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Sale 107
The Manuscript & Collectibles Auction
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Description |
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Lot 179 |
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Scarce War of 1812 Letter Written by a Former Solder Who Wants to Fight Again For His Country. Autograph letter signed by Peter West, one page, 10 x 7½", Barth, February 22, 1813. The former soldier writes in vaguely-phonetic English to the Honorable Joseph King at Barth, referring to repeated offers to serve his country wherever he can do the most good. "…it would be my Chouse to gard sum fort I beleve I can Rase a Cumpany in a few Days. I have ben in two wares before this from a solger to an ofiser…my Cuntrey calles on Every frind…" He offers to fight at home or abroad and believes the Tories are the principal cause of the war: "the cused toreyes Rejoice at Every misforten…" and it "is more than I can indure…" He leaves the matter in King's hands and signs off "from your frind the unknown to you." Toning and small edge splits. An interesting letter from a patriotic man. War of 1812 letters are scarce. Estimate Value $300 - UP
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Lot 180 |
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Key, Francis Scott -- Check Signed by the Author of "The Star-Spangled Banner". (1779-1843) Lawyer best known for writing the poem which would become "The Star-Spangled Banner." Holograph check signed "F S Key," 2½ x 7", Georgetown, May 9, 1808. The check is written on the Bank of Columbia and engrossed in his hand, paying "Self" the amount of fifty dollars. Decorative border at left margin; right margin slightly uneven. Matted with a small portrait, biographical plaque and information, and two color scenes from the bombardment of Ft. McHenry to an overall size of 18¼ x 22½". Written over six years before Key observed the bombardment of Ft. McHenry in Baltimore by the British during the night of September 13, 1814, and saw the American flag still waving the morning after, inspirng him to write the poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry." It was printed by the Baltimore Patriot newspaper on September 20th and was set to the tune of an English drinking song, "To Anacreon in Heaven," which became popular and was later adopted by the army and navy. In 1931 it became the U.S. national anthem. Estimate Value $400 - UP
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Realized
$960 |
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