Rufus Choate (1799-1859). U.S. Congressman and Senator from Massachusetts; Lawyer; Orator. 5 ¼” x 3”. Free Frank Address Leaf. Addressed to Mr. Augustus Story, Salem Mass. entirely in Choate’s hand. Signed twice by Rufus Choate, once at top right “Free R. Choate U.S. A. H. R.” and at lower left “office of R. Choate”. Post marked Washington City Dec. 3. Small tear at bottom center. Fine.

“I only fear there will be too many concerned in it to enable you and Genl. McClellan to fix the responsibility in the right individuals. The plan sent by you should be effectually executed, else there will be delays and complaints...” ALS. 2 pages. 8” x 10”. Annapolis Md. March 4th, 1862. To General M.C. Meigs. Qr. Mr. Genl. U.S. Army, Washington D.C. “The small Propellers “Reindeer” and “volunteer” chartered in Phila arrived here from Washington yesterday. They are small and of very light draft and have not even water on board. They are chartered at $60 per day. Two Schooners also arrived from Tyler, Stone & Co. Phila with 317 tons coal ordered here by Capt. Hodges.” “I have ordered the Propellers to take our coal for 12 or 15 days and also provide water for 500 men between them for 10 days.” “Capt. Hodges writes that the Steamers will not leave New York until Thursday. I do not believe they will leave there sooner than Monday next. He has sent me lists of 24 Barges, 72 Schooners, 52 Propellers and 90 side – wheel Steamers already engaged. Some of them are the Sound boats that will answer our purpose better than any other kind. Capt. Hodges no doubt will do all in his power to cooperate with us in the preparation of this expedition, but it will be an advisable measure to restrict the business to as few persons possible. I only fear there will be too many concerned in it to enable you and Genl. McClellan to fix the responsibility in the right individuals. The plan sent by you should be effectually executed, else there will be delays and complaints. Vessels cannot be fitted out here for so great a fleet. There are no water casks nor tanks. Mr. A.H. Sibley is my agent in New York and Capt. Hodges writes that he is a most efficient and safe man. The supply of forage for depot at Fortress Monroe is shipped and Capt. Hodges is putting on board the transports a sufficient quantity for the voyage. If this be done and provisions and water are also put on board, there need be no delay here. I will keep you fully informed of matters at this point, and trust that all will work well and together.” On February 28, 1862 Lincoln authorized McClellan to procure vessels for his secret invasion of the South, intended to break its backbone and end the war quickly. At the time it was referred to as the “Urbana Expedition”. It later became known as “The Peninsular Campaign.” Just a few days after receiving Lincoln’s authorization, Ingalls here writes to Quartermaster General Montgomery Meigs detailing the status of preparations and the procurement of vessels. The massive operation headed south with a flotilla of over 400 vessels transporting more than 100,000 soldiers and equipment for nearly 200 miles to Fort Monroe, Virginia. McClellan operated in such secrecy to the point that even Lincoln was excluded from the planning. The Campaign resulted in a complete disaster and the needless loss of many lives, accomplishing nothing to further the Union War effort. A nice detailed letter which starkly details the military’s lack of ships as they were leasing the vessels for the campaign from private operators. Fine.

Russell Sage (1816-1906) Banker; Financier; U.S. Congressman. As the originator of “put and all options”, Sage greatly changed the way speculators played the stock market. Among America’s most powerful and wealthy bankers, he finance Jay Gould and made a vast fortune on the latter’s stock manipulations. “Sage was on of the shrewdest and most conservative of all great financiers.” (DAB) At one time he is said to have had $27,000,000 out on call loans. At the time of his death he left a fortune worth an estimated $70,000,000. DS 1 page. Troy, August 3, 1854. “Commercial Bank of Troy will pay to the order of A. Cary eleven hundred and fifty dollars, the amount of my dividend and he is hereby authorized to receipt the dividend book for said amount in my name or otherwise. Russell Sage.” Fine

Manuscript Document Signed, “Salem Town, Jr. Birg. Genl.” Two pages, 7 3/8” x 8 5/8”. No place. August 17, 1818.The document reads, in part: “ … To his Excellency John Brooks Governor … respectfully complains, Salem Town Jr. Brigadier General of the first Brigade in the Seventh division of the militia of said commonwealth against Samuel Graves Esq. Commandant of a Battalion of Artillery within said brigade for neglect of duty …. The said major Samuel Graves did neglect & refuse during the month of June last, to make a return of the state of the said battalion of artillery under his command … for which neglect of duty, the said Brigadier General Salem Town Jr. prays that the said major Samuel Graves may be put under arrest and held to answer …” Usual folds. Overall Fine.

SAMUEL F. MILLER (1816-1890). Supreme Court Justice from 1862 - 1890, appointed by President Abraham Lincoln. Best known for his opinion in the Louisiana "Slaughterhouse" case. DS. 1 page. Partly-printed bank check drawn on the Bank of Washington payable to "W. B. Moses or order, $39.33." Attached adhesive revenue stamp. Accomplished entirely in Miller's hand and signed by him as maker. Usual bank cut cancellation. In excellent condition.

Autograph Document Signed. Boston, August 3, 1796. 1 page. 10” x 6 ½”: “Received of the Reverend John Murray Eight hundred dollars in Money and Two Shares of the Bank of the United States which is to be sold and the — proceeds with the said Eight hundred dollars to be disposed to the best advantage for his Account…Samuel Jackson.” The Bank of the United States was chartered in 1791 at the urging of Alexander Hamilton andover the objections of Thomas Jefferson. The extended debate over its constitutionality contributed significantly to the evolution of pro- and antibank factions into the first American political parties—the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans, respectively. Old scotch tape applied to outer edge where it had been placed in a scrapbook, slight soiling, otherwise Very Good.

SAMUEL NELSON (1792-1873) American attorney and Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Autograph Letter Signed, "S. Nelson." One page, 5" x 8". Cooperstown. April 22, 1862. Nelson writes, in part: " I shall not be able to lave here till Saturday morning and I shall go thro that day - Shall arrive in city so late - nust be excused from troubling you. Perhaps, I can hear Gifffords ... before I go to N.H. ... " Overall Fine.

SAMUEL NELSON (1792-1873) American attorney and Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Autgraph Letter Signed, "S. Nelson." Three pages, 5" x 8". Cooperstown. September 17, 1869. Nelson writes, in part: " … We are all glad to find you at home hearty and well. I leave here week from next Monday for New York, but shall be over one night in Albany and be in the city next afternoon ... Annie remains with us for the presetn. She is quite comfortable, but her young child is delicate and feeble ... " Slight tear on third page, not affecting signature. Usual folds. Penned on thin paper with some bleed through. Overall Fine.

Samuel Savage. A Massachusetts patriot from Weston who presided over the Massachusetts Board of War, and served as the chairman of the public meeting, the largest such gathering at that point in the city’s history, that led to the Boston Tea Party, and participated in the Boston Tea Party. Document Signed, “Samuel Ph. Savage.” One page. Boston. December 24, 1762. The document reads: “Received of Captain Richard Derby three hundred pounds law. Money on accnt being for Nathaniel Wheelwright’s promissory note to said Derby Indem’d to me Samuel Ph. Savage.” Some soiling at edges, slight paper loss to right of Savage’s signature. Else Very Fine.