With the results of the US Presidential election, and also the South Carolina gubernatorial election, undecided, Democrats (and former Confederate generals) Governor-elect Hampton, US Senator Gordon, and campaign manager Haskell write to General Thomas Ruger, commander of US troops in the State, condemning his interference in the meeting of what they consider the lawfully elected legislature. The former secessionists invoke the US Constitution and the bicentennial of American independence in support of their cause! Collection includes: 1) Autograph Letter signed: "Wade Hampton", "J B Gordon", "A. C. Haskell", 4 pages, 8x12½. Columbia, South Carolina, 1876 November 30. To General T. H. Ruger, Commanding US Troops in South Carolina. In full: "We have just heard through Major McGinnis of your staff your orders communicated to Mr. Wallace, Speaker of the House of Representatives, that at 12 o'clock tomorrow no spectators would be allowed in the Hall and that the Members elect from Edgefield County would not be allowed upon the floor. To say that we are surprised at such an order after the explanations & pledges by you to each one of us, is to use very mild language.…"

Eloquently demands protection of the Red Cross symbol. Manuscript Signed: "Clara Barton" circa 1893, three typed pages, 8 x 10½. American Association of the Red Cross President Barton issues a call for a meeting of the Official Advisory Board to consider the protection of the Red Cross Insignia. Her fight had begun shortly after the First Geneva Convention attended by governments from around the world in 1864. Barton fought for the U.S. Congress to ratify the Convention but fearing foreign entanglements the government would not ratify and acknowledge the Convention until 18 years later. After the chartering of the society in 1882, the charitable and international neutral symbol was also used for everything from snake oils, cigars, alcoholic beverages and later, her fiercest adversary, the burgeoning conglomerate Johnson & Johnson Company. This overwhelming misuse and lack of congressional action led Barton to call the first meeting of the association's Board in 1893. Ultimately, the Red Cross would receive limited protection with the organization's official chartering in 1900. Barton's manuscript, in part: "...…"

Manuscript LS: "Jeffn Davis" as Secretary of War, 2p, 7½x9¼ front and verso. War Department, (Washington), 1856 January 17. TO HON. C. J. FAULKNER. In full: "I find an unexpected delay has occurred in the completion of the new models; but have assurance that they will be finished this week, so as to be ready for inspection at the beginning of next week when those designed for Harper's Ferry will be sent thither after which we shall be able to resume full work at that Armory. That class of community who have been for a time suspended from employment will I hope then be relieved from this embarrassment to which you have called my attention. As to the number of clerks required at Harper's Ferry, I have made some further enquiry, and learned that in answer to questions propounded by the Superintendent, it is understood the three clerks now employed, replied that they believed themselves able to do all the duty which would devolve upon them in consequence of the reduction in the number of clerks, made by order of this Department.…"

The President and Secretary of State sign papers for a whaling vessel, attesting that its owners are Americans, not subjects of the "present belligerent powers." Partly Printed DS: "U.S. Grant" as 18th U.S. President and "Hamilton Fish" as Secretary of State, 1 page, 22x17. Four-language Ship's papers signed in Washington but filled out and issued in New Bedford, 1871 August 3. Countersigned: "J.A.P. Allen Collector" as Collector of Customs of New Bedford, Massachusetts. In part: "Be it Known, That leave and permission are hereby given to Rodolphus D. Wicks, master or commander of the Bark called Sea Breeze of the burden of 323 and 41/100 tons, or thereabouts, lying at present in the port of New Bedford bound for Pacific Ocean, and laden with Provisions, Stores, and utensils for a whaling voyage to depart and proceed with the said Bark on his said voyage, such Bark having been visited, and the said Rodolphus D. Wicks having made oath before the proper officer that the said Bark belongs to one or more of the citizens of the United States of America, and to him or them only...which he at present navigates, is of the United States of America, and that no subjects of the present belligerent Powers have any part or portion therein, directly or indirectly, so may God Almighty help him....…"

