Search Results: Titles starting with A from Montgomery Rare Books

New York, 1868. Fine. 8" x 5", 3 pp, usual mail folds, on Mayor's Office Letterhead with NYC crest, some ink feathering to signature.<br /> <br /> John Thompson Hoffman (January 10, 1828 - March 24, 1888) was the 23rd Governor of New York (1869-72). He was also Recorder of New York City (1861-65) and the 78th Mayor of New York City (1866-68). Connections to the Tweed Ring ruined his political career, in spite of the absence of evidence to show personal involvement in corrupt activities. He is to date the last New York City mayor elected Governor of New York. The two volume set refered to in this letter is likely: "Treatise upon the estate and rights of the corporation of the city of New York, as proprietors. New York, E. Jones, 1862" Dear Sir: On the 20th instant I sent you by Espress the two (2)Vol. Hoffman Treatise which you asked for. I enclose the Express receipt. J W Beach informs me you have not rec'd them. I hope they are not lost as I cannot replace them.

Worcestershire, 1919. Fine. 6" x 4", 4 pp. in legible handwriting. Content: Leaving England back to the U.S. to get away from the gloomy weather, " We are sailing to America on the 20th of March...we have done all we can at this time for the YMCA...we are glad to get back to the sunshine to cure these colds...I remember the time in Oxford when you were so gracious"<br /> <br /> Julia Marlowe (born Sarah Frances Frost; Aug 1865 - Nov 1950) was an English-born American actress and suffragist, known for her interpretations of William Shakespeare. Most of Julia's acting reviews were stunning. Audiences and critics alike were kind to her. She had homes in Egypt, England, Switzerland, as well as the United States. In 1894, Julia married Robert Taber, but they were later divorced in 1900. Her second marriage was to her long-time co-star, E. H. Sothern in 1911. They were considered the greatest Shakespeare duo of the era. In 1921, she was awarded an honorary Doctorate of… Read More

Cambridge, MA, 1878. Fine. 6" x 4", 2 pp., on folded stationary, previous auction seller wrote "auto" on rear, note is signed "T. W." the poems is signed in full. Addressee is Mrs. Guiney, likely Louise Imogen Guiney. Content: " I send the German book with Schnetzler's (likely German poet August Schnetzler) little poem by express."<br /> <br /> Thomas Wentworth Higginson (Dec 1823 - May 1911) was one of the most distinguished and multi-talented Unitarians of the nineteenth-century, yet few people today are aware of his prominence or the extent of his interests and achievements. Minister, author, activist, lecturer, soldier, naturalist, physical fitness enthusiast. In November 1862 he received an offer to command the first black regiment of the Civil War, the 1st South Carolina Volunteers, which he readily accepted. While in camp, Colonel Higginson socialized with his men and took note of the songs they sang, resulting in the first account in… Read More

np, 1918. Brown wraps with title in blue. Very good. 6"x 9", 31 unnumbered pages, with no publisher or date identified. 30 B&W photographs, one on each page, below some pictures: U.S. Official; on some pictures: U.S.A. Signal Corps. The pictures display the horrible, graphic atrocities and death as a result of the Great War. Short, cynical, rhetorical captions beneath the photos accentuate the horrors of war. Light wear at edges, 1/2" torn at top of spine, rusted staples, light handling smudges at margin.

Wilcox County, AL, 1859. Folio, 15.5" x 12.5" folded horizontally through the center. Completely in manuscript with ink on blue paper with lined columns. A full accounting: credits on the left side of the ledger sheet, debits on the right. Docketed on verso; "Estate of Levi H. Seltzer, Dec'd Acct. Current Partial Settlement, 1859. Two small holes along the center fold, possibly where staples were removed, loss of a few numbers, else Very Good.<br /> <br /> The account includes funds for hiring out Negro slaves: "Negro hire for 1857... 452.50... Negro hire for 1857... 76.90. The accounting concludes:State of Alabama, Wilcox County, Personally appeared before me Zo. S. Cook Judge of Probate in and for said county and state, Mary C. Abbott ADMX and J.S. Abbot as Admr of the estate of Levi H. Seltzer decd. /s/ 14 July 1859, Zo. S. Cook, Judge.<br /> <br /> Levi H. Seltzer [1833 - 1853] was the first husband of Administratrix Mary Calloway Parks {Seltzer]… Read More

