A rare map of the Hudson River at the dawn of the railroad age

(New York) Map, “Fowler’s New Map of the Hudson River: with a description of the adjoining country: the distances of the different towns, &c. on the Canal, from Albany to Buffalo, the distances of the different towns from Albany, by stage, to Niagara Falls, Lake George, &c.” (Albany: George Fowler, Vance & Wendell, Printers), 600 x 60 mm. (23 5/8 x 2 3/8 in.) on a 740 x 260 mm. (29 1/8 x 10 1/4 in.) sheet.

A superb and detailed view of the Hudson Valley around the year 1830, when the Hudson River was still the primary link between New York City and the state’s interior. Complimenting the map, which runs from New York City in the south up to Glenville, where the river turns to the west before disappearing in the Adirondacks, is a detailed gazetteer. The top features the mileage on the route from Buffalo and Albany “BY CANAL“, noting the various locales along the Erie Canal that had been completed in 1825, as well as the route between the two cities “BY STAGE“. Below, the reader finds short descriptions of the principle towns along the route from Albany down to the city and include historical notes with a special emphasis on the region’s connection to the Revolutionary War while the description of the City of New York boasts of its commercial connections detailing how many packets sail for Europe, and at what frequency.

The Hudson would continue to serve as the primary route of communication and trade between the port of New York and the North American interior until the 1850s, when viable rail routes had been completed between Albany and New York. At the time Fowler published this map, water served as the most economical means of transporting goods. New York saw its first major passenger railroads chartered around this time — the first regularly scheduled passenger service in the country, running between Albany and Schenectady, began in 1831.

Rare. We are currently aware of three institutional examples held by the New York State Library, Clements Library, and the Boston Public Library. One more example is known to have traded hands in the past few years and is currently in a private collection.

Creases, folds with minor pinholes in a few spots, light toning and soiling, else very good condition overall. Note this piece has been stored folded for some time and will be shipped in the same manner.

(EXA 5906) SOLD

Papers of the Mississippi Squadron, 1862 – 1865

“Everything suspicious on the River is fired at…“: an archive documenting David D. Porter’s command of the Mississippi River Squadron, 1862-1864.

(Mississippi River Squadron) An important collection of ten (10) Letters Signed and Autograph Letters Signed by several Union naval officers, either stationed as part of, or related to the Mississippi River Squadron, 18pp., 1862-1865, mainly consisting of field reports directed to Rear Admiral David Dixon Porter, in command of the Mississippi Squadron, concerning the movements of Confederate forces and subsequent captures, escaped slaves (i.e. “Contrabands“), condition reports on various Union vessels, and administrative correspondence covering a variety of personnel issues.

The Army initially had charge of the The Mississippi River Squadron, but was transferred to the command of the Union Navy by October 1862. Rear Admiral David Dixon Porter commanded the Mississippi Squadron from 15 October 1862 until July 1864, replacing Captain Charles H. Davis upon Davis’s appointment to Chief of the Bureau of Navigation. The majority of the letters included in this archive are addressed to Porter, reporting to him as commander of the Mississippi Squadron from the USS Silver Cloud, Prairie Bird, Gage, Essex, Marmora, Petrel, Hastings, and Black Hawk, all stationed in Mississippi or Louisiana. The content of the letters include administrative correspondence requesting leave and reporting for duty, as well as detailed reports of Rebel captures and important strategic information.

