Details
PRESIDENTS. A collection of 33 ALSs, ADSs and DSs of 34 Presidents from Washington to Eisenhower, (duplicates of Garfield and F.D. Roosevelt; two jointly signed), virtually all relating to legal or legislative aspects of their careers, EACH ATTRACTIVELY FRAMED: various sizes from 8vo to folio, most matted with an engraved portrait, glazed and enclosed in gilt- or lacquered-wood frames by Goodspeed's of Boston (the Washington and John Adams are double-glazed in two-sided frames). Unexamined out of frames (except see Lincoln, below). (33)
1. WASHINGTON, GEORGE. Document, ANNOTATED BY WASHINGTON, Philadelphia, 7 December 1798. One page, folio, neat separation along central horizontal fold, verso with NINE-LINE AUTOGRAPH DOCKET (incoporating signature "Washington"). "Copy of a Deed of Gift of l00 Shares in the James River Co. to Liberty Hall Accad. now Washington [Academy] so named by the Trustees 7th Decr. l798," a very interesting draft of Washington's deed of gift of l00 shares of the James River Company to Washington Academy, "formerly known as Liberty Academy" and later Washington and Lee University, the text in a clear hand, with some l7 words in Washington's hand added between lines and portions of the text deleted with oblique strokes of the pen.
2. ADAMS, JOHN. Letter signed in full to Daniel Coney of Maine, Quincy, Mass., 1 February l8l9. Two pages, 4to, small hole at one fold intersection, with portion of address panel bearing original wax seal and Adams' FREE-FRANK. A fine letter on the question of statehood for Maine: "...The question you state to me is of so much importance...that a volume might be written....My judgement, poor as it is, and my inclinations, strong as they are, are all on the side of union. I can see no public benefit to arise, on the contrary much public evil from that spirit of division, partition and separation which so unhappily prevails....It is to Massachusetts and her strenuous exertions that Maine is indebted for her preservation from the grasping clutches of Great Britain....When there arises in Maine a bold, daring, ardent genius, with talents capable of inspiring the people...He will tear off Maine and leave her in a state of mediocrity in the union....." With a typescript of Coney's letter to Adams.
3. JEFFERSON, THOMAS. Autograph letter signed ("Th:Jefferson," in third person), as Vice-Presidentÿ, to Mr. [Edmund?] Randolph, n.p., l0 February l800. One page, oblong 4to, integral address leaf with panel in Jefferson's hand. "Th:Jefferson will with pleasure serve Mr. Randolph's friend as far as he is able; but it will be necessary for him to explain...the small extent of his present acquaintance in Europe....Some idea too will be useful of the probable range of travelling proposed by the gentleman."
4.& 5. MADISON, JAMES and JAMES MONROE. Document signed by both, (Madison as President, "Jas. Monroe" as Secretary of State, Washington, D.C., 20 February l815. One page, oblong 4to, ON PARCHMENT, large papered seal at left, attractively engraved, accomplished in manuscript, headed "The President of the United States of America." Appointing a first lieutenant of infantry, John Neale.
6. ADAMS, JOHN QUINCY. Autograph address panel signed ("J.Q.Adams"), addressed to S. Sampson, Collector of the Customs, Plymouth, Mass.; Washington, D.C., n.d. One page, 4to, postmarked. 7.& 8. JACKSON, ANDREW and MARTIN VAN BUREN. Engraved document signed by both (Jackson as President, "M Van Buren" as Secretary of State), Washington, D.C., 7 June l829. One page, folio, ON PARCHMENT, papered seal at left with original silk ribbon attached. Attractively engraved, accomplished in manuscript, awarding a patent to Elijah Skinner, who has "invented a new and useful improvement in the common wooden knob called the improved commode knob...."
9. HARRISON, WILLIAM HENRY. Document signed ("Wm. H. Harrison") as aide-de-camp to General Anthony Wayne, n.p., 11 February l795. One page, an irregular oblong. "The Quarter Master will ples [sic] to Issue Nine Rations of wisky [sic] at Greenvill[e].
l0. TYLER, JOHN. Autograph note signed, n.p., n.d. One page, a small oblong. "My dear Sir, The papers are all right..."
11. POLK, JAMES K. Printed document signed as President, Washington, D.C., 15 April l845. One page, 4to, on pale blue paper. Ordering the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to "the envelope of a letter of credence to His Majesty the Emperor of China..."
