If you wish to to enlarge any of the thumbnail images, simply click on the image shown to the left of the listing.
108001.
Adams, Charles Francis.
(1807‑1886). Charles Francis Adams, a distinguished statesman, was the son of
President John Quincy Adams and grandson of President John Adams. Early in his
career he was a state legislator in Massachusetts. In 1848 Adams joined former
Democratic President Martin Van Buren on the Free‑Soil ticket in an unsuccessful
bid for the vice presidency of the United States. As a Republican, he was
elected to the U. S. House of Representatives, serving from 1859 to 1861.
Adams met Lincoln only two times prior to his presidency, one of which
was on February 24, 1861, when Adams paid a visit to Lincoln at his hotel. On
March 18, 1861, Lincoln wrote to William Seward agreeing to appoint Adams
Minister to England. saying “Mr. Adams I take because you suggest him coupled
with his eminent fitness for the place.” The other was on March 28, 1861, when
Secretary Seward took him to see the President. After Adams left for London, he
became isolated from politics for many years. Following
in the footsteps of his father and grandfather as Minister to England, he did
indeed become an eminent representative of the United States. This was
particularly important because of the delicate balance of feelings toward
America and its Civil War. His career in England has been cited as one of the
foremost triumphs of American diplomacy. Lord Palmerston was constantly
pressured for support of the Confederacy but was held in check by public opinion
and the expressed feelings of Queen Victoria toward the North. Lincoln forwarded
Adams's dispatches to Congress concerning the Trent
Affair, in which Adams played a major role. On January 19, 1863, and February 2,
1863, Lincoln had letters transmitted through Adams supporting the plights of
the “Workingmen of Manchester, England" and the "Workingmen
of London,” respectively. In the one published letter from Lincoln to Adams on
April 4, 1863, the President introduced his “personal Friend,” Rev. John M.
Sturdevant, President of Illinois College, on his trip to London. Adams returned
home from England in 1868. In 1872 an attempt was made to nominate him as
a candidate for the presidency of the United States, but Horace Greeley secured
the nomination for himself. Adams returned to Boston where he edited the works
of his father and grandfather, and published many of his addresses and
commentaries. ALS, 1¼pp, 7”x4½”, Mt. Vernon St, n.p., 1851, Jan. 7. Fine.
Faint stains along margins. A letter probably relating to Senator Robert C.
Winthrop of Massachusetts. In 1850 Winthrop was appointed to the United States
Senate to fill the seat vacated by Daniel Webster. In 1851 he was defeated for
election to the Senate by a coalition of Democrats and Free- Soilers. In 1851 he
was again thwarted in his attempt to be elected as governor his state by the
same coalition. Adams writes,
"
I perceive in the publication of my letter one alteration of the manuscript
which places me in a delicate position. I think as I wrote it there could be no
doubt who was meant in the last paragraph – as printed, many may think I ref-
erred to Mr. Winthrop. My disinclination to strike at a failing man would alone
restrain me, from this if had any feeling which I have not and never had,
against him. If this misconstruction arise by any act in your office, I trust
you will take care that it is not entertained by Mr. Winthrop, to whom I am
indebted for one or two civilities which made such an attack from me at this
time appear peculiarly ungenerous…”
$225.00
Robert Anderson describes a visit to President Andrew Jackson at the White House and other activities in Washington
110001. Anderson, Robert (1805-71). A
West Point graduate he attained the rank of major general and is most noted for
his role as a defender of Ft. Sumter at the onset of the Civil War. Earlier he
had served in the Black Hawk War where he met Abraham Lincoln as one of his
senior officers. Anderson also served in the Seminole War and under Scott in the
Mexican War. ALS on light yellow paper, 2pp, 10"x8", Washington, DC, 1834 March
22. Fine. There are small paper repairs of a seal tear, not affecting the text.
It is a stampless folded letter with a "WASHINGTON CITY" cds, Ms rate and
holograph address. He writes to Allen Latham in Chillicothe, Ohio,
"Yesterday, I called to pay my respects to the President & half a dozen
gentlemen were in the room, with whom he was conversing when I entered. He was
smoking and looked well, and in better spirits than I expected to find him,
hourly and constantly harassed as he is by business and impromptu matters of
individuals. He has a better face that I have seen in any of the engravings
purporting to be his likeness. I remained a few moments and retired. I shall not
attempt a description, but will conclude my observations on my part next, by
saying, that his grey hairs are entitled to more courtesy than they are treated
by many of those who are honestly his political adversaries. I have been
frequently to the Senate Chambers where I have heard short and interesting
speeches from Clay, Calhoun, Webster, Leigh & Southard. Whether anything will b
expected during the present session is doubtful. Parties are being organized to
commence to the canvass for the next election. In this I take but little
interest, as I presume they will be managed by those cunning tricks and
shuffling which all honorable men, if they could divest themselves of party
feeling, would heartily and fervently despise..." Excellent content.
$950.00
Grace Bedell Billings, the little girl who convinced Lincoln to grow whiskers, comments on a motion picture being produced about Abraham Lincoln. She describes how the child representing Grace Bedell should appear in the movie and how Lincoln responded in meeting her in 1860
10708. Bedell
(Billings), Grace.
(1848‑1936). In 1860 Grace Bedell was a young girl living in Westfield, New
York, the daughter of Norman Bedell, a local merchant who manufactured carriages
and stoves. One day he brought home a campaign broadside depicting Abraham
Lincoln and his running mate, Hannibal Hamlin. On viewing the broadside this
eleven year-old girl was distressed at the apparent thinness of Lincoln’s face.
On October 15, 1860, she wrote her famous letter to the presidential candidate:
Dear Sir,
My father is just home from the fair and brought home your picture and Mr. Hamlin’s. I am a little girl only eleven years old, but want you should be President of the United States very much so I hope you wont think me very bold to write to such a great man as you are. Have you any little girls about as large as I am, if so give them my love and tell her to write to me if you cannot answer this letter. I have got 4 brothers and part of them will vote for you any way and if you would let your whiskers grow I will try and get the rest of them [Democrats] to vote for you ‑ you would look a great deal better for your face is so thin. All the ladies like whiskers and they would tease their husbands to vote for you and if I was a man I would vote for you but I will try and get every one to vote for you that I can. I think that rail fence around your picture makes it look very pretty.
Good bye, Grace Bedell.
On October 19, 1860 Abraham Lincoln responded:
My dear little Miss,
Your very agreeable letter of the 15th. is received. I regret the necessity of saying I have no daughters. I have three sons ‑ one seventeen, one nine, and one seven years of age. They, with their mother, constitute my whole family.
As to the whiskers, having never worn any, do you not think people would call it a piece of silly affection if I were to begin it now? Your very sincere well‑wisher. A. Lincoln.
On February 11, 1861, Lincoln left Springfield, Illinois for Washington, D.C. According to his pre-arranged schedule, the train stopped briefly in Westfield, New York. He gave no political speech but simply asked to see Grace Bedell. When she appeared, he gave her a kiss, displayed his new whiskers, and thanked her for her suggestion.
Grace Bedell married George W. Billings. They moved to Delphos, Kansas where he became a farmer and eventually cashier of The State Bank of Delphos. Throughout her life Grace would reminisce about this experience and later in life, when a movie was planned around this story, she freely gave her advice as to the events that took place. TLS, 1p, 7”x8”, Delphos, KS, 1922 July 28.Fine. Faint age-toning. Lower margin has been trimmed, not affecting text. There is a small stain on extreme left margin. The letter is addressed to Herbert W. Fay, custodian of Lincoln’s Tomb in Springfield for many years.
“Yours of the 18th received and the contents noted. If this film depicting Lincoln’s life goes through, I hope that it will be made as real as possible. For instance if a child is chosen to represent Grace Bedell of Westfield, she will be girl of eleven years -- dark hair and eyes – not a little child to be held in Lincoln’s arms as I have seen pictured.
“I think I have mentioned that I have no picture that was made in childhood, but numerous others at different periods – none earlier than twenty years excepting some ambrotypes or metal types of some order which probably could not be used. The photos were taken at the ages of 20, 29, 50, and the one that you have which was taken at about 73 years, my present age. I have no duplicates of these as they are rather prized by my children and grandchildren, so that I should insist on their return is [sic] they could be used, any of them I mean, of course.
“I am going on my usual summer outing next week but any mail will be forwarded. Thanks for the photo of Mr. Lincoln enclosed in your last. I consider it a fine likeness of him as far as my memory serves. I am asking my grandson to type this letter. I seem to be seeing double, one word over another – sort of ‘Ossa upon Pelion piled’ - - you see, hence the use of the type. Respectfully, Grace Bedell Billings.”
Grace Bedell letters are exceptionally scarce, particularly with mention of her meeting with Lincoln. $7500.00
10711.
Benedict,
Lew
(ca.1840-1920). Benedict was a minstrel performer from Albany, New York who
claimed that his was one of the first black-face shows on the road. His minstrel
men traveled throughout the small towns of the West before and after the Civil
War. With his stories and songs, “He made the world laugh and had a happy time
doing it...” MsDS, 1p, 9”x6”, Albany, NY 1919. Very fine.
According
to his narrative, “I talked with Abraham Lincoln a number of times in
Springfield & had the pleasure of being in his law office more than once. I
first met him in Lexington, Mo., while he was stumping that section. We often
exchanged witticisms & though he was a master at telling stories, I usually
matched him. I had the honor of marching in his funeral procession, my band
playing from the Lincoln home to the cemetery. Lew Benedict.” $300.00
Jeremiah Black criticizes Ward Lamon's Life of Lincoln, “It is not the book that was written. The falsification of the text, the additions and suppressions are a big swindle.”
