Presidents and Political Leaders

William H. Taft signed letter, as Sec of War, Pointe-au-Pic Canada, August 10, 1907.
Taft responds to mining tycoon Thomas F. Walsh's invitation to stay at his famous Denver home, Wolhurst, when Taft visits Colorado. In part: " ... if you can adjust matters with the Republican Committeemen, under whose auspices I go out, it will give me great pleasure to be your guest."

Walsh was one of America's richest men and one of Colorado's leading social and business leaders who played in politics. Although never a candidate for office he was close to many political leaders and represented the country on some international commissions. He made his fortune in mining and was once the owner of the famed Hope Diamond.

Walsh owned the Denver mansion Wolhurst, which he bought following the death of the prior owner, former Senator Edward Wolcott. Accompanying the letter is a history of Wolhurst published in 1952. Sure enough, Wash was able to persuade Party leaders to arrange for Taft to visit the estate. The booklet includes a picture of Taft with a group of 30 people who shared breakfast with Taft at Wolhurst on August 27, 1907. According the history, Taft arrived by train at 6:30 a.m. and was picked up by Walsh in his yellow Fiat. The breakfast was a stag meal and the ladies later joined the group. The Sec. of War inspected Fort Logan and returned for a private dinner for four at the Denver Club, also hosted by Walsh. Taft left Denver after dinner for an inspection of forts in Wyoming and then a vacation in Yellowstone. Two years later Taft was President and returned for another stay at Wolhurst.

The letter is in excellent condition with some soiling on the back, blank page. [#3067]

William H. Taft signed letter, Beverly, MA but on White House stationary, October 22, 1912. Taft thanks Dr. Fred Smith for a letter, probably related to the campaign and personal attacks he was taking from Theodore Roosevelt. In part: "It is a pleasure to receive such expressions of sympathy and confidence..." He concludes with "I am very hopeful as to the outcome!" Two weeks later, Taft would be blown out of the White House in a three-way contest, losing to both Woodrow Wilson and his predecessor and former friend Theodore Roosevelt. It is interesting that with only a few days left in the campaign Taft would be at his summer White House in Beverly. It is also tempting to read his carefully chosen words in another light. Taft hated being President and was ambivalent about re-election. Perhaps when he wrote he was "hopeful as to the outcome" he was indeed aware he had little chance.

The letter is in excellent condition and is accompanied by the White House envelope. [#3065]

Autograph Manuscript Quotation signed, Bangor (Maine) September 17, 1840, small 8vo. Adams responds to a young admirer with a brief poetic dedication.

Searchers for Truth, as antient (sic) legends tell,
Must seek her, at the bottom of a Well.
A chilling Truth! A warmer and a better
Find, Lady, at the bottom of this Letter.
From a faithful friend
John Quincy Adams
Bangor 17. September 1840

The page measures 5 x 5 ½ and has a single horizontal fold through the center. At one point the poem was pasted into an album or onto a backing. The mounting remnants are evident on the edge with some show through of the heavier backing. There is some wrinkling along the edge of the backing only slightly affecting the writing but is away from the signature. The writing is in very dark ink against a surprisingly clean white sheet of paper. Adams writing, just eight years before his death is quite strong and shows only slight hints of age at a few letters.

John Adams, envisioning the advancement of a civilized and enlightened society and America’s role in fostering that development, once wrote: “I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history, naval architecture, navigation, commerce, and agriculture in order to give their children a right to study paintings, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain."

Indeed his son would become a student of many disciplines and our only Poet-President. His full poems are very rare -- if even obtainable. The best that advanced collectors can realistically expect to hold are brief sentiments like this one sent to admirers later in his life. Even those have virtually disappeared from the market as interest in both John and John Quincy Adams grows among collectors. This is a particularly nice example with good dark writing and a full signature. [#2119]

Autograph letter signed, October 31 (ny), New York on Executive Mansion stationary. Arthur sends a note to his private secretary Fred Phillips regarding some decisions he has made on a couple of federal appointments. The president directs his aide to inform the Secretary of the Interior about the choices and then provides a schedule of his plans for returning to Washington for a brief time before leaving the city again. The letter is boldly signed with his full signature “Chester A. Arthur”

Arthur is one of the scarcest of all presidents in full handwritten letters on Executive Mansion or White House stationary. Among the first thirty presidents Arthur is fourth or fifth rarest in presidential holograph, behind possibly non-existent Andrew Johnson letters, unobtainable William Henry Harrison examples, Arthur’s assassinated predecessor James Garfield and perhaps Zachary Taylor.

The letter is written on small octavo stationary. It appears to be the folded four page format with the two pages having been cleanly separated to be framed side by side. There is some toning from prior framing and heavier toning on the first page. Nevertheless, the handwriting is very strong and dark almost disguising the toning.

Considering Arthur’s rather dull writing style this is a good example from the reformer of federal patronage directing some federal appointments. For the advanced or serious collector of presidential letters this is a seldom found opportunity to obtain a rare piece.

Signed document, Washington, large folio, October 27, 1881. Arthur appoints an Assistant Surgeon. The surgeon’s name is scratched out of the document for some reason. There are typical folds and a paperclip mark in the upper right. However, this is in better than average condition with a very dark, large signature by Arthur. It is countersigned by the Secretary of War Robert Lincoln, with a vertical fold running through Lincoln’s signature.

Arthur’s signatures as president are uncommon and this is a particularly attractive example for display. [#2948]

Autograph letter signed, 1 page, 8vo, Augusta Maine, July 22, 1882. Blaine sends a letter for publication, not included, with editorial suggestions and pleads for a very specific point to be made in an editorial comment about the letter. It is signed “J.G. Blaine”. This is a nice one page example with only slight age toning. [#2687]

Blaine was a major figure in American politics in the last quarter of the 19th Century. He served as a Congressman and Senator from Maine and Secretary of State for three Presidents: Garfield, Arthur and Harrison. Blaine sought the Republican nomination for President in 1876 and 1880. He finally won a nomination in 1884 but lost the election to Grover Cleveland in a tight race.

