The Dec. 11, 1999, Premier Beverly Hills Collectible Sale, Sale 4

26   Hoover, Herbert C. 31st President of the United States, 1929-1933.

Typed Letter Signed One page, Quarto, on personal letterhead. The Waldorf Astoria Towers, New York, February 9, 1954. To Eric Warner of Los Angeles. In full:

"My dear Mr. Warner: / Surely that was a gracious letter -- and I am deeply appreciative. / Yours faithfully, Herbert Hoover." Signed boldly in turquoise ink.

Very Good. Accompanied by a engraved photo, matted and framed together to a size of 21.5 x 16".
Estimated Value $200-275.

27   Jackson, Andrew. 7th President of the United States, 1829-1837.

Partially Printed Document Signed as President. Accomplished in manuscript. Four pages, elephant Folio on vellum, Washington DC, March 30, 1835. Being Letters Patent granting a patent to Christian Custer and Daniel Pennypacker of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, for an improvement in Horse Power, and including a lengthy description of the invention in two detailed manuscript pages on the second leaf of the document, in the words of the inventors themselves. Signed by President Jackson on the first page. Countersigned by John Forsyth as Secretary of State, and Benjamin F. Butler as Attorney General. White paper and wax seal, with original pink ribbons that attach the document to the second vellum leaf bearing the description of the invention, which might be described as a sort of circular treadmill, useful for "... threshing machines, team boats, rail road cars, and everything else where horse power is necessary." . Top right corner of second leaf is somewhat frayed, and the fill-ins with the names of the inventors and the invention are very light, otherwise the overall condition is Fine.
Estimated Value $1,500-2,000.

28   Jackson, Andrew. 7th President of the United States, 1829-1837.

Free Frank as President. With Original Letter from his Daughter-In-Law Still Attached. Free franked Address Leaf, Quarto, Feb 18 "Free Andrew Jackson" by Jackson as President above the address itself, which is in another hand. To a Mrs. Emma Y. Donelson at a bording house in Philadelphia. With a circular red stamp, "Washington City D.C. FEB 18" and red stamped "FREE." Attached is the original letter, a four-page ALS, signed "Sarah," no doubt Jackson's daughter-in-law Sarah Yorke Jackson, who served for a time as White House hostess. She addresses Emma Donelson, who had recently lost a young son, as "Sister," expressing love and concern. The Donelson relatives of Andrew Jackson's wife Rachel were numerous. Jackson's signature and the rest of the writing are dark and bold. Some light staining affects the address portion of the leaf, which bears two small areas of paper loss where it has been unsealed. Some taping of folds. A most unusual Jackson free frank as President with the original letter of a family member still present.
Estimated Value $1,150-1,350.

29   Johnson, Lyndon B. 36th President of the United States, 1963-1969.

Three memos to President Johnson from staff members, each with Johnson's Signed Holograph comments in pencil. As follows:

A. One page, Quarto, Washington D.C., September 30, 1964. To President Johnson from Dick Goodwin with backup from George Stevens to Dick Goodwin, regarding public relations issues in Johnson's re-election campaign and the role television plays in it. LBJ writes in the border in full, "D - I commend you. I also like [the idea of an] election eve broadcast - Put it together at once - L." Fine condition.

B. Two pages, Quarto, Washington D.C., April 26, 1965. To President Johnson from Carl T. Rowan, Director of the United States Information Agency regarding the public stance Johnson should take in his upcoming press conference about the United States/Viet Nam question. At the top of the page, LBJ has scribbled, "Get to Bill M -" [Moyers]. Also at the bottom of the first page, in an unknown hand is the pencil notation, "This...kind of speculation is unproductive and harmful." Fine condition.

C. One page, Octavo, Washington D.C., June 9, 1965. Dick Goodwin sends the following message to the President, "Mr. President: Now that my prophecy is about to be realized, I thought you would like to see this memo which I sent to you many months ago." Johnson's reply in full: Dick - What is your point? I don't get it - L."

Accompanying the Goodwin June 9 memo is a photocopied memo from Goodwin to LBJ: Four pages, Quarto, Washington D.C., regarding the United States' policy toward DeGaulle and France. On the cover note, Goodwin states, in full, "Mr. President: I sent you this memorandum last summer. I believe everything in it is still true, and just as urgent. In fact the passage of time has made it more urgent. Dick Goodwin, April 29, 1965". President Johnson's note in reply, "I agree - send this to Tom Manee [?] and let's get busy. - L." Fine condition. In addition to President Johnson's holograph comments, there are a number of secretarial notations in the margins.

Two of the items are matted and framed with an engraved bronze plaque and a small color print of LBJ, to an overall size of 16½ x 26" A fascinating glimpse inside the Oval Office.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,500.

