Search Results: Authors starting with D from Stuart Lutz Historic Documents, Inc.

ROBERT DALE OWEN (1801-1877). Owen was an American social reformer, politician, and son of prominent Welsh social reformer Robert Owen. ALS. 4pgs. 5” x 8”. July 3, 1876. Lake George, NY. An autograph letter signed “Robert Dale Owen” addressed to Reverend Clement Moore Butler, an American author, professor, and Episcopal clergyman. The letter concerns Butler’s book Inner Rome: Political, Religious, and Social. Owen compares Butler’s observations on the Papacy to similar ones he heard from others. He also includes discussion of his own experiences in Naples and with Neapolitan Catholic traditions. “Permit me, since Lottie is writing to Mrs. Butler, to say, in a few words, how much I have been interested in reading your ‘Inner Rome’. I have had no opportunity of personally verifying yr statements, never having resided in Rome: but Major Cass, then our Minister to Rome, visited me while I was at Naples; & his statements more than confirmed your judgment in regard to the Papal… Read More

JEFFERSON DAVIS (1808-1889). Davis was an American statesman and President of the Confederate States of America. Letter. 2pgs. May 25, 1864. Confederate Executive Mansion, Richmond, Virginia. A contemporary copy of a letter by Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Davis entrusts his beloved cat, Maryland, to the unidentified recipient. “My dear Madam. I received your friendly message through Mr Lelig, who has just arrived from Philadelphia Col L. P. Anderson of the 5th Georgia Cavalry, now stationed here, also assures me of your entire sympathy with our cause. I therefore venture, Madam to entrust to you herewith keeping a favorite cat, the companion of my nightly vigils in the interest of southern independence. Although we still hope to hurl back the northern invades from our gates, the increasing scarcity of provisions compels me reluctantly to part with this cherished animal. Her name is Maryland and I am accustomed to call her My Maryland. I send her by Mr Lelig, who retains to leisure his… Read More

JEFFERSON DAVIS (1808-1889). Davis was a Senator from Mississippi, Secretary of War and President of the Confederate States of America. VARINA DAVIS (1826-1906). The wife of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, Varina was a powerful partner for her husband. After the war, she helped him write his memoirs and, after his death, she carried on his memory. ALS. 3pg. 7” x 9”. September 2, 1882. Beauvoir. An autograph letter signed “Jefferson Davis” but completely in the handwriting of his wife, Varina. Davis wrote to an unnamed correspondent: “We have been an unusually long time without hearing from you, & that is not a case for the application of the maxim that no news is good news. Your friend Maggie has been very ill. Mrs. Davis went to Memphis to nurse her – after seven weeks she became better & is here now with her children the sea air has I think improved her & I hope she will soon be well again. Minnie is well & does not complain of our solitude though the change is… Read More

VARINA DAVIS (1826-1906). The wife of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, Varina was a powerful partner and the First Lady of the Confederacy. She helped her husband write his memoirs and carried on his memory after his death. ALS. 4pg. 3” x 4”. March 18, 1904. Atlantic City, New Jersey. A lengthy autograph letter signed “Varina Jefferson Davis” to Mrs. Cappleman of Little Rock, Arkansas. Writing from Atlantic City, the First Lady of the Confederacy wrote in part: “Many affectionate thanks for your kind letter. I need no assurance of your kind feeling yet it is pleasant to have it from you. Of course I will trust your delicate sense of the fitness of things and give my consent to anythng you may desire to do in behalf of my good name among my own people. I should not value the treasures of Golconda if I felt my own people diapproved of me. I shall never drift away from them until I am laid to rest where nothing can vex me more, and where unfortunately I cannot serve them any… Read More

COMTE DE ROCHAMBEAU (JEAN-BAPTISTE DONATIEN DE VIMEUR) (1725-1807). Rochambeau was a French nobleman and Commander of the French Army during the American Revolution. He arrived in Rhode Island in 1780 and, in 1781, he and Washington marched their combined forces to Yorktown to siege the British forces there. DS. 2pg. 6 ¼” x 8”. August 3, 1779. Paramé [France]. A document signed “Le Cte. de Rochambeau” in French. He issued orders to Baron de Morangies, the Comte de St. Alban, respecting patrols: “At the entrance of each village...place a number of rather strong posts able to provide patrols covering the various exits. The officer on watch will then guide some of these patrols to various points…these soldiers must stand still there fully armed...not move, not speak but listening constantly to be relieved every two hours. These small patrols have the advantage not to be easily detected compared to the larger posts which are often noticed and found out through campfires...such standing… Read More

