Lot 67
Robert Morris, 1734-1806, First Head of the Treasury Department 1781-84. Manuscript "R Morris" free frank signature as Head of Treasury Dept. on folded cover addressed to John Langdon at Portsmouth N.H., endorsed "On Public Service", Philadelphia "18 / SE" Franklin mark and matching "Free" rating handstamp; inside flap endorsed "Rob. Morris's Lett, Sept. 17th. 1782"; slight central fold splitting, Very Fine and choice.Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
A RARE ROBERT MORRIS FREE FRANK AS THE FIRST SUPERINTENDENT OF FINANCE.
Robert Morris, Jr. was a Founding Father of the United States. He was a Liverpool-born American merchant who financed the American Revolution and was signatory to the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution. He was elected to the Pennsylvania Assembly, became the Chairman of the Pennsylvania Committee of Safety, and was chosen as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress, where he served as chairman of the "Secret Committee of Trade" and as a member of the Committee of Correspondence. From 1781 to 1784, he served as the powerful Superintendent of Finance, managing the economy of the fledgling United States. As the central civilian in the government, Morris was, next to General George Washington, "the most powerful man in America." His successful administration led to the sobriquet, "Financier of the Revolution." At the same time he was Agent of Marine, a position he took without pay, and from which he controlled the Continental Navy. He was one of Pennsylvania's original pair of US senators, serving from 1789 to 1795. He invested a considerable portion of his fortune in land shortly before the Panic of 1796-97, which led to his bankruptcy in 1798, and he spent several months in debtors' prison, until Congress passed a bankruptcy act to release him. After he left prison in 1801, he lived a quiet, private life in a modest home in Philadelphia until his death in 1806.
Realized: $2,200
Lot 68
Rufus King, Signer of the Constitution. Free frank "R King" on 1787 folded letter to James Greenleaf at Philadelphia, light strike of "N-YORK Feb. 11" and matching "Free" handstamp; 1787 docketing, internal leaf separated with two page ALS with full "Rufus King" signature, Very Fine.Estimate $300 - 400.
Realized: $675
Lot 69
Samuel Houston, free frank "Free, Sam Houston" signature as U.S. Senator on light buff cover to Philadelphia Pa., slightly indistinct blue "Washington Jan 10" cds and matching "Free" rating handstamp, Very Fine and scarce.Estimate $500 - 750.
Samuel "Sam" Houston (1793 - 1863) was a nineteenth-century American statesman, politician, and soldier. Houston was a key figure in the history of Texas, including periods as President of the Republic of Texas (1836-38, 1841-44), Senator for Texas after it joined the United States (1846-59) and finally as Governor (1859-61). He is best known for his leading role in bringing Texas into the United States.
Realized: $800
Lot 70
Samuel Huntington, 1731-96, Signer of Declaration of Independence, President of the Continental Congress 1779-81. Manuscript "S. Huntington" free frank signature on cover front only addressed in his hand to "His Excellency The President of the State of Pennsylvania"; some slight splitting along vertical file fold, Very Fine, probably franked as President of the Continental Congress.Estimate $400 - 600.
Samuel Huntington was a jurist, statesman, and Patriot in the American Revolution from Connecticut. As a delegate to the Continental Congress, he signed the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. He also served as President of the Continental Congress from 1779 to 1781, Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court from 1784 to 1785, and the 18th Governor of Connecticut from 1786 until his death.
Lot 71
William H. Russell, Co-founder of the Pony Express. Manuscript "Free, Wm. H. Russell P.M." free frank signature on light blue folded cover to Washington D.C., light "Lexington Mo. Apr 2" cds, 1844 docketing on reverse, Very Fine.Estimate $750 - 1,000.
A RARE WILLIAM H. RUSSELL FREE FRANK OF PONY EXPRESS FAME AS POSTMASTER OF LEXINGTON MO.
Russell was a successful merchant and banker before forming several freight partnerships, and during this earlier time period he was the Postmaster of Lexington Mo. Russell, along with Alexander Majors and William B. Waddell took over overland freight express firm and would launch The Pony Express in 1860. The three principals in Russell, Majors and Waddell, played different roles in managing the company. Russell was the lobbyist and promoter, Majors was the teamster, and Waddell was the back-room manager. The Pony Express was absorbed by Wells, Fargo & Co. in April 1861 after failing to secure a government contract at the beginning of the Civil War due to a variety of circumstances, including Russell's often reckless behavior.
Lot 72
William H. Seward, U.S. Senator 1849-1861, Secretary of State 1861-1869. Free frank signature "William H. Seward" on cover to Aurora N.Y., "Auburn N.Y. Aug 29" cds with matching "Free" rating handstamp, fresh and Extremely Fine.Estimate $150 - 200.