The earliest letter in the collection is of particular interest as it concerns the assumption of command by David Porter in October 1862, and his early efforts to strengthen the fleet for an anticipated operation to reopen the Mississippi River to Union ship traffic: an Autograph Letter Signed “D.V. Heck[?]” , 1 December 1862, 8pp., Cairo, Illinois, on Mississippi Squadron letterhead, likely to his son, offering a fascinating glimpse into the days immediately preceding the formation of the Mississippi Squadron, and the anticipatory excitement surrounding the squadron’s mission, reading in large part: “…I suppose you have not sent me a scratch of your pen since I have been in this Godforsaken place because you have waited to hear from me first, and be convinced of my being still in the land of the living… In the first place I arrived in Cairo, according to orders, on the 15th of Octr. I reached here in the morning and was very kindly received by Admiral Davis, whom I found a most polished and amiable gentleman. Admiral Porter arrived in the afternoon of the same day, and assumed command of the Miss. Squadron on the next Morning— If ever I earned my living it was during the first two weeks after my arrival in Cairo— I wrote by day, and I wrote by night & at all hours was driving my pen except when I was asleep or eating my meals— I only had one Clerk to assist me, and the work in the Admiral’s office was on par with that in the Navy Department… In the first place we are working like blazes here to get everything ready for the rise in the River, which is expected to take place very soon, when the Squadron will steam down the Father of Waters, and if its passage down the mighty stream is contested, why I guess there will be some hard blows given and some fellows will have their heads cracked. When all the vessels of the Miss. Squadron are ready for service, a very imposing force will be opposed to the enemy— But the latter also is not to be despised— we hear of several formidable batteries erected to contest our passage down the River, and up the Yazoo River are several Iron-Clad Rams ready to give Uncle Sam’s steamers a warm reception— Then there is Vickburg to pass, which will probably be no child’s play— But if the Mississippi River is ever to be opened, it will be done by Davy Porter— take my word for it— But it will not be done without hard fighting, for the Rebels are determined to keep the Western States from using this great thoroughfare of Commerce as long as it is in their power to do so— they hope by preventing the great West to send down to the seaboard and to the world her immense productions, that they will ‘Coerce’ this portion of the Country into negotiations of peace, & perhaps dispose it to join the Southern States— But I will drop politics. I am now living on board of a fine Mississippi Steamer boat called the ‘New Uncle Sam’. Admiral Porter purchased her for his head quarters, and is fitting her up in a very comfortable & handsome style— She is to be, when finished, a practice ship for the Squadron. She is being greatly strengthened for carrying guns, will have a regular crew of sailors and naval officers, and all on board will be conducted in complete man-of-war style— The Admirals’ Quarters are very fine, and I have as nice a state room as I could wish for, furnished with new furniture received from St. Louis. I mess with the Admiral, & we live high— great Country this for game of all kind— We have three clerks in the office now, so that I have but little to do, except to look around generally, and keep things in order. I get everything I want from the office from St. Louis… Lots of Contrabands arrive here from down River— some bring plenty of cotton with them which they say they have saved from ‘cotton burnins’. A party of niggers arrived here with 20 bails it is worth here 50 c pb. The gorillas were very troublesome when we first got here— but the Admiral has taken such severe measures with these fellows that they now are not heard of— Everything suspicious on the River is fired at…”

