Mar 31, 2001, The B. H. Manuscript/Collectible/Philatelic Sale, Sale 9
Lot 390
Barton, Clara
(1821-1912) The "Angel of the Battlefield, " Barton distributed
supplies and organized care of wounded soldiers during the Civil War.
Establishing the American Red Cross in 1881, Barton served as the
organization's first president and coordinated and supervised activities
during the 1880s and 1890s. With Barton's perseverance, the role of the Red
Cross internationally expanded from strictly war time efforts to include
distribution of relief during natural disasters.
Autograph Letter
Signed ("Clara Barton"). Seven pages, octavo, Constantinople, April
13, 1895. To "My precious friend". Several hand corrections.
Includes two page postscript from fellow relief worker. One vertical and
three horizontal mailing folds, small holes from staple or pin, small tear
at top of first page. Overall, condition very good to fine.
Clara
Barton describes her relief work and obstacles placed in her way following
an earthquake in Turkey: "...we have worked on, doing what we came to
do, and letting alone that which we did not come to do. The result is a
perfect understanding with all parties and persons, including the
Government here. I did not come to criticize it, nor attempt to regulate
its management... I did come to 'try' to get the little aid, comfort and
help to the thousands of suffering people in this unfortunate land which a
few persons with some of the gifts of a pitying country so far away,
desired to give and to send. They forgot, in their earnest enthusiasm that
the poorest and slowest manner of accomplishing this end, through me would
be to tie my hands, rob me of my assistants, and block my way at both
ends...naturally all this had to overcome...my men, as agents at the field,
were honest, fearless & careful but brave...but of Medical
supplies there can never be enough. Seven thousand
sick in those two distressed cities, four epidemics, no physician of their
own. I am glad for the world that some can to and glad for
America that hers can go..."
Estimated Value
$900-1,100.
Lot 391
Chavez, Cesar
(1927-1993). American labor leader advocating the rights of migrant
farm workers. In 1962 he founded the United Farm Workers, a union which
waged numerous campaigns against the California vineyard owners, employing
nonviolent tactics -- most notably fasting.
1. Typed Letter Signed
("Cesar Chavez"). One page, quarto, Keene, California, May 27, 1975.
On United Farm Workers stationery. In black ink. To Mr. Ed Cohen of Miami.
With two horizontal folds and light buckling at the lower right edge. 2.
Typed Letter Signed ("Cesar E. Chavez"). One page, quarto, Delano,
California, n.d. On United Farm Workers stationery. In black ink. To the
faculty of Hebrew Union College. With two horizontal folds, a horizontal
crease at the center left, light buckling, and toning at edges. Accompanied
by three Visiting Cards Signed by Chavez. Overall, the group is in very
good condition.
In an explosive letter, Chavez rallys the support of
Jewish sympathizers by identifying the farm worker's struggle: "Excluded
by Congress from the protection of the N.L.R.A., thwarted by the studied
negligence of the immigration officials who permitted untold numbers of
Mexican nationals to function illegally as strikebreakers, slandered by our
governor, abused by our employer, we strive to liberate ourselves from the
ghetto of our poverty and powerlessness."
Estimated Value $250-350.
Lot 392
Dalton, Emmett
(1871-1937) The youngest member of the Dalton Brothers Gang, outlaws
who robbed banks and trains from Kansas to California from 1890-1892.
Autograph Letter Signed ("Emmett Dalton"). One page,
8½ x 11", Lansing, Kansas, June 20, 1907. On lined paper, written in
pencil. To H. C. Hoffman of Kansas. Mailing folds with some edge
separation, stain at right edge. Attempt at strengthening or repair on
verso. Otherwise good to very good condition with a strong
signature.
A great letter! The Dalton Gang's attempt at one last
heist in Coffeyville, Kansas, was broken up by local vigilantes and Emmett
was the only member to survive. Severely wounded in the robbery attempt,
Emmett recovered and was sentenced to life in prison. A model prisoner,
Dalton was pardoned by Governor Hochs of Kansas and released soon after
this letter was sent. Mention of Governor Hochs is included in the text:
"...Have been in Hospt. every day since I saw you but my arm is now
about healed over again. It will never be cured till opperated [sic]
on which cannot happen here. The Gov. has promised to look into this for
me and I am to have a talk with him about it next Sat. or Sunday. I am
compelled to cut this short as its rather painful to write and the Dr. has
forbidden my using it..."
Estimated Value $2,500-3,500.
Lot 393
Fischer, Robert (Bobby)
(b. 1943). American chess master, the youngest player ever to attain
the rank grand master (1958). Fischer's brilliant play and eccentricities
drew the attention of the American public to chess.
Signature
("Robert Fischer"). Signed copy of The South African
Chessplayer from March, 1967. Inscribed "June 1967" on first
page, in blue ink. Minor foxing on the covers. Overall, condition is very
good to fine.