Autograph letter signed, 4to, Washington, September 1, 1847, to Mrs. Silas Wright. In a very moving tribute to an old colleague, Buchanan expresses his sympathy to the widow of former Senator and New York Governor Silas Wright. Buchanan writes:

“I cannot deny myself the mournful satisfaction of expressing my heart felt condolence with you in your recent severe affliction. I know that time alone can soothe, through it will never heal, your wounded heart: still, to know that you have the sincere sympathy of your deceased husband’s friends cannot fail to prove grateful to your feelings.
For years Mr. Wright, Doctor Linn + myself, a little band of brothers, sat together in the Senate in the midst of opposition. Both these beloved companions have gone ahead “to the place appointed for all living.”
Your husband was an extraordinary man. I have known him intimately for more than twenty years; & I have never known any man who had the same strength of understanding combined with so much kindness of heart. He has descended to the tomb full of honors & the whole nation deplores his loss. I shall cherish his memory.
May that gracious being who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb be your consolation!
If in the ways of Providence I can ever render myself useful to you, I shall esteem it a privilege to be permitted to render you any service in my power.”

He signs it in full “James Buchanan”. A wonderful association letter from a future president about a former New York Governor. Typical folds and a small 1” tear at the bottom which can easily be repaired. [#1787]

Autograph letter signed, October 8, 1852, one page, Elyria, Ohio. Chase discusses a legal case with an unidentified correspondent. He squeezes his signature in at the bottom of the letter. The letter is in excellent condition and is a nice one page example from the Ohio politician who was one of Lincoln’s rivals for the presidency in 1860 and then went on to become Lincoln’s Treasury Secretary and then Chief Justice.

Chase was a Presidential nominee in 1860. After losing to Lincoln he was later asked to serve in the Civil War Cabinet as Treasury Secretary. While contributing significantly to the success of the war by raising necessary funds and keeping the government financially afloat we never quite lost the Presidential ambition. Lincoln nominated him as Chief Justice in 1864. Although he had a long career on the Supreme Court his most memorable role may have been as presiding Judge during the Impeachment Trial of Andrew Johnson.

[#2875]

Signed document, Washington, June 14, 1828 as Secretary of State. Clay signs a routine circular, form document, sending 150 copies of the laws of the previous session of Congress. The document measures roughly 7 ¾ x 12 ½. The tops and bottom were once folded to fit into a frame leaving some discoloration at the bottom, about 1 inch, and another 1 ¼ at the top. The “H. Clay” signature is strong and dark.

Clay was one of the leading national figures in the first half of the 19th century. A dominate force in Congress he served in both the Senate and the House with several terms as Speaker. He is usually linked with John C. Calhoun and Daniel Webster as the three giants of Congress who shaped most of the ante bellum period aimed towards keeping the union united in the face of the national division over slavery. Clay ran for President three times. His most influential presidential run was in 1824 when he helped split the vote and threw the election into the House of Representatives.

The 1824 election pitted Andrew Jackson against John Quincy Adams with two more regional candidates William Crawford and Henry Clay. Although Jackson topped the popular vote over Adams the four way race split the vote enough to deny Jackson a majority of electoral votes. With the election thrown into the House of Representatives Clay threw his support to Adams. The 6th President’s appointment of one time rival Clay as his Secretary of State, the traditional springboard for President, Jackson supporters quickly accused the two of having made a “corrupt bargain”.

This document, while routine, is a wonderful reminder of Clay’s role in the 1824 election and all the suspicion surrounding his appointment as Secretary of State. [#2224]

Executive Mansion card signed "Frances F. Cleveland". The card measures approximately
4 1/2 x 2 3/4. The First Lady has signed in a brown ink. The card is in excellent condition.
[#3010]

Autograph letter signed, undated, 8vo. Cleveland sends a letter, not present, in response to a request. Clearly irritated with being misquoted he implores the recipient: “May I ask you to take a little pain, if this letter is published that it is correctly published.”

The letter is written on a brown sheet of paper. It is in excellent condition and is anice single page example, probably written as former president. [#2011}

Executive Mansion card, boldly signed in full "Grover Cleveland." The card has been slightly trimmed at the bottom and measures 2 3/8 x 4. There is some general soiling in spots but Cleveland's black ink signature is a very nice example of his autograph. [#3185]

Executive Mansion and White House cards have always been popular with collectors. Since these have almost never been personally signed by Presidents since Eisenhower left office the supply is drying up and they come to market less frequently then they did just a few years ago.

Autograph letter signed, on personal stationary, August 24 [1976] 4to. A scarce personal note to an early supporter. This letter was written in 1976, the year he ran for Attorney General and won his first office. The stationary is simply headed “Bill Clinton”. In his hand the future president thanks a supporter for lunch and adds an intriguing line, “I have done what I could.” He has signed it with his first name only and a large paraph. One can only guess at what he had tried to do: broker a political deal, win over a possible supporter or disarm a potential critic?

In 1974 Clinton launched his political career by running for the United States House of Representatives. He lost that race which was his good luck since it opened the door to state office and eventually the Governor’s office which launched his presidential career. This early letter was written just as his political rocket was about to take off.

The letter has some minor spotting away from the writing and signature and is accompanied by the original envelope addressed in Clinton’s hand. Early letters before he held office are very scarce and this handwritten example with the envelope makes for a nice investment opportunity.

Signed letter, on Vice President’s stationary, Washington, February 10, 1930, one page. Curtis answers a question about Pocket Vetoes. Curtis quotes Section 7 of Article I of the Constitution. The provision states that any bill not returned to the Congress within ten days shall become law as if he signed it, except if Congress adjourns in which case it shall not become a law without his signature.

Herbert Hoover’s Vice President explains some non-constitutional tradition: “It has been held that when the President is prevented by adjournment from returning a bill with his objections it was formerly customary for him at the next session to communicate his reasons for not approving.”

Curtis was one-quarter Kaw Indian making him the nation’s first Vice President who was part-Native American and the first to have spent part of his childhood on an Indian Reservation. [#2366]

Rare autograph letter signed, March 7 [no year but after the war], on personal stationery with five stars, to British Admiral of the Fleet Bruce Fraser. Thanking Fraser for a note, apparently a reconciliation of some type, Eisenhower writes, In part: “I know you did not particularly care for that one [command of the fleet at Scapa in 1943] but I assure you that you’ve cemented some firm friendships in Denmark & Norway.”