30   Johnson, Lyndon B. 36th President of the United States, 1963-1969.

Typed Letter Signed. One page, small Quarto, on White House letterhead. Washington, DC. April 7, 1967.To the Honorable Charles A. Vanik, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. In full:

"Dear Charlie: All good wishes for a happy birthday and many more of them. Mrs. Johnson joins me in congratulating you on this special day and in wishing for your good health and happiness in the year to come. / With best regards, Sincerely, / Lyndon B. Johnson".

Very Good. Clean save for three minuscule tears along the left edge and staple holes in the upper left.
Estimated Value $350-500.

31   Lincoln, Abraham. 16th President of the United States, 1861-1865.

Letter Signed As President. One page, Octavo, on Executive Mansion letterhead, Washington, DC, May 13, 1862. To General M(ontgomery) C(unningham) Meigs, U.S.A. In full:

"General: Allow me to introduce Mr. Charles D. Chase and to commend his request to your favorable consideration. Your Obt. Servt. A. Lincoln."

Fine. Meigs was a Union general from Georgia, who had graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1836 and served in various peace-time engineering assignments. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he was promoted to colonel in the 11th U.S. Infantry. On May 15, 1861 he was appointed Brigadier General USA and Quartermaster General. He served efficiently in that difficult position throughout the war. Letter exhibits light toning and minor soiling at the edges and is mounted on a heavier 8 x 6" sheet.
Estimated Value $8,000-12,000.

32   [Lincoln, Abraham]. 16th President of the United States, 1861-1865. Lot of Five Cartes-de-Visite Approximately 2.5 x 4". Collection features Lincoln deathbed scene with all the great luminaries of the time including John Brown; a litho of Mary Lincoln; Washington holding Lincoln "Apotheosis"; Washington and Lincoln in an allegorical vignette; and one of the President with Mary and their two sons. Very Good.
Estimated Value $250-350.

33   [Lincoln, Abraham]. 16th President of the United States, 1861-1865. Three Civil War Era Cartes de Visite. Collection of three cartes de visites: a bust portrait of Lincoln, photographed by G.L. Hurd, Providence, R.I.; an image of Lincoln with his family, reproduced from a steel-engraving; and a Lincoln apotheosis memorial card, showing George Washington embracing the assassinated President and fitting a wreath to the crown of his head as he prepares to enter heaven. All cards are in fine condition.
Estimated Value $150-250.

Land Grant Signed by Madison and Monroe
   

34   Madison, James. 4th President of the United States, 1809-1817.

Partially Printed Document Signed as President. Accomplished in manuscript, one page, oblong Folio on vellum, Washington DC, January 25, 1813. Land Grant of 100 acres of land in a tract reserved for grants to military veterans, to Mescheck Walker, a corporal in the US Army. Countersigned by James Monroe as Secretary of State. Very Good. Some foxing, with a rough patch of abraded paper where the white wafer seal has been affixed. Both signatures are Fine.
Estimated Value $1,300-1,500.

35   McKinley, William. 25th President of the United States, 1897-1901.

Typed Letter Signed As President. Two pages (including integral blank), small Quarto, on Executive Mansion letterhead, Washington DC, November 17, 1900. Addressed to Mr. Charles Henry Butler of Yonkers, NY, in full:

"My dear Sir: Please accept my cordial thanks for the message of congratulation which you were good enough to send. Assuring you that your kindly thoughtfulness is appreciated, believe me, Very sincerely yours, William McKinley." On verso of second leaf, Butler has penned an interesting notation: "Wells: I have taken title to the Nep. Ave lot in your name. Will you & Harriet please sign the enclosed - keep one copy & file the other with the Christ papers. Yours CHB."

Lightly age-toned/soiled, slight fading of "William" in signature. Attractively matted and framed with an engraved plaque and a color print of McKinley, to an overall size to 15 x 17½".
Estimated Value $400-600.

36   McKinley, William. 25th President of the United States, 1897-1901.

Typed Letter Signed. One page, oblong Octavo, on personal stationery, Canton, OH, June 24, 1896. Typed in blue and signed in black ink. In full:

"A. M. Hancock, / Baltimore, Md. / My dear Sir:- / Please accept my grateful acknowledgments of your congratulatory message. / Yours very truly, / Wh McKinley".

Very Good. Two fold creases, two minuscule smudges and faint scribble in the lower right (not affecting signature).
Estimated Value $200-300.

37   Nixon, Richard M. 37th President of the United States, 1969-1974.

Photograph Signed. Black and white, 8 x 10", n.d., n.p. Signed boldly in upper left with black ink. Very Good.
Estimated Value $100-150.

