Sell or Auction Your James Lawrence Autograph Letter Signed for up to Nearly $5,000 or More at Nate D. Sanders
FREE ESTIMATE. To buy, auction, sell or consign your James Lawrence autograph letter signed that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).
Sell Your James Lawrence Autograph Letter Signed
James Lawrence (October 1, 1781 – June 4, 1813) was an officer of the United States Navy. During the War of 1812, he commanded USS Chesapeake in a single-ship action against HMS Shannon commanded by Philip Broke. He is probably best known today for his last words, “Don’t give up the ship!”, spoken during the capture of Chesapeake. The quotation is still a popular naval battle cry, and was invoked by Oliver Hazard Perry’s personal battle flag, adopted to commemorate his dead friend.
Below is a recent realized price for a James Lawrence autograph letter signed item. We at Nate D. Sanders Auctions an obtain up to this amount or more for you:
James Lawrence Autograph Letter Signed. Sold for nearly $5,000.
Here are some recent items that our auction house, Nate D. Sanders (http://www.NateDSanders.com) has sold:
Incredible Secretary of State James Madison Autograph on a July 1803 Letter Regarding the April 1803 Offer from France for the Louisiana Purchase
James Madison autograph on a letter, as Secretary of State, dated 18 July 1803 and directed to Rhode Island Senator Christopher Ellery, requesting his presence at a special session of Congress to vote on the Louisiana Purchase. Exceptional letter reads in full, “(Circular.) Department of State, Washington, July 18, 1803. / Sir, The Proclamation by the President, of which a copy is inclosed, will inform you, that in pursuance of his authority to convene Congress on extraordinary occasions, he has appointed Monday the 17th day of October next for the meeting of the Senators and Representatives of the United States. This anticipation of the commencement of the ensuing session is rendered necessary by conventions with the French Republic, involving a cession of Louisiana to the United States; which may require the presence of both Houses, and of which conventions the ratifications are to be exchanged within six months computed from the 30th of April last. The shortness of the period therefore, to which the necessary proceedings will be limited, with the very great importance of the subject to the interest of the United States, claim from every member the most punctual attendance; and I am charged by the President to urge these considerations on your patriotism, and your sense of duty. Assurance myself that they will have all the effect which he justly expects from them. I remain, Sir, With the highest respect, Your most obedient Servant,” signed “James Madison”. In April 1803, James Madison received the unexpected offer from France to purchase the vast swath of territory from New Orleans to Minnesota and westward to part of present day Idaho. Working under a deadline from France of ratifying the purchase by October 30, Madison quickly agreed to purchase terms with France, forwarded the document to President Thomas Jefferson in late July, and then summoned Congress to a special session. Ellery and his fellow Senators voted on 20 October, just ten days before France’s deadline, and ratified the Louisiana Purchase Treaty by a vote of 24-7 (the controversial purchase was opposed by some as unconstitutional). Upon its completion, Napoleon Bonaparte remarked, “This accession of territory affirms forever the power of the United States, and I have given England a maritime rival who sooner or later will humble her pride.” Letter measures approximately 9.5″ x 12″. Single page with integral address panel is additionally free-franked signed by Madison. Seal hole and small chip at center fold, else near fine. While this letter theoretically exists for the approximate 200 U.S. Senators, Representatives and Governors in 1803, this is only the third such letter or occurrence of this letter to come to auction, making it exceptionally scarce. A significant document from the largest and most important territorial acquisition of the United States in her history. Dark James Madison autograph. Sold for $37,000.
Very scarce Meriwether Lewis document signed ”Meriwether Lewis Capt. / 1st U’S. Regt. Infty.” Single octavo page, dated 12 February 1807 reads in full: ”Received February 12th 1807 of Caleb Swan Paymaster of the Army of the United States, Two hundred dollars, in pursuance of a warrant from General Henry Dearborn Secretary of War, No. 1003, being on account of my pay and subsistence, for which sum I am accountable to the Accountant of the Department of War, having signed duplicates hereof. 200 Drs.” In January 1803, President Thomas Jefferson sought to learn more about the far western territory, and appropriated the money from Congress for the proposed journey, to be led by the experienced explorer Meriwether Lewis. In his memoirs, Jefferson wrote of Lewis: ”Of courage undaunted; possessing a firmness and perseverance of purpose which nothing but impossibilities could divert from its direction; careful as a father of those committed to his charge, yet steady in the maintenance of order and discipline; intimate with the Indian characters, customs, and principles; habituated to the hunting life; guarded by exact observations of the vegetables and animals of his own country against losing time in the description of objects already possessed; honest, disinterested, liberal, of sound understanding, and a fidelity to truth so scrupulous that whatever he should report would be as certain as seen by ourselves…” (”History of the Expedition,” 1814). In the months immediately preceding the expedition, Lewis sought training in the use of astronomical instruments and in the art of map-making. He also chose a companion officer, William Clark of Louisville. While the expedition did not achieve the primary objective of finding the elusive Northwest Passage, it contributed significantly to the understanding of the geography of the Northwest and produced approximately 140 maps, the first accurate maps of the area. In addition, it documented 100 newly discovered species of animals, approximately 170 plants, and it also established friendly relations with three dozen Indian tribes. The knowledge they obtained sparked American interest in the west, and strengthened the nation’s claim to the area. Meriwether Lewis returned to Washington, D.C. from his three year journey in late December of 1806. After returning from the expedition, Lewis received a reward of 1,600 acres of land. In addition, Thomas Jefferson appointed him Governor of the Louisiana Territory. However, Lewis was not confirmed by the Senate until March 1807 and he remained a Captain in the interim. Base pay for Captains at this period was $40 per month so the present receipt would represent five months’ salary. A supremely rare document directly linking Meriwether Lewis to the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Items of Lewis & Clark related to the famed expedition are of the utmost rarity. Docketed on verso. Toning to folds and showthrough, otherwise near fine condition. Sold for $30,768.
