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287. Roosevelt, Franklin D. Typed Letter Signed in full as Assistant Secretary of the Navy on Navy Department stationery, one page, quarto, Washington, 18 March 1919. To Congressman Edward Little concerning demobilization orders. Roosevelt states that there þhas been no rescinding of its order for the release of members of the Naval Reserve Force, and duration of war regular Navy men actually under training..." Pencil filing notations in top margin with two circular file holes. (300/500)
288. Roosevelt, Franklin D. Attractive full signature on gilt-embossed State of New York, Executive Mansion card, 3" x 5." Fine condition. (200/300)
289. Roosevelt, Theodore. 1858-1919. 26th President of the U.S. Typed Letter Signed þTheodore Roosevelt" as President of the New York City Board of Police Commissioners on imprinted Police Department stationery, one page, quarto, New York, 25 march 1896. To Rev. B. F. Richards stating that it is not in his power to accept the invitation. Usual folds. Attractive letter written shortly before the formation of the Rough Riders. Scarce. (700/900)
SCARCE T.R. DIPLOMATIC APPOINTMENT
290. Roosevelt, Theodore. Partly-printed Document Signed as President, one page, large oblong folio, Washington, 5 June 1908. Appointment of James F. Stutesman as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Bolivia. Countersigned by Elihu Root as Secretary of State. Large embossed white paper wafer seal affixed in lower left. Fine condition with an excellent signature of Roosevelt. (800/1200)
291. Sumner, Charles. 1811-1874. American statesman and opponent of slavery. Autograph Quotation Signed, one page, octavo, 8 December 1857. þOurs is a noble cause; nobler even than that of our Fathers, inasmuch as it is more exalted to struggle for the freedom of others than for our own." Very good condition with original envelope addressed in his hand and signed in upper right corner. (200/400)
292. Taft, William Howard. 1857-1930. 27th President of the U.S. Superb sepia head and shoulders portrait photograph by Moffett, Chicago, 1908, 11" x 14," inscribed and signed in lower wide margin of the photographerþs mount: þFor M. K. Yoakam, with best wishes - July 13, 1912 - Wm. H. Taft." Taft has gotten three tiny ink spots on his image near the bottom, otherwise in fine condition. (500/700)
293. Taft, William H. Typed Letter Signed þWm. H. Taft" on his imprinted personal stationery, one page, quarto, New Haven, Conn., 20 March 1916. To Mr. Charles G.Washburn stating: þ...I presume the matter to which you have given so much attention will come up for consideration before the next meeting of the Executive Committee..." Fine condition. Pencil filing notation in lower blank margin. (150/200)
294. Taft, William H. Dark signature and date as Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court: þWm. H. Taft - Washington - July 5th 1927" on white card. Excellent condition. (150/250)
COMMENTS ON THE ELECTION OF 1960
295. Truman, Harry S. 1884-1972. 33rd President of the U.S. Typed Letter Signed in full on his imprinted personal stationery, one page, quarto, 18 January 1960. To Mr. Winston Norman, San Francisco. He writes: þ...I sincerely hope that things will work out so we will have a candidate on the Democratic side who can not only win but one who will be able to carry on with domestic and international affairs in a manner which will be for the welfare and benefit of this great country of ours..." Truman adds a postscript in his own hand: þNext time I walk by your place come out & say hello." Usual folds and minor soiling. With original envelope. (500/700)
þ...I named her
First Lady of the World..."
296. Truman, Harry. Typed Letter Signed in full on his imprinted personal stationery, one page, quarto, 21 March 1963. To Mr. Ben Holiber sending thanks for þthe Tribute to Our First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt." Truman adds a postscript in his own hand: þI named her the þFirst Lady of the Worldþ while she was still with us." Fine condition with original envelope. (700/900)
297. Truman, Harry. Typed Letter Signed in full on imprinted White House stationery, one page, quarto, Washington, 22 January 1952. To James Roosevelt. In part: þ...I hope things work out satisfactorily in California and that we may have a united delegation at the Convention in Chicago..." Very good condition. (500/700)
298. Truman, Harry. Typed Letter Signed in full on his imprinted personal stationery, one page, quarto, Independence, Missouri, 29 October 1962. To Professor Herman Harvey of USC. Truman states that he cannot comply with Harveyþs request due to contractual restriction. Two staple holes in blank top margin. Fine condition. (150/200)
299. Truman, Harry. Black and white, matte finish head and shoulders portrait photograph, 8" x 10," inscribed and signed: þBest of luck and a happy life to Mike Stein, from - Harry Truman - 6/25/64." One crease horizontally through center. (200/400)
300. Truman, Harry and Bess Truman. Matching pair of imprinted cards designed for autograph requests, each oblong 4" x 6," signed individually by the former President and First Lady. Excellent condition. (100/150)
