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Sun 28 Jul

Jean Baptiste PATER (Valenciennes 1695 - Paris 1736) Artist's presumed self-portrait Canvas 82 x 65 cm (old restorations and scratches) Old sales label on reverse of stretcher Bibliography: another version by Florence Ingersoll-Smouse, Pater, Paris, 1928, p.81, no. 551, repr. p.195, ill. 172. This painting revives the question of the portraits occasionally painted by painters renowned for their gallant scenes. gallant scenes. Their place in the work of Antoine Watteau, Pater's master, is wide open and still debated. debated. The Portrait d'un gentilhomme, said to be by Jean de Jullienne (Musée du Louvre), is generally considered to be as autograph, unlike the Portrait dit d'Antoine Pater, sculptor and father of the painter, which has been refused (Valenciennes, Musée des Beaux-Arts). Florence Ingersoll-Smouse, in her 1928 monograph on Pater, lists a dozen portraits reported in early sales, or that of his sister Marie-Marguerite Pater (Valenciennes, Musée des Beaux-Arts), documented in the model's will in 1769. For our composition, the Portrait presumed to be by the painter in his thirtieth year, is catalogued as "attributed to Pater", the version in the Alvin-Beaumont collection in Paris, and lists as a copy the one then held at the Société d'agriculture, de sciences et des arts de Valenciennes, now in the museum. It is on this canvas that the traditional traditional identification of the model. We propose to consider our canvas as the original. The artist is dressed in black, perhaps be interpreted as mourning the death of his master in 1721. He presents himself as a history painter holding a drawing board and a red-tipped stylus for the sanguine, under the aegis of Minerva, goddess of reason reason and the Arts, depicted in the painting on the easel. The influence of the portrait painters of his time Nicolas de Largillierre, Hyacinthe Rigaud and François de Troy, but it is above all Watteau's Watteau's influence shines through in the pictorial material and elegance. The face is close to the various figures of Pierrot (le Gilles, Musée du Louvre). We would like to thank Martin Eidelberg for his help in describing this lot.

Estim. 40 000 - 60 000 EUR

Mon 29 Jul

WILLIAM KENNETT LOFTUS (BRITISH 1820-1858): AN AUTOGRAPHED LETTER SIGNED 'WM. KENNETT LOFTUS' ADDRESSED TO 'BLACKLOCK' WITH MENTION OF JAMES DAVID FORBES (SCOTTISH 1809-1868) AND OTHERS, A four page signed letter to a Mr. Blacklock mentioning the damage sustained to some specimens destined for the museum. With mention of the Geological Society, British Museum, Edward Forbes and others. Reads: My dear Blacklock, I called at Dowgate Wharf on Wednesday and Mr Nichol, having got the order from …. Lynch, promised to have the box at his place this morning. I regret to say that on opening the lid, a wretched scene presented itself. Altho’ the box was lined with tin and every care taken with soldering, which was done under my own inspection, the sea water had got in & completely destroyed the skins with the exception of 5 or 6 which are much damaged. I have not looked over the plants, but they must be in wretched plight also, since the paper is of course wet thro’ - the only things which have escaped wholly uninjured are the germs and seeds in bottles! I pitched the refuse into the Thames, & have taken possession of the few skins, & till an opportunity offers of sending them since they are positively not worth the carriage to …. alone. It is much to be regretted that the specimens are lost since they were all exceedingly fine ones and would have been an interesting & valuable addition to the museum. I strongly suspect that the heat of the two summers at Baghdad has melted the soldering, and hence the cause of the damage done. One of the boxes for the Br. Museum was in a similar state. I was at the annual meeting of the Geological this afternoon when Hopkins (the president) gave us a grand geologico-geometrical address, - and our friend Edw Forbes is the president elect. - Give my best remembrance to Mr Alder, Charlton & to all friends & believe me, Truly Yours, W Kennet Loftus. Further… I was extremely sorry that I was unable to call on Mr when in Martle…. ? There appears to have been some charge on the box from …… I shall write Lynch to look it. Feb - 18. 1853.

Estim. 100 - 150 GBP

Mon 29 Jul

Olympic Games/ Summer, 1968/ Mexico/ Air France/ Menu/ Autographs/ Exceptional "Air France menu for the French Olympic team flight from Toulouse to Mexico City, via Montreal. Friday, September 27, 1968. "Olympic Games Mexico 1968, Toulouse-Mexico flight by Boeing Intercontinental..." This one, called "Le Josselin", is superbly represented on the front page, by a watercolor by the subtle Pierre Pagès (born in 1933, Air France gave him wings, and thank God, he's still flying)...At the time, all Air France long-haul flights were named after a Loire château, as here. This marvellous souvenir of a unique flight features eight pages, three of which are devoted to lunch and dinner...For the record: lamb noisettes, salmon and tournedos are all there, along with a few fine bottles of Bordeaux and other wines...It's an embassy of savoir vivre and savoir manger on the move, and the three pages of autographs are a happy testimony to this....Among the more than 110 signatures and drawings (some of them duplicated in the euphoria), we find several future Olympic medallists, or great figures: Maryvonne Dupureur, Gapais, Arabo, Noël, Vallée, Cottard, Sainte-Rose, Villain, Carette, Wadoux, Boudehen, Gourrier, Maier, Cosentino, G.Barnay, Grava, Alayrangues, Ugolini...Forgive any deciphering errors or omissions, as some signatures are not easy to decipher...28x22, open: 28x45. A few stains testify to age and air holes...It bears on the front cover the words "Jack Le Goff, Sports Equestres, Bien amicalement, en souvenir de Mexico"...For nostalgia and autograph hunters.