Eisenhower’s letter continues to say that he has a gift for the British Chiefs of Staff. “Its purpose is merely to remind you that “the man means well, even though he’s too often a so and so and a this and that.” The closing line is a rare self deprecating jab at himself or perhaps a reminder of harsh words once exchanged between he and some British military leaders, perhaps even Fraser and himself. It is worth further research into the relations between Eisenhower and a key British Admiral.

Baron Fraser had a distinguished naval career that began in World War I and ended as Admiral of the Fleet from 1948-1952. During his command in the North Atlantic coast protecting supply lines (the assignment mentioned in this letter) his ships sank the last German Battleship in the North Atlantic. He later commanded the British Pacific Fleet and on behalf of Great Britain signed the Instrument of Surrender of the Empire of Japan.

An excellent war content letter in rare holograph with an even rare form of his signature “Ike E”.
The letter is in excellent condition and would make an outstanding addition to any Presidential or World War II collection.

Original White House card signed in facsimile "with best wishes Dwight Eisenhower". The back of the card carries the pre-printed notice that this is a facsimile reproduction.

The Eisenhower White House responded to fans and autograph seekers with these signature cards. They are easy to spot as facsimiles because the White House was good enough to label them as such on the reverse of the card. (Some people may try to scrape off that message and pass these off as original.) There were at least two varieties of these cards both with the same inscription.

Paul Carr's important reference work THE EISENHOWER FILES: AN IN-DEPTH PHILOGRAPHIC STUDY includes copies of internal White House memos as early as 1954 searching for less direct language on photographs that carried facsimile signatures. Memos between Eisenhower's secretary Ann Whitman and legal counsel explored cover letters for photographs that could deceptively lead to a presumption of authenticity by stating that the photo carries the signature of the President. Of course, later administrations were less concerned about the deception and would often send cover letters categorically stating that an item was personally signed. After Watergate the Ford and particularly the Carter White Houses were more sensitive to any appearance of misrepresentations. Carter revived the Eisenhower tradition of responding to requests with White House cards that carried the declaration that the signature was a facsimile.

This is a perfect example of the classic Eisenhower White House card. It serves as a nice reference piece for advanced collectors looking to build their files of facsimile examples. [#3000]

Signed Inaugural cachet. The unaddressed cover shows small photos of both Presidents Eisenhower and Nixon and is stamped with the Eisenhower 8 cent stamp. It carries a Washington D.C. Inauguration Day cancellation commemorating Nixon’s second Inaugural. The cover was created by the Dwight D. Eisenhower Philatelic and Historical Society. It is personally signed in dark black maker “Mamie Dowd Eisenhower”. Excellent condition.

Autograph letter signed, Boston, June 13, 1853. Former Massachusetts Governor Edward Everett writes a brief letter to Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, future Mayor of Boston, that he will be unable to attend a committee meeting. It is not surprising Everett didn’t have time. Earlier in 1853 Everett completed his service as Secretary of State under Millard Fillmore and was immediately returned to Washington as the Senator from Massachusetts. Everett was one of the leading orators in America in the mid 1800’s when public oratory was in high gear as a combination of entertainment and intellectual pursuit. For all of his contemporary fame, power and success he is perhaps best remembered today as a man who twice played a minor supporting role in Abraham Lincoln’s political life. In 1860 Everett was the unsuccessful candidate for Vice President with John Bell as the Presidential nominee on the Constitutional Union ticket. One of four parties on the ballot that year, the Bell-Everett ticket came in third winning only 39 of the 303 electoral votes. In 1863 Everett delivered the main address at the dedication of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg. The dedication was moved back from a planned September date to November to allow Everett the extra time to prepare his important address. Although Everett’s speech lasted for more than two hours, the world took little note nor long remembered what he said there. The letter is in fine condition with two typical light mailing folds. (# 1698)

Gerald Ford signed letter, one page, The White House, August 30, 1976. Two weeks before this letter, Ford had narrowly defeated Ronald Reagan for the Republican nomination. California Congressman Del Clawson sent the President a pledge of support to Ford after the convention.

Party unity was essential if Ford was going to have any chance in the general election, particularly in California. Ford is quick and gracious to reach out to his former House colleague Del Clawson who voted for fellow Californian Ronald Reagan. "Thank you so much for your warm message of congratulations and support. It is reassuring to know that your confidence and loyalty will be reflected in the total team effort which will bring us to victory on November 2."

The 1976 Republican National Convention was the last meaningful convention to actually determined the outcome of a presidential nomination. Reagan had challenged the incumbent president for the nomination. Ford went into the convention with a lead in pledged delegates but he did not have a majority. The lead-up to convention balloting included intense personal cajoling and pressure from both camps. A key procedural Floor vote went Ford's way creating the momentum for the actual nomination win of 1,187 votes to Reagan's 1,070.

Ford, of course lost the general election to Jimmy Carter. Four years later Carter faced his own party fight when he was challenged by Senator Ted Kennedy for the nomination. That fight was over before the convention but he had to face Reagan in the general election. Reagan and Ford had flirted with teaming up in 1980, with Ford running as Reagan's vice presidential running mate. It is arguable that Ford's convention victory of Reagan, referenced in this letter, paved the way for a stronger Reagan candidacy in 1980 that ushered the Reagan era.

Del Clawson was a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints, one of the first Mormon's to serve in Congress outside of Utah. He was a member of the House from 1963-to 1978.

The letter is in excellent, fresh condition with an inconspicuous single envelope fold. It is accompanied by the original unstamped White House envelope, indicating that the personal message from the President was hand-delivered to the Congressman's office. It is boldly signed in a heavy black ink "Jerry Ford". This is a very desirable Presidential letter referencing the last great convention fight for a presidential nomination. Although it does not mention Reagan by name it is also a wonderful association piece for Reagan collectors. [#3019]

Gerald Ford signed letter, as President, sends a personally autographed photo. The White House letter, dated June 30, 1975, is addressed to Rock Tonkel, a hospital administrator and friend back in his hometown of Grand Rapids. It a rather folksy touch Ford tells Tonkel that a mutual friend told him that the hospital had been expanded but his office has an outdated photo of Ford so he taking the initiative to correct that. "Since the office new, I thought you might want to have the enclosed photo which I am taking the liberty of sending to you." He signs it "Jerry Ford."