The balance of the collection also features a variety of good content, and is quoted below, in part “[19 December 1863, aboard the USS Silver Cloud, Mississippi River] I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of blanks for Requisitions & Monthly returns of Contrabands… [15 March 1864, aboard the USS Marmora off Bolivar Landing, Mississippi] I have the honor to inform you that whilst passing Island No. 82 this Morning on my way to my station I was hailed by some people in quite a state of excitement requesting me to come to them which I instantly did. I was informed by them that a Rebel Officer had got off on the Island from the Continental whilst she was wooding there during the night and that he had with him a Trunk containing Rebel Uniforms etc. I instantly landed an armed force and from directions given by the people I proceeded in search of him. After a short search he was found and brought on board also a Trunk and Carpet Bag well filled with Articles for Rebel uses Uniforms, Cloths, Buttons, etc. The whole of the articles were bought in Saint Louis His name is John A. Tatum a citizen of Missouri and a resident of Saint Louis he acknowledges himself to be a Sergeant of the 1st Missouri Light Battery in the Rebel Service. I found a Flag of the Battery in the Trunk. He says that one of the crew of the Continental threw the Trunk and Bag overboard as the Sv. [?] as leaving the Island he having walked ashore without being suspected he declares on Oath that no persons but that man on the Boat knew anything about him the name of the man he will not give. I shall forward him by the first opportunity to Captain A.M. Pennock together with the articles… [30 March 1864, aboard the USS Petrel, Snyder’s Bluff, Mississippi] Agreeable to your orders I have the honor this day to forward to you a Photograph of this Vessel. As she appeared after the expeditions up the Yazoo and Sunflower Rivers. I will send you a large one when taken… [9 April 1864, aboard the steamer ship Hastings, Red River, Louisiana, to Captain Gorrigne aboard the flagship USS Cricket] The following is the names, rank, company and Regiments, of the two men captured last evening: Richard Venables, Capt. Co. ‘D,’ Crescent regiment Ga. Vols., detached as Enrolling Officer, Natchitoches Parrish, La., Jackson E. Labat, Priv. Co. ‘G’, 26 La. Inf… [23 April 1864, aboard the USS Black Hawk in the “Mouth of the Black River“] I have just received a letter from Ramsey telling me that the Covington had arrived but that her boilers were in such bad condition that she would not be able to move for three or four days…. That field piece has traveled to Fort Adams (and seeing that the Champion was not there— she came to Red River for Coal) and find on a boat but with what damage I am unable to learn— Ramsey sent the Champion right back— I think it would be well to have the Forest Rose back … as that field piece is bound to go up and down the River until captured— Splendid chance for the M & M Bs only 200 Rebs & one field piece. The carpenters shops are in great demand at Red River can I send the Samson to bring theirs down— The Little Rebel may be fixed where she is by having a stern deck built. I detached her comp offr and ordered [?] Kingof the Red River where Capt. Wells recommends very highly— The Chief Engr I told Ramsey to look after— he has been peddling with the negroes on shore— Hoop skirts &c.— so reported. The St. Clair brought up 25 men from the boat sent to Farragut as the Kenwood had only ten white men on board. I took half of them for her and sent the rest to Capt. Pennock, although they were sorely needed… [30 May 1865, the Bureau of Navigation, Washington, Acting Bureau Chief Joseph Smith to Commodore J.B. Hull, Philadelphia Navy Yard] You will advertise Acting First Assistant Engineer B.A. Hoffman as a deserter from the U.S.S. ‘Curlew’, Mississippi Squadron, since the 1st instant. No reward will be offered for his arrest. His residence is Brownsville, Pa. By direction of the Secretary of the Navy.” Another point of interest arises in a seemingly routine Manuscript Document Signed “Charles H. Burt” as Acting Second Assistant Engineer, to Rear Admiral David Porter, he reports for duty to the Iron Clad USS Essex off Red River on 8 March 1864, two days prior to the start of the Red River Campaign, a devastating Union failure embarrassingly lost to the far outnumbered Confederate troops led by Lieutenant General Richard Taylor.

Light toning soiling with typical edge wear including a few marginal tears, light creases and expected mailing folds, else fine condition. Together, ten pieces.

(EXA 5648) SOLD

Old Bay Line Steamship Herald broadside advertising the Baltimore to Norfolk route, c. 1842-1848

(Steamboats) Broadside, “THIS DAY. FOR NORFOLK, PORTSMOTH, RICHMOND, PETERSBURG, VA AND CHARLESTON, S.C…. SUPERB, SWIFT AND SAFE STEAMBOAT HERALD…” (Baltimore: “Printed at Murphy’s Cheap and Expeditious Job Printing Establishment” [c. 1842]) 230 x 184 mm. (9 x 7 1/4 in.).

A superb advertisement for The Baltimore Steam Packet Company’s steamship Herald, operating daily (except Sundays) between Baltimore and Norfolk from the 1840s through the mid-1860s. “T. Sheppard, Agent” refers to Colonel Thomas Sheppard, the Treasurer of the Baltimore Steam Packet Company from its inception in 1839 through 1848.

In 1842, The Bay Line (also known as the Old Bay Line) ordered their first new boat, the Medora, which exploded on its test run in Baltimore harbor. Later that same year, it was rebuilt as the Herald by builders Brown and Collyer. The Herald was sold to a New York line in 1867, and was abandoned in 1885^*.

Light dampstains, rough edges as shown, mild creasing, else very good condition.

(EXA 5645) SOLD.
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^* Richard E. Prince, Seaboard Air Line Railway: Steam Boats, Locomotives, and History (Salt Lake City: Wheelright Lithogtraphing Company, 1969).

A great satirical Fourth of July celebration broadside, Connecticut, c. 1856

(Fourth of July) A great satirical Broadside, “FOURTH JULY! – GRAND CELEBRATION!” [Connecticut, c. 1856], 485 x 290 mm. (19 3/8 x 11 1/2 in.).

