“Bigfoot” in 1831…

February 4, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 
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This article appeared in the “New Hampshire Gazette“, Portsmouth, on February 15, 1831. Apparently “bigfoot” legends have been around for many years:

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The Civil War… 150 years ago… February 1, 1862…

February 1, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 
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An ongoing reflection on the Civil War… 150 years prior to this post…

On February 1, 1862, the following issues were all held… and read… by those living during the American Civil War.  Feelings of fear, sorrow, and uncertainty were prevalent as readers searched for news which would provide a glimmer of hope that loved ones would be safe, the greater good would prevail, and soon all would be well.  Experience a glimpse of their world as you browse through the following:

Original Newspapers Read On February 1, 1862

“History is never more fascinating than when it’s read from the day it was first reported.”, Timothy Hughes, 1976

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John Wilkes Booth appears at Ford’s Theater, in 1863…

January 30, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 
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The November 4, 1863 issue of the “Daily National Intelligencer” contains a curious and ironic bit of reporting, page 2 containing a lengthy report on the appearance of the distinguished son of Junius Brutus Booth–John Wilkes–at the new Ford’s Theatre in Washington. The next column contains an innocuous letter signed in type by the President: A. Lincoln.

The facing page includes an advertisement for “Ford’s New Theatre!” noting the appearance for the: “…first and only time…the distinguished tragedian, MR. J. WLKES BOOTH in Schiller’s great master piece, the Robbers…”.

Of course no one could have suspected the tragic connection between these two famous names which appeared on the same page in the same newspaper, some one and one-half years before fate would find their names on the same page once again:

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“Snake oil” advertisements…

January 28, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 
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Various patent medicine advertisements were all the rage in the late 19th century, and it seems they were more prevalent in Western rather than Eastern newspapers. This one (below) appears in the July 7, 1880 issue of “The Deseret News” from Salt Lake City:

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The Civil War… 150 years ago… January 25, 1862…

January 25, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 
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Today we continue our look back on the Civil War as reported within the newspapers held by those living during the Civil War… 150 years ago to-date (of this post). While many of the issues shown below are no longer available for sale, reading a snap-shot of what was printed for the given day will hopefully provide a glimpse of life during the critical period in American history. Each link shown will take you to the full description w/ images of authentic issues which were held by those living during the Civil War. Today’s selections are:

Small front page map…
THE NEW YORK HERALD, January 25, 1862 * Battle of Mill Springs, Kentucky * General George H. Thomas The first column on the front page has a very small map headed: “Sketch of the Battle Field & Its Vicinity”, with related heads at the top of the column: “The Battle Of Mill Spring” “The Rebels Overcome by the Superior Fighting of the Union Troops”. Plus there are other one column heads on the front page including: “The Capture of Biloxi” “News From Central Kentucky” “The Burnside Expedition” “North Carolina Rebels in a Flutter” “News From Missouri” and more.
1862 Cedar Keys, Florida…
NEW YORK DAILY TRIBUNE, NY, January 25, 1862 * Cedar Keys, Florida * General George Burnside This Genuine newspaper has a Wealth of Civil War reporting from during Abraham Lincoln’s administration. Among the one column headlines on the Civil War are: * LATE NEWS FROM SOUTHERN SOURCES * The Rebels Hear From Kentucky * THE BURNSIDE EXPEDITION * Rebel Alarm And Uncertainty * DRAFTING IN NORTH CAROLINA * Cedar Keys Captured by Union Forces and more. Complete in eight pages.
South Carolina… Civil War…
CHARLESTON DAILY COURIER, Charleston, South Carolina, January 25, 1862 * Rare confederate issue Printed in the dateline is: “Confederate States Of America” which is rarely found on Southern newspapers. Front page war reports include: “From Richmond” “Latest Northern News–Battle Of Fishing Creek–Probable Total Failure Of The Burnside Expedition–Nine Of The Vessels Lost–700 Yankee Troops Lost” & “The War in Kentucky” “Second Great Victory–The Enemy’s Entrenchments Attacked & Forced–The Stars & Stripes Waving over the Federal Fortifications–The Rebels Driven to the River–Large number of Prisoners & Heavy Losses–Zollicoffer’s Body in our Possession–Bailie Peyton, Jr. Killed.” Other minor war reports throughout, plus various ads and notices. The bkpg. has a war-related poem: “My Maryland”.
‘Little Mac Out Again’ which shows McClellan on horseback…

HARPER’S WEEKLY, NY, January 25, 1862 This issue features a nice full frontpage illustration entitled ‘Little Mac Out Again’ which shows McClellan on horseback. A fullpage features two halfpage illustrations ‘Fort Holt, Kentucky, Opposite Cairo’ and ‘Commodore Foote’s Gun-Boate Flotilla on the Mississippi’. A fullpage “Bird’s-eye View of the Vessels Composing the Burnside Expedition at Fortress Monroe, and Showing Norfolk and Its Approaches”. A halfpage “Map Showing Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds, and the Approaches to Norfolk From the South”. A very nice double page centerfold ‘Grand Reception at the White House, January, 1862’ shows Lincoln & many from the military. A half page “Embarkation of Part of General Burnside’s Expedition at Annapolix, on Board the ‘Hussar'” and a nearly half page “Execution of private Lanahan, of the Regular Army, for Murder, at Washington”. A full page “Birds-Eye View of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Its Approaches”. A 1/3 page “War Map, Showing the Theatre of Operations of the Mississippi Expedition and General Buell’s Army. The back page features two political cartoons.