108003. Black,
Jeremiah (1810-83). Black was a U.S. Attorney General
(1857-60) and Secretary of State in the Buchanan administration (1860-March
1860). He retired from public life following Lincoln’s inauguration. He became a
Washington, D.C. law partner of Charles E. Hovey and Ward Hill Lamon. Lamon was
an intimate friend and an associate of Lincoln. He gave his zealous support to
Lincoln’s campaign for president. Lincoln invited him to accompany him on his
trip to Washington in 1861. He accompanied Lincoln on their secret trip through
Baltimore a night following threats to the President-Elect’s life. He was
Lincoln’s bodyguard and marshal of the District of Columbia during Lincoln’s
presidency. His recollections of Lincoln led him to the creation of a book,
The Life of Abraham Lincoln. In 1869, with Chauncey Black, the son of
Jeremiah Black, Lamon purchased transcripts of William Herndon’s notes for a
biography of Lincoln, paying him $2000 in cash and signing a $2000 promissory
note. With Lamon's memory and Herndon's
notes Chauncey Black agreed to write the biography with Lamon's
name as author. Black was a Democrat and wrote a “hostile book.” James Russell
Lowell characterized the author as “a vulgar man and vulgarized a noble
subject.” Robert Todd Lincoln refused to open the book’s cover. In 1872
Jeremiah Black wrote to Colonel Donn Piatt, a Union officer in the Civil War and
founder of the weekly Capital, a Washington, D.C. newspaper. It was
dedicated to exposing corruption in both mayor parties. ALS, 1p, 10”x8”, York,
1812 June 4. Fine.“Returning
from the West this morning, I found your letter in the Tribune. You are the
greatest man alive when you express your own sentiments, but you miss it a
little when you go for mine. If I reply it will be for your paper and after a
fair talk. I will see you some time before long. I wish you would not say
anything about Lamon's Life of Lincoln until you learn
the inside story of it. It is not the book that was written. The falsification
of the text, the additions and suppression are a big swindle…”A
very interesting commentary on a famous, but discredited biography written by
Jeremiah Black's son. $425
10717. Blair,
Austin (1818-94). Austin Blair was a state legislator,
governor and member of Congress. Blair participated in the founding of the
Republican Party in Michigan in 1854 and in 1860 was a delegate to the
Republican Convention in Chicago that nominated Lincoln for President. Blair was
Civil War governor of Michigan from 1861 to 1865. On at least two occasions
during the war, Lincoln sent telegrams to the governors seeking voter
information. In 1862, Blair visited the President at the White House and on May
1, 1864, Lincoln invited Francis W. Kellogg and Austin Blair to take a ride with
him. After the war, Blair was elected to Congress for three terms (1867-73). ALS,
1p, 8”x5”, Jackson , Michigan, 1886 March 2. Fine. Response to an autograph
request. $65.00
10719.
Blair, Montgomery
(1813‑1883). Born in Franklin County, Kentucky, he was the son of Francis P.
Blair, founder of the Washington Globe, a Democratic newspaper. His
brother was Major General Francis P. Blair, Jr. Montgomery Blair attended West
Point and graduated in 1835. After a few months, however, during which time he
served in the Seminole War, he resigned from the service. He then earned his law
degree and was admitted to the bar in St. Louis in 1839. Blair was soon
appointed United States District Attorney for Missouri. In 1842 he was elected
Mayor of St. Louis, and from 1843 to 1849 served as Judge of the Court of Common
Pleas. In 1852 he moved to Maryland.
In his new location he distinguished himself
by presenting a number of cases before the United States Supreme Court. He was
most noted in his role as counsel for the plaintiffs in the Dred Scott case. In
1855 President Pierce appointed him United States Solicitor in the Court of
Claims. By 1857 he had become disillusioned by the Democrats’ passive attitude
toward slavery, joined the Republican Party and was promptly discharged from his
duties as Solicitor by President Buchanan. In 1860 Blair was chosen President of
the Republican Convention held in Maryland and was a delegate to the National
Convention held in Chicago. Although he held out for the nomination of Edward
Bates for president, Blair was considered for Lincoln’s cabinet from the outset,
in view of the prominence of his family in the bordering states of Kentucky,
Maryland and Missouri. Blair was of the belief that the southern cause was a
weak one, representing a minority view that had been permitted to grow through
the passive position of the Buchanan administration. He felt that southern
tempers could be contained by a show of military force. Skeptical of the
President-Elect’s position on slavery, he wrote to Lincoln of his beliefs. In
his response, on December 12, 1860, Lincoln wrote to Blair with a lengthy
explanation of his plans to deal with slavery. After Blair’s selection as
Postmaster General by Lincoln, he and the President conferred frequently on
appointments for local postmasters. As Postmaster General he succeeded well in
his assigned task. He balanced the books, accommodated to the military situation
during the war, and otherwise streamlined the postal service. As a cabinet
member, Blair was vocal in his sentiments about the South and was the only
cabinet member to urge reinforcement of Ft. Sumter. Throughout his tenure in the
cabinet he remained controversial. He sided with his brother Francis in his
feelings against John C. Frémont and in attempts to dislodge him for his
military command in Missouri. Blair was opposed to the creation of West Virginia
as a new state and was against the arrest of the Confederate Commissioners John
Slidell and James M. Mason in the “Trent” affair.
As time went on Blair became more
conservative and demonstrated open hostility toward his fellow cabinet
members, William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, and Edwin M. Stanton. Without an
explanation, Lincoln sought Blair’s resignation that was submitted on September
23, 1864. Lincoln did comment that his action was not the result of
“dissatisfaction of mine with you personally or officially.” William Dennison
was chosen to succeed Blair as Postmaster General. After the war Blair supported
President Johnson but was opposed to Reconstruction. He finally returned to the
Democratic Party. ALS, 1p, 10”x8”, St. Louis, [MO], 1849 Jan. 24. Fine. He
writes at length to Secretary of the Navy John Mason, as May or of St. Louis,
recommending the appointment of a young man as a midshipman, citing impressive
family connections in St. Louis. PLUS cdv photograph of Blair by E. Anthony
from a Mathew Brady negative Fine. 2 pieces. $600.00
110002.
Bogue, Vincent.
Vincent Bogue was a Sangamon County entrepreneur who promoted the navigation of
the Sangamon River with the steamship Talisman. In the winter of 1832, it
was widely advertised that the boat would be leaving Cincinnati and sail the
Ohio, Mississippi, and Illinois Rivers to Beardstown, at the mouth of the
Sangamon River. She would then sail to Springfield on the Sangamon River.
Although Bogue was the promoter and captain, he assigned the latter role to a
“dude captain,” James W. Pollock. On reaching Beardstown and unloading
merchandise there, the Talisman sailed to New Salem. Here the ship picked
up Abe Lincoln and several citizens of New Salem for the remaining journey to
Portland and Bogue’s mill, five miles north of Springfield. Lincoln and others
helped clear obstructions and ice in the river as they went along.
The Talisman arrived on about March 24, 1832, and began her
return trip on March 26th. On this same day, Vincent Bogue and others made a
claim against James W. Pollock “that the property in the list herewith filed and
marked (B) rightfully and bona fide belongs to the said Vincent A. Bogue¼and
is unlawfully detained from them by James W. Pollack.” This is evidenced by a
document prepared on this day and witnessed by Charles R. Matheny, Clerk of the
County Commissioner’s Court. On the return trip, John Rowan Herndon was selected
as pilot, assisted by Abe Lincoln, for the stretch to New Salem. With lower
waters on the return trip, it became necessary to make a breach in the Camron-Rutledge
dam in the river to permit the boat to get through.
If this venture had been successful, it would have opened the Sangamon prairie
to goods from the East. Bogue went bankrupt as a result of this folly. According
to Sandburg, the entire venture had been “a serio-comic chapter...” Since
Lincoln and Nelson Alley were Bogue’s backers, they became responsible for his
debts. On October 30, 1832, Lincoln and Alley were obliged to sign a promissory
note in the amount of $104.87½ to James D. Henry, Sheriff of Sangamon County.
On July 8, 1839, Lincoln was appointed a commissioner by the County Court and
guardian to convey 23 acres of land from Vincent A. Bogue to John Houston.
Presented here is a deposition by Bogue and others, MsDS, 1p, 9”x7 ½”,
[Springfield, IL], 1832 March 20. Fine. One small ink erosion through “Surtees”
in the text. It follows:
"Vincent Bogue, for himself as agent for William Surtees, John Baily, and
E.P – Oliphant, as agent for Fidelio H Oliphant make oath and say that the
property in the list herewith filed and marked (B) rightfully and bona fide
belongs to the said Vincent A. Bogue and [William Surtees –
crossed out] and is
unlawfully detained from them by James W. Pollack, and that the said property
has not been taken in execution for the payment of debt nor for the payment of
taxes…” It is signed “Vincent A. Bogue. For William Surtees
Vincent Bogue, John Baily. For Fidelio H. Oliphant, E.P.
Oliphant.” The list marked “B” is not present. Charles R. Matheny,
Clerk, signs this document, attesting to it authenticity.
A famous Lincoln-related story and a very scarce Bogue document
relating to this Sangamon River trip. $850.00
110003.