301. [United States Supreme Court]. Lot of ten imprinted Supreme Court cards signed individually by U.S. Supreme Court justices: Frank Murphy, J.C. McReynolds, Harlan Stone, Owen J. Roberts, Charles E. Hughs, Lewis Powell, Potter Stewart, Sandra OþConnor, Thurgood Marshall and Harry Blackmun. Those of OþConnor and Stewart are inscribed all the others are simply signed. Fine condition. (500/700)
302. [U.S. Supreme Court]. Louis Brandeis. 1856-1941. Associate Justice U.S. Supreme Court. Rare early Autograph Letter Signed þWarren & Brandeis" on imprinted stationery of their law firm, one page, octavo, Boston, 26 January 1883. To P.L. Putnam. þ...We send for your signature an agreement concerning the printing in the above causes. Mr. C.P. Stetson told us when here that the other proposed agreement concerning the testimony in the causes, had been sent to you for approval..." Slight smudging of several words, otherwise clean with a fine signature. (800/1200)
303. [U.S. Supreme Court]. Charles Evans Hughs. 1862-1948. Chief Justice U.S. Supreme Court. Lot of two letters as Secretary of State to Congressman Edward Little. Typed Letter Signed on Department of State stationery, two pages (separate leaves), quarto, Washington, 19 may 1921. He writes concerning the filling of American places in the Mixed Tribunals in Egypt: þ...I beg to inform you that the Department has not contemplated the abandonment of the rights of the United states with respect to representation in the Egyptian Mixed Tribunals..." _ Typed Letter Signed on State Department stationery, one page, quarto, 11 October 1921. He writes that the State Department þ...has given careful consideration to" the question of the recognition of the þso-called Latvian Government.þ Both letters in very good condition. (300/500)
304. [U.S. Supreme Court]. Earl Warren. 1891-1974. Chief Justice U.S. Supreme Court. Typed Letter Signed in full on imprinted Supreme Court stationery, one page, quarto, 28 February 1962. To G.E. McGavran, San Francisco Press and Union League Club. He is unable þTo accept your cordial invitation to attend a Gang Dinner on the 6th..." Fine condition. (250/400)
305. Wilson, Woodrow. 1856-1924. 28th President of the U.S. Sepia portrait photograph of Wilson seated at his desk by Brown Brothers, 6.5" x 10.5," signed in full in lower margin of the photographerþs mount. Some soiling and light age toning, with a few faint water stains, one of which touches the bottom edge of Wilsonþs last name. (400/600)
WORLD HISTORY
306. Bucareliy Ursua, Antonio Maria. 1717-1779. Spanish general and administrator; Governor of Cuba (1760-71); Viceroy of New Spain (Mexico,1771-79). Promoted the expansion of Spanish settlement of California. Attractive Manuscript Letter Signed in Spanish, two pages, folio, 10 October 1773. Untranslated. Fine condition. Scarce. (500/700)
307. Diaz, Armando. 1861-1928. Italian major general. Vintage sepia portrait photograph of Diaz in uniform, 5" x 7," signed and dated 9 June 1919. Fine. (200/300)
308. Franco, Francisco. 1892-1975. Spanish political leader. Magnificent sepia head and shoulders portrait in uniform 11" x 15," inscribed and signed in lower wide blank margin of the photographerþs mount, 1940. Very good condition. (300/500)
309. Garibaldi, Guiseppie. 1807-1882. Italian patriot. Partly-printed Document Signed þG. Garibaldi," one page, quarto, no date. With engraved vignette of seated female figure surrounded by famous Italian landmarks. Certificate of Honor for a fellow patriot who þEmbarked together with the others on Quarto..." Name of the recipient has not been filled nor has the date. Two folds with light soiling. Attractive item. (400/600)
310. Guemez Pacheco de Padilla Horcasitas, Juan Vicente. 1740-1799. Spanish soldier and administrator. Viceroy of New Spain. Great reformer, statesman and promoter of industry and commerce. His rule coincided with the þGolden Age" of the Spanish New World Empire. Attractive Manuscript Letter Signed in Spanish, one page, quarto, 29 June 1791. Untranslated. Fine condition. Scarce. (400/600)
311. Hammarskjold, Dag. 1905-1961. Swedish diplomat. Second Secretary-General of the United Nations. Died in plane crash in Africa on a mission to end the conflict in the Congo. Posthumously awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1961. Black and white, matte finish head and shoulders portrait photograph, 5 þ x 7," signed in lower right. Several minor surface creases (400/600)