As Governor and Commander in Chief of Louisiana, Meriwether Lewis signs his full name in black ink to a document, appointing George Armistead to the position of ”Justice of the Peace for the township of Arkansas, District of New Madrid” on 18 May 1808. Armistead would later become the Commander of American forces during the bombardment of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812. Lewis’ signature is very scarce as he died of a gunshot wound in 1809, with few documents signed by him as Governor of Louisiana during his 2-year tenure. Document is also one of the few after his expedition from 1804-1806 with William Clark, which charted the newly acquired Louisiana Territory for the United States, a highly dangerous mission but successful mission. Document retains its paper-covered seal and is co-signed by Secretary Frederick Bates, who later became Governor of Missouri. A great Lewis and Clark autograph. Measures 12.5” x 7.75”. Document has been archivally repaired at left panel, small tears at edges of folds, tape to top of left panel, overall very good condition. Sold for $24,513.
Collection of three items signed by four Presidents: Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and Woodrow Wilson. Lot includes:
1) Scalloped ship’s paper signed by Thomas Jefferson as President and James Madison as Secretary of State. Attractive document features two nautical vignettes, undated, likely signed by the men prior to intended use as was the custom. With intact red wax-backed paper seal. Vellum document measures 10.25” x 15.5”. Folds, else near fine.
2) Abraham Lincoln autograph note signed as President, dated during the Civil War on 16 September 1861. Lincoln writes in full, ”I approve the within, if no objection is known at the War Department. / A. Lincoln / Sep. 16, 1861.” Visible portion of note measures 3.125” x 2”. Not examined out of frame, but appears near fine.
3. Large Woodrow Wilson signature, measuring 5” x 3”. Not examined out of frame. Some haloing to signature, else near fine. Sold for $13,750.
Important 17th Century First Edition of ”America: Being the Latest and Most Accurate Description of the New World” — Includes 75 Engravings of American Geography, Animals & Native People
One of the most important books on the history of America (cited by Borba de Moraes, Howes, Sabin and Wing), the 1671 first edition of ”America: Being the Latest and Most Accurate Description of the New World”. Privately printed in London by the author, Arnoldus Montanus, and edited by John Ogilby. In ”America” Montanus goes into great detail of the new continents, with dozens of engravings of Native Americans, species of animals and reptiles, and the landscapes and settlements in the new world, accompanied by text. The book covers speculation regarding the earliest voyages to America, along with later recorded voyages and the settlements of New Netherlands/New York, New England, Hudson’s Bay, Labrador, Canada, Nova Scotia, Maryland, Virginia, (including Captain Smith’s capture and rescue by Pocahontas), Carolinas, Florida and California, plus accounts of Mexico and nearby islands, even including Australia and New Zealand. 674pp. book contains 75 original engravings (64 copper plates within the text and 9 plates throughout), lacking the maps and 28 engravings, which is typical as this edition is almost never found with all plates intact. All text is complete except for missing pages 445-446. Large format book measures 10” x 15”. Bound in original full leather boards, with some loss of leather to covers, cracking along spine and front board detached. Interior text is near fine and very readable. An important and fascinating addition to early knowledge of the American continent. Sold for $9,375.
William Bligh Document Signed From 1798 for His Ship, the HMS Director — Like the HMS Bounty, the HMS Director Also Mutinied Under Bligh’s Command
William Bligh document signed from 1798, related to his command of the HMS Director. In this document aboard the Director on 14 May 1798, Bligh authorizes the order of supplies, including wine, butter, water, bread, beef, pork, cheese and oatmeal. Signed ”Wm Bligh Capt.” Document is written in the hand of William Dearl, and addressed to Samuel Lewis. By this time, Bligh had survived two mutinies, one famously aboard the HMS Bounty and one aboard this very ship, the HMS Director, almost a year to the day prior to this document. On 12 May 1797, Director took part in the Nore Mutiny, a multi-ship insurrection demanding increased pay and even a truce with France. Bligh was removed from his command of Director on 19 May, but the uprising ultimately failed, with several of its leaders hanged or shipped to Australia. Document measures 7.75” x 12.25”, beautifully framed with a portrait of Bligh and plaque to a size of 29” x 27”. Small closed tear at lower left, otherwise near fine. Sold for $6,250.
Andrew Jackson Document Signed 1813
Manuscript document signed by Andrew Jackson, datelined Camp Jackson, 15 March 1813, during the War of 1812 where Jackson excelled. In this document, Jackson as Major General orders various supplies. Also signed by the Colonel of Calvary and the Regiment Quartermaster. Document measures 7.75″ x 12.5″ and bears a very dark, handsome Jackson signature. Framed to an overall size of 23.5″ x 22″. Chipping along edges and usual folds, else excellent. Sold for $4,037.
War of 1812 Peace Treaty Broadside Issued by the “New-York Evening Post” — Signed in Print by President James Madison
Broadside headed “New-York Evening Post Extra” published 19 February 1815 at “6 O’clock, P.M.” announcing the Ratified Treaty of Peace, ending the War of 1812. The entire treaty, included in a presidential proclamation signed in type by James Madison as President and James Monroe as Acting Secretary of State, is printed on this broadside. Single page measures 9″ x 20.5″. Uneven edges, light creasing and folds. Foxing mostly in the upper left portion exposed to light when it was folded. Very good condition. Sold for $1,800.
Consign your James Lawrence autograph letter signed at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Send a description and images of your item to us at [email protected].
FREE APPRAISAL. To buy, auction, sell or consign your James Lawrence autograph letter signed that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).