Estim. 200 - 300 EUR

Wed 14 Aug

George Washington Autograph Letter Signed to Architect of the Capitol William Thornton ALS signed “Go: Washington,” one page, 7.25 x 9, August 28, 1799. Handwritten letter to William Thornton, the architect who designed the United States Capitol. In full: "I would thank you for requesting Mr. Blagden to give me as early notice of the time, and amount, of his next call upon me, as he can, that I may prepare accordingly." In fine condition, with some faint staining, and a few short fold splits. Accompanied by a vintage press photo of one-time owner Joseph Plummer, a collector of books and Americana, holding the letter. William Thornton (1759-1828) was an American physician, inventor, painter, and architect who designed the United States Capitol. He was appointed by President George Washington as Architect of the Capitol in 1793, and by Thomas Jefferson as first Superintendent of the United States Patent Office in 1802. The present letter from Washington to Thornton is one of more than thirty recorded in The Papers of George Washington; it relates to the construction of two townhouses on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., designed by George Washington and built by George Blagden. During this period, Thornton was serving as Commissioner of the Federal City, and in that capacity offered advice and official approval for Washington's plans. The project had begun in the fall of 1798 with Washington's purchase of a vacant lot on the west side of North Capitol Street. Inspired by a building he had seen in Philadelphia, Washington described his vision as 'two houses, united Doors in the center, a Pediment in the Roof and dormer windows on each side of it in front, skylight in the rear' and 'three flush stories of Brick, besides Garret room...capable of accommodating between twenty and thirty borders...not costly, but elegantly plain.' Washington's builder, George Blagden, who worked as superintendent of stonework and masons at the Capitol, broke ground in December 1798. Washington took an active role in overseeing the project, providing detailed specifications for the buildings and sourcing many materials himself in order to reduce costs. In this letter, he inquires about the exact time of Blagden's next visit, so that he can "prepare accordingly"—in other words, have funds ready to pay him. Washington had secured a loan from the Bank of Alexandria to pay Blagden a $1,000 installment in July, and would pay him $1,000 more, through Thornton, in September. On November 9, 1799, Washington recorded in his diary: 'Viewed my building in the Federal City.' A week before his death, he attempted to purchase plaster for the interior. He fell ill in December, and passed away before seeing the completion of the building in 1800. George Washington's nephew and heir, Bushrod Washington, finished and furnished the townhouses, operating them as a boarding house for members of Congress. Several prominent early American legislators stayed there, including Speaker of the House Nathaniel Macon of North Carolina and William Crawford of Georgia. The property was consumed by fire when Washington burned during the War of 1812, and the lot and charred remains of the building were purchased for a mere $1,446. The buildings were restored into a larger hotel in the mid-19th century, but razed in the early 20th. Today, there stands a plaque marking their place: 'Here were the lots acquired on October 3, 1798 by General George Washington and on which he built two brick dwellings from designs by Dr. William Thornton. A dwelling remodeled from the two dwellings was owned and occupied by Admiral Charles Wilkes, the famous explorer.'

Estim. 20 000 - 30 000 USD

Wed 14 Aug

Abraham Lincoln Civil War-Dated Autograph Letter Signed as President to Maj. Gen. Meade on Capital Punishment for an Army Deserter ALS as president, signed “A. Lincoln,” one page, 7.25 x 8.75, September 21, 1863. Handwritten letter to Major General George Meade, commander of the "Army of the Potomac," in full: "I am appealed to in behalf John H. Williams, Co. D. 4 Regt. Md. Vols., I Corps who is said to be under sentence of death to be executed on the 25th for desertion. The appeal is made on the ground of unsoundness of mind. Please give me briefly the facts and your views." In fine condition, with trimmed edges, and overall archival silking to both sides. This letter is listed in the Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, Volume 6, by Roy Basler, who notes: 'The roster of Co. D, Fourth Maryland Volunteers, lists no John H. Williams, but Charles W. Williams who was sentenced to be shot for desertion (Army of the Potomac, General Orders No. 91, September 17, 1863) is listed with the notation 'Died, September 25, 1863.'' During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln struggled with the challenge of dealing with Union Army deserters. A compassionate leader, he generally showed leniency, understanding the pressures soldiers faced—in March of 1863, he proclaimed a general call of amnesty for the 125,000 Union men then missing from their units, absolving them from punishment in exchange for their return. However, he also recognized the need to maintain discipline, and desertion was considered a capital crime. In all, only 147 Union deserters were executed during the course of the war, and it seems that Williams of the Maryland Fourth was one of these unlucky few. By year's end, the war-weary Lincoln had largely ended the practice; when commuting a death sentence in January 1864, Lincoln explained that his decision was made 'not on any merit in the case, but because I am trying to evade the butchering business lately.'

Estim. 20 000 - 30 000 USD

Wed 14 Aug

U. S. Grant Civil War-Dated Autograph Letter Signed to Gen. Halleck on the Committee on the Conduct of the War (1865) Civil War-dated ALS signed “U. S. Grant, Lt. Gen.,” one page, 7.75 x 9.75, Head Quarters Armies of the United States letterhead, February 7, 1865. Handwritten telegram to Major General Henry Halleck, sent from his headquarters at City Point, Virginia, marked "Cipher" in the upper left. In full: "I will be in Washington on Thursday or Friday next. Please notify the Com. on Conduct of the War. I will be obliged to you also if you will notify Mr. Washburne." In fine condition. The Congressional Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War investigated and provided oversight of President Abraham Lincoln's command of the Union Army in the Civil War. General Grant asks Henry Halleck to inform the committee, and his chief advocate, Congressman Elihu B. Washburne, of his impending arrival in the nation's capital. On February 11th, Grant appeared before the committee in relation to Benjamin Butler’s earlier failed effort against Fort Fisher and the question of prisoner exchanges with the Confederates. On the latter subject, the Union Army commander explained: 'I have effected an arrangement for the exchange of prisoners, man for man and officer for officer, or his equivalent, according to the old cartel, until one or the other party has exhausted the number they now hold...Just as fast as they can deliver our prisoners to us I will receive them, and deliver their prisoners to them...The suffering said to exist among our prisoners south was a powerful argument against the course pursued, and I so felt it.'

Estim. 2 000 - 4 000 USD

Wed 14 Aug

Dwight D. Eisenhower War-Dated Autograph Letter Signed: "We can always have something happen that will throw us into a storm!" World War II-dated ALS signed “Ike,” three pages, 6 x 9, August 16, [1942]. Handwritten letter to his wife Mamie, in full: "Sunday again! The days race by so rapidly that I cannot keep track. But I didn't come to work this a.m. until 10:00, so I've already had my holiday! There's been a hiatus in our mail receipts. Nothing from you this week—but Butch has had nothing either, so I'm sure it is just been connections somewhere. I hear a number of people saying they've had no recent mail. I'm not so busy today as usual. Have one more big conference (at 3:30) then the rest of the day should be quiet. Of course, we can always have something happen that will throw us into a storm! Not long ago (some 10 days or so) I had a letter from Art Hurd, who had heard from [son] Johnny. I'm delighted that J took the trouble to give Art an account of his first year's experiences at West Point. I'll be glad when I get my next letter from you, because the last word I've had was from Bedell, who said you were feeling badly. I'd like to know you were on the up and up once more. I love you so much; and I can't help worrying when I hear you are ailing. Butch is certainly settling nicely into his job. He has a lot of tact along with his other qualities; and a lot of tact is frequently needed in the outer offices here. I wish you could drop in, if only for a day. Then you could see my offices, my quarters, our methods of living etc. etc. and have a picture I couldn't possibly give you in words. I suppose I've told you that Butch & I live together and outside the office are scarcely ever apart. He's a good & loyal friend. Please give J my affectionate remembrances. I confess to a little hurt that he has not appreciated the fact that he could help me a lot—but I'm wise enough to know that, at his age, I didn't understand such things either. Anyway he's tops so far as I'm concerned. Lots of love—happiness—interest—everything that's nice, for you." In fine condition.

