Autograph Letters Signed
Browse our extensive selection of signed and autographed letters and items from leaders in every field.
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Rare genealogical archive documenting the life and heritage of the first President of the Confederation Congress John Hanson
THOMAS, Douglas H. [John Hanson].
John Hanson Genealogical Archive.
c. 1880-1885.
Rare genealogical archive documenting the life and heritage of the first President of the Confederation Congress John Hanson, whose biographers have argued to be the true first President of the United States. The archive is composed primarily of letters, historical records and biographical documents prepared by Hanson's ancestors, most notably several biographical volumes composed by his descendant Douglas H. Thomas who, in his numerous biographical papers, promoted Hanson as the the true first President of the United States. Contents also include biographical accounts of Hanson's father Philip Thomas, and his descendant John Hanson Thomas who served in the American Civil…
Price: $8,800.00 Item Number: 116321
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RARE 1885 PROPERTY DEED SIGNED BY FAMED ABOLITIONIST FREDERICK DOUGLASS AS RECORDER OF DEEDS FOR WASHINGTON, D.C.
DOUGLASS, Frederick.
Frederick Douglass Signed Property Deed.
Washington, D.C: March 23, 1885.
Rare real estate document signed by famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass as Recorder of Deeds for Washington, D.C. One page, partially printed, the property deed agreement is signed by Douglass, “Fredk. Douglass” as Recorder of Deeds, certifying a deed transferring a plot of land in Washington, DC, from Joseph C.G. Kennedy to Thomas D. Bond. Following the Civil War, Douglass received numerous political appointments from Republican presidents including positions as United States Marshal of Washington, D.C. (1877-81), and later ambassador to the Republic of Haiti (1889-91). He was nominated Recorder of Deeds for Washington, D.C. by President James Garfield and confirmed by the Senate on May 7,…
Price: $5,500.00 Item Number: 141500
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Rare Typed Letter Signed by Winston Churchill to the Proofreader for His Memoir, The Second World War
CHURCHILL, Winston S.
Winston S. Churchill Typed Letter Signed.
London: March, 1957.
Rare typed letter signed by Winston Churchill to his proofreader. One page, octavo, on Churchill's 'Knightsbridge 28, Hyde Park Gate' stationery, the letter reads in full, 'My dear Wood, Thank you for your letter of March 7. I am much obliged to you for the assistance you have given me, and send you the enclosed cheque for £400. Yours very sincerely "Winston Churchill."' The recipient, C. C. Wood was proofreader for British publisher Harrap during the publication of his six-volume memoir 'The Second World War.' In fine condition. Matted and framed. The piece measures 12.7 inches by 14.9 inches.
Price: $3,000.00 Item Number: 145452
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Manuscript copy of the 1841 Democratic Republican Convention Proceedings; signed by Colonial American Reformer Thomas Dorr
DORR, Thomas W.
Thomas Wilson Dorr Signed January 20th 1841 Democratic Republican Convention Proceedings Document.
January 20,1841.
Rare manuscript copy of the proceedings of the January 20th 1841 Democratic Republican Convention, signed by Chairman Thomas W. Dorr. Octavo, one page, the document reads, "Resolutions. Resolved, That the members of the Convention must cordially concur in the strong recommendations of William Ennis for the post of paymaster in the Army, or purser in the Navy which have been presented by many distinguished citizens of this and other states; and they assure the President, that this appointment is most earnestly desired by the Convention, would by very generally acceptable to our citizens, and particularly gratifying to the friends of…
Price: $1,800.00 Item Number: 142568
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"I am afraid that 'Kaspar's Song In Varda' is one of my own compositions": Rare Autograph Letter Signed by Rudyard Kipling
KIPLING, Rudyard.
Rudyard Kipling Autograph Letter Signed.
September 2, 1907.
Rare autograph letter signed from Rudyard Kipling to R. G. Von Berg. One page on Bateman's Burwash Etchingham letterhead, the letter reads in full, "Sep. 2 1907 Dear Sir: In reply to your letter of the 28th Aug. I am afraid that 'Kaspar's Song In Varda' is one of my own compositions and that you will not find it in the works of your great poet. Sincerely yours Rudyard Kipling R. G. Von Berg." Also known as 'Butterflies,' 'Kaspar's Song in Varda' was a sister-poem that accompanied Kipling's short story 'Wireless,' first published in Scribner's Magazine in 1902 and later…
Price: $1,250.00 Item Number: 146537
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"We need only Israeli lists. Too many small political groups can only affect our stability": Rare Autograph Letter Signed by David Ben-Gurion to Eliahu Eliachar
BEN-GURION, David.
David Ben-Gurion Autograph Letter Signed.
[1954].
Autograph letter signed by and entirely in the hand of the founder of modern day Israel and first prime minister David Ben-Gurion. One page, text in Hebrew, addressed to Eliahu Eliachar, a notable Sephardic Zionist and Member of the Knesset, the letter reads in full, "Greetings, We don't need separate political lists - not those of independent Yemenite or Sephardic political parties. Those lists can only distort/falsify the democratic process in our country and the process of integration as well. We need only Israeli lists. Too many small political groups can only affect our stability. The only way to resolve…
Price: $5,000.00 Item Number: 104802
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"My sympathies are with the suffragettes": Rare English parlor game book containing numerous early 20th century signatures
[MACKENZIE, Poppy].
The Truth About My Friends.
London: Dow & Lester, n.d.
Small parlor game book belonging to Poppy Mackenzie, each page with tipped-in printed slip lifting to reveal a self-criticism or "truth" (one of them being "My sympathies are with the suffragettes"), below which the participants have signed their name. In good condition.
Price: $975.00 Item Number: 135645
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Typed Letter Signed by Agatha Christie.
