Search Results: Authors starting with W from Katz Fine Manuscripts Inc.

NEW ENGLAND - THE CARRIBEAN. Good. 1854. On offer is an interesting, original manuscript journal detailing a sailor's voyage from New England to the Caribbean during the heyday of the sailing ships. Measuring 7.5 inches by 6 inches, it contains 134 pages and is about 20% complete. The cover, binding and pages are in good condition and the handwriting is legible. The first journal belongs to D.W. Farnsworth of Machias, ME. Casual research has not turned up any additional biographical information other than the fact that he passed away in April, 1855. Farnsworth is a sailor, working on board coastal commercial sailing ships - what would be referred to today as bulk carriers. His hometown is one of the many New England seaports. His journal begins on Nov 24th, 1854: "My first voyage at sea on board brig State of Maine Capt A. Cates." [Nov 24]. Her cargo is corn and lumber and she is bound for Barbados. His entries detail shipboard life including ship handling and descriptions… Read More

TROY NEW YORK NY, 1795. On offer: handwritten manuscript/cypher calligraphic book written by a G. W. Campbell of Troy NY, School No. 11. c1790s, this book was used as a school book and covered many subjects, but mostly math. Measuring 13" x 7.5", this softcover is lightly worn (moreso to first and last leaf, in obviousness from being used as covers), with a few very minor tears, some rounding (first page 50% detached, rest firmly bound by string); it contains many pages that are all written in beautiful calligraphy ink writing, including two absolutely gorgeous folk art drawings in calligraphic detail. One of these drawings has the name 'G W Campbell, Troy NY, School No. 11' written at the base of it. There is an interesting math problem regarding how long the War between American and England lasted and there are mentions of dollars, shillings and pence, leading us to believe that this was a late 18th century cypher. It was also found within a large quantity of New York manuscripts… Read More

EAST ORANGE NEW JERSEY NJ. Fair. 1863. Manuscript. On offer is an interesting original relic of the Civil War being a handwritten account of a postal and tax collector and perhaps Justice of the Peace as he notes judicial orders and enforcement, H.W. Howard, records on 36 unnumbered pages taxes and tolls received, orders enforced and of other specific interest are the sale of boy and the incarceration of a man judged insane to the lunatic asylum and the disposal of his possessions to cover the costs of treatment: "December 31, 1863: Took Ambrose Disbro to State Lunitick Obsillum took property belonging to him one cow sold for 30.00, one stove sold for 6.00, 14 hundred hay to H. Howard 5.00, the remainder of hay sold to Terry Disbro, 4 acres of land not sold, two yok oxen 200, boy 50 = 2.50." There is another interesting notation about giving a family a warning to leave town and removing apart of them. Research suggests the diary is related to the East Orange, New Jersey area and… Read More

BRIDGEPORT VERMONT NEW ENGLAND, 1850. On offer is an original archive of fourteen [14] New England horse breeding and racing manuscript letters, mostly from J. W. Peck to his father, Hiram, during the 1850s, with excellent content regarding the legendary Morgan colt referred to as "the Black Hawk", assuredly the horse named Philip Allen, bred by Vermonter Hiram Peck and sired by one of the most famous Morgan horses, Black Hawk, grandson of the first Morgan, Justin Morgan (also known as Figure). Philip Allen's brother, so to speak, was world champion trotter Ethan Allen. This horse, Black Hawk, was so revered that for a time his progeny were referred to as Black Hawks rather than Morgans. He was immortalized in Currier & Ives trotting prints and a classic series of weathervanes. The letters and documents include: 1] To Hiram Peck, dated Sept. 1851, from F. P. Fletcher of Bridport, Vermont, who is holding a note dated June 10, 1850 for $20 for "Services Black Hawk". He also… Read More

ASEA ABOARD HMS DREADNOUGHT and PORTS OF CALL. Good. 1884. On offer is a super pair [2] of original manuscript diaries handwritten by J.W. Sykes of Greenwich Park while on service with the British Royal Navy, Mediterranean Fleet, 1884 to 1889 aboard the HMS DREADNOUGHT. Our writer has a unique perspective of life both aboard ship and ashore being the steward of the ship's senior officer Commander Bourke [Captain THE HONOURABLE Maurice Archibald Bourke, C.M.G., Royal Navy (22 December 1853 - 16 September 1900) was an officer in the Royal Navy and Captain of the ill-fated HMS Victoria. Sykes at times is a shadow for the Commander as his Steward [think Preserved Killick of the Aubrey-Maturin fiction series by Patrick O'Brian], traveling in the highest circles of command greeting Admirals, Nobles and Royals even serving at their dinners and parties and as a part of the ship's management team he is aware of all that happens with the ship. Even his initial comments on the state of… Read More

