Search Results: Signed from Seth Kaller, Inc.

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT.
Autograph Note Signed "FDR" twice in the text, pencil, no place, no date but likely 1939. 2 pp., recto and verso, 4½ x 6½ in. Regarding the need to raise $3,000,000 for the Warm Springs foundation to handle 200 in-patients and 20 out-patients.
Historical Background

By the time he contracted polio in 1921 at age 39, Roosevelt had already been assistant secretary of the Navy and a candidate for vice-president. He spent three years searching for ways to recover the ability to walk. After George Foster Peabody wrote to him of a young man's improvement after swimming in the mineral-rich waters at his Georgia resort, the Meriwether Inn, Roosevelt left for Georgia. His atrophied legs and hips strengthened enough to allow him stand on his own, albeit with steel braces.

Warm Springs attracted national attention, drawing other polio survivors from around the country. In 1926, FDR purchased the property for $195,000. His biographers estimate that he accumulated debts… Read More

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT.
Typed Letter Signed, as Governor, to Samuel H. Tatum, April 14, 1932, Albany, New York. 1 p., 8 x 10½ in.
Complete Transcript

STATE OF NEW YORK

EXECUTIVE CHAMBER

ALBANY

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

GOVERNOR

April 14, 1932.

Mr. S. H. Tatum,

Roanoke, / Alabama.

Dear Mr. Tatum:

Thank you for your nice note of April 11th. I am delighted to know that you so thoroughly enjoyed my radio talk.

I am leaving here the 23rd of April for Warm Springs but will stop off on my way down at Richmond, Virginia, to attend the Governors' Conference. However, I expect to be in Warm Springs the first part of May and I shall hope to see you all again.

Very sincerely yours,… Read More

A General Account of … Using Atomic Energy for Military Purposes

Owned by Manhattan Project Scientist, Assistant to Chief of Scientific Branch of the War Department (1946-7) and notable scientist and historian of science Erwin Hiebert.

H. D. Smyth. A General Account of … Using Atomic Energy for Military Purposes Under the Auspices of the United States Government 1940-1945. Written at the Request of Major General L. R. Groves, United States Army... Washington, DC: Superintendent of Documents. (1945). Book, 1945. 182 pp, illus. with 2 graphs. With ownership signature of "Erwin Hiebert" twice.

Erwin N. Hiebert (1819-2012) was a notable scientist and philosopher and historian of science. His radically egalitarian and rationalist Protestant Mennonite background impacted his research and teaching, and he trained a large number of women scholars in fields rife with prejudice. His interest in the philosophy of science was tethered to his interest in doing science, especially at the frontiers of… Read More

The Fifteenth Amendment provides that voting rights could not be based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude (slavery). It was ratified by enough states to become part of the Constitution on February 3, 1870. Maryland rejected it on February 26, 1870 – but finally did ratify it on May 7,1973. THOMAS FAYETTE.
Autograph Letter Signed, to "Dearest cousin Mattie & Co.," Frederic County, Maryland, June 3, 1870, 4 pp. 7Âľ x 9Âľ in.With:

THOMAS FAYETTE. Autograph Letter Signed ("Fayette"), to "Dear coz Mattie," Salem, VA, December 4, 1866. 4 pp. 4½ x 7¾ in. With stamped envelope

With:

FANNIE WALLACE. Autograph Letter Signed, to "My dear sister & brother," Sweet water, August 12, 1873. "In the midst of all I gave James a teaspoonful of Hartshorn in mistake for 'Soothing Syrup' – came near killing him and me too. Dr happened to be siting by my bedside…" 2 pp. 7½ x 9¾ in.

"Where, think ye that I am? And why here? Ans: I'm in the woods, all alone, two miles from… Read More

Key political circular from the first-year Republican President written to influence off-year elections in New Mexico and other places. Harding justifies, and praises, the rapid postwar dismantling of America's military by Congress, while backhandedly criticizing the inattention of his predecessor – Woodrow Wilson – to the peacetime transition. "Vast expenditure without proper consideration for results, is the inevitable fruit of war." WARREN G. HARDING.
Typed Letter Signed as President, to Senator Joseph Medill McCormick, Washington, D. C., August 29, 1921. With autograph emendations in two different secretarial hands. 8 pp.
Partial Transcript