CHRISTIE, Agatha.
Agatha Christie Typed Letter Signed.
May 2, 1969.
Typed letter signed by Agatha Christie to 'Mr. and Mrs. Holden' in answer to the question of how many books she has written. One page on Christie's Winterbrook House letterhead, duodecimo, the typed letter reads, '2nd May, 1969 Dear Mr. and Mrs. Holden, In answer to your question, how many books have I written, the answer is between 60-100, but I cannot tell you exactly because books of short stories differ here and in American publications. I suggest that you get Agatha Christie Mistress of Mystery by G.C. Ramsey published in America by Dodd Mead & Co of New York,…
Price: $2,750.00 Item Number: 145287
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Rare Typed Letter Signed by Famed Architect Robert Venturi to Head of University of Iowa's Museum of Art Stephen S. Prokopoff
VENTURI, Robert.
Robert Venturi Typed Letter Signed.
Philadelphia: Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates, Inc, August 11, 1999.
Rare typed letter signed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Robert Venturi. Quarto, one page on Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates 25% cotton stationary, the letter reads in full, 'August 11, 1999 Dear Stephen, At last, enclosed is a sketch [not present] which parallels one I've just made for the Las Vegas AIA! Hope you enjoy it. Very best wishes from us both, "Robert" RV:lp encl. Mr. Stephen S. Prokopoff University of Iowa Museum of Art.' In very good condition.
Price: $50.00 Item Number: 146698
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"let those who are really inclinable to buy, come forward, like men that are in earnest, and say what they will give": Rare Autograph Letter Signed by George Washington as the First President of the United States of America
WASHINGTON, George.
George Washington Autograph Letter Signed.
January 24, 1790.
Rare autograph letter signed by George Washington as the first President of the United States. Quarto, one page, the letter reads in full, "New York Jany 24th 1790 Sir Capt. Burnett delivered me your letter of the 18th and is so obliging as to take charge of this answer - It is my sincere opinion that the land mentioned in it is worth what I asked for it--to wit four dollars per acre and once would have sold for it; but if, in the present scarcity of cash it rather fetch that sum, let those who are really inclinable to…
Price: $65,000.00 Item Number: 141583
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Autograph Letter Signed By English Author John Creasey to American Novelist John Ball
CREASEY, John [John Ball].
John Creasey Autograph Letter Signed.
Bodenham: August 9, 1967.
Autograph letter signed by English author John Creasey to American novelist John Ball with a review of the film based on Ball's first 'Virgil Tibbs' novel. One page on Cunard Line R. M. S. Queen Mary letterhead, duodecimo, the autograph letter reads, "Dear John, Last night in New York, I saw 'In the Heat of the Night.' It was quite remarkable, and I hope you agree that any changes from the book did no harm at all. It is, in fact, a tremendous piece of film making and a social document which will surely be of great value and urgently…
Price: $650.00 Item Number: 145578
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Rare Typed Letter Signed by Winston Churchill
CHURCHILL, Winston S.
Winston S. Churchill Typed Letter Signed.
10 Downing Street, Whitehall: October 15, 1954.
Rare typed letter signed by Winston Churchill as Prime Minister to "Mrs. Martin." Octavo, one page on Prime Minister Downing Street headed paper, the letter reads in full, "15" 'October, 1954 Dear Mrs. Martin, I am honoured that you should have sent me the bronze which was treasured by your late Husband, the famous jockey, and I am indeed happy to accept it. I should like to thank you and Mr. Martin very much. I hope you will allow me to send you these small tokens of my recognition of your goodwill [not present]. Yours sincerely,' "Winston S. Churchill." In…
Price: $2,200.00 Item Number: 146845
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RARE PRINTED LETTER SIGNED BY THEODORE HERZL IN the wake of the collapse of Zionist fundraising efforts in Russia
HERZL, Theodor.
Theodor Herzl Printed Letter Signed.
December 19, 1903.
Printed letter signed by the father of modern Zionism, Theodor Herzl, in the wake of the collapse of Zionist fundraising efforts in Russia. One page, printed, sent from Vienna on December 19, 1903, the letter is in German and translates into English as, "As of around the 23rd of Oct. we have requested that you, in consideration of the current situation in Russia, which for a longer time has made the collection and delivery of the Shekel impossible to us, to compress in the fund-raising of the Shekel in your country as quickly as possible, and to send us the…
Price: $7,500.00 Item Number: 143208
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Rare Elaborately Illuminated nobility diploma signed by King Charles II Of Spain
KING CHARLES II OF SPAIN. [DON CARLOS],.
King Charles II Of Spain Autograph Signed Manuscript.
Madrid: May 28, 1699.
Rare elaborately illuminated nobility diploma signed by King Charles II of Spain, appointing Don Martin Damian Mendizabal the title of Marquis of Torre Gines. Quarto, bound in full red contemporary velvet covered boards with two metal clasps, containing five illuminated leaves, two fully illuminated in color with the Royal coat of arms and portrait of King Charles II, text in Spanish. Signed by King Charles II, "Yo el Rey" and additionally signed by several Royal secretaries. Bound with a printed manuscript of the Oath of Fidelity to the King of Spain with Royal stamps dated 1701 and with two autograph…
Price: $12,500.00 Item Number: 107920
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Rare black and white photograph of Albert Schweitzer during his years as a medical missionary in Africa; warmly inscribed by him
SCHWEITZER, Albert.
Albert Schweitzer Signed Photograph.
January 18, 1963.
Rare black and white photograph of Albert Schweitzer in Lambaréné, inscribed by him, "En canoe sur la fleuve Ogooué a monsieur Glarvey Robbins avec ma profon de reconnniass avec Lambaréné Albert Schweitzer 18.1.63." Schweitzer's philosophy was expressed in many ways, but most famously in founding and sustaining the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné, which up to 1958 was situated in French Equatorial Africa, and after this in Gabon. In near fine condition.
