American Revolutionary, pamphleteer, author and agitator. Author of Common Sense, The Rights of Man, and The Age of Reason. He was a driving force between both the American and French Revolutions. Splendid third-person note written entirely by Paine in his own hand, with an autograph address panel. Signed "Mr. Paine of America" at the commencement, the note is a polite request for an "interview" with renowned Irish playwright RICHARD B. SHERIDAN (1751-1816), author School for Scandal among others. Sheridan served as member of Parliament for Stafford from 1780-1812. Sheridan was an influential Whig, and a friend of the American colonists at the time of the American Revolution. It was this sympathy that likely prompted Paine's visit. The only date is "Monday," but the note was probably written between 1787-1789 when Paine was living in England. Interesting and very rare. In a famous letter to General Nathaniel Greene, Paine once wrote "Thank God nobody can publish my letters after I am dead for I write none and in the present uncertainty of conveyance I feel determined to write none. Thus much by way of apology for not writing sooner." Our experience matches Paine's admission that his letters are very, very few and far between, and not many remain in private hands. $15,000*

American politican, noted for his intellectual demeanor, elegant speech and promotion of liberal causes for the Democratic Party. He was the 31st Governor of Illinois and received the Democratic Party's nomination for President of the United States in 1952 and 1956. He was defeated both times by Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower. He sought the Democratic Presidential nomiination for a third time in 1960 but was defeated by Senator John F. Kennedy. Kennedy would appoint Stevenson as the Ambassador to the United Nations.

Measuring 19.5" x 14", this museum quality framed image of Stevenson shows him behind a bank of microphones. The image is captioned at the bottom saying "Gesturing ruefully after defeat, Adlai Stevenson says, "I have not communicated successfully." The photo is autographed beneath the microphones and signed, "Adlai E. Stevenson." $250*

Governor of Illinois, twice a Democratic nominee for U.S. President (1952 and 1956) and one of the leading political figures of the mid-Twentieth Century. This typewritten letter, dated January 16, 1956, is on the personal stationary of Adlai E. Stevenson which includes his address of 231 So. La Salle Street, Chicago. It is intended for a Mrs. Wm. Peter Veuve of Menlo Park, California. Stevenson is obviously a friend of Mrs. Veuve's as he addresses her in the letter by her first name, Styleta. Stevenson thanks her for a previous letter which was received the previous November but "somehow went astray here in the office." It is signed, "Adlai E. Stevenson." $125*

Architect, inventor. Designed the US Capitol and the Library Company of Philadelphia building. Served from 1802 until his death as Superintendent of the United States Patent Office. Manuscript document dated June 12, 1824, concerning the sale of a parcel of land in Washington DC, Signed on both the front and back by Thornton as Justice of the Peace. $525.00*

Merchant, entrepreneur, traveler, author, eccentric. Jules Verne's Around the World in 80 Days was said to have been patterned on one of Train's adventures. Brief poem, written and signed by Train and dated "Xmas '99." "Ah well! The World is discreet/ There are many who pause and wait/ But here is a man who plants his feet/ Sometimes in advance of fate! Geo. Francis Train, Madison Square." $225.00*

United States merchant, religious leader, civic and political leader and considered by many as the father of modern advertising and a "pioneer in marketing." Typewritten and signed letter on the "Private Office" stationary of John Wanamaker and dated March 24, 1916. Addressed to Mr. H. E. Paisley of Philadelphia, PA, Wanamaker discusses his feelings regarding the direction of the Brotherhood of Andrew and Philip, a Protestant men's service and prayer organization. He continues by saying that he has chosen to end his association with the organization and "go quietly on in my own way and not disturb the Andrew and Philip procession from going on with the great role that they had chosen for themselves." Signed with his trademark autograph, "John Wanamaker." $195.00*

American Revolutionary Statesman, First President of the State of New Hampshire, as well as Chief Justice of the state Superior Court. Large, partially printed document appointing Nathaniel Emerson a colonel in the state militia, dated Christmas Day, December 25, 1784. Even brown age toning, and boldly signed "M Weare." $2500.00*

