This New Jersey politico served the U.S. Senate from that state from 1829 to 1835 and as mayor of Newark (1837-38) before being chosen the Whig vice presidential candidate in 1844 as Henry Clay's running mate; he served as second president of New York University (1839-50) and as seventh president of Rutgers University (1850-62). ALS, 1p + integral address leaf, 7 3/4" X 9 3/4", Newark, NJ, 1 June 1833. Addressed to Reverend Dr. James Richards (1767-1843, well known Presbyterian clergyman and theologian). Very good. Age toned about the edges, with integral address leaf (addressed in his hand and bearing second, free-frank signature) heavily age toned. Frelinghuysen asks this clergyman whom he greatly respects for "your friendly, christian counsel... a suggestion has been before me, from the Am[erica]n Bible Soc[iet]y looking to my connexion with that Institution, as one of its Secretaries. The proposition contemplates for the present, my continuance in Senate -- & the employment of the residue of my time, for the Society." He goes on at flowery length to justify his asking this favor of the clergyman, closing with: "I hope that my desire is, to be guided by the Lord in the right path & to be so assisted as shall most advance His kingdom. Please favor me with your views at your convenience...." Boldly penned in brown ink and fairly legible.
This versatile powerhouse American businessman (he was at various times in charge of behemoths as diverse as Boeing, Time, Abercombie & Fitch, New York Trust Company, Union Pacific and others) parlayed his World War One service as naval aviator into the influential position of Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Air and oversaw naval aviation during World War Two, then serving briefly as Undersecretary of the Navy in 1945. TNS, 1p, 7" X 9 3/4", New York, NY, 10 November 1939. Addressed to Arnold F. Gates (1914-93, future noted Lincoln/Civil War scholar), whether related or not unknown. Near fine. On imprinted letterhead, this Gates thanks the other Gates "for your nice letter... and the wishes contained therein." Large, bold full signature. Unusual.
This Illinois jurist and early colleague of Abraham Lincoln served as associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (1862-77) and as U.S. Senator from Illinois (1877-83); he acted as Lincoln's campaign manager at the Republican National Convention in 1860 and helped orchestrate his nomination to the presidency. Bold and handsome "David Davis / U.S. Senate / Bloomington / Illinois / July 1877" penned in brown ink on a heavy stock 4" X 2½" card. Very good. Tiny archivally-closed tear at center of bottom edge (slightly affecting the last "7" of the date). Accompanied by a fine and outstanding 8" X 10" black-and-white print of an ink-and-wash artist's rendering by the premiere Lincoln artist Lloyd Ostendorf, a charming scene showing Davis in horse-drawn carriage chatting with Lincoln in front of a large brick structure. Caption at bottom reads "Lawyer Abraham Lincoln Conferring With Judge David Davis Near the McLean County Courthouse, Bloomington, Ill. 1846." At lower right, Ostendorf signs this print boldly in blue ballpoint. This Dayton, Ohio commercial artist (1920-2000) became the foremost artist interpreter of Abraham Lincoln and his circle, illustrating every facet of Lincoln's life in various media over several decades; he authored and/or illustrated several Lincoln books, such as the 1963 classic "Lincoln in Photographs: An Album of Every Known Pose" (with Charles Hamilton). A superb Davis signature dated several months after he was sworn in as senator illustrated with a choice and appropriate image signed by its artist.