312. Mata Hari. Margaretha Geertruide MacLeod.1876-1917. Dutch dancer, courtesan, and convicted spy. A great beauty, Mata Hari gained fame during the first decade of the century as an exotic dancer. During World War I she had numerous love affairs with highly placed military and government officials on both sides of the conflict. On February 13, 1917 she was arrested by the French for transmitting to the Germans secrets confided to her by Allied officers. Convicted by a military court, she was shot by a firing squad. Rare Autograph Letter Signed þMarguerite Lady MacLeod," in French, four pages, small quarto, Paris, 24 October 1916. To Morteza Momtaz El Molk, Iranian Ambassador to the United States and alter Iranian Minster of Justice and Minster of Education. With original envelope addressed in her hand. She writes: þToday I had the pleasure of meeting your friend Samad Khan, who of course spoke to me about you. He told me that you had become Minister of Public Education. I congratulate you with all my heart. You are well aware that everything that has to do with you remains dear to me, such as the memory of the good friend that you have always been to me. His excellency Samad recalled to me your words, when you said to him: þThat woman will become something (special).þ Well, my great friend, I hope to be able to give you some good news. Be assured that you will be the first to know about it..." The Ambassador has written in pencil, in Farsi, in the right margin of the last page of the letter: þA few months after the date of this letter this unfortunate person was accused of spying for the Germans and was executed at Luxembourg Garden in Paris by firing squad." Partially broken at folds, otherwise very good. (3000/4000)
313. Mata Hari. Exceedingly rare signed portrait. Black and white postcard portrait of Mata Hari, signed þLady MacLeod" along bottom of portrait and inscribed on verso to Morteza Rhan, Paris, 24 October 1916. Several minor surface creases with light soiling in blank margins. A truly rare signed portrait. (3000/4000)
314. Monaco, Grace de. 1928-1982. Grace Kelly. American film actress and Princess of Monaco. Cacheted First Day Cover commemorating her marriage to Prince Rainier of Monaco on 19 April 1956. With two circular postmarks þMonaco - 19 April 1956" and signed þGrace de Monaco" in lower right. Fine. (150/250)
315. Mussolini, Benito. 1883-1945. Italian political leader. Vintage sepia head and shoulders portrait photograph by Laviosa, Rome, 7.75" x 12.5," boldly signed in full and dated: þBenito Mussolini - Roma 30 Giugno (June) 1926þ in lower wide blank margin of the photographerþs mount. Faint soiling. Very good condition. (600/800)
316. Speer, Albert. 1905-1981. German architect and government official. Black and white, matte finish photograph of Speer and Adolf Hitler standing in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, 8" x 10," signed and dated 1 September 1973, by Speer in foreground. Minor crease in lower left corner. Very good condition. (200/300)
317. Victoria. 1819-1901. Queen of Great Britain and Ireland. Ornately printed Document Signed, one page, large oblong folio, Court at St. James, 22 October 1884. Appointment of Alfred Stanley Ruston as a Lieutenant of Volunteers. Minor foxing, light soiling and weakness at folds. Large signature of Victoria in upper left corner with embossed blue paper wafer seal affixed with red wax below. (300/500)
318. William IV. 1765-1837. King of Great Britain and Ireland. Called the þSailor King." Manuscript Document Signed as King, two pages (single leaf), folio, 12 January 1837. The King grants the request of a petitioner, John Thomas Church concerning a debt of 550 pounds. Paper tape repairs of fold breaks, with his name written in blue in in upper left corner. Minor soiling. Huge signature of the King in blank top margin. (250/400)
AMERICANA
319. Bridger, James. Fur trader, mountain man and guide, 1804-1881. Manuscript trial transcript in the matter of James Bridger vs. John Dunning. 13 pages on both sides of 7 sheets, in the hand of Benjamin Walker, Justice of the Peace. Bridger was suing over the matter of the death of an ox, and the transcript records testimony from various people who had seen the ox when healty, while plowing (with reference to speed, number of rest breaks, etc.), with notes on the condition of its horns, heart, blood. It was concluded that when healthy the ox would be worth $60, and the jury found a verdict in favor of the Plaintiff for $60. Very good, with old folds. (200/300)
320. [Chicago Fire]. J.D. Bell. Chicago dry goods dealer. Printed letter, one page, octavo, Woodhul, 27 October 1871. To Mr. Hall. In part: þThe disastrous fire at Chicago has destroyed large stocks of all kinds of goods, and the New York merchants are advancing the prices on all goods as they know the demand from the West will be great, but I am glad to inform you...that I have a large stock on hand and shall continue to sell at the old prices for cash as along as the present stock will hold out..." Fine. With cover. (150/250)
321. [Chicago Worlds Columbian Exhibition, 1893]. Autograph Letter Signed þLydia" written on color imprinted pictorial stationery from the exhibition, Chicago, 19 November 1893. In part: þOn the last day of the fair I invested a little cash in this kind of paper to write to a few friends...I did feel badly to think I should never see such a sight again as that beautiful Court of Honor is when illuminated. Mary Steve is here & she attended the Paris Exposition & she said there was no comparison between the
two..." Fine condition, with envelope bearing a printed image of the Great Ferris Wheel. (150/250)