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The Traveler… wanted for murder… new regulations established…

January 23, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 
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Today I journeyed to The Post Boy dated January 24, 1712 where I found there was a “wanted” man. The back page of this singlesheet newspaper was clearing the air on the false reports of the escape of Mr. Mackartney to Holland, “for he has never been on that side of the Water since the Murder he committed…” This continued with a Royal Proclamation being issued for his capture along with the a 300 pound reward as he had been found to have committed the murder of James Duke of Hamilton and Brandon, and also with aiding and assisting the Lord Mohun to commit the murder of the Duke.

While researching this incident further, I found the following information through Wikipedia… “In 1712, two years after Mohun’s Whig party had been heavily defeated in an election, the Duke of Hamilton was given the post of special envoy to Paris. Also at this time Mohun’s legal dispute with Hamilton over his inheritance of the Macclesfield estate was going badly. Shortly before Hamilton left for France, Mohun challenged him to a duel which was fought on 15 November in Hyde Park. Hamilton was killed during the fight by Mohun’s second, George MacCartney, after he had mortally wounded Mohun during the duel; Mohun died from his wounds shortly afterwards. This bloody duel was made immortal by William Makepeace Thackeray in his novel The History of Henry Esmond. The injuries suffered by the two men were so horrific that the government passed legislation banning the use of seconds in such duels. Also as a result swords were replaced as the weapons of choice in duel by the pistol, which tended to result in shorter and less bloody fights.”

Enjoy!

~The Traveler

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The prisoner left with them…

January 21, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 
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An interesting legal case reported in the “Harper’s Weekly” issue of May 7, 1859:

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The Civil War… 150 years ago… January 18, 1862…

January 18, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 
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Today we continue our look back on the Civil War as reported within the newspapers held by those living during the Civil War… 150 years ago to-date (of this post). While many of the issues shown below are no longer available for sale, reading a snap-shot of what was printed for the given day will hopefully provide a glimpse of life during the critical period in American history. Each link shown will take you to the full description w/ images of authentic issues which were held by those living during the Civil War. Today’s selections are:

