Mar 31, 2001, The B. H. Manuscript/Collectible/Philatelic Sale, Sale 9
Lot 690
Letter from a Civil War
Soldier. Autograph Letter Signed ("B.F. Hulburd"). Two pages,
recto and verso, quarto, n.p., December 16, 1864(?). In black ink. To a
personal acquaintance. With one vertical and three horizontal folds, toning
along folds, a few spots and one 2" tear. In fair to good condition
overall.
In a letter to a clergyman, Hurburd offers assurances that
his wife will be amply taken care of in his absence citing an inventory of
the goods at a local market as evidence.
Estimated Value $100-150.
Lot 691
Letter from a Civil War
Soldier. Autograph Letter Signed ("BFH"). Four pages, recto and
verso, octavo, Near Strasburgh, September 21, 1864. On the soldier's
personalized B.F. Hulburd, Vermont Regiment stationery. In pencil. To the
soldier's wife, Juliana. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope.
Two horizontal folds, light stains to first and last page, and envelope is
quite stained. Still, the letter is legible, and in good condition
overall.
In this interesting and revealing letter from B.F. Hulburd,
the Civil War Soldier faithfully writes his wife a letter, updating her on
the war. He begins: "Through the mercy of God I am still alive & sound
altho somewhat lame from excessive fatigue in our late fight which probably
you have heard of before this, I can not say much at this time about it but
we gave the rebs a hard whipping on the occasion but our own loss quite
severe..." . He continues to divulge as accurately as possible the
details of war, including mentions of casualties, and explains how he
helped another soldier, a father, who was wounded in battle. Finally, he
ends the letter stating: "We have just had read a despatch [sic] from
the President thanking Gen. Sheridan & his men for the brilliant
victory of the 19th of Sept..."
Estimated Value $100-150.
Lot 692
Letter from a Civil War
Soldier. Autograph Letter Signed ("BF Hulburd"). Two pages,
recto and verso, octavo, 18 miles from Spotsylvania Court House, May 26,
1864. In pencil. To his wife and children. Accompanied by the original
transmittal envelope. Two horizontal folds, toning to the verso. In good to
very good condition overall.
Here our soldier describes the War
while near Spotsylvania, Virginia. He tells his family that his health is
"still first rate", and proceeds to update them on a the condition
of a few acquaintances that are in the same regiment. Later he describes
traveling through Spotsylvania County with "acres of corn ankle high and
wheat all headed out."
Estimated Value $100-150.
Lot 693
Letter from a Civil War
Soldier. Autograph Note. One page, duodecimo, near Richmond, June 1,
1864. In pencil. To his wife, Mrs. B.F. Hulburd. Accompanied by the
original transmittal envelope. Two horizontal folds, a small loss at the
lower center of paper, water stain at upper right edge and additional
handwritten notations at bottom and on verso -- it seems that Hulburd was
forced to make due with supplies on hand as this sheet appears to have
originally served as a memorandum which Hulburd re-used for his note. In
fair to good condition overall.
This short note comprised of
incomplete sentences simply conveys that our Civil War soldier is
persevering: "No particular news / don't know what is ahead ... no time
to write ... health good --".
Estimated Value $100-150.
Lot 694
Letter from a Civil War
Soldier. Autograph Letter Signed ("B.F. Hulburd"). Eight pages,
recto and verso, octavo, Carrolton, Louisiana, May 17, 1864(?). In pencil.
To his wife, Juliana. Two horizontal folds, pages are slightly toned with a
few stains. In good condition overall.
From Louisiana, our Civil War
soldier tells his loved one about the house his regiment had been occupying
-- a palatial estate which housed the 750 soldiers for a night. He
continues: "It is impossible to describe the effect of the war upon this
portion of the country..." Later he explains that the second portion of
his letter was written several days earlier but as he ran out of postage,
was unable to send until this mailing.
Estimated Value $100-150.
Lot 695
Letter from a Civil War
Soldier. Autograph Letter Signed ("B.F. Hulburd"). Six pages,
recto and verso, octavo, n.p., June 26, 1864 (?). On U.S. Christian
Commission stationery. In pencil. To an acquaintance. Two horizontal folds,
a small split to one page at fold, light toning. In good to very good
condition overall.