Estim. 2 000 - 3 000 USD

Wed 14 Aug

Ronald Reagan Autograph Letter Signed as President, Donating His Military I.D. Card to the U.S. Air Force Museum ALS as president signed “RR,” one page, 5 x 8, White House letterhead, March 27, 1981. Handwritten draft letter to Royal D. Frey, the curator of the U.S. Air Force Museum, in full: “I'd heard there was some hitch in my overcoat & the photos reaching you. I hope that is all straightened out and you have them now. In moving to Wash. I found the enclosed identification card and thought it might serve in place of my lost dog tags.” In very fine condition. Accompanied by photocopies of Reagan’s I.D. card, a history of Reagan’s military career, the final typed version of the letter to Frey, an internal White House memo sent to Reagan regarding the address of the Air Force Museum, a biography of Frey, a USAF Museum Gift accession sheet for the I.D. card, and a letter from Colonel Richard L. Uppstrom to Reagan, confirming the receipt and donation of his I.D. card. Reagan joined the Army Reserve in April 1937 and reported for active duty in 1942 when relations between America and Japan worsened. He was transferred to the U.S. Army Air Forces and became an AAF public relations officer, participating in the Provisional Task Force Show Unit in Burbank and continuing to make films such as This Is the Army (1943). He was also ordered to temporary duty in New York City to participate in the sixth War Loan Drive before he was reassigned to Fort MacArthur and discharged on December 9, 1945, as a captain. Throughout his military service, Reagan produced over 400 training films.

Estim. 1 200 - 1 500 USD

Wed 14 Aug

John F. Kennedy Typed Letter Signed as a Massachusetts Congressman: "I fully realize that this victory was won by the people such as yourself who carried out the many arduous but necessary tasks which constitute political success" TLS signed “John Kennedy,” one page, 6 x 8.5, personal Congress of the United States, House of Representatives letterhead, November 25, 1952. Letter to John, written in the wake of the 1952 United States Senate election in Massachusetts, in full: "I am sure you know how much I appreciate all of your efforts during the past months of the campaign. I am certain that we never would have survived the Eisenhower landslide if it had not been for the effectiveness of our organization, an organization, in my opinion, which was the best that the state had ever seen. I fully realize that this victory was won by the people such as yourself who carried out the many arduous but necessary tasks which constitute political success, and I want you to know how grateful I am to you for all your assistance. I am looking forward to seeing you sometime soon to thank you personally. I hope you will let me know if there is ever anything I can do." Kennedy adds the handwritten postscript, “Many thanks John.” Double-matted and framed with a photo of Kennedy to an overall size of 21.25 x 16. In very good to fine condition, with some light creasing and a rusty paperclip impression to the top edge. The 1952 United States presidential election concluded with Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower winning a "landslide" victory over Democrat Adlai Stevenson, a result that ended a string of Democratic Party wins that stretched back to 1932. In the Massachusetts State Senate election, Congressman John F. Kennedy ousted incumbent Republican Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr., subsequently ending the Lodge family dynasty and marking the start of the Kennedy’s. As Kennedy asserts in this letter, the task was not an easy one. On the weekend before the election, Eisenhower visited Boston and energetically campaigned for Lodge, but it was not enough. Although Eisenhower carried Massachusetts by over 200,000 votes, Kennedy narrowly upset Lodge, winning by 70,000 votes and three percentage points.

Estim. 1 000 - 2 000 USD

Wed 14 Aug

Franklin D. Roosevelt Typed Letter Signed for Lighthouses for the Blind TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11, Committee for Lighthouses for the Blind letterhead, June 21, 1921. Letter to William J. Sharp, in full: “I have not replied previously to your letter of June 1, because it crossed in the mail one I had written you under date of May 31. The Post Office authorities have returned my letter, which was mistakenly addressed to Loraine, Ohio. I regret deeply the delay in reaching you with this letter which I am now inclosing. There is very great question as to the advisibility of starting an intensive campaign at this time of the year. The Executive Committee feels that to do so would be a mistake, and except in those states where state chairmen feel that they can best go ahead now and finish the task, we are planning to post-pone high-pressure activity until Fall. The amount tentatively allocated to Ohio, on the basis of contributions in recent national campaigns of general appeal, is $162,500. We are asking all state chairmen who decide to postpone their campaigns until Fall to try to raise from three to five per cent of their quotas quietly and with no organization expense, in order that the actual work of the Lighthouses for the Blind may not have to stop or be seriously impaired before the Fall campaign. Please let me have your decision as to when Ohio's $162,500 can best be raised, and inform me what kind of cooperation you would like to have from national headquarters.” In fine condition. Among his many charitable and philanthropic activities at this time, FDR headed a $2 million fund drive for Lighthouses for the Blind.

Estim. 300 - 500 USD

Wed 14 Aug

William Ellery Autograph Letter Signed Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Rhode Island (1727-1820). ALS signed “Wm. Ellery Coll.,” one page, 7 x 8.75, December 7, 1796. Handwritten letter to Ray Greene, district attorney for Warwick, Rhode Island, questioning the status of foreign vessels being repaired in Rhode Island. In full: "I have this day transmitted to the Governor two letters from the British Vice Consul to me respecting certain repairs & alterations made in the French National Brig now in this Port, which he seems to think are not justified by the acknowledged Laws of Nations concerning Neutrality confirmed by the Act of the United States of the 5th of June 1794, with my answer to his first Letter, and a Report of the Surveyor of the Port. Permit me from a want of time to refer you to the Governor for all the information I have on this subject, who may wish to consult you on this occasion. You will recollect the case of the Brig Brutus which was repaired & converted into a Ship at Philadelphia, and that of a Schooner Privateer which was repaired at Charleston, both which cases were before the last Circuit Court held here." Housed in a handsome custom-made full red leather triptych folder. In fine condition, with a seal-related stain to the left edge. In the 1790s, Britain and France were at war, and in 1793, Washington issued a neutrality proclamation, warning Americans not to aid either side. In 1794, America signed Jay's Treaty with Britain, which settled some pre-Revolutionary issues, and in 1796, Washington's Farewell Address urged Americans to stay away from foreign entanglements. Because of America's neutral stance, the British consul was understandably upset that an American port would repair a French vessel.

Estim. 600 - 800 USD

Wed 14 Aug

Thomas Lynch, Jr. Signature - One of the Rarest Declaration Signers Signer of the Declaration of Independence from South Carolina (1749-1779); his father had served in the Continental Congress from 1775 to 1776 but had to return home due to illness. Thomas Lynch, Jr., was chosen to take his father's place in Congress, where he voted for and signed the Declaration. In 1779, he sailed to St. Eustatius in the West Indies, but his ship was lost at sea and never found. Exceedingly rare ink signature, "Lynch,” on an off-white 1.5 x .5 slip, expertly mounted within a custom-made 8.75 x 11 full morocco presentation folder along with engravings of Lynch and the signing of the Declaration of Independence, gilt-stamped on the front cover: "Thomas Lynch, Jr., One of the Rarest Signers of the Declaration of Independence." In fine condition. With the rise of autograph collecting in nineteenth-century America, one of the first areas of specialization was Signers of the Declaration of Independence. Apart from the Signers' central role in American history and the unusual significance of their autographs—after all, writing their names is what ensured their immortality—obtaining all 56 represented a goal that, with a little determination, could be achieved by a resourceful collector. It quickly became evident, however, that there were two notorious ‘stoppers’ among the Signers: Button Gwinnett and Thomas Lynch, Jr. It is not entirely clear who is rarer—while Gwinnett was generally thought to be the rarest of all signers, recent studies have proclaimed Lynch as the scarcer of the two. In either case, Lynch is certainly of the utmost rarity and is far and away one of the most desirable early American autographs.