12. TAYLOR, ZACHARY. Letter signed ("Z. Taylor Lt. Col."), to his superior officer, St. Louis, 30 November l820. 3 pages, 4to, folds reinforced (old tape stain at one fold). Reporting in considerable detail on his command, their progress in recruitment, the state of Fort Covington, questioning the allowance of double rations for troops at Pass Christian and expressing surprise that "officers employed on the most fatiguing and laborious duties...are not placed on an equality with the rank and file of the army, who in all cases...receive additional compensation," especially in view of the difficulty "attending the opening of roads through a wilderness country...."
13. FILLMORE, MILLARD. Signature as President (cut from a larger document), countersigned by Daniel Webster, Secretary of State, n.p., n.d. One page, a small oblong, on parchment.
14. PIERCE, FRANKLIN. Printed document signed as President, Washington, D.C., 4 December 1855. One page, 4to, on pale blue paper. Directing the Secretary of State to affix the seal to "the pardon granted to John W. Kittredge."
15. BUCHANAN, JAMES. Autograph letter signed in full, to Joel R. Poinsett, Secretary of War, Washington, D.C., l0 March l837. One page, 4to. Regarding a case involving his friend Col. Samuel Stambaugh, "formerly the Editor of our official paper at Harrisburg & in that capacity rendered good service to the cause. He has numerous friends throughout the state....All he asks is justice...."
16. LINCOLN, ABRAHAM. Printed document signed in full as President, countersigned by William H. Seward, Secretary of State, [Washington, D.C.], n.d. One page, large oblong folio, large papered seal at lower left, the complete document folded within the frame, four-language ship's papers, signed but not accomplished. Fine condition.
17. JOHNSON, ANDREW. Engraved document signed in full as President, Washington, D.C., l June l865, One page, large folio, ON PARCHMENT, blue papered seal at left, attractively engraved with large vignette of an American Eagle at top, at bottom an elaborate arrangement of military emblems, flags, cannons and other implements. An appointment of John McIntosh as first lieutenant of infantry. Fine condition.
18. GRANT, ULYSSES S. Autograph letter signed ("U.S. Grant" with initialed postscript, New York, 15 November 1880. One page, 8vo, small chip at top edge. Authorizing a real-estate agent ". ..to receive the money for my Long Branch [New Jersey] property," and requesting the funds be "deposited in the Marine Bank...after deducting commissions and other dues."
19. HAYES, RUTHERFORD B. Autograph letter signed ("R.B. Hayes") as President, to W. Hunter, Acting Secretary of State, Executive Mansion, Washington, D.C., 5 September 1879. One page, 8vo, on Executive Mansion stationery. "Enclosed please find Mr. [William M.] Evarts' supplementary opinion in the S. Africa[?] Case, affirmed by me, and therefore ready for action..." Marked "Private" at top. 20a & b. GARFIELD, JAMES A. Autograph letter signed ("J.A. Garfield") to a Mr. Derrance, Washington, D.C., 25 February l864. One page, 12mo, complying with a request (probably by furnishing his autograph); Autograph telegram signed, to Secretary of State Hamilton Fish, Washington, D.C., 8 December l874, One page, oblong 8vo, on printed form of Departmental Telegraph Lines, "for Government Business only." Garfield inquires about a possible misprint in the Congressional laws: "...Please inform me whether the enrolled law reads the same way. If so it was a clerical error. The bill as we passed it read twenty-five thousand dollars..."
21. ARTHUR, CHESTER A. Document signed ("C.A. Arthur") to Governor John Dix, New York, 28 January l873. One page, 4to. Arthur and three others recommend a man for a Judgeship, "...as being in every way a competent and proper person...."
22. & 24. CLEVELAND, GROVER. Autograph annotations as President on a letter from a child, n.p., n.d.. Two pages, 4to. In response to the question "When if ever is intentional deception justifiable?" Cleveland writes, "Never"; to the question "Is the obligation of veracity absolute, or dependant upon motive?" he adds, "Absolute - when one speaks at all." Framed with a signed "Executive Mansion" calling card.
23. HARRISON, BENJAMIN. Engraved document signed ("Benj. Harrison") as President, Washington, D.C., 7 January l895. One page, large folio, ON PARCHMENT, papered seal, attractively engraved, with American eagle vignette at top and at bottom a composition of military paraphenalia, appointing a Captain of Infantry.
24. See 22
25. MCKINLEY, WILLIAM. Typed letter signed to Joseph Holmes, 9 July l896. One page, 8vo, on printed stationery. Thanking Holmes for sending statistics on the wool industry.