The accompanied photo is 5 1/4 x 6 mounted to a matting that measures 7 3/4 x 10 1/4. Ford has personally inscribed and signed on the matting "To my good friend, Rock Tonkel, in appreciation and very best wishes, Jerry Ford."

Ford is very common in autographs before and after he was in the White House. While his autograph as President is certainly obtainable it is difficult to find pieces with extra handwriting. His signed photographs as President are uncommon and many of those are often difficult
to absolutely date as presidential since he signed so many White House era photos after he left office. This is a very scarce combination of a presidential inscribed photo accompanied by a personally singed letter sending the photo. Virtually every photo would have been sent with a cover letter from an assistant.

There is obvious toning to the photograph and letter from prior display. As Ford suggested, Tonkel was more than happy to hang these in his office -- which enjoyed plenty of sunlight. The back of the letter is also fully coated with remnants of a light glue from prior mounting. The handwriting and signatures have held up very well in the light with only some slight lightening of the black felt pen ink. The signature on the letter is just a notch lighter than the ink on the photograph. Overall in very good condition, marked down only because of the toning, and a very desirable combination. [# 3178]

Autograph letter signed, Marion Star stationary, July 26, 1907, large 4to. Harding writes to Ohio Governor Andrew Harris of Ohio recommending L. H. Williams, to a state position. In the text Harding points out that Williams is a Civil War veteran and past Commander of the G.A.R. of Ohio. The oversized sheet measures 8 ½ x 11 and is hinged on the left side to a much larger sheet, 10 ¼ x 14 ½, used for display by a previous collector. The presentation note at the foot of the sheet reads in part “Fine specimen of one of the rarest of Presidential Autographs.” This was most likely prepared in the late 20’s when Harding’s material would have been in high demand and short supply following his death. The letter is docketed , shows some minor toning or yellowing in the center and there is some slight smudging or ink bleeding of the “H” in Harding’s signature, otherwise in excellent condition and a striking display presentation. [# 2194]

Signed card. The 3 1/4 x 2 1/4 card is nicely centered with a full signature "Caroline Scott Harrison". It is double matted into a window matting with a cabinet size photo of the First Lady. The photo may be a later reprint or reproduction of a CDV or possible a cabinet card image. The card is mounted in the frame with mylar corner mounts and floated in the window matting so all corners and edges are completely visible. It has not been examined out of the frame so the back has not been examines. The ink is light, form a dry nib, to the "C" and "S" to the first two names. The overall size of the frame is 10 1/2 x 12 and in excellent condition. [#3163]

Caroline Harrison's autograph is a surprisingly scarce and difficult to come by. Most collectors have to settle for the autograph of Harrison's second wife, Mary Scott Harrison, his widow's niece. Although Mary and Benjamin were married after he left the White House she survived him by several decades and her material is plentiful but she was never the First Lady. Caroline on the other hand was the activist First Lady who helped modernize the White House, established several traditions, served as the first President-General of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was actively involved in promoting his career. In her final year of his Administration she became quite ill and died just a few weeks before his defeat for re-election.

Autograph Letter Signed, January 25, 1887, large 8vo, Spiegel Grove, one page. Hayes sends his longtime friend Thomas Donaldson a detailed recollection of the Famous Ride of General Philip Sheridan during the battle of Cedar Creek in 1864. Serving under Sheridan and witnesses to the General’s ride was the Ohio 23rd Regiment of Volunteers which included future presidents Rutherford B. Hayes and William McKinley. Hayes was persuaded thirty years later to write his recollections of the ride and in this transmittal letter he writes:

I hate writing an old story. Above all I hate to copy. Writing a fresh article out of a not-full brain is delightful. The other thing is cold coffee. So I send you just as it came the promised Sheridans Ride. I would like a copy of it, if without too much trouble you can have a clerk or the boy do it for me. …”

Thomas Donaldson was an Ohioan native who served in the 19th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry where he was wounded. After the war he became active in politics and worked for Hayes’s first campaign as Governor. Donaldson was an enthusiastic collector of Americana, including autographs and minerals. His interest in minerals gave him a connection to the Smithsonian and he began to actively acquire antiquities and Americana for the Smithsonian, himself and Rutherford Hayes. The two maintained their friendship after Hayes left office.

The recollection of Sheridan’s Ride. According to Donaldson’s memoir, he accompanied Hayes on October 21, 1886 to the ceremonies of the Loyal Legion of the United States, where General Phil Sheridan was inducted as Commander-in-chief. After the ceremonies the party went to the Union League Club in Philadelphia to view a portrait of Sheridan during the ride painted by Thomas Buchanan Read. The portrait now hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington. Read, also wrote a famous and popular poem about the ride. In viewing the portrait Hayes said “Get me a copy of this lithograph; I am one of the few men who saw this ride.” Donaldson then noted that he received an account in full January 25, 1878. In all likelihood, Donaldson, as a famous collector of Americana probably, asked Hayes during the October visit to Philadelphia for a written account. The letter offered here is the cover letter responding to Donaldson’s request.

