Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 12

Manuscript and Collectibles Auction

U.S. Statesmen

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 211		Bartlett, Josiah (1729-1795) Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Also a member of the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War and President and Governor of New Hampshire. Free Frank ("Free / J. Bartlett"). Small octavo address leaf panel franked at lower left. Addressed in Bartlett's hand to "The Honble/Nathel Folsom Esq/Exeter/New Hampshire." Minor foxing and toning, else fine. A rare free frank. Estimated Value $900 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 212		Gallup, Benadam (1716-1800). Colonel in the French and Indian War, Gallup was a member of the Groton Committee of Correspondence in 1774, as well as a Justice of the Peace. Autograph Document Signed ("Hon Benadam Gallup Justice of Peace"). As Justice of the Peace. Two pages, oblong quarto, Groton, Connecticut, February 21, 1780. In brown ink. Four horizontal folds, aside from two small ink smears, in fine condition overall. In this deposition, which reads much like a lover's quarrel, one Miriam Davis states in a complaint against one Samuel Mott that: "Not having the fear of God before his eyes but being moved by the Instigations of the Devil did in a furious and angry manner make an assault … by threatening words, turbulent behavior repeatedly, taking the name of the holy God in vain…". It seems that Mr. Mott threatened to burn Ms. Davis's house while attempting to attack her. Gallup issues a summons to the sheriff of New London on the verso to arrest Mr. Mott. However in an interesting twist, after the suspect was apprehended, a final note indicates that Ms. Davis had withdrawn her complaint. Estimated Value $150 - 250. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $86
Lot 213		Benjamin, Judah (1811-1884) Confederate statesman. Appointed Attorney General by Confederate President Jefferson Davis, Benjamin was the first Jew to hold a Cabinet level post in American government. Benjamin also served as the Confederacy's Secretary of War and then Secretary of State. Following the War, Benjamin fled to England, where he continued to practice law and publish legal treatises. Document Signed ("Benjamin"). One page, 7¾ x 10¾", 1843, n.p. Being a legal document regarding the finances of one Madame Lefebre and her son. Docketing on verso with minor show through does not affect signature. Toning, minor soil, otherwise very good to fine. This document states: "The defendants offer in evidence the record of the First…to prove that the mortgages given by Mrs. Lefebre to her son produced nothing, Hagan's prior mortgage having absorbed the entire proceeds of the property….at and before and since the sale of the slaves by Mrs. Lefebre to her son, they have lived together and that the slaves were her domestic servants." Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 214		Blodget, Samuel Jr (1757-1814) Captain of the New Hampshire Militia who fought at the Battle of Princeton. One of the directors of the Insurance Company of North America. Designed the building of the first Bank of the United States in Philadelphia, one of the finest early Federal architects. A major figure in the development of the Washington real estate market. Document Signed ("Sam Blodgett Junr"). Partially printed, accomplished in manuscript. One page, 8 x 13", Washington DC, February 25, 1792. Countersigned by Jacob Welsh. Being an obligation/receipt for payment on one lot of land "within the City of Washington." Seal at lower right hand side. Two horizontal folds, slightly irregular edges. Very good condition. "…the situation of said Lot shall be determined by lot, in equal chance with more than five hundred Lots to be laid out by the Government according to the Plan of the said City, and within the Boundaries of that tract, well known by the name of the Jamaica Farm…" A wonderful glimpse at the infancy our Capitol, which developed from farmland to power center. 1792 marked the beginning of Blodget's career in Washington real estate, a career that ended with him jailed as a result of debts incurred while speculating. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 215		Clay, Henry (1777-1852). Statesman and famed orator. Clay unsuccessfully ran for President in 1824, 1831, and 1844. Manuscript Letter Signed ("H Clay"). As Senator. One page, quarto, Washington D.C., April 21, 1838. To George Getz, Esquire. Two horizontal and two vertical folds; ink has smeared affecting four words of text. Else, in fine to very fine condition. Clay writes to Getz, a publisher and bookseller in the process of starting a Whig newspaper: "I do not regret your declining the publication of the Morning Star, as I always feel apprehensive that any enterprise prompted by a friendly regard for me, might not turn out advantageously for the person who undertakes it…" Later, he comments on the political environment: "On whomsoever public opinion may finally unite, whether it be myself or another, I sincerely hope that the harmony & concert, so essential to success, may not be disturbed. The great object should be to eject from the public councils those rulers who have brought ruin & affliction upon the country…". Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 216		Davis, Jefferson. Document Signed ("Jefferson Davis"). One page, recto and verso, April 10, 1865. Being a solicitation to furnish supplies to Confederate troops in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama, endorsed by General Howell Cobb and Davis on verso docket. Toning, minor separation at two horizontal folds, minor paper loss at margins. Good condition. On February 20, 1865, a merchant in Macon, Georgia (signing as "C.A.L. Lamar" -- probably the notorious slaver and secessionist Charles Augustus Lafayette Lamar) offers to supply "the country between the Savannah River on the Atlantic & the Apalachicola River on the Gulf…I want no advances from the Government, will demand cotton upon delivery of the goods…I have two of the fastest ships in the world, all ready to go immediately into the business" The verso of the letter reveals the declining fortunes of the South, in a note from General Howell Cobb: "…I am clearly and decidedly of opinions that we should obtain all the supplies which our cotton will get for us… should not hesitate to make such a contract with Mr. Lamar whom I know and whose ability to carry out his proposition I have no doubt about…" Davis, signing the day after Lee surrendered at Appomattox, writes "Col. Bapire [?] for consideration…Jefferson Davis/10 April 65". Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $2,358
Lot 217		Withdrawn	Unsold
Lot 218		Ellsworth, Oliver. Document Signed ("Oliv Ellsworth"). One page, octavo, Hartford, Connecticut, July 15, 1773. Docketed on the verso. In black ink. To John Lawrence, Treasurer. With one vertical and two horizontal folds, a lengthy split along one fold. Still in good condition overall. Here, Oliver Ellsworth grants one William Bale five pounds and two pence for his disbursements in the Connecticut Colony. Estimated Value $125 - 175. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $104
Lot 219		Franklin, Benjamin (1706-1790) American scientist, inventor, intellectual, politician and diplomat; one of the best-known personages of the 18th century. Naturally curious and incredibly intelligent, Franklin established himself as a printer and publisher, invented a safer stove, wrote numerous scientific treatises, experimented with electricity and developed the bifocal. In the political sphere, Franklin was one of the framers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, secured military and financial help from France during the Revolutionary War and helped to negotiate the treaty that finally ended the War. Although he found Pennsylvania politics a "fatiguing business," Franklin spent his final years guiding his state and the nation through the turmoil of post-War change and the establishment of the structures of democratic government, serving as President of the Executive Council of Pennsylvania and playing a prominent role at the Constitutional Convention. At his death in 1790, Franklin's funeral was attended by 20,000, the House of Representatives passed a motion for official mourning and the entire body of the National Assembly of France donned black in his honor. Document Signed ("B Franklin Pres"). As President of the Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Partially printed, accomplished in manuscript. One page, 7¼ x 5½", Philadelphia, December 7, 1785. Countersigned at left (vertically) by David Rittenhouse as Treasurer of the State of Pennsylvania. Being an order of payment for one year's interest on the depreciation certificate of one Adam Sybert, late of Schott's Company. Endorsed and docketed on verso. Framed and matted with an engraving of Franklin, to an overall size of 20½ x 12½". Apparent water damage has caused manuscript ink to bleed to a very minor degree throughout the document and Franklin's signature is slightly affected, particularly at the "B Fr", minor adhesive residue and ink bleed-through at the bottom edge, minor chips at right edge. Not examined out of frame, but overall condition (despite ink bleed) is good. The issuance of depreciation certificates to Adam Seybert and other soldiers of the Pennsylvania Line was a result of the men having been paid for their Revolutionary War service in depreciated currency -- the interest payments helped to mollify the soldiers concerns over compensation and encouraged economic growth. Concern over pay was so great that in June 1783 almost three hundred soldiers of the Pennsylvania Line surrounded the State House and demanded that Congress issue assurances they would receive back pay before being mustered out. Facing these economic and the many other conflicts inherent in building a new society and government, the citizens of Pennsylvania cheered Franklin's 1784 return to Philadelphia, relying on him to broker compromise between the many factions seeking to control the state. Elected President of the Council almost unanimously, Franklin (at age 80) confided to a friend "I apprehend they expect too much of me." But he did indeed calm the troubled waters, serving three years as President of the Council and moving the state through the most tumultuous times of the young Republic. Estimated Value $7,500-UP. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $4,715
