Search Results: Titles starting with E from Stuart Lutz Historic Documents, Inc.

(CARIBBEAN TRAVEL JOURNAL). Diary. 101 pages. The Caribbean. [c. 1908-9]. The handwritten journal belonging to C. B. Benson of Hudson, New York. The diary recounts Benson’s experience on an organized cruise group visit to Caribbean locations such as St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, Kingston [Jamaica], Caracas [Venezuela], Panama City [Panama], Port of Spain [Trinidad], and Martinique. Benson records his experiences in each location, including his impressions of the town, the locals, sights he visited, and local travel. He visited forts, a school, churches, a mill, a sugar plantation, and Carnival celebrations. Benson took his tour during the era of colonial rule, the attitudes of which infuse both his experiences and observations. Based on his mention of an earthquake in Kingston, Jamaica taking place a year or two before, he travelled in 1908 or 1909. “…St. Thomas, where we arrived about 6 A.M. mid morning Jan, 26 is one of the Virgin group and we found her framed and frescoed in the principal… Read More

JOSEPH BRADLEY VARNUM (1750/1751-1821). Varnum was a long-time Massachusetts politician affiliated with the Democratic-Republican Party. He served as a Congressman from 1895-1811, including as Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1807 to 1811, and a Senator from 1811 to 1817, including as President Pro Tempore from 1813 to 1814. AL. 2 pg. 8” x 10”. January 22, 1803. An autographed letter, though unsigned, from Joseph Bradley Varnum to an unidentified individual. The document is in response to a letter previously written by the individual: “Pray Sir what is your precise meaning when you say, you ‘wish to have our own Countrymen put in office in preference to any other under heaven’ and in pursuing the Idea You say that you ‘presume we have Men of our own Country that are Qualified to fill any office, if not’ you say, ‘let us give up our Independence to foreigners.’” After summarizing why the receiver cannot mean actual foreign citizens, Varum writes: “There is but one… Read More

JEDIDIAH HUNTINGTON (1743-1818). Huntington was an American general during the Revolution before serving as Treasurer for the State of Connecticut and a customs house collector for Rhode Island and Connecticut from 1789 until his death. DS. 2 pg. 7” x 12”. February 16, 1789. Connecticut. A partly-printed document signed “Jed Huntington Treasurer” and directed “To the Sheriff of Litchfield”. This official state document, partially handwritten and partially printed, asserts that “Mr. Elijah Woodward who was Constable of the town of Watertown in the County of Litchfield and Collector of the State Taxes for said Town…has neglected to make payment of the Three penny Tax…amounting to the Sum of Two hundred twenty two pounds fourteen shilling & six pence”. As a result, that amount, plus a one shilling and six pence penalty, will be taken from Woodward’s possessions or he must be imprisoned within the next sixty days. On the back of the document, in the hand of the Sheriff referenced… Read More

ARTHUR FENNER (1745-1805). Fenner served as Rhode Island Governor from 1790 to 1805, dying in office. It was during his administration that Rhode Island became the last of the thirteen states to ratify the Constitution, which barely got the amount of votes required. He was fervently Ant-federalist, being one of the foremost leaders in the Country Party. His son James was elected governor of Rhode Island just two years after Fenner died. HENRY WARD (1732-1797). Ward, a Rhode Island politician, first made a name for himself by attending the Stamp Act Congress in 1765. He served in the state government throughout the Revolution, and was a great supporter of the new Constitution in the stodgy state of Rhode Island, which opposed the new centralized government. DS. 1pg. 12 ¼” x 7 ¼”. September 2, 1791. Rhode Island. A partly-printed document signed “A. Fenner” and “Henry Ward” appointing Rufus Steele to a lowly military position: “You the said Rufus Steele being chosen and appointed… Read More

L. 1pg. 7 ½” x 9 ¾”. March 7, 1862. Washington, D.C. A letter from the Bell and Green National Claim Office about missing Civil War soldiers. The company wrote on their letterhead to Alexander Gardiner of Claremont, New Hampshire: “…The list of prisoners taken has not yet been received from the South, and until it is obtained no complete rolls authoritative exist in the Department. When it is received those unaccounted for will be presumed to be dead. You can send the claim however, accompanied by the best evidence of his (Straw’s) death, procurable say the affidavit of John Rice, properly authenticated and we think we can get the claim through.” The letter is in fine condition. It appears that the recipient of the letter, Alexander Gardiner, was killed a few months later at Winchester. The condition is very fine with the usual mailing folds.

THOMAS FRANK MARSHALL (1854-1921). Marshall was a Congressman from North Dakota in the first decades of its statehood. ALS. 1pg. 8” x 10”. February 21, 1885. Yankton, Dakota. An autograph letter signed “Thomas F Marshall”. Marshall recommends a former employee. “To whom it may concern: This is to certify that Mr. W. C. Smith was in my employ during the entire summer of 1884 and that he performed his duties to my entire satisfaction, He is a faithful and industrious young man and deserving of…Thomas F Marshall U.S. Deputy Surveyor”. Marshall wrote on letterhead of “E. J. Porter & Co., Grocers”, which Marshall owned with Porter. Dakota was a territory of the United States from 1861 until it officially became the states of North and South Dakota in 1889. This letter is in very good condition.