Pittsburgh, PA, 1980. Very good. SIGNED "M. B. Ridgway", 8.5" x 11", 1 p., with Ridgeway's home address block stamped in red, usual mail folds, torn upper left corner from staple removal, light smudging in first three lines of second paragraph. Addressed to Madame Alexandre Renaud, wife of the mayor of St. Mere Elise, historic village where 82nd Airborne Paratroopers landed on D-Day, June 6, 1944. <br /> <br /> Matthew B. Ridgway (1894 - 1994) was a 4-Star General who as Commanding General of the 82nd Airborne Dvision led action inSicily, Ital and dropped in with his troops during the invasion at Normanday. After WWII Ridgway resurrected the United Nations war effort during the Korean War and became the 19th Chief of Staff of Staff of the Army.<br /> <br /> Sainte Mere Eglise is a town in Northern France which was the site of an unintended battle early in the morning of D-Day and became the first town liberated and held later that same day. The Mayor… Read More

Cambridge, MA, 1868. Very good. 7.875" x 4.75", 2 pp., on stationary embossed with "L" at the top. Three mailing folds, 1/2" tear along center fold, light fade along fore edge, two mounting tabs on rear, includes original mailing envelope and 3-cent stamp. Content: Lowell declines invitation, "I feel myself highly honored by the choice which the ADP [Alpha Delta Phi] fraternity have made me to deliver a poem at the approaching anniversary, but it is quite out of my power to accept their invitation."; His humble response includes the opportunity to be with his friend, "..would have especially pleased me to have the honor of the day with my friend Mr. Curtis, but even so great a temptation cannot persuade me to undertake a task for which I feel myself incompetent."<br /> <br /> James Russell Lowell (Feb 1819 - Aug 1891) was an American Romantic poet, critic, editor, and diplomat. He is associated with the Fireside Poets, a group of New England… Read More

London, 1880. 7" x 4.5", note paper with embossed Royal Institute of Great Britain seal on header, four mounting tabs on rear corners, light fade across the center from where it was exposed during framing. <br /> <br /> John Tyndall FRS (Aug 1820 - Dec 1893) was a prominent 19th-century Irish physicist. His initial scientific fame arose in the 1850s from his study of diamagnetism. Later he made discoveries in the realms of infrared radiation and the physical properties of air, proving the connection between atmospheric C02 and what we now know as the Greenhouse Effect in 1859. Tyndall also published more than a dozen science books which brought state-of-the-art 19th century experimental physics to a wide audience. At the time of this writing, from 1853 to 1887 he was professor of physics at the Royal Institution of Great Britain in London. "On my return from Switzerland last night I found here the volume on "Scientific Transcendentalism" by D. M. Might I ask you… Read More

Paris, 1900. Very good with 2 corner tapes, inside an appropriate red matte.. 3.75" x 2.25" Calling Card with manuscript salutation and printed: Emile Zola / 23, rue de Boulogne". A French literary hero, buried in the Pantheon, Zola was not only a prolfic novel and short story writer, but a social activist and editorial journalist. His masterpiece, "J'Accuse", was consequential in the liberation of Alfred Dreyfus from his wrongly condemned treason conviction. "Avec mon vifs remerciements : With my warmest thanks

Farmington, ME, 1879. Fine. 8" x 5", 4 pp., in Abbot's small and precise handwriting, two mail folds, includes envelope addresed to Oliver Johnson, Orange NJ. Content: Abbott sends a long and sympathetic letter to the Johnson family expressing his concern and encouragement for their current life situation. "What an unspeakable degree of comfort and strength we derive from the consciousness that we are all in every time of anxiety and trouble, always under the watchful care of a superior providence..."<br /> <br /> Jacob Abbott (Nov 1803 - Oct 1879) was a prolific author, writing juvenile fiction, brief histories, biographies, religious books for the general reader, and a few works in popular science. He wrote 180 books and was a coauthor or editor of 31 more. Abbott began his career after a degree from Bowdin as a professor at Amherst. Soon he and his brothers founded a church and he became a pastor, then he founded several schools.

