Search Results: Government & Politics from Main Street Fine Books & Manuscripts, ABAA

This politico served as consul to Cap Francois (Haiti) from 1790 to 1791, vice consul of Amsterdam (1794-97) and consul general of Amsterdam (1797-1816). ALS, 1p + integral address leaf, 7 3/4" X 9 3/4", Philadelphia, PA, 1794 December. Addressed to William Taylor, a well-known Baltimore flour merchant. Excellent content from the just-appointed vice consul on the eve of his departure to this noted businessman who appears to be a close friend. In part: "...am happy to find your Activity in business & the Success attending it; and I flatter myself, that my Son when of age, (at which time shou'd suppose you wou'd wish to Retire from the active part) will be able to manage it, with as much propriety & Care, as 'tis now done, provided you & he can agree on Terms, mutually beneficial...." Of his own rising fortunes, Bourne notes: "I am well paid for my post & once are much beyond my expectation, the money is Sure tho to be paid by installments my future… Read More

William T. Sherman's adoptive father was an Ohio politician who served that state as senator (1831-37, 1850-51); he served as President William Henry Harrison's secretary of the treasury in 1841 and was the first to fill the office of secretary of the interior (1849-50). ANS, 1p, 7 3/4" X 5¼", n.p., n.y. Very good. In his usual sloppy scrawl, Ewing notes cryptically: "Will you do me the favor to receive the above & send me a draft for $750 -- on the Bank of the US at Philadelphia...." Undated, but seemingly early in his career.

This U.S. vice-presidential candidate on the anti-Masonic ticket (1832, with William Wirt for president) was a Pennsylvania legislator, jurist and attorney general. Brief ALS, 1p, 8¼" X 13", Harrisburg, PA, 1817 August 1. Addressed to George Bryan, auditor general. Good plus. Rather edgeworn, with several edge chips; some archival repairs along right edge. Intriguingly cryptic legal matter written while state attorney general, reading: "In the case submitted in your letter of yesterday my first impressions were the same as yours. But upon [ ? ] the reflection & examination of the law I adapt the [ ? ] of Judge Burnside. I could add another reason to those mentioned by the Judge -- one drawn from the word & spirit of the law -- but unless it be desired by the accounting officers I will not enter into a discussion at large of the question...." (Thomas Burnside, 1782-1851, was a Pennsylvania representative and state supreme court associate justice; at the time of this… Read More

One of only two mayors of New York City (1866-68) to be elected that state's governor (1869-72), this politician's association with corrupt William Tweed and Tammany Hall ruined his political career. ALS, 2pp, 5" X 8", New York, NY, 1872 August 7. Addressed to Richard Lathers (1821-1903, prominent Charleston and later New York commission merchant, banker, diplomat, insurance and railroad executive). Near fine. Cordial note to a friend: "I am on my way to your [?] family at Newport and will go with them to White Mountains. I cannot hope to accept your kind offer this Summer, unless perhaps for a single day when I can stop over on going between Albany and Newport.... I read your speech this morning with great pleasure...." Boldly penned in Hoffman's large ornate script in brown ink. An attractive example.

Secretary of the Nebraska Territory (1858-61); secretary of agriculture (1893-97); originator of Arbor Day (1872). ALS, 1p, 8½" X 11", near Nebraska City, NB, 21 July 188[4?]. Addressed to A.J. Harding. Very good. Binding traces along left margin. Sends interest payment for a note on a Nebraska City lot. "Hoping... that your son is as bright and good as he seemed on slight and momentary inspection and believing he is to be a great pride and comfort to you and his good Mother...." Appropriately written on letterhead of Morton's "Arbor Lodge."

The Republican politician from New York served that state in Congress (1877-87) and as senator (1887-93). ANS, 1p, 5" X 7½", New York, NY, 1889 October 25. Addressed to Mrs. Barker. Very good. Faintly age toned. On letterhead of "Office of Morton, Bliss & Co.," Hiscock fulfills some unnamed request: "I acknowledge the honor of your request and comply with great pleasure." Boldly penned in brown ink. Quite strange that the seated U.S. Senator would be writing on letterhead of this banking firm, founded by the man who in 1887 Hiscock defeated in the caucus for the New York senate seat -- former representative and ambassador and then- current vice president Levi P. Morton. Odd, that -- and the significance, if any, is unclear.