26. ROOSEVELT, THEODORE Printed document signed in full as President, Washington, D.C., 9 July l902. One page, oblong folio, gilt-paper seal (defective), with bold heading in decorative type. Appointing a Postmaster at Council Bluffs, Iowa, countersigned by the Post-Master General.
27. TAFT, WILLIAM H. Typed letter signed to George E. Long, New Haven, Connecticut, 30 July l921. One page, 4to, on Taft's personal imprinted stationery. Thanking Long for congratulations upon Taft's retirement as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. 28. WILSON, WOODROW. Signature in full, n.p., n.d. One page, a small oblong.
29. HARDING, WARREN. Check signed, Marion, Ohio, 25 May l918. One page, oblong, with attached endorsement half, cancelled with perforated stamp. The treasurer of the Harding Publishing Co. orders payment of $200 to the firm's owner, the future President.
30. COOLIDGE, CALVIN. Engraved document signed as Governor of Massachusetts, Boston, 2 July 1919. One page, folio, ON PARCHMENT, large paper seal, engraved with large vignette of the State Capitol and portraits of John Hancock and John Winthrop. Appointing a Justice of the Peace.
3l. HOOVER, HERBERT. Typed letter signed in full to Sheldon Howe of Deerfield Academy, Key Largo, Florida, 9 January l959. One page, 4to, on colorful stationery of the Key Largo Anglers Club. Replying to an "interesting letter," which "fits a new piece in the mosaic of French antagonism to President [Woodrow] Wilson. I greatly appreciate your sending it to me...."
32a & 32b. ROOSEVELT, FRANKLIN DELANO. Printed document signed as President, Washington, D.C., 15 April l943. One page, folio, blue paper seal. Appointing Jerome Kunsaker a Naval Constructor with rank of lieutenant; Printed document signed as President, countersigned by Secretary of State Cordell Hull, Washington, D.C., 20 December 1939.
One page, oblong folio, large papered seal, appointing the same a member of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.
33. TRUMAN, HARRY S. Typed letter signed in full as President to Senator Warren G. Magnuson, The White House, Washington, D.C., 27 October 1949. One page, 4to, on White House stationery. "I appreciated very much your letter...in regard to Dr. Ritter. I have appointed him as an interim appointment on the Federal Court in Utah...."
34. EISENHOWER, DWIGHT D. Typed letter signed in full as President, to Senator Margaret Chase Smith, The White House, Washington, D.C., 24 March 1959. One page, 4to, on White House stationery, ON THE BERLIN WALL, thanking her for a "letter regarding the Berlin situation. In my television talk last week, I sought to make clear the choices before us in this area. We must stand firm in our rights under international aggreements...."
1. WASHINGTON, GEORGE. Document, ANNOTATED BY WASHINGTON, Philadelphia, 7 December 1798. One page, folio, neat separation along central horizontal fold, verso with NINE-LINE AUTOGRAPH DOCKET (incoporating signature "Washington"). "Copy of a Deed of Gift of l00 Shares in the James River Co. to Liberty Hall Accad. now Washington [Academy] so named by the Trustees 7th Decr. l798," a very interesting draft of Washington's deed of gift of l00 shares of the James River Company to Washington Academy, "formerly known as Liberty Academy" and later Washington and Lee University, the text in a clear hand, with some l7 words in Washington's hand added between lines and portions of the text deleted with oblique strokes of the pen.
2. ADAMS, JOHN. Letter signed in full to Daniel Coney of Maine, Quincy, Mass., 1 February l8l9. Two pages, 4to, small hole at one fold intersection, with portion of address panel bearing original wax seal and Adams' FREE-FRANK. A fine letter on the question of statehood for Maine: "...The question you state to me is of so much importance...that a volume might be written....My judgement, poor as it is, and my inclinations, strong as they are, are all on the side of union. I can see no public benefit to arise, on the contrary much public evil from that spirit of division, partition and separation which so unhappily prevails....It is to Massachusetts and her strenuous exertions that Maine is indebted for her preservation from the grasping clutches of Great Britain....When there arises in Maine a bold, daring, ardent genius, with talents capable of inspiring the people...He will tear off Maine and leave her in a state of mediocrity in the union....." With a typescript of Coney's letter to Adams.
3. JEFFERSON, THOMAS. Autograph letter signed ("Th:Jefferson," in third person), as Vice-Presidentÿ, to Mr. [Edmund?] Randolph, n.p., l0 February l800. One page, oblong 4to, integral address leaf with panel in Jefferson's hand. "Th:Jefferson will with pleasure serve Mr. Randolph's friend as far as he is able; but it will be necessary for him to explain...the small extent of his present acquaintance in Europe....Some idea too will be useful of the probable range of travelling proposed by the gentleman."
