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

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

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.

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

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

np, 1880. Fine - clean, collectible.. SIGNED "J A Garfield / Nov 2, 1880" with authentication note on verso, "written on his day of election - & very first rate for President / C. Hines" <br /> <br /> The uniqueness of this card is that it was signed on Garfield's election day to the position of President of the United States. Garfield, the 20th President, lasted just 200 days, March 4, 1881, until his death on September 19, 1881, as a result of being shot by assassin Charles J. Guiteau on July 2, 1881. Includes period cabinet card by Chapman, Smith with advertising on the rear.<br /> <br /> James A. Garfield, (Nov 19, 1831 - Sep 19, 1881) was nominated on the 36th ballot of the Republican Convention as a compromise candidate. He was a Union General during the Civil War serving with distinction at the battles of Shiloh and Chickamauga. Elected to Congress from Ohio in 1862, he is the only President to be elected as sitting Congressman. In his very… Read More

1954. Fine. AUTOGRAPHED "Grace Coolidge" and dated on note card in fine condition. Signature 3.5" long on a 5.25" x 3.5" card.<br /> <br /> Grace Anna Goodhue Coolidge (Jan 3, 1879 - July 8, 1957) was the wife of the 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge. She was the First Lady from 1923 to 1929. She graduated from the University of Vermont in 1902 with a bachelor of arts degree in teaching and joined the Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech in Northampton, Massachusetts to teach deaf children to communicate by lip reading, rather than by signing. She met Calvin Coolidge in 1904, and the two were married the following year. As her husband advanced his political career, Grace avoided politics. When Calvin Coolidge was elected Governor of Massachusetts in 1919, she remained at home in Northampton with their children. In 1929, Calvin Coolidge's term as president ended, and the couple retired to Northampton. After her husband's death in 1933,… Read More

Boston, MA: The Brunswick Hotel, 1903. 8" x 6.25", 1 p. folded. In a note of condolence, Whiting professes the heartfelt poetic emotion for which she was well known. Fine note with no defects noted.<br /> <br /> Lilian Whiting (October 3, 1847 - April 30, 1942) was an early female pioneer in field of American journalism. She served as newspaper editor-in-chief (Boston Budget), column writer and author of poetry and short stories. Lilian was from a heralded lineage as a direct descendant of Cotton Mather on her mother's side and from Rev. William Whiting, the first Unitarian Minister in Massachusetts from her father's side. "My Dear Mrs. Lowe - May I tell you how my heart is with you in your great sorrow and I pray for you that the Comforter may come and enfold you in His gender love and Holy Presence. With affectionate sympathy, /s/ Lilian Whiting

19, Craven Hill Gardens, Hyde Park, W., 1881. Fine. 7" x 4.5", 3pp. on personal stationary with address, with original mailing envelope. Both letter and envelope are mounted inside a folio containg Lindley's biography on the cover and photo of him on page 2. <br /> <br /> Nathaniel Lindley, Baron Lindley (Nov 1828 - Dec 1921) was a respected English judge and described on the recto of folio as follow; "Born in 1828, at Acton Green, Middlesex. Eldest son of the late Dr. John Lindley, Professor of Botany at University College, London. Educated at that Univesity, he was called to the bar at the Midle Temple in November 1850, and becam a Queen's Counsel in January 1872. Was appointed a Judge of the Common Pleas division of the Supreme Court of Judicalure in May 1875. Is the author of "Introduction to the Study of Jurisprudence" and "A Treatise on the Law of Partnership and Companies." He was knighted on his appointment to the bench." Mount… Read More

The Rectory, Cossington. Fine. 7" x 4.5", 2 pp. bordered in black (mourning stationary following her husband's death in 1842), dated 8 Oct 1846, with mail folds. Content: Making arrangements and appointments, "Mr. Moxon begs you will send him a line - he has appointed me to meet hi at Doctors Commons on Friday next at twelve", likely being Edward Moxon,(Dec 1801 - Jun 1858, a British poet and publisher, significant in Victorian literature). She likens her unfortunate life situtation to that of a fictional characther, "Am I not like the Lady in The Bold Stone for a wife - waiting the consent of the three guardians?"<br /> <br /> 7" x 4.5", 2 pp. on stationary with mail fold. c. 1865. Content: Date established by Hood's comment "I am going to leave the War Office..." which he did in 1875; "I send you a picture of Lake House Wanstead - the house where I was born - it was originally the banquet hall of Wanstead House.";… 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

np, 1797. Very good. 12.75" x 7.75", 2 pp. docketed on the folded rear panel to: Evans Whorry, Esq, at or near Little Falls / To the care of Wm Porteous. Age toned, usual mail folds, hole along left margin where wax was removed, not affecting front page, interrupting two words on the second page, not his signature. Content: Van Vechten informs his client that he has done his best to represent him in light of the facts of the case, "This Settlement is founded upon an opinion given by the Chancellor in a case similarly circumstanced in every respect...I thought it best to close the business at once, without incurring further costs", <br /> <br /> Abraham Van Vechten (December 5, 1762 - January 6, 1837) was an American lawyer and a Federalist politician who served twice as New York State Attorney General. In 1784, he married Catharina Schuyler (1766-1820), eldest daughter of Philip P. Schuyler (1736-1808) of the prominent Schuyler family. In 1792, he was elected one of… 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