Patriot activist, a leader of the New York City Sons of Liberty, later appointed Mayor. Continental Army Colonel, commanded US forces in the Mohawk Valley 1780-1783. After the war, he was a prominent Anti-Federalist and opponent of the ratification of the US Constitution. Partially printed order dated August 17, 1784, for the "Sheriff of the City of New-York" to take Joseph Rose into custody. Signed on the reverse by Willett, as Sheriff. $135.00*

Son of Declaration of Independence Signer Oliver Wolcott, friend and ally of Alexander Hamilton, who Wolcott succeeded as US Secretary of the Treasury under President Washington 1795-1800. Governor of Connecticut 1817-1827. Letter dated September 15, 1800, and addressed to Robert Goodloe Harper (1765-1825), a veteran of the Revolution, serving under General Nathanael Greene at the age of fifteen, and a Major-General during the War of 1812. At the time of Wolcott's writing, Harper was serving as a Federalist US Congressman for South Carolina. The letter concerns the ship "Snow Ranger" and her liability to American customs duties. Signed by Wolcott as Secretary of the Treasury. $295.00

Call about other examples of Wolcott, Jr.

Patriot activist, early member of the Philadelphia Committee of Correspondence. President of the Council of Safety 1776, and President of Pennsylvania 1777-1778. Pay order for 12 pounds made out to John Smith for ten days expenses and services, for himself and his horse. Revolutionary War-dated July 9, 1777, and signed by Wharton as President of Pennsylvania, the equivalent of Governor at the time. $575.00*

The London Chronicle Thursday March 3, 1774. Page 2 has several reports headed "America" that includes a note that "A gentleman that left Boston the 20th inst. informs us, that the day before his departure several casks of tea were burnt..." Eight pages of various news of the day including ads. Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4, partial red ink tax stamp on page 2. Few minor margin tears, very nice condition. $150.00*

The London Chronicle Thursday September 21, 1775. Page 2 includes election results from the Boston Gazette followed by "... three letters from General Washington's Aide de Camp & Secretary to their friend in Philadelphia." A full page of American Revolution News is followed by 1 1/2 pages describing Philadelphia as noted by one Rev. Mr. Burnaby who visited in 1759 and 60. Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4 inches. Very nice, clean condition. $150.00*

The London Chronicle Tuesday October 24, 1775. Following an account of the righteous indignation expressed by a loyalist against those "... of such dissatisfied tempers, and such lawless betrayers of their country..." are reports of fighting in Canada and war time intrigue involving letters from one Mr. Sayre seized by the Secretary's Office from a ship bound for America. Further on is an unsigned mini biography of George Washington from one of his admirers. Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4 inches. Very nice, clean condition. $150.00*

The London Chronicle Thursday November 23, 1775. Front page news includes a report of fifteen of the King's soldiers confiscating a printing press in Norfolk, in Virginia. Despite a crowd numbered in the hundreds the soldiers proceeded "...without meeting with the least molestation...". Lottery results precedes a full page letter signed by A Frankelein calling for a "...speedy, absolute, and eternal separation of the whole continent of America from Great Britain." Also included in this issue is a report that Col. Arnold provided advice to General Washington regarding the Canadian front. Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4 inches. Very nice, clean condition. $150.00

The London Chronicle Saturday November 25, 1775. Amongst the reports of General Washington's troops success in a night action against General Burgoyne's troops and South Carolina militia activity is a gem headlined "BON MOT of Mrs. Thrale." Upon being asked by a Frenchman when she thought the Americans would be conquered, Mrs. Thrale replied, in part, "When America belonged to the French, the English found no difficulty in subduing it; but now that it is defended by our Countrymen, the task of conquering is not so easy." Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4 inches. Very nice, clean condition. $150.00

The London Chronicle Saturday December 7, 1776. Between the notice about the creation of the American Articles of Confederation and An Ordinance of the State of Pennsylvania declaring what shall be considered the crime and punishment of Treason against the State signed in type by B. Franklin, you can read of the mandatory instructions sent to the Howes preventing any concessions to the Americans until they lay down their arms. Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4 inches. Very nice, clean condition. $150.00

The London Chronicle Tuesday July 18, 1780. Tumult in London accompanied by an account alleging George Washington's threat to resign unless accommodations are made to Great Britain to end this folly of war. Hard times indeed for the British ruling class. Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4 inches. Very nice, clean condition. $150.00

