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If You Do Not See What You Are Seeking, Please Call, Fax or Email Your Request.
There Are Many Other Items Available, And Stock Changes Almost Daily.
Please be advised that the following items are "One-Of-A-Kind" and are subject to prior sale.
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Bush, George H. W. (41st President) ALL THE BEST, GEORGE BUSH: MY LIFE IN LETTERS AND OTHER WRITINGS. (NY): (1999). 4th printing, 640p., illustrations. |
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Selected correspondence of the 41st President. Very good; dust jacket. Signed on the president’s personal book plate. |
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Carter, Jimmy. (39th President) KEEPING FAITH: MEMOIRS OF A PRESIDENT. New York: (1982). 1st edition, 622p., illustrations, maps. |
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Light wear of dust jacket; else very good. Signed.
Easton Press edition also available for $200.00 |
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Coolidge, Calvin (30th President) Typed Letter signed in full, Boston: 3 May 1920, To: William G. Irwin. Quarto; one page; envelope; on Governor letterhead. |
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Thanking him for his letter. |
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(--) Typed Letter signed in full, Washington: 3 February 1922, To: William G. Irwin, Quarto; one page; envelope; on Vice-President’s Chamber letterhead |
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Thanking him for his stay in Indianapolis. |
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Eisenhower, Dwight D. (34th President, Allied Commander WWII), 11 March, 1958. As President, on White House stationery. Matted and framed, 16 ¼” x 12 ¼” (sight), 18” x 14” (overall), with photograph. To James Fuld, New York City. |
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On February 28, 1958, James J. Fuld wrote to President Eisenhower, suggesting that “it would be a nice custom if the Presidents would send joint Greetings to their successors, so that each successor, as he becomes President, would receive a joint Greeting signed by his predecessors,” and going on to describe how such a tradition could be implemented, including a proposed sample ‘greeting form’ for each president to sign before he left office.
Eisenhower replies “Thank you for your interesting suggestion. I shall not discard it, but my immediate reaction is that since the idea was not started with our first President, it would be presumptuous of me to initiate such a procedure. However, I shall discuss the matter with some of my colleagues.”
Includes copy of Fuld’s letter and sample signature form. |
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Fillmore, Millard (13th President) BRIEF NARRATIVE OF INCIDENTS IN THE WAR IN MISSOURI, AND OF THE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF ONE WHO HAS SUFFERED (“By a Presbyterian Clergyman”). Boston: Daily Courier, 1863. 28p.; printed salmon wrappers. Signed “Millard Fillmore / April 3, 1864 / 255.” |
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Fillmore had one of the most extensive libraries of any president. The author wished to illustrate some of the horrors war had brought to his state of Missouri – “No state has suffered more.…”
Withdrawn from Buffalo Hist. Soc. (inside stamp); minor scrapping to front wrap; minor fold through middle; else v.g., even a bit fresh. Fillmore's writing is bold and large. The “255” is his library shelf number. |
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Ford, Gerald R. ( 38th President). Phtograph, signed. |
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A Bust Photograph of the smiling Congressman, signed.
“Best Wishes / Gerald R. Ford” in blue ink. Very good.
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Garfield, James A. (20th President) Autograph Letter, signed “J. A. Garfield.” House of Representatives (letterhead), Washington , D.C: 9 January 1880 . To Gen. E. A. Merrill. 8vo.; 1p. |
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In full: "Accept my thanks for your kind telegram of the 7th inst. The manner of my nomination was more gratifying than the fact itself."
At this time, Garfield was elected by the Ohio legislature to succeed Allen Thurman as Senator; on Jan. 10 th, the Milwaukee Sentinel wrote that he “is exceptionally clean for a man who has been engaged for twenty years in active politics.” Thanking you for your kindness.”
Excellent; bold in a finely written script; 2 soft fold lines, one through the sig. |
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Harding, Florence. Typed Letter, signed in full, with added [“Mrs. Warren G.”], Marion, Ohio: 27 October 1920, To: William G. Irwin Quarto; one page; envelope; on U.S. Senate stationery. |
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Thanking him for a picture he sent.
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Harrison, Benjamin (23rd President) Typed Letter, signed, Washington, 4 December 1890. As President, on Executive Mansion stationery. Framed and matted, 19 ½” x 15 ½” (sight), 21 ½” x 17 ½” (overall). To Albion W. Tourgee (1838-1905) --- carpet bagger, jurist, and Reconstruction novelist --- Maysville , NY. |
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“I have your letter of November 30 th, and notice your suggestion of willingness to serve on the Inter State Commerce Commission. The number of applications is large and most of the gentlemen who have been named are men of character and influence. I am glad you are philosopher enough to understand that in a matter of this court I can only wait until the applications are all in and then address myself to them in a judicial way to decide what appointment, on the whole, ought to be made…When you were on the bench you were never compelled to punish a man unless you found him unworthy – (guilty); but unfortunately I am every day compelled to inflict disappointments upon those who I highly esteem and who are worthy of regard and recognition.”