This distinguished naval medical officer rose to the rank of vice admiral; he was appointed by Franklin D. Roosevelt as White House physician in 1932 and also served as Surgeon-General of the United States Navy. On a printed buff stock penny postcard, McIntire responds to the typed request from future notable Lincoln scholar Arnold F. Gates (1914-93) and below this signs large and bold, adding "Comdr M.C. U.S.N." beneath. Near fine. Undated, but postally cancelled in Washington, DC on 17 December 1934. A handsome example. Accompanied by a choice and itself scarce original glossy black-and-white 8½" X 6½" news agency photograph. Near fine. Interesting view down the passenger portion of an airplane, with a seated FDR chatting and a handful of officers in uniforms and men in suits seated and standing about. Original mimeographed printed caption affixed to verso, dated 1 February 1943, is captioned "Return from Historic Conference" and describes the scene: "This official U.S. Navy photo... shows Harry Hopkins in animated conversation with President Roosevelt, aboard the Big Four motored plane during the return from the historic Casablanca Conference. Seated directly behind them are Lieutenant George Fox, U.S. Navy Medical Corps, left, and Rear Admiral Ross T. McIntyre, Surgeon General-U.S. Navy...." A superb and highly unusual pair.
American regional artist famed for his murals; great nephew of the Missouri statesman. Large, bold "Thanks / Thomas H. Benton" in blue ink on a 5½" X 2¼" slip, n.p., n.y. Very good. Though undated, likely of 1950s vintage. An attractive example.
Fascinating collection of approximately 94 Autograph Letters Signed (all with original envelopes) from a Republic of Vietnam Air Force officer named Lai Van Tho and several others. Varying sizes (most ca. 8" X 10," small smaller), varying lengths (most 2-3 pages, some more), most near fine and some very good, most dated between March 1963 and December 1975 (with one each from 1977, 1981 and 1983). NOT translated. This meaty collection of roughly one hundred letters awaiting translating is in exceptionally fine condition and clearly warrants further research -- whether the content is war-related, military life or other remains to be seen, but in an archive of this size likely all of the above are present and cover life in wartime Vietnam for over a decade; the 29 aerogrammes penned from two U.S. air forces bases promise to be especially interesting. Lai Van Tho's letters, most addressed to a Ngoc Dung in Cholon, South Vietnam -- whether sister, wife, mother or girlfriend is not known. These are handsomely penned in blue or green ballpoint. From July to November 1964 his letters (all on aerogrammes) hail from Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, which operated a training program for select South Vietnamese pilots. From November 1964 to August 1965 they hail (also on aerogrammes) from Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi, which trained South Vietnamese pilots in flying the T-28 Trojan. Likely he learned much English at this program, and occasionally these letters from America contain a smattering of words and phrases in English such as "American Food." A modest number of letters are penned by a Le Van Thieu, Nguyen Thuc and a couple other Vietnamese correspondents. Some of the envelopes from the later 1960s bear at lower left printed patriotic elements (victorious "VN" fighter plane at top with plummeting "US" planes trailing smoke beneath), map of Vietnam, flora and fauna, etc. Number of letters per year breaks down as follows: 1963 = 20, 1964 =18, 1965 = 14, 1966 = 7, 1967 = 5, 1968 = 1, 1971 = 2, 1973 = 4, 1975 = 19.
This American dramatist became one of the most popular playwrights of the late 19th century, both in the U.S. and the U.K., with such syrupy affairs as "Saratoga" (1870), "Young Mrs. Winthrop" (1882), "Shenandoah" (1998) and others. ALS, 3pp, 5" X 8" (lettersheet), London, England, 25 October 1881. Addressed to Mrs. Barrow. Near fine. Faint mounting trace along original fold. Amusing chatty letter to a fellow expatriate on the verge of sailing back to the States. "I really do not know what you can do about those miserable Continental railways. If you were English, of course you would write to the Times, and then your feelings would be soothed & you would be perfectly happy. Being an American woman, you can only stamp your feet, and ask your American gentlemen friends, who may be going to the Continent, to get themselves up in French oaths, and make it a warm winter for them over there...." Boldly penned in his large and legible script in brown ink. Nice example with interesting Americans-abroad content.
