A Collection of Eight Signed Letters, Some Men of Fame Autograph Collection, Various Dates.

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Fine Books & Manuscripts

By Bonhams Skinner

Oct 30, 2016 - Oct 31, 2016

Set Reminder 2016-10-30 11:00:00 2016-10-31 11:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Books & Manuscripts https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/skinner/fine-books-manuscripts-1839
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• Lot Description
  A Collection of Eight Signed Letters, Some Men of Fame Autograph Collection, Various Dates. Eight signed and autographed documents and letters bound in full green morocco, custom binding and interior pages, 15 3/4 x 13 1/4 in. Letters are by:
  1. George Washington (1732-1799) Autograph letter signed, West Point, 19 September 1778, old folds, likely mounted, old tears repaired, 8 1/2 x 7 1/4 in. This was a busy day for the General; he wrote at least nine letters on this particular day, many concerning intelligence from spies related to the movements of British troops and sailors. This particular letter, perhaps addressed to Brigadier General Charles Scott, seems to have an immediacy in keeping with three extant letters written to Washington by Scott on 16 September 1776. It reads as follows: "Dear Sir, I had the pleasure of your letter on the 16th past. This intelligence if true is important--- I must beg you to have it as authentic as possible, and to continue your endeavors for this purpose."
  2. Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) Printed pardon completed in a secretarial hand and signed by Lincoln, 24 June 1864, pardoning George Flower, Thomas Gilbert, Nicholas Martich, James Thompson, Antonio Germinovich, Thomas Kaltray, and James Perkins. The sheet toned, 10 x 7 3/4 in.
  3. Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885) Autograph letter signed, Headquarters of the Armies of the United States, City Point, Virginia, 31 January 1865, to Major General Parke, it reads: "Make preparation so that if called in you can move at short notice with the Army of the Potomac provided with six days rations. In case of a flank move the garrison to hold the lines will be reduced to a minimum. Such portions of the 9th & 6th Corps as you may select will be left behind, say one Division from each, and the garrison of the inclosed works or batteries. Written instructions will be sent in advance of any move." Some old folds, evenly toned, 10 x 7 1/2 in.
  4. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) Autograph poem signed, 1858, the seventh verse of his poem, "Psalm of Life," first published in The Knickerbocker magazine, and later in Voices of the Night in 1839. "Lives of great men all remind us / We can make our lives sublime / And, departing, leave behind us / Footprints on the sands of time." Old folds, 6 3/4 x 4 1/2 in.
  5. Charles Dickens (1812-1870) Autograph letter signed, Gad's Hill, 7 October 1857, single page letter in blue ink to journalist and theatre impresario John Hollingshead, "I am proceeding on a new plan with the Christmas Number this year, and it may be considered as already done. But I shall be very happy to write stories, either for the regular Number at Christmas time, or for the New Year's Number." Old folds, 7 x 4 1/4 in.
  6. Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) Document signed, Milan, 15 August 1797, single page document in French inscribed on one page to Brigadier-General Lafon, it reads, in English translation, "I have learned with pleasure that you were happy about the tranquility of the country, as well as the good discipline of the troops under your orders. I also hear of the successful conquest in Corsica. [...] Contribute as much as you can to the tranquility of the country where you are; leave them their religion, their priests, their bells, provided that they are good citizens and that they like the French!", signed Bonaparte, 12 x 8 1/2 in.
  7. Horatio Nelson (1758-1805) Autograph letter signed, 9 January 1801, single leaf inscribed on one page, to a Lieutenant Young, regarding a vacancy, toning, old folds, mounted, 9 1/4 x 7 in.
  8. John Wesley (1703-1791) Autograph letter signed, London, 26 October 1782, single leaf inscribed on one page to woman named Nelly, addressed as, "My Dear Sister, For about a fortnight, I shall be out of town. I shall then stay in town a fortnight. Afterwards I shall only be in town on Saturdays & Sundays, till about the middle of December. Then I shall hope to see you. You must strive, or you cannot conquer! Wherever you are, you will be under the Shadow of the Almighty. And consequently will be just as safe as if you was sitting in your own apartment. Praise him, praise him evermore! Peace be with all your spirits! I am, Dear Nelly, Your Affectionate J. Wesley." Overall toning, old folds, mounted, 7 1/2 x 5 in.
  Provenance: The Estate of David Spinney.
  Estimate $35,000-40,000
  
  
  The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
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