Boutwell, George Sewall
(1818-1905). Born in Brookline, Massachusetts, Boutwell was a merchant and an
attorney in Groton, Massachusetts from 1835 to 1855. From 1842 to 1851 he served
in the state legislature and in 1851 was elected governor of Massachusetts,
serving two terms. In 1854 following the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, he
helped organize the Republican Party and in 1860 he was a delegate to the
Republican National Convention in Chicago that nominated Lincoln for president.
Early in 1861 he was a delegate to the Washington Peace Conference, an attempt
to abort the Civil War.
On February 28, 1861, George Boutwell and General John E. Wool
held lengthy interviews with Lincoln. In 1862 Lincoln appointed Boutwell the
first commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. They met from time to time
in the White House. He later served as a member of Congress, Secretary of the
Treasury, and as a United States Senator.
ALS, 1p, 8”x5”, [Washington, DC], n.y. [1873-77] May 25. Fine. There is slight
transfer of ink from folding letter before the ink had dried. He writes to
Secretary of State Hamilton Fish, “It will give mew great pleasure to accept
your kind invitation for this evening…”$140.00
110005. Breckenridge, John Cabell (1821‑1875). Breckenridge was Vice President of the United States, a Confederate general, and a powerful southern statesman. He was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, studied law at Transylvania Institute, passed the bar examination in 1840, and opened a law office in Lexington in 1845. Shortly thereafter, with the advent of the Mexican War, he volunteered, and as a major led a contingent of Kentucky troops. He promptly entered politics upon his return. He was elected to the State legislature in 1849 and to the United States Congress where he served from 1851 to 1855. It was at about this time that Abraham Lincoln started to react publicly to Breckenridge’s positions as the leader of the Democratic Party in Kentucky. On October 18, 1856, Lincoln delivered a speech in Belleville, Illinois. According to the Belleville Weekly Advocate, he “defended the Declaration of American Independence against the attacks of...Breckenridge and the whole ruling class of the South...” In 1856 Breckenridge was elected Vice President of the United States on the Buchanan ticket, serving from 1857 to 1861. It was during these years that attitudes toward slavery became polarized between the North and South, with war becoming an almost certainty. In a speech delivered by Lincoln on September 17, 1859, he attacked Breckenridge and Stephen Douglas as being kindred spirits on their pro‑slavery positions. On September 29, 1860, Lincoln composed an amusing satirical dialogue between Breckenridge and Douglas concerning their respective roles in destroying the Democratic Party. In 1860 Breckenridge, represented the pro‑slavery National Democratic Party. He ran for the President of the United States. His opponents were Abraham Lincoln on the Republican ticket, Stephen Douglas on the Democratic ticket, and John Bell on the Constitutional Union Party ticket. Lincoln won with 59 per cent of the electoral votes. Breckenridge was second with 24 per cent of the electoral votes. During the same campaign Breckenridge was elected to the United States Senate, starting his term in March 1861, one month before the attack on Fort Sumter. In spite of his powerful southern sympathies, he remained in Washington until December of the same year when he was expelled from the Senate. Returning to Kentucky, Breckenridge joined the Confederate Army as a brigadier general and rapidly advanced in rank to major general. On June 12, 1863, in a letter written by Lincoln to Erastus Corning and others, he noted, “Gen. John C. Breckenridge, Gen. Robert E. Lee, Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, Gen. John B. Magruder, Gen. William B. Preston, Gen. Simon B. Buckner, and Commodore Buchanan, now occupying the very highest places in the rebel war service, were all within the power of government since the rebellion began, and were nearly as well known to be traitors then as now. Unquestionably if we had seized them, the insurgent cause would be much weaker...” He pointed out, however, “But no one of them, had then committed any crime defined in the law. Every one of them if arrested would have been discharged on habeas corpus, were the writ allowed to operate...I think the time not unlikely to come when I shall be blamed for having made too few arrests rather than too many.” From January to April 1865 Breckenridge was Secretary of War of the Confederacy. After Lee’s surrender, Breckenridge escaped to Cuba and later sailed to Europe where he remained until 1868 when he was permitted to return home to Lexington. ALS as vice president of the United States, 1p, 7”x4½”, Washington, DC, 1858 March 11. Fine. Edges slightly trimmed not affecting text. Slight smudging of ink affecting 3 words. A response to an autograph request. $625.00
110006.
Brooks, Noah
(1830‑1903). Noah Brooks was a journalist and an intimate friend of the
Lincolns. Born in Castine, Maine, he moved to Dixon, Illinois where he made a
futile attempt at becoming a merchant. He first met Lincoln in 1856 during John
Charles Frémont's unsuccessful campaign for the
presidency against James Buchanan. The next time he saw Lincoln was as a young
reporter sitting below the speaker's platform during
the Cooper Union speech in New York on February 27, 1860.
In 1862 Brooks moved to Washington as a reporter for the Sacramento
Daily Union. During the Civil War he developed a close friendship with
Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, spending much time at the White House, even
traveling to the front lines with Lincoln. During this time he sent 258
dispatches to his newspaper under the byline
"Castine." To this day his
“Castine” letters are an important source of information on Lincoln's
White House years. In 1863 Brooks was appointed Clerk of the House of
Representatives and in 1864 he was Lincoln's personal
reporter of the events transpiring at the Democratic National Convention.
After the assassination of Lincoln, President Johnson appointed
Brooks, Naval Officer for the Port of Sacramento, but relieved him of this post
after 15 months because he was one of the “radicals” of the Party. The remainder
of Brooks life was spent as an author of short stories, a biographer of Lincoln,
and as a reporter for the Tribune (1871‑1875) and Times
(1875‑1884) in New York. Sentiment and signature on 1x3½
slip of paper. Fine. $50.00
108005. Cameron,
Simon
(1799-1889). Cameron was a leading citizen of Pennsylvania. He
started out as the editor and owner of a newspaper. In 1822 he moved to
Washington to work in a printing house. It was here that he made powerful
friends, including Monroe and Calhoun. On returning to Pennsylvania, he became
the state printer and was appointed adjutant general of the state in 1826. As an
early political activist, in 1830 he led a movement to elect Andrew Jackson; in
1832 he pushed Van Buren for Vice President vs. Calhoun, and in 1833 his
politicking helped Buchanan in his election to the United States Senate. Cameron
became a very successful and wealthy businessman. His fortune was made through
contracts to build railroads, canals, as a president of two railroads, and in
the steel, banking, and insurance industries. He was known as an unscrupulous
businessman with a reputation for dishonesty. He switched political parties as
suited his goals. In 1845 he ran successfully for the United States Senate
under a “coalition of Whigs, Native Americans, and Protectionist Democrats.” In
1855, with Know-Nothing Party support, he failed to get re-elected. He switched
to the Republicans in 1856, and supported Frémont for President. As a Republican
he was elected to the Senate, and served 1857-1861 and 1867-1877. Cameron became
the most powerful politician in his state from 1845 until his death in 1889. In
1860 at the Republican National Convention in Chicago, his name was placed in
nomination for President, without much hope of success, and probably as a
political ploy to impress his constituents at home. Third on the first ballot,
behind Lincoln and Seward, he withdrew and urged the Pennsylvania delegates to
switch their votes to Lincoln. On the second ballot, Seward and Lincoln were
separated by only 3½ delegate votes. Soon others followed the lead of
Pennsylvania and Lincoln was nominated. It was frequently said that, seeking a
favor in return for supporting Lincoln, his managers were promised a cabinet
position for Pennsylvania, which essentially meant Cameron.
On December 30, 1860, Simon Cameron and Edward Bates
visited Lincoln in Springfield, seeking a cabinet position for Cameron. As a
result, on the following day, Lincoln wrote a letter to Cameron indicating that
he would appoint him either Secretary of the Treasury or War. During the next
two days Lincoln was buffeted with letters against an appointment for Cameron,
citing charges of corruption. Others urged his appointment. Facing an immediate
dilemma, Lincoln wrote to Cameron on January 2, 1861, withdrawing this offer but
he did appoint him Secretary of War after his inauguration.
Although Cameron did a fairly good job in expanding the War Department from a
woefully inadequate and understaffed governmental unit, he soon gained a
reputation of corruption in the awarding of War Department contracts. Although
Lincoln saw no overt evidence of corruption and Cameron probably did not
personally profit from these actions, many others “did profit shamefully,”
according to scores of letters that barraged Washington. During his tenure as
Secretary of War, he conceived of and prepared a postal campaign proposing “the
freeing and arming of slaves as soldiers.” This was done without the knowledge
of the President. Before he could implement his plan, Lincoln learned of it. On
January 11, 1862, he wrote to Cameron and fired him. Cameron’s presence had
become an embarrassment to the President. To solve this dilemma, Lincoln
appointed him Minister to Russia. After resigning this post several months
later, Cameron remained an advisor to Lincoln, who maintained an ambivalent
position toward him. At times Lincoln would seek his advice on critical issues,
many of a political nature. Cameron helped Lincoln’s re-election plans, gave
advice on the Gettysburg campaign, and recommended Andrew Johnson as a selection
for Lincoln’s next running mate. Cameron attended Lincoln’s funeral in
Washington as an honorary pallbearer. He helped Mary Lincoln raise money for a
house in Chicago and also successfully appealed to the Senate to grant her an
annual pension. ANS, 1p, 8"x5",
Lochiel, 1864, March 30. Fine. He writes to H.P. McIntosh, “Your vote of 18’
inst. has been received…” Mounting traces on corners on
verso. $125.00
108006. Cameron,
Simon
(1799-1889). ALS, 1p, 8”x5”, Middletown, 1877 May 25. Fine. He is
unable to accept an invitation.