Estim. 20 000 - 30 000 USD

Wed 14 Aug

Lewis Morris Autograph Letters Signed to His Son: "Our house at Morrisania is almost tenable" Landowner and developer from New York who signed the Declaration of Independence and served as a delegate to the Continental Congress (1726-1798). Unusual double ALS signed twice "L. Morris," one page both sides, 8 x 13, August 1 and 5, 1785. On both sides of a page, Lewis Morris writes two letters to his son, Lewis Morris, Jr., in South Carolina; the second letter was occasioned by an unexpected delay in the sailing of a ship bound for Charleston. On the front, Morris writes, in part: "I just come to Town and going again but hearing of a Brig that sails for Charles Town to-morrow I set down to acknowledge the receipt of your affectionate Letter...This much about the Horses I have wrote to several people in Jersey and when they inform me of a fine pr. I will set out to look at them...How do you do to live in Charles Town this weather I hope this will be the last Summer you will spend in that hot country. I can with pleasure inform you that our house at Morrisania is almost tenable I have a noble crop of corn and every thing looks flourishing. You must prepare Nancey to come. I will just touch on the plan the Morrisania house is large enough for to contain you and all the Elliott family and to have them with us will make me the happiest of men. I have laid out for you a farm near me where you can build it being near my house." The second letter, in part: "After writing the Latter the other side the Brig did not sail for Charles Town as was said...two days ago I had conversation with Colonel Wadsworth about a pr. of Horses, they are at Hartford, but by his discription of them I believe they are too much of the race Blood, however he says that he will ship them to Charles Town in about a month from this, and then will order the Capt. to give you the preference, his price is 500 dollars but in the mean time you may depend I will do every thing in my Power. to procure a proper pr. for our friend. I can't tell you how happy we all are on hearing that your dear little fellow has got over the small pox; Major Edwards has been in Town, we have asked him a Thousand questions about the Boy, and he gives a very favorable account indeed." Addressed on the integral leaf in another hand. In fine condition, with slightly irregular overall toning. Lewis Morris's son, Lewis Morris, Jr., served as aide to General Nathanael Greene in South Carolina during the Revolution and ultimately settled there, marrying Ann B. 'Nancy' Elliot and taking up residence in Charleston—much to the dismay of his father, who here expresses the northerner's prejudice about weather in the South. The couple withstood the old Signer's persuasions and remained in Charleston, where the younger Morris served five terms in the South Carolina legislature and was elected lieutenant governor in 1794.

Estim. 2 000 - 4 000 USD

Wed 14 Aug

Benjamin Rush War-Dated Autograph Letter Signed on George Washington and British Movements: "Our town is alive with news. The minute guns were fired this morning. It threw the city into confusion." Revolutionary War-dated ALS signed “B. Rush,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.25 x 12, April 14, 1777. Addressed from Philadelphia, a handwritten letter to his wife, Julia, in part: “I am sorry to inform you that I could not get a single fish, nor an ounce of fresh meat in market this morning owing to their both being all bought up before Azariah came to town. I am glad to hear that our new Levee behaves so well. I think the less Molly and he dispute about politicks the better. Such disputes especially among ignorant people generally confirm predjudices and increase Obstinacy. Perhaps by a different course of behavior to him he may be induced to refuse to be exchanged, and may continue with us as long as we want him. Our town is alive with news. The minute guns were fired this morning. It threw the city into confusion. An express has just arrived who says there are nine Men of War in the river. This Acc't makes it certain that Phila. is the object of the enemy. We expect every moment to hear of our bay being crowded with transports filled with British and Hessian soldiers. Major General Lincoln (a Massachusetts Bay man), was surprised and taken prisoner a few nights ago near Bound Brook in New Jersey together with 200 men by a party of the enemy. Our brother came to town last night. He positively sets off early tomorrow morning to Mr. Bartrams...agreeable to his duty and our mother's orders. As everything is now turned topsy turvy in town, I fear you will not spend your time agreeably here. I think you had better set off tomorrow morning for Grame Park. It will not however do to spend a week there, as I know not how soon Gen'l Howe’s progress up the Delaware may make it necessary to fly with you to Maryland. Suppose you leave Mrs. Pamper at Capt. Allison's and call for her in a day or two. I fear I shall not be able to come for you. I enter upon the care of a military hospital tomorrow, and shall have a hundred things to do that are important to ourselves as well as the public. Enclosed is an Evening Post. Gen Washington's letter is a masterpiece. It has raised his character higher than ever in the opinion of Congress and his friends. The Congress have settled my appointment in the Army so as to be perfectly agreeable to me. They have made me Joint Physician and Surgeon General with Dr. Jones of Virginia of the middle department. You may depend upon my care and tenderness in conducting you to Mr. Halls as soon as the danger is more imminent. Much love to our brother and sister.” Rush adds a postscript: “Keep up the spirits of our brother and sister. All is for the best and all will end well...The counsels of Heaven must be fulfilled. ‘Clouds and darkness are before him, but righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.’” In very good to fine condition, with seal-related paper loss near the hinge.