322. Cody, William F. þBuffalo Bill." Excellent black and white, Matte finish profile portrait photograph, 8" x 10," inscribed and signed: þW.F. Cody - þBuffalo Billþ - To Shane? Boyer - My friend - 1914þ in the area of his chest and shoulder. Very good contrast. Some areas of tape residue on verso. (2500/3500)
323. Harrison, Wolcott R. Manuscript journal kept by Harrison from Oct. 14, 1841 to Feb. 20, 1844. An inveterate sight-seer and traveler along the eastern seaboard of the United States, Harrison was a keen observor of the industrial development spurting through the nation, and there is much on the new railroads, canals, rotary engines and other innovations of the industrial revolution. He also goes into much detail on various historical landmarks, hotels, bridges, etc., even giving dimensions, number of steps, and other details. Inserted into the volume are a folding maps of Baltimore, New York City and the Hudson River, hand-colored. At the end of the volume he has written "Oct. 14th 1841 to Feb. 20th 1844, 8570 miles," indicating the scope of his travels. Approx. 306 pages. 7½x5¼, ¾ leather & marbled boards (a bit rubbed & worn). (300/500)
324. Nye, Edgar Wilson, known as Bill. 1850-1896. American humorist. Sepia cabinet photograph, three-quarter pose by Taber, San Francisco, 5.25" x 8.5," inscribed and signed on verso: þTo Mrs. May Riley Smith, As a slight return for her generous applause on many an evening round the grate of Mountain Cottage. With the sincerest regards of her friend. Bill Nye - July 30, 1894.þ Small news clipping about Nyeþs deteriorating health affixed on verso. Very minor wear with light soiling of verso. Scarce in this format. (200/300)
325. Rogers, Will. 1879-1935. American humorist, lecturer and actor. Superb vintage sepia portrait photograph, full length pose of Rogers in western attire by White Studio, New York, 7.5þ x 12,þ inscribed and signed: þTo H.C. Branck - With best wishes - from - Will Rogers" in light lower left area. Minor soiling of verso, otherwise fine. (1000/1500)
326. Rogers, Will. Large pencil signature on octavo, pictorially imprinted stationery of the California Transportation Company þOn Board Steamer Capitol City" with vignette of the paddle-wheeler. Pencil note beneath Rogerþs signature reads: þAt location in Steamboat Round the Bend, Sacto River May 19 on board steamer Pride of Paducah." Minor soiling. (400/600)
Additional Manuscript Americana and Archives
327. (Alaska Gold Mining Letters) Three letters from John Marshall of Maiden, Montana, detailing plans to his family to move to Alaska during the Gold Rush.
Maiden, MT: 1898
The letters describe Marshall's plans: "I will take eight pack horses...there is lots of game up where we are going such as moose, carabou, mountain sheep and goat and lots of fish and I dont think I will starve to death, some peopel tell me I will but I dont think so. We will not go on the Youcon River where the crowd is going. We will prospect at the head of big samon and Frances lake and river. I will send you a -- - so you can see the map of the rout I will take and the price of supplies at Edmonton...where I marked on the paper there hasent ben eny prospecters." Last letter possibly incomplete, else very good. (100/150)
328. (Alaska Letter) 5 pp. manuscript letter reporting the latest news from Sitka, Alaska.
Sitka, 1894
This newsy letter graphically reports a fire that burned down the Bancroft Castle: "I suppose you have herd about the Bacroft Castle. It was burned to the ground, not even could we have a chip in remembrance of it - nothing could be saved, it was impossible. Judge Rogers was in the building at the time & it took all they could to get him out. He was at the windows for 3 hours crying for help. But no one herd him. Everyone was asleep - he lost everything, nothing saved...his poor little dog was in the attic & no one could get near him. It was a beautiful building after it was newly repaired so you can tell your friends that the Bancroft Castle at Sitka is no more - the ground it stood on is all there..." The letter continues on about the fire, as well as about steamers pulling into port at Sitka that summer, tourists, etc. Fine condition, in original envelope. (100/150)
329. (California) 3 A.L.s. from various people, one from California & two to California. First is dated 1863 & regards the sailing trip to California, incl. a brief discussion of the writer avoiding becoming a soldier in the Civil War. Second (undated) is a lengthy poem or song on sailing of a ship for the Gold Regions. Third is dated 1853, and is from a mother to her son (John H. Cripps), telling him that he has been appointed Secretary of Legat. of Mexico. First & 2nd in original envelopes. Various places: various dates
About fine. (100/150)
330. (California) Manuscript poem "California Gold," 4 stanzas of 4 lines each, plus a 2-line chorus. Accompanied by 2 other sheets of manuscript poems in the same hand, signed A. Carpenter. "California Gold" begins Oh listen to me yankey Boy a story I'll relate/ Which hapened in the valley of the California State/ Twas down in the bottom lands we fellows went so bold/ And worked like hungry tigers when we thought about the gold..." Creases, else very good. (300/500)
