Sell or Auction Your Nathan Bedford Forrest Signature for up to $1,000 or More at Nate D. Sanders Auctions
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Free Appraisal, Auction or Sell Your Nathan Bedford Forrest Signature
Nathan Bedford Forrest (July 13, 1821 – October 29, 1877) was a prominent Confederate Army general during the American Civil War and the first Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan from 1867 to 1869. Before the war, Forrest amassed substantial wealth as a cotton plantation owner, horse and cattle trader, real estate broker, and slave trader. In June 1861, he enlisted in the Confederate Army and became one of the few soldiers during the war to enlist as a private and be promoted to general without any prior military training. An expert cavalry leader, Forrest was given command of a corps and established new doctrines for mobile forces, earning the nickname “The Wizard of the Saddle”. He used his cavalry troops as mounted infantry and often deployed artillery as the lead in battle, thus helping to “revolutionize cavalry tactics”, although the Confederate high command is seen by some commentators to have underappreciated his talents. While scholars generally acknowledge Forrest’s skills and acumen as a cavalry leader and military strategist, he has remained a controversial figure in Southern racial history for his main role in the massacre of several hundred Union soldiers at Fort Pillow, a majority of them black, coupled with his role following the war as a leader of the Klan.
Below is a recent realized price for a Nathan Bedford Forrest signature. We at Nate D. Sanders Auctions can obtain up to these amounts or more for you:
Nathan Bedford Forrest Signature. Sold for $1,000.
Here are some items that our auction house, Nate D. Sanders (http://www.NateDSanders.com), has sold:
Abraham Lincoln Signed CDV as President — John Hay Certifies Signature as Authentic on Verso
Exceptionally rare Abraham Lincoln signed carte-de-visite photograph, taken by Alexander Gardner in 1861 and signed as President. Signed ”A. Lincoln” below the seated portrait of Lincoln. John Hay, Lincoln’s private secretary, authenticates the signature upon the verso by writing, ”I certify that the President’s signature is genuine / John Hay”. With ”Brady’s National Portrait Gallery” backstamp. Measures 2.5” x 3.75”. Very good with some foxing and wear, but with a strong signature by Lincoln. With provenance from Profiles in History and with a COA from Charles Hamilton. Sold for $49,913.
Extraordinary collectible from the Presidency of Abraham Lincoln, a personally owned and used pen by Lincoln, given to him during his service as President. Steel-nib fountain pen, lightly worn from use, is evocative and notable for the gold-colored star pattern upon its barrel, calling forth the patriotic Union sentiment at the heart of the Civil War, clearly intended to inspire the President and reminding him of the War’s noble and patriotic purpose.
Pen (not including ink cartridge) measures 7.25” long. Light scratching to the nib from use, and some light rubbing to the barrel. Overall in near fine condition, an evocative piece from Abraham Lincoln, likely used for importance during the Civil War. Sold for $41,250.
31st Texas Cavalry 60+ Letter Lot — Content From the Battles of Stirling’s Plantation, Mansura, Vidalia, Harrisonburg, Fort DeRussy & Bayou de Glaise
Excerpts include “…it was the intention for our forces to go on & conceal ourselves until they were attacked…we went on & found them camped in some negro quarters…There were about 22 killed & about one hundred wounded…We had to charge through open ground on the negro houses…” & “…the grape & shell fell thick around us…the enemy rolled in to the river so we had to fight them here with field artillery & small arms. They shelled us for about three hours during that time we fought them as we could get position…We had three men killed & some fifteen wounded several of them having died since & 3 or 4 houses burned…” & “…our Division was let out on the prairie in time of battle to support the batteries which then were pouring it into them in a line of a mile in length & them at us. They continued the fight with Artillery for three hours until their infantry began to advance on us…they out numbered us largely…Our men held the battle grounds & buried their dead but they had the best of the fight…” Sold for $27,500.
Tense and interesting archive of over 50 Civil War letters, the vast majority written by Jacob ”Jake” David Minton of the 67th Ohio Infantry, Co. H, a sergeant who died from wounds incurred during the Second Battle of Fort Wagner. In addition to Minton’s letters, five additional letters from other soldiers are included, all of whom write Minton’s family concerning his wound, decline and eventual death. Sold for $18,750.