Rare Confederate title…
DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Richmond, Virginia, January 18, 1862 Not only is this a nice newspaper from the Confederacy, but it is from the Confederate capital. The Front page has: “The War In South Carolina” and: “Notes Of The War–The North Growing Sick of the War–The New York Tribune Thinks it Time the War Were Brought to a Close” with other subheads including: “Great Battles” “The Northern War Patriots…” “The War in Kentucky–Plans of the enemy…” “The War In Missouri–The Situation”. War-related coverage continues to page 2 with : “The Latest Northern News–Movements & Spirit of the War” “The Northern Congress–Discussion on the Negro Question–Lovejoy’s Declaration of War Against Great Britain” “Revocation of Commissions in the Army” “Appointment of Brigadier-Generals” and other items. Page 3 has reports from the Virginia Legislature and “The Cores”, “City Intelligence”, a few small war-related items, and some ads. Page 2 also features some nice editorial content, always interesting reading in this newspaper as the editor was rabidly anti-North. He begins with: “The resignation & honorable exile of Cameron, that synonym of corruption, is a significant event. It is the signal of the open disruption of the united North into two factions…” with more…
From Confederate New Orleans…
THE DAILY DELTA, New Orleans, Louisiana, January 18, 1862 * Rare confederate title from the deep South Truly Confederate newspapers from New Orleans are very difficult to find, as Admiral Farragut entered the mouth of the Mississippi in mid-April, 1862 and finally took New Orleans on April 28. Shortly thereafter Benjamin Butler moved in and took control of the city which surrendered without a fight. So “Confederate” issues from New Orleans are limited to those published between Louisiana’s secession from the Union on January 26, 1861 and the end of April, 1862, just a brief 15 month period. Front page war-related item include: “What the Morning Journals Say” which begins: “The Crescent speaks of the many theories put forth by the Lincolnites to account for their defeats in the present war–every one as far from the truth as the North will ever be from conquering the South if the war should last a century…”. Also: “Letters From Baton Rouge” which takes over a full column. And: “From The Seat of War In Virginia”. There are additional war-related items on pages 2 & 3 also with most of the bkpg. taken up with ads. Among the ftpg. ads is an illustrated one for; “Negroes For Sale”…
A rare Confederate title…
WESTERN SENTINEL, Winston, North Carolina, January 18, 1862 This is a very rare title from the Confederacy. According to Brigham only four institutions in the United States have any holdings of this title from the Civil War, most just a few scattered issues. The American Antiquarian Society has no issues recorded from this era. Nice content in this issue, as the ftpg. has: “Letter from G. W. Brownlow–His Treatment” while in prison (see photos). Also: “The Missouri Swamp Fox which is on General M. Jeff. Thompson; plus: “Bishop Hughes in Favor of the Confederate States”. Pg. 2 has more Civil War news with: “The Election: “Departure of Troops” “The News” which has many war reports; also: “Northern News” “Then and Now” “Re-Enlistment” and “Drafting Soldiers”. The war reporting continues on pg. 3 with: “Latest News–Suspension of Yankee Banks” “French Man of War Fired Into” “From the West” “The Financial Bull Run” “A Consoling Belief” “Prosperity of the South” “A Yankee Sermon” and more. The war coverage continues on the bkpg. as well with: “Why the Federals do not Advance in South Carolina” among other items. Ads on the bkpg. as well. Complete in 4 pages, scattered foxing throughout, a minor pg. 2 archival mend near the bottom, generally quite nice. Measures about 11 1/2 by 17 1/2 inches. An opportunity for not only a very rare Confederate title, but one with extensive war content.
1862 New York City Newspaper… General Burnside… General Doubleday…
THE EVENING POST, New York, January 18, 1862 * Major Abner Doubleday made General – General Burnside and much more * Original Civil War era complete issue on cotton & rag paper * The War Against Slavery, Abraham Lincoln’s War, the 2nd War For Independence This 4 page newspaper is in nice condition (except for little margin wear & tear) due to the use of cotton and rag paper during this very historic time in U.S. history. This issue is very large in size (unusual). It measures 30 x 26 inches and loaded with advertisements and Civil War reports throughout from the day it was first reported.
Winslow Homer…  Burnside’s Expedition…
Harper’s WEEKLY, Jan. 18, 1862 Ftpg. shows; ‘Fort Royal Ferry, Scene of the Battle of First Jan.’ & ‘Scene in the Parlor of Mr. Barnwell’s House at Beaufort, S.C.’ shows a Black family lounging & playing the piano. Fullpg: ‘The Vessels of Gen. Burnside’s Expedition at Annapolis’ halfpg: ‘The War In Va.–A Reconnaissance in a Laurel Brake’ ‘ & ‘Bringing In Rebel Prisoners’ & ‘The Union Prisoners at Richmond, Va.’dblpgctrfld: ‘The City of Richmond, Va.’ fullpg. by Winslow Homer: ‘The Skating Season’

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One collector’s passion…

January 16, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 
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Old newspapers are not only great “stand alone” collectibles, but many collect them to be used as companion pieces to a separate primary interest.  A fellow collector recently obtained what would normally have been considered a rather nondescript issue of Harper’s Weekly.  However, after reading his note, I was reminded of the breadth of our favorite pass-time… rare & early newspapers.  Please enjoy his story:

Hello, Guy…

I received the above order this past Saturday [a Harper’s Weekly, November 12, 1904, from New York, with “A Bird’s-Eye View of New York’s Rapid Transit Plans for the Future” by H. M. Pettit].  Ordinarily, I would not go to this length to confirm receipt of your fine products, but this is about a unique affair…something very different for me, and one – quite honestly – I never imagined would “come true”.

As you know, I’ve been studying the history of New York’s original Pennsylvania Station for many years now, and these studies have taken me on some incredible “journeys” through the land of (original) archival documents that have, some how, survived the “test of time”.  I purchased one of your portfolios because what I recently acquired is so exceptional, it deserves a special place to reside in my archive.

Earlier this month, I inadvertently came upon an issued/cancelled stock certificate that is directly related to the construction of Pennsylvania Station…undeniably the most distinctive “find” I’ve made since I first pursued this subject years ago.  What I actually found was a PDF link to the pages of a Spink Smythe auction catalog (pictured below, as Lot #516), the event having taken place in February 2010…Spink, with offices worldwide, specializes in rare stocks, bonds, and paper currency.

The significance of this document is that the Pennsylvania, New York & Long Island Rail Road was one of two “pioneering” ventures (the other being the Pennsylvania, New Jersey & New York Railroad) created in 1902 by the Pennsylvania Railroad to basically enact the provisions of its franchise agreement with the City of New York to build Penn Station and its sub-river tunnels, uniting Manhattan (by rail) with mainland America.  These two small railroads – with a combined length of less than 20 miles – were consolidated in 1907 to form one operating authority, the Pennsylvania Tunnel & Terminal Railroad.  Given the short “lifespan” and relatively low profile of these two railroads during the years of Penn Station’s construction, any documents pertaining to their existence (that have survived to this day) are very scarce.