SILVER MINING IN CANADA
331. (Canada Silver Mining) 33 letters from & one several photographic postcards of the Dutchess Silver Mining Co. & town in Cobalt, Ontario, to Alice Wilson from "Clyde." Cobalt: 1907 The author of the letters (Clyde) appears to have been on the scientific end of the mining process. The letters tell of hardships in the mining camp, and in the relationship between Clyde & Alice: "Next week I expect to recieve my first papers from the `Institution,' which I imagine will assist me a good deal. Cobalt is about the hardest `camp' for a ***, there are so many different minerals all mixed in together, it is almost impossible to tell what you have before you. Even in assaying there is trouble...Yesterday we had a great time Alice, celebrating Thanksgiving...Smith went into town, and bought a turkey (this is the first bit of light meat we have had in camp, since I have been up here) and some champagne..." From another letter: "We expected to go hunting tomorrow, but the miners have just struck, demanding more pay, on account of the water in the bottom of the shaft in no. 2. They just left here about twenty minutes ago in rather bad humour, so the camp is now in for real hard work. We offered them six dollars more a foot than the contract called for, but they won't accept it...Now Alice, I'm going to tell you some of the camp's family secrets. We have absolutely no sheets or pillow cases on the beds, and towels have to last us anywhere from one to two weeks, and out at the cook camp I don't believe they know what a napkin is. Cottrell asked for one the other night and we have just stopped teasing him about it. And when I first arrived I made an awful thunder by asking for a clean towel! So you see this is not quite New York City...Before I stop Alice I want you to promise me not to say anything about this strike I just told you about, to anyone...." There is also much guilt-tripping and second-guessing by both Clyde and, one would imagine from the tone of his letters, Alice, toward each other, conveying the universal problems of the "long distance relationship." Fine condition, most in original envelopes, with interesting content from an insider at the mines. (400/700)
332. (Canada to California Correspondence) Group of 15 manuscript letters from a family in Eastern Canada to William Amderson, a pioneer relative in California.
Richmond Hill, Canada: 1850's-60's
The letters discuss the news from home, and contain inquiries about William's well- being, as well as entreaties for his return. From one letter (1851), a sister writes: "...The new rout [sic] is to go to Montreal and take the Railroad - I believe they get out to Shiptown in about 5 hours. It has made quite a change in the village - the Road was opened last fall and up to the present it has paid far beyond their expectations. They are trying to get one between Montreal and Quebec - it is to be hoped that it will improve this poor little town...How often I wonder how you are getting on. How do you like the country, is your health good, do you often meet with people you knew from Canada. Are you at the diggings and what do you get to eat, what are the habits of the people, how are you dressed..." The railroad proved lucrative to the town for the next couple of years, with this family working as blacksmiths on the line and taking on boarders who worked on the rails: "A common blacksmith on the railroad has 10 shillings per day - money is quite plenty. I have boarders some of the time...There is a great many houses built since you left the village of Richmond and stores up above where you had your shop by Cleeves. The cars run right though the village, crossing the river at Windsor Mill..." By 1858 the railroad was finished and there was a new industry in the area: "...Here in the township the people has got the copper fever - down in the Smillie neighborhood mostly every farm has some copper on it, even old McDarby has some on his farm. However we have not seen any on our farm yet, and they are mining like everything. As they sell the right to mine we expect some English company to build a smelting furnace next spring near Richmond, for such is talked of..." There is also an anxious letter from a woman whose husband was a friend of William's in California and was expected home months earlier, and a sad letter about the death of one of his sisters, whose earlier letters are included in the group. Four letters are only partial, others are complete & legible. (200/300)
WITH OHIO IN THE CIVIL WAR
333. (Civil War Diary) Soldier William H. Blatts's diary of 1862-1864, when he fought in G Company, 58th Ohio Regt. The brief daily entries are filled with factual information about the various battles, victories, losses, marches, etc. that he and his company were involved in throughout Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, and most importantly, Vicksburg. 11¾x3¾, original calf-backed marbled boards.