Price: $1,750.00 Item Number: 135832
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Special Detroit Symphony Concert Display Program; Inscribed by George Gershwin
GERSHWIN, George.
George Gershwin Inscribed Special Detroit Symphony Concert Display Program.
Detroit: January 20, 1937.
Special Detroit Symphony Concert display program featuring Gershwin as conductor and pianist. One page, small octavo, Special Detroit Symphony Concert display program, selections of 'Porgy and Bess' and 'Rhapsody in Blue' clipped and adhered to the front, advertisements to the rear. Presentation copy, inscribed by George Gershwin, "to Charlotte Good wishes George Gershwin." In near fine condition with a few tiny punctures and light corner creasing. The piece is 5.5 inches by 8.75 inches.
Price: $2,750.00 Item Number: 145295
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Rare autograph letter signed by P.L. Travers mourning the death of close friend and lifetime companion Madge Burnand
TRAVERS, P.L.
P.L. Travers Autograph Letter Signed.
[1959].
Autograph letter signed by the author of Mary Poppins, Pamela Lyndon Travers, concerning the distressing news of the death of close friend, long-term companion and possible lover Madge Burnand. Quarto, two pages, the letter reads, "‘Salvatore Mundi Hospital Rome - 19th March [1959]. My dear Richard, You will grieve to know that our dear Madge died last night. She had been ill & was in Chichester Christ Hospital. After asking the matron how she was, & being told 'very ill... it is in higher hands' she said 'I know what that means' - & cheerfully made her will - Then...…
Price: $3,500.00 Item Number: 143284
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"Moreover, trust is, I suspect, too deep to explain": Rare Autograph Letter Signed from John Rawls to Annette Baier
RAWLS, John.
John Rawls Autograph Letter Signed.
Cambridge, Massachusetts: January 14, 1985.
Rare autograph letter signed by one of the most influential political philosophers of the 20th century. Small octavo, one page on Harvard University Department of Philosophy letterhead, the text reads in full, "Jan 14, 1985 Dear Annette Many thanks for your review of Parfit's Reasons & Persons with your splendid & illuminating appreciation of this work. You provide some ways to focus on it which had not occurred to me. I agree with you on its importance & no doubt it will have major effets on contemporary discussion, & into the future. On the other hand, I find myself in certain…
Price: $2,800.00 Item Number: 146554
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William T. Sherman Autograph Letter Signed to Mary Audenried
SHERMAN, William T.
William T. Sherman Autograph Letter Signed.
St. Louis, Missouri: May 21, 1885.
Autograph letter signed by William T. Sherman to the widowed Mary Audenried, whom he is rumored to have had a decade-long affair with. In this personal letter, William T. Sherman advises Mary Audenried, the widow of his former aide-de-camp Joseph C. Audenried, on how to manage her underage daughter's restless behavior. He shares that his wife and daughter may be leaving town and mentions the name of a local hotel, possibly hinting at a rendezvous. One page, bifolium, large duodecimo, the letter reads in part, "It is of hard course that one so loving as you should be lonely but…
Price: $1,600.00 Item Number: 145302
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Rare Houdini Picture Corporation Stock Certificate; signed by master illusionist Harry Houdini; with a rare Famous-Players-Lasky Promotional brochure for his greatest film, The Grim Game
HOUDINI, Harry.
Harry Houdini Signed Houdini Picture Corporation Stock Certificate.
New York: The Brown-Green Co., July 18, 1921.
Rare stock certificate signed by the world’s greatest escape artist, master illusionist Harry Houdini. One page, partially printed in brown and black ink with an embossed seal, the document is dated July 18, 1921 and certifies that George Popp hereby owns fifteen shares of the Capital Stock of Houdini Picture Corporation. Signed by Harry Houdini as President of the Corporation and countersigned by R.G. Risley as Treasurer. In near fine condition. With a rare Famous-Players-Lasky Promotional brochure for The Grim Game, Houdini's first full-length movie which is widely regarded as his best.
Price: $4,800.00 Item Number: 128055
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Rare George Orwell Autographed Letter Signed
ORWELL, George.
George Orwell Autographed Letter Signed.
June 1944.
Rare autographed letter signed by George Orwell signed to Amy Charlesworth Byrne detailing his usual weekly routines between his home and the offices of Tribune, in order to make lunch arrangements to meet her and her husband, also promising her a book ("...I'll try & find a copy of 'Burmese Days for you. These Penguins are sold out as soon as published nowadays, but I believe I have a few copies somewhere... signed E. Blair"), one page, 10a Mortimer Crescent, London NW6, 23 June 1944. Amy Charlesworth, with whom Orwell had corresponded in 1937, had now married her second husband…
Price: $14,000.00 Item Number: 142004
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Rare Typed Letter Signed by Calvin Coolidge to the Honorable Ralph Bauer
COOLIDGE, Calvin.
Calvin Coolidge Typed Letter Signed.
Northampton: July 4,1930.
Rare typed letter signed by Calvin Coolidge to the Mayor of Lynn, Massachusetts Ralph Bauer. One page, octavo, the letter reads in full, "Thank you for the birthday remembrance. It was good of you to think of me." In fine condition. Attractively matted and framed with a portrait and biographical caption. The entire piece measures 23.75 inches by 21.25 inches.
Price: $1,500.00 Item Number: 145864
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perhaps the only leaf from Washington's diary in private hands: exceptional George Washington autograph diary leaf dated March 1762; the first spring Washington was full owner of Mount Vernon
WASHINGTON, George.
George Washington Autograph Diary Leaf.
[Mount Vernon]: March 1762.