4.& 5. MADISON, JAMES and JAMES MONROE. Document signed by both, (Madison as President, "Jas. Monroe" as Secretary of State, Washington, D.C., 20 February l815. One page, oblong 4to, ON PARCHMENT, large papered seal at left, attractively engraved, accomplished in manuscript, headed "The President of the United States of America." Appointing a first lieutenant of infantry, John Neale.
6. ADAMS, JOHN QUINCY. Autograph address panel signed ("J.Q.Adams"), addressed to S. Sampson, Collector of the Customs, Plymouth, Mass.; Washington, D.C., n.d. One page, 4to, postmarked. 7.& 8. JACKSON, ANDREW and MARTIN VAN BUREN. Engraved document signed by both (Jackson as President, "M Van Buren" as Secretary of State), Washington, D.C., 7 June l829. One page, folio, ON PARCHMENT, papered seal at left with original silk ribbon attached. Attractively engraved, accomplished in manuscript, awarding a patent to Elijah Skinner, who has "invented a new and useful improvement in the common wooden knob called the improved commode knob...."
9. HARRISON, WILLIAM HENRY. Document signed ("Wm. H. Harrison") as aide-de-camp to General Anthony Wayne, n.p., 11 February l795. One page, an irregular oblong. "The Quarter Master will ples [sic] to Issue Nine Rations of wisky [sic] at Greenvill[e].
l0. TYLER, JOHN. Autograph note signed, n.p., n.d. One page, a small oblong. "My dear Sir, The papers are all right..."
11. POLK, JAMES K. Printed document signed as President, Washington, D.C., 15 April l845. One page, 4to, on pale blue paper. Ordering the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to "the envelope of a letter of credence to His Majesty the Emperor of China..."
12. TAYLOR, ZACHARY. Letter signed ("Z. Taylor Lt. Col."), to his superior officer, St. Louis, 30 November l820. 3 pages, 4to, folds reinforced (old tape stain at one fold). Reporting in considerable detail on his command, their progress in recruitment, the state of Fort Covington, questioning the allowance of double rations for troops at Pass Christian and expressing surprise that "officers employed on the most fatiguing and laborious duties...are not placed on an equality with the rank and file of the army, who in all cases...receive additional compensation," especially in view of the difficulty "attending the opening of roads through a wilderness country...."
13. FILLMORE, MILLARD. Signature as President (cut from a larger document), countersigned by Daniel Webster, Secretary of State, n.p., n.d. One page, a small oblong, on parchment.
14. PIERCE, FRANKLIN. Printed document signed as President, Washington, D.C., 4 December 1855. One page, 4to, on pale blue paper. Directing the Secretary of State to affix the seal to "the pardon granted to John W. Kittredge."
15. BUCHANAN, JAMES. Autograph letter signed in full, to Joel R. Poinsett, Secretary of War, Washington, D.C., l0 March l837. One page, 4to. Regarding a case involving his friend Col. Samuel Stambaugh, "formerly the Editor of our official paper at Harrisburg & in that capacity rendered good service to the cause. He has numerous friends throughout the state....All he asks is justice...."
16. LINCOLN, ABRAHAM. Printed document signed in full as President, countersigned by William H. Seward, Secretary of State, [Washington, D.C.], n.d. One page, large oblong folio, large papered seal at lower left, the complete document folded within the frame, four-language ship's papers, signed but not accomplished. Fine condition.
17. JOHNSON, ANDREW. Engraved document signed in full as President, Washington, D.C., l June l865, One page, large folio, ON PARCHMENT, blue papered seal at left, attractively engraved with large vignette of an American Eagle at top, at bottom an elaborate arrangement of military emblems, flags, cannons and other implements. An appointment of John McIntosh as first lieutenant of infantry. Fine condition.
18. GRANT, ULYSSES S. Autograph letter signed ("U.S. Grant" with initialed postscript, New York, 15 November 1880. One page, 8vo, small chip at top edge. Authorizing a real-estate agent ". ..to receive the money for my Long Branch [New Jersey] property," and requesting the funds be "deposited in the Marine Bank...after deducting commissions and other dues."