Thomas Stonewall’ Jackson autograph letter signed ”T.J. Jackson”, datelined 2 March 1863 from Caroline County, Virginia where the General kept his winter headquarters at Moss Neck Manor. Two months after this letter was written, Jackson was accidentally shot late at night during the Battle of Chancellorsville, reportedly mistaken by North Carolina 18th Infantrymen for Union cavalry soldiers. Letter is addressed to his former sister-in-law, Margaret Junkin Preston, an author and poet. His first wife, Ellie Junkin, had died nine years prior to this letter from complications during childbirth. Letter is personal with religious undertones, as Jackson was a devout Presbyterian, discussing his deceased wife, as well as the birth of his new daughter from second wife, Mary Anna Morrison. Reads in full: ”My Dear Maggie, Your very welcome letter with that for Julia has been received. I will give special attention to seeing that hers is forwarded. The aging of our dear Ellie, no mortal can estimate: but of one thing we are assured – she is one of the happy throng of the redeemed, which I hope that you and I will at God’s own time be privileged to join. What a blessed thought! To be with the just made perfect, where there are songs of everlasting rejoicing. To be with the celestial host, to ever dwell in the presence of God, where no sin can enter, where only happiness exists. To be like unto the glorified Redeemer. To love what eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man to conceive. When we think upon these things truly the cup of blessedness runs over. I am much obliged to you for your congratulations. Anna writes very cheering accounts of the little darling. Your affectionate brother…” 2pp. letter measures 5” x 7.75” on a single sheet of ruled stationery, with an uneven left edge, some show-through of ink and very slight smudge to Jackson’s signature. Also includes a portrait postcard of Jackson measuring 4” x 6” by William Garl Brown for framing. Very good to near fine condition. Sold for $14,351.
1st U.S. Chasseurs, 65th New York Civil War Diaries
1st U.S. Chasseurs Soldier Documents Relentless Fighting From 1861-1864 in 4 Diaries — He Writes About Gettysburg & Also the Battles of Lewinsville, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Seven Days, Harper’s Ferry, Rappahannock Station, Mine Run, Cold Harbor, First & Second Fredericksburg, and Siege of Petersburg — “…There is a battle going on near Gettesburg…The battle is rageing. Prisoners come in by the hundreds…” — Plus NYC Draft Riots, Being Hunted by Mosby’s Cavalry, Colored Troops Taking Revenge for Fort Pillow, & the Confederate “black flag which is spare none.” Sold for $14,000.
Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston autograph letter signed ”J.E. Johnston”, dated 16 May 1865 from Charlotte, North Carolina, written soon after being released on parole by the Union Army. Also with three endorsements signed by Ulysses S. Grant, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton and General John Schofield. Letter is addressed to General Schofield, just two weeks after Johnston surrendered his Army of Tennessee and still active rebel troops. After both parties agreed to military surrender, Johnston and Schofield negotiated supplementary terms, including his soldiers’ release, and here asks permission to travel to Canada. Reads in part: ”…As soon as the terms of ‘the convention’ are executed in Georgia & Florida, I wish to go to St. Catherine’s Springs, Canada. Will you be so kind as to inform me if I will be permitted to travel directly from Virginia to that point? Most respectfully / Your obt sevt / J.E. Johnston”. General Schofield endorses the letter on 16 May, the same day, ”Respectfully refered [sic] to Lt. Gen. Grant. J M Schofield Maj Genl.” Grant then endorses the letter on 22 May: ”I am very much in favor of granting Gen. Johnston’s request and if authorized will telegraph the authority at once. U. S. Grant Lt. Gen.” Lastly, Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton seeks approval from President Johnson: ”Submitted to the President who directs that the permission asked by General Johnson [sic] be granted with the condition that he does not return to the United States without leave of the President. Edwin M Stanton Sec of War.” Letter on one page measures 8” x 6.25”, matted with a portrait of Johnston to an overall size of 12.5” x 18.25”. Light toning and folds throughout; very good to near fine. A U.S. Grant autograph is rare dated during the Civil War or directly relates to the Civil War as this one does. Sold for $12,500.