Rare handwritten letter to his friend Charles Fletcher, smuggled out of the jail by his wife, signed by him in 1883 while he awaited trial for robbery and murder Rare ALS: "Frank" with "Direct to Mrs. Frank James" to left of signature, 1 page, 7¾x10½. In Jail at Gallatin, Missouri, 1883 April 7. To his friend, Charles Fletcher. In part: "I should of written you before this but all my mail had to be inspected by the Sheriff. But as my wife is now with me and can smuggle this through the linens and she can receive letters…hence this letter. I am getting on as well as one could suppose in Jail…You have so proved yourself, I hope you will be so situated as to be able to attend my trial in June. I am expecting to be acquitted if justice prevails I will be undoubtedly. My wife sends kindest regards to you and family. Hoping to hear from you soon…." Frank and Jesse James had been Confederate guerrillas under the leadership of William Quantrill during the Civil War. They joined Cole Younger and others in 1866 and formed a gang of which Jesse was usually regarded as the leader. At first, they specialized in bank robberies, but in 1873 they held up a train.

6¾x9 black and white photograph mount with an exceptional quality image of the western icon, signed "W.F Cody, 'Buffalo Bill'" Inscribed Photograph Mount signed: "W.F Cody,/"Buffalo Bill"/To- W.S. Metz", B/w 6½x8 image, 6¾x9 overall. Photographer imprint at lower mount reading: "Prince/Parisian Panel/31 Union Square. New York/Penna Ave. & 11th St. Washington D.C." William Frederick Cody (1846-1917) earned the name "Buffalo Bill" for killing thousands of buffalo as a hired hunter in 1867 and 1868. Cody had begun his Wild West career herding cattle at age nine. Five years later, he became the Pony Express' youngest rider. Throughout the Civil War, Cody worked as a government scout, extracting from life and the West all it had to offer. His western notoriety grew with his adventures, including those during the Sioux War, in which he purportedly fought a duel with Chief Yellow Hand. Cody's theatrical career was launched that same year with his re-enactments of such Indian battles. By 1883, he formed his first Wild West spectacle, becoming a master showman who toured internationally until 1903.

Signed carte-de-visite, shown as major general, matted and framed to 8x9½ Photograph Mount signed: "Geo McClellan/Maj. Genl.". Sepia, 2½x4. Matted and framed to an overall size of 8x9½. McClellan (1826-1885) was named General in Chief by President Lincoln in November 1861. He directed the Peninsular Campaign and won at Antietam, but was removed by President Lincoln for failure to continue the pressure on Lee's army. No match for Confederate General Robert E. Lee as a field commander, but skilled at logistics and organization, McClellan made a great contribution to eventual Union victory by building the Army of the Potomac into a well trained and disciplined fighting force. In 1864, he was the unsuccessful Democratic candidate for President, losing to Lincoln 233 electoral votes to 21. From 1878-1881, he was Governor of New Jersey. Fine condition. Framed, not by HistoryForSale.

Rutherford B. Hayes sends an autograph letter of regret that Mrs. Hayes will not be able to visit. Autograph Letter Signed: "R.B. Hayes" as President, 1p, 5x7¾. Executive Mansion, Washington, 1877 May 6. To Edward T. Steel. In full: "I received from Mr. Justice your note of the 4th and am exceedingly obliged for your kindness in this matter. Our stay will be so short and the presence with us here of a number of friends, will prevent Mrs. Hayes from being one of our party." Written just two months after Hayes took office. The election of Rutherford B. Hayes brought a new image to the White House. Rutherford and Lucy Hayes represented wholesomeness and decency. Mrs. Hayes was a popular hostess, but by the time of this letter both she and the President decided not to continue to have alcohol at White House functions. Interestingly, just one month before this letter, at the first state function at the White House, six wines were served at a dinner held in honor of the son of the Czar of Russia. Thereafter, no spirits were served and Mrs. Hayes became the champion of suffragists and was called "Lemonade Lucy". Light ink transference at blank areas. Fine condition.