19. HAYES, RUTHERFORD B. Autograph letter signed ("R.B. Hayes") as President, to W. Hunter, Acting Secretary of State, Executive Mansion, Washington, D.C., 5 September 1879. One page, 8vo, on Executive Mansion stationery. "Enclosed please find Mr. [William M.] Evarts' supplementary opinion in the S. Africa[?] Case, affirmed by me, and therefore ready for action..." Marked "Private" at top. 20a & b. GARFIELD, JAMES A. Autograph letter signed ("J.A. Garfield") to a Mr. Derrance, Washington, D.C., 25 February l864. One page, 12mo, complying with a request (probably by furnishing his autograph); Autograph telegram signed, to Secretary of State Hamilton Fish, Washington, D.C., 8 December l874, One page, oblong 8vo, on printed form of Departmental Telegraph Lines, "for Government Business only." Garfield inquires about a possible misprint in the Congressional laws: "...Please inform me whether the enrolled law reads the same way. If so it was a clerical error. The bill as we passed it read twenty-five thousand dollars..."
21. ARTHUR, CHESTER A. Document signed ("C.A. Arthur") to Governor John Dix, New York, 28 January l873. One page, 4to. Arthur and three others recommend a man for a Judgeship, "...as being in every way a competent and proper person...."
22. & 24. CLEVELAND, GROVER. Autograph annotations as President on a letter from a child, n.p., n.d.. Two pages, 4to. In response to the question "When if ever is intentional deception justifiable?" Cleveland writes, "Never"; to the question "Is the obligation of veracity absolute, or dependant upon motive?" he adds, "Absolute - when one speaks at all." Framed with a signed "Executive Mansion" calling card.
23. HARRISON, BENJAMIN. Engraved document signed ("Benj. Harrison") as President, Washington, D.C., 7 January l895. One page, large folio, ON PARCHMENT, papered seal, attractively engraved, with American eagle vignette at top and at bottom a composition of military paraphenalia, appointing a Captain of Infantry.
24. See 22
25. MCKINLEY, WILLIAM. Typed letter signed to Joseph Holmes, 9 July l896. One page, 8vo, on printed stationery. Thanking Holmes for sending statistics on the wool industry.
26. ROOSEVELT, THEODORE Printed document signed in full as President, Washington, D.C., 9 July l902. One page, oblong folio, gilt-paper seal (defective), with bold heading in decorative type. Appointing a Postmaster at Council Bluffs, Iowa, countersigned by the Post-Master General.
27. TAFT, WILLIAM H. Typed letter signed to George E. Long, New Haven, Connecticut, 30 July l921. One page, 4to, on Taft's personal imprinted stationery. Thanking Long for congratulations upon Taft's retirement as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. 28. WILSON, WOODROW. Signature in full, n.p., n.d. One page, a small oblong.
29. HARDING, WARREN. Check signed, Marion, Ohio, 25 May l918. One page, oblong, with attached endorsement half, cancelled with perforated stamp. The treasurer of the Harding Publishing Co. orders payment of $200 to the firm's owner, the future President.
30. COOLIDGE, CALVIN. Engraved document signed as Governor of Massachusetts, Boston, 2 July 1919. One page, folio, ON PARCHMENT, large paper seal, engraved with large vignette of the State Capitol and portraits of John Hancock and John Winthrop. Appointing a Justice of the Peace.
3l. HOOVER, HERBERT. Typed letter signed in full to Sheldon Howe of Deerfield Academy, Key Largo, Florida, 9 January l959. One page, 4to, on colorful stationery of the Key Largo Anglers Club. Replying to an "interesting letter," which "fits a new piece in the mosaic of French antagonism to President [Woodrow] Wilson. I greatly appreciate your sending it to me...."
32a & 32b. ROOSEVELT, FRANKLIN DELANO. Printed document signed as President, Washington, D.C., 15 April l943. One page, folio, blue paper seal. Appointing Jerome Kunsaker a Naval Constructor with rank of lieutenant; Printed document signed as President, countersigned by Secretary of State Cordell Hull, Washington, D.C., 20 December 1939.
One page, oblong folio, large papered seal, appointing the same a member of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.
33. TRUMAN, HARRY S. Typed letter signed in full as President to Senator Warren G. Magnuson, The White House, Washington, D.C., 27 October 1949. One page, 4to, on White House stationery. "I appreciated very much your letter...in regard to Dr. Ritter. I have appointed him as an interim appointment on the Federal Court in Utah...."
34. EISENHOWER, DWIGHT D. Typed letter signed in full as President, to Senator Margaret Chase Smith, The White House, Washington, D.C., 24 March 1959. One page, 4to, on White House stationery, ON THE BERLIN WALL, thanking her for a "letter regarding the Berlin situation. In my television talk last week, I sought to make clear the choices before us in this area. We must stand firm in our rights under international aggreements...."