Various places: 1862-1864
Entries tell much about the battles and activities of his troops, at first describing small skirmishes & many marches, and then heating up with gun-boat battles around Vicksburg: "April 6, 1862 - Morning left camp and marched within 1 mile of the enemy (Shiloh). Slept on our arms all night. Terrible rain. [April] 7 - Battle fought at Shiloh - 2 days fights. 60 men killed and wounded of our regt. 58th Ohio. Mesner killed our Co. G. [April] 13 - Great national salute fired on account of great victorries won by our troop at Shiloh, taking of Island No. 10 &c. at Pittsburg...June 22 - Received marching orders to go to Germantown but didn't go on account of the cars not coming, being burned up by rebels...July 4 - Our cavalry after blood hounds in and around Germantown. Catched several of them. July 9 - Great excitement among the men, expectation of an attack at Germantown by the rebels. Had orders to lead all our muskets...[September] 4 - Beutiful day to-day - 7 thousand rebel prisoners passed down to Vicksburg for exchange. Been out in the country apiece after grapes...December 25 - Been out in town at Milligan's Band, La. Burned nice plantation. Steiger of our Combany (G) shot in the foot by one of our Pickuet...[Dec.] 27, [Johnson's Landing] - Beautiful day. 7 o'clock A.M. left our nights camp again. Our company as skirmishers deployed along the regt on the march. Mud about 2 inches deep. Skirmish with the rebels through the woods, before Vicksburg. Kochenderfer of our Company killed (G) and Captain Kinser of Company H. Dec. 28 - Beautiful day. 2nd days fighting with the rebels before Vicksburg or Ford Morgan, Miss. Dec. 29 - Beautiful day. Opened fire again at the rebels with our artillery 10 o'clock A.M. The rebs commenced to reply 2 o'clock P.M., our brigade made a charge on Ford Morgan but were repulsed with a loss of several thousand men, our regt 58th O.V. alone between 75 and 100 killed, General Blair commanding brigade...Dec. 31 - Beautiful day. 2 o'clock A.M. went over to the rebs with a flag of truce to bury our dead...February 2, 1863 - Beautiful day. 8 o'clock A.M. our Ram boat Queen of the West runed the blockade at Vicksburg. Terrible canonading, 3 shots from the rebel guns struck the boat, our boat runed into the rebel transport Vicksburg before Vicksburg. Commander of the Queen of the West Col. Eliott... Feb. 5 - Snow again early in the morning, trifel but cold as forty. 8 o'clock A.M. the Queen of the West returned again from down the river. The rebels opened a terrible fire out but failed to do it any damage...May 3 - Beautiful day. This morning we steamed up the river to Grand Gulf and found it avacuated [sic] by the rebels, leaving 8 guns in our possession: 4 8-inch guns, one 1 hundred pound parrot, 3 twelve pound field pieces, &c. 12 o'clock noon we steamed down the river again in search of Farragut's fleet below, or the rebel fleet rather up red river. 2 o'clock night we arrived at the mouth of red river below Natches..." Blatts continues on for several entries about repeated attempts to run the blockade at Vicksburg (both in his gun-boat "Benton", as well as others), attacks on rebel batteries from the ships, and continuing reports about the arrival of numerous Union troops crossing the Bayou to help. There are numerous entries in May, 1863 describing fighting near & in Vicksburg, Gen. Grant fighting in the rear of Vicksburg, and reports of the news that Grant took 9,000 prisoners at Haines Bluff. Blatts reports from the gun-boat Benton: "May 27 - Beautiful day. Heavy fireing between Genl Grant's forces and the rebels, in rear of Vicksburg, with what result not known. Gun boat Riveinattic sunk by a shot from the rebels before Vicksburg. May 28 - Heavy fireing heard again as usual in rear of Vicksburg. Heavy rain during the night. May 29 - This morning we steamed up the river again before Whistling Dick and fought him about an hour - no one hurt on our boat - heaviest fireing heard yet in rear of Vicksburg. Choler of our Company (G) returned to Company this evening. We steamed up the river again and fought the rebels for about ½ hour. [May] 30 - To-day all is quiet about Vicksburg. Four rebel deserters came in on our boat and stated that they had to surrender in a week anyhow, on account of their provisions giving out and their troops refusing to fight any longer. Gun boat Mound City shelled the rebel battery awhile this evening far pass time. [May] 31 - This morning about 3 o'clock heavy fighting was heard in rear of Vicksburg between General Grant and the rebels..." Rebels continued to desert and come aboard his boat, mostly Mexicans, over the following few days. On July 4, 1863, an exciting entry finally declares: "At about 9 o'clock this A.M. we were all hands called on deck to cheer the ship and the glorious news was read to us that Vicksburg, the rebel Gibraltar, had surrendered at last to our forces. Rather doubtful, yet it read. But then about 10 o'clock we were called up again to give three cheers and so we did but then the truth was confirmed as we could see the stars and stripes wave over the rebel batterys. At about 12 o'clock P.M. we weighed anchor and steamed up in front of Vicksburg. At one o'clock all the transport came down from above - Black Hawk (Flag Ship) first on ground of boats but town being occupied previous by Genl Grant and his noble troops. A glorious 4th of July." There are a few entries regarding the black troops: his entry of June 6 reads: "Some of the negro regt had a little fight with the rebels at Milligans Bend, La, rebels reported to be 4,000 strong and negroes 8,000 with artillery. Rebels completely routed, 400 reported killed, wounded and prisoners." The following year an entry on March 6 reads: "This afternoon as I walked into town, my eyes fell on a large crowd gathered on corner of Washington and Grove Street, and cause, as I afterwards learned, was a white soldier of the 1st Kansas Regt killed, his skull knocked in by the butt of a gun in the hands of one of those famous nigger soldiers." In April, 1864, he mentions the Fort Pillow recapture in which the rebels killed "503 white soldiers and 900 niggers after the surrender." The last several pages detail lists of Civil War events, gun-boats used during the Vicksburg run, letters sent & received, clothing, etc. A few pages detached, binding weak & well worn, but a wonderful diary detailing important events of the Civil War. (800/1200)
334. (Colorado Mining & Gold Rush Letters) Group of 16 manuscript letters from Enoch Root in Laurette, Colorado, regarding quartz mining & the Civil War, as well as several from Paris, France, to friends & family. Colorado & Paris: 1858-63