The "total hotelier," also nicknamed the "dean of the hospitality industry in Washington," was this businessman who upgraded D.C.'s standards when he opened the ultra- luxurious Madison Hotel in 1963, which became the accommodation of choice for the rich and famous, kings, presidents, prime ministers. TNS, stiff 5" X 3½" imprinted correspondence card, n.p., n.y. [postal cancellation Washington, DC, 1 November 1986. Addressed to Ralph G. Newman (1912-98). Fine. "Wishing you many, many happy returns -- I promise not to count if you don't!" At upper left, in black fineline, he pens "Ralph" and at lower right signs off "L & K / M." With original mailing envelope. The noted Lincoln/Civil War specialist and founder of Chicago's famed Abraham Lincoln Book Shop helped Coyne form a celebrated collection of historical documents -- his cryptic message likely refers to a spendy acquisition Newman just made on his behalf. Accompanying this is a delightful Madison Hotel keepsake: A thick, heavy 3" diameter bronze medallion in original "Compliments of / Marshall B. Coyne / Proprietor" presentation box. Both fine. Recto depicts heads-and-shoulders of the hotel's namesakes in deep relief, with caption "James Madison Dolley Madison" below. Verso contains, within a U.S. flag, scroll and laurel wreath border, the entire 1984 calendar. Rim at bottom notes manufacturer's name (Maco) and at top notes "Made Especially for Marshall B. Coyne." He had a modest quantity of medallions thus stamped for personal distribution to friends, associates and favored guests. Scarce.
This prolific American author of fiction and nonfiction wrote the screenplays for "The Jolson Story," "The Greatest Show on Earth" and other films. TLS, 1p, 8½" X 11", Brooklyn, NY, n.y. [postal cancellation 14 March 1940]. Addressed to Harry W. Zollars. Very good. Faint original folds. Chatty letter to an early admirer "about my novel DECADE. I am happy you enjoyed it and am very pleased that you have added it to your collection, I will of course sign your copy -- send it along. I like to sign people's copies of my books. Trader Horn once told me -- 'An author should always sign as many books as he can find. People never lend signed copies....' I think that is good advice. Besides which, being a collector myself -- I know what a signed copy means on the shelve." About his background, he notes: "I am, as you guessed, starting the '30s, was educated here there and lots of places -- and am now working on another novel to be published late fall or early spring -- said book to be called (if not changed) REPLENISH THE EARTH. Its about the Wall Street people who wrecked the Rowlandson Corps -- and of course The Old One will be on deck....." Born Chauncey Weiner or Wiener (he used both), the book "Decade 1929-1939" was his first book published under the pseudonym Stephen Longstreet. "Replenish the Earth" was apparently never published; it was reported in late 1940 that 20th Century-Fox had purchased the film rights to it, though such a movie was never produced. Boldly signed with his usual long 5½" signature in black ink. Curiously, below his signature he types his address and also "c/o P. Haggard" -- Paul Haggard being another of his several nom-de-plumes. With original envelope. An exceptionally early and typically interesting letter.
Known as "The Singing Cowboy," this Western star appeared in dozens of films between 1934 and 1954; turning his attention to baseball, he became successful owner of the California Angels. Printed color program, 4to (8½" X 11"), (12pp), n.p., n.y. Good plus. Edgeworn and either misnumbered (printed page 10 followed by printed page 15 as inside rear wrapper, though nothing appears removed). "Souvenir Program" (front wrapper title) of "The Gene Autry Show... Featuring Gail Davis TV's Annie Oakley" (title page), undated but late 1950s vintage. Numerous illustrations. Heavy stock color front wrapper features, within decorative border, a closeup of Autry in Western garb smiling above his horse's decorative saddle where his hands (one clutching a lariat) rest. At lower left of this image is a facsimile signature of Autry -- almost side by side with this, at lower right of this image, an irregularly-clipped slip (roughly 3¼" X 1¼") bearing his actual signature in blue ballpoint has been neatly affixed. Several small tape stains at margins. Signature undated, but circa 1960. Once Gail Davis's syndicated "Annie Oakley" series (1854-57) came off the air, she toured with Autry in his traveling rodeo for several years. Despite mild wear both to program and signature, an appealing and very displayable image.
