Marquis of Londonderry, British statesman, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs after 1812, one of the key players in the great coalition against Napoleon. He represented Britain at the Congresses of Vienna in 1814 and Paris 1815. After some periods of mental instability, he committed suicide in 1822. Address panel written and signed by Castlereagh, dated March 3, 1817. Originally from a very old collection, the item comes with c. 19th century handwritten quotes concerning Castlereagh from Napoleon, Byron, Lady Stanhope and Catherine Hatton. Unique and appealing. $450.00*

Soldier for the Holy Roman Empire, while for most of his life his titular domain was under the control of France, serving with distinction for many years. Manuscript document in French, dated 1678, set on the reverse with a lovely impression of Charles' seal in black wax. Boldly signed by him Duc de Lorraine. $595.00*

Uruguayan statesman and soldier. Made himself President of Uruguay after leading insurrections 1854-1855 and 1865-1868. Assassinated shortly after resigning during a revolution led by his sons. Note in Spanish written and signed by Flores, acknowledging a gift. Signed "Veno Flores." Translation and a small albumen portrait photograph included. Autograph material from such early Latin American leaders is extremely rare. $195.00*

First (and so far only) female Prime Minister of India, daughter of Indian Independence leader and first Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Assassinated by two Sikh separatists among her own bodyguards. Signature on official card, dated 1971. With the original envelope bearing Indian stamps and postmarks, and the cover letter from Gandhi's private secretary. $295.00*

King of Great Britain, only son of George I. At odds with his father most of his adult life, including establishing a rival court of his own in 1718. Reconciled with George I through the mediation of Prime Minister Walpole in 1720. Ascended to the throne upon his father's death in 1727. Portion of a larger document, in German, dated 1738, and signed "George R" as king. $485.00*

King of Great Britain, eldest son of George III. In 1811, when George III's mental instability prevented him from fulfilling his duties, George IV (then Prince of Wales) was appointed Prince Regent, ruling in his father's name. He ascended the throne as George IV upon the death of George III in 1820. Vellum commission document appointing Charles Finch as Paymaster to the 2nd Battalion of the 12th East Suffolk Regiment, dated February 13, 1812, during the Napoleonic Wars. Signed "George PR" as Prince Regent. Set with two wax and paper seals. $425.00*

King of England. Document signed as King, dated December 4, 1948, appointing Herbert Edward Parkes as a member of the Railway Rates Tribunal. Signed by George VI to the right of a large red Royal Seal. $695.00*

Distinguished English statesman, Lord High Treasurer of Queen Anne, friend and political ally of the Duke of Marlborough. He was a leading British politician of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He was a Privy Councillor and Secretary of State for the Northern Department before attaining real power as First Lord of the Treasury. Well-respected for his modesty, honesty, and competence. Portion of a manuscript document dated 1709, signed "Godolphin" as Lord High Treasurer. $195.00*

French statesman and author, Consul-General to the US 1780. His fortunes varied during the French Revolution, at one point being elected to the Council of Elders only to be deported to Guiana by the Directory. Later appointed Minister of Finance by Napoleon, he negotiated the Louisiana Purchase which doubled the size of the United States overnight. Addressed to Robert Livingston, US Minister to France, asking him to forward a letter to future president James Monroe, who was in England at the time. Monroe and Livingston had represented the US in the negotiations over the Louisiana Purchase, while Marbois represented France. French Treasury Ministry document dated according to the French Revolutionary Calendar 30 Pluviose of the year 12 (February 20, 1804), just a few months after the Louisiana Purchase agreement was reached.A great document, mentioning both US negotiators, and signed by the French negotiator, for the most significant (and peaceful) land expansion in American history. $2100.00*

Popular and effective British Prime Minister. Among the challenges of his tenure were the American Civil War and the important British decision not to recognize the Confederacy. Manuscript official document, dated December 23, 1812, authorizing full back pay for officers of the 97th Regiment of Foot, who had been entitled to it during a period of reduction (1797-1802). Signed "Palmerston" as Secretary at War. A great Napoleonic Wars document, with a strong signature. $150.00*

