Extremely rare autograph letter written by Western outlaw Frank James to his wife
and son from an Alabama jail (1884), discussing the hardships of imprisonment, his
feelings of betrayal by "my pretended friends", and family attendance at his coming
trial. Contained in a 9x14½ brown leather folio with a b/w photo of James. Autograph
and signed material by James is extremely rare and highly desirable!
Rare autograph letter signed "Frank James". 2 pages, 8½x14, 1 sheet, front and verso, ruled
paper. Comes in a 9x14½ (27x28¼ unfolded) brown leather folio with a 5¼x6¼ b/w photo of
James and a Charles Hamilton letter of authentication. Dated: Mar. 12, 1884. James wrote
this letter to his wife and son after surrendering and awaiting trial for bank robbery.
"My Dear Wife and Robert... I am truly in hope I may not be ill any more while in jail
at least... the only money I spend is for stamps and tobacco... As I write it rains and the
heavy peals of thunder and vivid flashes of lightning very nearly raises me out of my
chair... I have scarcely any fire and think I will let it die... I am waiting very impatiently
for Mr. Cooper to come from the post office.…"
Seven weeks after surrendering Fort Sumter, Colonel Robert Anderson writes to
General Lorenzo Thomas about a recent meeting with President Lincoln's lifelong
friend Joshua Speed.
Important ALS: "Robert Anderson/Col. USA", 1p, 7¾x9¾. Cincinnati, Ohio, 1861 June
4. To General Lorenzo Thomas, Adjutant General USA, Washington, D.C. In full: "I have
the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Genl Orders (Adjt Genls Office) No 25.6&7 and
G.O. No. 7 Hd Qrs of the Army, and also of a letter from the Hon. J.K. Moorehead to the
Hon. Secy of War, with enclosures, referring to certain parties in Louisville Ky reported
to be engaged in furnishing or forwarding, Revolvers, Tents, Knapsacks &c to the rebels,
Mr. Joshua Speed, a firm Union Man and a man of sound judgement, to whom I showed
these papers, advises that no steps be now taken in this matter-greater harm than benefit
to the cause would result from it. A letter from Surgeon Wright USA. the Senior Medical
Office in this Dept. is, herewith, forwarded. I am satisfied that the opinion he gives,
confirming the views of the Physicians who advised with me before I left N.Y. is correct.
Fortunately, my absence from Ky.…"
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.
Signatures of Cody, Longstreet and other prominent Chicagoans of the era, collected
on both sides of a 6x4 sheet in 1899.
Signatures on both sides of a 6x4 sheet: "W.F. Cody / 'Buffalo Bill'", "Nate Salsbury",
"John M. Burke /'Arizona John'", and "Allison Nailor, Jr.". Dated in unknown hand at left:
"April 20, 1899." On verso: "Yours Truly/James Longstreet/July 15 '99" and "Ferdinand
W. Peck". Fine condition. Framed to an overall size of 40x20.
William Frederick Cody 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.Signatures of Cody, Longstreet and other prominent Chicagoans of the era, collected
on both sides of a 6x4 sheet in 1899.
Signatures on both sides of a 6x4 sheet: "W.F. Cody / 'Buffalo Bill'", "Nate Salsbury",
"John M. Burke /'Arizona John'", and "Allison Nailor, Jr.". Dated in unknown hand at left:
"April 20, 1899." On verso: "Yours Truly/James Longstreet/July 15 '99" and "Ferdinand
W. Peck". Fine condition. Framed to an overall size of 40x20.
William Frederick Cody 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.
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.…"
The famous Wild West showman pens a hopeful letter to his friend, stating "New
England was never big for me. But wait till we start west. I predict a big season." The
letter was written during the downfall of Cody's show empire due to outside expenses
draining the immense profits from his show
Autograph letter signed: "Col.", 1 page, 8½x11 framed to an overall size of 25½x18½. Buffalo
Bill's Wild West combined with Pawnee Bill's Great Far East. May 29, 1911. Portsmouth,
[New Hampshire]. In full: "Dear Mayor Glad Light, Your letter which found me is fine
health. We had two bad towns last week. Fitchburg & Newburyport. No one ever done
business in either. The week hurt us at least $2000 in Lowell-sent your bank 5100 today
to take up one of my notes. Been getting good deposits from the mines. Been getting in
shape [illegible] or any one. I believe I'll walk a sale of the [illegible]. Note if good are
doing. [illegible]. While I telegraph you for now we are all OK here-now. And barring
accident we will be OK. New England was never big for me. But wait till we start west. I
predict a big season. Love to you". William Frederick Cody (1846-1917) earned the
name "Buffalo Bill" for killing thousands of buffalo as a hired hunter in 1867 and 1868.