Governor of Connecticut, US Congressman. His "Foote Resolution" in Congress in 1829 sparked Daniel Webster to remark "Liberty and Union, one and inseparable, now and forever," as the resolution was debated, igniting the famous Hayne-Webster Debate on the nature of the Federal Union. Three-page manuscript letter in Foote's hand to an unknown correspondent from Connecticut. Fantastic and important content concerning ongoing issues of Federal land policy, a very hot topic as Western expansion and settlement was beginning to boom. He makes particular mention of the reverberations of the recently passed Missouri Compromise. "The Missouri Question seems now to engross public attention, & will probably soon engage the attention of Congress & I fear not only engross the attention, but consume too much of this short session." A rare find, offering an insider's glimpse into the political turmoil in the Congress as lines began to be drawn between slave and free states, along the road to civil war. $550.00*

American Revolutionary, Continental Congressman for New Hampshire. Brigadier General of New Hampshire Militia at the beginning of the Revolution, he served at the Siege of Boston and planned the march on Ticonderoga. Partially printed sheriff's warrant to take into custody one Richard Smith, of Folsom's home town of Exeter, in an affair over debt default. Dated January 2, 1787, and signed "Nath. Folsom" as Justice of the Peace. $350.00*

American statesman, US Senator, 16th Governor of New York, 26th US Secretary of State, serving for most of President Grant's administration. He was Grant's longest-serving cabinet officer, and in a role that was considered at the time to be second in importance only to the president. Manuscript letter on State Department stationery, written entirely in Fish's hand, date April 18, 1873. Fish is acknowledging a letter he had received from William H. Nunn of New York, containing admiration and praise for President Grant. Fish mentions having read the letter to Grant, and passes along the president's appreciation of the kind words regarding "his character & his career." Signed "Hamilton Fish." $140.00*

Federalist, US Consul to Cadiz, first Auditor of the US Treasury (appointed by George Washington). Letter written and signed by Harrison, dated June 3, 1803, to New York lawyer and jurist PETER van SCHAACK (1747-1832). Terrific political content concerning the famous libel case of HARRY CROSWELL (1778-1858), Federalist editor of the aptly-named New York Wasp, who had attacked President Thomas Jefferson in print. As a result, he was being sued for libel under New York law by Jefferson's Democratic Republicans.

In an interesting stroke of poetic irony, Croswell was helped in his defense by Arch-Federalist Alexander Hamilton, who is mentioned in this letter. When the Federalists where in power, Hamilton had supported the enactment of the Sedition Act, which essentially made criticism of the government illegal. Now that a Federalist editor was under a similar attack, he changed his tune and became an ardent defender of free speech. Jefferson himself had normally been a supporter of free speech, but selectively prosecuted his Federalist critics once in power.
In the letter, Harrison suggests various strategies for Croswell to employ, including arguing that state courts did not have jurisdiction over a libel case involving the US President, as well as suggesting that the defense should provide evidence to support the claims for which he was being tried. This would put the judge and plaintiff in a catch-22 situation, in that to refuse to accept such evidence "will establish that the Truth of the charge is no protection to the printer; & how the staunch opponents of the Gag-Law can avow that doctrine, I must own that I am at a loss to discover." The "Gag Law" was a popular term for the Sedition Act opposed so vigorously by Jefferson's party. Fantastic and very rare political content from the innermost circle of the Federalist Party as they do battle with the ascendant Jeffersonion Republicans. Full transcript provided. $1595.00*

Hired as an attorney for the New York Central Railroad, he ultimately became president of the company and later held the position of Senator from New York. Typewritten letter, dated December 14, 1915, on the personal letterhead of Chauncey M. Depew discussing his memories of a former classmate named James Otis Denniston. Signed "Chauncey M. Depew. $140.00*

Original two dollar note from the November 2, 1776 issue, just a few short months after Independence was declared. Archivally framed with a window on the reverse of the note, and with a copy of Archibald Willard's "Spirit of '76" painting, done in 1876 and originally titled "Yankee Doodle." A lovely item from the year of American Independence, ready to hang. $450.00*

