Billy Mitchell sends a rare important autograph letter accepting an engagement. Rare Important Autograph Letter Signed: "Wm. Mitchell", 4p, 7¼x10½, front and verso. Boxwood, 1926 November 6. On his Mitchell crested stationery to his lecture agent, James B. Pond. Receipt stamp: "Ansd Nov 23 1926" below Mitchell's date of letter. In full: "To begin with I shall fill the engagement at Erie for the twenty third. This is to help you out more than anything else, as it makes things pretty hurried for me, because I have to be back here on the twenty fourth. I imagine I can get a train out of Erie that night. As I had heard nothing from you, the first news of the Erie engagement came as a good deal of a surprise. I could have gone before but not at the date set. This is about the way things are with me: from now until the 1st of February I do not care to make any engagements unless they are quite close and for sufficient remuneration. Five hundred dollars, I imagine is a good fee but in some ways it hardly pays. In others as far as publicity is concerned and in the way you handle it, it certainly does.…"

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.

Telegram, unsigned, 1 page, 8½x11. 1866 December 6. Telegram partly printed in Portuguese, received from Gideon Welles in Washington, D.C., for transmittal to Admiral Goldsborough, American Squadron at Lisbon, Portugal. Manuscript text of Welles' message (unknown hand): "Send steamer to Alexandria, Egypt to receive Surautt [sic] from Consul Hale and bring him to Washington." [Welles' name has also been misspelled by the telegraph office.] Docketed on verso: "Hon. G. Welles/Secy of the Navy/6th Dec. 1866/Send steamer to/Alexandria, Egypt". Gideon Welles (1812-1878), a Jacksonian Democrat who joined the new Republican Party in 1854 because he detested slavery, was Secretary of the Navy throughout the Presidencies of Abraham Lincoln (who called him "Neptune") and Andrew Johnson (1861-1869). John Suratt (1844-1916) was the son of Mary Suratt, convicted of conspiracy in the assassination of President Lincoln and the first woman executed (hanged) by the US government. John Suratt was accused of involvement in the conspiracy, but remained at large for a year and a half, fleeing first to Canada and then through Europe, escaping after first having been captured in Italy.

A bound copy of his Memorial Day Address (1948), inscribed and signed to his longtime secretary, Mary Pitcairn, by America's last five-star general Speech inscribed and signed: "To Miss Mary Pitcairn/With appreciation for/your loyal and/untiring assistance/Omar N. Bradley", 5p, 6x9. Leather-bound, soft cover copy of his Memorial Day Address, titled "That We Might Learn to Live as Bravely as They Died", Longmeadow, Massachusetts, 1948. Inscribed and signed on third free end page. Omar N. Bradley (1893-1981), a corps commander in North Africa and Sicily (1943), commanded of the U.S. First Army, which landed at Utah and Omaha beaches, Normandy, on D-Day, June 6, 1944. In August 1944, he became the Commander of the 12th Army Group, the largest force ever commanded on the field. He headed the new Veterans Administration (1945-1948). On September 20, 1950, Bradley was promoted to Five-Star General of the Army, and would be the last surviving general of 5-star rank. From 1950 to 1953, he was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Lacking the arrogance and ostentation of some other generals, Bradley became known as "the soldier's general." Mary Pitcairn, a Red Cross Nurse in World War II, followed the Twelfth Army Group across France and into Germany (1944-1945).

Large 14½x18¼ signed sketch of the President who was elected to four terms. Sketch Signed: "Franklin D. Roosevelt" in pencil. Also signed by the artist and dated circa 1941. Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) is one of the best-known Presidents in United States history. Before his tenure in the Oval Office, he served as Governor of New York. This position gave him valuable experience working with progressive-minded individuals to improve the economy. He served in the position for just over 12 years, dying 11 weeks into his fourth term. Roosevelt oversaw the U.S. during the Great Depression and World War II. His progressive platform introduced Social Security and the first national minimum wage. During his first term as Commander-in-Chief, he ended Prohibition. This decision is largely credited with helping him to a landslide 1936 election victory. Frame slightly chipped at corners. Otherwise, fine condition. Framed to an overall size of 26¾x37.

