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.

Hancock handwrote, dated and put his "John Hancock" on this letter to the "Gentlemen of the Senate & Gentlemen of the House of Representatives" in 1783, while he was Governor of Massachusetts. He wrote this letter to inform the recipients that he had received an "Application for Sundry Articles for the use of the Tribe" from the Penobscot, which offered their services to the colonies during the American Revolutionary War. This letter was written less than eight months before the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which ended the war between the colonies and England. Draft autograph letter signed "J.H." as Governor of Massachusetts. 1 page, 7¾x6¼. Council Chamber, Boston, Massachusetts, Feb. 7, 1783. Addressed to the "Gentlemen of the Senate & Gentlemen of the House of Representatives". In full: "I have this moment Rec'd a Letter from Colonel Lithgow, by Two Indians of the Penobscot Tribe, these Indians are come to make Application for Sundry Articles for the use of the Tribe. The Letter with the Commissions given one of these Indians by Brigr. Genl. Lovell, I have directed the Secretary [to] lay before you.…"

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.

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.…"

Handwritten letter to former rival - now partner - Pawnee Bill Lillie -  outlining plans for a California tour of their wild west show. "And if all goes well we could clean up a wagon load of money." Autograph Letter signed: "Col.", 1 page, 8½x11. Saco, Maine, May 30 (circa 1908). On letterhead of Buffalo Bill's Wild West and Pawnee Bill's Far East to "Dear Major" [William Lillie]. In full: "The reason I would not sign up with Craft. They went back on the Contract they had Bacon draw and sent two of their own fixing. You see by the route of Sells Floto that they are playing all of the Country west of the Rockies and North West. And I think we should do it. I think the summer of the Great Panama Fair at San Francisco we could show all that Country. In the Spring three shows. San Francisco July, Aug. Sep. Then Southern Cal. Oct. And if all goes well we could clean up a wagon load of money." 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.

Historically fascinating collection of late 19th century U.S. military cadet uniform attire which includes a pressed felt hat with brass buttons made at famed New York City military supply store Ridabock & Co., a brass and steel sabre with the Great Seal of the United States on crossguard, and a 13¾x16¾ framed albumen photograph of a young military cadet in uniform posed with two other men dressed in Victorian clothing. An extremely rare compilation! Three items: 1) Saber unsigned. 35¼ inches long x 4½ inches wide x 2¼ inches deep with 30 inch long x ¾-inch wide blade and 31 inch long x 1 inch wide scabbard. Brass grip, crossguard, knuckle guard and pommel. Straight etched steel blade. Metal scabbard with brass belt loops and fittings. Grip is grooved and has brass wire wrapped in loops. Knuckleguard has "US" etched into it. Great Seal of the United States on crossguard. Brass parts and scabbard are tarnished. Blade is dull and rusted, but has sharp point. Otherwise in fine condition. 2) Cadet cap unsigned. 5 inches high x 6¼ inches wide x 9 inches deep. Pressed black felt cap with black leather brim and trimmings, brass buttons and brass starburst with "PM/A" at center. Paper label inside says: "From/Ridabock & Co./Successors to/J. H. McKenney & Co.…"

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....…"

These incredibly rare documents are a handwritten, dated and signed account of Nazi Germany's forced labor and mass deportation operations by Germany's chief of slave labor recruitment. They were written by Sauckel for his lawyer during his trial before the International Military Tribunal in Nuremburg after World War II. They are important documentation of the 20th century's worst war and of some of the worst atrocities ever recorded in human history. They are also a typical example of the defense used by many defendants in the postwar Nuremberg trials: they were only following orders. This defense failed to sway Sauckel's tribunal; he was found guilty of war crimes and later hanged. Historically Important Autograph Manuscript signed twice (at top of first page and at bottom of last page): "Fritz Sauckel", in pencil, as war crimes defendant, 26 pages, 8x10½. IN GERMAN WITH 1945 ENGLISH TRANSLATION WITH FOOTNOTES AND COMMENTS. Nuremburg [Germany], 1945 July 15. This text was provided by Sauckel to his attorney as a means of fully describing the organization of the forced labor department, and Sauckel's duties and responsibilities.

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.

As President of Columbia University, he signs a typed letter to Robert Cutler concerning University projects to be funded by the Harriman brothers. TLS: "Ike" as President of Columbia, with ALS: "DE" on first page of 1½ pages (separate sheets) typed letter, 7¼x9½. Columbia University, New York, 1950 December 13. To Robert Cutler, Old Colony Trust Company, Boston, about planning and financing The American Assembly, an affiliate of Columbia University founded by Eisenhower in 1950 "to illuminate issues of public policy". The ALS on the first typed page, in full: "Dear Bobby-This formal dissertation was, as is obvious, prepared by a staff assistant. If you knew how pressed I am, almost to the point of panic, you'd forgive me for not re-writing it. So far as meaning goes, it expresses my sentiments very well indeed!" The typed letter, in part: "Since our delightful Boston visit, we have gone ahead rapidly with the plans for The American Assembly…Mr. W. Averell Harriman has given us a home for the Assembly and he, together with his brother, E. Roland Harriman, are providing the funds to adapt the property and to furnish it for conference purposes.…"

Comprises: (1) Autograph Letter Signed: "your affectionate Brother", 3½ pages, 7 5/8 by 9¾. Camp Newbern, N.C., February 16, 1863. Normal folds. Slightly worn at folds on first page, else fine. To his brother, Joseph Wensel, Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pa., who Americanized the family name. Henry has written his letter with a German accent. Spelling not corrected. In part: "I in form you that I Received your letter on the 13th day of february and 25 cents in money and 4 postage Stamps and I was very glad to hear from you and the old folks and I was very much obliged for the money and Stamps...I wish you whould fetch my two Saws too over to your house and keep them in your Care till Come home and if you want to youth [use] them why youth them till I Call for them and if I never Come home no more why you may keep them and pay to my Wife what you think is Ride [right] are what you think they are worth you may keep them for keeping in Repair as long as I am in Service...…"

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.