Estim. 4 000 - 6 000 USD

Wed 14 Aug

Chaim Weizmann Archive with (5) Signed Letters on Palestine, Israel, and World War II: “I am overcome by the terrible feeling that so far as the Jews are concerned, the Hitlerites have won the war” Jewish chemist and statesman (1874-1952) who helped secure the Balfour Declaration of 1917, served as President of the World Zionist Organization, and became the first President of Israel. Archive of eight items consisting of seven letters in English and Hebrew (including one ALS) and one typed proclamation, ranging in date from 1914 to 1951 and totaling 20 pages on 19 sheets. Five are signed and one is hand-notated. The letters are written to notable figures Field Marshall Jan Christian Smuts, Moshe Sharett, Walter Ettinghausen, and Israel Zangwill, and are incredibly rich in content, including thoughts of Europe after World War I, the settlement of Jews in Palestine, and secret questions about the congress of Zionists and about the “advancement of our aims in Palestine.” Two letters to Zangwill are unsigned: one is a retained carbon copy and one is a two-page TLS bearing a stamped signature. The six-page letter to Smuts is also unsigned, but is heavily notated in Weizmann's hand. A selection of the letters follows: Two TLSs to Zangwill with outstanding Zionist content, signed "Ch. Weizmann," each two pages, dated 1914. First, in part: "So far nothing has happened in Russia to ameliorate in the least degree the situation of the Jews, but on the contrary, the laws against us are handled with the greatest possible severity and no relaxation whatsoever...The moral and material distress is beyond description...I am inclined to think with you that at the present historical moment, through which the civilized world is passing, we may hope that the powers, which are going to alter the map of Europe, will find time to consider the fate of 13 millions of Jews, who, no doubt represent a small nation, which has given to the world as much as any other nation." Second, in part: "The Palestinian problem...is worthy of consideration, and I would like to emphasize the point, that a settlement of a comparatively small number of Jews—I spoke then of a million—which may be established in Palestine in the course of the next 30 or 40 years." Short ALS, written and signed in Hebrew, one page, January 30, 1918, to Sharett, in part: “The times are rough my friend, Moshe, but good times are few and valuable. It seems as if blowing a great horn loud and clear is needed, and only then, maybe, the walls of Jericho will collapse.” TLS signed by Weizmann and Selig Brodetsky, one page both sides, October 23, 1941, in part: "Our efforts and achievements in Palestine...provide the only lasting solution of the Jewish problem...bring before the British public opinion, as well as before the Jews of this country, the urgency of the Jewish problem and the important part which Palestine can play in its solution through large-scale immigration and colonization under suitable political conditions." Heavily-notated typed letter to Smuts, six pages, February 2, 1943, in part: “There is another aspect to the problem which is worth noting: Unconsciously, perhaps, the American public, and even certain quarters in Washington, have been affected by the anti-Semitic virus. The deadly poison of Hitlerism has spread far and wide. The propaganda that this is a ‘Jewish War’ is met not by counter-propaganda, but by a conspiracy of silence regarding the Jewish problem. Whereas the Nazi leaders remember us in every one of their blatant utterances, conversely, the leaders of the democracies, with rare exceptions, try to forget our existence. Often I am overcome by the terrible feeling that so far as the Jews are concerned, the Hitlerites have won the war.” Typed proclamation, signed in Hebrew as president, dated August 20, 1951, issued for “a special session of the 23rd Zionist Congress for the Jews National Fund (the KKL) Jubilee," reads, in part (translated): “The KKL is a unique institution in our revival movement of the people and country. A tool of redemption for both the land and the man, an impetus to return land for a nation which is in lack of land and to return to the land the man who works it and revives it with labour, an institution that returned to our young, the Pioneers of Zion and sons, the feeling of whole Hebrew people, with upright bearing and self confident, for their legs are standing on their land. And here the KKL’s special value as an institution which performed greatly, peacefully and with the strength of a great idea, to the fulfillment of the Israeli land reform.” Retained carbon copy of a neatly penned two-page ALS, in English, dated October 19, 1914, to Zangwill, in part: “My plans are based naturally on one cardinal assumption...that the allies will win...I am afraid I don’t share your optimism that a change for the better in Russia may take place after the war. At present the

Estim. 12 000 - 15 000 USD

Wed 14 Aug

King Charles III Autograph Letter Signed, Four Months After Diana's Death: "I can so well imagine the unbearable emptiness you must feel at this time" ALS signed “Charles,” three pages both sides, 4.5 x 7.25, Highgrove House letterhead, December 8, 1997. Lengthy handwritten letter to "Peter," expressing his sympathy upon the death of a loved one; Charles was likely particularly emotional at the time he wrote the letter, as Princess Diana had tragically passed away just a few months before in August 1997. In part: "I have been thinking so much of you yesterday and today, knowing how deeply you will be affected by yesterday’s tragic news about dear Liz. My heart bleeds for you as I can imagine so well the utter agony and despair you must have gone through during all these heart-rendering months that you have known about Liz’s illness. All of us who know you—and are so fond you both—have felt the agony in a far lesser way of course, but have longed to wave a magic wand to transform the situation. I often think that that is the worst part of all—being unable to help in any constructive way except to say constant prayers in the background & to try and surround you both with love & affection & concern. I can so well imagine the unbearable emptiness you must feel at this time; the sense of bewilderment & confusion that accompanies the removal of someone still so young from this world. Personally, I believe that there is another dimension beyond this physical one & that we will be amazed to discover it for ourselves when we are eventually—or at a moment—called upon to make that certain journey for ourselves. As it says in the Bible—'Now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face.' I can’t tell you how pleased & happy I am to have known Liz. She was such a great life-enhancer. We shall all have such special memories of her but, above all, Peter, we mind about you & you are so very much in my thoughts and prayers at this most anguishing of times. I thought you might just find a very small speck of comfort from this short piece of profoundly wise verse by William Blake and, together with this, I enclose a few 'Highgrove things' as a token of immense, affectionate sympathy." In very fine condition. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope, addressed in Charles's hand with instructions to deliver "by hand."

Estim. 2 000 - 3 000 USD

Wed 14 Aug

Queen Elizabeth I Rare Triple-Signed Document (1562) Vellum manuscript DS, signed three times, “Elizabeth R,” one page, 27 x 22.5, August 24, 1562. An indenture detailing the exchange of lands between the crown and Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk, signed three times by Queen Elizabeth I, recording that the Duke will “sell geve and graunte unto our Soveraigne Ladie the Quene All those his Mannors & Lordshippes of Chesworth and Sedgewicke...in the County of Sussex...also all that mannor Lordshipp and Forest of St Leonard and all ground and Soyle of the same Forest And also all those his Parkes of Bewbushe and Shelley,” and related lands and rights, in exchange for lands in royal gift including the “Celle of Sainte Leonard in her county of Norfolk” and associated lands and buildings “neare unto the Citie of Norwich,” Norfolk lands formerly of Wymondham Abbey, lands in Essex (Wigborough, Saltcote, Tollesbury) that were formerly “assigned to the late Ladie Anne of Cleves” and also lands in “Pitchesey” (Pitsea) in the same county, the manor of Dowdike in Lincolnshire (previously of Crowland Abbey), and lands of Newenham Abbey in Devon. The indenture then lists the extensive debts of the Duke to the crown, further detailing that a portion of this debt is discharged by the value of the woodland hereby sold to the crown, and commands the exchequer to produce a new bond for the residue of the debt, being a mere £1823 15s. 5 3/4d. Signed by Queen Elizabeth I at the head of each vellum membrane, additionally signed at the foot by the Lord Treasurer William Paulet, Marquess of Winchester ("Winchester"), the under-treasurer Richard Sackville, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer Walter Mildmay. The document retains a substantial fragment of its Great Seal in white wax pendant on original vellum tag. Archivally mounted and framed to an overall size of 30 x 31; only two of Elizabeth’s signatures are visible within the display, the third on a piece of vellum in the rear. In very good to fine condition, with expected wrinkling and creasing. Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk (1538-1572), was the head of the powerful Howard family. He was a Privy Councillor, had commanded English forces in Scotland at the beginning of Elizabeth’s reign, and was one of the greatest land-owners in the land, with estates centered on Norfolk. The agreement with the crown that is formalized in this document saw enormous tracts of land near Horsham in Sussex—including the 12 square miles of St. Leonard’s Forest—conveyed to the crown. Norfolk gained considerable land in return, primarily former monastic land scattered across four counties, but—and this was probably of greater importance to him—he also saw his overall debt to the crown, which had been more that £6500, reduced by some £4680. The counterpart of this indenture remains in the Exchequer (The National Archives, E 211/39). Less than ten years after this agreement was made, Norfolk was executed for treason for conspiring with Mary, Queen of Scots. His son and heir, Philip, Earl of Arundel, was permitted to inherit most of his estates. One of the most legendary leaders in world history, Queen Elizabeth oversaw the transformation of England into a modern world power. Her autograph is among the most sought-after of all European royalty, and this is a magnificent document boasting three ideal exemplars of Elizabeth's famous, flourishing signature.