Sir John was a Scots-Quebecer politician who held a wide array of influential high-level Canadian positions and later lesser positions in Britain; he was named 1st Baronet Rose in 1872. His son Sir Charles was also a politician, but is better known as a competitive yachtsman, horse breeder and businessman and was supposedly one of the models for "Toad" of Toad Hall in Kenneth Grahame's classic 1908 children's novel "Wind in the Willows"; he too was named 1st Baronet in 1909. ANS from John Rose, 1p (lettersheet), 4" X 6", Guildford, England, 1882 September 16. Addressed to New York banker John Barker. Very good. On imprinted "Loseley Park, / Guildford" letterhead, Sir John "send[s] you with much pleasure a copy of the only Photograph of myself which I have: I wish it had been better...." Boldly penned in brown ink. ALS from Charles Day Rose, 2pp (lettersheet), 4" X 6", London, England, 1895 October 26. Likewise addressed to banker John… Read More

This Cleveland attorney and Republican politician became that city's city manager in 1930, effectively operating as Cleveland's 42nd mayor at a time when Cleveland operated briefly on the city manager plan; but with the Great Depression his reforms and hiring of African-Americans at City Hospital didn't sit well and that model was outvoted for the more traditional major/city council plan; he ran for mayor, but was defeated by a Democrat and by 1931 was out of a job; in 1939 he became judge of the Ohio Court of Appeals. ANS, 1p, 8½" X 6", Cleveland, OH, 24 December 1934. Addressed to "Mr. Gates" (Arnold F. Gates, 1914-93, noted Lincoln/Civil War scholar). Near fine. On his imprinted "Law Office of Daniel E. Morgan" letterhead, the de facto former mayor notes simply in his huge, bold hand: "Am pleased to send you my autograph...." and signs boldly in full below. An attractive example from the period between his mayorship and his judgeship.… Read More

This noted Scottish attorney held high crown offices and was elected a conservative member of Parliament from Marylebone (1874-80); a man of letters, he authored a number of books on historical and literary topics. ALS, 3pp (lettersheet), 4½" X 7¼", n.p., 7 May 1874. Addressed to Dr. Tristram. Very good. Writing on stationery bearing an oval blind-embossed "House of Commons" imprint in his bold, sloppy but legible hand, the newly-elected m.p. writes a constituent about a touchy church issue: "I would willingly help you if I could, for I think it would be very lamentable to have the peace of the Congregation disturbed by the introduction of Ritualistic preachers. But I feel sure that any interference on my part with the patronage of the Prime Minister would be looked on by him as rather an impertinence & would do more harm than good. Would it not be well to bring on the part of influential members of the Congregation the facts mentioned in your letter under… Read More

This American career diplomat served as U.S. Ambassador to Italy (1905-07 ) and to France (1907-09 ), among other important posts; he was one of five American Peace Commissioners who attempted to negotiate a treaty between France and Germany to end World War One, an attempt that failed. ALS, 4pp (lettersheet), 5" X 8", London, England, 17 August 1886. Addressed to C.W. Ernest. Near fine. On "Legation of the United States / London" letterhead, White as first secretary of that office under minister Edward J. Phelps writes that "The Minister highly appreciates the expressions of approval, respecting the new Extradition Treaty, contained in your letter; and the kind way in which you are good enough to convey to His Excellency your 'sincere and hearty admiration' of the manner in which he represents our country here is particularly gratifying to him. I may say, in his absence, that if all our countrymen had the opportunities, which it is my privilege to enjoy, of seeing for… Read More

Grandson of inventor Robert McCormick, nephew of reaper inventor Cyrus Hall McCormick, father of editors Joseph Medill McCormick and "Colonel" Robert R. McCormick -- this career diplomat joined the State Department in 1887, serving as U.S. ambassador to Austria-Hungary (1902), Russia (1902-05) and France (1905-07), although according to one journalist McCormick's "career as a dilettante diplomat took a backseat to his more serious pursuit of alcohol...." Autograph Fragment (unsigned) on printed calling card, heavy stock 3" X 1½", London, England, n.y. Near fine. Handsome italic "Mr. Robert McCormick" printed at center, and beneath this McCormick has penned in brown ink in his small, neat hand "Hotel Belgravia / Victoria Street, S.W." Likely dates from early in his State Department career, else a title such as "Ambassador" would have preceded his name. The card bears a heavy printed black border or "mourning rule," but… Read More

This unusual British politician and writer spurned his upper class upbringing and became the first to expound the ideas of Karl Marx in England; he founded the country's first socialist political party, the Social Democratic Federation, in 1881, and later the National Socialist Party. Good content ALS, 2pp (1st and 4th leaves), 5" X 8", Westminster, England, 1884 April 2. Addressed to "My dear Sir." Very good. On letterhead of "The Democratic Federation," Hyndman thanks the unnamed recipient "for your contributions which no doubt we shall be able to make use of advantageously." He continues: "I am very glad to hear you are getting 'enthused' on Socialism. It is to my mind the only chance of our living to be something better than this miserable cut-throat society. The Bradlaugh Dilute has given us a great lift...." Charles Bradlaugh (1833-91) was a controversial British politician and atheist who refused to take the oath of office (which… Read More

This New York attorney and politician served that state as a Federalist in Congress (1799-1801) and in the state assembly (1796) and state senate (1810-13), though he lost the gubernatorial race in 1810; in later years he served as a New York Supreme Court justice (1814-21). Interesting ADS, 1p, 8" X 5", New York, NY, 1796 February 26. Very good. Large triangular chip at lower left (not affecting text) and other minor edgewear. The 27-year-old brand-new state legislator requests his salary -- and likely his very first, since he served in the New York State Assembly only in 1796 and this request comes in February: "The Treasurer of the State of New York willl please to pay... the Sum which shall be certified to be due to me by the Speaker of the House of Assembly for my Services as a Member of that House during the Session of 1796...." Boldly and attractively penned in brown ink.

