two examples of this statue are extant! |
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