1. ADAMS, John Quincy. Ca. 1830 manuscript copy of Adam's Letters to His Son, On the Bible and Its Teachings. Quarto blank album published by Solomon King, New York, 1830; crimson straight-grained morocco, with gilt ornamental borders.. Manuscript on 20 leaves, both sides, in a neat, closely written hand. Binding worn, front cover detatched; contents very good. $325.

An attractive anonymous manuscript copy of Adam's letters, originally written during his tenure as Minister to Russia in 1811-14, and an example of the manner in which which such manuscripts were circulated prior to publication. The letters were first published in 1848, the year of Adams' death, and several times thereafter.

2. Anon. "Piano Score of O'Neil". Manuscript, so titled, ca. 1879. Oblong folio, half-morocco, marbled boards. 42 leaves, both sides. Binding worn; very good. $400.

A working manuscript of an Irish historical cantata based on Francis Xavier Rizy's O'Neil the Great. Dramatic Poem in two parts. (Hartford: 1879.) We can find no evidence that the musical version was ever published, and no clue to the composer's identity. The work is written for various solo parts and chorus, and was apparently performed with full orchestra. The libretto is faithful to Rizy's text, with only minor variation. There are numerous pencil notes (occasionally in German script), revisions, and paste-overs.

Double folio ruled ledger sheet, 20 x 19 inches. Folded, fine.

Civil War document, issued during Arthur's six-month tenure as Quartermaster General of NY State. Executed in secretarial hand, listing such provisions as pails, brooms, handcuffs, shackles and straw, how many and to which regiment issued, boldly endorsed "C. A. Arthur" at bottom.

Founding Document of a Major American Firm.

4. (Business History.) Manuscript Articles of Agreement of F. W. Devoe & Co. October 1st, 1869. $500.

Folio, 17 pp; remnants of ribbon ties. Tax stamps affixed to each page.Folded, small piece missing at fold, with loss of a few letters.

5. BEECHER, H.W. ALs, Sept. 20 [1857]. 2 pp, 12mo. To an unnamed correspondent regarding his upcoming address for the Massachusetts Horticultural Society's annual exhibition. $235.

Beecher explains that as he had stipulated that the address was to be ex tempore, he can provide no text in advance. "This exhibition was marked by the revival of a custom which had been discontinued for twenty years,-- the delivery of an address at the anniversary on some subject connected with horticulture...The speaker was Henry Ward Beecher, who was introduced by President Cabot as not only an eloquent preacher and orator, but as personally devoted to horticulture. It is impossible here to do justice to Mr. Beecher's address, and we can only say it was in his happiest manner, and that the numerous assembly was not disappointed."-- History of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society 1829-1878, p. 314. Also see Benson's History of the MHS, p. 116: "Beecher described the pleasure derived from a garden and the nurture of plants, and the influence of flowers on our daily life..." According to a former owner's note, the letter is addressed to J. M. W. Yerrinton, perhaps a journalist, as the name does not appear in the Society's list of members.

6. (Civil War - Baltimore & Washington, D.C.)  Hooper, Ann (Sturgis), and daughters Annie and Alice. 3 Autograph Letters, signed. Washington and Philadelphia, April l, 1861. 8pp; 8pp; 4pp. Fine. $450.

Interesting trio of letters, together nearly a thousand words, from the wife and daughters of Massachusetts Congressmam Samuel Hooper (1808-1875), written to Hooper when, and just after they were detained in Washington and Baltimore by circumstances at the outbreak of the Civil War. The letters provide details of the uncertain climate in and around Washington, as they were transmitted through their social contacts with Charles Sumner, Secretary Hay, Gen. Scott, Col. Washington, Sen. Preston King, William Pennington of Maryland, and others. All three women are able observers and recorders, and the letters are full of table talk and private conversations on such topics as mob rule in Maryland, the union or secession loyalties of various leaders, proposed military manoeuvers, imminent attacks on Washington, etc. "Sumner's visit was interesting... He had seen Scott in the morning, who told him something of the plan of the campaign, that he should station troups at Baltimore, at Fort Monro, & at Cairo on the  Mississippi..." "Co. Washington [seated] himself himself at our dinner talk, saying to me that he had seen the President, that the Proclamation had brought him out & that he had tendered his services as a Union man, feeling that his name demanded it... Hay spoke as if the President was gratified," "Between the mob and the government, poor Baltimore is so frightened that I suppose they will do just the wrong thing...Everyone spoke of Willy Pennington as being so secessiom in his feeling that I was almost afraid to meet him...He said if Maryland seceded it will be mob law, and the mob will rule, and that he for one should be tempted to let his property go and come north... So far as I could find out, the mob is secession, the middle classes are union, and the gentlemen are divided."