$150.00
Plans to add on to the American Museum of Natural History in New York
11302. Choate, Joseph H. (1832-1917). Choate, the nephew of Rufus Choate, was a distinguished attorney who practiced his profession for 50 years. He had many famous cases. Most impressive was his political stand against Tammany Hall. In 1899 President McKinley appointed him Ambassador to Great Britain, a position he held for six years. He probably met Lincoln for the first time in Worcester, Massachusetts on the latter’s presidential campaign tour of New England in 1860. In December 1864, Choate wrote to President Lincoln, inviting him to be present at the annual festival of the New England Society honoring the settlers of the Plymouth Colony in the 17th century. Lincoln was unable to accept, but wrote, “While we reverence their memory, let us not forget how vastly greater is our opportunity¼” ALS, 1p, 7”x4½”, [New York], 1875 March 22. Fine. Mounting traces on blank 4th page. He writes to Hon. T. G. Alvord with a letter introducing Prof. A. S. Bickmore of the American Museum of Natural History. to present to you the merits of the Bill lately introduced in the Assembly and referred to the Committee of the Whole providing for the completion of the Museum Building in the Central Park. Prof. Bickmore properly represents the views of the Trustees of the Museum who in regard to this important Bill are in full accord with the Park Commissioners and they are very desirous you should be fully advised of the merits of the matter¼” Alvord was a powerful New York politician, Speaker of the New York House of Representative and Lt. Governor of the state. He was also successful merchant and proprietor of extensive salt mines in central New York. $90.00
If you wish to to enlarge any of the thumbnail images, simply click on the image shown to the left of the listing.
108010.
Everett, Edward (1794-1860). Everett was a noted
Massachusetts statesman, theologian, orator, and scholar. He graduated from
Harvard College in 1811 and remained as a tutor for three years. After studying
theology he was appointed pastor of the Brattle Street Unitarian Church in
Boston. This was followed by a long association with Harvard College, first as a
professor of Greek literature (1815-1826) and later as an Overseer of the
college (1827 to 1865), excepting ten years when he was on political
assignments. In 1824 he was elected to Congress and
re-elected five times (1825-1835). He then served a governor of Massachusetts
from 1836 to 1840. Appointive offices followed that included United States
Minister to Great Britain (1841-1845), President of Harvard College (1846-1849),
and Secretary of State in the Fillmore administration (1852-1853). In 1852 he
was elected to the United States Senate but resigned this position in 1854.
During the presidential campaign of 1860 he was a vice presidential candidate on
the Constitutional Union Ticket of presidential candidate John Bell, running
against the presidential tickets of Abraham Lincoln, Stephen Douglas, and John
C. Breckenridge. With the onset of the Civil War, Everett gave his support to
Lincoln and gave 23 speeches exhorting his audiences to support the principles
of Federal government. His oratory expertise drew large crowds. His most notable
speech was given Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on November 19, 1863, at the
dedication of the national cemetery. It is most remembered, however, because of
the brief but extraordinary speech given by Abraham Lincoln at the same
ceremony. ALS, 7”x5”, 1¼”pp, Boston, MA, 1862 Jan 31. Very good. Moderate
age-toning with paper repairs on blank portion of 2nd page. He writes
to Robert Bonner after a troublesome trip to the West, suffering the effects of
“Limestone water.” $110.00
110021.
Foster, Lafayette (1806-80). U. S. Senator from Norwich, CT. After Lincoln
was assassinated and Andrew Johnson vacated the vice-presidency, as President
pro tempore of the Senate, Foster became acting Vice President of the United
States during the session of the 39th Congress. Before his inauguration as
President, Lincoln sought Foster's advice on cabinet appointments and on at
least one occasion, wrote to him on Connecticut appointments. Foster was one of
Lincoln's pallbearers. S on portion of album leaf, 3"x4", "L.F.S. Foster /
Conn." Fine. $25.00
111076.
Hamlin, Hannibal (1809-91). Vice President of the United States during
Lincoln's first term (1861-65). Elected to Congress, he served as a MOC and as
U.S. Senator, both before and after his vice presidency. He was also governor of
Maine. Hamlin presided over the Senate during most of the period of the Civil
War. He had a distant relationship with the President but did discuss some
appointments, military procurements, Congressional matters and other related
problems. President Andrew Johnson appointed Hamlin Collector of the Port of
Boston in 1865, a position he held for only one year. In spite of his poor
relationship with the White House, Hamlin was a strong supporter of the
Emancipation Proclamation, the Fourteenth Amendment and held a continuing
admiration for Lincoln as one of the most distinguished men he had ever known. ALS, 1p, 8"x5", Bangor, ME, 1875 Oct. 27. Fine. Mounting traces on verso where
it had been removed from being inlaid. Ink very slightly light. He writes to L.
D. Merchant, Superintendent of the Senate Folding (?) Room to deliver a copy of
"Cholera Epidemic of 1873 in the U.S." to the bearer of this letter.
$225.00
111077.
Hamlin, Hannibal
(1809-91). ALS, 1p, 13”x8”,
Hampden, ME, 1846 Nov. 4. Fine. There is a small seal tear not affecting the
text. He writes to Jabez Knowlton, asking him to bring his accounts to him for
review. A stampless folded letter that bears a holograph address and Hamlin’s
free frank as well as a stamped “FREE” and cds “HAMPDEN, ME NOV 4.”
Two signatures on leaves (ALS + free frank). $250.00
111078.
Hamlin, Hannibal (1809-91). MsLS on Custom House lined
blue letterhead, 1p, 10”x8”, Boston, MA, 1865 Oct. 5. Fine. The Secretary of the
Treasury had asked Hamlin for his views on stimulating American shipping. He
writes to Daniel W. Lord at Kennnebunk Port, “It seems to me that some plan
should be devised whereby American tonnage, which has suffered so severely
during the last four years, should regain its position on the seas. Ship
builders should be encouraged in their work of adding to the tonnage of the
United States. Your long experience in ship building, has no doubt made you
familiar with the subject and I should be glad to have your views in writing…” Letters
by Hamlin during his brief tenure as Collector are uncommon. $225.00
If you wish to to enlarge any of the thumbnail images, simply click on the image shown to the left of the listing.
108013.
Hamlin, Hannibal
(1809-1891). Born in Paris Hill, Maine, as a young man Hamlin was a farmer,
surveyor, and a schoolteacher. He later studied law, was admitted to the bar and
opened an office in Hampden in 1848. He was elected to the State House of
Representatives (1836-1841; 1847) and was Speaker of the House for three years.
In 1842 Hamlin was elected to Congress as a Democrat and served until 1847 when
he was again elected to the State House. The following year he was elected to
the United States Senate and served until 1857 when he resigned to become
governor of Maine, an office he held for four years. Hamlin was nominated for
vice president of the United States at the Republican Convention in Chicago in
May 1860 following the nomination of Lincoln for president.
During his vice
presidency Hamlin was often absent from his seat as President of the Senate and
was frequently absent from Washington attending to matters in Maine. The
relationship with Lincoln was somewhat distant, leaving little opportunity for
patronage for Hamlin. Hamlin had a falling out with Gideon Welles and did not
play a significant role in the administration. He was by-passed by Lincoln in
his bid for the presidency in 1864.
After the election,
President Andrew Johnson appointed Hamlin Collector of the Port of Boston, a
position he held for only one year. In 1868 he was again reelected to the Senate
and served from 1869 to 1881. In spite of his poor relationship with the White
House, Hamlin was a strong supporter of the Emancipation Proclamation, the
Fourteenth Amendment and held a continuing admiration for Lincoln as “one of the
most distinguished [men] of all times and all nations.” ANS, 1p, 3½"x4½",
Washington, D.C., 1860, June 19,. Fine. Mounted to a same-size sheet of paper.
He acknowledges receipt of a note from William H. Adams. $125.00
108014.
Hamlin, Hannibal (1809-1891). ALS, 1p, 8”x5”, Bangor, ME, 1869 Feb. 6. Very
good. A Scotch tape repair of lower fold on verso with moderate show-through. He
writes to Mrs. Parsons, thanking her for her congratulations, probably for his
election to the U. S. Senate. It relates to her inquiry about “our
Agricultural College.” Hamlin adds that she write to Samuel Johnson,
secretary of the Trustees at Orono. Ellen Vesta Emery Hamlin, Hamlin’s
second wife, adds a postscript, “Samuel Johnson is the name of the Secy – me
to your husband and believe me yours Truly Ellen V. Hamlin.” A scarce
combination of signatures. $130.00
Rev. Jesse Head, the minister who married Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks, the parents of President Abraham Lincoln
108017.
Head, Jesse. Head was a
justice of the peace and minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church in
Washington County, Kentucky. It is recorded that he owned property as early as
1797 (and slaves at a later date). On April 30, 1800, the Tax List of
Washington County recorded that Jesse Head owned 54 acres. On June 1, 1806, Head
married the parents of Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks. The
wedding service was held in the cabin of Richard Berry, close to Beechland in
Washington County. ADS as justice of the peace, on verso of a document of
Cornelius Buckler, 1p, 5”x6”, Washington County, Kentucky, 1800 Aug. 19. Very
good. Slight-moderate age-toning. Head writes, “Personally come John Cubart
before me a Justice for Washington County and made oath that on the 18th
day of August he delivered a true Coppy [sic] of the within notice to Cornelius
Buckler. Given under my hand August 19th 1800.” The notice on the
recto refers to the taking of a deposition. Jesse Head autographs in any form
are quite scarce. $850.00
If you wish to to enlarge any of the thumbnail images, simply click on the image shown to the left of the listing.