LAWRENCE HYDE, FIRST EARL OF ROCHESTER (1641-1711). Rochester was named a Lord of the Treasury in 1679. In 1681, he was elevated from Viscount Hyde of Kenilworth to Earl of Rochester. He had friction with King James II and was dismissed from the Treasury in December 1686 with a substantial pension. ROBERT HOWARD (1626-1698). An English Restoration dramatist, Howard is best remembered for The Indian Queen and The Committee, as well as his ongoing literary feud with John Dryden. During the English Revolution, Howard sided with the Royalists at the Battle of Newbury and was imprisoned. After the Restoration, he was elected to Parliament and made auditor of the Exchequer. DS. 1pg. 8 ½” x 8 ½”. May 15, 1686. Whitehall Treasury Chambers. A document signed “Rochester”. It was written to Robert Howard, the auditor of the Exchequer: “At my hearty Commendation, By Virtue of his Ma[jest]y’s Letters Patents authorizing the payment of the yearly Sallarys [sic] to the Judges, These are to… Read More

JAMES GARFIELD (1831-1881). Garfield was the Twentieth President. ALS. 1pg. 7 ½” x 8 ½”. October 22, 1861. Camp Chase [nearly Columbus, Ohio]. An autograph letter signed “J.A. Garfield” as a colonel in the 42nd Ohio Infantry. Garfield wrote to George Hill of Cleveland: “Dear Sir, Your request is received and is hereby granted. Very Truly Yours J.A. Garfield”. In August 1861, Garfield was commissioned as a colonel in the 42nd Ohio Infantry regiment. Garfield’s first task was recruiting, so he enlisted many neighbors and students. They then went to Camp Chase, near Columbus, to train. In December, the 42nd traveled to Kentucky where they joined the Army of Ohio. Garfield Civil War-date letters are scarce. The letter is tipped to a larger sheet and very slightly trimmed on the right edge.

ALS. 8pp. 5" x 7". Oct 4 99. Armstrong, Fla. An autograph letter signed "Marcel", with a very early mention of a baseball game. The sports content states: "...the Rail Road team came out on the train to play Ball and of course they won the game 7 to 5 in favor of the R.R. and I was truly glad they won but of course I could not say such out here as these folks would kill me... until the game started which was half pass [sic] two they ate dinner and the two boys and I sat together under the shed until time to go over to the Ball grounds so these the three of us walked... ". An early baseball letter

ALS. 2pg. 6” x 8”. April 6, 1788. Stone Lick [Ohio]. An autograph letter signed “Wm Steele” to Dr. Richard J. Waters of Falls of Ohio: “I received your of the 23d of March. Also yours left at Mr. Collins which I answered immed after, which it appears that it must have been miscarried. The Winter has been so cold that I have not been out surveying in that quarter where Doctor Culbertrom land lyes [sic], and it is out of my power to tell whether it is clean of prior claims or not. I will thank you to write me (if in your power) who located the Land. Perhaps he may direct the survey better than any one else. I will do the best I can for you. As to the Town you mentioned I am yet undetermined but the present situation of our frontier will not admit of doing anything in the matter, and therefore will defer it some time.” The letter has some toning and wear, as well as a seal tear. An early letter from the Ohio frontier.

(MEXICO). ALS. 1pg. 6” x 8”. December 5, 1766. Tlayacapan [Mexico]. An autograph letter signed “Nicolás Morquecho” addressed “To our most Reverend Priest Señor and my very dear friend Gerónimo”. Morquecho wrote: “The day has come for you to honor me with your arrival, to do us the favor of christening your godson. My friend Juan Francisco de Ariza has now come from Mexico [Mexico City] and today is the day we have set to baptize our son. I hope that you will fulfill your promise, which you made to me eight days ago. The delay [of the baptism] is due to my friend, who has now arrived. We are waiting now for your arrival, by the time, or before, the sun sets. I will be delighted to find you enjoying the excellent health that my heart desires for you on this day. I offer all that I have, hoping that you will let me know of anything you desire, so that I, with great affection, can best serve you. With this, praying that you will oblige me with this favor, knowing your importance, May… Read More

(EARLY TELESCOPE). ADS. 1pg. 7” x 3 ¾”. April 14, 1797. No place. An autograph document signed “Wm Richardson”: “Recd April the 14 1797 of Col. Jones Eight Dolls in full of a Pocket Telescope Wm Richardson”. The document has vertical folds and irregular edges, and it is in very good condition.