The letters are in an envelope inscribed, presumably by Samuel Hooper, "Letters recounting occurences of the escape of my family from Washington & Baltimore, April, 1861."

6.CLINTON, DeWitt. Autograph Letter signed, Albany, 27 January 1802. SOLD

1 page 4to. To his wife. Sm tear, browned.

A brief letter, written in haste. "The Legislature, my dear Maria, opened their sessions yesterday ...nothing particular has occurred. I enclose the Governor's speech, which is much approved by our friends...I am interrupted by company and have only time to inform you of my welfare. I am yours most affectly, DeWitt Clinton."

The Economy of a Royal Household.

7. (Cookery - France.) LOUIS XIV. Manuscript "Etat et menu général de la Dépense ordinaire de la chambre aux deniers du Roy année 1706." 161 leaves in a neat secretarial hand, 4to. Later full speckled calf, raised bands, ruled in blind, preserving early gilt label. Slightly stained and faded throughout, otherwise fine. SOLD

Highly interesting and substantial household and culinary accounts for the household of Louis XIV at Versailles, together with similar accounts for the households of the Dauphin, the Duc de Bourgogne, and the Duc de Bretagne. A contemporary official copy, signed at various points "Fait et arreté a Versailles...signé Henry Jules de Bourbon."

This densely packed manuscript records details of table seating, table ware and furniture, menus for every day and elaborate occasions, provisions and salaries for various officers and household staff, e.g . food for the singers and various musicians (listed by instrument) on annual holiday festivals at Easter, Christmas, etc., how many loaves of bread, how much wine, veal, chickens and lamb are to be provided. The daily salaries of employees of the court are also given, including archers, clock makers, tailors, barbers, etc. Accounts of the distribution of "vin excellent" and "vin du table" are periodically recorded. The scope of the accounts is considerable, providing countless details of culinary, social and economic interest. A revealing and richly textured glimpse into the stratified intricasies of the royal household in early 18th century France. From the noted Westbury collection of cookery books, with the Westbury bookplate.

8. CURTIS, George William. ALs, to Charles Dudley Warner, Ashfield, Mass, 27 July, 1881. 12mo, 3 pp. Fine. $135.

Nice letter connecting two prominent literary figures of the time: "I am very glad to hear from Norton that you will honor our Academy festival with your presence, and we hope... that we may count upon the pleasure...of having you with us. It is the quietest of hill towns. At this hour, 10 1/2 pm, not the hum of a single insect disturbs the silence, and cows and men are asleep..."

9. DEARBORN, Henry, 17 -1829, Secretary of War under Jefferson. ALs to Archibald Roane, Governor of Tennessee, regarding federal road connecting the western and Atlantic states. $1,500.

3 pp quarto, War Department, July 9th, 1802. Slightly trimmed, hinge reinforced, inset mounted; on thin paper with verso show-through, else fine.

Fine letter of significant content. On behalf of Jefferson, Dearborn denies the Tennesee governor's request that the proposed road from the Atlantic states to Natchez, Mississippi be altered to include Davidson and Franklin counties, and gives reasons for doing so. He continues, "It is the ardent wish of the President of the United States to give every facility in his power to the communication between the citizens of Tennessee and Kentucky and the Atlantic states and to render the lade and navigation of the western states as convenient as possible-- he has it in contemplation to have a road opened from Tennessee to the boatable waters of Georgia... But wrought by all the means in our power to guard against any unnecessary extension of the distance, it ought not to be expected that a great public road made for the purpose of connecting two distant countries and national purposes should be directed from the shortest & best route merely to accomodate the inhabitants of a single county."