On offer is the engaging daily diary of L.W. Shatterly, a World War Two private associated with the Aircraft Warning Service (AWS), a little-known but significant element of the United States Army. His diary covers the period from March 2, 1943 until October 26, 1943, and contains intermittent entries until January 1, 1944. Also included is a pass that granted Shatterly an 18-hour leave. This accessible notebook paints a very human picture of a young man deployed away from home during WWII. For a military historian, it gives a detailed look at the daily routine of a private in a largely forgotten service of the United States Army. To defend against enemy attack on US soil during World War II, the United States Army Air Forces established the Aircraft Warning Service (AWS). The AWS combined observation posts manned by civilian volunteer aircraft spotters and information and filter centers that were staffed by both military personnel and civilian volunteers. The civilian ground observers were… Read More

Holderness, New Hampshire, 1862. CIVIL WAR and New Hampshire interest: - 1862 letter from recruiter to New Hampshire Adjutant-General, re: deserters, etc., 2pp, 8vo. With reply on 3rd page from Adjt.-General. Aug. 28, 1862, Holderness [NH]. Re: recruitment of volunteers..."I have enlisted as you see 56 men. Plymouth comes here with 29 men. New Hampton with 21 men making 106 men here." Electing officers....- detailed description of deserter -- "...has I suspect left here to avoid the service..." Wants the state to send a man and money to find him. "I feel I have spent time and money enough myself..." On 3rd page the Adjt.-General replies - :The presumption is, that your deserter will cost as much as he is worth to look him up -- in as much he has never been mustered into service..." VG. Autograph. Manuscript. Good+. 32mo - over 4" - 5" tall.

NEW YORK NY. Good. 1865. On offer is a fascinating, original Civil War Era manuscript note book dated January 1st 1865 through to the last page at December 21st 1865. Handwritten by a very dedicated diarist and Divinity student, S.W. Dana, at Cooper Union in New York City a mere 5 years or so after the school was founded. Well filled throughout the 125 or so pages Mr. Dana describes his daily life, activities, sermons written and heard and is also keenly interested in the politics of the day: On April 3rd, he announces "It has been a great day for New York City & the country, Richmond is ours. We have waited long." On April 15th- "This is a sad day for the loyal people of the United States. The sudden assassination of Pres. Lincoln has shocked the nation." He mentions frequently visiting soldier's barracks and often delivering sermons. The 6.5" x 8" marble board covers are detached but present. Overall G.; Manuscript; 8vo - over 7¾" -… Read More

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA AL. Good+. 1850. On offer is a fascinating, original 1850 manuscript letter handwritten by L. M. Waddel, of the prominent Montgomery Presbyterian family who writes dear Cynthia Ann from Montgomery, a long chatty letter full of local news and gossip touching upon many of the sad and happy times of the era including the death of a dear friend from 'consumption' [tuberculosis], marriages, politics, a humorous quote about Presbyterians having plenty of children and plenty poverty. The 8.25 x 10.75 letter has the original fold creases; some soiling and age wear but overall G.; Manuscript; 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall; KEYWORDS: HISTORY OF, L. M. WADDEL, MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA, TUBERCULOSIS, DEEP SOUTH, PRE CIVIL WAR, ANTE BELLUM, PRESBYTERIAN, CONSUMPTION, SOUTHERN COMMERCE, SOUTHERN AMERICANA, HANDWRITTEN, MANUSCRIPT, AUTOGRAPHED, AUTHORS, DOCUMENT, LETTER, AUTOGRAPH, KEEPSAKE, WRITER, HAND WRITTEN, DOCUMENTS, SIGNED, LETTERS, MANUSCRIPTS,… Read More

MEMPHIS TENNESSEE TN. Good+. 1908. On offer is a super, original 1908 manuscript diary handwritten by the extremely popular and very wild Consuelo Pollard, a 17 year old girl who lived in Memphis Tennessee with her parents and older brother Thomas. [Census info mentions brothers Edwin and William too.] No shrinking violet, she writes that she was very, very popular, swamped with admirers and many proposals. Mrs. Pollard had a hard time keeping her teenager in line and was not a happy parent. Here are some snippets: "I ought not put this in this book, but can't help it. Mamma got mad at me (indeed it is nothing new) and raised the ___. Wish I was dead or away off somewhere. She always picks on me anyway. I certainly wish I was a boy. Not that I want her to care for me but so as I could get out and do what I wanted to and would try and never be near so as I would be in the way. It certainly is awful to get the ___ if you do it and if you don't do it. Thurs 12 Stayed at Bonds… Read More