Lightly soiled and foxed, with three folding creases, one horizontal, two vertical, but not effecting legibility at all. |
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Hoover, Herbert C. (31st President) Typed Letter, signed, 24 June, 1929, as President, on White House stationery; 1p. Matted and framed, 20” x 13 ½” (sight), 21” x 14 ½” (overall), with portrait. To Earle S. Kinsley, Republican National committee, Rutland , Vermont . |
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“I have your letter of June 21 st. I was glad to see the expeditious manner in which you settled the insurance question. It is a fine service.”
With one fold; very good. |
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(--) Typed Letter, signed in full, No place: 29 February 1936, To: William G. Irwin, Quarto; one page; on personal letterhead. |
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Also includes newspaper clipping of Disarmament Conference |
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(--) Typed Letter, signed in full, Washington, DC: No date. To: William G. Irwin Quarto; one page; envelope. |
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Thanks for helping his candidacy. “…I thank you for the expression of confidence.” |
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(--) AGRICOLA, Georgius. De Re Metallica. Translated from the First Latin Edition of 1556. London: Mining Magazine, 1912. Folio, original full vellum, uncut. Inscribed: "To Joan and John Ault / With the good wishes / of / Herbert Hoover.” |
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First edition in English of this lavishly illustrated landmark scientific work, "one of the first technological books of modern times;" translated, with annotations, by the 31st President of the United States, Herbert Clark Hoover, and his wife, Lou Henry. Hoover , a mining engineer before entering politics, annotated this edition; Lou, a former Latin teacher, was responsible for the bulk of the translation. Includes a life of Agricola, and an appendix of his works. One of an estimated 1476 copies printed ( Norman 21), the number 1220 stamped on title-page. With reproductions of all 270 woodcut diagrams and illustrations included in the 1556 first Latin edition. [Honneyman I, 36. Hoover 28. See Dibner, Heralds of Science 88 (1556 first edition).]
Interior clean. Light wear to spine; 3.5” tear along joint; but an extremely good inscribed copy. |
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(--) AMERICAN INDIVIDUALISM. Garden City, NY: 1923. 72p. |
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book of Hoover's business and social philosophy, compiled from statements made shortly after the end of World War One. While running for president in 1928, Hoover said that this work was "a little out of date as it was written when we were somewhat more exorcized over socialistic and communistic movements than we need to today."
Signed; sp. lt. sun. & lt. fray. at head; lt. water stain at top of ft. bd.; lt. yellow. eps.; lt. fox. exteriors; else v.g.; d.j. lt. soil., but else v.g., bright & intact. |
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(--) ON GROWING UP: LETTERS TO AMERICAN BOYS & GIRLS, INCLUDING “THE UNCOMMON MAN” AND OTHER SELECTIONS. Ed. by William Nichols. New York: 1962. 160p., facsims. on eps. A heartwarming book, scarcely seen signed. |
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Inscribed with “The good wishes of Herbert Hoover”.
W/ pamphlet of Hoover’s address on the occasion of his eight-first birthday (8/10/55); lt wear along extrms., else v.g.; bright d.j. |
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(--) A REMEDY FOR DISAPPEARING
GAME FISHES. NY: Huntington Press,
1930. French Strother, Foreword; Harry Cimino, (delightful) woodcuts.
#470 of 900 copies. Inscribed and Signed on f.e.p.
41p.; marbled boards. Slipcase w/ spine label present,
but apart. |
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An avid fisherman, Hoover was also a conservationist. Herein he extols
the virtues of fishing, but concludes with a protest against over-fishing
(“We must have more fish in proportion to water”) and gives
a proposed solution.
Excellent, in its original glassine covering. More scarce than its
numbers would imply, especially signed! |
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Jackson, Andrew (7th President)
Autograph
Frank (“Free
Andrew Jackson”) while President, at upper right corner of a folded
address leaf. About 5 x. 3.5 in., as folded. |
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The cover is addressed
in another hand to “Wm. Donelson Esqr. / near Nashville / Tennessee” and
bears a good reddish-orange “City of Washington” townmark
and straightline stamped “Free”. Donelson was one of Jackson’s “turncoat” nephews
with whom he had some legal spats.
Some edgewear and soiling, as common with such covers; a short tear
extends through the “d” of sig., but overall v.g., Jackson’s
writing dark and bold.