10. (Drama - Manuscript.) Ms. title: Woman's Heart. Manuscript drama in three acts. Unsigned, undated. American, ca. 1880s. $350.

In ink, underlined in red. 142 leaves on one side only, legal sized ruled paper. Mostly fair copy, but with pasted and other revisions, in more than one hand.

A better than average part drawing room comedy and part social drama, set in upper-class New York. The central figure is Grace, an independant and outspoken young woman, the impoverished cousin of a wealthy family in whose home she resides. Her hopes for a match are sabotaged by false accusations of theft by the mistress of the household, who is starved for affection by her husband's preoccupation with business, and jealous of his fondness for his cousin. Comic relief is provided in amusing scenes with Grace's aunt, who has pledged her wealth to charity, and is besieged by sham do-gooders at every turn, particularly a bankrupt temperance society represented by a fawning double-talker and her low-life imposter reformed-drunk. This anonymous manuscript came with another, a signed corrected typescript of a novel by the noted 19th c. journalist Julian Ralph (1853-1903). Though the hands are different, the play does share themes and stylistic elements with the novel.

11. EDGEWORTH, Maria, author. ALs, Edgeworthstown, May 16, 1826. To August Louis, Baron de Stael-Holstein. $375.

4 pp, 12mo. Sm piece torn from one leaf, loss of a few letters.

A lively and playful letter, inviting Baron de Stael and his brother-in-law the Duc de Broglie for a vist at Edgeworth's paternal estate in Ireland. "You ought for your own sakes, to have the amusement of seeing the humors of an election in Ireland as well as in England. You who have described an English county meeting so well must do justice to an Irish election. Believe me it will be rich in traits of individual and national character and will give you and M. de Broglie materials for 6 months thought." The Baron was the son of the celebrated Mme. de Stael, and the Duc de Broglie her son-in-law. Both were influential politicians, philanthropists and vigorous opponents of slavery, upon which subject they both lectured freely, most likely what Edgeworth refers to when she writes: "I hear from all my Parisian friends... of the excellence and the effect of M. de Broglie's discourses. I wish I could see them, next best to hearing them."

A Copperhead Poet to a Confederate Noverlist

12. ENGLISH, Thomas Dunn, poet and playwright. Autograph Letter signed, New York City, March 19, 1867. To Southern novelist and soldier John Esten Cooke. $300.

2 pp 8vo. Sm piece torn from blank margin, minor tear.

A fine letter entirely regarding literary matters. English encloses two pamphlet speeches of his, given "in '63 & '64...the predictions in them were not entirely realised; but the things, worthless otherwise, may serve to show you how I fought my men." English was for a time a Copperhead state legislator in New Jersey. He had lived for five years in Virginia, where he was the town of Logan's first mayor. It was during his Southern residence that he met Cooke, the novelist and ardent Secessionist.

The letter continues with expressions of disappointment that Cooke "had not the time to write the three or four 16mo page notice that I wanted, especially as it prevented the issue of the collection." He closes with a frank discussion of Cooke's latest book, The Wearing of the Gray, being personal portraits, scenes & adventures of the war (1867), which he is to review: "While it is well written in most respects, it is not up to your usual high-water mark. This applies more particularly, I should say solely to parts after page 166. Your personal sketches of [Jeb] Stuart and the rest, are written in good taste, good feeling and with no more color than truth and the necessity of pen portraiture required. I particularly am pleased with your tribute to Jennings Wise, on account of his father, a gallant honorable gentleman, who bears in him as pure a heart...as falls to the lot of any man".

