lincoln letter auction

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012 • 11:00 AMwww.SullivanSonAuction.com

Great Historic Auction

Starting at 11:00 a.m. sharp selling Pre-Civil War antiques & collectibles also JFK & FDR memorabilia, coins, early baseball cards, etc.Lincoln Letter to be sold at 12:00 noon.Followed by Robert E. Lee and Mary Anna Curtis Lee signed CDVs, other Civil War items and finishing up with early documents such as 18th and 19th century newspapers and legal papers.Previewing available Friday, July 27, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Doors open at 7:00 a.m. sale day.For further information, contact Will Sullivan at 217-242-4503.

ABSOLUTE AUCTION NO MINIMUMS OR RESERVES

NO BUYERS' PREMIUM FOR ON-SITE BUYERS!The information contained in this advertising is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Sullivan & Son Auction, LLC is NOT guaranteeing any item. We have taken extreme diligence in explor-ing the background of each item. However, everything is being sold AS-IS and all sales will be final. Potential buyers should examine the items prior to bidding and use their own judgement as to the age and authenticity. All bidders must have a photo ID when registering to receive a "Buyers Card". This process will be videotaped. Payment may be made by cash or check.

MIKE SULLIVAN IL LIC. #440.000469

1995 E CR 650, PO BOX 68, CARTHAGE, ILLINOIS 62321 • 217-743-5200www.SullivanSonAuction.com [email protected]

WILL SULLIVAN IL LIC. #441.001720

SULLIVAN & SONAUCTION AND EVENTS CENTER

SALE ORDER, DISCLAIMER & TERMS

Bid & ListenPlease register to bid online 24 hours prior to sale at www.proxibid.com. accepted

Live Online

Auction to be held at Sullivan & Son Auction and Events Center located 8 miles south of Carthage, IL or 30 miles north of Quincy, IL on IL 336 Expressway (Chicago-Kansas City CKC 110 Expressway).

Sullivan & Son Auction and Events Center is a 17,000 sq. ft. multi purpose facility which is climate controlled and completely handicap accessible. Our dining area will be open throughout the day. Motel accommodations are available nearby in Quincy, IL, Keokuk, IA and Carthage, IL.

SULLIVAN & SONAUCTION AND EVENTS CENTER

LOCATION & GENERAL INFORMATION

AUCTION HERE

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HISTORY BEHIND THE LETTER

In 1864 local author and journalist Thomas Gregg of Warsaw, IL wrote a poem which he had published entitled “Ruth”. This poem, which came at the very height of the Civil War, tells the story of a grandmother who over her 80 years has seen many loved ones answer our nation’s call of duty to preserve “The American” Way of Life. She had lost loved ones in every war from the Revolutionary War to the current conflict between the states (Civil War) but still believes their sacrifice was a necessity in building and maintaining this country as “The Land Of The Free.”

This inspiring poem came at a very stressful and dark time in President Lincoln’s career so any patriotic words must have been a brief but much needed breath of fresh air.

Thomas Gregg gave this poem to his long time friend, John Hay (also from Warsaw, IL), who served as Abraham Lincoln’s secretary throughout his presidency. Hay then gave the poem to President Lincoln who read it and then sent this “Thank You” letter back to Mr. Gregg on July 2, 1864.

The Abraham Lincoln Historical Museum has examined this letter and has concluded that it is an authentic John Hay written letter signed by Abraham Lincoln, the President himself. The museum has also found this letter to be particularly exciting because the letter’s existence was never recorded thus they were unaware of its existence which is very rare because almost all letters entering or leaving the White House were recorded. The museum has scanned this letter for their archives and for a project they are currently working on called “The Complete Papers Of Abraham Lincoln Project”, international in scope and funded by federal, state, and private sources, and based in Springfield, IL.

SIGNED LINCOLN LETTER

1864 LETTER TO THOMAS GREGG, SIGNED BY ABRAHAM LINCOLN

SELLS AT 12 NOON

A copy vignette of view taken by “Vanerson & Jones Richmond” when Lee was in temporary residence in the city. Signature beneath portrait in Lee’s distinc-tive bold hand and very nice inscription dated 1867 in Mary Lee’s hand on back. Overall very good condition with few small indentions and tape peeling on back.

An autographed CDV of Mary Anna Curtis Lee from the Stonewall Art Gallery, Boude & Miley, Lexington, VA, with an inscription on the back in Mrs. Lee’s hand-writing dated May 13, 1869. Condition good with tape peeling on back.