Lot 220		Hartley, Thomas (1748-1800) American patriot, Revolutionary War Colonel in the Pennsylvania Regiment, first member of Congress from Pennsylvania. Document Signed ("Thos Hartley"). One page, large octavo, York, May 21, 1787. Being a legal settlement receipt for £200.00. Docketed verso. Two vertical folds, minor toning at edges and two minor areas of ink show through to the recto, else very good to fine. Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $265
Lot 221		Hoover, J. Edgar (1895-1972). Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for 48 years, he built the bureau into one of the most effective, if occasionally controversial, law enforcement organizations in the world. Signature ("J. Edgar Hoover"). 8 x 11", n.p., [1968]. In blue ink. Signed on the inside front cover of The Story of the F.B.I. Accompanied by copy of letter from Hoover's secretary. Some adhesive residue at inside spine, signature not affected. Very good condition. A 48 page "Spotlight Wonder Book," The Story of the F.B.I. explains the inner workings of the Bureau to children. Estimated Value $125 - 150. View details	Realized $242
Lot 222		King, Martin Luther, Jr./NAACP Archive (1929-1968) U.S. Baptist minister and civil rights activist. He opposed discrimination against blacks by organizing nonviolent resistance and peaceful mass demonstrations, and was a notable orator. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1964. Assassinated in Memphis; his birthday (Jan. 15) was later made a national holiday. An outstanding archive of 34 pieces related to the Civil Rights struggles of the 1960s. This lot includes a Typed Letter Signed by Rev. King ("Martin L King Jr") on SCLC letterhead; a Typed Letter Signed by Medgar Evers ("Medgar W Evers") on NAACP letterhead; a Typed Letter Signed by Charles Evers ("Charles"); three LBJ letters signed in autopen; two letters from Rev. King's secretary trying to arrange a speaking engagement; a black and white photo of Rev. King, one of Medgar Evers and one of Charles Evers. Additional materials include funeral and memorial service programs for Medgar Evers, newspaper articles about Rev. King, various SCLC materials and a memorial service program for Rev. King, a very nice printed portrait of King as well as an 8 x 10" black and white photo of Rev. King receiving an honor. All of the letters are addressed to Charles McLean, NAACP director for North Carolina. Conditions vary, there is toning on a few of the documents, but overall conditions are very good to fine. Rev. King's 1965 TLS reveals the many responsibilities of his leadership position: "It seems that we just can't get together…Since I am away from my church so much during the week, I have had to come to the conclusion that I cannot accept more than one Sunday engagement away from my church in any month. My calendar reveals that I have accepted the maximum number of Sunday engagements for the next nine or ten months…" Evers' 1961 letter reveals the reach of his concerns as NAACP director "A Negro Soldier passing through Jackson, recent, asked me to deliver this to you…He feels that, Negroes are being denied chances in business ventures, because many are without the knowledge of such Federal agencies as SBA…" Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 223		Lee, Richard Henry (1732-1794). Early American statesman and Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Born into a reputable Virginia family, Lee was schooled in England before returning to the colonies, where he became politically active. He opposed the 1765 Stamp Act, a defiant stance which marked the path towards revolution with England. Lee was a member of both the First and Second Continental Congress and penned the Declaration of Rights of the Colonies, a document which led to the Declaration of Independence. Autograph Letter Signed ("Richard Henry Lee"). One page, quarto, Philadelphia, March 3, 1791. To "Dear Cousin." Transmittal folds with professionally reinforced verso folds, scattered light staining and overall toning. Very good to fine condition. As a scion of his family, Lee was naturally concerned over the welfare of all: "…I received your letter informing me that our Cousin was fast recovering -- I am very happy to hear it, and I hope that he will take all possible care not to cause a relapse by any intemperance or too hasty exposure. He should be implicitly guided …by his friend and physician Dr. Beatty…I have not hitherto been able to forward the Oranges -- I will do it, if I can fine any person to take charge of them…Let me know how William goes on.". Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $2,990