"Thank you for your letter of congratulation on the accomplishment of the administration down to date. You have been good enough to speak kindly of the work which the Executive Departments have accomplished, as well as of that which has been done by the Congress. For myself, I feel disposed to emphasize what seem to me the… Read More

HARRY WOODRING.
Archive. Featuring a Harris & Ewing photo of Roosevelt at his desk signed and inscribed,"to Helen Woodring (wife) from her friend Franklin D. Roosevelt". With over 30 official and other photos of Woodring and/or his wife, many being proof copies from Harris & Ewing, five acetate recordings of Woodring including the "Cabinet Series" of the "United States Government Reports" radio series with paperwork, a 1940 letter from General George Marshall, assorted certificates, calling cards, government letterheads, Woodridge family ration books in a leather case, leather jewelry/vanity case with Mrs. Woolridge's initials and December 25, 1939 date, etc. First half 20th century.
Historical Background

After serving for three years as the Assistant Secretary of War, Woodring took office in September 1936, a month after his predecessor George Dern's death in office. As Secretary of War, Woodring continued Dern's recommendations for increasing the strength of the Regular Army, the… Read More

"…Will you help?" HENRIETTA SZOLD.
Autograph Letter Signed "Henrietta Szold", one page, 5½ x 9 in., on stationary of the Hotel Alexandria, July 28, 1927, New York, NY, addressed to Elisha Friedman.
Complete Transcript

July 28, 1927

Dear Mr. Friedman

Am I wrong in assuming that you expressed, at least indirectly, approval of the plan of discharging the deficit of the Zionist Organization of America as a first step towards making it an effective instrument for Palestinian work, when I spoke to you at the Physician's Dinner? At all events, I venture to ask whether you will help us do what we have undertaken by becoming a life member of the Organization? The plan is to secure two thousand such life members at $100 each. That will cover the deposit of $156,000 and give us a small reserve out of the interest on which we can supplement our normal revenues. Will you help?

Sincerely yours,… Read More

[HENRY DU PONT].
Printed Document Signed ("H. du Pont"). January 22, 1897. 1p. oblong quarto. The Wilmington and Northern Rail Road Company stock certificate. Being an issuance of 2 shares. Cancelled signatures, small paper loss from cut out cancellation, else Good.

Biography

Henry Du Pont. Union officer during the Civil War and won the Medal of Honor. He was President of the Wilmington and Northern Rail Road Company; and a U.S. Senator.

"We have emerged from the losses of the Great War and the reconstruction following it with increased virility and strength. From this strength we have contributed to the recovery and progress of the world. What America has done has given renewed hope and courage to all who have faith in government by the people." HERBERT HOOVER.
Printed Document Signed, March 4, 1929. A rare large-print copy of his inaugural address. 21 pp., 9 x 12 in.
Additional Excerpts

"To reestablish the vigor and effectiveness of law enforcement we must critically consider the entire Federal machinery of justice, the redistribution of its functions, the simplification of its procedure, the provision of additional special tribunals, the better selection of juries, and the more effective organization of our agencies of investigation and prosecution that justice may be sure and that it may be swift."

"Of the undoubted abuses which have grown up under the eighteenth amendment, but part are due to the failure of some… Read More

"I stand responsible for my own acts only. [Secretary of War John Armstrong] claims credit for the measures which had been taken for defense of this place. Those measures were not proposed by him but the President...."

James Monroe, then Secretary of State, led a scouting expedition in August 1814 that revealed the British marching towards the nation's capital. His warning allowed President James Madison to evacuate and save America's founding documents. In the face of criticism, Monroe here discusses his role, trying to avoid blame for the crushing loss and destruction of the Capitol. JAMES MONROE.
Autograph Letter Signed as Secretary of State, to [Charles Everett], Washington, D.C., September 16, 1814. 2 pp., 7½ x 10 in.
Complete Transcript

Washington Sepr 16 1814

Dear Sir

I receivd yours of the 14 yesterday. It has been owing to the extent & purpose of my duties that I have not been able to answer your former sooner.