Writing from a camp in the field, our Civil War
soldier writes to a clergyman, offering a brief but concise accounting of
the events from his camp since May 4, 1864 detailing specifics of battle --
how his troop attacked, where the enemy was located, and how the enemy
responded.
Estimated Value $100-150.
Lot 696
Letter from the Family
of a Civil War Soldier. Autograph Letter Signed ("PN"). Four
pages, recto and verso, octavo, n.p., n.d. In black ink. To soldier B.F.
Hulburd. Two horizontal folds, light toning, second page is quite buckled
with two areas of paper loss and a few splits. In fair to good condition
overall.
In a delicate, poetic manner, B.F. Hulburd's relative,
Philena, writes a charming letter wishing the soldier health, peace and
happiness through the depressing war.
Estimated Value $100-150.
Lot 697
Letter to a Civil War
Soldier's Wife. Autograph Letter Signed ("Mellisa E"). Four
pages, recto and verso, octavo, Littleton, April 13, 1864. In black ink.
Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope. Two horizontal folds,
letter is stained along the hinge, toned at edges, and soiled on verso. In
fair to good condition overall.
Written by a family member, this
letter is addressed to the wife of our Civil War soldier, B.F. Hulburd.
Here, one Ms. Mellisa English details her genealogy, beginning the letter:
"I hardly ever write myself so I think I shall make poor work of it. You
wished to know about the family so I will give you a short history of
them." She continues, telling of births, deaths, and marriages, finally
inviting Mrs. Hulburd for a visit.
Estimated Value $100-150.
Lot 698
Massachusetts-Bay Acts
and Laws, 1744. Acts and Laws, Passed by the Great and General Court
or Assembly of His Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts-Bay...
Boston: Samuel Kneeland and Timothy Green, 1745, 4 pages, 8½ x 12".
Heavy foxing in right margin, one horizontal fold, a few chips, and folds
along edges. In fair to good condition overall.
Though only
containing three acts for the year 1744, this pamphlet begins by
ascertaining the value of money. Another act details a speedy method to
extinguish fires.
Estimated Value $150-250.
Lot 699
Northern Liberties Gas
Works Stock Certificates. Collection of ninety delicately engraved,
blank stock certificates with Philadelphia's Northern Liberties' Gas
Works. The company, founded by Joseph Gratz in 1840, was one of the
first public utilities in America, and, delivered gas to homes and
businesses for lighting and heating. Stocks are trimmed, often irregularly,
toning to most edges. Otherwise, in fine condition overall.
Estimated
Value $400-500.
Lot 700
Pennsylvania Lottery.
Uncut sheet of six lottery tickets issued by the State of Pennsylvania
in order to benefit the Pennepack School. Each ticket, dated January 1,
1806, is delicately bordered with foliate motifs and entitles its bearer
to: "such Prize as may be drawn to its Number, if demanded within twelve
Months after drawing". Sheet measures: 6½ x 14½". A
few minor spots of soiling and one horizontal crease. In fine condition
overall.
The oldest existing church in Pennsylvania, Pennepack
Baptist Church, was built in 1707. Nearly one hundred years later, an
octagonal shaped schoolhouse associated with the Church was built nearby,
in 1805. Here, we offer the state issued lottery tickets, presumably
organized to help fund the new public school.
Estimated Value $250-300.
Lot 701
Rare Amistad Printed
Manuscript. Here we offer a printed "Congressional Message" regarding
the schooner Amistad. Entitled "Africans Taken in the
Amistad / Message from the President of the United States", this 69
page manuscript is comprised of a variety of printed correspondence between
President Martin Van Buren, Secretary of State John Forsyth, numerous
lawyers, as well as Spanish officials. Unbound. Edges are rough, with some
chipping. Obvious yellowing from age. Still, a rare chronology of the
international situation.
In 1839, fifty-three African men were
abducted by slave hunters and taken to Cuba, a center of the slave trade.
After two Spaniards bought the "slaves" and headed to their Caribbean
plantation, the African prisoners commandeered the ship, killing several of
those aboard, and ordered the ship back to Africa. The ship, however, was
seized off the coast of New York, and American officials demanded the
"slaves" tried for murder. This intriguing lot offers insight into the
debates surrounding this early global affair.