This interesting figure combined his scholarly and linguistic skills (first American to translate Ivan Turgenev and Leo Tolstoy) with a diplomatic career (among other posts, he served as American Consul General in Constantinople, first American Minister to Romania and Serbia, U.S. Minister to Greece, etc.). Partial ADS on a 3" X 1½" slip with printed border, n.p., n.y. Very good. Apparently the lower right portion of a pay slip from one of Schuyler's postings as a Consul, signed boldly in brown ink, with "salary for quarter ending" in his hand above; after the printed word "Consul" beneath his signature, he pens the word "General." Undated, but signed either during his tenure as American Consul General in Constantinople (1876-78), Birmingham (1878) or Rome (1879-80).

The 1st Viscount Grey of Fallodon was a liberal British statesman, member of Parliament, the longest-serving Foreign Secretary (1905-16), in which capacity he stated as the Germans invaded Belgium that "The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime"; later British Ambassador to the United States (1919-20). Meaty ALS, 6pp (4pp lettersheet + separate single leaf), 4½" X 7", Chathill, England, 17 January 1899. Addressed to "My dear Dewar" (editor George A.B. Dewar). Very good. Two faint horizontal folds; old non-staining tape traces at margin of 4th and 5th pages. On imprinted estate letterhead, Grey boldly pens in his large and legible hand detailed thoughts about his upcoming book titled "Fly Fishing," published by J.M. Dent & Co. in London later that same year and reprinted several times. "I am very glad that you like the Mss. for it is most difficult to form any opinion of one's writing & I… Read More

This Revolutionary War patriot acted on Washington's behalf to secure large lots of land in the District of Columbia area before the center of government was formally established there, then served as the first secretary of the navy (1798-1801). ALS, 1p, 7 3/4" X 10½", n.p., n.y. Addressed to JOHN TEMPLEMAN, a Georgetown merchant associated with Stoddert in various land enterprises. Very good. Mildly age toned, with binding traces down left edge (not affecting text). Interesting if cryptic details on some Georgetown real estate dealings in Stoddert's usual difficult script, reading in part: "Col Burrows has commenced 3 Houses on two lots, which Scot will not transfer, without a person to get two lots already divided to him in the sale square... these are No. 9 & 10. Pray then send an order to Forrest, to transfer to Scot, these two lots. As for the rest -- I believe the business is not to be settled without a Law suit -- a Law suit which will not end during the lives… Read More

Influential English economist and politician. ANS, 1p, 6¼" X 4", n.p. [London], n.y. Very good. Three faint vertical folds. On pale blue stationery, Cobden pens in rich brown ink a rather cryptic note: "Mr. Cobden / Post Office Packet Contract / No 19 Committee Room / 12 to 4 o'clk." Perhaps an invitation to or reminder of a political meeting? Interesting and attractive.

The versatile diplomat and statesman served as ambassador to the U.S.S.R. (1943-46), then briefly to England; he helped negotiate the 1963 Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty and represented the U.S. at the Paris peace talks on Vietnam, served as secretary of commerce, governor of New York, and more. Partly-printed ADS, 1p, 8½" X 11", New York, NY, 1919 October 23. Very good. Several small edge tears archivally mended on verso. Updating form sent out by Whoís Who in America for their 1920-21 edition, on pale orange stock. Harrimanís then-brief entry from the previous edition -- he was less than thirty years old at the time! -- is affixed to the blank center area. Harriman has written out "Born 1891 / married Sept. 1915 / Miss Kitty Lanier Lawrence," then at the bottom added his business address, signed and dated it. Unusual, and by far the earliest Harriman item we have encountered. Comes with a choice original 10" X 8" news agency photograph of 1947 showing… Read More

American historian, cabinet member and diplomat. ALS, 1p, 4½" X 7", Newport, RI, 1853 November 2. Very good. Minor foxing along top edge; mounting traces on verso. Sends a check for $575 "which please put to my credit in account." Accompanied by a fine carte-de-visite portrait photograph [Gurney & Son, NY], itself scarce and desirable.

This conservative British politician was a long-time Member of Parliament, and is well remembered for his tenure as Government Chief Whip (Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury) from 1931 to 1940; he served as Churchill's Secretary of State for War from 1940 to 1942. ALS, 4pp, 4½" X 7¼", London, England, n.y. [1937] February 15. Addressed to Pauline Astor Spender Clay (1880-1972, widow of Herbert Henry Spender Clay, 1875-1937, Member of Parliament and Privy Counsellor). Very good. Very good. Slight soiling to first page; single staple hole (not affecting text) at upper left corner of both leaves. On letterhead bearing an oval "Treasury S.W." blind emboss, Margessen writes graciously about the death of his friend, the recipient's spouse: "I am distressed beyond words to hear the tragic news of Bertie's death. It is an unbelievable shock and I grieve for you more than I can say. I loved Bertie. No man ever had a more loyal and real friend than he was… Read More