Excerpt from Donaldson’s Memoir
[Philadelphia] Thursday, Oct. 21st, 1886.—I met ex-President Hayes by appointment at his hotel this morning at 9. We walked to McClees’ Gallery (art), and then to the Pennsylvania depot, Broad Street. Here he bought a ticket to Fremont and his sleeping-car berth. We sat for an hour in the station chatting, then went to the rooms of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Seventh and 13th Streets, where General Phil. Sheridan was inducted into the office of commander-in-chief of the Loyal Legion of the United States, vice General W. S. Hancock, deceased. The ceremony was very simple. The persons present sat on two rows of chairs in the great lecture hall, say 25 in all.
The recorder, Col. J. P. Nicholson, sat at a table near the window, and ex-President Hayes on a chair facing the two lines of members.
General Sheridan was in about the middle of the first row. Ex-President Hayes as first vice President presided. He used an ivory gavel. He took his seat, then shortly after arose and rapped the members to their feet, announcing prayer by Chaplain H. C. Trumbull. Mr. Trumbull walked to the right front of the first row, held up his hands, and prayed a fairly long prayer. Then all were again seated.
President Hayes called General Sheridan to the front, about five steps, and announced to him the fact of his election, and then said "I now induct you into the office," (every one present was in plain clothes). General Sheridan took the gavel, walked to the table near the recorder, and made a two-minute address of thanks. Then there was much cheering. President Hayes answered him in a five minutes speech, a most excellent one, too, and the order adjourned to the Union League [Club] to lunch. The induction was a simple and plain affair, decidedly Republican, and to my liking. It lasted about 18 minutes.
At two o’clock I went with Ex-President Hayes to the room of the Geo. G. Meade Post No. 1 [G.A.R.], on Chestnut Street, about Eleventh, where he met General Sheridan and many soldiers. In the room there is a replica of [Thomas] Buchanan Read’s ride (the picture) say 4 x 6 feet (?). We walked up to this and General Hayes said, "Get me a copy of this lithograph; I am one of the few men who saw this ride." (He gave me an account in full afterwards, viz. Jan. 25, 1887.) Sheridan said, "I recall you; you were wounded and laying down and I met you again in that fight at or near the end;" and then walked away.
President Hayes said to me, "I think Sheridan a first-class man and a thorough good fellow." I replied, "Yes, I know him to be both."
President Hayes and myself walked through John Wanamaker’s stores a few minutes afterward, and then took the car to my house. Here he remained from 2 until 6. He looked about him in his inquiring way, chatting meanwhile. Speaking of Garfield, he said: "You know he was not a particularly great man, but one with much aptitude for study, and for handling of acquired knowledge. He was not a very brave man in legislation as you also know; his troubles in the Credit Mobilier days nearly upset him. About 1872, while this trouble was upon him, he came to Columbus on some public ceremony. I was governor of the State at the time. He began to chat with me about his political troubles. He was in great distress. I replied, ‘Garfield, cheer up; don’t go around moping; it amuses and encourages your enemies, because they see you are annoyed. All men who are in the lead must be abused, and abuse does a public man good; so cheer up; you will come out all right.’ He grasped my hand and thanked me most cordially. At least forty times afterward during his life he mentioned this to me, and said that I was the only public man in this country who said a pleasant or encouraging word to him, during that time. General Garfield was an orator of force and fire, and after preparation, a strong man in debate."
I read to the President my summary of Mr. Blaine. He replied: "That is beautifully done, but does not do full justice to your discernment or perception. Mr. Blaine does want to be President, now more so than ever. He is making the move for it. He sees two things ahead which promise our party much trouble. The prohibition and labor movements. He is patching up the prohibition danger as well as he can, and is in the tide of the labor movement; of course, he wants and expects to be the party nominee next time."
I read him something of General Grant’s, and said incidentally, "I think that Grant never wrote the second volume of his book; I mean all, especially the last part. He answered, "You are mistaken; he did. I was in New York City in May, 1885, two months or so before the General’s death, and had a long chat with him. He said to me that he had finished his book, and was glad as he was so near his end; that he had been astonished at the amount of work he had been able to accomplish, more than if he had been in good health. Let me tell you the secret of why Grant’s book is so interesting. He had told and retold scores of times the details of that work and many of the stories and incidents therein I have heard him relate. He condensed his matter by talking it over so often, that he could easily write it out and it became better for each telling. You will find that all great and lasting literary efforts have been worked out about the same way, talked and written and re-written and thus condensed. It is the true method."
The Ex-President took dinner [luncheon] with us and is a jolly table companion, eating and talking the while. He is natural and quaint. Our children agreed that he was "first class." His breaking crackers into a cup of tea and eating them with a spoon, just as they do, tickled them greatly.
At 6.30 we went to the monthly dinner at the "Clover Club" of which I am a member, at the Hotel Bellevue. As we entered the room the forty members and guests gave him a hearty cheer. He sat to my left, and next but to one to Col. A. K. McClure, and they chatted an hour about the battle of Winchester.
Mr. M[oses] P. Handy, the president of the Club, offered Mr. Hayes the first toast and all arose and drank it. He merely acknowledged it by a sentence or two. About 8 o’clock Mr. Handy again called him up, and he made a very neat speech; I closed, and then we retired. We met Major Fred Boland at the door of the Hotel and together we rode to the room of Post 2 [G.A.R.], 13th and Spring Garden Streets, where President Hayes was given a most hearty reception. Here he made a half hour speech; afterwards we escorted him to the Pennsylvania station, and at 11.20 he left for home.
All my intercourse with Ex-President Hayes leaves the impression of a thoroughly natural and unaffected man, with an enormous store of information; a good every-day man, an all around citizen, and a full American.

Signed letter appointment, November 23, 1931, The White House. Hoover appoints Undersecretary of the Treasury Ogden Mills to the Central Committee of the American Red Cross.
The letter serves as the official appointment and therefore is also a signed document. The letter is on the first page of a folded four page White House sheet. There is one mailing fold through the center and two file holes at the top otherwise in excellent condition with a particularly dark signature from Hoover. A few months after this letter Hoover promoted Mills to Secretary of the Treasury. White House letters from Hoover are scarce. This one has particularly nice association and is a very unusual type of letter. [#2550]

Signed letter, Washington, December 23, 1953, three pages. Hoover writes to Reuben Robertson asking him to serve on a committee to review business operations of the Defense Department. This work was part of Hoover’s larger work as Chairman of the Commission on Organization of the Executive Branch of the Government. In part: “ I have undertaken for a second time to head up an effort, through better organization of the government, to reduce some of the tax and other burdens from the backs of the American people. … As before, I have set up various task forces of experienced and eminent men to examine and advise on recommendations for the Administration and the Congress.”

The letter is on three separate sheets and is signed by Hoover in green ink. It is in fine condition with minor staple holes in the blank upper left corners, a docket date stamp on the first page and minor soiling in a couple spots.

This is a nice letter documenting some of Hoover’s public service after the presidency. Before Jimmy Carter’s unofficial recognition as a successful “former president” there was Herbert Hoover. Having left office with low approval he re-emerged years later in a variety of public and charitable projects. The most notable was the Commission on Organization of the Executive Branch of the Government, un-officially known as the Hoover Commission. It was first created by Harry Truman to help reduce waste and inefficiency in the growing federal bureaucracy. President Eisenhower re-established it in his first term and again turned to Herbert Hoover to chair the commission. [# 2965]

Pair of signed photos to Ruth White. Ruth White was a White House stenographer from the Hoover through the Eisenhower Administrations. She would marry George Durno, a Washington reporter for the International News Service. The photos are accompanied by a letter from Hoover’s secretary Lawrence Richey, two days before Hoover left office, thanking White for her service to him and the President. There is also a copy of the typed transcript of a 1970 interview White had with an historian for the Herbert Hoover Library Oral History project.