Root was a miner who wrote eloquently of conditions there and his views on the Civil War: [Aug. 22, 1862] "You know about how much time I get for writing when I have to work twelve hours a day, Sundays and all. I don't like this laboring on the Lord's day but even then I am better employed than two thirds of the people here, who are either loafing about in the streets or gambling and drinking whiskey...The ex- Governor of the Territory, Mr. William Gilpin was here and called on us yesterday. He is the candidate as delegate to Congress from Colorado for the coming election and is probably the most distinguished character in this part of the country. How slowly drags this dreadful war. When will it end and when brought to a close - I can see nothing but bloodshed in the future. The South is so embittered against the North that I fear it will be a long time before they can live in peace together even when they are conquered. The Southerners have been badly deceived by there [sic] leaders and now they see no way to preserve there property than by fighting on..." And from another letter: [Feb. 26, 1862] "We are all rejoicing over the late Union successes and the prospects of speedily crushing this foul rebellion. God knows I wish it could be accomplished without the shedding of so much patriots' blood...We indeed live in historic times. Never probably will our country be as `big with stirring events' again as are occuring every day between Union patriots and their recreant countrymen...I have made quite a number of acquaintaces here. Many of them have influance. Among them is Mr. Bond, the Councilman from this county and whose name has been sounded all through the States as the most successful miner in these mountains. The mill company of Hart, Stokes, &c. have struck rich quartz in their lead claim on the Phillips and have no doubt a nice little sum in it. I can't see why they won't make a fortune..." The letters are mostly in this vein, and some interesting local news is also reported: [April 15, 1862] "We have our usual number of -- and revolver fights, one of which proved fatal last week to a poor darkey who received three balls in his face and neck killing him almost immediately. Ben saw him fall and helped carry him into his own house." All quite interesting & well-written, and gramatically very respectable. (200/300)
335. (Colorado Mining Letter) 4 pp. manuscript letter from C.W. Derr to his sister, describing his lonely existence in Fairplay, Colorado. Fairplay: Dec. 16, 1873 The letter describes winter conditions in Colorado: "...Winter properly begins here in the middle of November and lasts untill the 1st of May, that is to say it may not be rough winter untill that time, but in effect it is the same for untill that time most of the mining operations are still, and the mines are not accessible on account of the snow in the mountains untill the 1st of May at the earliest. The miners and prospectors begin to leave about the 1st December, some bound for one point and some for another, and as a rule during the winter the population of the mountains is not half so large as in summer. At the first approach of winter you can begin to see evidences of desertion, the floating population consisting of gamblers, roughs, and adventurers generally take their departure first, and for weeks at a time during the close of the season wagon loads of them can be seen passing through the town on their way to more congenial scenes. Then come the miners, owners, and prospectors, who as a rule take up their quarters for the winter in the valley and in some instances at their homes in the East...I suppose I should identify myself with that class of unfortunates who are unable to get away..." Fine, in original envelope - an easily legible & interesting letter. (80/120)
336. (Cowboy Letter) 6 pp. manuscript letter from W.A. Dodge of Owen Co., Wyoming, regarding work on a cattle ranch.
Owen Co., WY: 1891
The letter details the harsh conditions of ranch life in 19th century Wyoming: "I tell you Frank the winter cant come two [sic] hard for the WD cattle. We tried to kill one this fall with the gun, but could not; it died after we cut its throat and pounded it on the head with the ax for an hour...The Swan Land and Cattle Co. will look pretty thin on the Laramie Plains in the Spring I think. I will not work for him next year - that is one thing that will make them look slim. I expect it will break them up but I cant help it. If I work out in the Spring I think I shall work for Marsh & Cooper - that is the outfit down by Laramie City. The foreman told me the other day he would give me 40 dollars a month as long as I wanted to work...you had ought to be here to to gaze on the WD Ranch now. I tell you she is a bird of a ranch...My foks wants to go to gold-hill, a new mining camp in the Spring, and wants me to run the ranch...." The letter continues on amiably, about Dodge's love of the ranch, his favorite horse ("Nugget"), his girl (unnamed), local dances, other cowboys, the ranch house & stableds, etc. Fine condition. (80/120)
337. (Fall River Artillery) Manuscript holograph document detailing the formation of the Fall River Artillery to march on the anniversary of the American Revolution and gather on other various occasions, incl. the selection of uniform style. Fall River: 1826
An interesting American document, detailing the inception & organization of the Fall River Artillery, incl. election of officers & selection of dress. (100/150)
LETTERS FROM THE
CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH
338. (Gold Rush Letter) 4 pp. manuscript letter detailing a nephew's plans to go to California from Burlington, Iowa, in search of gold. Burlington: Feb. 14, 1850 The letter includes news from home, and the young author's plans to go west: "I intend to go to California before I get a wife. There is a great many going from this section of the country this spring. I beleave that I will not go this time but wait till the next crowd goes - if I was only two years older and could -- two mules, you would see this child stear strait for the Gold Diggins and he would try to get his share of it no more, but it seams that I was born to be always behind the times. I think if a man can go to California and make from twenty to one hundred dollars a day he must be green to stay hear and get only fifty cents...Some are taken their families and some leaving them, they are perfectly crasy after Gold. There is a great many more going from hear this spring than there was last as the Boys that went last spring write sutch good news that the balance cannot stand it." Fine. (80/120)
339. (Gold Rush Letter) 4 pp. manuscript letter from a miner in Reynolds Ferry, giving news of conditions & relatives in the mines.