ALS. ALS. 2pg. 4 ½" x 7". Feb 1867. Plank Road. An autograph letter signed "Wm H Ostrander" concerning early oil exploration. He wrote to J.E. Lipe: "Sir thinking that you would like to here from me I will drop you a few lines I have my Stone oil the ground so you see I am busy. I have drawed sixty five lodes of stone and will begin to build as soon as the wether [sic] will admit... John you put any money in an oil well our friend Lathrip has got a lot at Patrolia in Caniday and want to sink a well it is with in Six rods of the flowind [sic] well at Patrolia that flowes 400 barrels a day and there is no other well near it he thinks a shure [sic] thing or with very little risk and if he fails is willing to give the company the machinery witch [sic] is worth a portion of it he divides it in six shares at $500 each you can take a share or a portion of it do as you please. I will try a little for luck if you will take if you will take a share or a portion of it let me know immediately I think that will… Read More

ROGER TANEY (1777-1864). During his long career, Taney served in both houses of the Maryland state legislature, as Attorney General of Maryland from 1827-1831, United States Attorney General from 1831-1833, United States Secretary of the Treasury from 1833-1834, and Chief Justice of the United States from 1836-1864. ALS. 1 pg. 8” x 10”. January 14, 1822. Frederick. An autographed letter signed “R.B. Taney” to an unidentified individual: “Owing to some accident the writ was not served on Mr. Williams…There will therefore be no judgement until March next. As soon as money is collected you shall hear from me”. This letter is a reminder that before his consequential and controversial political career, Taney rose to prominence as a successful Maryland lawyer. The letter is in fine condition with dark writing.

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.

EDGAR LEE MASTERS (1869-1950). An American poet and novelist, he is best known for the Spoon River Anthology (1915). In it, Masters tells the story of a small town through a series of free-verse monologue epitaphs. He also wrote Mitch Miller, The Nuptial Flight and a biography of Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln the Man. ANS. 1pp. 8 ½” x 4”. Feb 6 [1924]. Great Neck, New York. An autograph note signed “E.L.M.” mentioning his most famous work, The Spoon River Anthology: “Dear Mr. Mayfield: Cut out the above and paste it in your Spoon River. That will save you mailing the book to me. Truly E.L.M.” The note is in very fine condition with dark ink and the usual folds that affect little. It is accompanied by the original mailing envelope.

EDMUND CLARENCE STEDMAN (1833-1908). Stedman was an American poet, banker, and scientist. AQS. 1pg. December 1887. N.p. An autograph quote signed “Edmund Clarence Stedman”. Stedman wrote out the first verse of his poem “The Hillside Door”. “From The Hillside Door Sometimes within my hand A Spirit puts the silver key Of Fairyland: From the dark barren hearth he beckons me, Till by that hidden hillside door, Where bards have passed before, I seem to stand. Edmund Clarence Stedman”. It is in fine condition and mounted to a larger sheet.

EDWARD EVERETT (1794-1865). Everett was an American politician and diplomat. He was a Congressman from Massachusetts, Governor of Massachusetts, and Secretary of State, as well as Minister to Great Britain and President of Harvard. Signed pamphlet. 33pgs. 1836. Boston. A printed pamphlet, inscribed and signed “Hon. James Savage with the best respects of E. Everett”. The pamphlet reproduces one of Everett’s speeches, “Address of His Excellency Edward Everett to the Two Branches of the Legislature on the Organization of the Government, for the Political Year Commencing January 6, 1836”. It was printed by Sutton and Bentworth of Boston in 1836. When he gave this speech to the Massachusetts State Legislature, he was soon to be inaugurated as Governor. The simple pamphlet, with staple binding, is in good condition with bands of toning on the front cover and significant wear to the edges. Everett signed the upper margin.

EDWARD G. MATHEY (1837-1915). Mathey was an United States Army officer best known for his involvement in the 7th Regiment of Cavalry and participation in the Battle of Little Bighorn. DS. 1pg. January 8, 1878. N.p. A partially-printed document signed “E. G. Mathey” as Captain of the 7th Regiment of Cavalry. The document, filled out in another hand, concerns a private’s rations while on furlough. The 7th Regiment of Cavalry is best known for its participation in the Battle of Little Bighorn two years prior. The document is in good condition and has been repaired with tape on the verso, where it separated along the folds.

EDWARD SACKVILLE-WEST (1901-1965). Sackville-West was a British musician, writer, and politician. TLS. 1pg. 6” x 8”. October 31, 1948. Long Crichel House, Wimborne, Dorset. A typed letter signed “Edward Sackville West”. On letterhead of his home in Dorest, Sackville-West responded to someone requesting quotes to include in a dictionary. “Dear Sir, I think you for your letter, but, while feeling much flattered that you should wish to include quotations from my work in your proposed dictionary, I feel uncertain what kind f thing you want. Observations on life? I suppose my books contain such, but I cannot recall any offhand and should have to re-read all my novels to find them – an unthinkable task! On the other hand, if it is examples of prose – critical and/or descriptive – you are looking for, I daresay I might point out a few that I still like. If you would just give me a definite line, I will do my best to help. Yours very truly, Edward Sackville West”. The letter is in fine… Read More