10720.
Helm, Benjamin
(1779-1858). Born in Virginia, his father, Thomas Helm, moved his family to
Hardin County, Kentucky in 1780. Young Ben thus became a pioneer and became
noted for his success as an Indian fighter. Major Ben Helm was the father of
John Larue Helm, governor of Kentucky and grandfather of Confederate General Ben
Hardin Helm who married Emilie Todd, sister of Mary Todd Lincoln. Ben Helm
married Mary Edwards, the daughter of Benjamin Edwards who was a sister of
Governor Ninian Edwards. It was the governor’s son and namesake who married
Elizabeth Todd, sister of Mary Todd Lincoln. Thus there was a connection with
Mary Todd Lincoln on both sides of Ben Helm’s family.
Ben Helm was a prominent citizen of Elizabethtown who served as a merchant and
bank president. He was County Surveyor, a member of the Town Board, Clerk of
Hardin County Court and the Circuit Court, and a major in the War of 1812. As
County Surveyor Helm was the first to survey Elizabethtown, the birthplace of
Abraham Lincoln. Helm built the first brick house in Elizabethtown that became
an important social and meeting center of town. He purchased the farm owned by
Christopher Bush, father of Sally Bush Johnston Lincoln, the President’s
step-mother. Helm was also a partner in a general store with Duff Green. On May
28, 1860, Abraham Lincoln referred to Ben Helm in a letter to Samuel Haycraft.
ADS, 2pp, 6½”x8”, Elizabeth Town, KY, 1811 August 9. Fine. It is a summons to
the sheriff for Stephen Ogden & Jeremiah Pearpoint to appear before the Hardin
County Court, “to answer to Benjamin Helm of a plea of debt of fifteen
dollars and fifty cents…” On verso is an ADS of Robert Bleakley,
deputy sheriff citing that he had issued the summonses as well as a ADS
acknowledging his receipt of the summons order.
Bleakley was born in Ireland.
As a participant in the Irish Rebellion, he was forced to escape and sailed to
America. He settled in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, the birthplace of Abraham
Lincoln. It was here that he and another Irishman, William Montgomery, opened a
dry goods store. In 1806 they hired Thomas Lincoln, the father of Abraham
Lincoln, to take a flatboat down the Mississippi River with their merchandise to
be sold in New Orleans. They paid Tom Lincoln £16 gold and a credit of £13 in
gold. Their
account books showed that Tom Lincoln bought “two twists of tobacco & one pint
of whisky.” The books also record that in May 1806 Tom Lincoln went on a buying
spree, purchasing silk, linen, scarlet cloth, dozens of buttons &c. He had
earlier purchased an “aristocratic beaver hat” and a pair of silk suspenders. He
was at this time courting Nancy Hanks, his future wife and the mother of Abraham
Lincoln. After their marriage Tom Lincoln purchased knives, forks, spoons,
thread, needles, silk, tobacco, other provisions, and household goods at the
Bleakley store. A fine association piece. $250.00
An 1811 summons issued by Benjamin Helm and delivered by Robert Bleakley.
10721.
Helm, Benjamin
(1779-1858). See Helm & Bleakley above. ADS, 2pp, 5”x7”, Elizabeth Town, KY,
1811, July 11. Fine. Small blank of portion of left margin missing. A summons
signed by Bush for Michael Roll to testify in behalf of William Bush about a
controversy in the court. William Bush was an uncle of Abraham Lincoln by
marriage (his stepmother’s brother). Robert Bleakley executed the
summons, which is so noted on verso by his signed statement. $225.00
108018.
Herndon, William Henry
(1818-1891). William Herndon was Lincoln’s law partner, but is most remembered
as Lincoln’s biographer. In 1837 William Herndon became a clerk in a store in
Springfield owned by Joshua Speed. It was here that he met Abraham Lincoln. They
both lived and slept with Speed in a room above the store. From 1842 to 1844
Herndon studied law in the firm of Logan and Lincoln. Herndon was admitted the
bar in Springfield shortly thereafter and in 1844 joined Lincoln as his law
partner. Herndon remained in Springfield most of the
time, whereas Lincoln was on the circuit a good portion of his time. Herndon
attended primarily to legal research in their office but also rode the circuit
in Menard County. It was a strange relationship, but they worked well together
and divided all their fees equally between one another. When Lincoln left for
his inauguration as president, he asked Herndon to leave their partnership sign
on the building until his return. Following Lincoln’s assassination, Herndon
subsequently had two law partners, Charles Zane and Alfred Orendorff. During the
1870s his practice and income fell off as he was overtaken by intemperance.
During the years immediately following the death of Lincoln,
Herndon devoted his time, in great part, to the memory of his departed friend.
He traveled to Kentucky, Indiana, and rural Illinois, visited those who knew
Lincoln and recorded their reminiscences. By the 1870s, he was in financial
straights and to get along sold some of his notes on Lincoln to Ward Hill Lamon
for his Life of Abraham Lincoln. He received $2000 and a promissory note
for an additional $2000 from Lamon. By 1881
Herndon gave up drinking and concentrated again on a Lincoln biography. Now an
old man, he invited Jesse Weik to join him in this project. The two finally
completed the biography in 1889 in three volumes,
Herndon’s Lincoln: The True Story of a Great Life.
In 1887 in Letters from Herndon by
Emanuel Hertz, Herndon is quoted, “I have been much abused for telling the truth
about Lincoln; and this I shall continue to do. Lincoln will rise in the
estimation of mankind the higher, the more thoroughly he is known because that
estimate will be formed from facts truthfully and courageously told. When public
opinion is thus formed, it never changes; it rests on fact – on eternal
verities…I say, in short, in terms of contradiction, if you please, that Mr.
Lincoln was a perfect and an imperfect man, a strong man and a weak one; but
take him all in all, he was one of the best, wisest, greatest, and ablest men in
all the ages.” William Herndon died near Springfield at the age of 72. ADS,
3½pp, 12”x8”, Sangamon County Court, Springfield. IL, 1861 Aug. 3. Very fine.
About 800 words in the hand of Herndon. He signs “Herndon & Zane.”
Charles S. Zane was born in 1831, passed the bar in1837, moved to Springfield
and at different times was a law partner of Herndon and Senator Shelby Cullom.
In 1859 he was city attorney and later judge of the 5th Judicial
Circuit. In 1883 he was appointed by President Chester Arthur as Chief Justice
of Utah. This document was written at a time that Herndon was still a partner of
Lincoln. The document is a plea to the Judge of the Sangamon Circuit Court in
Chancery in the case of S.N. King vs. James A Barrett in regard to a land
transaction. The document is docketed by S.S. Whitehurst, Clerk.
$875.00
Document “Lincoln & Herndon,” prepared by William Herndon
111088.