Lot 224		Mifflin, Thomas (1744-1800). American revolutionary general and statesman. Mifflin was the first governor of Pennsylvania, serving from 1790-1799, and was also a member of the first Congress in 1774 and a signer of the Constitution. Document Signed ("Tho Mifflin"). As Governor of Pennsylvania. One page, oblong folio, Pennsylvania, June 20, 1798. Being a land grant. On parchment. In black ink. With original wafer seal affixed at the upper left. Framed to an overall size of 33½ x 23½". One horizontal and two vertical folds, a small spot of paper loss at upper left edge, two water stains at intersections of folds at center, light toning. In good condition overall. After a parcel of Pennsylvanian land had been paid for by one Richard Tittermary, the stately Mifflin signs this Land Deed granting one Thomas Shields a plot of roughly 400 acres. Estimated Value $225 - 300. View details	Realized $132
Lot 225		Mifflin, Thomas. Document Signed. ("Tho Mifflin"). As governor of Pennsylvania. Partially printed, accomplished in manuscript. One page, oblong folio, Pennsylvania, May 26, 1794. Being a "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" land grant. On parchment. In brown ink. With original wafer seal intact. One horizontal and four vertical folds, toning and light stains. In fair to good condition overall. Just months prior to the Whiskey Rebellion, Governor Mifflin grants a parcel of land in Donnigal to one Richard Williams. Estimated Value $200 - 300. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $161
Lot 226		Morris, Charles (1784-1856) One of America's foremost Naval officers, Farragut called Morris "the ablest sea officer of his day". Successful commands at sea resulted in his promotions to various high-level administrative positions, where he was intensely involved in every aspect of naval endeavor, helping to build the modern navy. Autograph Letter Signed ("C. Morris"). One page, quarto, Washington D.C., October 21, 1819. To the Secretary of the Navy. Addressed and docketed on verso. Mailing folds, toning. Very good to fine. Typical of his involvement in naval matters, here Morris pens the defense of a lieutenant: "…the promotion of Lieut M. Pettigrew has been delayed from a report.of his intemperance…during the time he has been under my command at Portsmouth I have never known him intoxicated…" A very nice example of Morris' concern for his men and the navy itself. Estimated Value $150 - 200. View details	Realized $115
Lot 227		Pickering, Timothy. Autograph Letter Signed ("Timothy Pickering"). As Secretary of War. One page, recto and verso, small quarto, "War Office", October 17, 1795. To Henry Glen. Transmittal folds, scattered toning, small chip at top edge. Very good to fine. Interesting content, as Pickering gives instructions for the payment of an annuity to the Six Nations of Indians (the Iroquois), in the form of goods. "…The annuity due to the six Nations will shortly be forwarded. They are all purchased. For their transportation up the Mohawk River I think two or three bateaux would be sufficient. The part destined for the Oneidas I shall direct to be landed at Whitestown…The quantity of goods will be the purchase of about four thousand dollars --- without any liquors…" In 1790, Pickering had held successful negotiations with the Senecas and thereafter found himself on many other such assignments. The treaty with the Six Nations had been signed a year before this letter was written. Pickering, as Secretary of War, continued to be responsible for Native American affairs. Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 228		Shultz, George P. Signature ("George P. Shultz"). As Secretary of the Treasury. Signed one dollar bill, framed to 9 x 5". Inscribed "…with my admiration…and good wishes." Fine. Estimated Value $25 - 50. View details	Realized $58
Lot 229		Thomas, George. Manuscript Document Signed ("Geo. Thomas"). One page, small oblong folio, Philadelphia, June 5, 1746. Being a military commission for one John Diemer. Paper and wax seal intact. Toning to edges, minor chipping, verso of folds strengthened with tape, minor surface soil. Very good condition. Commissioned a captain, Diemer is authorized "…to beat up for Volunteers within the said Government in order to raise a Company which is to consist of one hundred Men including four Sergeants, Four Corporals and Two Drummers, of which you are to be Captain, Provided you shall compleat your Levy in time for Marching the said Company to Albany…for an Expedition against Canada…" Louisbourg fortress, on the coast of Nova Scotia, had been captured by New England volunteers in 1745 and aggression against Canada continued. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $920
Lot 230		Withdrawn	Unsold
Lot 231		Wolcott, Oliver (1726-1797). American patriot and soldier of the American Revolution. Elected as a delegate to the Continental Congress, Wolcott was a Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Document Signed ("Oliv Wolcott Jr."). One page, quarto, n.p., February 19, 1794. In brown ink. To Nathaniel Appleton, Esquire. With two horizontal and two vertical folds. In very good to fine condition overall. While serving as Connecticut's Lieutenant Governor, Wolcott accepts a change in power of attorney for one William Higginson, although Higginson's document apparently was not formatted correctly -- or as Wolcott states, it was "not precisely agreeable to the form prescribed." Estimated Value $175 - 225. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $63