13. ESCOSURA, Ignacio Leon y, painter, Spanish school, 19th c. ALs with pen & ink sketch, 10 April 1879. Recto Als, "My Dear Roland,", verso drawing "VanDyck and the Countess of Oxford", pen and brown ink. 4½ x 7 inches. Folded, very light foxing. SOLD

Bi-lingual letter to a prospective customer: "[in french:] I am about to arrange that you be the first to see a picture, of the sort you like, that is to say] the background full of richness. I think you would like it. I prefer to do only 3 or 4 every year and do well and highly finish... The subject of the picture represents Van Dick and the countess of Oxford as you can see in the adjoint sketch." On the verso is Escosura's sketch of the proposed painting. Escosura was one of the chief pupils of Gerome, and a popular salon painter of genre subjects. In this country, he is associated most with the influential art dealer and founder of the Metropolitan Samuel P. Avery, a champion of Escosura's work. "For several decades he wrote faithfully to Avery, always including a pen & ink sketch."--intro, The Diaries of Samuel P. Avery, NY 1979.

14. (German Guilds - 18TH c.) [ms. title:] Zunfft Articull der Schneider und Schumacher...1749. Germany, 1749. Folio, contemporary vellum, titled on front. 22 leaves on both sides, in a secretarial hand, with glosses. Soiled, gathering loose in binding. $875.

Interesting series of 37 articles regarding reforms of shoemaker, leather and other guilds in the mid-18th century. As indicated in the preamble, the articles were issued by Prince Wolffgang Ernst I of Ysingen and Budingen (1686-1754), and the manuscript bears his signature and seal. A letter from an earlier owner to Walter Schatzki describes the ms. in some detail, and relates it to the struggle at the time for power between rulers and the guilds.

15. (France; Diplomacy - 18th C.) Minutes des lettres pour divers particuliers. Ms. volume so titled in early hand; French, ca. 1718. SOLD

Early limp paper boards. 165 leaves, both sides. Backstrip worn, front board holding at one strap; internally fine.

Interesting copy book in several hands, of letters written from 1714-1717, regarding diplomatic relations and war negotiations with Sweden, Germany, Russia and The Netherlands. Correspondents include Poussin, Demarests, de Chateauneuf, de Croissy, de Rottenbourg, du Maine, du Bourg, the archbishop of Bruges, etc.

16. HOFFMAN, Charles, Fenno, author, 1806-1884.  ALs, to William Gilmore Simms. 2pp, sm 4to. Np, nd (prob. New York, 1843). With integral blank leaf, docketed on verso, (in Simms hand?)  "Chs. F. Hoffman, author of 'Greyslaer', 'Vigil of Faith', etc." Neatly inlaid onto sheet. Fine. $400.

Fine, friendly letter entirely on literary matters, connecting two major 19th century American figures. Hoffman acknowledges receipt of  a copy of Simm's Donna Florida (Charleston, 1843): "I found yr book upon my table on returning to town...I was already familiar with the pleasant pages of Donna Florida through the Magnolia, & hoped when I took it up in its new shape that you had completed the story. Your dedication to Mr. Lawson is in very happy taste and conveys much hearty good feeling...", referring to Simms' intimate friend and literary champion, the Scottish-born poet and NY editor, James Lawson. Hoffman encourages Simms to issue more of his youthful productions: "Like your friend Lawson, who prefers trouting to bass, I would rather have a basket of those exquisite minnows than the largest whale."

18. HOWITT, William, Quaker poet and writer. Pair of ALs, March 15, 1834; June 27 1844. 12mo, 1 and 3 pp. respectively, with integral address leaves, both addressed "To the Editor of the York Herald". $300.

Two letters reflecting Howitt's involvement with liberal politics. The first presents "a copy of the third edition of a work [probably Howitt's History of the Priestcraft in All Ages and Nations] for which your able & effective criticism has already done so much. Allow me to call your attention to the new matter by which the department of the English Church is much enlarged & I hope improved." The second letter also a accompanied a copy of an unnamed work: "The Tory press is sure to make a dead set at this little volume, and has, indeed begun. I beg, therefore, as an able and unflinching enemy of nemopolies, corn-laws, the fatal thraldom of a Government Education, and of the various despotic institutions which are daily being smuggled out of Germany into our own country, move effectually to enslave and keep down a a great, industrious, and suffering people, to beg your attention to this volume..." Howitt had in 1842 published his Rural and Domestic Life in Germany, based on his long residence there.