I will make a single remark on my conduct in the… Read More

Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson signs the second U.S. Patent Act, which played a signal role in the commercial development of the United States. A key difference between this act and the one it replaced was that, in addition to new inventions, patents could be issued for improvements to existing products. The measure helped foster American innovation, successfully ushering the nation into the Industrial Revolution. We locate no other signed copies of this milestone act.
THOMAS JEFFERSON. Printed Document Signed as Secretary of State, An act to promote the progress of useful arts, and to repeal the act heretofore made for that purpose, February 21, 1793. Signed in type by George Washington as President, Jonathan Trumbull as Speaker of the House of Representatives, and John Adams as Vice President and President of the Senate. [Philadelphia: Francis Childs and John Swaine?, 1793], 4 pp. Evans 26309

Partial Transcript
"… when any person or persons, being a citizen or citizens of the United States,… Read More

"I had hoped you were snugly & permanently located on the lung healing slopes of the Hudson at West Point. You will now be much nearer to the metropolis…" JOHN ERICSSON.
Autograph Letter Signed, to Unknown Recipient, September 29, 1860. 2 pp.
Complete Transcript

Sept. 29 / 60

My Dear Sir

Mr Mulford will send you word the moment he is ready with the [hance?]. The magnitude of the work to be done is not great, but the nature of it very troublesome as the place is very cramped under the carriage where the new [Keys?] have to be applied.

I regret to hear that you are again changing your quarters, I had hoped you were snugly & permanently located on the lung healing slopes of the Hudson at West Point. You will now be much nearer to the metropolis I think.

I have letters from Sweden, from engineer Wenstrom and am delighted to find that no trouble at all is experienced with the caloric engines which, by the way, are now being made in Germany to… Read More

As Commander of the Corps of Engineers, Jonathan Williams planned and supervised the construction of New York Harbor's defenses. In this letter to the commander of Fort Columbus on Governors Island, Williams gives a detailed report on the state of the fortifications and their capacity for additional artillery. JONATHAN WILLIAMS.
Autograph Letter Signed, to Richard Whiley, December 1, 1809, New York. 2 pp., 7Âľ x 10 in.
Excerpts:

"In compliance with your verball request I sit down to give you information respecting the Artillery that may be mounted on the different Works in this City & Harbour."

"The Platform at Ellis Island has long been ready to receive twenty Pieces of the heaviest metal on Carriages similar to those at Fort Columbus.

"The mortar Battery on Bedlows Island is finished in part & might be ready to receive mortars of any Caliber in a short notice, nothing but the removal of Earth & the platform being necessary; but the work itself is not… Read More

"To Trouble & Expence against Rioters at Woodstock £1… To my Trouble & Expence to bring Actions agst the Collectors of Excise pr order of Assembly, £3.10" JEDEDIAH ELDERKIN.
Autograph Document Signed ("Jeda Elderkin"), Hartford, November 9, 1768, being an accounting of monies owed to and collected by Elderkin in Connecticut for services rendered as King's attorney from December 1754 to 1766. 2 pp., recto and verso, double-folio.
Each county court appointed a king's attorney mostly paid by fees collected from losing parties. This balance sheet records charges and reimbursements, including expenses against rioters in Woodstock, Ct on September 4, 1758, and suing Stamp Act excise collectors in 1765. Other entries include "To a Bill of Cost agst Peter Negroe £18.18.5… To Cost agst Mary an Indn
Woman. £16.2.0… To Cost agst Joseph Benjamin £17.10.-… To Cost agst a Mulatto £24… 1758 … To Expence in Prosecuting Capt Benjn Lee pr ordr of Assembly who Dyed Insolvent…"

Historical… Read More

Lincoln's first vice president, discusses local Maine politics regarding the replacement of a longstanding U.S. District Court Judge. HANNIBAL HAMLIN.
Autograph Letter Signed, to Sidney Perham, Boston, May 4, 1866. 2 pp., 5 x 8 in., marked "Private" and docketed "H Hamlin."
Complete Transcript

May 4, 1866

My Dear Sir

I hear that Judge Ware has sent his resignation to Washington. It is also said that the appointment of a successor probably lies between Fox and Talbot, Dist Atty.

Now my preference is for Mr. Godfrey of Bangor. He is the man whom I would be glad to see appointed. But if it is to be either Fox or Talbot then it is clear to my mind that Talbot ought to be the man. He is a whole Republican. Fox never was but half a one at most. If it comes to that I hope yourself and Mr. Rice will aid Talbot in preference to Fox, as I believe T. the most deserving man. Will you show this letter to Mr. Rice.