Herndon, William
(1818-1891). William Herndon
was Lincoln’s law partner, but is most remembered as Lincoln’s biographer. He
was born in Greensburg, Kentucky. His family moved to Illinois when he was two
years old and settled in Sangamon County in 1821. William did a lot of reading,
was essentially self-educated and unlike his father, who was a Democrat, became
a Whig in philosophy and developed a strong stance against slavery. He
accumulated many books, creating one of the largest libraries in Springfield. In
1837 William Herndon became a clerk in a store in Springfield owned by Joshua
Speed. It was here that he met Abraham Lincoln. They both lived and slept with
Speed in a room above the store. From 1842 to 1844 Herndon studied law in the
firm of Logan and Lincoln. Herndon was admitted the bar in Springfield shortly
thereafter and in 1844 joined Lincoln as his law partner. When Lincoln left for
his inauguration as president, he asked Herndon to leave their partnership sign
on the building until his return. Following Lincoln's assassination, Herndon
spent a great deal of time lecturing and writing a biography of Lincoln. He
subsequently had two law partners, Charles Zane and Alfred Orendorff. ADS
“Lincoln & Herndon,” 1½pp on lined blue paper, 12”x8”, [Springfield, IL],
1855 June 4. Fine. There are some vary narrow archival paper repairs of some
weak folds. It is addressed to the Judge of the Circuit Court of Sangamon County
in the case of Elizabeth Smith and John Roll, administrators of the Estate of
Isaac Smith, vs. George Westernberger. It relates to a dispute on a building lot
in Springfield. Matheny, James (1818-1890) dockets the document as clerk
of the court. James Matheny was the son of Charles R. Matheny. He was a friend
and associate of Lincoln and a supporter of the Whig Party, and was best man at
the marriage of Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd in 1842. During the Civil War
Matheny served as a lieutenant colonel in the 114th Illinois
Volunteers in 1862. After the siege of Vicksburg, he was appointed judge
advocate, a position he resigned in 1864. He practiced law after the war and
from 1873 until his death he was County Judge of Sangamon County. $1200.00
108020. (Illinois Attorneys). All of the following letters were addressed to Hezekiah Morse Wead, a Lewisboro, Illinois attorney, most noted for his role as an attorney for the plaintiff in the famous “Effie Afton” case. His group of attorneys faced Abraham Lincoln who represented the defense. It was the case in which a ship, Effie Afton, crashed into a support structure of the newly erected Rock Island (railroad) Bridge over the Mississippi River, causing total destruction of the ship. The owners of the ship sued the Rock Island Bridge Company in hearings that lasted a long time, finally being settled in the United States Supreme Court, in favor of Lincoln and the bridge company. Most of these letters were written by lawyers, some of whom in all likelihood were associated with Lincoln on one or more occasions. They include Alfred M. Craig (1831-1911). Born in Edgar County, Illinois, he attended Knox College and passed the bar in 1854. He later became State’s Attorney, a County Judge, and finally a judge of the State Supreme Court (1873-1900). ALS, 1p, 10”x8”, Knoxville, IL, 1871, Nov. 8. Fine. Faint age-toning and ink very slightly light. He seeks financial aid for the impoverished members of his county. Greenberry L. Fort (1825-83). Born in Ohio, he moved to Illinois in 1834. In time he became sheriff of Putnam County (1850), Clerk of the Circuit Court (1852) and Judge of Lacon County (1857-61). He served in the Civil War from 1861–1866 as Chief Quartermaster 15th Army Corp and on in the “March to the Sea.” He was brevetted colonel and brigadier general. From 1873 to 1881 he served in the United States House of Representatives. ALS, 1p, 8”x5”, Lacon, IL, 1860 Feb. 18. Fine. Light stains on verso. To Wead concerning mutual legal fees. William C. Goudy (1824-93). Born in Indiana he moved to Illinois, attended college, studied law with Stephen T. Logan, and was admitted to the bar in 1847. He opened his office in Lewistown. He subsequently served as State’s Attorney (1852-55) and as State Senator (1856-60). He then moved to Chicago where he became a corporate and railroad attorney. He was largely responsible for suggesting Melville W. Fuller’s name for Chief Justice of the United States. ALS, 2½pp, 8”x5”, Chicago, 1862 Nov. 19. Good. Moderate damp-staining and small marginal breaks repaired on verso with archival paper. Legal content but closes by suggesting he might run for U. S. Senator and seeks Wead’s support if he runs. Obadiah Jackson. A Chicago attorney. ALS, 1p, 10”x8”, Chicago, 1869 March 18. Fine. In writing to Wead, he encloses a subpoena to be served by Wead for hearing in Chicago. Joseph C. Orth. It is a letter addressed to Wead concerning a visit to Springfield and his early career. ALS, 1p, 10”x8”, Springfield, IL 1845 Jan. 341. Fine. It is a SFL with 2 Springfield CDSs and a Ms rate “10” (value $20.00). B. F. Parks. A political letter to Wead. ALS, 2pp, 12½"x8", 1868 April 9. Emery Alexander Storrs (1835-85). Born in Hinsdale, New York, he studied law with his father and was admitted to the bar in 1853. He moved to Chicago in 1859 where he attained great prominence as an orator and was an advocate of the bar. Active politically as a Republican, he was a delegate to the Republican Conventions of 1868, 1872 & 1880. ALS, 2pp (separate leaves), 10”x8”, Chicago, IL, 1864 March 9. Good. There is moderate damp-staining, but is entirely legible. It describes the resolution of a legal case that he and Wead shared in common. 7 pieces. $225.00
108019. Higbee, Chauncey L. Higbee was an attorney from Lewiston, Illinois who served in the state legislature from Pike County. When Abraham Lincoln was seeking election for the United States Senate, he compiled a list of all of the members of the Illinois State Legislature as an electioneering device. In it he listed Higbee's name. ALS, 1p, 8”x5”, Lewistown, IL 1875 Dec. 14. Very good. Slight damp-staining and slight age-toning. He writes to Hezekiah Morse Wead, a Lewisboro, Illinois attorney, most noted for his role as an attorney for the plaintiff in the famous “Effie Afton” case, facing Abraham Lincoln who represented the defense. The letter is of legal content. $40.00
1121044.
Holt, Joseph (1807-94). A Kentucky statesman and
judge. He was Postmaster General (1859-61) and Secretary of War (Jan. – March
1861) under Buchanan. Although a Southern Democrat, following secession of the
South, he joined forces with the North, materially assisting in swinging
Kentucky's support for the Union. During Lincoln’s
first inauguration he assisted General Winfield Scott in protecting the
President from hostile demonstrators. As one of his strong supporters, Lincoln
appointed Holt Judge Advocate of the Army in 1862. In 1864 Holt headed the
Bureau of Military Justice and was brevetted major general in 1865. Following
the assassination of Lincoln, Holt played a prominent role in prosecuting John
Wilkes Booth’s compatriots. ALS, 1p, 8”x5”, Washington, DC, 1862 May 10. Fine.
Mounting tabs on blank 2nd leaf. He writes to Joseph H. Barrett,
Commissioner of Pensions,
“Messrs Kinchelor & Jenings, Attorneys at law residing in Hardinsburg, Kentucky,
desire to obtain a copy of any instructions issued \under your authority,
showing the mode in which claims for pensions &c due soldiers or their heirs,
for services rendered during the present war, should be prepared. If such a
paper exists & you will enclose the them a copy of it, I shall be much
obliged…” $325.00
If you wish to to enlarge any of the thumbnail images, simply click on the image shown to the left of the listing.
11355. Letcher, John (1813-84). An American lawyer and politician, serving as MOC (1851-59) and as Civil War governor of Virginia (1960-64). Although opposed to secession, he joined the Confederates. After the war he was charged with treason and jailed with Jefferson Davis. ALS, 1p, 8"x6", [Washington]. 1858 May 26. Fine. He responds to a request. See below. $250.00
109120. (Lincoln, Abraham & Family). An 8"x6" period photograph of an engraving of Abraham Lincoln and his family. It shows Lincoln reading a book with this two sons, Robert and Tad on each side of him. Willie Lincoln (deceased at this time) is shown in a framed pictured on the wall. The engraving is based, in part, on a photograph by Brady of just Lincoln & Tad. There never was a photograph taken of Abraham and Mary together - only composites done by engravers. The condition is very fine. It is matted with a green velvet mat in a black frame of the period with a gilded liner. There are minor defects in the frame. $210.00
If you wish to to enlarge any of the thumbnail images, simply click on the image shown to the left of the listing.
Lincoln Centennial Photo in Ceramic
109121
(Lincoln, Abraham). Photograph of Lincoln in ceramic tile - a
centennial piece. The photograph was originally taken by Alexander Gardner on
November 8, 1863 (O-77). It measures 9"x6", and was produced with photographic
emulsion in ceramic and has a pristine smooth glossy surface. It is set in the
original flat, back wooden frame that measure overall, 14"x10.5". The condition
is fine. There is a barely visible hairline crack across the front of the tile.
On verso of the tile is an intaglio that reads, "In COMMEMORATION of the One
Hundredth ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION of the Birth of ABRAHAM LINCOLN February 12,
1909 - Modelled from the only untouched negative in the UNITED STATES. Taken
1864 - Made by SHERWIN & COTTON EASTWOOD TILE WORKS - HANLEY STAFFORDSHIRE."
These centennial pieces rarely appear on the market. $975.00
Photograph of Lincoln's home in Springfield following his death, framed and matted with drapery fabric from his home
109131.
(Lincoln's Home - Photo and Drapery Fabric). Photograph of Abraham Lincoln's
home in Springfield shortly after his assassination. It shows the house with
mourning bunting on all the windows an eaves, surrounded by a huge crowd. All of
the men have doffed their hats for this pose. The streets are mud with curbs of
wood planks on edge and boardwalks for crossing the streets. Mounted on the
corner curb is an advertising poster, "GREAT REDUCTION / DRY GOODS!..."
In the lower left corner is an imprint in the photo, COPYRIGHT 1906 BY S. A.
RICE." The photo is very good. There is slight fading and age-toning as well
as a line showing a crack in the original glass plate negative from which this
photo was taken. Others photos were taken on this same day, but this is the
first of this image that we have seen. Swann Galleries sold an albumen print
with almost the identical view for a price of "just under $3000.00" in1998
(The Rail Splitter). The crowd is identified as "The Chicago and Illinois
delegations posed outside Lincoln's Springfield home..." This image shows that
same huge crowd, but the individuals are in different positions. The photo
presented here is extremely scarce. It is displayed in a period walnut frame
with a gold-leafed liner that is in fine condition. The mat is of fabric,
measuring 3.5" on all sides. The fabric is a rose, maroon an gold-patterned
textile. It has minor defects and is slightly soiled., but is remarkably well
preserved with good retention of colors. The fabric came from the draperies in
Lincoln's home. Provenance: This lot was acquired by Seaport Autographs
from the Riba Gallery in 1986. It includes a copy of a letter from the
Staff Curator, Historic Furnishings, National Park Service, September 30, 1986,
to Riba Gallery, that reads, "I'm sending a color photograph of the drapery now
owned by the National Park Service that we believe came from the Lincoln 's
Springfield, IL home. Please compare the photo to the fragment in the October 25
sale and let me know what it looks like to you. The documentation supporting the
Lincoln association for our fragment is not iron clad but fairly substantial..."
We have compared a copy of the photo with the framed fabric and find them
identical. The present drapes in the living room of the Lincoln home that we
viewed recently also appear to be identical to the fabric presented here. Copies
of this letter and photo are offered with this lot. 4 pieces. $3250.00
If you wish to to enlarge any of the thumbnail images, simply click on the image shown to the left of the listing.
109129.