19. (Italy - Commerce.) Manuscript Notebook on the Produce of Sicily. Ca. 1834. 12mo, stitched. 23 leaves, mostly on both sides, densely written in a neat, very legible hand. $375.

A fascinating guide offering a wealth of detailed first-hand information on the foodstuff and other produce of Sicily, apparently compiled by a purchasing agent for a New York firm. Closely written and carefully composed, the note book is organized by crop, with each entry typically giving an evaluation of different varieties and regions, their prices, period of availability, cost of shipping and other related expenses, with tips for packing, sample invoices and occasional caveats for potential cheating. Entries include oranges and lemons, citron, manna, brimstone, sumac, olive oil, walnuts and other nuts, aniseed, flax, canary seed, raisins, figs, currants, liquorice paste, cantharides, and cork. Five pages are devoted to regional wines, particularly Marsala, with detailed observations on the operations of the two major producers.

20. MANN, Horace. Autograph letter signed, Dedham, April 18, 1831. To Thomas Backus of Killingly, Ct. $150.

2pp 4to, with integral address leaf in Mann's hand. Minor tears, piece torn from blank area of address leaf.

Mann enqires after the services of his attorney correspondent, a former classmate at Amherst, who is requested to ascertain the financial status of Amos Baker, wheelwright, who "has left some unsettled demands, and his creditors are desirous of knowing whether he has any means of paying them." Opens and closes with warm expressions of friendship and wishes for visit, etc. Signed "Horace Mann" and a postscript "H.M."

Handsome document with heraldic illumination at center, measuring 4 x 3 1/4 inches, showing heart pierced by tree on shield, surmounted by helmet crowned by blackamoor grasping arrow and another pierced heart, surrounded by gilt ornamented frame. Text begins "Wir Otthainrich von Gottes genaden Pffalzgrave ben Rhein des Heilegen Romischen Reichs..." etc., with elaborate calligraphic initial W. A few spots, moderate wear along folds, some darkening to illumination, otherwise nicely preserved, with Otthainrich's wax seal.

23. (Marx.) ROSENBERG, W. L., Secretary of the Socialistic Labor Party of the U.S.A. Secretarial letter signed, November 22, 1886. To Swan Sonnenschein, the London publisher of the first English translation of Karl Marx's Das Kapital.  $750.

2 pp, quarto.

An important letter regarding the introduction of Marx's work to America, with mention of several of the principals involved. "We hear from Mrs. Aveling that the English translation of "Das Kapital" will be out very shortly. We do not know what arrangements you may have made for America, but we hope some may be come to between you and the Socialist Labor Party here. We have a very large organisation throughout the States with sections in all the cities the Avelings have visited & many others...The book in a reasonably cheap form would command a considerable sale at each place among our members and others interested in Socialism...We write this with the knowledge & approval of Dr. & Mrs. Aveling, who undertake to consult Mr. Engels about it." Edward Aveling was co-translator of Capital, Engels the editor; Aveling's wife was Karl Marx's daughter Eleanor. The English edition of Das Kapital was published early in 1887. The earliest American issue consists of English sheets bound up soon thereafter by the NY publisher Julius Bordollo, proprietor of "Bordollo's Labor News Agency" (see Robert H. Rubin Books, Catalogue 40, no. 200). It is uncertain whether or not there is a connection between the Bordollo issue and the present inquiry of the Socialist Labor Party. At any rate, significant and hitherto unknown documentation of the origins of American Marxism.

Miniature Bible in Shorthand

24. (Miniature Books - Bible, N.T.) RICH, Jeremiah. [in shorthand:] [The Book of the New Testament of Our Lord Saviour Jesus Christ According to the Art of Short Writing Invented and Taught by] Jeremiah Rich. London: Samuel Botley...Vintner's Hall, nd [1673]. 64mo, scant 2 1/2 x 1 5/8 inches. Early black morocco, boards with double rule border, floral devices at the corners, raised bands, ruled in gilt; marbled endpapers; a.e.g. Pp. 576, engraved throughout. Pictorial engraved title, engraved frontispiece portrait of Rich. Front hinge tender, else a very good copy. $1,600.