Herbert Hoover photo is a formal Bachrach portrait inscribed on the photographer’s margin “To Mrs. Ruth S. White with kind regards of Herbert Hoover”. The image is 7 ¼ x 9 ¼ and the overall dimensions are 10 x 13. There is slight, almost insignificant toning at the very top edge from prior framing, otherwise in superb condition and an outstanding example of a presidential signed photo of Hoover.

Lou Henry Hoover photo measures 7 ¼ x 9 ¼ and is inscribed in the white background “To Miss Ruth S. White with cordial greetings Lou Henry Hoover”. Minor edge burns from framing. It appears that the photo may have been slightly trimmed for framing. Lou Hoover is quite uncommon in signed photos. [# 2142]

Signed letter on FBI stationary, July 20, 1942 to Florence Kahn. Hoover responds to a suggestion from former Congresswoman and old friend Florence Kahn, who Hoover addresses as “Mother Kahn”. Hoover thanks her for her suggestion and for her “very confidential information” encloses a letter “which I know you will be interested in reading.” The letter, a photographic copy of which is included, is from President Roosevelt to Hoover. The letter, oddly dated five days later heaps great praise on the FBI and Hoover on the 7th anniversary of the FBI National Police Academy and Hoover’s 25the anniversary in the Justice Department. Roosevelt’s letter provides a wonderful history of the FBI and Roosevelt’s initiative to make it the coordinating federal agency for counterespionage and counter sabotage. One wonders what Hoover had over FDR!

The photographic copy of FDR’s letter has a vertical crease. There are some folds and wrinkles in Hoover’s letter not affecting his strong and less often found signature “Edgar”. [#1792]

Signed letter, one page, 8vo, October 12, 1928, Washington. In the final weeks of the 1928 presidential race Lou Hoover flatters a supporter. “You are one of many whom I have been told by ear and by letter that prefer to stand by sound issues rather than “party,” and it seems to me vital that those principles should be continued for which my husband stands…” Signed in full with a large signature “Lou Henry Hoover”. It is interesting that even in 1928 candidates played to the theme of “vote the man, not the party.” Three weeks after this letter was signed Herbert Hoover beat Democrat candidate Al Smith in a landslide victory – and then lost by a larger margin four years later. The letter shows slight soiling in spots and one letter fold, with a ¾” fold tear on the right edge, which can be repaired. The signature is fine with some pen skipping in the “y” of her name. It is accompanied by the original mailing envelope. It is uncommon to see a campaign letter from Mrs. Hoover. [# 2962]

Signed document, Washington, March 18, 1867, folio. Johnson appoints H. Le. Boutellier as Consul at Gaspe Basin, Canada East. The document measures approximately 16 x 13. It was apparently laid flat for some time as the fold lines are almost invisible. The snow white seal is completely intact. There has been some minor professional reinforcement along a couple of weak fold lines. Johnson’s signature is bold and dark. It has been countersigned by Secretary of State William Seward, whose signature is quite light. It has been tipped to a large sheet of stiffer paper along the upper edge. This can be easily removed.

Johnson injured his hand after becoming President and as a result introduced the first presidential signature stamp to spare himself the drudgery and discomfort of signing most documents. His signature as president is uncommon to scarce. [#2107]

Formal White House invitation to a reception on May 4, 1966. The invitation is in fine condition and ideal to display with other Johnson memorabilia..

$ 30

Signed document, Washington, June 21, 1898. McKinley appoints Fred Ackerman as Postmaster General for Bristol New Hampshire. The document measures 22 x 17 and is countersigned by Postmaster General Charles Emory Smith. The gold seal also has the attached cloth blue ribbon, which is unusual to find. McKinley’s signature in brown ink is large and signed with his full “William McKinley”. The document shows slight toning from age and some discoloration from the ribbon. Overall in a superb condition as it has never been folded. [# 2334]

Signed letter, 4to, as Vice President, June 7, 1955 to George Murphy. Nixon sends a note of thanks to George Murphy for some correspondence. At the time Murphy was a Hollywood executive with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and his influence both in Hollywood and Republican political circles was growing. Nixon and Murphy kept a close friendship through the 50’s into the 70’s. The letter is boldly signed in blue ink “Dick”.

There is one mailing fold and the letter is accompanied by the envelope which has Nixon’s printed free frank signature. A nice example of a Nixon Vice Presidential letter with good association.

Signed document, June 17, 1854, Washington, 2 pages. A signed presidential pardon granted John Mullen, convicted of larceny in the District of Columbia. Mullen was sentenced to six months a fine of $1. Mullen was sentenced during the “December term” of the Criminal Court and the pardon was issued in June. It is likely that Mullen was a penniless thief who wouldn’t be able to come up with the $1 fine. Rather than have the government house and feed him for the full six months or beyond if he wasn’t able to raise the $1 it was probably more cost effective just to release him.

The pardon is written on an oversized folio sheet measuring 10¼ x 15. Pierce has added a very large, black signature and it has been countersigned by William Marcy, Secretary of State. The signatures are on the second page which is the reverse side of the sheet. A horizontal fold separation just below Pierce’s signature was once repaired with tape. The old tape has been professionally removed and the separation strengthened with proper archival methods, although some slight discoloration remains along those lines from the old tape. A vertical fold separation runs through the “a” of Franklin and has also been professionally strengthened but this was mercifully spared the earlier cheap tape treatment causing no discoloration through the large, black signature of Franklin Pierce. Marcy’s signature shows some ink smudge to the first two initials. The seal is a near perfect example with a clear imprint of the embossed eagle and only minor chipping to three teeth of the seal. Overall the document shows some slight yellowing or toning but is in overall fresh, white condition.

While there are plenty of warrants to affix seals to pardons, actual Presidential pardons are hard to come by and can safely be considered as rare forms of Presidential documents. Pierce pardons are particularly hard to find.