SIGNED "Norman Schwarzkopf" in black felt tip pen on first day issue American Revolution Bicentennial stamp. 3.63" x 6.5" H. Norman Schwarzkopf Jr. (August 22, 1934 - December 27, 2012) was a United States Army general. While serving as Commander-in-Chief, United States Central Command, he led all coalition forces in the Persian Gulf War. Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Schwarzkopf grew up in the United States and later in Iran. He was accepted into the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army in 1956. After a number of initial training programs, Schwarzkopf interrupted a stint as an academy teacher, and served in the Vietnam War first as an adviser to the South Vietnamese Army and later as a battalion commander. Schwarzkopf was highly decorated in Vietnam, being awarded three Silver Star Medals, two Purple Hearts, and the Legion of Merit. Rising through the ranks after the conflict, he later commanded the U.S. 24th… Read More

Washington DC, 1878. 9.75" x 7.5", 3 pp., on lined stationary, impeccable, crisp, readable penmanship. Very fine letter in which Henry writes to Joseph Patterson to thank him for setting up a Smithsonian Institution testimonial to himself. Henry is effusive in his humility and generous in his gratitude. Better than average content from a prson whos signature is seldom encountered. This may have been one of the last letters he ever signed; he mentions an illness in the firs line and he died a few months later on May 13, 1878.<br /> <br /> The first Smithsonian Secretary, Joseph Henry, served from 1846 to 1878. A professor at the College of New Jersey, he was a physicist who conducted pioneering research in electromagnetism and helped set the Smithsonian on its course. Too poor to pay tuition, Henry did not attend the Albany Academy until the late age of 21 despite being admitted to the school earlier. When a position opened up in 1826, Henry accepted a job as the school's… Read More

Washington DC, 1859. Very good. Strong, bold signature nearly 4" long on a note from the President to his Secretary of State, Lewis Cass, in the year leading up to the Civil War. 9.75" x 8", 1 pp. An ink spot touching one word at top third, two small, closed tears at fold and at the bottom of page, reinforce at rear left edge, likely from a stationary booklet.<br /> <br /> James Buchanan (1791-1868), was the 15th President of the U.S. from 1857 - 1861, during the build-up leading to the Civil War. Buchanan was the only U.S. president from Pennsylvania, and the only one to remain a lifelong bachelor. His political career ran through the U.S. Senate, Secretary of State, and Ambassador to Britain. Historians rank his presidency low on the scale as he failed to address the growing disparity between slave and non-slave states, leaving the impression that he supported the Southern States to choose their own course. During his tenure the Dred Scott decision gave the impression… Read More

Boston, MA, 1894. Fine. 5" x 3", off-white postal. one-cent note card, canceled at Back Bay, Boston. In this note she politely apologies for being unavailable for a previously scheduled appointment.<br /> <br /> Julia Ward Howe (1819 - 1910) is perhaps best remembered as the the author of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, which became the stirring hero anthem during the Civil War, as well as wrote the original 1870 pacifist Mother's Day Proclamation. Her real life's work revolved around the tireless promotion of Woman's Suffrage and Human Rights. At the time of this writing, Howe served as president for the second time of the Massachusetts Woman Suffrage Association. She was also president of the New England Woman Suffrage Association, which she served until her death in 1910. Additionally, From 1893-98 she directed the General Federation of Women's Clubs, and headed the Massachusetts Federation of Women's Clubs. "My Dear Miss Ellis, I write to say that… Read More

Fayette County, Indiana, 1937. Very good. Autograph manuscript letter, 7.75" x 12.25", mailing folds into sixths, light age spotting along right margin. Legal complaint by lawyer Smith on behalf of his client for the recovery of a sum of $1806.72 plus $500 in damages due his client David Maze on recto. Verso contains filing information by County Clerk, G. Ginn.<br /> <br /> Caleb Blood Smith (Apr 16, 1808 - Jan 7, 1864) was an American journalist and politician, serving in the Cabinet of Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War. He was educated at Cincinnati College and Miami University, studied law in Cincinnati and in Connersville, Indiana, and was admitted to the bar in 1828. He began practice at the latter place, established and edited the Sentinel in 1832, served several terms in the Indiana legislature, and was in the United States Congress in 1843-1849, having been elected as a Whig. Lincoln appointed Smith as the U. S. Secretary of the Interior in 1861 as a reward… Read More