38   Roosevelt, Franklin D. 32nd President of the United States, 1933-1945.

Typed Document Signed as Acting Secretary of the Navy. Five pages, Folio, on legal size onion skin, Philadelphia, August 4, 1917. This important document, signed by FDR as Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy, is a contract between the US Government and the Tioga Steel & Iron Company of Philadelphia for eight million pounds of gun forgings to be delivered in twelve months, for which the government will pay the company a profit of 4½ cents per pound. The document specifies how the forgings are to be made, delivered, and the manner of payment. Roosevelt and several officials of the company have signed at the conclusion.

America had just declared War on Germany in April of the same year. The need for an armament was suddenly urgent, and here FDR takes decisive steps to amass the arsenal that would arm the nation. Fine. The document has been hole-punched once at top left corner, which is slightly frayed, and the first page bears a clip stain and impression, not affecting the text. Docketed by the Navy Department at top right. All signatures are unusually bold and clear.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,200.

39   Roosevelt, Franklin D. 32nd President of the United States, 1933-1945.

Typed Letter Signed as Governor of New York. One page, Quarto, Executive Mansion letterhead, Albany, New York, September 26, 1932. Written to Thomas Terral, in the midst of campaigning for the 1932 presidential election, this letter finds Roosevelt gathering the confidence and support of the Democratic leadership which would soon propel him into office. Roosevelt writes, in full:

"My dear Mr. Terral: Your good letter of September 12th has been forwarded to me on my Western trip, and I want to take a moment while on route to thank you for your confidence in me as expressed in your letter to Mr. Allen. I can only say that if I am elected, I shall do all in my power toward its fulfillment. May I assure you that I greatly appreciate your support, and know I can count on the good Democrats of Arkansas, together with the other progressive thinking voters, to do their full share in placing your great state well in the forefront in our victory this fall. Very sincerely yours, Franklin D. Roosevelt." .

Fine. Some age-toning, with a very slight stain at upper left margin.
Estimated Value $350-450.

40   Roosevelt, Franklin D. 32nd President of the United States, 1933-1945.

Typed Letter Signed as President-elect. One page, Quarto, on Executive Mansion letterhead, Albany, New York, December 2, 1932. Written to Thomas Terral, Roosevelt thanks this influential Democrat for his support in the presidential election which has just thrust Roosevelt into office. He writes, in full:

"My dear Mr. Terral: Your message of good will and congratulations pleased me very much. It is my earnest wish that I may always deserve the confidence which has been shown in me. Yours very sincerely, Franklin D. Roosevelt."

Fine. Some age-toning, with very slight tears at right center edge, and corner folds, none affecting text.
Estimated Value $350-450.

41   [Roosevelt, Franklin D.]. 32nd President of the United States, 1933-1945.

Lot of Four Printed Proofsheets of Political Cartoons of FDR. Four large color proofs of single-panel political cartoons, each 8 x 10", with stamp dates ranging from August 2 - October 24, 1944. All originally appeared in the Chicago Tribune, and lampoon FDR for various issues of his foreign policy. Fine. Each is framed to an overall size of 9½ x 12".
Estimated Value $100-UP.

42   [Roosevelt, Franklin D.]. 32nd President of the United States, 1933-1945.

Lot of Four Printed Proofsheets of Political Cartoons of FDR. Four large color proofs of single-panel political cartoons, each 8 x 10", with stamp dates ranging July 7 - November 2, 1944. All originally appeared in the Chicago Tribune, and lampoon FDR's "New Deal," and his stance on a variety of issues of domestic and foreign policy. Fine. Each is framed to an overall size of 9½ x 12".
Estimated Value $100-UP.

43   [Roosevelt, Franklin D.]. 32nd President of the United States, 1933-1945.

Lot of Four Printed Proofsheets of Political Cartoons of FDR. Four large color proofs of single-panel political cartoons, each 8 x 10", with stamp dates ranging August 3 - October 13, 1944. All originally appeared in the Chicago Tribune. They lampoon FDR's "New Deal" politics, predicting his defeat by the Republican Thomas Dewy in the upcoming election, and pour acid on his foreign policy. Fine. Each is framed to an overall size of 9½ x 12".
Estimated Value $100-UP.

44   Roosevelt, Theodore. 26th President of the United States, 1901-1909.

Typed Letter Signed. One page, Octavo, on White House stationery, Washington DC., September 28, 1908. To Benjamin I. Wheeler, President of the University of California at Berkeley. Typed in blue ink. In full:

"My dear President Wheeler: / I have your letter of the 21st. My very slight knowledge of Captain Nance predisposes me in his favor, and of course so does your letter. But it is out of the question for me to say anything about the detail now. / With regard, believe me, / Faithfully yours, / Theodore Roosevelt".