Estim. 50 000 - 60 000 USD

Wed 14 Aug

Martin Luther Autograph Letter Signed: "These Jews are not Jews, but devils incarnate who curse our Lord" ALS in German, signed “Martinus Luther D,” one page both sides, 8 x 12, [circa September 1, 1543]. An extensive, uncommonly well-preserved letter to Georg Buchholzer, Provost of St. Nikolai in Berlin, regarding the latter’s altercation with the Brandenburgian court preacher Johann Agricola from Eisleben (also known as ‘Magister Eisleben’) about the treatment of the local Jews. Prince Elector Joachim II, who in 1539 had introduced the Reformation to Brandenburg and whose tolerant politics toward Jews enraged the population, had long desired a reconciliation between Luther and his former disciple Agricola, and he must have suspected that Provost Buchholzer was poisoning Luther’s mind against his court preacher. Buchholzer therefore wrote to Luther requesting an interpretation of some Biblical verses by which Agricola justified his pro-Jewish stance, and in his answer Luther insists that Buchholzer has done well to preach against the Jews and shall continue to do so, ignoring the habitual liar Agricola. In part (translated): “Grace and Peace. My dear Provost! I must be brief with writing, for the sake of my weak head. You are aware that you have no previous association with me, nor I with you, other than that you recently wrote to me asking for an explanation regarding several statements. And even if you were to write me many things about M. Eisleben, how could I believe you alone? For whoever says that you or anyone in Berlin or in all of Brandenburg is inciting me against Eisleben, if he says so unwittingly, may God forgive him, but if he says it knowingly, then he is a roguish liar, as well as M. Eisleben himself has lied frequently, here in Wittenberg. M. Eisleben needs nobody to incite me against him; he himself is much better at that, much better than anyone whom he might suspect of such dealing. He knows that full well....In my opinion, he will give up his life before he gives up his lying.—You have preached against the Jews and fought serious battles over that with the Margrave....And you were quite right to do so. Stand fast and persevere! The words against you which you quoted to me, allegedly protecting the Jews, I will not hope to be true, nor shall I believe that M. Eisleben ever will preach or ever has preached such. I do not yet consider him so deeply fallen. May God prevent him!...For then M. Eisleben would not be the Elector’s preacher, but a true devil, letting his sayings be so shamefully misused to the damnation of all those who associate with Jews. For these Jews are not Jews, but devils incarnate who curse our Lord, who abuse His mother as a whore and Him as Hebel Vorik and a bastard, this is known for certain. And anyone who is capable of eating or drinking or associating with such a foul mouth is a Christian as well as the devil is a saint....You may show this letter to whomever you wish. I do not know, nor do I care, who wrote the other three letters from Wittenberg to Berlin. You will undoubtedly confess this to be the first letter you ever received from me. For your name and person were previously unknown to me.” The letter bears several corrections in Luther’s own hand. The date of receipt is noted by Buchholzer at the foot of the reverse: “Received by me in Berlin on Wednesday after St Egyd [5 September] anno etc. 43.” In very good to fine condition, with intersecting folds and light overall soiling; a beautifully preserved specimen. Accompanied by a handsome custom-made quarter leather clamshell case. Luther had apparently forgotten that several years previously, in late 1539, he had answered a letter of Buchholzer’s inquiring about Catholic rites still in use in Reformed Brandenburg. More notably, although Luther is writing to a fellow scholar, this letter is written in German so that the recipient may show it “to whomever he wishes”—that is to say, to the Elector himself, thus providing Buchholzer with a writ of protection against any suspicion which Joachim may harbor against him. The Hebrew words invoked by Luther, “Hebel Vorik” [vanity and emptiness], are taken from Isaiah 30:7. They were part of a Jewish prayer in which Jews thanked God for having made them different from those peoples who worshipped “Hebel Vorik,” though Luther construed the words as a code for Jesus Christ. Luther’s anti-Judaism had not always been this radical—as a young man he had spoken out judiciously against the traditional defamation of Jews and against all forms of forcible conversion, but he soon grew increasingly bitter, and by 1543 his attitude was one of undisguised loathing. His most notorious antisemitic pamphlet, ‘On the Jews and Their Lies,’ was published only months before the present letter was written. With the same rhetorical skill with which he had previously ridiculed the papacy he now invoked a grotesque abhorrence of Judaism

Estim. 250 000 - 300 000 USD

Wed 14 Aug

Louis Vuitton Autograph Letter Signed to a Founding Father's Descendent, Sending "Secondhand Trunks" French fashion designer and businessman (1821-1892) who had been appointed as trunk-maker to Empress Eugénie de Montijo, wife of Napoleon III, and founded the Louis Vuitton brand of luxury leather goods now owned by LVMH. ALS in French, signed “L. Vuitton,” one page both sides, 8.5 x 10.5, July 28, 1873. Handwritten letter to William Few Chrystie, explaining that a payment of 402 francs for invoiced items had not yet been received and explaining (translated): "I have provided you with 9 secondhand trunks in order to reduce the cost of new packaging for you.“ He also makes reference to "Maison Christofle," the luxury tableware company, and the facilitation of a payment to them. In very good to fine condition, with some chipping to the edges, not affecting any handwriting. Accompanied by a small archive of about 25 other receipts and letters sent to Chrystie by various purveyors of luxury goods and objets d’art, including a secretarial letter on Louis Vuitton letterhead, dated August 8, 1873, acknowledging receipt of two checks amounting to 387.50 francs. Other receipts are from wine merchants, carpet warehouses, bootmakers, tailors, galleries, and the like. William Few Chrystie was the grandson of U.S. Constitution signer William Few. In 1858, inspired by H.J. Cave & Sons of London, Vuitton introduced his revolutionary rectangular canvas trunks at a time when the market had only rounded-top leather trunks. The demand for Vuitton's durable, lightweight designs spurred his expansion into a larger workshop in Asnières-sur-Seine. The original pattern of the shellac embedded canvas was named 'Damier.' Vuitton also designed the world's first pick-proof lock. All lock patterns were safely kept at Vuitton's workrooms and registered with the owner's name in case another key was needed. In 1871, as a result of the Franco-Prussian War, demand fell sharply, and Vuitton's workshop was in shambles. Many of his tools were stolen and his staff were gone. Vuitton rebuilt immediately, erecting a new shop at 1 Rue Scribe, next to a prestigious jockey club in the heart of Paris. In 1872, Vuitton introduced an iconic new line, featuring beige monogrammed designs with a red stripe—this would remain a signature of his brand long after he died. Vuitton's autograph is extremely rare in any form—this is just the second we have offered.