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(--) Jackson Democratic Ticket / President / Andrew Jackson / Vice President / John C. Calhoun / ELECTORS /….. Circa 1828; approx. 3 x 4-1/8 inches. |
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Very good; rough lower edge; sm. tear in margin. |
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Johnson, Andrew (Lincoln's Vice 2nd President, 17th President) Autograph Letter. Washington, DC: 9 March 1861. To Hon. Secretary of the Navy. 8vo.; 1p. |
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Johnson asks Gideon Welles about an appointment to the “ Naval School ” for a fellow Tennessean: “…You will please inform me if there is a vacancy from the first Congressional District of Tennessee.”
V.g.; vert. fold. |
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Johnson, Lyndon B. (36th President) Typed Letter, signed “Lyndon Johnson”. The White House / Washington: 23 June 1965. To Francisco Orlich, President of the Republic of Costa Rica . 4to.; 1-1/4p. |
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An unusually lengthy letter concerning that countries recent calamities.
“I have given careful consideration to your letter on the problems which have been created by the eruptions of the Irazu Volcano. At the outset, I want you to know that the prolonged ordeal of a close friend and neighbor is a matter of great concern to me. In particular, I sympathize deeply with the brave people of Cartago, who have endured this threat to their lives and property and whose hopes for a lasting solution have been repeatedly broken….” Stating that our two governments, along with the Alliance for Progress have done much, which “success lies in working energetically together.” LBJ says he has directed technical experts to be made available “in developing and implementing the watershed reforestation and conservation measures” about which Orlich had written. He assures Orlich continued support for the “great Costa Rican people.”
V.g.; file holes at top margin affect nothing; clean; fresh. |
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(--)
Typed Letter, signed “Lyndon Johnson” boldly. The White House / Washington (imprint): 23 July 1964. Sm. 4to.; 1p. To: Hon. Lewis L. Strauss. |
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Strauss had been an unpaid assistant to Hoover, when the later conducted relief efforts during the First World War. In full: “You are most thoughtful to suggest taking notice of the ninetieth birthday of President Hoover. Not only do I believe that your idea has great merit, but I intend t do something about it. President Hoover is a great man, and he deserves the Nation’s affection and gratitude. Thank you so much for your wise counsel.”
Strauss had been a rear admiral, Secretary of Commerce under President Eisenhower, and chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, among many other public posts. |
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(--) Color photograph, signed on lower border of light gray card mount. 10.25 x 13 in overall (sight). |
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A half length, 3/4 seated view, inscribed by a calligrapher "To Earnest Morgan/With My Best Wishes. Boldy signed Lyndon B. Johnson.
The dedicatee, a Johnson "hill country" native and Southwest Texas State Teachers College classmate, worked under L.B.J. in the National Youth Adminstration on the 1930s and recalled him as a taskmaster worker who used "every curse word I have ever heard, and some combinations I have never heard."
Fine appearance; in bronze-finish, wood frame. Overall, 12.5 x 15.25 in. |
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Kennedy, John F. (35th President of the United States) Typed Letter, signed , on his U.S. Senate letterhead. Washington, D.C.: 11 Jan. 1956; to Mac Murray; 8” x 10 ½”. |
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Senator Kennedy replies to a constituent who has complained about the impending downsizing at the famous Springfield Armory. He quotes from a protest he has sent to the Secretary of Defense, saying in part, “The great reservoir of skills in the Springfield Armory as evidenced by the superlative achievement of that installation during periods of national emergency should obviously not be dissipated to the detriment of our national defense potential.”
Near fine condition; light soiling on left side. |
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(--) [Kennedy, Ted & Kennedy, Joe] AS WE REMEMBER
JOE. Cambridge: Privately Printed,
1945. 1st; 75p.; illus. Signed by younger brother, (Senator)
Ted Kennedy and by brother Robert’s son, Joe. |
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When the eldest of the Kennedy children, Joseph P. Kennedy,
Jr. was killed during WWII in a bombing mission, his younger
brother and future president, John F. Kennedy, took on the
task of writing a memorial to Joe. The result was As We
Remember Joe, a collection of essays, letters, and memorials
of and by Joe, Jr. It was privately printed for family and
friends with a run of a mere 360 copies. It is nearly impossible
to find the book itself, let alone signed by John F. or even
brother, Robert.
This is the first we have seen signed by other
members of the immediate Kennedy family.
Excellent. |
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Madison, James (4th President of the United States). Letter, signed to unknown correspondent. Montpellier: 26 May, 1836. 1p. |
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Madison signs a clerical letter just thirty-two days before his death.
Present at Montpellier at the time was Dr. Dunglison, who had been Thomas Jefferson's personal physician and was with Jefferson when he died. Madison writes, in part, "I have received your friendly letter of May 7th and the Bo[ttle] of sherry wine I owe to your kindness came safe to hand the day before yesterday. I thank you for both… Doctor Dunglison being with us and in the habit of drinking Sherry, and a better judge than I could be were my palate in better health, pronounces the wine to be of the finest chop." A wonderful and cheerful note from the aging founding father.