Signed White House card. The 4 1/4 x 2 3/4 card has been boldly signed with a signature that almost fills the card. There is a light, almost unperceivable indentation mark from a paper clip at the top center which reaches down to the starting stroke of the "R" in Roosevelt. Overall, an excellent example of what is surprisingly becoming a difficult to find White House card signed by our longest service First Lady. [#3013]

Signed original silhouette and signed letter. Roosevelt responds to a request from Beatrix Sherman to pose for a silhouette cutting. His letter is on personal stationary from Oyster Bay and is dated Feb. 20, 1934. He signs in full “Theodore Roosevelt.”

The silhouette is cut from a single piece of black paper and is pasted to a larger white sheet. Both Roosevelt and Sherman have signed the artwork.

Theodore Roosevelt was the second of six children of President Roosevelt and a distinguished public servant in his own right. He served in the New York State Assembly and was an unsuccessful candidate for his father’s old job of Governor, losing to Al Smith in 1924. In 1921 he did hold his father’s old seat as Assistant Secretary of the Navy under Harding and also a Governor of Puerto Rico under Coolidge and Governor of the Philippines under Hoover. His civil service followed a distinguished military record in World War I. He returned to military service in World War II. Rising to the rank of Brigadier General he landed at Normandy as part of the first assault wave on D-Day. Although he survived that day he soon died of a heart attack. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on D-Day. Henry Fonda portrayed Roosevelt in the famous D-Day movie The Longest Day.

Beatrix Sherman was perhaps the most noted and prolific silhouette artist of the last century. She styled her work after the classic silhouette art of the 19th Century of unadorned black paper profiles. Following both the style and business acumen of the famous French silhouette artist Augestin Edouart, Sherman cut her images on folded paper. This allowed her to present one to the subject and save one for future duplication and sale. But she did Edouart one better by having her subjects autograph the examples she saved for herself, thus creating an extensive and very unusual autograph collection. Her subjects included most of the 20th Century Presidents and hundreds of major figures in politics, business, Hollywood and high society.

This example is from Sherman’s own collection which was sold after her death. The image is 9 ½ inches tall and is mounted to a larger 8 ½ x 11 ½ sheet. The silhouette is a charming piece of artwork with nice detail. It is in excellent condition except for a near complete separation of the front of the foreground shoe which has been re-glued.

Signed original silhouette. The silhouette is cut from a single piece of black paper and is pasted to a larger white card. Signed “W.B. Scott West Virginia ex U.S. Senator” and by the artist “Cut by Beatrix Sherman Senator Scott”.

Nathan B. Scott fought for the union during the Civil War and later in life served as United States Senator from West Virginia between 1899-1911. While in the Senate he served on the special commission which oversaw the locations, design and construction of the Lincoln Memorial.

Beatrix Sherman was perhaps the most noted and prolific silhouette artist of the last century. She styled her work after the classic silhouette art of the 19th Century of unadorned black paper profiles. Following both the style and business acumen of the famous French silhouette artist Augestin Edouart, Sherman cut her images on folded paper. This allowed her to present one to the subject and save one for future duplication and sale. But she did Edouart one better by having her subjects autograph the examples she saved for herself, thus creating an extensive and very unusual autograph collection. Her subjects included most of the 20th Century Presidents and hundreds of major figures in politics, business, Hollywood and high society.

This example is from Sherman’s own collection which was sold after her death. The image is 11 inches tall and is mounted to a larger 5 ½ x 13 card. The scan has cut portions of tte top and bottom. Actualy piece is larger than it appears.

The silhouette is an attractive and unusual piece of original artwork with nice detail. It is in excellent condition. The artist wrote on the back of the card “The most charming Senator Scott who posed for me on several occasions at the Maryland Hotel in Pasadenca, cal. Original autograph. Beatrix Sherman 1916.”

Autograph letter signed, Washington, January 16, 1863, two pages, 8vo. Sumner writes to an unknown correspondent back in Boston that he has obtained many passes
“some for persons with whom I have little sympathy personal or political.” He then expresses that the person and his friend will be accommodated. Presumably he is discussing passes through military lines. At the conclusion, Sumner refers to some mysterious event back at the Massachusetts State House: “Yours is the only letter I have yet received from Boston which mentions the incidence at the State House.”

The letter is written on the first and second page of a folded four page sheet of stationary. The second sheet, or third and fourth pages has been cut, probably to use for another short letter. There is some running of ink where it wasn’t well blotted. Overall in excellent condition with strong, dark writing. [# 2025]

Signed letter, small 8vo, two pages, The White House, April 12, 1910. The First Lady writes to a General's wife: Will you and General Oliver come and take tea at five o'clock Friday afternoon to meet Fritz Kreisker and Mme. Bloomfield Zeisler, who will be present.." The body of the letter is written in another hand but signed "Helen H. Taft".

The Tafts were fond of music. While in the White House, Mrs. Taft converted the Blue Room into a piano room and held many informal social gatherings featuring music. Sometimes the gatherings might be fairly intimate and other times they would fill the East Room. Friday afternoons was a particularly favorite time.

Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962) was a prominent violinist and composer. Born in Austria he lived alternately between Europe and the United States until the outbreak of World War II when he permanently located to America and became a United State citizen.

Fannie Bloomfield Zeisler 91863-1927) was also a prominent Austrian although her instrument was the piano.

The letter is written on the first and fourth pages of a small folded White House sheet and can be displayed on one side as an opened page. There is one horizontal envelope fold which touched the upper strokes of her initials. The original envelope is present, which is interestingly addressed to General Oliver at the War Department even though the letter is written to his wife.

Taft's White House signatures are uncommon. She suffered a stroke early in his term, about 11 months prior to this letter, which greatly reduced her autographs as First Lady. The association with a famous composer and entertaining at the White House makes this a much better than example than would be realized from a cursory reading.
[#3008]

William Howard Taft signed photo as President. The formal Harris & Ewing portrait shows Taft in a head and chest pose. The image measures just under 6 x 9 and is printed on a larger sepia sheet approximately 9 3/4 x 13 3/4. Taft has inscribed it on the lower blank margin: "For Orville G. Toner with best wishes of Wm H. Taft May 24, 1910".