Estimated Value $250-UP.
Lot 702
Revolutionary War
Recruiting Contract. Document Signed. One page, oblong quarto,
Hartford, Connecticut, June 10, 1777. In black ink. Matted and framed to an
overall size of 14 x 18". With three horizontal folds, ink has smeared
affecting a few words, light toning along folds. In good to very good
condition overall.
Pursuant to an act of the general assembly, the
named Augustus Colen and Noah Fowler have been authorized to raise a
company of men consisting of two battalions for the Continental Service.
This document would have been carried by either men, attesting to the
legitimacy of their purpose while recruiting.
Estimated Value $150-250.
Lot 703
[Shirley, William]
(1694-1771). British colonial governor and soldier. Appointed the
governor of Boston in 1741 and served till he was removed in 1756 after an
unsuccessful attack during the French and Indian War.
Manuscript
Document. One sheet, octavo, n.p., February 5, 1744. Being a copy of a
House of Representatives decision. In brown ink. A few horizontal folds and
light stains in lower margin, upper edge is rough. In good condition
overall.
In the midst of "King George's War", which was also known
as "Governor Shirley's War", this document stipulates the salaries for
soldiers participating in the capture of Louisbourg, as consented to by
Governor Shirley. Specifically, compensation was to be awarded as follows:
"One month pay be advanced to each effective man upon his enlistment for
the intended expedition against Louisbourg. Also that five shillings a week
be allowed each man ..." Surely an inexpensive cost for Shirley's
greatest victory.
Estimated Value $250-350.
Lot 704
Slavery Documents.
Here we offer three early American tax receipts, likely issued for
payment of taxes related to the slave trade. Dated 1846, 1853 and 1855.
Each measures 7½ x 4". Obviously worn with soiling. In poor to fair
condition.
Estimated Value $100-150.
Lot 705
Society of Cincinnati.
Named after Cincinnatus, the heroic soldier who left agricultural
responsibilities to lead the Roman War against Aequi in 458 BC, the Society
of Cincinnati was a military society whose membership was open to soldiers
of the Continental army -- men also forced to leave their farming
livelihood for their nation's service. Initially proposed by Henry Knox,
the group was intended as support for the welfare of officers and their
family members, and was designed with a hereditary membership. However, the
hereditary clause was removed at the insistence of George Washington, who
would not consent to preside as the organization's first President
otherwise.
Collection of seven items pertaining to the Society of
Cincinnati. First, a presentation case including the obverse and
reverse brass dies for the Society's membership medal, designed by Pierre
L'Enfant, as well as a uniface obverse cast of the medal; second, a
white metal Society of Cincinnati medal commemorating the Washington
Monument, Rulau Fuld S-324A, featuring the Philadelphia equestrian statue
of Washington and the society's emblem; third, the December 1961
edition of The Medal Collector featuring a 32 page essay on the
orders and medals of the Society of Cincinnati; fourth, a bound copy
of Oration Delivered Before the Pennsylvania State Society of Cincinnati
on the Forth of July, by Nicholas Biddle, Philadelphia: C. & A. Conrad
& Co., 1811, 28 pages., 5½ x 8¾"; fifth, a late 19th
century photographic reproduction of The Institution of the Society of
the Cincinnati from 1783; sixth, the book Records of the
Connecticut State Society of the Cincinnati, Hartford: Connecticut
Historical Society, 1916, 10 x 11½", including photographic
reproductions of printed and handwritten records of the Society; and
finally, a receipt signed by Nicholas Fish, one of the original
founders of the Society of Cincinnati. Overall the group is in very good
condition.
Estimated Value $2,500-UP.
Lot 706
Spanish American War
Archive. This comprehensive collection of ephemera related the Spanish
American War includes an extensive survey of one man's correspondence with
his family. Included are over 25 handwritten letters, several on "Admiral
Dewey / U S Flagship Olympia / Manila" stationery, each dated from October
of 1895 through March of 1899. Named Harry Glover, this sailor was
stationed in Manila Bay aboard the flagship "Olympia" and frequently kept
his mother abreast of his situation. His descriptive writings reveal the
true story of war: "Dear Mother -- We are still here in this outlandish
place with no immediate prospects of leaving, oh I am so sick and tired of
this country I don't know what I will do if we don't leave soon. The
Germans are here in force and mostly all of us expect to see them make some
kind of demonstration when we bombard Manila. God help them if they
do..."