EUROPE USA. Good+. 1950. On offer are two [2] fascinating mid 20th Century travel diaries handwritten by Stanley Wade Baron, a Philadelphia born [1922] American novelist and art critic who was also a gifted pianist. Baron worked in the US Embassy in London as a political analyst but in 1950, he resolved to become a writer and spent two years in Europe. His time was productive leading to two novels: 'End of the Line' and 'All My Enemies', and some candid reminiscences entitled 'People and Americans: A Memoir of Transatlantic Tourists'. In 1954, while in Majorca he wrote another novel 'The Facts of Love' about a spoiled but charming American woman in Paris and her exasperating treatment of men. These two diaries make for a fascinating glimpse into a privileged, literary, travelling life in post War Europe and America. These diaries, for historians and researchers, provide an unparalleled glance in Mr. Baron's psyche as he is ever analytical and has a… Read More

MS TOSARI NORTH ATLANTIC. Good. 1943. On offer is a rare, original U.S. Navy log book from WWII. Measuring 8 inches by 5 inches, this hardcover volume has 188 pages an is 70% complete. The cover and binding are in good condition and all pages are intact. The handwriting is clear and legible. The book is the Log Book of the U.S. Navy Armed Guard, a little-known branch of the United States armed forces in WWII. The USNAG was the service branch of the United States Navy that was responsible for defending U.S. and Allied merchant ships from attack by enemy aircraft, submarines and surface ships during World War II. A total of 144,970 enlisted men and officers served in the U.S. Navy Armed Guard during World War II. They sailed on 6,236 merchant ships (including Allied vessels), of which more than 700 ships were sunk and many more were damaged. Armed Guard casualties numbered at least 1,810 killed or missing in action and many more wounded. The typical Armed Guard complement for a merchant… Read More

HOMER NEW YORK, NY. Good. 1853. On offer is a handwritten diary/journal - "The American Diary for 1853 and Reference Book for Business and Professional Business Men, Housekeepers, Travelers, and All Others" New York: Published by A. Morrell, 1853". As evidenced on the fep the author states: "August 28, 1854 - William Wakeley's book Homer Cortland Co., NY." The book was used by William primarily for financial purposes but is littered with notes of local historical events, personal observations as late as 1874 and many, many companies and addresses: "Homer, December 28th 1871, William B. Coggshall, Dr. to One Elias Howe, Sewing Machine for Sixty Dollars..."."Cost of fifteen Thurs N.Y. Central RR Nov. 5 1853 Sixteen hundred, Eighty 86 Dollars...$111 per share". "Homer April 26 1888, George W. Brown Dr. to set five pairs of brass to fix doors and let down floor $1.50." August 2 1858 William Kingsbury....belt leather..."Dane… Read More

CONCORD MASSACHUSETTS MASS MA. Good. 1891. Manuscript. On offer is a very nice 2 pp handwritten manuscript letter authored by Edward Waldo Emerson (1844 -1930) dated Concord Dec. 8th 1891. This letter from the son of Ralph Waldo Emerson to Judge H.L. Buck responding to a letter he wrote him. Interesting content as Emerson mentions the book 'Unity' and mentions of Unity Clubs and his lectures. Signed boldly on second page Edward W. Emerson. 4 1/2" X 6 3/4". Save for some slight tears at folds this would be VG. Interesting piece of Ameicana.; 16mo - over 5¾" - 6¾" tall; Shot Heard round the World, Poetry, Thoreau, Personal, Memoir, Handwritten, hand written, autograph, autographs, signed, letters, document, documents, manuscript, manuscripts, writers, writer, author, holograph, personal, Americana, Religion, Pioneer, ANTIQUITÉ, CONTRAT, VÉLIN, MANUSCRIT, PAPIER ANTIKE, BRIEF, PERGAMENT, DOKUMENT, .

