Lot 46
W.H. Harrison Inscribed Set of Pitkin's U.S. History - Bogotá, 1829 (1773-1841) 9th President of the United States (March 4-April 4, 1841). Timothy Pitkin's two-volume History of the United States inscribed and signed on the title page of each volume: "To Doctr N.R. Cheyne from his affectionate friend W.H. Harrison Bogotá 14th Oct. 1829." (New Haven: Hezekiah Howe and Durrie & Peck, 1828). Original calf covers, 539 and 528 pages, some light dampstaining, toning and foxing throughout. A note penned by Fred C. Bird in 1951 is stapled to a front flyleaf. It states that he bought this set in a shop in Bogotá, Colombia around 1935. The two volumes are housed in a handsome, custom-made leather case with gold lettering on cover and spine; four raised double bands, gold lettering and decorations on spine; case has a few scuff marks.
President John Quincy Adams appointed Harrison U.S. Minister to Colombia in 1928 and he arrived in Bogotá. in February 1829. He was recalled a month later when President Andrew Jackson took office but continued to function as minister until his replacement arrived in September 1829. That same month Harrison offended Colombian leader Simon Bolívar with a letter stating, "the strongest of all governments is that which is most free." Harrison signed these books in October while still in Bogotá; he returned to the U.S. in February 1830.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500.
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| Realized $5,750 |