Madison's declining health, which he comments on in the letter, is evident in the signature, which, while bold, is somewhat shaky. |
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(--) Partly printed velum land grant, signed as President, 1p., oblong large folio, 13” x 8 ½ “. Washington; 18 December, 1816; countersigned by Josiah Meigs (editor, educator, New England Jeffersonian and surveyor-general of the United States) as Commissioner of the General Land Office. |
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A grant to “John Kohlare of Columbiana County Ohio” for “the Southeast quarter of Section Fifteen, in Township Thirteen of Range Two”, “of the Lands directed to be sold at Steubenville [Ohio]”, out of “’the Lands of the United States in the Territory north west of the Ohio [River], and above the mouth of Kentucky river’”. Vertical fold splits w/ slight erosion; remnants of wax seal at lower left; light soiling & foxing, but not effecting legibility of text; a rough document, but still
bearing a bold Madison presidential signature. |
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Madison, James (4th President of the United States); Monroe, James (Secretary of State and future 5th President). Partly Printed Vellum Document, signed by both, “James Madison” as President; “Jas Monroe” as Secretary of State. 1p. giant folio, 10” x 15”. Washington: 31 October 1812. |
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A Mediterranean ship’s pass for “the Brig Leo out of Portland Cyrus Seibby master or commander.” The document is embellished with engravings of a sailing ship and a lighthouse and has the customary scalloped top. It is countersigned by the collector of the “District of Portland & Falmouth”, Massachusetts (now Maine), and bears a blindstamped presidential paper seal at lower left. Considering it is a War of 1812 date and with the Barbary pirates once again demanding tribute and seizing American sailors in the Mediterranean, it is perhaps not surprising the brig is described as carrying “six carriage guns.”
Four horizontal folds and two vertical folds; presidential seal faded/cracked but still clearly displays eagle & shield image; lt. soil, but not at all effecting any legibility; else v.g. |
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Roosevelt Franklin D. (32nd President) A full FDR signature beneath a handsome, full-colored lithographic portrait of the White House.
9-1/2 X 11 in . (sight); 15-1/4 X 17 in . (overall). framed. |
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A full FDR signature beneath a handsome, full-colored lithographic portrait of the White House.
Originally bound into a 1936 Democratic convention subscriber’s book, this is one of the most attractive presentations of any presidential signature. |
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Roosevelt, Theodore (26th President) THE ROUGH RIDERS. NY: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1907. Later edition; 311p.; illus. Inscribed as President: “To Thomas D. McCarthy with the best wishes of Theodore Roosevelt / March 2d, 1909 .” |
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Signed on his penultimate day as president, to the Marshal for the Southern District of New York.
Certainly his most sought-after book of the many he wrote, describing his time as Colonel of the 1 st US Volunteer Cavalry, which he took to Cuba and made famous at Santiago.
Clean throughout with his bold inscription on the front fly. The book itself is worn, especially at the top of the spine, though the lettering is readable; the hinges are cracked but attached and could be repaired. |
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(--)PHOTOGRAPH, INSCRIBED, SIGNED IN FULL, AND DATED “APRIL 19, 1904”. |
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"To Jay S. Slocum (?) Esq./With regards of/Theodore Roosevelt/April 19, 1904.
Signed on mount, as president. Photo copyright by Pach Bros. 1898 N.Y. |
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(--) Typed Letter, signed on his White House letterhead. Washington, D.C.: 12 March, 1903; to Mrs. Kate Waller Barrett, of The National Florence Crittenton Mission, New York City. 4vo.; 1p. |
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T.R. wishes Mrs. Barrett “all possible success” with her philanthropic work in prison reform. He adds, “Under our social system they pay a heavy penalty for wrong-doing, and the road to reform and rehabilitation is made so difficult, that I can conceive of no more worthy work than that of institutions such as the one under your management.
A very handsome letter w/ barely noticeable folds; clean and bold sig. |
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(--) Typed Letter, signed in full, New York: 15 April 1918, To: Dr. C. H. Eigenmann, Quarto; one page. On Kansas City Star letterhead. |
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Requesting articles on his work. |
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(--)Typed Letter, signed in full, New York: 15 April 1918, To: William G. Irwin, Quarto; one page. On Kansas City Star letterhead. |
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An interesting letter concerning Dr. Eigenmann’s zoological work “I very heartily endorse his plan.” |
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(--)Typed Letter, signed secretarially, New York: 4 May 1918, To: Dr. C. H. Eigenmann. Quarto; one page. On Kansas City Star letterhead. |
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Accepting invitation to meet William G. Irwin. With letter dated May 6, 1918 to William Irwin from Eigenmann extending the invitation. |
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(--) Roosevelt, Theodore, Typed Letter, signed in full. New York: 7 May 1918, To: William G. Irwin, Quarto; one page; envelope.. On Kansas City Star letterhead. |
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An invitation to “break bread” when he’s in New York. “Three cheers for you!” |
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(--) (Association) N. B. Forrest Camp, United Confederate Veterans. Printed invitation card, Chattanooga, Tenn., 1905; 3 ½” x 5 ½”, with illustration. |
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This fascinating piece of ephemera illustrates the populist appeal of T.R. among ex-Confederates. The N. B. Forrest Camp in Chattanooga sent this card to their members reminding them of their May 2, 1905 meeting. The humorous illustration thereon shows a caricatured Teddy holding a smoking rifle (labeled “TR” on the stock), and surrounded by six dead bears. The caption reads “We’re somethin’ on killing bars ourselves.” The card notifies that “Reunion & Memorial Day” will be the chief subjects of the meeting.