A comical broadside ‘advertising’ a fictitious 4th of July celebration: “…A Procession will be formed at precisely some time after breakfast, in Shinbone Alley, the right resting on the Rope Walk, in the following order: Col. Gluepot, Chief Marshall…“, followed by Marshall’s Aids “Captain Brush” and “Jimmy Shankpainter.” Other members of the procession included a “…Jewish Sunday School… Brigham Young in a Transparent Crinoline… James Buchanan and Mother Bailey, on a gentle cow… THE YACHT REBECCA… a striking feature, in which J. Gordon Bennett, with long sweeps, will attempt to pull ahead of the rest of the procession…“. Post-procession events included a trek to “Skunk Cabbage Grove” to witness Mrs. Amandalina Reiley’s lecture, ‘The Affinity between the Potatoe Rot and the Growth of Brainless Young Dandies.’ After the lecture, an evening of fireworks promises “Four Fire Flies on the Marsh” and “The Northern Lights and the Moon having a fight.” The broadside concludes with an offer to the public from the New London and Stonington Rail Road Company to experience “…a Free Excursion over the whole length of the Extension Road… to give all who desire it an opportunity to take dinner with Mr. Langworthy.”

We haven’t discerned the exact target, but these broadsides tend to be political. Most satirical broadsides we encounter offer many more (obvious) clues than this one reveals. Mr. Langworthy may have been B. F. Langworthy, a Whig member of the Connecticut Assembly representing Stonington in the early 1850s.¹ The route by which one could “take dinner with Mr. Langworthy” serves as a clue to the broadside’s date. By 1856, the New London and Stonington Railroad Company, organized in 1852, was becoming something of a local joke. Intended to complete the route between New York and Philadelphia, “The Extension Road“, as it was known, had yet to lay a tie or a rail. It merged with the New Haven and New London Railroad Company in 1856.²

Expected folds, creases, minor marginal chips and tears not affecting text, else very good.

(EXA 4545)  SOLD.
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¹ Norwich Courier, 12 April 1854, 2; Columbian Register (Hartford, Conn.), 6 May 1854, 2; Langworthy, also a deacon in Stonington, was charged with managing the purchase of the Mystic Bridge Company by Stonington and Groton: Richard Anson Wheeler, History of the town of Stonington… (1900), 121).
² Wheeler, 153. Work finally commenced on the road in the summer of 1857. New London Daily Chronicle 11 July 1857, 2. Other clues to the date is the mention of J. Gordon Bennett, the newspaper editor was the target of a well-publicized libel suit during the early to mid 1850s and James Buchanan who was the Democratic Nominee in 1856.

A rare anti-slavery cigar case, c. 1840

(Abolition) Important and extremely rare papier-mâché cigar case, 70 x 135 mm. (2 3/4 x 5 3/8 in.), c. 1840-1850 with gilt-painted borders. One side features an overpainted engraving depicting a sailor branding a female slave on her back with the slogan beneath: “EXTINCTION OF SLAVERY—CIVILISATION OF AFRICA.” The image is loosely adapted from François-Auguste Biard’s c. 1840 painting, Scenes on the Coast of Africa. Biard (1799-1882), a French artist, was a staunch abolitionist and outspoken opponent of the slave trade. When the painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy in London, author William Makepeace Thackeray declared it: “the best, most striking, most pathetic lecture against the trade that ever was delivered.” He also called upon “the friends of the negro forthwith buy this canvass, and cause a plate to be taken from it. The picture is as fine as Hogarth.”^*

The opposite side of the case (which would have been considered the front) bears a three-quarter length portrait of a woman, dressed in extremely fine regalia—most likely a portrait of a young Queen Victoria. Her consort, Albert, served as president of the Society for the Extinction of the Slave Trade, and for the Civilization of Africa which was established in June 1839, soon before Biard’s painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy.

Papier-mâché cigar cases were manufactured primarily in Europe from the 1820s to the 1850s. Constructed of two lacquered papier-mâché panels connected with an accordion-like leather lining, they were lightweight, but still strong enough to protect a small cache of cigars. These cases were often decorated with portraits of important personages or with historic or allegorical scenes.

