Matthias William Baldwin (1795 - 1866) An American manufacturer of steam locomotives. He opened his machine shop in 1825. The business grew to become Baldwin Locomotive Works, one of the most prolific and successful locomotive manufacturing firms in America. ALS. 2 pages. Phila Feb 21st 1839. “Dear Sir, Your letter dated the 19th was duly received. It is true when the bargain was made with M. William it was expected I should receive money – equal to – and at that time the exchange was about 1 ½ peer cent for Eastern funds. We were allowed that sum ( or what – it was) and it was put in the -. On referring to the contract I find also, that the money was to be current in the Banks of Detroit. One of the Banks was -. I learn from a Gentleman just arrived from – who has been there all Winter, that Notes of –-Road & Banking Co, an - - and even more sought after – the State Bank. Though this is the case, they are not – currant out of the state. I – the notes of the - - - offered to take with the note and bear they were not as well known in other states. They were-. – this may be, is of little consequence, your object is to get your money and mine is to pay you. And that you may not be unsuccessful in you efforts. You have my consent to give whatever discount that may be – to get - -. I presume you will uses all due – to get at – at as low a rate as you can. And I hope you will under these circumstance take the best – to get exchange and not - it at the present moment, as I know a very difficult to purchase – at -. I will not – you however if you think you must have it immediately. I would remark that I - - - - money will be offered; for it was to grand against that , that the City Banks – mentioned. I would suggest that property of purchasing Flour with the money by his means; perhaps something may be saved. - - turnout as I expect, it will – my debt to your after reserving what - - regards to about 2700 dollars. This I hope soon to be able to settle, and could I now get what is due me, and will soon be hard, I can pay that, and all other debts more due. It is owing to the difficulties of collecting, that I am at all embarrassed.My liabilities have been – since you were here last Fall about Thirty Thousand dollars . My – is good, having mores to do – I can - complete in proper – with a good p of enough to help me – I am sorry your shout – determined not to fell away under orders for Copper, and hope often the offered I have made you about the note, you will reconsider you -, and continue to supply my wants. Should you so decide I hope you will write me immediately as I am in want of some, as soon as it can be made. My health is improving, and I - think I shall be able to attend to – again as usual. I have little doubt but I can give my Copper – as I have had –offer from manufacturers, - but I don’t want to make a change - cant be avoided. Let me hear from you – Yours truly, M. W. Baldwin.” Fine content and excellent condition letter for this important railroad related autograph.

(CIVIL WAR POEM). Autograph Manuscript. 3pp. 5" x 8". n.p. n.d. A lengthy autograph manuscript poem entitled "The Old Union Wagon" written during the Civil War.

The unidentified writer started with ink, but then switched to pencil in composing his work:

"In Uncle Sams dominions in 1861
The fight between Secession to the Union was begun
The South declared they'd have the 'Rights' that Uncle Sam denied
Or in Secession's wagon they'd all take a ride Chorus Hurrah for the wagon
The old Union wagon
We'll stick to our wagon & all take a ride
The makers of our Wagon were men of solid wit
They made it out of Charter Oak that wouldn't rot or split
Its wheels were of material the strongest & the best
And two were named the North & South and two the East & West
Our Wagon bed is strong enough for any revolution
In fact tis the hull of the old 'Constitution'
Her coupling strong her...long and any where you get her
No tyrants from can break her down no traitor can upset her
Now the old Union Wagon the nations all admired
Her wheels had run for four score years and never once been tired
Her passengers were happy as long her way she whirled
And the Old Union Wagon was the glory of the world
But when Old Abe took command the South wheel got displeased
Because the public fat was gone that kept her greased
And when he gathered up the reins & started on his route
She plunged into Secession & knocked some fellers out
Now while in the Secession's mire the wheel was stuck very tightly
Some lousy passengers got in & cursed the driver slightly
But Abram couldn't see it so he didn't heed the Clatter
There's too much black mud on the wheel that's what's the matter
So Abram gave them notice that in eighteen sixty three
Unless the Rebels dried it up he'd set their niggers free
And then the man that led the war to fight against our nation
Would drop his gun & home he'd run to fight against starvation
When Abram said free the slaves that furnished their supplies
It opened Northern traitors months & Southern traitors eyes
The slaves said they will run away if you this ruely freed them
But Abram guessed perhaps they best go home and oversee them
A sound our Union Wagon with shoulders to the wheel
A million soldiers...with hearts as true as steel
And of all generals high or low that helped them save the nation
There's none that strike a harder blow than General Emancipation.".

The piece has a few faults but is in generally Fine condition.

Henry I. King. ALS. 2pp. 5" x 8". Virginia. July 14 1861. An autograph letter signed Henry I. King penned just seven days before First Manassas, the first large land battle of the war: "it is Sunday morning and thinking you would like to hear from me I take this opportunity to write a few lines to you I cannot tell you where I am for I do not know the name of the Town we are in. We left Washington last Wednesday and came to Alexandria from there we went about five miles into the Enemy country where we have remained for a few days. I suppose you have read about Col. Elsworth [sic] I saw the house where he was killed his men are...now, they took five secessionists...We are about 10 miles from Fairfax Court House. Our Brigade is going to march this week we shall ahve a battle soon there are about 5000 Rebels with marked Batteries station[ed] there. We shall have some hard fighting but I feel that the God of Battle will give us the victory...Virginia is a beautiful country I could be contented to stay here...if I die for country you can feel that you had one son who was not afraid to die...". Elmer Ellsworth was the North's first martyr. A friend of Lincoln, Ellsworth saw the Rebel flag flying from a Virginia house, so he marched in and tore it down. As he came down the steps, he was shot by the house's owner and killed. The letter is in very fine condition overall with several horizontal folds. A great letter discussing the optimism of the first battle, which the Union lost.