Verso shows that the card was addressed in pencil to the Nashville office of Confederate Veteran magazine, the very popular organ of the U.C.V. It bears a William McKinley 1 cent postage, cancelled twice – in Chattanooga and Nashville. The association of Nathan Bedford Forrest with the Brahmin Roosevelt is quite interesting, reflecting the values of individualism and self-reliance that the Confederate veterans apparently perceived in both men.
Gouged at upper right hand corner with minor loss; else lightly worn at extremes with usual toning. |
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Taft, William H. (27th President of the United States; Chief Justice of the Supreme Court); Wickersham, George W.; Lowell, A. Lawrence; Taft, Henry, W. THE COVENANTER: AN AMERICAN EXPOSITION OF THE COVENANT OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS. Garden City, NY: 1919. 1st ed., 188p. Signed by Taft and the other three authors. |
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The former president, his brother, his former Attorney General (Wickersham), and the President of Harvard (Lowell) each wrote a series of articles, printed in various newspapers across the country, in support of the Senate approving the Treaty of Versailles, and thereby having the United States joining Woodrow Wilson’s League of Nations. The brainchild of Lowell, a progressive and internationalist, and modeled after The Federalist Papers, these pieces were each originally published anonymously in May and June of 1919, under the title “The Covenanter” (referring to the League Covenant); then published here in book form shortly thereafter, “In order that the reader may be enabled to judge readily for himself how far the meaning of the provisions has been correctly understood, and the conclusions rightly drawn” (p.vi).
There were 27 such “letters” in all, each examining a specific article or aspect of joining the League: 13 by Lowell, 5 by Henry Taft, 5 by Wickersham, and 4 by William H. Taft. Even though penned by members from the opposition party, these essays, unlike the The Federalist Papers, didn’t do the job.
Insect damage along ft. hng. approx. ½ down ft. cov. & at foot of sp.; ch. at head of sp.; ft. hng. shaken; lt. soil. exteriors; lt. fox. throughout; else v.g. In a sturdy blue, custom-made clamshell box. Not only an uncommon title, but the scarcest of Taft’s books to find signed. |
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Taylor, Zachary (12th President -- 3rd Shortest Term; Mexican War Hero) Partly Printed Vellum Document, Signed as President. Washington [DC], 18 June 1849. 1 page, oblong, 16¾" x 13½" |
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A career Army officer, Taylor won national acclaim for his victories during the Mexican War at Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey, and Buena Vista. That fame led in turn to his election to the Presidency in 1848. Here Taylor appoints Thomas M. Rodney of Delaware to be the U.S. Consul for the port of Matanzas in Cuba. A member of a politically important Delaware family and the son of Caesar A. Rodney who had been a Congressman and U.S. Attorney General, Thomas McKean Rodney had previously served as the American consul at Havana from 1825 to 1829 and then at Matanzas from 1842 to 1845. In 1861, he would be named Collector of Customs in Delaware by President Lincoln.
The “Z. Taylor” signature is dark and bold. Countersigned by John M. Clayton as Secretary of State. Fine U.S. seal in white paper over red wax. Fine condition, very clean and fresh, with a superb signature and seal. |
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(--) Electoral Ticket] State of Virginia . / The People’s Ticket. / 7th November 1848. / For President, / Zachary Taylor, / of Louisiana . / For Vice-President / Millard Fillmore, / of New York …”3-3/4 x 6-1/2 in. |
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Electors for seventeen districts are listed below.
Excellent; clean, save for a small marginal brown spot away from printing.
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Truman, Harry S. (33rd President) Photograph, inscribed and signed. Obl. 4to. |
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A chest-up, near-profile view of Truman seated at his desk, inspecting some papers. Deep black tones; linen finish. Signed in black fountain pen at left side, over the papers (the only sizable area, besides his face, affording enough contrast): “Kind regards to / Julius Young / from / Harry S Truman / 1-19-60 ”.