The inscriptions is generally uniform in heavy black ink with the year being slightly lighter. The image and signature are excellent although there is some general edge toning, a few spots and some corner creases. Still a better than average condition photo of the one-term president. [#3211]

One of Harry Truman’s most visible legacies and imprints on the Presidency is the White House itself. In 1947, despite public outcry and official criticism, he added a porch to the second floor of the South side of the White House mansion. Taunted in the 1948 campaign with the anti-Truman slogan “Truman was screwy to build a porch for Dewey” the Truman Balcony is now one of the most attractive features of the south side of the White House. Facing the Washington Monument, it is a favorite spot for the First Families and their special guests.

Soon after the completion of the south portico Truman realized that the interior of the White House was collapsing and he ordered the complete gutting and reconstruction of America’s most famous home. It was a project that received a great deal of his personal attention. A history buff, with passing knowledge in architecture, the project had Truman’s personal attention.

William Adams Delano was a prominent New York architect who was instrumental in the design of the Truman Balcony. He also served as an advisor on the special commission for the Renovation of the Executive Mansion, headed by Chief Architect Lorenzo Wilson.

This remarkable collection includes four items signed by Truman as President: two letters, a signed photo and a place card signed on the day he took control of the steel mills.

Signed letter, The White House, November 13, 1950. Delano sent Truman one of his many poems defending the porch and asked for the President’s permission to publish it. In this rather brief letter of response Truman agrees to the publishing of the poem and then in great understatement refers to the reconstruction project. In part … “Of course, I have no objection to your publishing the poem on the balcony. Things seem to be going very well over at the house.” It is noteworthy that a president who was a history buff and fairly formal in his attitude towards the Presidency would refer to the White House as simply “the house”.

Commenting that the work might be finished ahead of schedule he concludes with “That will please me very much.” Truman was determined to spend part of his Presidency in the new mansion so staying on schedule was very important to him.

Truman wrote this letter just two weeks after a failed assassination attempt, while staying across the street at Blair House. Within a few weeks the Chinese join the war in the Korea.

The letter shows some toning and heavy remnants from mounting, probably in an album, on the back page of the folded four page stationary.
__________________________

Signed letter, The White House, April 16, 1952 to William Adams Delano. Truman responds to a thank you letter from Delano after a special luncheon marking the completion of the White House project. The president thanks Delano for his “contribution to the architectural beauty of the White House.” He also reveals the limitations of his own powers to have completely redesigned the building. “If you and I could have revamped that Pennsylvania Avenue porch on the north side of the White House itself, we would have had a perfect architectural President’s House.”

One little known fact about the project is that Truman wanted to add columns to the sides of the North side portico. This was apparently overruled by most architects and the commission and he was persuaded not to force the issue. References to that proposal are almost unheard of.

There are two minor staple holes in the upper left corner and traces of paste from prior mounting on the back of the four page sheet of stationary.
_____________________

Signed place card from a White House lunch hours after Truman seized the steel mills. The gold-edged card measures approximately 4 ¼ x 2 ¼ with a gold embossed Presidential seal at the center top. Truman wrote “A most pleasant luncheon with [Mr. Delano written in calligraphy] Apr. 9, 1952 Harry S. Truman” The lunch is referenced in the letter above and probably was for the Commission members and others who had worked on the renovation project. The lunch may have been his only brief respite that day. The night before, Truman had announced to the nation his intention to avert a strike at the steel mills by seizing control of them. The next morning the mills were re-opened and Truman was blistered with withering criticism.

McCullough’s biography of Truman describes April 1952 as one of the most difficult and exhausting month’s for the President. Just the week before this lunch he had fired his friend Attorney General Howard McGrath, had to deal with nationwide strikes by telephone and telegraph workers and now was facing a strike at the steel mills. Truman’s exhaustion as he was nearing the end of his presidency was noted in McCullough’s book with a story of a Truman deferring to sign a stack of letters and documents that week because his hand was shaky.

The card has two minor staple holes in the blank upper left corner and some spots, possibly coffee, on the card but is in very good condition.
____________________

Signed photograph of President Truman and the Special Commission which oversaw the renovation project. The group is pictured at the south entrance of the White House and Truman signed in dark black just below his image. The 8 x 10 image is stamped on the back June 1949, indicating it was taken prior to the project, possibly when the commission was appointed.
____________________

Accompanying the collection are related letters to Delano from Lorenzo Winslow, the White House architect on White House stationary, two letters from Glen Edgarton, Executive Director of the Commission on rare White House stationary with the special heading “Commission on Renovation of the Executive Mansion.

Truman letters mentioning the White House and his two major projects on the building are almost unavailable. These are especially desirable since they were written to a leading architect who advised Truman on both of these transformations of America’s most famous house.
Even the least of the pieces, a mere place card has added significance being dated just hours after he seized the steel mills, one of his last and most controversial decisions as President.

This is a rare opportunity for the advanced collector of presidential items or a serious collector interested in the history of the White House.

Signed letter, The White House, February 7, 1946, 1 page. Truman writes to Dow Walker, National Commander of the Disabled American Veterans, thanking him for a telegram. He signs in full “Harry S. Truman”

The second blank page of the presidential stationary has been removed but the letter is in otherwise fine condition with a nice bold signature. [#2736]

Autograph letter signed, Lindenwald [New York], Dec. 27, 1856, three pages 8vo. This intriguing letter was written to the noted autograph collector Rev. William Sprague. Van Buren discusses the re-location of his wife’s remains from Sprague’s church cemetery and hopes to have the bodies of two friends follow.

In part: “…My friends Judges Cantine + Skinner were interned, as also Mrs. Van Buren, in a lot set apart for me in the cemetery attached to your church. Being informed by Mr. Alexander that the church had changed their place of burial I caused Mrs. Van Buren’s remains to be removed to this place, which was my intention to do, at all events. If there is any probability that the present ground may be entirely abandoned I would desire to cause the remains of my friends to be removed …”

This is an unusually good letter with interesting personal content. Of course, in deciding to move his wife’s remains he was also thinking about where he would be buried just a few years later.
The association with the noted minister Sprague adds additional interest for serious autograph collectors.

The letter is written in bold black ink with better than average legibility for van Buren. The second page is filled which forced him to jump over to the third for his closing and signature. There is some ink blotting to a couple letters in the signature. The letter is in excellent condition.
[#2070]