A warrant document signed by James Buchanan and Issac Toucey. Partly Printed DS: "James Buchanan" as President and "Isaac Toucey" as Secretary of the Navy, 1p, 13½x16. Washington, 1858 June 11. On vellum. 3-inch diameter orange seal affixed to naval vignette at lower margin. President Buchanan appoints Henry L. Howison "a Midshipman in the Navy of the United States, from the 11th of June 1858…This Warrant is to continue in force during the pleasure of the President of the United States…." HENRY L. HOWISON (1837-1914) had just been graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis in June, 1858, when he received this appointment. When the Civil War began three years later, Lincoln's Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Welles found the force ill-prepared. He had only 8,800 in personnel, including Howison. Only 42 of 76 vessels were ready to close 185 registered harbors in 12,000 miles of indented coastline (exclusive of rivers). By the War's end, the Union Navy grew to 58,000 sailors and 671 vessels, making it the strongest in the world.

Kennedy as President and J. Edward Day as Postmaster General sign the appointment of Robert J. Murphy as Assistant Postmaster, a very consequential appointment Civil Appointment signed: "John F. Kennedy", "J. Edward Day", 23x19. Washington, D.C., 1961 March 21. Appointment of Richard James Murphy of Maryland as Assistant Postmaster General. As the youngest elected President, JOHN FITZGERALD (1917-1963) displayed a youthful vitality that inspired Americans to actively participate in politics. While showing his resolve in the Cuban Missile Crisis, he also made strides toward peace with trade liberalization agreements, promotion of civil rights, the nuclear test ban treaty, the Peace Corps, and the Alliance for Progress. In addition to Kennedy's political offices, which included those of U.S. Representative (1947-1953) and U.S. Senator (1953-1960) from Massachusetts, he also received recognition for his World War II heroism (the Navy and Marine Corps Medal) and the 1957 Pulitzer Prize for Profiles in Courage. Though Kennedy experienced failures, too, like the abortive Bay of Pigs invasion, the memory of "Camelot," the Kennedy White House, still shines brightly in American memory, and his assassination ranks with Pearl Harbor and the fall of the twin towers among the nation's darkest hours.

John Tyler and Daniel Webster sign four language ship papers. Four Ship papers signed: "J. Tyler" as 10th U.S. President and "Danl Webster" as Secretary of State, 1p, 20¼x16¼. Washington, but issued from New Bedford, Massachusetts, 1842 February 2. The text is in four columns, each in a different language; from left to right: French, Spanish, English and Dutch. In part: "Be it Known, That leave and permission are hereby given to William Flanders, master or commander of the Barque called Popmunett of the burden of 103 and 52/95 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 Barque on his said voyage, such Barque having been visited, and the said Flanders having made oath before the proper officer that the said Barque 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...." No American ships could sail the open seas without this properly authorized passport.

Archive of letters written by and to the President, his aides and sister, including a letter offering evidence to refute Nan Britton's claim that Harding was father of her child. Accompanying memorabilia includes vintage photos of Harding, and passes signed by two prominent US Senators. Collection includes: 1) Autograph Letter signed: "W.G.H.", 1 page, 5½x6¾ with blank integral leaf. No place, May 22, n. d., but with original mailing envelope postmarked Washington, D.C., May 22, 1917. To Mrs. Charles Williamson, in full: "Thank you for your note and clipping. Am glad to have both. Funny thing - I have a letter from California signed Ruth Williamson, who writes as though she knows me. Isn't that your daughter's name? But surely your daughter is not that far away. I am to be in New York either on Thursday, 24th, or Tuesday, 29th. One or the other is sure, possibly both. I'll be delighted to look you up. With assurances of high esteem, I am sincerely yours". Multiple mailing folds. Toned at folds. Multiple minor ink smudges. Otherwise, fine condition. 2) Autograph Letter signed: "Your Friend" [Harding], 2 pages (integral leaf), 4¾x6½. No place, October 20, but with original mailing envelope to Mrs. Jennie Williamson in New York City, postmarked Washington, D.C.

Partly Printed DS: "James Madison" as fourth U.S. President and "Jas Monroe" as Secretary of State, 1p, 10x15, irregularly cut. Washington, D.C., 1813 December 8. Ship's passport on vellum signed in Washington but issued out of "State of Massachusetts, District of Glouster". Cosigned: "John Kittredge Coll." as Collector for that port. In part: "By the President of the United States of America SUFFER the Schoner (sic) Dolphin Samuel Grace master or commander of the burthen of Sixty nine tons or thereabouts mounted with No guns navigated with Six men TO PASS with her Company Passengers Goods and Merchandize without any hinderance seizure or molestation the said Schooner appearing by good testimoney to belong to one or more of the Citizens of the United States and to him or them only...." On vellum. 2¼-inch white paper seal affixed at lower left margin. Scalloped upper edge affects portion of upper vignette. At the time this document was signed, the British had already successfully blockaded the Delaware River and Chesapeake Bay (December 1812), and by November 1813, the U.S. eastern seaboard south of Narragansett was under the blockade.