JEFFERSON DAVIS, JOHN H. WINDER and THOMAS J. GREENDavis signs an
autograph endorsement forwarding to Confederate Secretary of War Benjamin a
handwritten letter from Green, a former general in the army of independent
Texas, warning that Confederate soldiers were carrying CSA weapons home with
them. General Winder adds a handwritten note to the same document, ordering that
guards be posted at depot and they confiscate these weapons.Civil
War-date Autograph Endorsement signed: "Sec of War attention./J D", as
President of the Confederate States of America in pencil in upper blank
margin of letter to him. THOMAS J. GREEN. ALS: "Thos J Green", 1p,
7¼x9¼. Esmeralda near Warrenton North Carolina, 1862 March 17. To
"HIS EXCL./JEFFERSON DAVIS/PRES. C.S.A.". In full, original spelling:
"I feel it my duty to call your attention to what I believe is highly
detrimental to the public service. From what I have seen every train going
south from Virginia has then, either discharged, furlowed, sick, or pretendedly
so, carrying with them side and fire arms belonging to the confederate
government. Should you concur with me in the opinion that no arms should be
brought from the seat of war under any pretext, you will apply the remedy in the
right quarter.…"
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.…"
The former Union officer is supported by Confederate officers as he fights to clear his
name.
ALS: "F.J. Porter", 4p, 5x7¾. New York, 1882 January 24. To Colonel Charles
Marshall, Baltimore, Maryland. Begins: "My dear Colonel". In full: "I Thank you warmly
for your full reply to my letter - I knew or believed that no written messages had passed
between Longstreet & Gen Lee to the effect I wrote you - but Longstreet had testified
to that effect before the Board. had written it years before. and Col. W.M Owens of
New Orleans. had without confering (sic) with Longstreet. stated he heard Gen Lee
about 1. PM. tell Longstreet to advance. & Longstreets reply that he wanted to hear
from Stuart of the force coming up on this right - and So I took it for granted it was so.
I am glad to have the details you give. That Genl Lee had a contempt for Genl Pope and
justly I never doubted. He knew Pope. I don't think that any grounds could have induced
him to make the moves he did. unless he was vastly superior in numbers to Pope and
knew Pope would not be reinforced in time to save him. and I think it was fortunate for
him that he did not get around to his flank as early as you say he intended.…"
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.…"
Exceedingly rare carte-de-visite photo of Torbert in uniform by Mathew Brady!
Autograph Signed Photograph: "Yours truly/A. T. A. Torbert, Brig. Genl: Vols." 2½x4
carte-de-viste with backstamp of Brady's National Photographic Portrait Galleries, New York
& Washington. Alfred Thomas Archimedes Torbert (1833-1880), an 1855 graduate of West
Point, was appointed a First Lieutenant in the Confederate States Army on March 16,
1861, just before the start of the American Civil War, but the Delaware native declined the
appointment and remained a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. By August 1862, he was a
Brigade Commander of the VI Corps of the Army of the Potomac, and Torbert was
promoted to Brigadier General on November 29, 1862. On April 10, 1864, he was given
command of the 1st Division of the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac. During
Major General Philip Sheridan's Valley Campaigns (1864), Torbert commanded the Cavalry
Corps of the Army of Shenandoah. He later commanded the Army of the Shenandoah
from April 22, 1865-June 27, 1865. Following the Civil War, Torbert served in several
diplomatic posts before drowning off the coast of Florida when the S.S. Vera Cruz sunk on
August 29, 1880. Surface loss from mounting residue at left edge of image side.Signatures of Cody, Longstreet and other prominent Chicagoans of the era, collected
on both sides of a 6x4 sheet in 1899.
Signatures on both sides of a 6x4 sheet: "W.F. Cody / 'Buffalo Bill'", "Nate Salsbury",
"John M. Burke /'Arizona John'", and "Allison Nailor, Jr.". Dated in unknown hand at left:
"April 20, 1899." On verso: "Yours Truly/James Longstreet/July 15 '99" and "Ferdinand
W. Peck". Fine condition. Framed to an overall size of 40x20.
William Frederick Cody 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.
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: "...…"
He signs a handwritten letter in 1871 responding to a bill for nautical equipment,
complaining that some of it was faulty.
ALS: "J L. Chamberlain", 2 pages, 5x8. Brunswick, Maine, 1871 September 23. To C.S.
Donnelly, Esq. In part: "Your bill is received as requested, & is I believe correct. I don't
know anything about the Notch Boom but suppose Capt. Stover got it. It never came to
my yacht, but if it was got for me, I will be accountable for it…Also I may mention that I
found the pump, when I came to set it, in two pieces, never having been properly soldered
or brazed. & I had to pay $1.00 to have it done…But the pump was an imperfect one, & I
would have returned it if I could have done so. Please inform me if I am at liberty to
make deduction accordingly…." Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain (1828-1914)
commanded the 20th Maine in its famous defense of Little Round Top in the Battle of
Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. Chamberlain was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor
for this action. At Appomattox Courthouse on 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.Civil War | Postcards
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CLARA BARTON - POST CARD SIGNED - HFSID 41282One-cent post card signed "Very Truly Yours" by Barton. Framed with bio plate and sepia-toned photograph of Barton sitting at a desk to 30x16. Post card signed "Very Truly Yours/Clara Barton".Price: $1,100.00