Lincoln's Secretary of State, was stabbed by an accomplice of Booth's, Lewis Payne, and as a result of his injuries precluded him thereafter from using a pen. He was a founder of the Republican party and probably would have been its first Presidential nominee in 1856 had he not disclaimed interest prior to the convention.
Realized: $260
Lot 73
William Walker, 1824-1860, American physician, lawyer, journalist and soldier of fortune who attempted to conquer several Latin American countries during the mid-19th century. Autograph Letter Signed "Wm. Walker" and datelined "Sacramento, Dec. 31st 1849" to his brother Charles in Boston Mass., address panel directive "By favor Mr. Fletcher" and "Sacramento City California Jan. 1st 1850", remarkable content from Walker soon after his arrival in California describing in great detail the arduous journey on the Emigrant Trail, including the route, sights, other travelers and difficulties experienced, continues with description of gold mining, "…Well here I am in California, right side up, enjoying excellent health & not getting rich very fast…Some suffered almost everything but death…When we left Laramie (where we divided into messes of 4 persons ea) we were among the first of the emigration, but taking the Salt Lake "cutoff" (as it was called) we travelled 100 miles out of our way and getting short of provisions we pushed out animals so hard that we broke down our horses and were obliged to "lay by" 10 days to recruit our mules at Salt Lake…We passed about 2000 wagons & something like 16000 oxen and were again among the first, Most of the emigrant took the Mormon Road by Carson River, but we took the Old Road by Teukir river having got enough of Mormon Roads…Many took the Feather River cutoff and travelled 400 miles out their way; and got caught in snow crossing the mountains by the operation…A trip around the horn would be far preferable…I never have been one of the fortunates, my word for it they are few and far between. I have been in the mines two months and know something about it. I was most of the time in Bear River and di not average over a half an ounce per day & done as well if not better than the average. The gold is generally found in small particles, of which I enclose you one pennyweight valued at 80 cents; it is occasionally found in lumpswieghting as high as 15 lbs it is said, although I have never seen a piece weighting over 3 lbs and this was exhibited as a rare specimen…It is now the rainy season here…The roads are "shocking" and the mud in Sacramento City half leg deep…It cost me about five dollars a day to live and I have to sleep on the floor at that. Everything here is very high…There are all kinds of people here, Mexicans, Chillians & Sandwich Islands here are a plenty of with a "right smark" sprinkling…from every nation around the globe. I have seen even Chinese running about the street with their wooden shoes, dressed "a la Chinese"….At present there is a great excitement here among the squatters and land holders. The Squatters dispute the validity of Sutter's claim and say they have a right to squat. The land holders say they have not except in cases of diarrhea (which has been very prevalent here the past season) and both swear they will maintain there rights at all hazards…I send this letter by a friend who goes to the States by 1st Jan Steamer…Post Office arrangements here are in a "Shockingly bad" condition…", Very Fine.Estimate $5,000 - 7,500.
A SIGNIFICANT LETTER FROM WILLIAM WALKER, WHOSE LATER EXPLOITS AND INTRIGUES IN NICARAGUA EVENTUALLY LED TO HIS ARREST AND EXECUTION IN 1860.
William Walker autographs are quite scarce since he died at such an early age of 36.
Realized: $6,250
Lot 74
William Wirt, Attorney General of the United States, 1817-1829. Manuscript "Wm Wirt, Atty. Gnl. U.S." free frank on 1823 folded cover to Baltimore Md., partial "Washn. City D.C. Jan 7" cds and matching "Free" rating handstamp, 1823 internal docketing; two file folds with one affecting signature, Fine.Estimate $200 - 300.
William Wirt (1772-1834) was an American author and statesman who is credited with turning the position of United States Attorney General into one of influence. Wirt County, West Virginia, is named in his honor. In 1817 President James Monroe named him the ninth Attorney General of the United States, a position he held for 12 years, through the administration of John Quincy Adams, until 1829. William Wirt has the record for the longest tenure in history of any U.S. attorney general.
Realized: $190
Lot 75
United States Free Franks, group of 20, including 1802 William B. Giles, undated Daniel Webster, Alexander Stephens as member of Congress, two 1812-13 Richard Rush incl. Treasury Dept. circular, 1806 G. Duval on Treasury circular mentioning Barbary powers, 1833 Edward Livingston as Sec. of State, three different 1835-36 Navy Commissioners Office covers, etc.; some mixed condition.Estimate $500 - 750.
Realized: $500
Lot 76
United States Free Franks, collection of 36 covers including Representatives, Senators, etc. including Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun, 1813 John Armstrong as Sec. of War, 1813 Richard Rush as Comptroller of the Treasury and ALS, Levi Woodbury as Sec. of the Treasury, 1858 James Murray Mason, 1850s Robert Toombs as Senator, William Windom as Representative on all-over 38th Congress shaded ad cover, etc.; some mixed condition.Estimate $750 - 1,000.
Realized: $500