MR. & MRS. ROBERT E. LEE AUTOGRAPHED CDVs

1867 ROBERT E. LEE AUTOGRAPHED CDV 1867 MARY CURTIS LEE AUTOGRAPHED CDV

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THESE ITEMS WILL BE SOLD AS A PAIR.

Letter from Major General Thomas approving a 30 day leave of absence for Captain L.L. Scott of the 84th Illinois Infantry. Dated Feb. 3, 1865. Signed by General Thomas' secretary.

MAJ. GEN. GEORGE H. THOMAS LETTER

1865 MAJOR GENERAL GEORGE H. THOMAS LETTER

The Copperheads, or the “Peace Democrats” as they preferred to be called, were a group of anti-war Democrats located in the Northern United States. The card features a vignette of an early steam locomotive and the use of a variety of fonts. These cards were made as a farce to poke fun at the south supports.

Philadelphia issue. “Kafroth”, or Alexander Hamilton Coffroth, was a leading Democrat who did join the Union Side in 1864-65. He was also one of Lincoln’s pallbearers. These cards were made as a farce to poke fun at the south supports.

ANTI-COPPERHEAD CARDS

1 1863 ANTI-COPPERHEAD SATIRICAL CARD FOR 1863 EXCURSION TO SALT MARSH

VERY RARE

2 CIRCA 1860s ANTI-COPPERHEAD SATIRICAL CARD FOR FREE PASSAGE TO SALT RIVER

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CDVs (Cartes de Visite, French for "calling card") were a type of photo card popular from 1854-1876, generally about 2.5" x 4". Many soldiers would pose for portraits and send the cards back home to their families.

CDVs

Civil War CDVs

TINTYPES

1 YOUNG UNION CIVIL WAR SOLDIER HOLDING A COLT REVOLVER2 UNION BUGLE PLAYER3 BEARDED UNION SOLDIER

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Civil War Tintypes

MISCELLANEOUS CIVIL WAR ITEMS

MANY MORE CIVIL WAR ITEMS NOT PICTURED!

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Union wreath design1 CIVIL WAR UNION BADGE MOLD

Pvt. William B. Armstrong Co. B, 102nd Infantry, Ill.

7 POWDER HORN

Rough condition2 CIVIL WAR UNION UNIFORM PATCH

Some documentation available, These items have been ex-amined by the Abraham Lincoln Library in Springfield, IL and are believed to be authentic but no guarantees available. Please be your own judge.

5 ABRAHAM LINCOLN SUIT CLIPPINGS

3 CANNONBALL

4 CIVIL WAR MILITIA UNIFORM BUTTONS

6 CIVIL WAR DISCHARGE PAPERS

8 CIVIL WAR UNION TOKENS

PRINTS & POSTERS

39" x 29" · Painted by F.B. Carpenter · Engraved by A.H. Ritchie

1 “The First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation Before the Cabinet” antique print in frame

13" x 10½"“The Lincoln Conspirators Hanging” Reproduction Photo

Color · In ornate frame · 13" x 14½"

2 Antique Abraham Lincoln Print

"Joseph W. Fifer Republican Candidate for IL Governor" · "The J.M. Jones Stat. & Prg. Co. Chicago" · This poster is in good condition with some water damage on bottom · In new frame · 29" x 34" · Very rare

4 Original Joseph W. Fifer Campaign Poster in new frame

"From the cradle to the grave." · This shows scenes and in-cidents in the life of James A. Garfield, 20th President of the United States. · Fair condition · 22½" x 26½"

5 Antique James A. Garfield print in frame

This is a picture of the Lincoln statue in Dixon, IL as a captain in the IL Volunteers during the Black Hawk War of 1832 · 13" x 21"

3 Lincoln “Black Hawk War” Print by Hintz Sutdio, Dixon, IL (stamped in bottom left corner)

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BOOKS

"The Life & Work of Abraham Lincoln The Sixteenth President of the United States." Written by Joseph H. Barrett, translated by J.L.C. Eggers. This book was translated from the 1865 Edition in English, which included President Lincoln's death. Condition - Overall fair with some water damage, but complete.

1 1866 German Abraham Lincoln book

"A Picture Story About Abraham Lincoln and the Railroads"

5 “All Aboard, Mr. Lincoln” early comic book

Condition - Very good. This book was rebound several years ago to preserve its nice condition. 1872 and 1909 inscriptions on inside cover.