Autograph manuscript, being George Washington's diary entries for a portion of March 1762, detailing the fruit grafts that he has accomplished. 2 pages (5 14/16 x 3 10/16 inches, irregular) on a leaf of laid paper, [Mount Vernon], March 1762; browned, left margin of recto waterstained and abraded causing a loss of text in most lines, small abrasion at center of recto obscuring three words. Accompanied by an autograph note signed by James Kirke Paulding: "Memorandum in the hand of Washington taken from an old almanac for 1762, in the possession of JK Paulding." A rare Washington relic: perhaps the…
Price: $250,000.00 Item Number: 142654
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Ferdinand von Zeppelin Postcard Signed to Stuttgart publishers Levy & Müller
ZEPPELIN, Ferdinand von.
Ferdinand von Zeppelin Autograph Postcard Signed.
Friedrichshafen: November 2, 1908.
Autograph postcard signed, in German, by Ferdinand von Zeppelin to Stuttgart publishers Levy & Müller thanking them for sending 6 copies of his book, 'Zeppelins Kampf und Sieg,' first published by them in 1908. Small duodecimo, original stamped envelope, illustrated with a photograph of the LZ 4 airship by Eduard Schwarz. In near fine condition with some toning to the postcard and envelope. Accompanied by an autograph postcard from publisher Eric Levy signed, in German, to Gertie Levy hoping to find her healthy, mentioning his having rested in Zürich. Small duodecimo, post stamped with a cancelled 20-centime 'Helvetia' featuring Wilhelm Tell,…
Price: $975.00 Item Number: 145305
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RARE AND UNRECORDED LAND INDENTURE SIGNED TWICE BY SIR ISAAC NEWTON
NEWTON, Isaac.
Isaac Newton Manuscript Land Indenture Signed.
November 11, 1719.
Rare and unrecorded 18th century legal document signed twice at the conclusion by Sir Isaac Newton as a witness to a land indenture. Manuscript document signed twice on the verso "Isaac Newton", one vellum membrane, dated 11 November 1719, signed by Thomas Sturgess and with his seal, witnessed twice on the dorse (the sealing of the document and the payment of the PS270 witnessed separately) by Newton and also by Richard Cox and James Weston, and also signed again by Sturgess. The document records an indenture by which Thomas Sturgess of the parish of St Martin's in the Fields sells…
Price: $65,000.00 Item Number: 146958
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Rare Houdini Picture Corporation Stock Certificate; signed by master illusionist Harry Houdini
HOUDINI, Harry.
Harry Houdini Signed Houdini Picture Corporation Stock Certificate.
New York: The Brown-Green Co., January 23, 1922.
Rare stock certificate signed by the world’s greatest escape artist, master illusionist Harry Houdini. One page, partially printed in brown and black ink with an embossed seal, the document is dated January 23, 1922 and certifies that W.E. Jefferson hereby owns twenty shares of the Capital Stock of Houdini Picture Corporation. Signed by Harry Houdini as President of the Corporation and countersigned by Harry H. Poppa as Assistant Treasurer. In near fine condition. With a Houdini Picture Corporation Voting Trust Certificate awarding 30 shares of common capital stock of Houdini Picture Corporation to Abel Shearer.
Price: $5,500.00 Item Number: 129031
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Rare George Orwell Typed Letter Signed
ORWELL, George.
George Orwell Typed Letter Signed.
October 1944.
Rare typed letter signed by George Orwell signed to Amy Charlesworth Byrne Typed letter signed ("Geo. Orwell"), to Mrs Amy Byrne excusing his delayed reply ("...I have been away again, and also somewhat distraught with the move into here..."), writing with relief that he has brought his young son down from Newcastle ("..It is no joke travelling with a child now..."), with other personal news and hoping that they will be able to visit the Byrnes at their home in Liverpool, 1 page, 4to, 27b Canonbury Square, Islington, London, 23 October 1944. "...I'd like to show you the baby (his name…
Price: $14,000.00 Item Number: 142498
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"Members of the general public, such as myself, have a right to form and express their own opinions on the relationship between science and society": Rare typed letter signed by George Orwell regarding his views on science, scientists, and society
ORWELL, George.
George Orwell Typed Letter Signed.
January 9, 1946.
Rare typed letter signed by the acclaimed author of Nineteen-Eighty Four, George Orwell; part of a long correspondence with scientist Edward R. Ward regarding his views on science. One page, typescript, the letter reads: '9th January 1946 Dear Mr. Ward, Your letter has been passed on to be by "Tribune". I am sorry that in their correspondence columns I should have answered what was really an abridgement of your original letter; but I had not seen the latter, and I did not know that what was printed was a shortened version. I cannot enter into what might become a prolonged…
Price: $25,000.00 Item Number: 133445
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Rare January 1971 Time Magazine Cover; Signed by Senator Ted Kennedy
KENNEDY, Edward [Ted].
Senator Ted Kennedy Signed 1971 Time Magazine Cover.
Chicago: Time Magazine, November 29, 1971.
Original cover from the November 29, 1971 issue of Time Magazine featuring a portrait of Senator Ted Kennedy, signed by him. In near fine condition.
Price: $375.00 Item Number: 139032
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"Do assure me that the pain of separation does not outweigh the joy of confidence and belief in this abiding:" Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. Autograph Letter Signed to his "Beloved friend" Lady Clare Castletown
HOLMES JR., Oliver Wendell.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. Autograph Letter Signed.
Boston: September 8, 1898.