Fischer's early fame and success were overshadowed by
later controversies, most notably his accusation of rigging during the 1962
World Championship. Fading in and out of sight, Bobby Fischer did not
compete again until 1971-1972, at which point he defeated all challengers,
including Boris Spassky. Fischer retired once more from the world stage
until 1992, when he again beat Spassky, this time in a privately organized
match. After the 1992 match, he faded away and is believed to be living in
Southern California in near poverty. The magazine offered in this lot is
part of collection sold by Fischer to the Brooklyn Public Library to raise
cash in 1967.
Estimated Value $250-350.
Lot 394
Frietschie, Barbara
(1766-1862) Already known locally for her patriotism, Frietschie
captured the country's imagination in September of 1862 when, at age 95,
she boldly displayed the Union flag to Confederate soldiers marching past
her Frederick, Maryland, home. In deference to her age and bravery, she was
not harmed. John Greenleaf Whittier's poem, Barbara Frietsche, and
the memorable passage, "Shoot, if you must this old gray head but spare
your country's flag," granted her a permanent position in the pantheon of
Civil War heroes.
Document Signed (signed by Frietsche with her
mark at the lower right corner). 7¾ x 2½", n.p., February 15,
1861. On lined paper. Docketed on verso. Six vertical and one horizontal
folds, all very faint, some age toning at slightly ragged edges which
suggest it has been torn from a larger page. In very good
condition.
The document reads, "Received February 15th, 1861 of
Christian Steiner, my agent, the sum of Fifty dollars, in part payment of
money collected from Valerious Ebert, acting executor, with will annexd
[sic] of John C. Fritchie, deceased. Witness C. S. Hanshew Her mark
Barbarey Fritchie." Frietschie's mark is extremely rare, with only two or
three known to exist.
Estimated Value $4,500-UP.
Lot 395
Madsen, Christian
(1851-1944) Soldier and lawman, Madsen rode with Buffalo Bill, helped
bury the dead at Little Big Horn, was a Rough Rider and earned a Silver
Star. One of the Three Guardsmen who successfully pursued the Doolin Gang,
Madsen served many years as a U. S. Marshall in the Oklahoma Territory.
Document Signed ("C. Madsen"). Partially printed,
accomplished in manuscript. Two pages, the first short quarto and the
second folio, Guthrie, Oklahoma, January 17, 1893. Being a notarized
receipt for payment to Eagle Drug Store for $5.30. In black ink. Docketed
on the verso of the second page. Fastened in upper left corner by an old
straight pin, there is some minor fold separation and general toning.
Otherwise, the document is fine.
The receipt we offer here is for
ink, a journal and three ledgers purchased on account at Eagle Drug in
November 1892. On November 29th, Madsen and two other marshals cornered a
bank robber who snapped off a shot as soon as they showed themselves.
Madsen wounded the fugitive who died later that night. We can only presume
that Madsen might have used the ledgers to record the incident.
Estimated Value $400-500.
Lot 396
Oakley, Annie
(1860-1926) American sharpshooter. Proficient with firearms from an
early age, when Annie was 15 she beat vaudeville marksman Frank Butler in a
shooting match. Oakley and Butler married and performed in vaudeville
together until 1885, when they joined Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. One of
the Show's star attractions, Annie toured the world with Buffalo Bill for
16 years, performing before most of the crowned heads of Europe. Known for
her extraordinary talents, Oakley was also a great humanitarian and worked
to improve the lives of women and children.
Autograph Letter Signed
("Missie"). Three pages on two quarto sheets, one with uneven edges,
Cambridge, Maryland, October 8, n.y. On Mayview Manor stationery and the
back of a Mayview Manor brochure, the Mayview address has been crossed out
and replaced with "Cambridge, Md / Oct 8th." To niece Fern
Swarthout. Mailing folds. First page shows some foxing and a ½" tear
at top. Second page shows wrinkling and minor creasing at top and left
side. In very good condition.
Annie Oakley and Frank Butler owned a
home in Cambridge, Maryland from 1912-1917, in one of their futile attempts
to retire and settle down. Annie's dislike for the responsibilities of
housekeeping and homeownership and the call of the road kept the couple on
the move for a good portion of their time in Cambridge, often traveling
with Annie's niece Fran Campbell Swarthout (our addressee). This very warm,
personal letter (informal spellings and all) finds Frank and Annie in the
midst of moving in turmoil: "...Franks been to blind & up set to tare
open boxs for matresses & all would have to go in smaller box if I took
them out. The beds are all black & scratched up. Don't think you would care
for them. They are high at head & foot & not so great for small rooms...Our
stuff is all folling to pieces here. I suggested that we divide among the
Family when we left our house there. But Frank wanted to keep it so we did
and we have paid sent enough for storage to by new. And ours is all
spoiled...I can't go through the crated stuff to pick out...So I am just
sending the entire lot out to Bonnie. She can break it open and set out to
get air......I only hope my linens are not ruined." "Bonnie" is another
of Annie's nieces -- Bonnie Ann Blakely, who lived just miles from Annie's
Ohio childhood home.