I sympathise with you in… Read More

Stewart sending thanks, urging General Walker to visit. ALEXANDER STEWART WEBB.
Autograph Letter Signed "Webb," as President of City College of New York, to General F.A. Walker. New York, N.Y. March 20, 1888. 3 pp., 8â…ś x 13 in. With holograph map.
"As you made a drawing for me, I now endeavor to draw [for] you by the means of the map in the next sheet."

Historical Background

Map shows the intersections of 23rd Street with 5th Avenue, Broadway, Lexington, Madison, and 4th Avenue, using arrows to show the path to his house, including present-day Baruch College. On "15 Lexington Avenue" letterhead.

Alexander Stuart Webb (1835-1911). During the Civil War Webb rose to the rank of Major General in the Union Army. The highlight of his military career came at the Battle of Gettysburg, where he won the Medal of Honor for playing an instrumental role in stopping Picket's Charge. Following the war he became the President of New York City College.

Condition

Very good. Remnants of prior… Read More

JOSIAH GORGAS. [BULL RUN].
Manuscript Letter Signed, to Ira R. Foster. Richmond, Va., July 21, 1861. 1 p., 8 x 9Âľ in. Complete Transcript

General

I have received your Letter of the 17" inst, and in reply would say that you may ratify the contract with Harris & Thrasher at $4.75. They must be cautioned however as to the quality of the articles furnished. The sample they exhibited here was the very best we had seen and made me anxious to get accoutrements of them.

I think the Shoulder belts cost us here from 70 to 75 cents.

It is necessary for us to have some sets separate from the Knapsacks as most troops arrive with Knapsacks. You may extend your contracts in Georgia if you can do so, on favorable terms, to One hundred thousand sets, including Knapsacks, to be delivered within six months.

I am, sir, very respectfully,/ Your Obt Serv

J. Gorgas/ Major & Chief or Ords

To Gen'l Ira, R. Foster

Qr Mr Gen'l; Ga Army.

Atlanta Georgia

On verso: In Reference to… Read More

1836. No binding. Fine. Autograph Letter Signed, to Mary S. Owens, December 13, 1836, 2 pp., 9 3/4 x 7 3/4 in. ""Write back as soon as you get this, and if possible say something that will please me, for really I have not been pleased since I left you.""Here, Lincoln perfectly demonstrates what Owens later described as deficiencies ""in those little links which make up the chain of a woman's happiness."" Rather than expressing his feelings for Owens, Lincoln complains about his health and discusses political issues swirling in the Illinois General Assembly. Although inept at love, the letter offers rare insight into the young representative's thoughts on a variety of political issues. In this highly important letter to Mary Owens, a self-absorbed Lincoln complains to his potential spouse of his health, both physical and mental, and discusses political issues to the point that he describes his own letter as ""dry and stupid."" Perhaps more revealing than he realized, it illustrates the tension in… Read More

An order from Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles to Captain John A. Winslow in Boston, directing that he is relieved of his command. GIDEON WELLES.
Document Signed by Gideon Welles, November 23, 1864, 8 x 10 in., 1 p.
Full Transcript

Forwarded Nov. 28

S.H. [Silas] Stringham

Commandant. Navy Department

November 23rd 1864.

Sir:

You are hereby detached from the command of the Kearsarge, and you will regard yourself as Waiting for Orders. Keep the Department advised of your address

I am respectfully,

Your obedient Servant,

Gideon Welles

Secretary of the Navy.

Captain

John A. Winslow.

U.S. Navy

Boston Mass'tts… Read More

In this bold letter from an early leader of the Mexican War of Independence, José María Morelos informs the Spanish viceroy, who represented the authority of the Spanish crown in New Spain, that his forces had taken Cuernevaca, thirty-five miles south of Mexico City, and warns him not to attempt to send troops, who would only be defeated. Morelos boasts that he will soon take the rest of Mexico. He adds tauntingly that he cannot tell Venegas the day or hour when his forces will enter Mexico City.

This important letter also reveals the little-known fact of Morelos' previous training in the artillery, as he remembers Venegas from his time as part of the Real Cuerpo de Artilleria. He also provides an account of the attack on Yzucar to correct the misrepresentations in the press. Despite rumors of his failing health, Morelos declares that he is well-rested and in great health. JOSÉ MARÍA MORELOS PÉREZ Y PAVÓN.
Autograph Letter Signed, in Spanish, to Francisco Xavier Venegas, February… Read More