Civil War-dated handwritten letter serving as an official notice of General Lee’s resignation, and ultimately the end of the war, dated 9 April 1865. Sent by telegraph from the ”Head Quarters Armies of the U.S.”, letter is addressed to Confederate General Cadmus Wilcox from Confederate General William Loring and is signed by an aide to Loring. Letter reads in full: ”Genl. Willcox — The following received Head Quarters Armies U.S. Appomattox C.H. April 9th, 1865 — Genl Lee this afternoon surrendered his entire army to Lieut. Genl. Grant; officers and privates to retain private horses, arms and baggage; officers and men to be permitted to return to their homes, but not be disturbed by the U.S. authorities as long as they observe the laws where they reside; all public property to be turned over to Ordinance and Quartermasters Departments. Remnant of Lee’s Army surrendered is about 30,000. – April 10, surrender is complete this morning; munitions of war turned over to the U.S. and Genl. Grant leaves for City Point at eleven o’clk this morning. The Army of Northern Virginia is no more!!! (sgd) Schemerhorn”. Card-style 2pp. letter has handwriting on pages 1 and 3. Some toning, foxing and two 1” tears along a horizontal fold. Very good condition overall. Scarce. Sold for $10,780.
General William Sherman autograph letter signed: ”W.T. Sherman / M.G.” on Military Division of the Mississippi Headquarters stationery. In a letter datelined ”In the Field, 4 miles S of Hickory Hill, 1 February 1865”, the infamous Civil War figure writes to General John Gray Foster: ”…I cannot modify my orders relative to General Saxton having the charge of recruiting blacks…I think the impression at Washington is that both you and I are inimical to the policy of arming negroes, and all know that Saxton is not, and his appointment reconciles that difficulty. If anything serious occurs correspond directly with Mr. Stanton…Let Grant know I am in motion, and telegraph to Easton that if Slocum has to wait for provisions it will be dead loss [sic], as we are eating up ours. Let Hatch continually feel the Salkehatchie, and the moment the enemy lets go, get the railroad broken back to the Edisto…” By this time in the war, approximately 10% of Union regiments were composed of black soldiers, and public opinion, including that held by officers and soldiers, had accepted the concept of arming former slaves in the war effort. This letter clearly shows that General Sherman was one of the remaining hold-outs in his opposition. Written in pencil, single page measures 7.75″ x 9.75″. Near fine. Sold for $9,582.
Abraham Lincoln military commission signed as President during the Civil War, appointing a Second Lieutenant on 1 August 1864. Lincoln elegantly signs with his full signature ”Abraham Lincoln” at lower right, countersigned by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Vellum document measures 15.75” x 19”, with intact green paper seal and military vignettes. Framed to 23.75” x 28.25”. Some shadowing of seal from folding and light discoloration, overall in very good plus condition with an unusually bold signature by Lincoln. Sold for $9,375.
George A. Custer Rare Signed CDV Photo With Brady Backstamp — “Truly Yours / G.A. Custer”
Very rare George A. Custer signed CDV photo as Brigadier General, with the backstamp of Mathew Brady who took the photo on 8 October 1863 (K-20 in the catalog of Custer photos). Custer signs under his image, “Truly Yours / G.A. Custer”. Accompanied by a CDV of Custer’s wife, Elizabeth Bacon Custer, with backstamp of photographer W.H. Bowlsby, Monroe, Michigan. CDVs originate from the family of Jessica Wood Cust, neighbors of the Custers in Monroe. Notation on verso of Mrs. Custer’s photo indicates that General Custer taught a member of the Cust family how to ride horseback. CDVs each measure 2.375″ x 4″. Writing on versos and minute wear, overall in very good plus condition with a prominent signature by Custer. With provenance from Cowan’s Auctions, where the set sold for $23,000 in 2005. Sold for $8,400.
