GEORGE EASTMAN (1854-1932). Photography pioneer; Manufacturer. Signed Book. George Eastman by Carl W. Ackerman. Boston and New York. 1930, Houghton, Mifflin & Company. Hardcover. 522 pages. A large, bold signature in pencil by Eastman is at the front of the book along with a tipped in letter to an employee Mr. George B. Howard “presenting a copy of Mr. Eastman’s biography to each of those who have been associated with Kodak for twenty-five years or more…” The letter is not signed by Eastman. Extremely Fine. A nice signed copy.

Louis-Philippe de Rigaud, Marquis de Vaudreuil (1724 – 1802). French Admiral, was second in command of the French navy during the American Revolution. Commanded a division of de Grasse’s fleet at Yorktown in 1781. DS. 1 page. 9 ¾” x 3 5/8”. Boston October 29, 1782 Fourth. -- of the King, the orders of M. le Mis de Vaudreuil wing chief In thirty days--, please pay this -, the first, second & third --, to the order of. M.-Winship a Boston Merchant the sum of eight thousand eight hundred eighty nine —to acquire such a sum which he is due for the amount of ammunition he provided to -- the King, the orders of M. le Mis de Vaudreuil, during spring break in Boston, as he notes by the Market, States & Receipt signed & referred to who has rights & deposited in the hands of Your very humble & very obedient servant --------- The Battle of the Saintes occurred over the period of a few days from April 9 – 12, 1782. The French and Spanish had planned an invasion of Jamaica but the British fleet, prepared for the maneuver decisively defeated the French fleet, thus thwarting the French intentions Following the French defeat and De Grasse’s surrender Vaudreuil, as second in command led the fleet to safety. He actions have been credited for saving most of the French Fleet from British capture. Following the battle, the French took refuge in Boston and this document is signed by Vaudreuil at Boston in October.

Signed copy of Always a Reckoning and Other Poems by Jimmy Carter. Illustrations by Sarah Elizabeth Chuldenko. First Edition. 5 3/4” x 8 1/4”. 130 pages. Hardcover with original jacket. Times Books, Random House New York. Signed on front endpaper, “J. Carter. Extremely Fine.

Joseph Reed (1741 – 1785). Signer of the Articles of Confederation, President of the Pennsylvania Supreme Executive Council, Continental Army Officer. Cut signature. 1 5/8” x 3/8” mounted to a larger early portrait measuring 5 ½” x 7 7/8”. Fine.

George Walton (1741-1804). Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Georgia; Public official. Walton was an ardent patriot who helped draw up the Articles of Association, served in the Continental Congress and as president of the Council of Safety, and signed the Declaration of Independence. Captured at the siege of Savannah, Walton was considered so important by the British that they demanded a brigadier-general in exchange for him. After the war, Walton served variously as Georgia governor, senator, and Superior Court judge. ADS. 1 page. 8” x 4 ¼”. No place. July 30, 1784. “Carpenter’s compasses & a small chisel”. Fine.

SILAS WRIGHT, JR. (1795-1847) American politician. Wright served as a New York Senator and as Governor of that state. Autograph Letter Signed, "Silas Wright, Jr." One page, 8" x 10". Comptroler's Office. Albany. August 6, 1832. Addressed on integral leaf. With circular "ALBANY" postal cancellation. Wright writes, in part: " ... I now send you enclosed the tax bill of Wm Rhinelander & Bayut [?] and Rhinelander made according to the list ... The delay of these bills has arisen from the delay in the completion of our annual tax book for 1831 ... No interst is cast upon the tax of 1831 and none will be demanded if paymnt is made by the date above mentioned ... " Paper loss from wax seal. Some minor staining. Overall Fine.

SILVANUS BOURNE (abt.1756-1817): Consul to Cap Francois. From 1794-1797, he was appointed vice consul of Amsterdam and from 1797-1816, he was consul general in the same city and was appointed consul general to the Batavian Republic. In 1817, he became agent for seamen at The Hague. One page Autograph Letter Signed by Silvanus Bourne with integral address leaf addressed, interestingly, to Silvanus Bourne, Boston, with his Free Frank “S. Bourne.”   Dated Philadelphia May 3rd 1792:  “My Dear Sir…I am compelled to inform you of the failure of your application for the office of T –n.  Mr. Dolton is this day nominated, having failed in the appointment of Director, it seems he is willing to accept of this office Tench Francis and Major Jackson also applied ‘tis said, but Dalton will obtain it; I sincerely feel for your disappointment, but doubt not you will soon obtain something worth receiving.  I believe your friends here are all disappointed in the Nomination.  Hope you found all your friends will on you arrival there.  We have agreed to adjourn on Saturday next…I will meet you in Boston…Yr. Friend Sincerely, S. Bourne.”  A curious letter. Mounted on edge to a heavy stock 19th century autograph book page.  In Fine condition.

SIMON LAKE (1866-1945). American mechanical engineer and naval architect who competed to build the first submarine for the United States Navy. Autograph Letter Signed, “Simon Lake,” on The Lake Submarine Salvage Corporation letterhead. One page, 8 1/2” x 11”. New York City. November 5, 1935. Lake writes to arrange a meeting with one M.N. Egeroff[?], a senior engineer. Very Fine.

Simon Lake (1866-1945). Inventor; Submarine pioneer. Beginning in the early 1890s, and continuing for over 40 years, Lake built a succession of submarines through which he developed some portion of the submarine technology in use today. He is generally credited with developing the first workable periscope, and pioneering the use of hydroplanes fore and aft to achieve submergence while maintaining an even keel. His contributions to the navy and the marine industry were widespread, and his inventive genius places him among the important naval architects in American history. His submarine business ventures were never terribly successful, however, and he died a poor man. LS. 1 page. 7 ¾” x 8 ½”. Ocean City, New Jersey. January 18, 1887. A Character Reference for John C. Lake from Adrian H. Austin and witnessed by Simon Lake. “To Whom It May Concern; “Whereas certain rumors, derogatory to Mr. J. C. Lake, are being circulated. I wish it to be distinctly understood that in so far as I am concerned they are without foundation, and I hereby declare that all transactions between Mr. Lake and myself have been and are entirely satisfactory, any report to the contrary not with standing. Adrian H. Austin”. Signed as witnesses by Simon Lake and William Corson. An apparent attempt to heal a rift between the two men. Fine.