The second edition of Rich's miniature New Testament. Rich's system was preeminent in his time, was that used and endorsed by John Locke, and continued in use into the 19th century. NYPL Shorthand Collection, p. 448 (incorrect date); Bibliotheca Pepysiana IV (Shorthand Books), p. 61.

25. MOTLEY, John Lothrop, historian. ALs, [London] 30 Dec. 1874. To Lady Stratford, signed "J. L. Motley."  $325.

4pp 12mo, in closely written hand. Lower portion of one leaf clipped by Motley to revise text, which continues uninterrupted. Fine.

A fine, intimate letter in which the eminent historian shares his grief as his wife lies dying: "Alas, this moment is the most unhappy one of my whole life...I know you will sympathize with my misery when I tell you she is lying in a state utterly hopeless ...[The doctors] say that never seen more acute physical syffering & that it is impossible to bear it with more fortitude than she has done... She has helped me to bear this heaviest burthen as she has done in all the sorrows of my life. But the absolute forgetfulness of self & the constant thought of others, her composure amid physical torture & in the sight of death have taught me a lesson I hope God will help me profit by... She still lives but is hardly conscious and the acute pains have left her. She is sinking fast & the end is near- God help us!"

The death of his beloved wife Mary Benjamin, sister of Park Benjamin, aggravated a decline in Motley's well being, and he died less than three years later.

26. RALPH, Julian. Ms. title: "Lucia's Madness. By Julian Ralph, Author of 'People We Pass," 'Alone in China,' etc." Original corrected typescript of a complete novel. Ca 1890s. $3,250.

226 pp foolscap, on one side, together with 116 further pages, comprising the final 10 chapters again, in a slightly different version, all with ms. corrections throughout.

A full length novel in hand-corrected typescript by one of the most famous journalists of his day, the story of a naive and inexperienced New York City bachelor who sets out to find a wife and falls in love with a beautiful and intelligent flower-maker haunted by a tortured past. A psychological novel of sorts, the drama is relieved by humorous scenes centered on immigrant street life, and portraits from New York low-life, of a type previously explored in Ralph's collection People We Pass (1896).

Now virtually forgotten, Julian Ralph (1853-1903) was in his own time one of the first "star" reporters, initially gaining attention by his coverage of the Henry Ward Beecher trial. He was long associated with the NY Sun, and subsequently the NY Herald, the Brooklyn Eagle and the London Daily Mail, for which he covered the Boer War, at which time he associated with Rudyard Kipling and Conan Doyle. He travelled extensively, writings several books on his American and far-Eastern experiences. He wrote other novels, and fictional sketches of immigrant subjects. His reputation was that of a picturesque stylist and master of descriptive detail. See the DAB for an overview of Ralph's interesting and varied career.

"Lucia's Madness" is not to be found in the NUC or other lists of Ralph's published works, and may be unpublished, although the title of one of Ralph's published novels Angel In A Web could apply to the present work, indicating a possible change of title for publication. Also, Ralph published a series of humorous sketches featuring Petey Burke, a character in this novel. The typescript is accompanied by several ephemeral publications of Ralph's including a biography with portrait in The Bookbuyer for June 1895, a pamphlet speech given at Berea College in 1902, and two issues of Harper's Monthly containing Ralph's character sketches.

27. REED, William Bradford, 1806-1876, lawyer, diplomat and author. Ms. Outlines and Fragment of an Unpublished Novel about Benedict Arnold and the American Revolution. Together with a short fragment of another tale. Ca. 1850? $750.

Total of 78 leaves foolscap, mostly on one side.

Highly interesting fragments, consisting of 22 leaves of Reed's preliminary sketches and outlines of the novel wherein he works out plot lines, historical details, and development of character; 47 leaves of the novel itself, consisting of chapters 1, 2 4 and 5 complete, with several other disconnected leaves, all in a heavily corrected working copy; and 9 leaves of an Italian romance set in the early 16th century.