Estim. 10 000 - 15 000 USD

Wed 14 Aug

Albert Einstein Autograph Letter Signed to a Unified Field Theory Collaborator: "Have been calculating very busily" ALS signed “A. Einstein,” one page, 8.5 x 11, [postmarked November 15, 1928]. Handwritten letter to German mathematician Chaim Herman Muntz, in part (translated): "I am at present in Gatow (directly across from the Kaiser Wilh. Tower and on the Havel, Lemke Estate, chauffeur’s apartment), and have been calculating very busily. I have found the following: [mathematical equations]. 1) The solution [mathematical equations] indeed satisfies the field equations. 2) Taking the electric field into account, I have thus far not been able to solve the centrally symmetric case, owing to its complexity. Even solving the variation problem with coordinates fixed before the variation is too complicated for me. But I will keep trying. 3) For the case [mathematical equations] no real centrally symmetric static gravitational solution exists; for the case [mathematical equations] it is indeterminate. It therefore appears to be fairly certain that the invariant is correctly chosen, if there is anything at all true in the whole theory. Everything now depends on the exact solution of the electric problem." He adds a postscript, in full: "I will stay here for about another week." In very fine condition, with an ink stain to the upper right blank area. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Einstein's own hand. Published as part of The Collected Papers of Albert Einstein, Volume 16: The Berlin Years: Writings & Correspondence, June 1927-May 1929 (English Translation Supplement), Document 314, p. 305. Einstein began his correspondence with Muntz in 1927, and in 1928 was writing to him on 'distant parallelism,' an extension of Riemannian geometry in which new mathematical objects, called 'tetrads' are introduced, which allow for the comparison of the direction of vectors at distant points of the spacetime. This letter relates to those investigations, which Einstein felt to be important as a mathematical attempt at a unified field theory—the incorporation of electromagnetism and gravitation in a single field theory. Although he published a number of papers on the subject from 1928 to 1931, the work is considered inaccurate and not recognized by physicists of today. During this period Einstein was working closely with colleagues Herman Muntz and Cornelius Lantz on formalizing the 'Unified Field Theory of Gravitational Force and Electromagnetism.' Einstein’s article 'On Unified Field Theory' was presented on January 10, 1929, and published on January 30, 1929, by the Prussian Academy of Sciences. In the article he discloses the final stages of the development of this theory, and it reveals critical stages in the solution that he presents. The theory tried to achieve one unified formula that would unite the electromagnetic and gravitational fields and present them as different manifestations of a single universal force. At the article's close, Einstein expresses appreciation for Muntz's assistance: 'It is my pleasant duty to thank Dr. H. Müntz for his laboriously precise calculation of the centrally symmetric problem on the basis of Hamilton’s principle the results of his calculation suggested to me the method used here.'

Estim. 35 000 - 50 000 USD

Wed 14 Aug

Johannes Kepler Rare Autograph Document Signed German mathematician, astronomer and astrologer (1571-1630) best known for his eponymous laws of planetary motion. ADS in German, signed “Johan Keppler, Mathematicus Mppria,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 8.25 x 11.5, no date but circa August/September 1628. Kepler authorizes the bearer to attend the Steyr Iron Corporation's committee hearing scheduled for September 10, 1628, writing (translated): "Power and authority to attend the action of the Iron Company Commission established in Steyr on 10 September of this year 1628." He signs the second integral leaf beside his fine papered seal, showing Kepler's arms and initials, "I. K." In fine to very fine condition. At the hearing, headed by the Upper Austrian civil servants Johann Spindler and Konstantin Grundemann, it was disclosed to the Corporation's several hundred creditors that the Corporation had suffered substantial losses which they would have to bear, so as to prevent a municipal bankruptcy (cf. F. X. Pritz, Beschreibung und Geschichte der Stadt Steyer [Linz, 1837], p. 276). Johannes Kepler was a pivotal figure in the scientific revolution, best known for formulating the laws of planetary motion that laid the groundwork for Newton's theory of gravitation. His contributions to astronomy and mathematics transformed our understanding of the cosmos, marking him as one of history's great scientists. Due to the limited number of surviving documents from his time, Kepler's autograph is extremely rare and highly valued by collectors and historians alike.

Estim. 60 000 - 80 000 USD

Wed 14 Aug

George Ross Autograph Document Signed Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Pennsylvania (1730-1779). Autograph document signed “G. Ross,” one page, 7.75 x 12.75, May [Term] 1755. Handwritten legal document, in full: “Jonathan Gay late of Lancaster County yeoman was attach'd to answer Andrew Johnson & Rebecca His wife of a plea of trespass on the case / and Whereupon the s’d Andrew & Rebecca by George Ross their attorney complain that whereas a certain Margery Gay, the daughter of the sd: Rebecca an infant under the age of twenty one years the third day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & fifty five at Lancaster in the County of Lancaster did Give & continue by reason whereof the said Andrew & Rebecca great comfort and satisfaction from the company & conversation of the said Margery did get & receive also great gain profit & advantage from the work labour & service of the sd: Margery did get & acquire Nevertheless the sd: Jonathan not being ingnorant of the Premisses but designing them the sd: Andrew & Rebecca as well of the Company & Conversation as of the service of the said Margery & of all the pleasure satisfaction profits & advantages which the said Andrew & Rebecca by Reason of the company conversation & service of the said Margery should have & gain to deceive & defraud her the sd: Margery afterwards to wit the third day of February in the year afsd: at Lancaster in the County afsd: from the said Andrew & Rebecca to depart without the knowledge & against the will & consent of the said Andrew & Rebecca did intice & procure by reason whereof the said Andrew & Rebecca the company conversation & service of the sd: Margery for a long time to wit for the space of two months & fifteen days altogether hath lost to the damage of the sd: Andrew & they bring suit & pledge.” Signed at the conclusion by Ross. Professionally inlaid into a slightly larger sheet and in very good to fine condition, with slightly irregular toning, and splitting to the central horizontal fold.

Estim. 400 - 600 USD

Wed 14 Aug

Dmitrii Sintsov Autograph Letter Signed, Mediating a Dispute Between Markov and Nekrasov Russian mathematician (1867-1946) known for his work in the theory of conic sections and non-holonomic geometry, who served as chairman of the Kharkov Mathematical Society for forty years. ALS in Cyrillic, signed “D. Sintsov,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8.25, no date. Handwritten letter to the Russian mathematician Pavel Nekrasov, who served as Rector of the Imperial University of Moscow. In part (translated): "I have received your letter and am somewhat at a loss as to whether I should report it to the Mathematical Society or whether I should take it into consideration in my activities...your advice and instructions are intended only for me personally on how to proceed in the future with regard to to A. A. Markov. The society itself has always been guided by quite definite principles...Turning to what has already happened, I must first of all confirm that the extract from the protocol of the Mat. Society is given correctly by A. A. Markov. As for the form and nature of his personal correspondence, moreover, of a private nature, he alone is responsible for it, and this side of the matter, I believe, cannot be the subject of our judgment. The Mathematical Society, having heard the letter of A. A. Markov, written quite correctly in form, had a judgment on the last stage of your long-term dispute with him, which, in our opinion, begins with your article 'Mathematical Statistics, Economic Law and Financial Turnovers' (Izvestiya Imperat. Russian Geographical Society, volume 45), which was followed by a note by A. A. Markov in Izvestiya Imper. Academy of Sciences in 1910, entitled 'Correction of Inaccuracies' and which, in turn, caused your article 'On the foundations of the law of large numbers, the method of least squares and statistics' (Mat. Collection vol. 27, p. 433-451). In response to this article, an article by A. A. Markov was published in the Mathematical Collection, which he intended to title 'On the discoveries of P. A. Nekrasov,' but which appeared under the title 'Reply to P. A. Nekrasov.' On this, however, the controversy ended, and in vol. 28 'Mat. Collection' appears your extensive article 'The general basic method of generating functions as applied to calculus...to the laws of mass phenomena...answer to academician A. A. Markov' (p. 351-460), which, as stated in the note on p. 351...in quoting Markov and...this article is a polemic on the pages of Mat. Collection...Your reference to the fact that 'the defendant is given the last word' is hardly suitable in this case, because in any controversy, each of the parties is the defendant in turn, and so on...In addition, although I in no way want to defend A. A. Markov in relation to the thought and nature of his private speeches, but judging by your letter, it is he who is the defendant, because the repressions you mention fell to his lot." In fine condition, with scattered dampstaining and adhesive residue to the upper half of the letter.