This Massachusetts journalist founded and edited the influential anti-slavery "Springfield Republican" newspaper from 1844 until his death; he also wrote several popular travelogues such as "Across the Continent" (1865) and "The Switzerland of America" (1869). LS, 2pp, 5½" X 8½", Springfield, MA, 4 August 1875. Addressed to James C. Pratt (1832-90, fellow Massachusetts journalist and editor). Good plus. Age toned and edgeworn, with several small and expert archival mends. On letterhead of "The Republican," Bowles confirms that "Your recollection was nearly correct. My father died in the early fall of 1852, and was 54 years old" and seeks help in finding a roving reporter: "Can you help me to a good correspondent for Franklin county resident at Greenfield and devoting the full of his time to The Republican going east as far as Athol, and west... once or twice a week? I want a faithful, reliable, intelligent person, who will set down ought in malice, and has the sense to know what is news and report it very briefly. I should like him to have an office desk in Greenfield, and while not expecting to give all his time to us yet to be at our command. Either as an apprenticeship to journalism, or as connected with some other business requiring frequent going about the county and general outdoor acquaintance, it would be a good place for a young man of the right sort. I would give from $30 to $50 a month...." Boldly signed. Interesting look at one of the day-to-day concerns of running a newspaper at the time.
This noted Baptist clergyman, author and poet is remembered for writing the patriotic hymn "America" ("My Country, 'Tis of Thee") -- supposedly in half an hour on a scrap of paper -- in 1831. ANS, 4½" X 4", Newton Centre, MA, 22 March 1895. Addressed to "Dr. Sir" at the Boston Daily Publishing Company. Very good. Couple of quite faint folds; minor mounting traces on verso. Cryptic content regarding a meeting: "I will be with you at the People's Temple, as you request, March 27th. You will please notify me as to the hour of the meeting, of which your note said nothing. Very stormy weather would, of course compel me to remain at home." Nicely penned in brown ink. Recipient is possibly editor Robert James Long, who was elected president of that company in 1895.
The Iowa-born 33rd vice president of the United States (1941-45) was FDR's second second-in-command, serving before this as Secretary of Agriculture (1933-40, the same position his father held under Harding 1921-24) and after the vice-presidency briefly as Secretary of Commerce (1945-46). Bold large signature on a heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p., n.y. Near fine. Typed at center near top of card is "Autograph Card / Secretary of Agriculture," which approximately dates this signature to Wallace's years in that office (1933-40). A handsome example. -- and accompanied by a fine and uncommon original black-and-white 8½" X 6½" glossy news agency photograph showing Wallace standing with FDR's son Elliott as comic actor Zero Mostel in Sherlock Holmes costume examines them with a magnifying glass. Original mimeographed text affixed to photo dates this image 31 March 1947 and under the headline "After Denouncing Loans to Greece and Turkey" explains: "Following their appearance before the Anti-Greek Loan Rally in Madison Square Garden last night... Henry A. Wallace (center) former Secretary of Commerce, and Elliott Roosevelt (left) son of the late president, obliged the cameraman with this bit of humorous horseplay with the expert assistance of Zero Mostel, famous clown and mimic of stage and screen, who was one of the sponsors of the affair...."
This wunderkind of educators had already served as dean of Yale Law School when named president of University of Chicago in 1929! With Mortimer J. Adler, he introduced the famed "Great Books" program, eliminated intercollegiate football and made other radical curriculum changes; he authored many volumes on education issues and served in other influential positions, including president of the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions, which he founded in 1969. TNS, 1p , 7¼" X 10½", Chicago, IL, 12 February 1951. Addressed to Dale Putnam. Near fine. Original folds. On "The University of Chicago" letterhead, Hutchins tells this Bloomington, Illinois bookshop owner that "I am sorry that we have no extra copies of the speech, 'What Are We Afraid Of?' However, the speech is in its entirety in THE PROGRESSIVE, and perhaps Morris Rubin, its editor, could supply you with some more copies." Boldly signed in full in black ink. With original envelope. Nice example.