Extremely rare. This is the only example of a cigar case decorated with this motif we have ever encountered. We have seen only one other example of the engraving: an unpainted example adorning a mid-nineteenth century papier-mâché snuff box.

Some crazing and scratching to surfaces, side bearing Victoria’s portrait cracked with minor loss as shown. Panels nearly separated from and original connecting leather is lost. Despite the wear, the artwork remains extremely bright and vivid.

(EXA 5092) SOLD.

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^* Fraser’s Magazine (1840), Vol. 21, 731-2. Thackeray also implored Thomas Babington Macualy to purchase the work: “Macualy, who has a family interest in the matter, and does not know how to spend all the money he brought home from India; let the right honorable gentleman look to it. Down with your dust, right honourable sir; give Monsieur Biard a couple of thousand for his picture of the negroes, and it will be the best black act you ever did in your life; and don’t go for to be angry at the suggestion…” The painting was given to Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, a noted abolitionist and now resides at Wilberforce House in Hull.

1926 Broadside announcing Ku Klux Klan rally in Woodstock, Connecticut

(Ku Klux Klan) Broadside, 325 x 275 mm. (12 3/4 x 11 3/4 in.) ([n.p., n.d.]) advertising a “Patriotic Demonstration” held by the “American Krusaders and the Women of the Ku Klux Klan” in Woodstock, Connecticut, 16 August 1926 and advising that “White, Gentile, Protestants Welcome.”

A scarce broadside printed at the beginning of the end of the Second Klan as reevaluations of crime and corruption within the organization convinced many to leave the “Invisible Empire.” At its height in 1925 the Klan boasted four to five million members espousing a philosophy of “100% Americanism” which in their little world did not include Catholics, Jews, let alone African Americans.

Mounted to a larger board, some light uneven toning and light creases.

(EXA 4553) SOLD.

Egyptian Mummy exhibition broadside c. 1830

(Egyptomania) Broadside, “EGYPTIAN Mummy. The Proprietor begs leave to inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of this place, and its vicinity, that an EGYPTIAN MUMMY will be exhibited at Mr…” 1p., 475 x 335 mm. (18 3/4 x 13 1/4 in.), (Buffalo: Day, Follett & Haskins, Printers, [c. 1830])¹.

A superb illustrated broadside featuring an Egyptian sarcophagus at center and a lengthy explanation by Harvey Hobart: “the Proprietor is aware of the prejudice that exists in the minds against exhibitions and showmen generally. — To such he would observe, that this Mummy has been moving about the country for more than a year, and has uniformly been patronized by Ladies & Gentlemen of the first respectability, (that of the Clergy not excepted).” Hobart explained that the mummy “was brought to his country by Capt. Turner, from Trieste, at which place it had been rec’vd from Thebes…. The coffin is said to be of Sycamore wood, and is carved and painted in a manner peculiar to ancient Egyptians… the decease person… according to history, must have lived, and walked on this earth more than three thousand years ago!”

Like other showmen, Hobart was caught up in “Egyptomania” that swept the nation in the 1820s and 1830s, and this was one of several mummies touring the country at the time.² Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign at the end of the 18th century reignited Western interest in the region and its ancient culture resulting in an explosion of archeology and scholarship. European travelers returning from Egypt brought with them numerous artifacts including complete mummies. Interest in ancient Egypt was acute in the Untied States where it strongly influenced architecture, decorative arts and literature. Mummies arose particular interest, not only among curiosity-seekers, but by medical professionals who saw the preserved corpses as objects of study for the field of craniology, which purported to determine intelligence and race based on skull size and shape.

To substantiate his claim that the mummy was genuine, Hobart quotes a certificate issued by the eminent Boston surgeon, Dr. Joseph Collins Warren (1778-1856): “At the request of Captain Turner, of Charlestown, I have examined a Mummy brought here by him; and can certify that the same appears to be me to be a true and genuine Egyptian Mummy.”³. Hobart also claims the endorsements of several other eminent New England physicians including Thomas Hubbard, the President of the Connecticut Medical Society.

Extremely Rare. Not listed in American Broadsides and Ephemera, Series I. OCLC lists no extant editions in institutional holdings.

Expected folds, toned with some moderate soiling, marginal tears, else very good overall.

(EXA 5347) SOLD.