He also writes of the sailor's general attitudes and lack
of respect toward General Dewey: "Dewey never made a speech to the crew
for their bravery in action, something every other captain in the fleet did
to his crew... Dewey was as well liked as a snake by the crew of the
ship..."
Harry, along with his brother Will, both were involved
in the Spanish American War. As the two were sons of a printer, together
they published a small journal distributed to warships entitled "The
Bounding Billow". Copies of these pamphlets relating to the fall of Manila
are also included.
Also included are two items signed by George
Dewey. 1. Signed Photo ("George Dewey"). Black and white,
3¼ x 5½", n.p., n.d. In black ink. 2. Signature ("George
Dewey"). As Assistant Secretary of the Navy. One page, duodecimo,
Manila, January 28, 1899. In black ink. Both are in fine
condition.
Finally, a cabinet card of an American sailor taken by a
Hong Kong photographer, an "Allotment Paid" form granting one sailor $20,
and several newspaper clippings are also included. This intimate glimpse of
the daily life of a common sea-man is an abundant treasure trove of
historical documentation.
Estimated Value $2,500-UP.
Lot 707
Supplies for Burgoyne's
Imprisoned Troops. Manuscript Document Signed. One and one-third pages,
oblong quarto, Massachusetts, November 4, 1777. In black ink. Remnants of
original seal verso. With two horizontal folds, a few splits along folds
which have been repaired verso, a 1" tear at lower left corner, rough upper
edge and toning. In very good condition overall.
The Battle of
Saratoga and General Burgoyne's subsequent surrender proved to be a turning
point in the Revolutionary War. This ensuing document designates one Seth
Sumner to supply the imprisoned "Convention Army" troops with sufficient
supplies. In short: "the said Seth Sumner is appointed one of the
Commissarys for supplying the Troops under General Burgoyne (now
prisoners in this State) with the various sorts of provisions brought to
Boston Market the produce of the United States that the said Prisoners
shall need over & above their Rations..." Sumner and others have
signed the document in witness.
Estimated Value $950-1,250.
Lot 708
Three Early Historic
Documents. 1. Ornamental Baccalaureate Degree Certificate. Partially
printed, accomplished in manuscript. In Latin. One page, elephant folio,
Schenectady, New York, August 9, 1850. On vellum. In brown ink. Several
light folds. 2. Honorary Fire Service Certificate. Partially printed,
accomplished in manuscript. One page, folio, Eastchester, New York, May 7,
1877. In brown ink. Issued to one Henry Fisbeck. Light yellowing. 3.
Governor's Greeting. Partially printed, accomplished in manuscript. One
page, elephant folio, Knox County, Tennessee, July 16, 1865 (?). In brown
ink. Remnants of a wafer seal at lower left. Ink is faded, with several
folds and ink notations at the upper left. Overall, the lot is in fair
condition.
Here we offer three decorative documents, all dating
from the mid 19th century, each with allegorical vignettes and calligraphic
ornamentation.
Estimated Value $100-150.
Lot 709
[Titanic]. Postcard.
Black and white, 5½ x 3½" postcard featuring a side view
of the "Steamer Titanic". Printed by the Tichnor Brothers, Boston. A short
narrative below the image details a few facts about the doomed voyage. On
the verso, a short note addressed to one Harold Warner of Massachusetts
reads: "I suppose you have read all about this steamer." Foxing,
light surface abrasions from mailing, and a circular indentation from
cancelling. In fair condition overall.
Identical to the larger
poster printed by the Tichnor Brothers (offered below), this Titanic
postcard was mailed less than one month after the disaster.
Estimated
Value $150-200.
Lot 710
[Titanic]. Postcard.
Black and white picture postcard of the Titanic. Published by the
Tichnor Brothers of Boston, this 5½ x 3½" souvenir features
an image of the ill-fated steamer, adding a short history of the
unfortunate details. Postmarked June 28, 1912, a short note has been
written on the verso, and the card addressed to one Mrs. Fred Williams.