[Confederate]. Partly-printed document assessing a muster fine. 7 ½” x 2 ¼”. Printed on blue paper. “At a Court of Enquiry and Assessment of fines, held for the second Battalion, 71st Regiment, at Spring Grove in the county of Surry, on the 23rd Nov. 1861. Ordered that Stith Spratley be fined two dollars for failing to attend Company muster, on the 14th day of September 1861.” Signed by Jas. R. Fitchett, clerk. Very Fine.

CYRUS FIELD. ADS. 1pp. 7" x 2 3/4". New York. 29 May 1878. A "National City Bank" check signed "Cyrus W. Field" and completely engrossed by him. He paid "J. H. Clinch Forty One 42/1-Dollars". One stamp and punch cancellation that touch the engrossment but not the signature in any way. It is in very fine condition.

Lot of 4 items reading the important fortress in NH Fort Constitution,  -Autograph Letter Signed. Fort Constitution, July 24, 1807. 1 pp. 7¾” x 9 ¾”.  In part, with all spelling errors: “ …You are hereby ordered to proceed towards Piscataqua Bridge in pursuit of Matthew Lous and Joseph Dean both Deserters from the Garrison and use every exertion in your power to overtake …the same. Dean wore a Dark Blue Coatee, Buff vest, vest, white trousers, and an old Round Hat Sous a Light Blue nankeen Coatee White trousers or overalls, Round Hatt with large Brim downward –  20 Dollars for cash and all expenses paid is offered and on delivery at this or any other military post in the United States. I hold myself Bound to pay the same…” continues on back and is signed by Edward Siso. -Autograph Note Signed from Captain Walback stating that a private in his company, a captain John Kennison had taken part in the capture of the deserters and should take part in the reward. Signed by the Captain. No date, No place. Addressed to George Frost.- Autograph Letter Signed. Fort Constitution, July 27, 1807. 1 pp. 8” x 9 with integral address leaf addressed to George Frost, Durham stating Captain Walback had paid George Hull for the capture and reward of the Deserters “when they were safely delivered to that post…” -Manuscript Document, March 1810, 1 page. 4to, being an agreement from Captain Walback, Assistant Military agent at Post Constitution promising to pay George Fifest (?)of Durham “for supplying the United States Troops in Garrison at said Post with Cords of Wood…White Black Oak, Maple Wood….delivered before Nov. next at high Water Mark…”  All mostly Fine.

THOMAS GIBBONS (1757 - 1826). Gibbons was a lawyer, politician, and steamboat operator. He is best remembered as the plaintiff in the famous Giggons Vs Ogden anti-trust suit whereby Chief Justice John Marshall handed down one of his most famous decisions nulling many monopolies. DS 1 pp 7"x 3 1/4". New York 7th Sept. 1803. A partly printed “Manhattan Company” check signed “Th Gibbons”. He paid “Phoebe Baldwin” $396.87. 1/2. There is a small woodcut vignette of a male figure seated on the ground. Bank cut cancellations, some paper loss but neither affecting signature. Gibbons is a highly important figure in American business history and a rare autograph

CIVIL WAR. MD. 2pp. 4" x 7 1/2". n.p. n.d. A manuscript poem entitled "Our Union" supporting the Union cause: "Dissolve this mighty Union / Go stop you rolling sun / Blot out the planets from this sphere / Which now in oder run / Go stop the raging billows / Go calm the raging sea / And then this mighty Union / May be dissolved by thee / Dissolve this happy Union / Command our Good to sleep / And cause the sons of Freedom / In bitterness to weep / But hark they say with one accord / This blessed land shall shine / The Freedom of this Country / Be preserved by power divine / Dissolve this matchless Union / Oh what a wicked thought / The blast this mighty structure / That was so dearly bought / Dissolve the starry Union / Go hide your shameful heads / Behold the mighty hand of God / Her spangled Banner spreads / Dissolve this wide spread Union / Her mountains on your frown / Volcanoes in their fiery mist / In floods to sweep your down / But hark from every State the sound / Of union still is heard / Her countless sons assemble round / Their banners at a word". The poem is in very fine condition with white paper and dark ink. Though the writer is unknown, the spirit is apparent and moving.

AUGUST BELMONT (1813-1890) Financier; Diplomat. At the age of fourteen, Belmont began working at the office of the Rothschilds in Frankfurt, Germany. His skill for finance won him numerous promotions within the company until in 1837, during the financial panic, he formed his own company in New York with his only tangible asset being that of his agency in the U.S. for the Rothschilds. Within a few years, Belmont was one of the leading bankers in the nation.Partially PRitned “Bank of the Metropolis” Check Signed on verso, “August Belmont.” Check is also signed as maker by DANIEL SICKLES (1819-1914) American soldier and diplomat. 8” x 2 3/4”. New York. January 28, 1884. Orange revevenu underprint. “Certified Stamp of the Metropolis” stamp at left edge. Punch and pen cancelled. Very Fine. This item has been encapsulated by PASS-CO and is accompanied by a Certified Silver PASS. Fine.