Autograph letter signed by Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. to his "beloved friend" Lady Clare Castletown, flirtatiously discussing the difficulty of putting her out of his mind, complaining of the work that awaited him after their time together, and expressing bitterness at having to respond to continuous queries concerning his father, the physician, poet, and polymath, four years after his passing. Two pages on Supreme Judicial Court stationary, quarto, original envelope, the letter reads in part, "... I wrote to you a short diary ... which I hope you will receive this week and another later ... I hate to have…
Price: $975.00 Item Number: 145310
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Rare Trustee's Deed signed by famed American abolitionist Frederick Douglass
DOUGLASS, Frederick.
Frederick Douglass Document Signed.
July 6, 1881.
Rare Trustee's Deed signed by famed American abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Manuscript document signed, "Fred'k Douglass, Recorder," three pages, 8 x 12.5 inches, July 6, 1881. Trustee's deed for a transaction between William Taylor Snyder and Nelson A. Ryon, signed on the docketing panel by Douglass as recorder of deeds, beneath a manuscript endorsement. Douglass served as the Recorder of Deeds for the District of Columbia from 1881 to 1886. This role involved overseeing the recording of property deeds and other legal documents. His appointment to this position was a notable achievement, reflecting his prominence and the respect he had garnered…
Price: $1,750.00 Item Number: 146954
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SCARCE JACK KEROUAC AUTOGRAPH MANUSCRIPT QUESTIONNAIRE. HIS CAREER GOAL: "BE A GREAT WRITER MAKING EVERYBODY BELIEVE IN HEAVEN"
KEROUAC, Jack.
Jack Kerouac Autograph Manuscript Signed.
February 28,1964.
Autograph manuscript signed, being Kerouac’s answers to twelve typed questions from Robert Dodd, two pages, quarto, 28 February 1964. Kerouac candidly replies to a young man’s questions. Given a ninth-grade classroom assignment to contact his favorite writer, Robert Dodd chose Jack Kerouac. The author provides lengthy answers to the young Dodd's questions. On the question of his changing writing style Kerouac explains: "The Town and the City was my first, young man novel when I was just starting our trying to write like Thomas Wolfe -- Lonesome Traveler is a product of my own style which I developed in later…
Price: $75,000.00 Item Number: 79098
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Rare George Orwell Typed Letter Signed
ORWELL, George.
George Orwell Typed Letter Signed.
June 1945.
Rare typed letter signed "Geo. Orwell", to Gerry Byrne announcing that "my wife died three months ago, very suddenly and unexpectedly", writing about the aftermath of her death including his relief that their son Richard was too young to to miss her ("...He is now 13 1/2 months old and is extremely well. He has twelve teeth and is almost able to walk..."), apologising that he cannot come to speak at a Labour Party campaign meeting ("...I am up to the eyes in the election myself, apart from other work. I don't even know of anyone suitable..."), 1 page, 4to,…
Price: $19,500.00 Item Number: 142701
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REVOLUTIONARY WAR-DATE LETTER FROM WASHINGTON TO ROCHAMBEAU ON A PROPOSED EXPEDITION TO PENOBSCOT
WASHINGTON, George.
George Washington Letter Signed.
April 10, 1781.
Highly important letter signed (“Go: Washington”), as Commander-in-Chief, 2 pages folio, “Head Quarters New Windsor April 10 [17]81”, to his French ally Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, the body of the letter in the hand of his trusted aide-de-camp, Alexander Hamilton; horizontal fold separation repaired, minor tears and chips along margins. In the spring of 1781, officials from Massachusetts approached Rochambeau with a proposal to attack the British post at the mouth of the Penobscot river— established in June 1779 to secure timber for shipyards in Halifax and to protect Nova Scotia from any American advance. On 6…
Price: $175,000.00 Item Number: 125872
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Frederick Douglass Autograph Letter Signed to M. M. Rodgers
DOUGLASS, Frederick.
Frederick Douglass Autograph Letter Signed.
Washington, D.C: November 30, 1888.
Autograph letter signed by Frederick Douglass to M. M. Rodgers. Octavo, one page on Lyons Parchment, the handwritten letter reads in part, "Since you have so much to desire a letter by my own hand, though I have more of that kind of work to do than ought to be required of me, I take pleasure in obliging you. I am glad to know that you are devoting your time, thought and talents to the education of the colored people of the South." In very good condition with toning, mail folds, and slight loss to the edges.
Price: $12,500.00 Item Number: 145323
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First Edition of Elspeth Huxley's With Forks and Hope: An African Notebook; inscribed by her
HUXLEY, Elspeth.
With Forks and Hope: An African Notebook.
1964: William Morrow & Company, New York.
First edition of Huxley's authoritative report on the rapidly changing political climate of post-colonial East Africa. Octavo, original half cloth, illustrated with maps and drawings by Jonathan Kingdon. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the title page, "For Joe Ferrier with my best wished Elspeth Huxley." Laid in is the original typed transmittal letter, an autograph card and photograph of Huxley; all three signed by her to Ferrier. The recipient, Joe Ferrier was a lifelong fan and pen pal of Huxley’s. They often exchanged letters, books, and article clippings between England and the United States. Near fine in a…
Price: $175.00 Item Number: 96083
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"My dear Johnnie": Rare typed letter signed by Winston S. Churchill to his brother Major John Churchill; framed with an original duotone print of Yousuf Karsh's iconic portrait of Churchill “The Roaring Lion”
CHURCHILL, Winston S. [Yousuf Karsh].
Winston S. Churchill Typed Letter Signed.
London: December 9, 1955.
Rare typed letter signed by Winston S. Churchill to his brother and only sibling, Major John Churchill, framed with an original duotone print of Yousuf Karsh's famed portrait of Churchill “The Roaring Lion” which, in May 1941, was featured on the cover of Life magazine and brought Karsh international fame. One page, on Churchill's 21 Hyde Park Gate, London letterhead, the letter is addressed to Major John Churchill and reads in full, "9" December, 1955. "My dear Johnnie," I am indeed obliged to you and Kitty for your birthday token and good wishes. The portraits are beautifully done and I…
Price: $18,000.00 Item Number: 139273
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WASHINGTON APPOINTS FIRST SURVEYOR GENERAL: Rare manuscript document appointing Simeon De Witt as the first surveyor general; signed by President George Washington
WASHINGTON, George.