Original Confederate $100.00 bill printed by Keatinge & Ball of South Carolina. Beautifully engraved $100.00 Confederate States bill printed in red and black on very fine paper. Decorated with engraved images of John C. Calhoun, and a vignette of slaves hoeing cotton. Hand-numbered in red ink 65298, and hand-dated November 21, 1862. A fine and attractive CS item. $145.00*

US Congressman and Senator from Maine, a founder of the Republican Party, Secretary of State under James Garfield and Benjamin Harrison. Despite his fame as an orator, he was defeated by Grover Cleveland for the presidency in 1884. Signature on card, "J. G. Blaine, MC." $95.00*

William Birch engraved a series of 29 plates entitled, "Views of Philadelphia." Dating back to 1799, these plates are of great historical significance in that they provide a visual record of Philadelphia's buildings, streets and inhabitants during a period when the city, not only the nation's capital, was the most important and cosmopolitan city in the Western Hemisphere.

Some of the Philadelphia buildings featured in Birch's series of engravings are the State House, Chestnut Street Theatre, Pennsylvania Hospital, Bank of the United States (later known as Girard's Bank) as well as views of Arch, Market, Chestnut and Second Streets.

While many individuals were involved in the production of this series of engravings, including Birch's son Thomas, the actual prints were the work of Birch himself. He conceived and planned the project, drew many of the scenes and did most of the engraving and printing.The full set of engravings were published in a book titled, The City of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, North America; as It Appeared in the Year 1800.

This museum quality frame measures 16.5" x 18.5" and displays Birch's engraving titled, "South East Corner of Third and Market Streets," plate number 8 in the series. The building at the corner was called "Cooke's Folly," built around 1792 by Joseph Cooke, goldsmith and jeweler. In the engraving, street vendors are seen selling meat, produce and other goods. The landmark Indian King tavern appears on the far left. $595.00*

Scholar, Financier, President of the Second Bank of the United States. Biddle and his bank were the target of Andrew Jackson's "Bank War," a political struggle that Jackson won and that cost the bank its charter. Beautifully engraved order of the Bank of the United States for 50 pounds sterling, dated June 21, 1838, and made out to F.W. Porter. Signed by Biddle as bank president. $350.00*

Patriot activist, Quaker, warm personal friend of George Washington. As an officer in the Continental Army, he served at the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Germantown, Brandywine, and Monmouth. Later appointed US Marshal of Pennsylvania by Washington. 3-page legal-size manuscript document concerning a dispute over payment of a bill. Signed "Clement Biddle," in his capacity as a notary public, and set with a beautiful impression of Biddle's wax and paper notary public seal. $495.00*

 Beautiful engraved admission ticket for the great International Exhibition held in Philadelphia to celebrate
the centennial of the United States in 1876. Individually serial numbered and in fine condition. A scarce and interesting souvenir of the centennial. $75.00*

2nd US President, Member of the Continental Congress for Massachusetts, early and vocal advocate for the Declaration of Independence. Adams was instrumental in negotiating the treaty ending the War of the Revolution. Adams has written 12 lines in Greek, undated, concerning the Ionian Confederacy, transcribed from Herodotus's history of the Persian Wars, Book 1, Chapter 141. The text concerns the conquest of Lydia by the Persians, when the Ionians and Aeolians belatedly offered their allegiance to the conqueror Cyrus. An annoyed Cyrus in turn relates a fable, the moral of which hints at the dangers inherent in waiting too long to submit to Persian rule. The only portion of the document written in English is the heading "The Ionian Confederacy. Herodutus. Lib. 1. c. 141." Like most of the founding fathers, John Adams was the product of a classical education, spanning Latin school in his teens through classical studies at Harvard in early adulthood. Being able to read the Greek and Latin classics in the original, and to pepper letters and conversation with appropriate quotations from the same, were the marks of a cultivated mind in the eighteenth-century. Also included is a smaller four-word Greek quotation written by Adams, and set with a beautiful impression of his "JA" seal in red wax above. Examples of presidential autograph material in any language except English are exceedingly rare. A fine and attractive pair of documents, offering insight into the intellectual world of one of the most significant of the founding fathers. A translation is provided.