Quite fine, w/some faint creasing in lower right corner. |
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Tyler, John (10th President) ANs. As President. ( Washington, DC ): no date. Matted and framed, 18” x 13”, 20” x 15 14”, with portrait engraving. |
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Tyler sends an order to the bank of Corcoran & Riggs, placing a credit order from the Secretary of the Treasury. |
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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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Wilson, Woodrow (28th President) TLs. As President. Washington: 1 December 1913, on White House stationery. 4to.; 1p. Framed, 17” x 12” (sight], 19” x 14 ¼” (overall); with photograph portrait. To Oliver P. Newman, in DC. |
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“I am a little puzzled by your letter of November twenty-sixth. The appointment of a Superintendent of Insurance for the District of Columbia lies with the Commissioners entirely, does it not? I conjecture from your letter that it is my advice you want and not my action. As for my advice, I should be very willing to abide by your and Mr. Siddon’s judgment in the matter. You evidently know your man and feel that you are on firm ground.” |
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Barnum, Phineas T. (1810-1891) Printed Document, signed New York: 7 July 1840, 2pp., small folio. Matted. |
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A very early legal document appointing Henry Collin his attorney to act on his behalf against John Dymon.
Paper seals intact. Folded and taped in several areas. In very good condition and rare from this date. Not examined outside of mat. |
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Barton, Clara (1821-1912; known as “The Angel of the Battlefield”) Large Photograph inscribed and signed “With the Sincere regards of / Clara Barton.” St. Petersburg : c1902. 9” x 7. |
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A finely detailed vignette portrait, with Barton in Victorian lace, Red Cross badge at her throat and another with ribbon on her collar. Barton was in St. Petersburg , Russia , attending the Seventh International Conference of the Red Cross; she had been the founder of the American National Red Cross and is remembered for her unceasing efforts to aid wounded soldiers during the Civil War.
Excellent. |
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Clay, Henry (1777-1852) Congressman, Senator, Secretary of State. Autograph Free Frank signature. 5" x 6" (sight), 1p., framed with engraving. |
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Clay was Lincoln's "beau ideal of a statesman."
On an autograph address leaf, with remnant of his seal. To George Getz, Esq./Reading, PA. Circular date stamp (in red) reads Washington, DC/April 21.
Scanned through the glass, brighter in person. Framed with engaving, entire at click-thru. |
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Twain, Mark. Autograph sepia photo, signed. 1p. Large 8vo. N.p., N.d. To Mrs. Dyer. |
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A handsome sepia-tone photograph printed on textured paper showing Twain sitting in a rattan chair, smoking a pipe.
Inscription and signature dark; the image slightly pale. In fine condition. |
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Sepia Photograph, signed “To Avery / With kind remembrances of / Mark Twain / Dec. 1904.” Rockwood , NY: 1904. Cabinet card, 4-1/4 x 6-3/8 in. (signt); matted in an attractive frame 8-1/4 x 10 in. |
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A handsome sepia-toned photograph showing Clemens from the waist up.
Inscription and signature dark; image is crisp with a bold tonality. |
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Cody, William F. “Buffalo Bill” (1846 - 1917, Army scout, “Wild West” showman) Partially printed Typed Document, signed (“W. F. Cody”), on 8 ½ x 11” letterhead of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West and Congress of Rough Riders of the World. Richmond , Va.: Oct. 16, 1897. |
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This short note on letterhead certifies that William Baker was employed by Cody’s show (as a “cavalryman”), and that he did a satisfactory job.
Clean letter w/ 2 vert and 1 horiz folds; type lt. faded; sig. v. lt. faded but still clear; else v.g. |
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Edison, Thomas (1837 - 1931, American Inventor).
Large Ink Autograph “top hat” Signature. |
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Mounted on a special hand-made decorative card, also bearing a likeness of the inventor. Overall 5 x 3 inches.
Placed onto a green mat, ready for framing. |
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Frankfurter, Felix & Vinson Fred M. (1882 - 1965) Associate Justice and Chief Justice respectively of U.S. Supreme Court.) Partly Printed Document; signed by both. Washington D.C., 4-11 June 1951. 4to.; 1p. |
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Accomplished by typewriter in carbon copy. Frankfurter appoints Vincent L. McKusick to serve as his law clerk and notes the salary; Vinson approves this appointment a week later, signing and dating at lower left.
Frankfurter's signature is a bit thin, but in a dark blue-black ink; Vinson's bold, noncursive signature is in a shade of dark turquoise.
V.g., two scarce Supreme Court autographs on a rare type of document. |
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Franklin, Benjamin (1706 – 1790; Statesman, Inventor, Printer, Author) Partly Printed Document, signed “B. Franklin / Presidt.” Philadelphia: 1 February 1786. Oblong folio; one (1) page. |
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Signing as President of the Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, he appoints one Peter Stephen du Ponceau, Esq. as “a Notary and Tabellion public, and sworn Interpreter of the English French Italian and Spanish Languages for said Commonwealth.” Countersigned by James Trimble for J. Armstrong, Jr. Secretary. A Commonwealth seal attaches this document to a larger French manuscript, bearing the notary seal of Mr. Du Ponceau.