Small losses at edges, with light toning. In very good to fine condition
overall.
Estimated Value $125-150.
Lot 711
[Titanic]. Poster.
Titanic Advertising Poster published by the Tichnor Brothers of Boston
in 1912. Offering a brief history of the ill-fated ship, this black and
white poster pictures the liner with a smaller map of its route. Sheet
size: 22¼ x 14". With two soil marks, foxing at edges, and a few
surface abrasions. In fair to good condition overall.
As popular
publishers of picture postcards, this poster would likely have been used by
the Tichnor Brothers as a broadside, placed in a shop window enticing
passers-by to their colorful products. However, it appears that in their
rush to print a timely ad, the brothers were hastily informed -- the poster
lists 2,340 passengers, yet 2,223 were actually aboard; the poster also
claims that the iceberg was struck at 10:25 p.m., yet the accident actually
occured much later.
Estimated Value $500-UP.
Lot 712
Union Loyalist Letter.
Manuscript Letter. Seven pages, quarto, n.p., n.d. Mailing folds, some
edge wear, age toning and wrinkling at top right corner. Overall in very
good condition.
This strongly worded statement is obviously a rough
draft for a letter to Congress about the situation in the Reconstruction
South. A Union loyalist deeply concerned about Government policies,
duplicity on the part of the "Sesesh masses" and the fate of
loyalists in the South, our writer waxes eloquent on conditions during
Reconstruction: "...these men will have more to answer for than any
other class and the Government will be the sufferer if she lets them off
unpunished. These are the men who now like Spaniels fondle on Gen.
Grant as he makes his tours through the South -- And tell him all is
well while at the very same time in their blackened hearts burn a lurid
flame of hate -- fed and found by a persistent desire for revenge. We will
gain say they -- by intrigue or diplomacy what we have lost by Secession --
And under the policy adopted by his Excellency the President...their object
will be accomplished. Under his amnesty proclamation all up to a certain
class are pardoned. They have but to swear or take the oath to vote for
office and all the old political tricksters are busily at work...Remove the
army and under the policy sought to be adopted or being adopted and the
Secessionist will have as absolute sway over the South as they did during
the [?] days of Jeff Davis..." Strong language and deeply felt
sentiment, but our correspondent was right on all counts -- by the time the
last Federal troops were removed in 1877, the South was back in the hands
of the same people that had controlled the region before the Civil War.
Estimated Value $250-450.
Lot 713
Wolcott, Oliver
(1726-1797). American General and statesman. Wolcott, a member of the
Continental Congress, was also a signer of the Declaration of
Independence.
As Comptroller of the Public Accounts in Connecticut,
Wolcott often received payments from debtors. Here on three sheets of
printed receipts that have been completed in manuscript, Wolcott's office
acknowledges various payments. Each is numbered and dated 1789. Thirteen
receipts in all. Ink is smeared on one, and a few words have been covered
up on others. Overall the group is in fine condition.
Estimated Value
$200-300.
Lot 714
World War I War
Declaration Pass. Thomas Marshall. Document Signed ("Thos R.
Marshall"). As Vice President. Partially printed, accomplished in
manuscript. One page, duodecimo, Washington D.C., April 2, 1917. Being an
admittance pass to a special Senate session. In black ink. Light wear to
the verso, an insignificant water stain at upper left. Still in very good
to fine condition.
Prior to World War I, with tensions escalating
between the United States and Germany, President Woodrow Wilson found it
increasingly necessary to call special sessions of the Senate. However, two
days after German submarines sunk three U.S. merchantmen in 1917, Wilson
began drafting his war speech -- and he called a special session of
Congress slated for April 2. On that evening, Wilson delivered his famous
war declaration, stating: "It is a fearful thing to lead this great
peaceful people into war...but the right is more precious than peace, and
we shall fight for the things which we have always carried nearest our
hearts, -- for democracy, for the right of those who submit to authority to
have a voice in their own Government, for the rights and liberties of small
nations..."
Here, we offer a pass granting admission to one Miss
Humphrey and her guests to attend this landmark Senate session, signed by
Vice President Marshall. A rarity indeed, only very few people were
admitted into the Gallery for security purposes, and no one was
admitted without such a pass.
Estimated Value $1,500-UP.