I’ve had previous – though limited – experience with the Spink auction house, so I immediately “launched” an investigation into this document, and learned it did not sell at this February 2010 auction!  Within a week or so, I made contact with a Spink official (in London, their corporate location) who not only confirmed the status of this item at that auction, but referred me to its consignee, to whom Spink returned the unsold certificate.

Not knowing what I was “in for” from this point onward, I telephoned the consignee, only to discover he is a reputable vendor of stock certificates and bank notes in New Hampshire…extremely knowledgeable, and an absolute pleasure to do business with.  I’m sure – privately – he couldn’t believe somebody was calling him (from California, no less!) about a certificate that didn’t sell at auction so long ago, but we, nonetheless, had a wonderful conversation.  Lo and behold, after briefly searching his inventory (of Spink returns), he called me back to say he found the certificate I was interested in.  He offered it to me at a good price, and I now have this most incredible document (previously, a “distant”, digitized image from a nearly two-year-old catalog) in my possession.

While the “railroad-related” signatures and seals on the certificate are “chock-full” of history (and worth everything to me), an unexpected “bonus” surfaced when the vendor made note of the individual to whom this stock was issued…Clement A. Griscom.  He suggested this person might be worth researching, so – while I awaited the certificate’s arrival – I did just that!  Born 1841 in Philadelphia (died in 1912), Clement Griscom – pictured in his

1899 portrait above – was not your “everyday” stockholder, but, rather, a prominent shipping magnate…President of the International Navigation (steamship) Company.  In 1902, he engaged Pierpont (J.P.) Morgan to finance the merger of International Navigation with five additional steamship lines, including a portion of Holland America, and the White Star Line (of Titanic fame).  The Pennsylvania Railroad also retained Mr. Griscom as a director in their Northeast region for many years.

To set this monumental document before you is nothing short of dazzling…printed on watermarked (almost parchment-like) paper, the graphics are precise and impeccably executed.  Handwritten inscriptions, such as Clement Griscom’s name and a date (July 1, 1902) – presumably entered by a secretary – and two signatures along the bottom, are all in black (fountain pen) ink, and very legible.  The legendary Vice President of the Pennsylvania Railroad, Samuel Rea, signed the certificate to the right, and a very curious Treasurer’s signature – that of eminent 50-year PRR veteran “T {Taber} Ashton – pictured below, graces the left hand corner.

Adjacent to Mr. Ashton’s signature is the “wonder of it all”…a perfectly-embossed seal of the Pennsylvania, New York & Long Island Rail Road, whose name encircles the words, “New York 1902”.  On the reverse side of this certificate [IMG 0095] is another set (“trio”) of beautiful graphics that were intended to be “showcased” when the document was folded in “thirds”.  Fortunately, it was never folded, which certainly enhances its value and charm.  The certificate looks wonderful in the portfolio…a perfect place to keep it for future reference, and to ensure its posterity.

As always…many thanks…

Ed

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A gem in the American Antiquarian Society… The Michigan Essay…

January 14, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 
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In celebration of its 20oth anniversary the American Antiquarian Society published a beautiful  exhibition catalog titled “In Pursuit Of A Vision – Two Centuries of Collecting at the American Antiquarian Society”. Featured are a fascinating array of books, documents, maps & other paper ephemera, as well as several very rare & unusual newspapers we felt worthy of sharing with our Rare & Early Newspapers’ collectors (with permission from the A.A.S.).

“Michigan Essay; or, The Impartial Observer“, Detroit Michigan, August 31, 1809

Isaiah Thomas devoted substantial space in The History of Printing in America (Cat.9) to a history of American serial publications, closing with an eight-page census of newspapers “Published in the United States in the beginning of the year 1810.” Thomas sought help in its compilation in March 1810 by placing a widely reprinted notice in The Massachusetts Spy, requesting publishers “to forward one or two of their papers … that the right titles of their several Newspapers, may be correctly inserted.” Many responded, and the newspaper issues sent to Thomas were later donated to AAS.

This example — the first and only extant issue of the first Michigan newspaper — arrived too late for inclusion in Thomas’s checklist. The manuscript notation on the side reads, “Utica, (N.Y.) Aug. 3d 1810. Mr. Thomas, Sir I send you this paper printed by a friend of mine to insert in your ‘History of Printing.’ If he sees your advertisement, he will send more, perhaps of a later date. Your obt. Servt. C.S. McConnell.” The Michigan Essay was printed by James M. Miller on Michigan’s first press, brought to Detroit from Baltimore in 1809 by Father Gabriel Richard. Most of the text is in English, but a few articles and advertisements are in French.

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