This rare and significant letter touches on two of the many scandals of the 42nd U.S. President administration. He handwrote, signed and dated this one-sentence letter in 1993 to Kathleen Willey, who accused him of sexual assault five years later. The letter itself mentions "Vince" - probably Vince Foster, Jr., a colleague of the First Lady. Foster had reportedly committed suicide less than two weeks before this letter was signed Autograph Letter Signed: "Bill". One page. 6½x8½. Written on official White House stationery letterhead. Place: Washington, D. C., Date: July 29, 1993. Addressed to: "Dear Kathleen", his friend (and later accuser), Kathleen Willey. In full: "Thanks for your note about Vince and for your friendship. Best". BILL CLINTON, born William Jefferson Blythe III in Hope, Arkansas in 1946, was Governor of Arkansas (1979-1981, 1983-1992) and the first Democrat reelected President since FDR. The only elected U.S. President to be impeached (Andrew Johnson was impeached, but he had not been elected to the office), on February 12, 1999, President Clinton was acquitted on both articles of impeachment brought against him: charges of perjury and obstruction of justice.

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.

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.…"

LBJ as President, and Ball as Acting Secretary of State, sign the official appointment of Arthur Goldberg, formerly Supreme Court Justice, as US ambassador to the United Nations. Historic Partly Printed DS: "Lyndon B. Johnson" as President and "George W. Ball" as Acting Secretary of State, 1 page, 21½x17½. Washington, 1965 September 15. Appointment of Arthur J. Goldberg to the General Assembly of the United Nations to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Adlai E. Stevenson. In full: "Know Ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the Integrity and Ability of Arthur J. Goldberg, of Illinois, I have nominated, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, do designate him as a Representative of the United States of America to the Twentieth Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, and do authorize and empower him to execute and fulfill the duties of this commission, according to law, with all the powers and privileges thereunto of right appertaining during the pleasure of the President of the United States." On July 14, 1965, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Adlai E. Stevenson died suddenly in London at the age of 65. ARTHUR J.

From the President to the son of Buchanan's Postmaster General: He cannot attend a meeting of the Society of the Army of the Potomac. Manuscript LS: "Benj Harrison" as President, 1p, 7½x10. Executive Mansion, Washington, 1892 May 21. To Hon. Horatio C. King, Brooklyn, N.Y. In full: "I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of May 19th in which you extend to me a cordial invitation to attend the annual meeting of the Society of the Army of the Potomac to be held at Scranton June 15th and 16th. I fear that it will not be possible for me to accept this invitation, and assure you that I regret that it is so." KING, son of Buchanan's Postmaster General, was Judge Advocate General of New York. In the Civil War, he served with the Army of the Potomac and Shenandoah from 1862-1865. Harrison was Colonel in the 70th Indiana Regiment in the Civil War. Just 2½ weeks after this letter, President Harrison was renominated on the first ballot at the Republican National Convention held in Minneapolis June 7-10, 1892. Tanned, lined page. Lightly creased. Vertical fold touches the "a" in Harrison. Fine condition.

Rare handwritten letter signed as President, wishing a speedy recovery to a former member of his gubernatorial staff Rare Autograph Letter Signed: "Ronald Reagan" as President, 1 page, 6¾ x10½. Mounted to a slightly larger board. The White House, Washington, 1983 October 11. To Susie. In full: "Nancy & I have just learned of your illness. You are very much on our minds and we were very sorry to hear of your ill health. Please know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers until you are well. Then we'll be saying prayers of thanks for your recovery. It's been a long time since we've seen each other but after all the years in Sacramento we're all still family. We care for you so take care of yourself and get well soon. God Bless You." Reagan considered all who worked in the Governor's Office in Sacramento while he was Governor of California (1967-1975) as his family. Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) had two careers: actor and politician. His first movie was Love is on the Air (1937) and his 53rd and last film was The Killers (1964). In 1965, he wrote his autobiography, Where's the Rest of Me?, a line from his role as Drake McHugh in King's Row (1942).

and Five presidents - Ford, Carter, Clinton, George H. W. Bush and his son George W. Bush - signed this 10x8 color photo of the White House. George W. Bush signed this photo while still residing there and serving as President of the United States. Photograph signed: "Gerald R. Ford", "J Carter", "George Bush", "Bill Clinton" and "George W. Bush" as President. Color, 10x8. A view of the North Portico of the White House, view pictured on the new $20 bill, signed by the 38th, 39th, 41st, 42nd and 43rd U.S. Presidents. Fine condition.