This exquisite presentation album - signed by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth as King and Emperor and as Queen Consort - contains an historic 78-RPM recording of the BBC radio broadcast of George VI's coronation and an address by him as king. Presented in a custom-made museum-style tabletop showcase with hinged lid which allows access to album. Two items: 1) Album signed "George R I" by King George VI and "Elizabeth R" by Queen Elizabeth on vellum inside front cover. "14¼x12½x3¾. On cover: "The Coronation/of/The Majesties/King George VI and Queen Elizabeth/in/Westminster Abbey/and/H.M. The King's Broadcast Message/May 12th, 1937" in gilt. "R.I" stands for "Rex Imperator" (King Emperor), a title used from 1877, when Queen Victoria became Empress of India, to 1948, following Indian independence. Album has purple satiny-fabric endpapers. Contains 15 78-RPM records, 11¾ inches in diameter each by the Gramophone Co., Ltd. of Hayes, Middlesex, England, in paper sleeves. Covers, signatures and sleeves are lightly toned. George's signature has bled slightly but is in fine condition. 2) Photograph unsigned of Queen Elizabeth and King George VI. B/w, 6¾x8½.…"

MARY SURRATT'S HAIR Historic Hair Strands from Mary Surratt, The Lincoln Assassination Conspirator. Illustrations on front and verso of the card include: an "Image of Mary Surratt taken from a contemporary CDV owned by Samuel Curtis"; a copy of an entry from the original diary kept by Samuel Curtis, referencing the hair (the entry originally accompanied the hair but cannot be read from this page); and a reproduction of the envelope that contained the hair, bearing the writing of Curtis. Surratt's execution on July 7, 1865 is also depicted in two reproduced photographs, taken both before and after the hanging. There are also reproductions from other Curtis entries: April 9, 1865, mentioning Lee's surrender; April 15, referring to Lincoln being shot; and April 20, "the boys went to the city of Washington to see the remains of our late President Lincoln." All of the above are reproduced on the front and verso of the page showing the hair. Curtis was a member of the 8th Regiment that was present at the execution of four conspirators in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln at the Old Penitentiary in Washington, D.C. Mrs. Mary Surratt, who kept the boarding house where John Wilkes Booth devised his assassination plot, was among those hanged. She is reported to have been the first to die.

Typed 1980 appointment letter signed by Saddam in red ink Rare Typed DS: "Saddam Hussein" in red ink, as Head of the Revolution's Supreme Council, in Arabic, 1 page, 8x11. Baghdad, Iraq, 1980 May 22. Not translated. "Decided" that Lieutenant Colonel Ali Omran Mosa be appointed to a civilian post at the Ministry of Transportation. Saddam Hussein (b. 1937) joined the Pan-Arab socialist Baath Party in 1957 and fled Iraq. He was wounded two years later, after attempting to assassinate Prime Minister Kassim.  Returning to Iraq after Kassim's overthrow in 1963, he rose rapidly in the Baath revolutionary apparatus and by 1968 was a Vice President with broad authority over the secret police.  Saddam seized full power in 1979 and conducted a ruthless purge of opponents inside and outside the Baath Party.  He dealt brutally with political, ethnic and religious opponents, real or imagined, throughout his reign.  In September, 1980, four months after signing this order, Saddam Hussein began an eight-year war with Iran which began well but soon turned into a stalemate costly in lives and money.  It was partly to recover from the resulting financial crisis that Saddam invaded Kuwait in 1990.

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.

2½x4 carte de visite, seated in uniform Photograph signed: "D. G. Farragut". Sepia, 2½x4 carte de visite by J. Gurney & Son of New York. David G. Farragut (1801-1870, born James Glasgow), adopted by Admiral David Porter in 1814, served more than fifty years in the U.S. Navy. Commissioned at age 10, he participated in the War of 1812 (1812-1814), the Mexican War (1846-1848) and the Civil War (1961-1965). In 1864, two years after Farragut, as Commander of the West Gulf Blocking Squadron, captured New Orleans (April 25, 1862), Rear Admiral Farragut was assigned to capture the defenses of Mobile Bay. He began his approach on August 5, 1864. It was during this Battle of Mobile Bay, as Farragut's ships entered the heavily guarded bay that filled with mines, then known as torpedoes, that Farragut exclaimed: "Damn the torpedoes!...Full speed ahead!" In 1866, when Admiral was established as the highest naval rank, Farragut became the first officer to receive that honor. Slightly worn at edges. Pencil notes (unknown hand) on verso (no show through). Otherwise, fine condition.

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.…"

Pierre G. T. Beauregard signs a war dated manuscript letter of thanks for forwarding the letter from his wife. War-dated Manuscript Letter Signed: "G.T. Beauregard", 1p, 8x7¼ lined sheet. Charleston, South Carolina, 1863 September 16. On letterhead of Headquarters, Department of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida to "Dear Sir". In full: "I have received the letter from Mrs. B[eauregard] you have been kind enough to send me; please return my sincere thanks to the parties connected with it's (sic) transmission. Hoping that before very long our troubles will be at an end, & that I shall be able to acknowledge personally this favor. I remain Yours very truly & resply". At the time of this letter, Confederate General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard (1818-1893) was Commander of the Confederacy's Military Department of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida (1862-1864) and was defending Charleston from attacks by the Union Army and Navy. Beauregard, who had shortened his name to G.T. Beauregard while a student at West Point, had been named a Brigadier General in the Confederate States Army on March 1, 1861 and just a month later, on April 12, 1861, gave the order for Confederate troops to fire on Ft.