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¹ Day, Follett & Haskins were active in Buffalo from c. 1820-1839, Source. OCLC.

² Middlesex Gazette (Middletown, Conn.), 24 Apr. 1827, 3: “A gentleman is now exhibiting, in this city [Boston], an Egyptian Mummy. He has a certificate from Dr. Warren of Boston, who states his belief that it is genuine.” (We not certain if this is the same mummy as Hobart’s) ; also “A Mummy”, Farmer’s Cabinet (Amherst, N.H.) 10 May 1823, 2.

³ In 1846, Warren staged the first public demonstration of the use of ether as a general anesthetic. He was the nephew of Dr. Joseph Warren, killed at Bunker Hill.

James Garfield ANS as President Elect, November 1880

Click to enlarge

James A. GARFIELD (1831 – 1881) Autograph Note Signed “J. A. Garfield” as Pesident-elect, 1p. 178 x 112 mm. (7 x 4 1/2 in.), Mentor, Ohio, 13 November 1880 to Edward W. Bok* in Brooklyn, N.Y. honoring a request for an autograph.  more…

Eastport Maine Diary 1826, Death of Jefferson & Adams & a visit to the local Indians

(Early Eastport, Maine) Manuscript diary, 40 leaves (approx 70 pages Ms.) 220 x 170 mm. Eastport, Maine ¹ June to 7 September 1826 (with several entries in another hand dating between 1791 and 1824).  A brief, but eventful diary kept by an unidentified journalist that features an evocative description on an Indian reservation at Pleasant Point. The diary also describes 4th of July festivities in the town, popular reaction to the deaths of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson as well as a visit of an itinerant preacher who was essentially laughed out of town.

On 18 June 1826, our diarist described what would appear to be the arrival of regular steamer service to the region:  “…Father is to come in on the S.B. St. John, which is to sail regularly as follows: ‘To leave Eastport for St. John every friday, St. John for Annapolis every Saturday, returning to St. John every Monday & thence to Eastport every Tuesday.” The same day he described the arrival of “the U.S. Sloop of War Lexington 24 guns … a curiosity to us being the only American Ship that has arrived in this Port for ten years or more. She is to stop only a few days so she cannot stop till the 4th of July …”

“Friday, July 7th 1826 … Night before last a man calling himself Daniel Martin & saying that he was from the town of Pelham in Canada, near Niagara Falls undertook to hold forth to the people, in the Free Will Baptist church. As his appearance was rather singular the meeting house was crowded. He is tall & bends forward, – dressed in a light brown coat with a straw hat in the shape of a bowl, his beard two or three inches long, – face rather pale. His text was in the old Testament something about a white stone, & in the stone a Seal &c. His language English was very incorrect, vulgar using, for instance, the word ‘was’ in the place of ‘were,’ continually. – Before he named his text he made a few observations, rather incoherently mentioned told who he was &c; before he had finished this many went out. When he first began to speak he appeared to have an impediment in his speech & distress at his lungs, but has he grew more earnest he talked spoke more freely. He had talked about half an hour, when the audience appeared to be much dissatisfied a great many going out – at last when he saw nearly all the people in the body pews, pressing towards the door, some laughing out loud … he sat down. When Mr. Holman who was in the pulpit with him got up & said that he had requested the preacher to stop. After a few observations he went on with the sermon himself, the people quiet. He spoke a few minutes prayed & Then left the meeting. Martin got up again & began to preach the gospel to those who had crowded up the aisles, with their hats on talking out loud laughing &c. Then ensued a scene as I never witnessed a place of worship before, &c much merriment. Our fellow (standing near Re Mr Ford) said ‘We have a subscription, a four-pence a piece, to get his beard shaved? This he said out loud. At length Mr. Peavey came and went up to the pulpit & told the clergymen to stop, then turned to the audience & said ‘this mouse is mine: those who wish to go may go & then you (turning to Martin) may speak all night if you wish to.’ Mr Martin went out the people after him, joking him & laughing. He went down Washington Street at the head of the procession & requested a night’s lodging at Mr Lee’s house. After some knocking some time He came out, in his shirt & admitted him. Mr. Trask becoming sentry for Martin. While coming down the street a gentleman (so reputed at least) trailed[?] up alongside the discomforted[?] preacher, & requested him, repeatedly to ‘finish that story he was telling.’ ‘Come, finish that story. it was a very pretty one, i should like to hear the rest of it.’” H.H. – Mr Martin went in the sarah[?] this morning.”