A large, bold Franklin signature, not affected by any of the folds. Some toning, foxing; folds with minor losses and tears. Attached is a manuscript entirely in French, signed by a Notary; it has more significant staining and losses, though still handsome. |
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Hancock, John. (1737 - 1793, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Patriot) Printed Document Signed, as Governor of Massachusetts. Boston: 17 July 1787 . Lg. fol.; 1p |
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Appointing Thomas Sprout “Gentleman” as a “Lieutenant of the First company in the Fourth Regiment in the First Brigade of the Fifth Division of the Militia…comprehending the Counties of Plymouth, Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes County of Nantucket.”
Sprout's name is boldly written over an erasure of another name. Fresh papered wax blind seal at upper left, above Hancock's sig., which is large, bold, and dark. Fine, fresh appearance; usual fold marks w/ small intersect holes. Countersigned by John Avery as Secretary. |
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Holmes, Oliver Wendell (1809 - 1894, Supreme Court Justice) Autograph Letter, signed (O.W. Holmes) Washington, DC, 23 October 1947, Octavo, 8vo., one (1) page. |
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"Answering your very flattering suggestion, I am sorry not to comply with your request, but I don't willingly and intentionally lend myself to interviews--and especially not those having a personal bearing on judging. Add to that, that I am old and very busy and I think that you will excuse me from doing what you ask."
V.g., clean and bold. |
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Houston, Samuel (1793-1863; 1st Gov. of the Republic of Texas, later state Gov.; hero of Texas War for Independence; U.S. Senator; eponym of the city) Autograph Letter, signed (“Sam Houston” with elaborate paraph). Executive Department: 16 December 1843. To: A. Brigham, Treasurer. Oblong; 8vo.; 1p |
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As governor of Texas, Houston orders that the state Treasurer transfer money from the “contingency fund of the Executive to that of the Attorney General, and take his receipt for the same.” On the verso, writing from the “Treasurers Office,” Attorney General J. W. Tennell writes acknowledging the receipt of “one Hundred Dollars in Exchequer Bills as within specified.”
Excellent with bold ink writing; lt. fold lines and lt. show-through. A fine example. |
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Marshall, John (1755-1835; Chief Justice) Autograph Note, signed “J Marshall.” N.p.: n.d |
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Probably clipped off the end of a letter, Marshall writes: “I shall return to Richmond in September should I not be prevented by some unlooked for cause, and I shall hope to hear from you. Farewell my dear brother. With the warmest wishes for your happiness I am your affectionate / J Marshall”.
Uniformly browned; laid down on board. Clear, bold writing. A nice example of the very man who established the prestige of the Supreme Court and became the principal founder of judicial review.
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Mauldin, Bill. (1921 - 2003, American cartoonist) Signed Printed Cartoon on presidential campaign brochure for Adlai Stevenson. Chicago: (1952). 4p.; 3-3/4 x 6-7/8 in. |
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Mauldin was Co-Chairman (so stated) for Veterans-For-Stevenson and, for this brochure, produced two Willie & Joe cartoons.
Accompanying one of them, Mauldin provided a two-paragraph supporting blurb, stating that Ike has the generals’ support, who “are beginning to lead Eisenhower,” he will “throw in with Stevenson, who has most of the pfc’s (support).” On the front of the brochure, is Mauldin’s rendition of Eisenhower’s “I Like Ike” button: “I Like Stevenson” with an image of his beloved pfc, on which Mauldin has written, “To Henry / Bill Mauldin.” Wonderful imagery and an interesting political item, and an opportunity to obtain a Mauldin signed “Willie & Joe” image. Accompanied by a 2-page, mimeographed “Agenda” for a “Volunteers” meeting in Springfield , Illinois .
Excellent and unique.
For more Bill Mauldin, visit our Book Blast section and Prints Paintings and Sculpture.
For more Adlai Stevenson, click here. |
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Ruby, Jack (1911-1967; assassin's assassin) Printed Check Accomplished and Signed. Dallas, TX: 12 April 1956. |
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The mobbed-up, nightclub owner and killer of Lee Harvey Oswald (Nov. 24, 1963) makes out a Republic National Bank of Dallas check to Southwestern Bell Tel. Co. for $46.15.