(Lincoln, Abraham). Bas-Relief of profile of Abraham Lincoln cast in
metal, probably nickel silver. It measures 13"x8" and is in its original
scalloped wooden frame with the backing board held with cut nails. It is in fine
condition with the usual aging of the patina and small marginal areas of
oxidation. The overall size is 16"x11.5". The name "LINCOLN" is cast in
the lower margin. On the verso a small paper label is attached, "Made in
Germany." $225.00
10722.
Lyons, Lord Richard Bickerton Pemell, 1st Earl
(1817-1887). British Minister to Washington during the Civil War and the Lincoln
administration. He met with Abraham Lincoln before the inauguration in 1861.
After the outbreak of the war, the negotiations concerning the Confederate
envoys on the Trent devolved upon him. Later, for 20 years, he was a Minister to
France. ALS on mourning stationery, 2pp, 7”x4½”, Washington, 1859 Oct. 6. Fine.
Mountng traces on verso on corners. According to a
note written on the sheet by Mrs. Mackubin, it was “given me by Mrs. Clymer
1889.” He writes to Commodore Shubrick, “Captain Benhanan holds out to
me a hope that you will be disposed to accompany me tomorrow in a visit to the
Navy Yard…”Letters of Lyons as minister are scarce. $120.00
108027.
McCulloch, Hugh (1808-95). ALS, 1p, 8”x5”, London,
England, 1873 Aug. 19. Fine. He is unable to give answers to his correspondent's
questions. This was at a time that McCulloch was spending six years as a member
of the banking firm of Jay Cooke, McCulloch & Co. in England (1870-76).
Holograph letters of McCulloch are relatively scarce. $150.00
10723.
Morgan, Edwin
Denison
(1811-1883). Morgan was a businessman, born in Washington, Massachusetts. After
great success and amassing large fortune in running a wholesale grocery business
and a banking and a brokerage firm, Morgan entered politics in New York City.
He was elected to the State Senate where, upon reelection, he served eight
years. As a Whig, he joined the Republican Party in its formative years. He
chaired the Republican National Committee from 1856 to 1864 and in 1872, he
opened the conventions that nominated John C. Frémont, Abraham Lincoln (twice),
and Ulysses S. Grant. On September 20, 1860, Lincoln wrote to Morgan concerning
the politics of the upcoming election. Morgan was elected governor of New York
(1858-1862). On Lincoln’s trip to Washington in 1860, Morgan invited the
President-Elect to visit and speak to the New York State legislature in Albany.
Lincoln accepted and following a cordial reception, he wrote to Morgan with
profound thanks for the great welcome that he had received. Morgan’s second
administration was focused on the Civil War. Lincoln commissioned him major
general of volunteers and was placed in command of the military department of
New York. Lincoln and Morgan carried out an extensive correspondence throughout
the war and met with one another at the White House on several occasions.
Virtually all of their communications related to troop deployment, particularly
since New York State was one of the most populous states and many soldiers for
the war effort. In 1863 he was chosen to succeed Preston King in the United
States Senate and served from 1863 to 1869. In 1865 Morgan declined President
Lincoln’s offer to be Secretary of the Treasury. With his large fortune, it is
said that he made charitable gifts of over one million dollars. S & place
on 3”x4” slip of paper, “E. D. Morgan / New York.” Fine. Faint
age-toning. $35.00
108028.
Morrill, Lot Myrich (1813-1883).
Morrill was a state legislator and statesman. Born in Belgrade, Maine, he was
active in politics most of his professional life. He attended Waterville (now
Colby) College, then studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1839. Early in
his political career he served as a representative and as a senator in
the Maine state legislature. He subsequently was elected governor
of Maine (1858-1960). In 1861 he was a member to the Peace Convention in
Washington, an unsuccessful attempt to abort a North-South conflict. Just prior
to his inauguration, Lincoln sought the advice of many individuals for the
selection of cabinet members. Morrill’s opinion was solicited; he recommended
Salmon Chase. When Senator Hannibal Hamlin became Vice President of the United
States in 1861, Morrill was appointed to replace him in the United States
Senate, a position he held until 1876 when he resigned to become Secretary of
the Treasury in the Grant administration (1876-1877). In the latter year
President Hayes appointed Morrill collector of the Port of Portland, Maine where
he remained in office until his death. ALS, 1p, 7"x4½",
Augusta, ME, Dec. 2, n.y. Fine. Tipped to a mount. He writes to L. H. Center
with regrets that he is unable to meet with him and the Hon. Edward Everett.
$75.00
11356.
Phillips, Wendell
(1811-84). American clergyman, orator, abolitionist, reformer and author. Four
ALsS, 4pp, 8"x5" or smaller, n.p., 1864-65. Very good to fine. All
have mounting traces from a letter book and one is slightly soiled. Another is
slightly age-toned. They all relate to lecture invitations in Toledo. 4 pieces.
$150.00
10724. Phillips, Wendell (1811-84). American clergyman, orator, abolitionist, reformer and author. AQS on album leaf, 1p, 7”x4½”. Fine. Faint age-toning. He writes, “All men equal / Wendell Philips / Nov. 1867.” PLUS Carte de visite photograph of Wendell Phillips by Mora, 707 Broadway, New York. Fine. Mounting traces on verso. $125.00
111091.
Pond, Fern Nance. Author of the illustrated pamphlet,
New Salem Village, 16pp, fourth edition, 1941 (Monaghan No. 3644). She
writes, “Most cordial greetings to Herbert Wells Fay from Fern Nance Pond /
Petersburg, Ill. / July 18, 1943. Fine. From the Herbert Fay collection.
$30.00
112040.
Stephen Rawlings.
A pioneer settler in Hardin County,
Kentucky, Stephen Rawlings was justice of the peace of Elizabethtown. In 1796
Rawlings built a 20 ft. by 20 ft. log cabin. It was in this cabin that Abraham
Lincoln’s father, Thomas, married Sarah Bush Johnston in 1819 in a ceremony
performed by the Rev. George L. Rogers. MsDS, 1½pp, Hardin County Court,
Kentucky, 1800 May 1. Fine. It is a deposition of George Helm regarding rails in
which Christopher Bush is cited. Bush’s daughter, Sarah, married Thomas Lincoln,
the President’s father. The document concludes, “And the said Deponent further
more sayeth not. Given under our hands this 1 day of May 1800 / Step. Rawlings
/ Geo. Bell.” $250.00
If you wish to to enlarge any of the thumbnail images, simply click on the image shown to the left of the listing.
11358.
Scott, Winfield (1786-1866).
Scott was an
American general who served with distinction
in the War of 1812, where he was brevetted major general. He also served in
several Indian campaigns, the Aroostook War, and in 1841 he was appointed
supreme commander of the United States Army. Scott was associated with
Presidents Jefferson through Lincoln. His leadership, heroism in the Mexican War
and support of the North led him, as a Whig, to be a candidate for President of
the United States, only to be defeated by Franklin Pierce. Although the senior
army officer at the start of the Civil War, he was too old to assume any major
role and died the same year. Partly printed ADS, 1p, 2½”x6½”, New York, 1831 May
24. Very good. A personal check.
Slash cancellation marks do
not affect signature.
Slight marginal
wear. $230.00
111092. Shutes, Dr. Milton. Author of Lincoln and the
Doctors. A Medical Narrative of the Life of Abraham Lincoln, New York
1933. S + inscription on back endpaper of the pamphlet, Lincoln Tomb, Under
the Supervision of the Department of Public Works and Buildings Hon. Louis L.
Emmerson, Governor…[Monaghan No. 3336], State of Illinois, 16pp, [1932].
Fine. An illustrated history and description of the tomb and its rededication by
President Herbert Hoover. Shutes writes, “Milton Shutes
/ Abraham Lincoln and the Doctors / at Lincoln’s Tomb / Jan. 6, 1933.”
From the Herbert Fay collection. $30.00
11359. Sumner, Charles
(1811-74). He as a statesman, a leading abolitionist and a U.S. Senator from
Massachusetts, elected in 1850. During the Civil War he was a strong supporter
of Lincoln. They exchanged a number of letters during this time and Sumner was a
frequent visitor to the White House. Lincoln responded to his recommendations
for appointments, received memos and a speech written by Sumner. On a least
one occasion the Lincolns invited him to join them at the opera, probably at
Grover's Theatre. Sumner was one of the first to recommend the formation of a
regiment of colored troops to the President, suggesting that General Fremont be
their commanding officer. Lincoln invited Sumner to join them to his
inauguration in 1865 in his carriage, picking up Sumner at his home. Partly
printed ADS, 1p, 2½”x8”, Washington, DC, 1873, Jan. 13. Very good. A personal
check. Cancellation slash mark goes through “a” of “Charles.” Tiny archival
tape repair on verso. $125.00
If you wish to to enlarge any of the thumbnail images, simply click on the image shown to the left of the listing.