Other matters do come to mind for Annie:
"...I must get up to Dr. Baer in Balto. I am swelled all over. But I
must keep up til my book is finished. Don't send the dress til I know where
you can catch me..." and of particular interest to the Oakley fans, she
does mention shooting, "...then in the Spring we want to go to Dayton &
look around near the shooting ground where all the good American handicaps
will be shot here after." A wonderfully candid letter that provides a
window into the personal and professional life of one of America's icons. A
fabulous collector's piece given that Oakley signs her letter as "Missie",
a nickname reserved for close friends and family members.
Estimated
Value $6,000-UP.
Lot 397
Stroud, Robert
(1890-1963) "The Bird Man of Alcatraz". American criminal, a convicted
murderer who became a self-taught ornithologist during his 54 years in
prison, 42 of them in solitary confinement, and made notable contributions
to the study of birds. While living with a dance-hall girl in Juneau,
Alaska, Stroud got into an argument with a man over the girl and
subsequently killed him. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was
sentenced to 12 years in prison in Puget Sound (1909). After stabbing a
fellow inmate and proving generally troublesome, Stroud was transferred to
the infamous Leavenworth Prison in Kansas (1912). He continued his loner
ways but began to educate himself through university extension courses. On
March 26, 1916 he stabbed and killed a guard and was sentenced to be
executed by hanging; but on April 15, 1920, President Woodrow Wilson
commuted his sentence to life imprisonment in solitary confinement. It was
during this time that Stroud began raising canaries and other birds,
collecting laboratory equipment, and studying the diseases of birds and
their breeding and care. Some of his research was smuggled out of prison
and published. In 1943, Stroud's Digest on the Diseases of Birds was
published and became an important work in the field of ornithology.
Autograph Letter Signed ("Bob"). Two pages, recto and verso,
Quarto, Alcatraz, Ca. June 25, 1954. A personal letter written to Marie E.
Stroud of Metropolis, Ill. In it, Stroud discusses the hot weather that
both parties are experiencing, the status of a book that another party is
writing, the economy and McCarthy. In fine condition.
Estimated Value
$300-400.
Lot 398
Titanic Survivor
Millvina Dean. Signed Photo ("Millvina Dean"). Limited Edition
black and white photo, 8 x 10", n.p, March 14, 1988. In black ink. Numbered
"4/300" at the lower left. Accompanied by a Certificate of
Authenticity from Todd Mueller Autographs as well as a 6 x 4" color
photograph of Dean holding the signed photo. In very good
condition.
An infant of only 9 weeks old, Millvina Dean was one of
the 705 fortunate passengers rescued from the legendary steamship Titanic.
Here, the popular survivor signs a black and white photograph of the
majestic cruiser.
Estimated Value $75-125.
Lot 399
Walker, Mary E
(1832-1919). American physician. Walker was only the second woman to
graduate from a medical school in the United States, and the first woman to
have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Autographed
Letter Signed ("Mary E. Walker, M.D."). Two pages with integral blank,
octavo, Oswego, New York, August 12, 1914. In pencil. To Mr. Norton. With
two horizontal folds, one corner is folded, and there are three very small
folds at top edge. Page has been attached to another sheet. In good
condition overall.
In a letter petitioning to speak at an event at
Gettysburg, the vainglorious Walker shows little modesty: "I have never
been to Gettisburg [sic], and would be pleased to be one of the
147th ... You know I was the first woman in the world
to be a surgeon in an army, and am the only woman who wears a War
Medal from the U.S. Congress."
Estimated Value $600-900.
Lot 400
Collection of
Autographs. Autograph Cards. Exceptional collection of twenty-two
2½ x 3½" autograph cards, signed by: Clarence Darrow,
Charles Evans Hughes, Elijah Root, Herbert Hoover, Carl Sandburg, James
Farley and many more. Collection covers a broad range of interests and
varies in condition from Very Good to Fine. Viewing is recommended.
Estimated Value $350-500.
Lot 401
Miscellany. This
broad range of signed ephemera features sixteen pieces of miscellaneous
ephemera including Typed Letters Signed by Jane Addams of
Hull-House, Benjamin Spock, Democratic National Committee
Chairman James Farley, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover and
presidential hopeful Adlai Stevenson; Autograph Notes Signed by
E. Irving Couse with an additional sketch of a Native American Chief,
and one additional unidentifiable letter; and signed cards by Sandy
Koufax, John L. Sullivan, Ben Hogan, Belva
Lockwood, and John Wanamaker; and finally Signed Photos of
Menachem Begin, Benjamin Spock, and Dale Carnegie.
Estimated Value $500-700.