This Cuban became influential in introducing and popularizing Latin music in the United States first by managing the band of his brother Don Azpiazu and then by taking the stage name Don Mario Antobal and forming "Antobal's Cubans," who toured the U.S. and became popular throughout the 1930s; he later founded a music publishing company. TNS, 1p, heavy stock buff 5½" X 3¼" postal card, New York, NY, 9 September 1933. Addressed to Arnold Gates (1914-93, noted Lincoln/Civil War scholar). Near fine. "Thank you, in my own name and in that of the boys, for your congratulatory card." Signed boldly simply "Antobal" in black ink. Nice example of this uncommon autograph at the height of his American fame.
This Anheuser-Busch heiress penned the popular dog tale "Falko"; her second husband was G. Fred Hummel (1882-1952), a popular Long Island novelist, playwright and historian. ANS on rear leaf of a 4pp promotional leaflet for "Falko," 8½" X 11", Southold, NY, 4 November 1941. Addressed to Arnold F. Gates (1914-93, noted Lincoln/Civil War scholar). Very good. "Since you are familiar with my husband's novels, I am sending you this prepublication announcement of a story I wrote about 'Falko' our wonderful police dog who traveled all over Europe with us in the good old days. If you are a dog lover, I hope this will interest you...." Boldly signed "Lillie C. Hummel (Mrs. Geo. F.)." Unusual.
This South African writer produced bestselling novels, short stories, biographies and essays. ALS, 2pp, 7" X 9", London, England, n.y. [postal cancellation 10 November 1937]. Addressed to Harry W. Zollars. Near fine. Original folds. On imprinted letterhead, Cloete pens an American admirer shortly after the release of his first book, "Turning Wheels," a bestseller that sold more than two million copies and was banned in South Africa. "I suppose no greater compliment can be offered to a writer than the one you have paid me. If I have done nothing else I have given some hours of enjoyment to a great number of people and that surely is the function of a writer. If he or she serves any other purpose I do not know it. Naturally I am delighted to be successful -- It means that I can go on writing as I wish to write...." Superb content about his first success, boldly penned and signed in thick black ink. With original matching envelope, addressed in his hand.
The American League's 7-time all-star shortstop and 1930 MVP played with the Pittsburgh Pirates (1926-27), Washington Senators (1928-34) and Boston Red Sox (1935-45); 2-time A.L. president (1959-74); elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1956. PS, 6" X 3½ unlined heavy stock card, n.p., n.y. Fine. A larger and bold later life signature in blue ballpoint at upper left; right side of card has glossy color 2¼" X 2 3/4" reproduction of an early baseball card featuring Cronin in Washington Senators uniform half-length clutching a bat (thus dating this facsimile at early 1930s).
This Hungarian-American operatic mezzo-soprano made her debut in New York in 1911 and headlined at the Metropolitan Opera for 19 seasons. IPS [Kesslere], heavy stock 8" X 10", n.p., n.y. [dated 1926 on verso in another hand]. Near fine. Dramatic sepia-tone full-length portrait of Matzenauer in "Parsifal," beautifully inscribed and signed large and bold in black ink near the bottom: "Mr. John G. Leiser / from / Margaret Matzenauer." Quite striking and signed at the height of her fame -- and uncommon.
Prussian composer (including the noted symphonic ode "Das Meer"), pianist and conductor. On a 4¼" X 2 3/4" slip bearing an imprinted "The Autograph Collection of / Howes Norris, Jr." along the top, Nicode signs large and bold in black ink, adding place (near Dresden, Germany) and date below: "Langebruck i/Sa. 7.9.12." Near fine. Minor mounting traces on verso. A handsome example.