George Washington Signed Appointment of the First Surveyor General.
Philadelphia: May 13, 1796.
Rare manuscript document boldly signed by George Washington as the first President of the United States of American appointing the first Surveyor General of the United States. One page, oblong quarto, manuscript document in a secretarial hand on vellum, Philadelphia, 13 May 1796, signed at the conclusion, "G. Washington" and countersigned by Timothy Pickering, Secretary of State. With paper presidential seal, docketed on verso, creased from folding. Trained in surveying as a youth, Simeon De Witt (1756-1834) gained early distinction making maps for George Washington during the Revolution, ultimately becoming Geographer and Surveyor of the Continental Army. After the war,…
Price: $30,000.00 Item Number: 145490
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Rare photograph of Baseball Hall of Famers Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle; Signed by both
DI MAGGIO, Joe and Mickey Mantle.
Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle Signed Photograph.
Original black and white photograph of American baseball legends Joe Di Maggio and Mickey Mantle in New York Yankees uniform. Boldly signed by both Di Maggio and Mantle. In fine condition with a PSA/DNA authentication label adhered to the lower right corner. The entire piece measures 8 inches by 10 inches. Rare and desirable.
Price: $2,200.00 Item Number: 146708
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Rare original photograph of the Bluebird K7 at record-breaking speed; inscribed by Donald Campbell
CAMPBELL, Donald.
Donald Campbell Signed Bluebird K7 Photograph.
[1960].
Sepia-tone photograph of the water speed record-breaking Bluebird K7 at speed inscribed by pilot Donald Campbell, "To G.M. Williams With best wishes from Donald Campbell." The recipient, Gwynn Mathews Williams, owned the Waterhead Filling Station on Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake in England where several water speed records were broken, from 1953 until the early 1960's. Accompanied by the original typed letter signed by Campbell. In near fine condition. Rare.
Price: $2,750.00 Item Number: 131544
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Rare collection of printed and manuscript documents signed by the first 28 Governors of Pennsylvania
MIFFLIN, Thomas; Thomas McKean; William Findley; Joseph Hiester; et al.
Collection of 28 Autographs of the First Governors of Pennsylvania.
c. 1798-1908.
Rare collection of printed and manuscript documents, signed by the first 28 (of 29) Governors of Pennsylvania, being a near continuous representation of the office from its establishment in 1790 with the first Governorship of Thomas Mifflin, up until the 1930s with the 29th Governorship of Gifford Pinchot. Quarto, each document is tipped in to a paper folder with calligraphic title (many with engraved portraits), and housed in a quarter blue gilt morocco presentation box with a gilt gift inscription to the 30th Governor of Pennsylvania, George Howard Earle III (1890-1974), from the "Wizard of Washington" and Democratic Party politico, Emil Hurja…
Price: $6,000.00 Item Number: 142634
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"I am convinced that invisible & intelligent beings exist who say that they are the spirits of dead persons": rare collection of eight unsigned handwritten manuscripts by Arthur Conan Doyle; containing notes on seances and Spiritualism
CONAN DOYLE, Arthur.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Handwritten Manuscript Collection on Seances and Spiritualism.
c. 1920s.
Rare archive of eight unsigned handwritten manuscripts by Arthur Conan Doyle containing notes on seances and Spiritualism, totaling eleven pages on nine sheets, most undated but circa 1920s. Eleven pages on nine sheets, autograph manuscript ranging in size from 3.5 inches by 5 inches to 8.25 inches x 10.5 inches. For many of his later years, Doyle intensely pursued his interest in paranormal phenomena, and by the end of World War I he identified himself as a Spiritualist, believing in a spirit world and the ability to communicate with those beyond the grave. He established the specialized Psychic Bookshop in 1925, devoted entirely to the sale of spiritualistic and…
Price: $25,000.00 Item Number: 146985
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THE MOST IMPORTANT GEORGE WASHINGTON DOCUMENT IN PRIVATE HANDS; GEORGE WASHINGTON'S COMMISSION AS COMMANDER IN CHIEF, 1775, ONE OF ONLY TWO ORIGINALS
THOMSON, Charles. [George Washington].
George Washington’s Commission as General and Commander in Chief of the Army of the United Colonies.
Philadelphia: June 19, 1775.
One of only two originals of George Washington's Commission as General and Commander in Chief of the Army of the United Colonies; the Ahlstrom discovery, the only duplicate of Washington's own document now in the Library of Congress. One-page, oblong folio on sheepskin vellum, autograph document signed, entirely in the hand of Charles Thomson Secretary of the Continental Congress (including the signature of John Hancock which Thomson copied from the original document), appointing George Washington as General and Commander in Chief of the army of the United Colonies, Philadelphia, 19 June 1775. The document reads in full, "In Congress The…
Price: $975,000.00 Item Number: 145372
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Rare autograph note signed by famed English writer Rudyard Kipling
KIPLING, Rudyard.
Rudyard Kipling Autograph Note Signed.
Sept. 2, 1917.
Rare autograph note signed by and in the hand of Rudyard Kipling. 12mo, one page on Kipling's Bateman's house letterhead, the note reads in full, "Sep. 2, 1917 Dear Dr. Curtiss, Would you please come down to Bateman's as soon as may be to see Mrs. Kipling who is suffering from a sudden attack of illness that I cannot make out the nature of. Very sincerely, Rudyard Kipling." A 17th-century house located in Burwash, East Sussex, Bateman's was the home of Rudyard Kipling from 1902 until his death in 1936. Kipling wrote some of his finest works at the house…
Price: $1,500.00 Item Number: 142237
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Autograph Letter Signed by Jules Verne
VERNE, Jules.