Formerly duc d'Orléans, and son of "Philippe Égalité." Despite his aristocratic background, he enthusiastically embraced the French Revolution. He got entangled in the treason of General Dumouriez, and fled into exile in 1793. Despite his forced absence, he never aided France's enemies during the years of war that followed. He returned with the Bourbon Restoration, and in the ensuing upheaval, he was chosen (with the support of Lafayette) "King of the French" in 1830. At first very popular as the unassuming "Citizen King," his increasing conservatism helped spark the 1848 revolution in France, which resulted in his abdication and the creation of a Second Republic. He died a few years later. Manuscript official letter, in French (not translated), dated November 11, 1820, at the Palais Royale. Boldly signed "Louis Philippe D'Orleans." Excellent condition. A great artifact from a fascinating French monarch. $285.00*

French nobleman and soldier, he married Louise Henriette de Bourbon-Conti. As a soldier, he distinguished himself in the War of the Austrian Succession, particularly at the pivotal Battle of Fontenoy. Partial manuscript document, in French, with a very old collection tag attached. Boldly signed "L Phil de'Orleans." $650.00*

Monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 1837 until her death. Her reign of 63 years and 7 months is the longest of any British monarch and the longest of any female monarch in history. Museum quality framed letter is written and signed by Queen Victoria at Buckingham Palace during the fourth year of her reign. The document measures 19" by 16" within a full 38" by 23" frame. An image of Queen Victoria is inner framed to the left of the document. The letter, dated April 2, 1841, announces C. D. Day, Esq. as Executive Council of the Province of Canada. The letter bears the official seal of the Queen and is addressed to the "Right Trusty and well-beloved Councillor Charles Baron Lydenham Our Captain General and Governor in Chief in and over Our Province of Canada." $2500*

This decorative copy of the Declaration of Independence measures approximately 23" x 31" framed and was published 1819 - ?. Engraved by William Woodruff and published by O. Rogers of Philadelphia, PA, it features the title in ornamental script and text in a uniform round hand within an ornamental border bearing the state seals in medallions and portraits of Washington, Jefferson and Adams. The complete text of the Declaration of Independence is featured within the border as is facsimile signatures of the Declaration's signers.
This copy is a close imitation of the John Binns copy which, according to Binns, was stolen by Woodruff while he was employed in the shop of George Murray the man hired by Binns to carry out the ornamental part of the engraving. Binns sued Woodruff in a federal court however the court decided that the case was outside its jurisdiction. Woodruff then went ahead and published his print before Binns.

This copy is printed from the original plate with signatures engraved in facsimile and includes Woodruff's imprint as well as the printer's credit "Phila. Published by O. Rogers, No 67 South 2nd St. Philad." At the bottom of the document it reads "To the People of the United States this engraving of the Declaration of Independence is most respectfully inscribed by their fellow citizen Wm. Woodruff" Price upon request*

Physician, Continental Congressman for New Hampshire. Signer of the Declaration of Independence. He later served as both Chief Justice and Governor of the new state of New Hampshire. Excellent manuscript document, containing over one hundred words entirely written by Bartlett engaging in a real estate transaction with Ephraim Lund. Dated May 4, 1776, precisely two months to the day before Bartlett added his signature to the Declaration of Independence! Strong, clear signature "Josiah Bartlett." $4900.00*

Signer of the Declaration of Independence was an American politician and founding father of our country. He was one of the first Patriots to advocate complete independence from Great Britain. As a Pennsylvania representative, Clymer was one of 6 men to sign both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Clymer was chairman of the Continental Committee of Safety.

This extraordinarily significant document, dated June 10, 1776, was issued weeks before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Measuring 5.5 x 8.5, it is written and signed by Clymer and in good condition. There is minor browning due to age. The document was addressed to John Nixon and reads: "Please to pay to Mr. John Cobourne or his order Three Hundred pounds and charge the same to his account for expenses in sinking the Chevaux de Frize. By order of the Committee."