1889. Fine. ALS handwritten in full. 9" x 7.75" note paper folded in half for writing, folded again for sending. Excellent firm writing in black ink. Pages bordered in black, likely as a show of mourning for her brother, Col. John Cromwell Dent who had died on January 1, 1889. Verso has the word 'petition' in blue pencil and discoloration around and below the verso fold.<br /> <br /> Julia Boggs Dent Grant (January 26, 1826 - December 14, 1902) was the 18th First Lady of the United States and wife of Ulysses S. Grant. They were married in August 1848 and had four children together. In her later years, when she was in D. C., she became the doyen and mentor to First Ladies Cleveland, Harrison and Roosevelt. "S. E. 66th / New York / Dec 7th 89 / Mr. Loveland / Dear Sir Thanking you for the kind wishes expressed in you note and for the prompt attention to my petition. I am sincerely J D Grant"<br /> William A. H. Loveland was a Railroad Baron, Lt. Gov. of… Read More

Baltimore, MD, 1901. Fine. 7" x 4.5", 4 pp. in very legible hand, addressed to "L. I. G.", most probably Louise Imogen Guiney. Content: Railing against the Reformer, "You see, the Reformer was going around with an axe, and as it was just as likely to fall in my direction..."; waxing romantically about her ancestral homeland, " It was the home of my paternal ancestors, who hunted the deer and and drank their deep draughts of spiced stuff, and hurled the spears at their enemies across the marches."<br /> <br /> Lizette Woodworth Reese (Jan 1856 - Dec 1935) was an American poet and teacher in Baltimore, MD. She often was praised by critics for her facility with sonnets. Her words were melodic and appealing.<br /> <br /> Louise Imogen Guiney (Jan 1861 - Nov 1920) was an American poet, essayist and editor, born in Roxbury, Massachusetts. For more than 20 years, she worked at various jobs, including serving as a postmistress and working in… Read More

Ridgefield, CT, 1960. Fine. 7" x 10.5", 2 pp., on personal letterhead stationary. Very readable, written in blue ink on both sides. Stamped mailing envelope included.<br /> <br /> Alice Geraldine Farrar (1882 - 1967) was an American soprano opera singer and film actress, noted for her beauty and acting ability. She had a large following among young women, who were nicknamed "Gerry-flappers". Farrar made her debut at the New York Metropolitan Opera in Romeo et Juliette in 1906. She appeared in the first Met performance of Puccini's Madam Butterfly in 1907 and remained a member of the company until her retirement in 1922, singing 29 roles there in 672 performances. Farrar recorded extensively for the Victor Talking Machine Company and was often featured prominently in that firm's advertisements. Her personal life was of great interest to the public, including alleged affairs with Arturo Toscanini, Enrico Caruso. In the year of this letter she received two (2)… Read More

Providence, RI, 1846. Fine. 10" x 8", 1 p, folded stationary, docketed on verso to Zachariah Allen, Esq, North Main St. Content: Letter of reccomendation for John Hyde, "...an honest industrious man conversant with manufacturing as a mill wright,"<br /> <br /> Tristam Burges (Feb 1770 - Oct 1853) was a U.S. Representative from Rhode Island as a Federalist and served for ten years. He originally studied medicine but upon the death of his father he abandoned the study of medicine. He was graduated from what is now Brown University and became a prominent member of the Federalist Party. He was appointed chief justice of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island in May 1815, serving for just one year. Burges was elected to the US Congress in 1825 and served for ten years. He was known for his witty repartee with Anti-New England Virginian John Randolph. He favored a protective trade tariff, and he lost re-electing because he refused to accept a tariff compromise proposed by Henry… Read More

Rockland, ME, 1859. Fine. 9.75" x 8", 1 pp. folio in neat, readable period script. Usual mailing folds, two tiny tears at fold on bottom, a jagged edge on left margin, likely where excised. <br /> <br /> Chalon Burgess (1817-1903), a Presbyterian minister whose published writings include The Life and Character of Abraham Lincoln with Some Lessons of His Death and The Presbyterian Church of Silver Creek, N.Y. Burgess was the pastor of the First Congregational Church of Harmony, N.Y. from 1861 to 1875 and pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Silver Creek, N.Y. from 1875 to 1891. He was also a member of the International Sunday School Association. Burgess' writings include sermons, newspaper editorials, and diaries. Notable is his travel diary, dated 1880, relating to his trip to London and Glasgow for the celebration of the Centenary of Sunday Schools. Burgess was a prominent member of the Chautauqua Institution. Originally the Chautauqua Lake Sunday School Assembly, was… Read More