1865 “The Life and Public Services of Abraham Lincoln”First Edition by Henry J. Raymond

Condition - Very good

3 1891 “A Subtle Adversary; A Tale of Callitso County”First Edition by Charles J. Scofield

Although the book’s title insinuates otherwise, the author confesses on the inside cover that “somebody goofed” and the Mechanic Arts Essay did not get included in the book. One of a kind! Condition - Poor but completely intact. Included is old newspaper clipping explaining the book’s origin.

4 1827 “The Farmers & Mechanics Almanac”by Pattrick Leonard

6 1901 "The Illustrious Life of William McKinley Our Martyred President"7 1901 "Complete Life of William McKinley and Story of His Assassination"

Also selling several other old, local plat books.8 1981 "Plat Book of Hancock County Illinois" Alden, Ogle & Co.

Signed “JH Aulabough 1835” on front inside cover. Also inscribed “August 20th 1845 on back inside cover.Condition - Fair but completely intact

2 1649 German book “Het Dieume Aerbondt”

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NEWSPAPERS & DOCUMENTS

This English legal document was handwritten by Mrs. Bartham's attorney in London, England (on vellum). 2 pages · 27½" x 21½" · Also includes Mrs. Bartham’s “cash account ledger”

1 1863 Last Will and Testament for Mrs. Ann Bartham

Also selling several other 1833 issues

5 Thursday, March 7, 1833 “The Daily Chronicle” Newspaper

Handwritten (on vellum) near Penzance, England · 27½" x 20" · This document discusses the realease of a 20-year lease on a Penzance, England property for 8 investors.

2 1802 English legal document

4 Wednesday, August 11, 1819 “The Supporter” Newspaper

6 Saturday, October 24, 1863 “New York Herald” Newspaper

Thursday, February 12, 1863 Boston Newspaper

7 Saturday, December 1, 1866 “Vermont Journal” Newspaper

8 Thursday, January 22, 1963 “Daily Morning Chronicle” Newspaper

9 Tuesday, October 10, 1865 “The Stage” Newspaper

Friday, April 26, 1889 & Friday, January 11, 1889 “Springfield Reporter” Newspaper

3 Thursday, December 11, 1797 “Dunlap and Claypoole’s American Daily Advertifer” Newspaper

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BASEBALL CARDS

Graded - 80 EX/NM

1 1910 Davy Jones, Detroit · Piedmont Cigarettes

Graded - 50 EX/EX

2 1922 Sammy Bohne, Cincinnati · American Caramel Co.

Graded - 50 VG/EX

3 1927 Max Carey · York Caramels

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COINS

Condition - Good

1 1809 Liberty Half Cent

Condition - Good

2 1818 Liberty Large Cent

Condition - Fair




Condition - Good




Condition - Good


Condition - Good




Complete book

10 1948-1963 Franklin Halves

Book is missing 1916 and 1917-S

11 1916-1940 Walking Liberty Halves

1971, 1972 and 1974 Eisenhower Proof Dollars

Few other commemorative coins

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FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT MEMORABILIA

1 Five plates purchased at the FDR Estate Auction

2 Clear Goblet used by FDR on January 3, 1936

Fair condition · 18" x 14"

3 1934 “Hold On to the New Deal” Iowa Democratic Poster

Fair condition · 11" x 14"

4 November 5, 1940 “Vote the Democratic Ticket” Poster

5" x 7"

5 Franklin Delano Roosevelt Picture/Thermometer

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JOHN F. KENNEDY MEMORABILIA

LARGE QUANTITY OF JFK MEMORABILIA

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

Signed by Judy Garland to Margaret Jane

1 Portrait of Judy Garland by Margaret Jane Thornton

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A special thanks to James Cornelius, Ph.D. (Curator) and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum staff, Springfield, Illinois, for their professional help in identifying

numerous items on this auction.

www.SullivanSonAuction.com1995 E CR 650, PO BOX 68, CARTHAGE, ILLINOIS 62321 • 217-743-5200

SULLIVAN & SON AUCTION LLC.

1995 CR 650N • PO BOX 68 • CARTHAGE, IL 62321

PLEASE POSTRETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

1 Oak desk out of historic Warsaw, IL Hill Dodge Bank

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lincoln letter auction

Documents