As respected biographer of his illustrious grandfather Joseph Reed, William Bradford Reed was eminently qualified to write an historical novel of the period, and it is clear that this manuscript was further fruit of his biographical research. The elder Reed's chief adversary Benedict Arnold figures prominently in Reed's tale, and the action centers on the time of Arnold's appointment by Washington as commander of Philadelphia, and his romance with Margaret, daughter of eminent jurist Edward Shippen: "From the first introduction of Arnold, he must be depicted in such a fashion that the reader will take a strong interest in him & be willing to consider him the leading character. He has been done unfairly by Congress, he is embarassed in his finances before going to Philadelphia. On arrival there, he adds to his embarassment by his luxurious style of living, he knows not which way to turn, engages in partnerships of privateering & which turn out badly & he is asked to pay. In midst of this turmoil, he prosecutes his love suit, it is the sole pleasant spot in the desert...The progress of this suit is watched by his faithful aide." The novel was to have followed through to Arnold's appointment at West Point and his final downfall. Reed's text shows a strong sympathy for Arnold, a thorough familiarity with the real-life characters involved, and a keen perception of the period's political subtleties. Among Reed's many published historical works, there is none listed that corresponds to the present manuscript, nor is there any other work of fiction. The ms. is accompanied by another fragment by Reed of a tale of treachery and papal intrigue in 16th century Rome.

Biography of a Budding Poet

28. ROCKWELL, James Otis, poet, printer, editor of the Providence Patriot. ALs, Providence, Feb. 4, 1830.  To Julius Rockwell of Pittsfield, MA, jurist and politician (see Appleton's). 3 pp, foolscap 8vo, closely written. Together with Julius Rockwell's ms. draft of an obituary notice for James. 2 pp. undated. $200.

Fine, friendly autobiographical letter, "the most particular and longest I have written in years." Rockwell discusses his lineage and living relatives, his common school and self-taught education, his apprenticeship with two printers (from one of whom he took "French leave" owing to "the shackles of bigotry which my new proprietors impressed upon my conscience"), a near-death bout with consumption, and his eventual career in journalism. He then solicits Judge Rockwell for contributions on any subject to his paper, but cautioning, "I prohibit you from abusing Nat. Willis, for he is a warm personal friend, not only of me, but if I may believe his words, of you."

Rockwell writes in a vivid style, as when he decribes his Biblical self-training: "For want of other books I used, when an urchin, to take the old family Bible, in the summer time, pillow myself on a chest by a shadowy chamber window, where the woodbine and morning glories climb, and read an hour at a time about the Philistines, Bildad the Sheehite, Judith and the Maccabees..." According to Judge Rockwell's accompanying ms. obituary, which draws upon this letter for information, "The occasional poetical productions of this gentleman have had an extensive circulation in the literary periodicals & several of the more elaborate of them have appeared in various Souvenirs. These have been considered indications of poetical talent of a high grade, by competent judges, who were entirely unacquainted with the youth of the author & the difficult & disheartening circumstances of his situation." Rockwell's poetry seems never to have been collected or published in separate form. He succumbed to a renewed bout of consumption aged 22 years, seven months. Fine documentation of an otherwise lost and promising literary figure.

29. (Travel.) Mills, Lilla C. Manuscript Diary of European Travel, 1875-76. $400.

 2 volumes. 12mo, limp leather. Total of 309 pp. in ink, in a neat, mildly difficult hand.

A detailed daily account of a conventional seven month tour of England, France Italy and Switzerland. Occasional entries are by Lilla's husband George. An attractive set, in fine condition.

30. (Troy, NY.) Manuscript Recollections of Troy, New York in the 1830's-50's. Written ca. 1888 by a Mr. Churchill. $375.

20 leaves foolscap, one side. 