ADAM PHILIPPE, COMTE DE CUSTINE (1740-1793). Custine was a French Army general and French Revolutionary politician. He also served in the American Revolution. He was executed on August 28, 1793 for his military failures during the Revolution. LS. 1pg. January 3, 1793. Mayence [Mainz, Germany]. A letter signed “Custine” and written in French. During the French Revolution, the Comte de Custine wrote from his campaign in Mainz. (Mayence in French). He was executed later this year after the failure of this campaign. “General, Citizen Sachot having the honor of being nominated the 24 Sber last to be attached to the staff of the army by you, general, he having been instated the same day and assuming his functions requests to be authorized to received from the treasury his pay for seven days in assignats until the 1st of the month of October. Approved payment to Citizen Sachot seven days arrears pay in assignats from the funds put aside for extraordinary expenses by virtue of the ordinance of the… Read More

ARMAND LOUIS DE GONTAUT, THE DUKE DE LAUZUN (1747-1793). Gontaut was a French soldier who fought in the American Revolution. He helped the French army at Yorktown, marching his troops from New England to Virginia. he was guillotined during the Reign of Terror. ALS. 1pg. 7” x 9”. March 27, 1781. Newport [Rhode Island]. An autograph letter signed “Le Duc de Lauzun” in French to an unidentified correspondent: “Newport 27th March 1781 I ask your forgiveness, sir, for all the trouble and confusion caused you by my business affairs. I am writing in strong terms to M. Marchand and M. de Guéménée. I ask that my tableware be returned to Frantz; I beg you to sell it and to dispose of the money. If you find yourself in difficulties, either from paying the nine thousand francs, which I drew upon you in January, payable on sight within six months, or from any other causes, send to M. Pays to share this burden with you and assist you with the resources that can be found in the remainder of my… Read More

FERDINAND MARIE, COUNT DE LESSEPS (1805-1894). Lesseps was a French diplomat who was involved in the creation of the Suez Canal. LS. 1pg. October 28, 1867. Paris. A letter signed “Ferd. de Lesseps” as Secretary General of the Universal Company of the Maritime Suez Canal, written on the company’s letterhead. Lesseps wrote in French, and the translation is as follows: “Dear Sir, I hasten to inform you, in response to the letter you wrote me on the 21st of this month, that the Company Administration can put at your disposal as many maps as you may wish to peruse, a specimen of which is enclosed herewith. The cost of this map is 5 centimes. Very truly yours, The Secretary General Ferd. De Lesseps”. It is in fine condition.

JEAN DE LAMBERVILLE (1633-1714). Lamberville was a French Jesuit priest who landed in New France in 1669 and was largely stationed in Montreal. He was an important missionary to the Onondagas and converted their chief, and he was a conduit between the Five Nations and the European settlers. He was one of the most influential Frenchman in the New World. ADS. 1pg. 7 ½” x 5 ½”. July 15, 1705. Paris. An autograph document signed “Jean De Lamberville” twice, once in the text and once at the conclusion. Writing in French, Lamberville penned: “I, the undersigned Jean De Lamberville, priest of the company of Jesus and attorney of the mission of said company in New France, called Canada, in North America, confess to have received of the sum of eighty livres for the last six months of the year 1705 on account of 800 livres rent [government obligation], belonging to said mission and issued on the 7th of January 1682. For the said eighty livres I discharge Mr. Layeur and all others. Done at Paris the… Read More

Henry A. S. Dearborn Is Invited To Give A Fourth Of July Oration

EDGAR DEGAS (1834-1917). Degas was a French impressionist painter best known for his oil paintings and his sculptures of dancers. ALS. 1pg. 4 ½” x 7”. Thursday evening. No place. An autograph letter signed “Degas” to an unidentified correspondent: “Thursday evening, Dear friend I won’t be coming tomorrow, not by the train, which you know. So when are the new games going to begin? Even with all possible good will, I find myself taken off the list for Friday. Best wishes, Degas”. There is light mat burn around the edges and the writing gets lighter as the letter concludes. There are also two folds and two moutning remnants on the verso that affect nothing.

KING FREDERICK IX (1899-1972). Frederick was King of Denmark from 1947 to 1972. PS. 8” x 10”. May 1964. N.p. [Denmark]. A black-and-white portrait photograph signed “Frederick R” in green ink as King of Denmark. T he photograph was given to American diplomat William McCormick Blair Jr. who was U.S. Ambassador to Denmark from 1961 to 1964. Frederick signed the bottom margin of the image and dated it. It is in very fine condition.

JULIA GRANT (1826-1902). The wife of Ulysses, Julia was First Lady from 1869 to 1877. DS. 1pg. July 28, 1890. New York. A check signed “Mrs. Julia D. Grant”, paying Thomas Bagot $78 and charging it “to Special Account”. Bagot endorsed it on the back. The check has light wrinkling and other minor faults. RareBookHub shows no Julia Grant checks ever selling.

