SIR CHRISTOPHER WREN ~~ THE FAMED BRITISH ARCHITECT, RESPONSIBLE FOR DESIGNING ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL IN LONDON, IN HIS ROLE AS DIRECTOR OF HIS MAJESTIES ROYAL HOSPITAL IN CHELSEA
WREN, CHRISTOPHER (1632-1723). English architect, who played a leading role in the rebuilding of London following the devastating Great Fire of 1666, and whose St. Paul’s Cathedral takes a place among the greatest designs in the history of architecture. Scarce Manuscript Document Signed, “Chr. Wren.” One page, large folio. [9.75 x 15 inches]. No place [London]. March 11, 1698.
A 17TH CENTURY LETTER OF CREDIT WITH GOOD NUMISMATIC OVERTONES
VYNER, SIR THOMAS. 1ST BARONET (1588–1665). Wealthy English businessman and politician who served as the Lord Mayor of London; James I appointed Vyner to the office of comptroller of the mint; under Oliver Cromwell, Vyner and a partner purchased a large quantity of Spanish bullion to be converted into coins for both the English government and the East India Company; in 1656, he became the Lord Mayor of London and was knighted by Cromwell. Exceedingly-rare Autograph Letter Signed, “Thos. Vyner”. 1/3 page, legal folio. London, September 1, 1653.
JEFFERSON SIGNS AN ACT OF THE SECOND CONGRESS REMITTING FINES FOR THE FAILURE TO TRANSPORT THE MAILS BETWEEN CHARLESTON AND SAVANNAH
JEFFERSON, THOMAS. (1743-1826). Third President of the United States; principle author of the Declaration of Independence; Governor of Virginia; Minister to France; and influential Founding Father of the United States. Uncommon Printed Broadside Act of the Second Congress, Boldly Signed in ink by Jefferson as Secretary of State. One page, oblong large octavo.
A TRULY CHARMING AND ‘CLASSIC’ GEORGE BERNARD SHAW LETTER RESPLENDENT WITH HIS WIT AND HUMOR! “IF LIVIA WOULD STOP EATING HER FELLOW CREATURES [AND BECOME A VEGETRIAN, LIKE G.B.S.] SHE WOULD FIND HER TEETH SOUNDER AND HER MATHEMATICAL FACULTY CLEARER.”
SHAW, GEORGE BERNARD. (1856-1950). Irish-born writer; Nobel prize winner. Charming Typed Letter Signed, “G. Bernard Shaw”, on his imprinted 10 Adelphi Terrace, W.C. stationery. Two full pages, small quarto. ‘Piccard’s Cottage, St. Catherines, Guilford, Surrey [England]’. September 29, 1907.
A BOLDLY PENNED, SAM HOUSTON LETTER ACCEPTING MEMBERSHIP IN THE NEW YORK RHETORICAL SOCIETY
HOUSTON, SAM. (1793-1863). American soldier and politician; first president of Republic of Texas. Boldly penned Autograph Letter Signed, “Sam Houston”, on blind-embossed and crested United States Senate stationery, with his characteristically ornate signature. Two full pages, quarto. “Washington City”, January 23, 1851. Excellent condition.
EMERSON REPORTS THE DEATH OF A HARVARD CLASSMATE
EMERSON, RALPH WALDO. (1803 -1882) Author, poet, and philosopher; leader of the Transcendentalist movement. Autograph Letter Signed “R.W. Emerson”. One page, octavo. Concord [Massachusetts], February 14, 1869.
GENERAL U.S. GRANT SALUTES CYRUS W. FIELD ON THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE SUCCESSFUL LAYING OF THE ATLANTIC CABLE
GRANT, ULYSSESS S. (1822-1885). Union General in the Civil War and President of the United States. Choice Autograph Letter Signed, as General, on Head Quarters Armies of the United States stationery. One full page, 4to. Washington, D.C., November 8, 1866.