Estim. 1 000 - 1 500 USD

Wed 14 Aug

Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain (3) Autograph Letters Signed Three ALSs from Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, signed “Joshua L. Chamberlain” or “J. L. Chamberlain,” eight total pages, ranging in size from 5 x 7.5 to 5 x 8, each addressed from Brunswick, Maine, and dated between 1871 and 1883, the full breadth of his tenure as president of Bowdoin College. The earliest handwritten letter, November 16, 1871, addressed to a judge, in part: “Miss Estes of whom I spoke, wishes me to write you for her. I don’t know much of her formally, but she is said to be a ‘smart’ girl in every good sense. She is engaged to a first rate fellow, friend of mine...She will bring you other testimonials I suppose. I do not ask this of you as a personal favor; but only desire you to look at the young lady’s care & do her justice which is your habit.” The second, July 27, 1881, written as a letter of recommendation, in part: “I can cordially commend as a man of integrity and experience in business relations of various kinds Captain Augustus L. Smith now of Portland. He served with fidelity in the war for the Union, was afterward a very efficient clerk in the office of the secretary of state, and chief clerk in the ‘Adjutant General’s office...He was also for some time a Captain in our Maine volunteer militia...I regard Captain Smith as a true man, & deserving of confidence & favorable consideration.” The last letter, September 20, 1883, sent to Maine politician and lawyer William LeBaron Putnam, in part: “Not hearing from the Committee on the selection of a candidate for the Professorship of Philosophy, the Faculty, as the opening of the term is near at hand, have felt constrained to take some measures to provide for the instruction in that branch for the ensuing year. By their request I leave town today for Boston and perhaps other places to endeavor to find a suitable person.” In overall fine condition.

Estim. 2 000 - 4 000 USD

Wed 14 Aug

Confederate Civilian Letter from December 1863: “I can buy nothing for Confederate Notes...Everything is now looking gloomy” Civil War-dated handwritten letter from Confederate civilian John H. Allen of Wytheville, Virginia, one page, 7.5 x 12.25, December 25, 1863, addressed to “Col. Jno. McCauley,” in part: “I avail myself of the first opportunity after the raid to write to you. I regret that the enemy done so much damage to your County and R.R. and am sorry that they got off so quietly. I think your people ought to have shown some resistance but they know best. I received your two dispatches and have seen Gibbons. He has not yet promised me certainly that I shall have his hands. I think he wants to hire them off the line of R.R. but I will see him again tomorrow and try to come to some definite understanding with him. There is a hiring to take place here tomorrow of 50 Negroes - Men, Boys & Women. I will attend it. There is also 5 men to be hired on Jany 11th at Doctor Saunders's. My hands have got all their clothes but one pair of Shoes No. 11 (which I expect you to bring out) [and] their Hats & Blankets. I can buy nothing for Confederate Notes. No one wants it. They all want trade of some Kind. Kent & McGavick have some Men that they can spare (so they say) Pork 1.50, beef 50 c. and very scarce. I can find none for sale. What the result may be God only knows but I fear for the worst. Everything is now looking gloomy enough.” In fine condition, with a tear and small fold splits repaired on the reverse.

Estim. 400 - 600 USD

Wed 14 Aug

David G. Farragut War-Dated Autograph Letter Signed One Week After the Battle of Mobile Bay, Affirming the Delivery of Over 200 "rebel prisoners" Civil War-dated ALS signed “D. G. Farragut, Rear Admiral,” one page, 7.75 x 9.75, U.S. Flag Ship Hartford letterhead, August 12, 1864. Addressed from Farragut’s flagship, the USS Hartford, anchored off of Mobile Bay, Alabama, a handwritten letter to Lieutenant Henry L. Howison, commander of the USS Bienville, in full: “You will receive onboard the rebel prisoners who will be delivered to you by Lieut. Adams of this vessel, and proceed with them at once to New Orleans and on arrival report to Commodore Palmer who will deliver them to the Provost Marshall as prisoners of war.” A secretarial notation to the bottom area affirms the reception of “209 Rebel Prisoners.” Includes a carte-de-visite 2.25 x 3.5 portrait photo of Farragut in uniform, published by Brady’s National Photographic Portrait Galleries. In fine condition. A remarkable letter from Rear Admiral Farragut written one week after the historic Battle of Mobile Bay, which resulted in the United States Navy’s seizure of the last important port on the Gulf of Mexico east of the Mississippi River that remained in Confederate possession. It was from this fateful battle where Farragut's, perhaps apocryphal, order of ‘Damn the torpedoes! Four bells. Captain Drayton, go ahead! Jouett, full speed!’ became famous in paraphrase, as ‘Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!’

Estim. 500 - 700 USD

Wed 14 Aug

Gustavus Fox War-Dated Autograph Letter Signed to Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren, Discussing the Battle of Cherbourg Officer of the United States Navy (1821-1883) who served during the Mexican-American War, and as the first Assistant Secretary of the Navy during the Civil War. Civil War-dated ALS signed “G. V. Fox,” one page both sides, 5 x 8, July 30, 1864. Handwritten letter marked “Private” and addressed to Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren, in part: “Herewith are some interrogatories for you and the Genl. made on account of the persistent attacks of the papers that the monitors are no use at Charleston and only do what Dupont did with wooden vessels. I think you and the Genl can rectify such stupid assertions but we shall not publish the answer probably until the report of Dec. The engagement of the Alabama and Kearsarge is a vindication of your theory of pivots and big shell guns for that class of vessels.” In fine condition. The United States Navy warship USS Kearsarge sunk the notorious Confederate States Navy warship CSS Alabama on June 19, 1864, off the coast of France in the historic Battle of Cherbourg. Alabama had been pursued for two years by the screw sloop-of-war USS Kearsarge, which, under Captain John Winslow, was armed with two 11-inch (279 mm) smoothbore Dahlgren guns that fired about 166 pounds of solid shot, four 32-pound guns, and one 30-pounder Parrott rifle. The conflict proved to be a matter of quality over quantity, as the well-placed and powerful shots of the Kearsarge proved far more effective than the scattered salvo sent forth by the Alabama.

Estim. 600 - 800 USD
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Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.
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