Jules Verne Autograph Letter Signed.
January 4, 1889.
Rare autographed letter signed by the father of science fiction Jules Verne. One page, the letter reads in full (translated), "I ask Madame Poritzer to please supply Mr. Debry with his tickets for Around the World. Sending compliments from her devoted." The 'Around the World' event for which Verne was reserving tickets remains uncertain, however, 10 months after writing this letter, the plot of Verne's classic 1872 novel came to life when American journalist Nellie Bly boarded the steamer Augusta Victoria and began her own 40,070-kilometer 'Phileas Fogg' journey on November 14, 1889. She managed to do the journey within 72 days and…
Price: $2,500.00 Item Number: 146475
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Rare Ulysses S. Grant Autograph; Additionally Signed by Secretary of State Hamilton Fish and U.S. Generals Leonard Wood and Joseph Wheeler
GRANT, Ulysses S.; Hamilton Fish; Leonard Wood; Joseph Wheeler.
Ulysses S. Grant, Hamilton Fish, Leonard Wood and Joseph Wheeler Autographs.
N.p., [1874-1902].
Autographs of President Ulysses S. Grant, Secretary of State Hamilton Fish, and United States Army Generals Leonard Wood and Joseph Wheeler. Octavo, one page. Signed by Grant, "U. S. Grant." Additionally signed and dated by Wheeler ("Joseph Wheeler Genl. USA. Apl. 11. 1902"), Wood (Leonard Wood Army Genl USA June 30th 1902"), and Fish ("Hamilton Fish Sect of State June 5/74"). In very good condition with light toning to the edges. Rare and desirable.
Price: $3,500.00 Item Number: 146684
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Rare Letter signed by George Washington regarding his various land holdings in Virginia
WASHINGTON, George.
George Washington Letter Signed.
Mount Vernon: July 28, 1785.
Rare letter signed by George Washington to his land agent in Virginia, Battaile Muse. Quarto, three pages on a single folded leaf, the letter is addressed to Mr. Battaile Muse. The body of the letter, in a secretarial hand, reads in full: "Mount Vernon, July 28, 1785 Sir: A few days ago by a Mr. Hickman, who either is, or wants to be a tenant of mine in Frederick County. I sent you a Dozen Blank leases. The Tract on which he says he is fixed, is part of two lots which I purchased at the sale of Colo. George…
Price: $40,000.00 Item Number: 139571
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Queen Elizabeth II Hand-Drawn and -Colored Christmas Card Signed to Her Governess, Marion Crawford
QUEEN ELIZABETH II,.
Queen Elizabeth II Hand-Drawn and -Colored Christmas Card
c. 1930.
Queen Elizabeth II hand-drawn and colored Christmas card signed to her governess, Marion Crawford. One page, folded, illustrated with a Christmas tree traced and colored with crayon and a golden horseshoe wrapped in holly, the card reads, "To Crawfie From Lilibet." Elizabeth was given the nickname, 'Lilibet,' which was used primarily by her immediate family members with the exception of her nanny and tutor, Marion Crawford. Crawford served the royal household from 1932 to 1947 but allegedly fell out of favor with the family after the release of her memoir, 'The Little Princess: The Story of the Queen's Childhood by…
Price: $22,500.00 Item Number: 145365
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"A storm today came near to putting us out of business": Rare Autograph Letter Signed by William F. 'Buffalo Bill' Cody to Henry Hersey
CODY, William F. [Buffalo Bill].
William F. ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody Autograph Letter Signed.
July 13, [1916].
Rare autograph letter signed by the amazing Buffalo Bill Cody to Henry Hersey. Octavo, one page on impressively illustrated 'Buffalo Bill' Miller & Arlington Wild West Show stationary, the letter reads in full, "Read your telegram to send $500 to apply on the 3000 note to U.S. Printing Co. as I can earn $600 today please find it enclosed payable to your order. A storm today came near to putting us out of business. And electric lightning and wind storm following several days of intense heat. It killed our afternoon house. And this is the best house in New England."…
Price: $4,200.00 Item Number: 146494
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Rare Supreme Court Ruling Document; signed by Chief Justice Warren E. Burger
BURGER, Warren E.
Warren E. Burger Signed Supreme Court Ruling Document.
Washington, D.C.: June 11, 1986.
Rare typescript Supreme Court ruling document signed by the 15th Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, Warren E. Burger. Two pages, typescript, signed by Burger on the first page. Decided on July 11, 1986, the document offers Burger's opinion in the Richard Thornburgh, et al., Appellants v. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists et al. regarding the legality of a minor seeking an abortion without parental consent. In fine condition. A unique example.
Price: $500.00 Item Number: 122766
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Rare Treasury Department Circular signed by Alexander Hamilton as the first Secretary of the United States Treasury
HAMILTON, Alexander.
Alexander Hamilton Treasury Department Circular Signed.
March 30, 1793.
Partially printed United States Treasury Department circular signed by Alexander Hamilton as the first secretary of the treasury. Folio, partially printed, the document is dated March 30th 1793 addressed to Henry Marchant, Judge of the Rhode Island District Court. The document reads in full: Sir, I take the liberty to inform you, that the President, Directors and Company of the Bank of the United States have consented to accept Powers of Attorney from such persons as may have demands upon the Treasury, and to hold the monies which they may be authorised to receive, subject to drafts to be made…
Price: $16,000.00 Item Number: 135218
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"Righteousness, Righteousness shalt thou pursue...": Rare Autograph Quote Signed by the 6th Prime Minister of Israel Menachem Begin
BEGIN, Menachem.