V.g.; a few folds w/ one vertical through his “k.” Cancellation is far away from his clear signature. |
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Sousa, John Philip (Composer; Director of U. S. Marine Band). ALs on Marine Band letterhead to Mrs. Francis de Haes Janvier, Washington, D.C.: 2 Nov., 1889; with small collection (7 pieces) of Janvier-related ephemera. |
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In the center piece of this nice little collection Sousa acknowledges receipt of permission for him to publish poems, and to play his musical arrangements of Mrs. Janvier’s late husband’s work. Janvier was a popular poet during the Civil War, and his patriotic themes appealed to Souza. Also includes an original rice-paper printing of a Janvier eulogy “In Memory of Emily Dwight Lyman,” likely the only copy extant (a lovely tribute). Plus two printed Janvier poems clipped from newspapers and a partial note on Sousa’s letterhead (not his hand) directing the Marine Band manager to communicate important information to Mrs. Janvier.
The Sousa letter is clean and readable with bold signature; eulogy delicate and folded twice, but complete without tearing or ch.; all other material v.g. |
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STREETER, GEORGE “CAP” [1831 – 1921] Document, Signed, with wife Elma. Chicago: October 14, 1911. Folio; 1 page; red seal intact. Framed with a photograph of him and his wife (one can almost smell the cigar spittle evident on his shirt!). 25" x 27" overall. |
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A Land Indenture of $15,000 for the “District of Lake Michigan.” When Lake Michigan retreated, leaving new land east of Michigan Avenue, Streeter claimed the land, built a shack to live in, and began to sell parcels to immigrants. It took the city years to evict him.
Extremely Rare, the first Streeter signature to come on the market in over 25 years. |
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Thompson, Smith (1768 - 1843, Supreme Court Justice; Monroe’s Sec. Navy) Partly Printed Document, signed as Chief Justice of the New York Supreme Court. N.p. (Albany, N.Y.): 16 Aug. 1815. Obl. folio; 1p., on parchment. |
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A certificate that Levinus Munson has been duly authorized and licensed to practice before the state’s Supreme Court as an Attorney at Law.
Striking detailed engraving of Justice with her scales at right side; fine impression of court seal at lower left, comprised of blindstamped wafer affixing a pale lavender ribbon.
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Warren, Earl. (1891-1974, Supreme Court Chief Justice) Engraving signed. Framed in grouping featuring photographs of the Chief Justice and the other Supreme Court judges who shared his tenure. 18" x 14". |
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Inscribed card, bearing Warren's likeness, reads "For Tom Perry/with the best wishes/Earl Warren". Grouping includes black and white photos of the court, Warren in his office and Warren on the steps of the Supreme Court, with the capitol in the background.
A handsome grouping, in grey matte, housed in a modern, black frame. |
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(Warren Court) Hayes, John. Lithograph of U. S. Supreme Court building (17” x 14” approx. sight.). |
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Signatures include Warren and Associate Justices Hugo Black, William O. Douglas, John Marshall Harlan, Felix Frankfurter, Potter Stewart, Byron White, Abe Fortas, and Thurgood Marshall.
Very handsome bright print; sigs. of Warren and Frankfurter lightly faded though quite readable; Black’s sig. a little shaky; else very good. The liberal-leaning Warren Court used an active judicial power to expand civil rights and civil liberties. A fine presentation piece. |
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(Women's Rights)
Manuscript Poem, signed "A Sufferer." N.p., n.d. (Wisconsin?
ca 1860). Sm. 4to .; l ip ., in pencil; with a related drawing, in pencil
and colored pencil, on an oblong 8vo sheet. |
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A jape at the expense of the "fair sex," evidently written
by some pseudo-misogynist but based on a real incident (one which may
have left legal traces, if the text is true to circumstance).
The verses tell of a group of young women, the "Damned Hard Cases," who
spurn the fellows and "get a sleigh, fast nags & oysters /
Whiskey to make them high & boisterous" and have a Bacchanalian
night, "Screaming all the way to steady Wauwatosa...Now since
this time, somewhat ashamed / (One horse you know was badly lamed /
And the owner, too, has brought a suit) / These Damned Hard Cases by
repute / Finding suits will come whatever course they take / Prefer
a lover 's suit, to any other make, / And so they now extend their
hands / Hope soon to be in Wedlock's holy bands / Joined to those they
once did so deride / When the Damned Hard Cases took a silly ride." The
accompanying sketch shows about a dozen females in blue cloaks and
bonnets with red mufflers, riding in a sledge labelled "D.H.C." One
woman stands, diriving a pair of ribby horses; another stands holding
a bottle a loft (as the wind carries away her bonnet).
Placards are visible among the rest, reading "Womans Rights," "Celibacy," "Opposition
to Male Men," "No Beaux" and "Old Maids Forever." In
the far distance is a sketchy group labelled "Police" who
are apparently in hot pursuit. A transcript of the poem is available,
download it here.
Mss. toned a long right edge, w/slight roughness, but both pieces
basically very good. An amusing pair. |
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