JOSEPH SPENCER (1714-1789). Spencer was an American Major General in the Revolutionary War. He commanded a division during the defense of New York but was defeated while trying to take command of Rhode Island. Document Signed. 1 page. 8 ¼” x 3 ¼”. Hartford, Connecticut. February 7th 1781. Partly-printed note which “certifies that the Sum of seventy-two pounds six shillings and eight pence lawful money is due from the State of Connecticut unto Gen’l. Joseph Spencer for Interest due on Money Loaned to said State. Signed as treasurer by John Lawrence. Spencer has endorsed the note on verso.

Simon Lake was a famous American engineer who is responsible for obtaining over 200 patents for his advancements to naval designs. Lake is responsible for engineering some of the first submarines for the United States Navy in the 1890s. Despite both of his first two being denied for use by the U.S. Navy, Lake was able to sell his second model, the Protector, to Imperial Russia in 1904 as well as other European countries afterward. When Lake finally was able to get one of submarines allowed for use by the U.S. Navy in 1912, the submarine set a record for depth at 256 feet. This piece is an agreement memorandum from August 4, 1920 between the Boston Sand and Gravel Company and the Argonaut Salvage Company. Lake was treasurer of the Argonaut Sand Company initially, and at the time of the signing of this document had become president. The Argonaut Salvage Company was organized to build and equip Lake’s inventions to submarines to trace sunken or underwater goods. This agreement was for the Boston Sand and Gravel Company to borrow the Argonaut Salvage Company’s steamer to collect sand and gravel from underwater. The piece is signed by Simon Lake in the right hand corner.

(Abolitionism) DS. 1pp 8” x 3”. July 12, 1844. Boston A p[partly printed receipt for “The Emancipator and Free American”, it confirms that someone paid for twenty-one copies of the magazine. It is in fine condition.

Albany August 2 1771 Sir, I am obliged to you for sending me the Brandy and Biskets. When I wrote the last letter, I intended to have sent it by another person, and when I have it to Mr. Beckham, I forgot the 30 shillings which I intended to send you to pay for the Brandy. I now send you by Mrs. Munro, one pound twelve and six pence for the last things, agreeable to your account. Mr. Bogart’s flour, you remember, I paid for it, just as I was going aboard. I remain Sir, Your most humble servant, Harry Munro To Mr. E. Banker” MUNRO, HARRY (1720-1781) Scottish soldier and politician; Member of British Parliament for Ross-shire and Tain Brughs. Hanoverian dynasty loyalist and served as a Captain in Loudon’s Highlanders Regiment in the 1740s during the Jacobite rising of 1745.

Autograph Letter Signed Philadelphia, May 31, 1833. 1 page, 13” x 8”. Postal cover on verso. The letter reads: “Dear Sir, I send you the Release of Dower - will you and your wife please sign it opposite the seals, where I have marked your names in pencil...acknowledge it before the mayor of Trenton, who will put in his signature and city seal...” Dower rights came from the English common law system and were followed in the American colonies, continuing in most states well into the 19th century. The dower right of any validly married woman was established as soon as her husband became possessed of an estate in real property that could be inherited by his children. Some occasional staining; Very Good.

CAROLINE and WILLIAM ASTOR. ADS. 1pp. 8" x 2 3/4". New York. April 10, 1869. A check signed "Caroline W. Astor" and completely engrossed by her. The "Chemical Bank" check paid "Mr. Wm. Astor Three hundred Dollars ". It is endorsed on the verso "Wm Astor". There is a cut cancellation that does not affect either signature and a thin ink line through Caroline's signature, but her autograph is still fully readable.

WALTER P. CHRYSLER. ADS. 1pp. 8 1/8" x 3 1/4". New York. Sept. 23, 1930. A "Central Hanover Bank and Trust Company" check signed "Walter P Chrysler Jr.". He paid "Allen's Drug $5.-". The check has the usual punch cancellations that barely affect the engrossment but not the signature. It is in very fine condition with a dark signature.

(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.