Reynolds Ferry: May 20, 1857
The letter details the author's observations on the mining country & his unhappiness with his sons: "...Phineas my son will not live long - the doctors say they cannot leave him. It is no use in doctoring - he is at Angels Camp six miles from here...I also fear Henry my son in Johnstown has the consumption...we can have good vituls here always, all kinds of fresh and sotted meats and fish, all kinds of vegitables the year round...chicken, lobsters, oysters, green beans, pease, strawberry, black berries and all kinds sweet meats which you can name such as peaches, apples, and all kinds of pie fruits all of which can be had in all the stores throughout the Mineing Country. We generally go on Sunday to a tradeing house and there they get up a good dinner for the miners at six bits a meal (a bit is one shilling). All appear to enjoy life to its fullest extent yet there is one thing wanting to make us all happy and contented - that is a woman, a piece to keep us more stationary and settled down and to home. There is a few familys here, about 8 women within three or four miles and about one hundred American men besides about 150 Chinamen. There is not as many women among the miners generally as there is here according to the number. There is preaching here once in four weeks...." An intersting, legible letter with some highly personal remarks as well about his unwillingness to put a woman in the uncomfortable position of marrying him. (150/250)
340. (Gold Rush Letters) 3 manuscript letters from Gibsonville, California to Long Plain, Mass., regarding mining life. Gibsonville: [c.1860's] The letters describe a difficult life in the gold country: "...if I can only get enough to pay my way back to Stockton I shall leave these parts as soon as I well can, for I am heartely sick of it. Hydraulicing is hard work. We can only get water night times, so are up to our knees in snow water all night keeping the course open and have to throw out rocks the next afternoon making from 16 to 18 hours a day of the hardest kind of work." The news grows slightly more encouraging in the next letter: "I have found out since I have been out here this time, what it is to work hard and get nothing for it but your pains and I can't say that I like it. Well better luck next time...We are having very pleasant weather now but musquito's are pretty plenty, and although smaller than those in the valley they make up in bill for their size...Comstock and myself are still at work in the old claim, but it is the hardest claim to work that I was ever in, as it takes us all the time getting ready to work it. It is over 30 feet deep and we did not think it was over 15. Last week it took us 2 days to sink down a small hole but we took out 2 oz. so we think some gold is there if we can only get at it. Since then we have made a pump and a larger dump yard to put our dirt in, and have got pretty well rigged to open a considerable space, so I am in hopes in a month or so to have somethin better to write about than I have had. But there is no telling as yet. If it will only put me square again with the world and pay my passage home again I shall not grumble." Sadly, the next letter reports that our author has quit his claim, finding nothing substantial, and ponders going to Stockton in pursuit of a new career. A fine group, with rare descriptions of gold mining techniques. (200/300)
341. (Missionary Letters) Group of letters from Lucy Dodge, a missionary stationed at Santee Agency in Dakota Territory, to her family in Massachusetts. Dakota Terr.: 1877 The letters describe some of the work and needs of the agency, as well as some of the American Indians there: "When you see anyone that has some money...and wants to enjoy a few moments of happiness in the disinterested pleasure of giving to the Red Man, please tell him about the good work out here that must be and is a success, for God's hand is in it. We need a Laundry - Do you ask why? Then visit us some Monday in Fall or Winter when the clothes and bedding for twenty-one girls won't dry outdoors, and have to be taken into the house and dried in the kitchen and dining room where the -- daily work has to be done, and again in the morning..." And from another letter: "Its quite a query to me how to spend the time during the sermon in church, for I haven't yet learned enough Dakota to understand more than an occasional phrase...Yesterday, one of the chief's (Wakuti) wife came to see me asking my services as tailor, to cut her husband a pair of pants, and tomorrow if possible I hope to cut them. It is very strange the work God gives me to do for Him here, and it is only by doing it in His strength I can perform my duties...Lizzie, I want to tell you about Hitunksawamdi; last week he stalked into the dining room while the girls were sewing and seating himself in a chair close be the door leading up stairs, sat and looked until Miss Helen came in when he gave her some pieces of money to give Miss L. and myself as presents from himself. My gift amounted to eight cents. He still remained in the room after the girls had done sewing, when he watched his chance and darted up stairs with the girls - the first school boy that had ever been up there - He told the boys he bet he could get up there without asking Mr. Riggs, and he did. Now isn't he rightly named Eagle Weasel?" Most letters are lacking last page or two, and one has very faded ink, but nevertheless, content is quite interesting and valuable. (100/150)