109088. Vickers, George (1801-85). He was appointed major general of the state militia of Maryland in 1861 and later served as a MOC (1868-73). In September 1863 General Erastus Tyler wrote to the President advising him that Vickers "has recently, on the slave question, become a virulent enemy of the government . . . he proposed to secessionists to raise a mob . . . and burn the . . . steamer employed for the transportation of . . . U.S. colored troops . . ." In response, Lincoln wrote, "Take care of colored troops in your charge . . . do nothing about Gen. Vickers . . ." S on 2"x5" slip of paper. Very fine. $25.00
109097. Wheeler, Joseph (1836-1906). Confederate lieutenant general in Civil War. He served at Shiloh, Corinth, Knoxville, Chattanooga and against Sherman on his March to the Sea. After the war he was a planter in Wheeler, Alabama and was a MOC during the Spanish-American War (1899-1900). He led a brigade in the Philippines. ALS "Joseph Wheeler," 1.5pp (1st & 3rd pages), 8"x5.5", Mexico, 1904 Dec. 14. Very good. Spotty small light stains on 3rd page and one paper repair on verso, not affecting text. Wheeler discusses his daughter's trip to Ashville and his social plans, adding, "I am invited to the great Inauguration ball tomorrow night & expect to see much beauty & elegance . . ." $235.00
Crepe from Lincoln's bier in the Capitol Rotunda with provenance by General Edward W. Whitaker who carried the truce flag at Appomattox
109130.
Whitaker, Edward W. Whitaker is a little known soldier in the Civil War, yet
he played a major role in a great moment of history. From Connecticut, he
entered the war in 1861 as a sergeant in the 2nd New York Cavalry. He rose in
rank to major in the 1st Connecticut Cavalry in 1865, later to lieutenant
colonel and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his gallantry at Reams Station,
Virginia. Whitaker was brevetted brigadier general. In 1981 Mary Benjamin
offered a letter of Whitaker in one of her catalogues in which Whitaker detailed
the most important day of his life, in delivering the truce flag at Appomattox.
He detailed the events of the day as follows: "I will say the surrender
flag of truce under which I informed Gen. Chamberlain on Ord's infantry line of
battle of unconditionally surrender of Gen. Lee's Army on the morning of April
9, 1865, at Appomattox C. H. was immediately again used by me a the Cavalry
line...where it had been presented to Capt, Sims of Longstreet's Staff with the
request of Gen. Lee for suspension of hostilities. Gen. Custer had sent me in
these words, 'Whitaker take this truce and go with this officer to Gen. Lee,
give him my compliments, and tell him I can not stop this charge unless he
announces an unconditional surrender as I am not sole in command of this field.
I took the towel [truce flag] and at some risk entered rebel lines.
Gordon and Longstreet were so profuse in assurance that it was absolutely an
unconditional surrender...I was easily entreated to go westward with the towel
to stop the battle by announcing the surrender. I first got a rebel to go with
me...and I left that officer on the line of battle, where Chamberlain was, while
I hurried back alone to Custer with the towel still in my hand. No other truce
to announce the surrender was made on that field. You can see by this account
that it was used first to request suspension of hostilities, and was used
twice immediately after in my hands to announce to the two
Arms of the service, between which the rebels were being crushed, the absolute
surrender of Lee...I cut a piece of the towel and gave it to Gen. Custer. Mrs.
C. wrote a magazine article about it and has provided in her will that one half
of it goes to West Point and one half to me at her death...Gen. Chamberlain
distinctly described the towel I took to his line and has mentioned the details
in his lectures." Presented here is large piece of folded black crepe that
was on Lincoln's bier in the Capitol Rotunda in1865. It measures approximately
8"x5" and is displayed in a period walnut frame with a gold-leafed liner with a
copy of a photograph of Lincoln, and a provenance signed by General Whitaker.
The crepe is held together with a straight pin that was originally used on this
piece. The matting is of bright red felt. The overall presentation is superb.
Whitaker has written an ANS, 1p, 4"x4", n.p. Fine. Slight wear. He writes,
"This crepe was taken from President Lincoln's bier at Capitol rotunda in 1865
by an officer who was on duty there and gave it to me. E. W. Whitaker."
Autograph material of Whitaker is excessively scarce. The only piece that we
have seen is that quoted above from Mary Benjamin's catalogue over 20
years ago. The combination of his note and relic from Lincoln's bier is a
noteworthy combination. $3500.00
Click on "Books" for publications relating to Abraham Lincoln
111093.
Wilson, Henry
(1812-75). Vice President of the United States during the Grant administration
(1873-75 – died in office). He started his career as a cobbler and later as a
shoe manufacturer in Massachusetts. For many years he was in the Massachusetts
legislature and was editor of the Boston Republican, organ of the Free Soil
Party (1848-51). He was an avid abolitionist and a founder of the Republican
Party in Massachusetts. As such he came to know Lincoln on political terms. His
first communication with Lincoln was during the 1860 presidential campaign,
when he encouraged Lincoln to sponsor more campaigning in New England. On other
occasions he corresponded with Lincoln, sought presidential appointments and
visited the White House. MsLS, 1p, 10"x8", Washington, 1868 Dec. 7. Fine. Light
stains along left margin from previous mount to a letter book. To an
unidentified correspondent concerning the position of Deputy Collector of the
Port of Boston. Wilson knows nothing of the present occupant and does not feel
at liberty to urge his removal. ALS as editor of the
Republican, 1.5 pp, 10"x8", [Boston], 1850 June 6. Fine. Slight show-through
of ink. He writes to Judge Wells, having been unsuccessful in contacting him,
"I have two young men...will set up the Shoe business in you town. They are both
first rate cutters of Leather having been employed in cutting out Shoes several
years. One of them is not surpassed in that line or in making good shoes by any
man I ever knew. He cut for me bout eight years having entire control of that
part of my work. They are industrious of good habits & worth about $2000.
I have agreed to aid them if they will go in forming acquaintance with
Leather & Shoe Men..." Early letters
regarding Wilson's expertise in the shoe business are are quite scarce. $325.00
111094.
Wilson, Henry
(1812-75). S on 1½"x5" slip of paper. Very fine. $60.00
PRINTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
111095.
(Power, John Carroll). Power was one of the first
directors of the Lincoln Tomb in Springfield, Illinois and became the first
custodian of the Tomb when it was dedicated in 1874. It was a position that he
held until his death in 1894. A 9½”x6½” engraving by H. B. Hall & Sons, New
York. Fine with only faint age-toning. (There are no lines crossing the
image as appear in the scan shown below). Below the image is a facsimile
signature. PLUS a 4”x3” print of Lincoln’s Tomb on one side and on the other,
“Lincoln’s Farewell Address to His Neighbors” at the railroad depot in
Springfield on February 11, 1861. There is a faint crease across the lower third
and moderate soiling of the printed speech. It is dated lightly in pencil, 1892.
2 pieces from the Herbert Fay collection. $20.00
111090
(Lincoln, Abraham). A 7"x4½"
photograph of Lincoln on an 11"x7 ½"
sheet. Fine. The image is reversed and cropped from the original size. This is a
copy of Anthony Berger's photo taken in the Brady
Gallery on February 9, 1864, the $5.00 bill image (O-92). From the Herbert W.
Fay collection dated on verso by Fay, “April 1, 1931.”PLUS
(Lincoln's Tomb).
Halftone photograph identical to the one offered in the
dedication folder when President Hoover rededicated after its reconstruction in
1932. Very fine. From the Herbert Fay collection. 2
pieces. $50.00
111097.
(Lincoln Park Chapter). An invitation to attend a
“Reception and Banquet to Keystone Chapter, No. G.R.A.M. of Indianapolis,
Indiana” at the Kaiserhof Hotel, November 24, 1906. The inside leaves list the
menu and the officers of the Lincoln Park Chapter. The embossed cover is in
color with pictures of Lincoln, his cabin and the Capitol. The Lincoln portrait
is enclosed with a gilded frame. It measures 6½”x4½”. Condition is fine with
only faint soiling. From the Herbert Fay collection. $30.00
If you wish to to enlarge any of the thumbnail images, simply click on the image shown to the left of the listing.
PRINTS
The following steel engravings and prints are all in fine condition and have been professionally cleaned. All are attractively matted and backed with acid-free materials and are fine for display. If one wishes, they may easily be removed from the mats and backing without damage to the prints.
11362. Buchanan, James (1791-1868). 15th
President of the United States. Lincoln first met Buchanan in 1848 when he was a
Congressman. The next time was when they met at the White House before Lincoln’s
inauguration and when the two rode together in the inaugural parade. Steel
engraving of Buchanan by H. B. Hall, New York with facsimile signature with an
ivory background. 10"x8" (image area is 7"x5"). $20.00
10727.
(Camp Boas).
Camp Boas was a Civil War camp located in Virginia in close proximity to the
Chain Bridge manned by soldiers of the 127th Regiment Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was responsible for guarding the entrance to
Washington, DC, manning Fort Ethan Allen and 64-pounders during an emergency,
and performing picket duty from Langley to the Potomac River. They also had to
devote time to squad, company, regimental and brigade drill. The streets of Camp
Boas were laid out in a precise manner with a grand parade ground. Colonel
William W. Jennings was in command of the regiment. The fort was named in honor
of Colonel Frederick Krause Boas of Harrisburg. Boas was an attorney, an aide to
Governor Porter of Pennsylvania with the rank of colonel, and served as a civil
servant in several capacities. A hand-colored copper-plate engraving of Camp
Boas showing the Union camp with its troops formed for drill. It has a gold
double-edged border and is attractive framed with a black mat board. It is
titled, “Camp Boas, 127th P.V., Col. W. W. Jennings, Commdg.”
It is printed by L.N. Rosenthal in 1862 – overall size is 12”x17”. A fine
vintage engraving. $225.00
10730.
(Chase, Salmon P.)
(1808-73). A statesman and diplomat. During the Lincoln administration he was
Secretary of the Treasury and Chief Justice of the United States. The engraving,
from a photograph, was entered by an act of Congress in 1863. $20.00