Lot 232		Wolcott, Oliver, Jr (1760-1833). American lawyer and politician who served as Comptroller of U.S. Treasury and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. Wolcott followed in his father's footsteps as the Governor of Connecticut. Document Signed ("Oliv Wolcott Jr"). As Comptroller of the U.S. Treasury. One page, octavo, n.p., May 23, 1793. On Treasury Department stationery. In black ink. Matted and framed to an overall size of 14½ x 17½". With two horizontal folds, a few spots of foxing, and toning. Ink has feathered. In good condition. Reinforcing the neutrality of the United States during the British-French war, Wolcott requires that American ships provide detailed inventories of all ships pursuant to article 25 of treaties with France and the United Netherlands. Specifically: "The treaties of the United States with France and the United Netherlands require, that our vessels should be provided with certificates, containing a specification* of their cargoes." As a precaution, Wolcott suggests this certificate be as detailed as possible, providing: "the number and quantity, as also the species of each article*" aboard ships. Estimated Value $150 - 250. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $113
Lot 233		Wolcott, Oliver, Jr. Document Signed ("Oliver Wolcott"). As Congressman. Partially printed, accomplished in manuscript. One page, octavo, n.p., January 10, 1783. Being a printed receipt from the Pay-Table-Office. In black ink. Docketed on verso. With two horizontal folds, and time staining. Otherwise, in good condition. For service in the Continental Army in 1781, here Wolcott authorizes the payment of twenty-six pounds, fifteen shillings, and nine pence to one William Richard Doud. Estimated Value $75 - 125. View details	Realized $52
Lot 234		1850 31st U.S. Congress Signatures. Two autograph books featuring 290 signatures from members of the landmark 31st Congress of the United States. Notable for the debate and passage of the Compromise of 1850, the first session of the Congress served for an unprecedented 10 months without a recess. An outstanding gathering of legislators from North and South, members (whose signatures appear here) included David R. Atchison (President for one day), James Buchanan, Jefferson Davis, Hannibal Hamlin, Stephen A. Douglas, Thaddeus Stevens, Horace Mann, Daniel Webster, Eldridge G. Spaulding, Andrew Johnson and among the signatures are several other gentlemen who became famous because of their involvement in the Civil War -- Confederate Generals Nathan Evans and Robert Toombs, Union General Edward Dickinson Baker, William Ashe (blockade runner) and Thomas Bocock (Confederate politician) among others. The Webster and Buchanan signatures have been clipped and are loose, the remainder appear in the books. There is scattered foxing and surface soil, the most notable flaws to the lot include age wear to the volumes themselves, there is some spine separation and the front cover of one album is loose (along with a handful of pages). Signature condition is good to very good, volume condition is fair to good. This lot is accompanied by a folio size printed page with a seating chart of the 31st Congress House of Representatives Hall. A great piece, names and addressses are printed under the diagram. This lot in total provides a unique opportunity for the Congressional collector or scholar. Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $4,485
Lot 235		Davis, Jefferson and Foote, Henry Stuart. Pair of rival American statesman. Jefferson Davis (1808-1889) trained at West Point before embarking upon his life in politics. Henry Stuart Foote (1804-1880), on the other hand, began his career in law first practicing law in Alabama. After just one year, Foote moved to Mississippi and thus the rivalry began. In 1851 Foote actually defeated Davis for the governorship of Mississippi. But later, while in the Confederate Congress, Foote is said to have exchanged blows with his adversary. He was eventually expelled from the Congress in 1865. Davis, on the other hand, rose to prominence and served as President of the Confederate States during the Civil War. Two signatures on album page ("Jefferson Davis" and "H.S. Foote"). One page, 5½ x 7½", n.p., n.d. Toning to edges, light pencil notation at top edge. Fine. Estimated Value $600 - 700. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 236		Political, Military, and Literary Heroes. Here we offer the balance of a life-long collector's inventory. This extensive lot of historical and cultural material features a variety of signed documents, signed checks, pamphlets, newspaper clippings and other ephemera. Also included is iconography of political and military officials such as Theodore Roosevelt, James Madison, and Zachary Taylor, as well as literary heroes such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Washington Irving, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Dating from the 18th and early 19th centuries, this treasure trove of research material offers hours of historical reading. Conditions range from poor to good. Estimated Value $300-UP. View details	Realized $265