Robert E. Lee Letter Signed Battle of Chancellorsville
General Robert E. Lee letter signed, composed a week after Lee executed his “perfect battle” plan at Chancellorsville. In the face of overwhelming Union forces, Lee made the bold decision on 1 May 1863 to split his army, pitting a small force to defend Fredericksburg against the advance of Union General John Sedgwick, and using the remainder of his army to attack Union General Joseph Hooker’s forces. The strategy was so effective that Lee divided his army a second time on 2 May, allowing General Stonewall Jackson to rout the Union’s XI Corps, and causing Hooker to hesitate before ultimately withdrawing his forces. Indeed, the battle was so perfectly executed that many believe it led to Lee’s hubristic decision to pursue the Union army north, leading to the Battle of Gettysburg, which completely altered the course of the Civil War. Sold for $7,873.
Custer Signed War Document
General George Armstrong Custer signed war endorsement dated 25 November 1864. Custer signs “G. A. Custer” forwarding his approval and recommendation from the Headquarters 3rd Cavalry Division. Document measures 3.25″ x 2.5″. Near fine condition. Sold for $4,759.
Stonewall Jackson 1861 Document Signed — With University Archives COA
Payment authorization signed by famed Civil War General Thomas Jonathan ”Stonewall” Jackson, here signed as a Colonel at the beginning of the Civil War. Signed T. J. Jackson / Col.” Slip measures 6.25” x 1.75”. Light toning and chip to left edge, else near fine. With University Archives COA. Sold for $3,750.
24th New York Cavalry Civil War Diary
1864 Civil War diary by Samuel P. Kenyon of the 24th New York Cavalry, Co. I. Kenyon was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for capturing a Rebel battle flag at the Battle of Sailor’s Creek on 6 April 1865. Beginning in early 1864 and extending until August of that year, after which entries are more sporadic, diary covers the 24th’s fighting at Spotsylvania Court House and Petersburg, where Kenyon was WIA. In part, “…[Friday, May 6, 1864] Marched again this morning at five went thro the woods about 4 miles lay in line of Battle – fell back to the intrenchments by Head Quarters lay in line Battle all night… Sold for $3,500.
Very Scarce, Original 1856 Runaway Slave Poster — Large Broadside Measures 9″ x 12.75″
Original runaway slave poster, dated 25 March 1856 from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Poster reads in full: “Absconded from Traveller’s Rest Estate in Stafford county, three negro Men, Barnaby, Jim and Dilly…Billy left my farm on the 3d day of March, Jim on the 17th and Barnaby on the 24th. It is not believed that any of these men have any idea of escaping to a free State, but instead merely absconding where they can remain in the greatest safety with the least danger of being caught within any distance around the said estate, where they are most secure. Barnaby is a large man, about 50 years of age, is bald on the top of his head, had a full beard on when he left, is of a slick brown color, not a mulatto, nor a black; very broad shoulders, is a first-rate Blacksmith and Carpenter, speaks politely when addressed. Jim is about 35 or 40 years old, of about the same color of Barnaby, and tall, though small about the lower part of the body, and slender legs; smiles when spoken to with an averted glance. Billy is a…mulatto, very tall, broad shoulders, very bushy head and very large feet, and about 21 years of age. These men may be together, they are certainly merely lurking around with no idea of going to a free State. That is my belief, but they may in end making [sic] their way to a free state by the first chance. I will give forty dollars reward for Barnaby, thirty for Jim, and twenty-five for Billy…Robert A. Gray, Fredericksburg, Va.” Incidentally, Robert Gray’s estate, “Eastwood,” still stands in Fredericksburg and was used as a hospital during the Civil War. Poster has folding throughout, though expertly reinforced on verso. Fully intact poster, measuring 9″ x 12.75″, is in fair condition, typical of publicly displayed posters and broadsides from the time period. Very scarce. Sold for $3,000.