Civil War legend Joshua Chamberlain signed check to local stonecutter. Partly Printed Check signed: "J.L. Chamberlain", 7x2¾. Brunswick, Me., 1867 October 12. Drawn on the First National Bank of Brunswick. Payable to D.M. Melcher for $65.00. Affixed at left is a 2-cent U.S. Internal Revenue stamp picturing Washington. D.M. Melcher & Co., Brunswick, Maine, was a stonecutter company that erected monuments in cemeteries. Colonel Chamberlain, formerly a professor at Bowdoin College, Maine, commanded the 20th Maine in its famous defense of Little Round Top in the Battle of Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. His unit was posted as left flank of the Union Army and fended off repeated Confederate attacks throughout the day. He broke the Confederate lines by a bayonet charge. Chamberlain, who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions that day, received the only battlefield promotion to General in the Civil War. At Appomattox Courthouse, April 9, 1865, Brevet Major General Chamberlain was chosen to accept the Confederate surrender. He then ordered Union troops to present arms to their former enemy as a mark of respect. Chamberlain was Republican Governor of Maine (1866-1970), then assumed the presidency of Bowdoin.  His severe war wounds eventually killed him in 1914.

The former Civil War Union general accepts the invitation of Ohio Senator John Sherman to act as Marshal for the Ceremonies at the dedication of the Washington Monument. Manuscript LS: "P.H. Sheridan" as Lieutenant General, 1½p, 7½ x 9¾ lined sheet, front and verso (hinged to show both sides of letter). Washington, D.C., 1884 December 12. On letterhead of Headquarters, Army of the United States to Hon. John Sherman, U.S. Senate. Begins: "My dear Sir". In full: "I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of December 11th. communicating the resolution unanimously adopted by the Commission, inviting me to 'act as Marshal on the day of the ceremonies, to arrange the details of the procession and assign to the different organizations their places in the line.' Accepting with pleasure the duty thus assigned me, I beg that you will convey to the commission my high appreciation of the distinguished honor conferred upon me.…"

Note handwritten as a lieutenant in the US Army, on duty at Fort Riley, Kansas Territory, signed in the text and accompanied by the original $3 bank note Stewart enclosed with it. Third Person Autograph Note, 1 page, 8x5. In full: "Be sure to direct $6 Lieut. J. E. B. Stuart Fort Riley K. T. P. S. I enclose also $3 more for which please send the Congressional Globe & appendix t P. L. Taylor, Fort Riley K. T. [Kansas Territory]." Accompanied by the $3 demand note, issued by the Phoenix Bank of Hartford, which Stewart forwarded with this letter. James Ewell Brown (J.E.B.) Stuart (1833-1864), called Jeb by his friends and by history, graduated from West Point in 1854, serving on the Western frontier. He participated in the capture of John Brown at Harper's Ferry. When he signed this note, Stewart was serving as Quartermaster of the 1st Cavalry, stationed at Fort Riley in the Kansas Territory. "Bleeding Kansas" was aflame with pro- and anti-slavery forces, seeking to determine by which system the Territory would enter the Union. Stewart, already a veteran of skirmishes with the Plains Indians, was helping to preserve order in the divided land. He was promoted to first lieutenant in 1858, and to captain shortly before he resigned from the US Army to join the Confederacy in May 1861.

Sword, overall length 43½ inches, and scabbard. The sword, which has a steel blade, has a brass hilt and wire and leather wrapped grip. The scabbard is steel. Sword is marked on ricasso: "Ames Mfg. Co. Chicopee, Mass. US JH 1858". On April 14, 1858, Ames Manufacturing Company in Chicopee, Massachusetts received an order from the Ordnance Department for 800 "New Pattern" Light Cavalry sabres. All 800 of these sabres, including this one, were delivered in October 1858, making them the first one percent of the 81,300 Light Cavalry sabres that Ames would produce for the Ordnance Department during the Civil War. This is likely the sword of an enlisted man, as their swords were usually dated on the ricasso. During the American Civil War (1861-1865), the Army was divided into three components: the infantry, the artillery and the cavalry. In the early stages of the war, the cavalry supported the artillery and infantry by scouting, gathering intelligence and generally serving as the "eyes and ears" of the Army. As the war progressed, however, the cavalry took an increasingly offensive role, and by the end of the war the Union cavalry was recognized as fearsome offensive force. The light cavalry always fought mounted, using pistols and sabres, such as the one offered here.