The Cheval (often called Chevaux) de Frise was supposedly developed by Benjamin Franklin, and consisted of a heavy timber frame bristling with iron tipped spikes which, when sunk in a river, could rip the hull of a vessel apart. Two of these contraptions were used during the Revolutionary War, one across the Delaware River south of Philadelphia, and one across the Hudson below West Point. In December 1776, the Chevaux de Frise mentioned in this document, played an important role in the Philadelphia campaign. $12,000.00*

Signer of the Declaration of Independence, member of the Continental Congress, Speaker of the first Assembly of the State of New Jersey. Hart was a last-minute replacement for the New Jersey delegation when the entire original group was dismissed, having been opposed to the idea of independence. He arrived just in time to sign the Declaration on behalf of his state. He later offered his farm as a campsite for Washington's Continental Army during the Monmouth Campaign, and for several days prior to the battle 12,000 American soldiers enjoyed his hospitality. New Jersey one shilling note from the issue of March 25, 1776. Signed on the front, "John Hart." $595.00*

Patriot activist, self-made man successful in the practice of law, Member of the Continental Congress. President of Congress 1779-1781, Signer of the Declaration of Independence. He presided over the adoption of the Articles of Confederation. Governor of the state of Connecticut 1786-1796. Legal-size manuscript letter entirely in Huntington's hand addressed to "Mr. Secretary Scott in New York, concerning an extensive parcel of land Huntington was looking to acquire for a favorite nephew "to make him a settlement in the world." Huntington is requesting Scott help with a title search, to ensure the property he is looking at is "unencumbered." Boldy signed "Saml Huntington." $2950.00 SOLD

American Revolutionary, Signer of the Declaration of Independence. A prominent Delaware statesman, he served as Continental Congressman, Constitutional Convention Delegate, US Senator and Chief Justice for his state, as well as President of Delaware. Manuscript document entirely in Read's own hand concerning the various sales of a tract of land from 1703 to the present day (1789). The original land patent came from William Penn. Fine condition. $450.00*

American Revolutionary, Colonel of the First Regiment of the Georgia Militia. Wounded and captured by the British during the siege of Savannah, and later exchanged in 1779. Signer of the Declaration of Independence, serving later as Governor, US Senator, and Chief Justice of Georgia. He was a fierce political opponent of fellow Georgia Signer, Button Gwinnet. He assisted General Lachlan McIntosh during the duel in which Gwinnet was mortally wounded. Superb legal opinion written and signed by Walton, concerning the important issue of banishment and confiscation of property that was enforced on those deemed "traitors" during the revolution. In this case, a former secretary to a Continental Army general who had crossed over to the British side was under banishment by order of the government of South Carolina, and the extract of minutes from the State Council on the reverse asks for Walton's opinion as to whether Georgia should be bound to respect their sister state's edict. Walton upholds the idea that states are bound to uphold each others' laws, and deemed it the "duty" of the governor of Georgia to enforce the South Carolina Act of Banishment in this case. Dated December 16, 1785, and signed "Geo Walton" as Chief Justice. A fantastic Signer document and a significant legal opinion from the first years of American independence! $3900.00*

Austrian-born Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court 1939-1962, Founder of the ACLU. Typed letter on Supreme Court stationery, dated December 7, 1960, concerning a memorial planned for a friend. Signed "Felix Frankfurter." Professionally matted. $850.00

Architect, designed The White House, and supervised its rebuilding after its destruction by the British in 1814. Also designed the State and War offices, and the old State Capitol in Columbia, South Carolina. Original manuscript Deed of Trust document concerning a debt, filed in April of 1825. Hoban has signed twice as witness! $490.00

Architect, designed The White House, and supervised its rebuilding after its destruction by the British in 1814. Also designed the State and War offices, and the old State Capitol in Columbia, South Carolina. Land indenture document dated September 14, 1815, signed by Hoban as one of the principles. Also signed by Justice of the Peace WILLIAM THORNTON (1759-1828), the architect who designed the US Capitol! Scarce, unusual document bearing the signatures of the two most important federal architects of the early Republic. $1250.00

Typed letter on Hoover's letterhead as FBI Director, dated March 24, 1972, sending thanks to a citizen who had read Hoover's books on Communism. Signed "J. Edgar Hoover." $160.00