[William Henry Harrison]. Choice content letter.8" x 12 1/2". Sec. 54, Wabas & Erie Canal, June 14, 1840. “Dear Father, On the 11th instant I spent the day on and about (?) where we had a splendid Whig celebration, at least 20,000 (?), among the member present was Gen William H Harrison, Thomas Ewing, Thomas Corwin and many other worthy Whigs from N.Y. City to far West of this. I spent and hour in the morning with Harrison at this lodging found him very agreeable and pleasant in private. While there in the morning the delegation from western Pennsylvania called on him amounting to about 40 or 50 persons presented him with a very valuable coin and among their number was four persons who had fought under him at Tipecanoe __ and the Thames. After which he addressed them in the most appropriate terms, tendering his sincere thanks for the valuable article thus presented said the mottos on it were to him very gratifying and he hope and trusted it would be support to him during the ballance of his life and that Pennsylvania was remembered by him with heartfelt gratitude that in the hour of battle her aid was ___ by the best of soldiers and other mercenaries and in peace he had not been forgotten by her and to the four soldiers present he expressed himself under many and deep obligations and gratitude and hope their latter days me be as happy as they merited. And on the date I heard him speak to the assembly one and a half or two hours and I do assure you he is one of the smartest old Gent.  I am acquainted with he appears ____ mind clear voice good and the Whig sentiments by him delivered were not to be beat. I think the impression he made on the minds of the assembly by his personal attendance were very favorable to his election. I pursuance however much handle will he made of it by opposers. When I lived in Maine I thought it ridiculous for a candidate to come out and make stump speeches etc. as they are accustomed to do in this country but the more I see of it the more reconciled I become to it. Now in Harrison’s speech he labored much to show the importance of our form of government over any others and the necessity of the watchfulness and care over it. And an attention to prudence in every department of government as also with corporations, associations, and even individuals. He referred to much that he considered miss rule or management of the present and past administration and also alluded to the promises made by them and the manner they have been kept. And then refered to the impropriety of presidential candidates making promises as they might be made to suit the present occassion and kept as those of the past executors. He thought the history of a person political principals together with the character they have formed or sustained were the surist guarantee. He provided I think to the mind of every candid person present that when the sub treasury bill and the militia bill now before congress should pass what the executive in the chair would possess every power and attribute necessary to entitle and constitute him a monarch whatever might be his style. And I think assembly much awakened on the subject. I will endeavor soon to send you a paper soon containing a more full description of the celebration speeches etc. than I can give you. One thing however I must mention those the General was dressed in domestick cloth much as you would expect from a perfectly independent prudent farmer and while speaking on the fact oh- his hard cider out of a 2 qt. brown earthen pitcher. I look for a change in our administration and think it necessary and worth attending to. I handed him a copy of the genealogy of our ancestors and desired if he had any knowledge of them to leave me a note but have rec'd none. Summer is extremely warm and vegetation _____ on the 11th last I saw new hay in markets and on the 11th new potatoes. Crops appear promising except wheat which is injured much with the flies, so much sop that wheat has risen lately __ per bush. I am pursuing my canal work with a force of about 50 men and expect to finish in Oct next. I expect this canal job the most lasting monument of my exertions that I shall have to generations to come. And it would give me much satisfaction for you to see it once. The health of my family is good and my own tolerable. I have been a little inside up with exertion and canals fare (I board in a shanty away the men and love differently from what I should as you know I am a baby about my food like pies, cake etc. but am now better. Hoping yourself, Mam and all our relations are enjoying the best of health said other blessings. Please write me soon, Robert".

William Henry Harrison was the ninth President of the United States and an American military officer. His military involvement is highlighted by serving as a U.S. General during the War of 1812. Politically, he held a series of positions before being elected President. These positions include U.S. Senator, U.S. Minister to Colombia, and Secretary of the Northwest Territory. This letter was an account of a firsthand meeting with Harrison, focusing heavily on a “Whig Celebration” that the author was at. The letter covers details about Harrison as an individual that are candid and unique interpretations of Harrison. The letter is written between father and son and offers a superb detailed first person account of time spent with Harrison during his campaign. Some discoloration.