Archives International Auctions Auction 82 January 24th, 2023

Archives International Auctions - Sale 82 93 January 24, 2023 Archives International Auctions www.archivesinternational.com Alaska, California, & Canada 484 484 Alaska &YukonGold Rush Era Letter, French ExplorationCo., Ltd. 1897 Letterhead Regarding a Trip to Dawson City California, Alaska & Yukon, Canada, 1897. Handwritten Letter on French Exploration Co. Ltd. Letterhead inquiring about a trip to “the Klondyke” and Dawson City, Canada. The author, Leon Boillot, writes to an Agent of the Canadian Pacific Rail Road in Ashcroft, British Columbia, seeking information about travel during the winter months. Boillot asks a series of questions about the undertaking of this journey, such as the need for dogs or horses with sleds to carry the necessary provisions. Boillot also asks “are there stations or forts along the road, where we might get supplies, at least feed or fodder for dogs or horses?” Dawson City, officially the City of Dawson, is a town in the Canadian territory of Yukon. It is inseparably linked to the Klondike Gold Rush (1896-99). VF condition with very few signs of aging, pair of punch-out holes at top. Interesting piece. �� Est. $160-280 Ephemera - Autographs - Political Washington, D.C. 485 485 Francis E. Spinner, 1868 Handwritten Letter to a Judge about a Pension Claim for a Widowed Mother of a Civil War Soldier. Washington, D.C., November 18, 1868. Handwritten letter in Spinner’s hand from Francis E. Spinner regarding a young man who evidently was killed in the Civil War, Black text with bold Spinner signature at bottom. Discusses a previous letter sent to Spinner, which he had copied and “enclosed one each to General Schofield, the Secretary of War, and to General Butterfield, to who I understand the matter will be referred.” Spinner then states that he wrote a “strong letter” to both men, on “behalf of the widowed mother of young Perry.” Ezra Graves name also appears at bottom left. John McAllister Schofield (September 29, 1831 - March 4, 1906) was an American soldier who held major commands during the American Civil War. He was appointed U.S. Secretary of War (1868-1869) under President Andrew Johnson and later served as Commanding General of the United States Army (1888-1895). Daniel Adams Butterfield (October 31, 1831 - July 17, 1901) was a New York businessman, a Union General in the American Civil War, and Assistant U.S. Treasurer. Francis Elias Spinner ( January 21, 1802 – December 31, 1890) was an American politician from New York. He served as Treasurer of the United States from 1861 to 1875, and was the first administrator in the federal government to employ women for clerical jobs. Fine-VF condition with faint staining. Interesting Francis E. Spinner piece, which mentions several important figures of the day. ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Est. $230-450 Ephemera - Banking & Finance New York & Germany 486 486 A.B. & Co. (August Belmont), 1874 I/U Second of Exchange Payable in Prussian Thalers. New York & Germany, 1874. 304 26/30 Prussian Thalers I/C Second Exchange, Black text with black border and red underprint, Eagle at top center, Company seal at left. POCs at left. VF condition. Unusual piece and very likely signed by August Belmont at bottom right. August Belmont Sr. (8 Dec 1813 - 24 Nov 1890) was a German-American financier, diplomat, politician and party chairman of the Democratic National Committee, and also a horse-breeder and racehorse owner. He was the founder and namesake of the Belmont Stakes, third leg of the Triple Crown series of American Thoroughbred horse racing. ABNC. ��������������������������������������� Est. $100-200 Ephemera - California Gold Rush California 487 487 San Francisco, 1857 Handwritten Letter Regarding Business Opportunities San Francisco, California, 1857. Handwritten, several page letter from William B. Freeman (may be a similar last name), to a potential business partner. Possibly related to Wells, Fargo & Co. Dark brown cursive text on off-blue paper, Embossed “Bath” seal at top left corner. The beginning of the letter discusses a “Sherwood matter” in which the Sherwood in question left his wife and son in San Francisco, and was expected to be absent for 60 or 70 days. Interestingly, Freeman states that Sherwood won “something handsome on Gwinn’s election,” and goes on to say that Sherwood has “evidently has not acted well in this matter.” The rest of the letter discusses how Freeman’s business has been prospering, as he has been able to purchase various goods at low rates and on “easy terms.” He wants to leverage the contacts of the potential partner he is writing to in order to expand the business. Fascinating first-hand account of a business during the Gold Rush Era in San Francisco. The Gwin mentioned is likely William M. Gwin (October 9, 1805 - September 3, 1885), an American medical doctor and politician who served in elected office in Mississippi and California. In California he shared the distinction, along with John C. Fremont, of being the state’s first US senators. Before, during, and after the Civil War, Gwin was well known in California, Washington, DC, and the Southern United States as a determined Confederate sympathizer. VF condition with very little signs of wear, aside from slight toning along fold lines. ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Est. $200-400