Very Good. Roosevelt signature is slightly faded. Slight fold and scattered creases not affecting signature.
Estimated Value $600-900.

45   Roosevelt, Theodore. 26th President of the United States, 1901-1909.

Partly Printed Document Signed as President. One page, Folio, on vellum, Washington DC, August 3, 1903. Military appointment naming "... Joshua W. Jacobs... Assistant Quartermaster General with the rank of Colonel... "
Relatively clean document save lower left corner which is heavily wrinkled (seal is intact) and a few stains. Overall size of 27 x 28", matted and framed, includes small portrait and plaque.
Estimated Value $500-800.

46   Taft, William Howard. 27th President of the United States, 1909-1913.

Typed Letter Signed as President with Holograph Postscript. One page, Quarto, on executive letterhead, The White House, Washington, December 24, 1910. To John A. Stewart of New York. This intriguing letter finds President Taft investigating the past history of slumps and their comparative effect upon the electoral vote. Taft wanted to know what the electoral vote would have been in 1890 if that had been a presidential election year and how it would have compared with 1892. This is the problem he put to John A. Stewart of New York City in 1910. Stewart was engaged in making what amounted to an early version of a grass roots political survey. He was to report to the chairman of the New York State Committee his findings of conditions and sentiment in certain counties of New York State and Ohio, but evidently he had also written to the president. To this report the president replied. Taft writes:

"My dear Mr. Stewart: I have yours of December 22d. I do not think you quite caught what I was anxious to have you look up. I would like to know what would have been the electoral vote in 1890 if that had been a presidential election, and how it would have compared with 1892. Then, I should like to know how 1910 in point of the electoral vote, assuming that to have been a presidential election, compares with 1890, assuming that to have been a presidential election. Sincerely yours, Wm H Taft." The President adds, in a holograph postscript, "In other words, see whether the slump in 1892 was worse than that in 1890 - or otherwise, and how much."

An odd and interesting feature of this Taft letter is the inadvertant "press copy" of two other White House letters which appear, as faint impressions, on the verso of the integral leaf. Both are brief letters of invitation and were signed by a Presidential secretary. One asks Senator Frank Brandegee of Illinois to dinner to discuss Canal [Panama] matters; the other is to "Mr. Mann" [probably Congressman James Mann of Illinois, author of the Mann Act to supress white slavery]. One of the press copies is dated December 26, 1910, the other December 28, 1910. These copies were taken by moistening very thin paper and pressing it on the original letters, in order to lift an impression of the typescript. It was, of course, never intended that Stewart should see these copies, and how they got on the back of President Taft's letter to Stewart remains something of a mystery. The secretarial staff offered no explanation and was embarrassed when Mr. Stewart told his friends about these copies.

Fine. Very lightly soiled at bottom left. The moistening process alluded to above has minutely blurred the holograph postscript, otherwise the letter is fine.
Estimated Value $750-950.

47   Truman, Harry S. 33rd President of the United States,1945-1953.

Typed Letter Signed. One page, small Quarto, on White House letterhead, Washington , DC. December 14, 1950. In full:

"Personal / Dear Andy: / I can't tell you how very much I appreciated your note of the twelfth and the enclosed tear sheet with that part about Margaret marked. It was certainly kind and thoughtful of you to make a dad feel good. / Sincerely yours, Harry Truman // P.S. I was also intrigued and got quite chuckle out of your article Joe Short."

Very Good. Standard fold with some minor foxing along left edge, matted and framed to 10 x 13".
Estimated Value $500-750.

48   Truman, Harry S. 33rd President of the United States,1945-1953.

Inscribed Photograph Signed Black & white cabinet photo, matted and framed to an overall size of 12.5 x 15.5.", n.p., n.d. Inscribed in brown ink in bottom border.

"To John Steelman, friend - advisor / Harry Truman".

Very Good. Some minor spotting within glass and matting, photo appears clean.
Estimated Value $350-500.

49   Wilson, Woodrow. 28th President of the United States, 1913-1921.

Typed Letter Signed. One page, small Quarto, linen, State of New Jersey Executive Department letterhead, Gold embossed seal in the upper left. March 16, 1911. Delicately signed in black ink.

"My dear Colonel Liller:- / Thank you sincerely for your letter of March sixth. Our legislators keep me so constantly absorbed in the promotion of pending legislation that I turn to special affairs only occasionally when I get the rare chance. / I am sincerely obliged to you for all you suggest and will certainly and prepare something beforehand for the press so that my speech may be circulated. I shall also see that a good print is sent to the Ehrman Manufacturing Company. / With warmest regard, / Cordially yours, Woodrow Wilson".

Very Good. Document exhibits staple holes in the upper left corner.
Estimated Value $200-300.