“Monday July 10th 1826 … We learn the deaths of John Adams, late President, & father to the present President. He died 4th inst. hearing the Salutes he inquired the occasion, & being told that it was the 4th July said,’it was a great & glorious day,’ and never spoke more… Thus, one of our the Revolutionary Patriots,, & soon there will be done who can relate the Tears of our Revolution, to which they have been eyewitnesses. Fifty years ago, they were in life & vigour, honoured & respected by those whom they had made free, smiling complacently upon their ‘handy work,’ looking forward to an honuorable old age & expecting to go down to the grave gently & in peace, but now ‘where are they?’ their laurels have faded, their glory departed. they all will soon be forgotten, all but a few, whose memory cannot be forgot so long as the United States continue to be United States. Washington the Father, Savior of the country will always be remembered with the feelings worthy his greatness…”

“Friday [June] 14th 1826 … The S. B. Patent [sic packet?] arrived this afternoon 40 passengers … By her we receive news of he death of Thomas Jefferson, who died on the 4th inst. about 1 o’clock the same hour that the Dec. Indp was ‘promulged’ in Congress”.

“Tuesday July 25th 1826 … Guns have been firing from the fort ever since day light & the flags of all the Am Vessels in the harbour ‘half-masted’ as mourning for John Adams & Thos Jefferson.”

“Sunday [July] 30th 1826 … Mr Merriam preached a funeral sermon for Adams & Jefferson. The fist part thought good, but he made it immoderately long & tedious…”

“Tuesday August 1 1826 … started for Pleasant Point in Wm Matthews sloop … found father there then rode up on his way to Robinston – We went up to see the Indians choose their Governor, & other ceremonies but were disappointed the Govr. elect was in too much [?] or drunk… We amused ourselves walking about amongst the tents looking in them & there & in the hall where some where  Salk danced — The Indians say they would dance to night – There are four rows of huts, the two middle rows built about twenty-five feet apart regularly, the doors facing toward the river. In the space between the huts are cranes (two posts set in the ground & a spike across the top) to which hand kettles & pots full of meat cooking for the approaching festival. At one of those cooking-places, four or five Ind’s. were cutting up beef in the same raw skin that belonged to the meat in the first place into pieces of about a half pound each, & putting them into a large pots, into which another Ind. was conveying pieces of meat from another pot, with a ladle his fingers occasionally assisting. At this sight the ladies of our party sickened & one vomited, I was told so, for was not near her at the time – about 3 o’clk w went to Deacon Socabeson’s house & partook of a mess, which could not with propriety be called supper – or dinner, but was a compound of both … our fair hostess (the deacon’s squaw) took the bowl off telling us that she had given fifty cents for two $2. The house a small two rooms & a kitchen … altogether better finished than the houses of the middle class of white people – On the mouth piece I saw a short containing an account for the Indians in the U. States & some others Ch no. of St. John’s tribe was stated 300. the Passamaquiddin 379 with the Penobscot nearly 300 — Their huts are built very neatly of boards & slabs from thatched with brushbark[?] … Nearly all the Indians were in their huts, some drunk, We saw only one at work, under a cover making timbers for a canoe. I understood that this man was at work because opposed to the [?] of the destined governor, whereas all his partisans were today on holiday. Mr Kellogen told us that he is not elected unless the votes be unanimous & that the minority generally gave up & concur with the majority. They have a small, but good school house where we found Mr. Kellogen with three of the St John tribe learning to read — syllabus of their letters… Mr K. had a number of primer books on his desk. His master & scholars each take a book with a straw a stick to ‘keep the place’ & they pronounce each letter after him. He said it was difficult for them to pronounce and with consonants their language abounding in vowels. He could not command them but was obliged to goat them along…”

The last several pages of the diary are used for the journal’s original intent as an “Administration Receipt Book” chronicling transactions of an estate administrator in Gloucester, Massachusetts from 1791 to 1824.

Pages unevenly toned, many loose from binding, usual folds and marginal chips.

(EXA 3554) SOLD