FRANCES DICKENSON PINDER (1879-1956) was a well-respected poet whose work was mostly published in the 1920’s. Her notable works included “Shallows,” “Marsh Pools,” “Sea Marsh,” “Frost,” and “Inland from Jupiter,” and she was published in American Poetry Magazine, New Republic, Contemporary Verse, North American Review, and other noted poetry publications. This archive consists of her letters and poetry, predominantly sent to her friend and confidant, Hazeltine Whitney, between 1923 and 1928. The archive consists of eleven letters (some undated), nine postcards or envelopes addressed to Hazeltine Whitney, and fourteen copies of assorted poetry by Pinder to Whitney. Notable items in the archive conclude: a. TLS. 3 pg. 6” x 10”. March 24, 1922. N.p. A typed letter signed by “Frances Dickenson Pinder” to “My dear Hazeltine”: “If I may so call you—Our acquaintance, though brief, being based on realities sems to seek every simplicity…I have just read our lesson… Read More

BABE DIDRIKSON ZAHARIAS (1911-1956). Zaharias was an American athlete and two-time Olympic gold medalist. She succeeded in multiple sports but is best known as a professional golfer who won 10 major LPGA titles. PS. 6 ¼” x 9 ¼”. N.d. N.p. A photograph signed “Best Wishes ‘Babe’ Didrikson Zaharias”. The black-and-white image, which was cut from a magazine, shows Zaharias holding a large trophy. It is in good condition, with several visible folds. Since it was removed from a magazine, the edges are uneven.

(LADY ELGIN MARITIME DISASTER). AL. 4pgs. September 16, 1860. Cleveland, Ohio. A handwritten, unsigned letter mentioning the PS Lady Elgin disaster, which had occurred eight days before. The unidentified writer also tells a cousin about school and family matters. “…The city has been thrown into a very melancholy state by the loss of the Lady Elgin and over three hundred lives, quite a number of them were coming to Cleveland to the celebration on the 10 ins the pleasure of that day was almost counterbalanced by the loss of life…”. The Lady Elgin was a steamship that sank in Lake Michigan on September 8, 1860, killing about 300 people. The celebration to which the writer refers honored the 47th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie (a War of 1812 naval battle) and unveiled a statue of the battle’s hero, Commodore Perry. The letter is in very good condition, with deep folds.

JOHN DIX (1798-1879). Dix was an American politician and Union Army General. He is best known for the Dix-Hill Cartel prisoner exchange during the Civil War. ALS. 1pg. May 13, 1878. 3 West 21st Street, [New York]. An autograph letter signed “John A. Dix”. On black-bordered stationery, Dix wrote to several Union Army veterans, including Major General Henry Slocum. He declined an invitation to a meeting of Army of the Potomac alumni. “Gentlemen: I regret exceedingly that I cannot accept the invitation you had the kindness to address to me to be present at the annual meeting of the Society of the Army of the Potomac on the 5th of June next. I am respectfully yours, John A. Dix”. It is in fine condition with mounting remnants on the right edge of the verso.

(1615 ENGLISH DOCUMENT). DS. 1pg. 15 ½” x 7 ½”. 1615. England. A vellum deed signed “Walter Browne” and “William” on the front and “Lancelot Grymsleave” twice on the back. The document concerns a release for Edward Beere. The document has two vertical folds and a couple of lesser horizontal ones. The writing is dark and the vellum is in very fine condition. A terrific example of a four century old document.

PAUL DU CHAILLU (183?-1903). Zoologist and anthropologist of French origin. ALS. 2pgs. 4 ½” x 7”. February 27, 1893. New York, NY. An autograph letter signed “Paul Du Chaillu”. In the letter, Du Chaillu thanks the recipient, Mrs. Dixon, for sending him a book of previously unpublished drawings by sixteenth-century French artist Jean Cousin the Younger. He also discusses his latest writing and some upcoming travel: “My dear Mrs. Dixon, I have returned from the north a few days ago and I have just finished reading your charming little volume ‘A Book of Fortune’ which you so kindly sent me. I must thank you ever so much for the pleasure its perusal has given me. I admire so much the sketches. They are lovely and so artistic. The book is a gem and I value the gift very much on account of the donor for whom I have the greatest regard and administration. I have been very busy all the winter and I am happy to say that ‘Ivar the Viking’ is entirely out of my hands – I think that Scribner… Read More

ADS. 2pg. 4 ¾” x 7 ¼”. June 28 1808. No place. An autograph document signed “Charles W A Morton” to Mr. Biggs: “As Mr. Biggs has declined to act any longer in the capacity of second, Mr. Morton wishes to know, if Mr. Thompson has come to a definitive resolution upon the subject. Saturday was the day appointed for the encounter, and Mr. M is certainly entitled to the intermediate time for the purpose of providing his second, especially since the arrangements necessary to be made by a person acting in that relation, may be completed in a few hours. Mr. M. has been involved in a disagreeable predicament by the defection of him, who had originally undertaken his cause, and has hitherto been unsuccessful under the circumstances. Mr. M. relying on the honor and ability of Mr. B is willing, that he should act as the common friend on the occasion, and he conceived that his opponent cannot occur any possible disadvantage in consequence of the measure, and that his reputation requires an… Read More