PORTLAND MAINE ME. Good+. 1909. On offer is an original, manuscript 1909 through 1913 diary handwritten by Grace Waldron Calvert, the daughter of Colonel William H. Waldron, a pioneer journalist and one of five original publishers of the Boston Herald. He was instrumental in developing several other publications but in 1872 he established the Lewiston Weekly Gazette and in 1876 his son-in-law, Thomas E. Calvert, Grace's husband, entered into partnership with him and became editor of the Gazette. Colonel Waldron died in 1881. Grace and Thomas of Portland Maine belonged to a County Club, took numerous trips to New York, attend balls, plays, recitals, and even a reception at the white house in 1912 and much more. She also belongs to a "Current Events" club. Grace's daughter was a soprano singer who studied under Alfred Brinkler. [Ephemera such as newspaper clippings inside the diary mention her events.] There is also a newspaper article which talked about an illness her… Read More

New York. Good with no dust jacket. 1930. Typescript. On offer is an unpublished manuscript entitled The Less important Sister, written by a very successful female advertising professional in the 1930s. The author of this manuscript is Barbour Walker Lyndon. Born in 1885, she was educated at Barnard College where she graduated in 1907. She spent her professional career in the print advertising research business. She was married to Earl Hadley. Barbour Walker Lyndon Hadley passed away in 1962 at the age of 77. Lyndon founded the Publishers Information Bureau (PIB) which is considered to this day as a trusted source of data for many news organizations. It is used to report on the state of the consumer magazine industry. Publishers Information Bureau is now administered by MPA – The Association of Magazine Media, the nonprofit trade association for the magazine media industry which was formerly known as just MPA (Magazine Publishers Association) until 2010. At one time, she was bursar of… Read More

CINCINNATI OHIO, OH to TRENTON, NEW JERSEY NJ, 1805. On offer is a unique and gorgeously written letter from an lawyer, by the name of Isaac G. Barnet,who has recently relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio from England. He is writing to a friend, Garret D. Wall, in Trenton, New Jersey. Garret Wall was at the time just a practicing attorney in New Jersey, however, he would go on to serve a long illustrious life, first as a clerk for the New Jersey Supreme Court, then as the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, then being elected a New Jersey Senator from 1835 to 1841, and finishing his life as a high court judge. In language that is often elegant and very obviously from an educated man, the Mr. Barnet’s writes of many topics, such as his recent departure from Trenton, New Jersey to Cincinnati, his new professional life in Cincinnati, his old practice in Westminster (in London, England) and the ease at which he finds that people can pass the Bar exam in his new home and the consequences this seems to have had. He… Read More

FORCETT HALL RICHMOND NORTH YORKSHIRE ENGLAND, 1915. On offer is an interesting manuscript relic of World War I being a handwritten analysis of the noted and notorious 1914 Battle of Le Cateau by Lieutenant Colonel Hardress Waller of Forcett Hall, Richmond, North Yorkshire. Waller was particularly interested in military history and his 12 folio sized pages of notes on the history of this WWI battle of Le Cateau offers an intimate perspective and the setup of the analysis suggest this was for a publication or formal report. Intriguingly the sheets are on Royal embossed letter sheets adding credence that this may have been prepared as a formal report. There is some discolouration of the pages, and folding at the edges, some more than others. Overall G.. Good. Folio - over 12" - 15" tall.

Meadville Cleveland Youngstown Pennsylvania PA. Good. 1919. On offer is the 1919 diary of Esther A. Walling of Meadville, Pennsylvania. She is a very proud and (at that time) female Railroad Clerk at the Erie Railroad Office. Her brother with whom she lives is Frank. He is also a railroad clerk and a person she loves very much. She goes to church on Sundays, and is often on trips to Cleveland, Youngstown, and Jamestown for fun weekends of shopping and entertainment with her girlfriends or brother. There are just a few entries until late February, in which Esther takes a trip to Cleveland with her girlfriends. "Saturday, February 22, We went shopping today and purchased this book, also the picture "On the River Tiber." We went to the play "The Girl Behind the Gun" this afternoon and in the evening went to the Hippodrome. Aunt Attie met us & we took her to supper in the old arcade. We stayed at the Hotel Winton." She seems to have some pretty strong union… Read More

Baltimore, Maryland MD - at Sea Aboard the Charles, 1843. On offer are two [2] super, original manuscript relics of Christian outreach and missionary work handwritten by Reverend Walter Gunn, one of the first missionaries to India, addressed to Frederick Schott of Waterloo New York. [Bio notes follow.] The first is a one [1] page letter written by Gunn dated 1843 while in Baltimore. The second letter is written by Rev. Gunn while on the boat "The Charles" heading to India in 1844. He has been at sea for 138 days. This is a 3¼ page letter. Here are snippets: 1) "Baltimore, May 24, 1843 Dear Brother in the Lord, I should like to write a long letter to you and enter into many particulars but I have but only a few moments to spare as Bro Selmser is soon to leave B. and I have a press of business on hand. Well how do you do. How is your family and how do your souls prosper. Is Christ precious, are you actively engaged in his service. O my brother watch your heart, your words and your… Read More