Governor of New York, Chief Justice of the United States 1930-1941.Signed card, dated February 10, 1923 $160.00

A British physician and statesman and long-time member of Parliament. A radical member of the Whig party, Hume was considered the leader of the movement toward universal suffrage and religious freedom. He was instrumental in the repeal of the Corn Laws. This manuscript letter was written and signed by Hume. Dated May 10, 1824, Hume mentions in the letter that he is adding his autograph to a collection of "public characters" which was requested by the addressee. It is signed "Joseph Hume" in a good strong signature. $145.00

Samuel D. Ingham was born in 1779 near New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. After a brief education and the death of his father, Ingham worked as paper maker's apprentice for five years before returning to help run his family's farm.
In 1798, to help supplement the family's income, Ingham went to New Jersey, where he worked at a paper mill. Returning home, he opened his own mill and pursued politics, becoming a member of the state House of Representatives in 1806. After serving one two-year term, Ingham returned to the family farm, where he sat as justice of the peace for Bucks County from 1808 to 1812 and from 1813 to 1818 served as a Republican in the United States House of Representatives.

In 1818, Ingham moved back to Pennsylvania where he became the chief clerk for the courts of Bucks County. A year later, he left that post to become the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He served in this capacity for one year before returning to Congress as a representative from 1822 to 1829.

In 1829, President Andrew Jackson tapped Ingham to become U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, a position Ingham held from 1829 to 1831, when he resigned amidst controversy surrounding the "Eaton Affair." He then returned to Pennsylvania, where he pursued various business interests, including his paper mill and the development of anthracite coal fields. Samuel D. Ingham died in 1860 and is buried in the Solebury Presbyterian Churchyard in Solebury, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

This partially printed Treasury Department document is dated December 30, 1830. It concerns goods imported from Hamburg to New York and is addressed to the Collector of the Customs of that port. The document is signed by Ingham as Secretary of the Treasury. $250.00

Best known as the personal secretary to President George Washington serving under the President from 1784 until Washington's death in 1799. It is through Lear's personal journal that we receive the account of Washington's final moments before death and his last words: "'Tis well."
Prior to working for Washington, Lear served as President Thomas Jefferson's envoy to Saint-Domingue and as peace envoy in the Mediterranean during the Barbary Wars. Lear was responsible for negotiating a peace that would end the first Barbary War. Instead of joining the Continental Army, Lear attended Harvard College during the Revolutionary War later graduating in 1783. His career began as a teacher until he was recommended for the combined job of tutoring Martha Washington's grandchildren and acting as George Washington's personal secretary. Residing in Washington's house, Lear's status quickly elevated beyond secretary to Washington's right hand man. Lear's friendship with Washington continued during Washington's presidency as the two would often dine alone together. In 1799, Washington unexpectedly died while Lear was visiting him in Mount Vernon. It is Lear's famous diary entry that describes Washington's final hours and details the President's last words, "Tis well."

Lear would commit suicide by pistol on October 11, 1816. The reasons for his suicide are unknown.

This manuscript letter, dated September 18, 1816, was written less than one month prior to Lear's suicide. Addressed to Colonel Jessup at New Orleans, the letter was written by Lear in his role as accountant for the War Department. It concerns the payment of troops and mentions General Andrew Jackson, whose famous victory at the Battle of New Orleans the previous year was the high point of the War of 1812. It is signed "Tobias Lear." $1200.00

Major-General during the War of the Revolution, Quartermaster-General of the Continental Army until 1778. An early and ardent supporter of the Revolution, he was Washington's first aide-de-camp. Governor of Pennsylvania 1790-1799. Large (too large to completely fit on our scanner bed) parchment Pennsylvania land document dated December 10, 1794, giving control of 1,100 acres in Northumberland County to William Bingham. Signed by Mifflin as Governor. $850.00

Jurist, Continental Congressman and US Senator from Connecticut. 1792 manuscript document written and signed by Mitchell authorizing payment to the town of Guilford for the support of "Philip Riley a transient person." An interesting early example of social welfare, with the state of Connecticut paying for the support of a homeless citizen. $350.00