Antietam Battle of Yorktown 6 Civil War Letters 9th GA
Six letter lot by Confederate Joseph H. Harris of the 9th Georgia Infantry, Co. B, who would be KIA at Antietam less than 2 months after his last letter. Writing to his parents, brother and sister, Harris writes of the Battle of Yorktown, skirmishing and a soldier afflicted with a severe case of battle fright. Letter dated 12 May 1862 outside Richmond reads in part, “…we have been haveing a very hard time for the last two months have not had no time to rest or anything else…we just have to wear our Dirty cloths as long as we can stand them and then throw them away an get new ones…James Satterfield had the measles and they Setled on his bowels…Our Generals intend to make a general Stand here or near this place and if that be so we are going to have one of the Bloodiest Battles that has ever bin fought Since this war has Commenced…Our men are not going to Suffer them to go as long as we can Shoulder our Muskets…if the Yankees ever does attack us that we will give them one of the Powerfulest thrashing that they ever had…there has bin several yankee Prisoners taken for the last two weeks I tell you they look mean and Bad. A Regt of Yankees comeing charging on our Regt that was on pickets but Our boys on seeing them comeing they started to meet them but the Yankees would not stand to meet Our brave boys So they took to their heels and run. Our men fired on them Several times and killed a good many of them…we was Close enough to see the fun…I was Struck with a spent ball on my leg but it was so far spent that it did not hurt much it Just made a little black place on my leg…I will tell something about our trip to York Town…we lay out int he woods some 3 miles from the enemy all night and until about 10 Oclock the next day when there was a very heavy Cannonadeing Commenced from both sides we was Ordered to move up in about one half a mile of the enemys line in Double quick time…we got in a half a mile of the yankee line we was ordered to halt and lye down so as to protect us from the shell and Shot from the Yankeees heavy guns. I tell you that the Cannon balls fell thick and heavy all around us and over our heads they Just whistled but we only got two men of our Regt hurt they was wounded from Bomb Shell. So we lay there under the fire of the enemys Cannon until about 4 oclock in the evening when our Picketts commenced a very heavy fire and we was ordered to march to the place of the fireing which was about two hundred yards from us just over a hill. There was a very heavy cannonading Still going but we Just marched right throu and none of us got hurt…” Sold for $2,400.
Lookout Mountain Tintype 1864
1864 quarter-plate tintype featuring eight Union soldiers posing atop Lookout Mountain. Enclosed in Littlefield & Parsons case measuring 4″ x 5″. Photo quite clear and focused, in excellent condition. Sold for $2,010.
Tintype Confederate Officer
Tintype of a Confederate officer ambrotype. The long-bearded gentleman sits in a three-quarter pose, wearing the signature Confederate officer’s frock coat with a double row of buttons. The single row of sleeve braid and single collar stripe identify the officer as a Second Lieutenant. Frame of original ambrotype visible at edges. Tintype was likely made of the more fragile ambrotype for greater portability. Images measures 2.5″ x 3.75″. Fine condition. Sold for $1,815.
Ambrotype Identified Confederate
Civil War sixth-plate ambrotype of Confederate soldier. Subject is wearing a forage cap and a six-button trimmed shell jacket. Pictured standing in full length, the soldier has his rifle with bayonet upright at his side. Inside the photographer’s studio, a patterned floor is visible as well as a black backdrop which does not extend all the way to the floor. Photograph is adorned with gold tinting on soldier’s buttons and pink on his cheeks. Cardboard backing bears pencil writing identifying the soldier as Henry Pratt. Ambrotype is cased in a gold-colored metal frame with beautiful embossed and stamped designs and protected by a sheet of glass. Cracking is visible but it is only in the layer of wax on the back of the ambrotype. Protective glass has one scratch, but the ambrotype is perfectly preserved. Sold for $1,115.
African American Soldier’s Pay Record — Dated 1782 for Service in the Revolutionary War
Rare Revolutionary War pay document for an African American soldier, Private Nero Cross. Cross served in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army, in Colonel Swift’s 4th and 6th Regiments and is here paid by the Connecticut State Treasury Office. John Lawrence signs as Treasurer. Partially-printed document is dated 1 June 1782 and measures 8” x 3.75”. Left edge is irregularly trimmed, and a perfect quarter-sized circle has been cut out at center left. Some handwritten notations on verso regarding debts and interest paid. Separation stating along center fold, overall very good condition for its age, fully intact. Sold for $566.
Consign your Nathan Bedford Forrest signature at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Send a description and images to us at [email protected].
FREE ESTIMATE. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Nathan Bedford Forrest signature that is for sale, please email your description and photos of your item to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).
Nathan Bedford Forrest signature