Menachem Begin Autograph Quote Signed.
Jerusalem: January 1985.
Rare autograph quote signed by Prime Minister Menachem Begin, excerpting his May 15th 1948 speech regarding Israel's independence. One page on 'Success Quotes' card stationary, the quote reads, "'Remember ye we were strangers in the land of Egypt' - this supreme rule must continually light our way in our relations with the strangers in our gates. Righteousness [sic], righteousness shalt thou pursue... (From the radio-broadcast on May 15th 1948, in the wake of the proclamation of Israel's Independence) Jerusalem Jan. 1985 M. Begin." In fine condition. The piece measures 7.125 inches by 3.75 inches. An exceptional piece.
Price: $1,600.00 Item Number: 146685
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Autograph and Typed Letters Signed by Governor Ronald Reagan and American Actor John Wayne
REAGAN, Ronald and John Wayne.
Ronald Reagan and John Wayne Signed Letter Collection.
California: May 20-26, 1967.
Rare pairing of letters exchanged and signed by President Ronald Reagan as Governor and American actor John Wayne, comprised of a typed letter signed by Wayne to Reagan and Regan's handwritten draft of his reply. Three pages, 8.5 inches by 11 inches, the typed letter from John Wayne to Reagan is signed "Duke" by Wayne, expressing frustration that a friend had not been appointed to California's Horse Racing Board in favor of a Democrat's term together while taking aim at California car salesman Holmes Tuttle, a member of Reagan's 'Kitchen Cabinet,' the letter reads in part, "I was under the…
Price: $4,800.00 Item Number: 145408
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Rare Civil War Era Naval Commission Signed by Abraham Lincoln as President
LINCOLN, Abraham; Gideon Welles.
Abraham Lincoln Signed Naval Commission.
April 21, 1864.
American naval commission signed by Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States and Gideon Welles as Secretary of the Navy. Folio, partially engraved on vellum the document is dated April 21, 1864 and promotes Charles W. Tracy to the rank of Lieutenant. In near fine condition. Matted and framed with a portrait of Lincoln and engraved plate. The Commission measures 19 inches by 16 inches. The entire piece measures 34 inches by 29.5 inches.
Price: $17,000.00 Item Number: 132067
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Rare original program from the Christmas Party of the Oldsmobile Girls held on December 19th 1928; signed by legendary aviator Amelia Earhart
[EARHART, Amelia].
Amelia Earhart Signed Oldsmobile Girls Club Christmas Party Program.
[Lansing, Michigan]: [1928].
Rare original program from the holiday luncheon held for female employees of Olds Motor Works held on December 19th 1928, signed by legendary aviator Amelia Earhart. Octavo, bound in handmade tissue paper with a red ribbon, illustrated with a tipped in portrait of Amelia Earhart. Signed by Earhart in pencil beneath her portrait. In very good condition.
Price: $3,500.00 Item Number: 142535
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"I have been busier than a cat on a tin roof": Rare Autograph Letter Signed From Louis Armstrong to Harry Paul
ARMSTRONG, Louis.
Louis Armstrong Autograph Letter Signed.
June 19, 1970.
Rare autograph letter signed by influential jazz trumpeter and vocalist Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong. Octavo, one page on the reverse of a 'Lose Weight, The Satchmo Way' flyer, featuring his signature in facsimile, the letter reads in full, "June 19th, 1970 Dear Harry Paul Please excuse such delays as answering your very fine letters, etc., but I have been busier than a cat on a tin roof. I've begun to feel good again. And will soon be back in the Sale Mines again (Meaning back to work.) Lucille and I are getting ready to fly out to California where there's a…
Price: $1,200.00 Item Number: 146531
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Rare Original Photograph of Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor administering the vice presidential oath of office to Dan Quayle; Signed by both O'Connor and Quayle
O'CONNOR, Sandra Day and Dan Quayle.
Sandra Day O’Connor and Dan Quayle Signed Photograph.
January 20, 1989.
Rare original photograph of Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor administering the vice presidential oath of office to Dan Quayle. Signed by Sandra Day O'Connor and inscribed by Dan Quayle, "Rami Lasman With Best Wishes - Dan Quayle." In fine condition.
Price: $1,500.00 Item Number: 101584
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Rare Autograph Letter Signed by the Author of The Hero with a Thousand Faces Joseph Campell
CAMPELL, Joseph.
Joseph Campbell Autograph Letter Signed.
New York: N.p., December 26, 1977.
Rare autograph letter signed by American writer and author of 'The Hero with a Thousand Faces.' Octavo, two pages on 136 Waverly Place stationary, the letter reads in full, "Dec. 26, 1977 Dear Dr. Selby Thank you very much indeed for your kind and very interesting letter of a month ago. I am enclosing herewith the photo for which you asked [not present] -- a bit out of date, but since the date is of some of the books, the later volumes of 'The Masks of God,' it is not altogether inappropriate. Your suggestions for a book developing my 'Myth…
Price: $400.00 Item Number: 146688
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rare autograph letter signed by American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton
HAMILTON, Alexander.
Alexander Hamilton Autograph Letter Signed.
New York: 2 April 1799.
Rare autograph letter signed by Alexander Hamilton to the trustees of Isaac Riley, notifying them of the manner in which he will submit a mortgage payment despite Riley's imprisonment. One page, folio, dated 2 April 1799, the letter reads, "I am informed that You are Assignees of Isaac Riley under the Insolvent Act. Some time since I purchased of Isaac Riley Eight lots in the Outward upon which as he then informed me there was a mortgage to Ebenezer Young for Two hundred & forty pounds which was deducted out of the purchase money & left to be paid by…
Price: $20,000.00 Item Number: 120624