Interesting reminiscences of business, politics and street life in mid-19th century Troy. The author's father was a publican and hotelier, proprietor of the Union Garden, and of the Yankee Hotel and Cannon Place House. Among the events recalled are the city's first balloon ascension, the cholera epidemic, the building of the Troy Bridge, the Hill Street landslide, the execution of murderer Thomas Harty, an eyewitness account of the anti-Irish St. Patrick's Day riot of 1837, the visits of Martin van Buren and Henry Clay, and presidential campaigns of '40 and '44. Numerous businesses and their proprietors are recalled in some detail, together with a fascinating gallery of local characters such as Edmund Rodman, "the colored dandy tailor", Samuel Goff, "a half-demented colored person...who managed to eke out a living by turning somersaults for coppers", John Lawrence, the town crier and bellman, and Taffy Dumbleton, a cripple and political mascot. It would not be difficult to identify the author of these entertaining memoirs. With a complete typed transcription.

35. WATSON, Elkanah. 2 ALs, Providence, Jan. 1st, and Jan. 27th, 1774. 2 pp and 1 page 4to, signed "Elka. Watson" and "E.W. junr.", both to an unnamed correspondent in New Haven, a close friend who then drafted a further letter on the verso of the second letter to Thomas Davis, Jr., evidently a mutual friend of Watson's. Folded, wear at edges touching a few letters, no loss; neat tears at folds. $1850.

Two very fine and remarkably early letters, written just before and after Watson's 16th birthday, and only a few months after the fifteen-year old had arrived in Providence to indenture himself as apprentice to wealthy merchant John Brown, marking the beginning of a relationship that would assume national historical importance.

In the first letter, Watson describes his happy circumstances in Providence: ""By what little experience I have had of the business, I make no doubt but what I shall content myself here. Mr. Brown has given me a great deal of encouragement since I have been with him; I think I can freely & with great propriety say that I never enjoyed a more happy & contented life than I have since have lived with Mr. Brown." He then goes on to smooth out a misunderstanding with his correspondent, expressing himself in highly emotional fashion, referring to "that dismal hour that I parted with you at the bridge, such an hour I'm sure I never underwent in all my life... I was very anctious to have a little conversation with you before we parted, but when I drew near you as we were taking our long farewell of each other, my heart & tongue failed me, was I [to] have gained the whole world, I could not have entered into any conversation with you..."

The second letter is written as a cover letter and continuation of the first, which Watson delayed in sending. and includes news of goings on at Brown's store, tea sales, prices of goods ("Fish is exceeding low in the market, price for good Jamaica fish is only 9/lb."), and mentions the Boston tea party: "The tea affair makes a great Noise in these parts, I have not the time to aquaint you the particulars..." and family news: "I was visited by cousin John Watson and Mr. Russell... and by them I had the unexpected news of your sisters Lothrop's being delivered of a girl." In a cramped post script in the margin, he writes of his eminent employer: "Perhaps you may want to know Mr. Brown's circumstances, which I shall communicate to you a few words, viz. he owns more navigation than any two merchants in the colony, we have four sloops & a Leary ship abt. 250 tons now on the stocks. There is four of us that attends the store." His friend has drafted a letter on the verso, mentioning Watson, his letter and those to whom he wished to be remembered.

In the ensuing year, Brown would embrace Watson as a trusted confidant and emissary in Brown's crucial secret role as naval and munitions supplier to the Revolution. Watson's services on behalf of Brown would continue for nearly a decade, and his missions would take him throughout the colonies and across the Atlantic. Altogether rare and fascinating survivals from the very beginning of a distinguished and influential career.

36. (Women.) THOMPSON, Mrs. F. E., "Womans Suffrage". Manuscript essay, ca. 1912. 12 leaves foolscap, one side; in pencil. Possibly Orange County, New York. Folded, small hole in blank portion of final leaf. $500.

A well-informed argument for woman's suffrage, taking on such issues as equal pay, property laws, and taxation without representation, and calling attention to the accomplishments of such women as Ida Tarbel, Ella Flagg Young, Jane Addams and Julia Lathrop. The title and author's name are docketed on the verso of the last leaf with a note: "It was voted by the Pomona Grange to have this article printed in the Standard."

Write Us

Home