Description:

A high grade complete set of Presidential autographs, bound in a single, elegant vintage volume

A superb volume featuring the autographs of every President of the United States from George Washington to Barack Obama, including numerous examples signed while in office. Each example has been tipped to a page in the album in chronological order, all of which are accompanied by various images of the subject including many fine engravings. The folio album measuring 13.25" x 16.5" is bound in red morocco with ornate gilt tooling and a ribbed and gilt titled spine. The center of the front board is adorned with a color bust portrait of Washington in military attire, set into a recessed oval frame making for a terrific presentation. Overall condition of the contents within range from very good to very fine.



Highlights of the collection include a fine example of Washington's rare full signature "George Washington," from a fragment of a document as well as one of the boldest examples of John Adams' signature, accomplished as President on parchment. Jefferson is represented with an Autograph Note Signed, written at his Virginia retreat of Poplar Forest in 1817. Several free franks and examples of franking signatures are featured, including examples by John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren, James Polk, and Zachary Taylor.



Of particular interest is Abraham Lincoln's endorsement on a letter from Secretary of State William Seward, written less than a month before the Battle of First Bull Run (First Manassas). Lincoln's endorsement is accomplished on the verso of an Autograph Letter Signed by his Secretary of State, William Seward, 1p. 5" x 8", Washington, June 29, [1861], to editor and power-broker Thurlow Weed, asking him to visit General Benjamin Butler at Fortress Monroe: "You would cause[?] an important public service by visiting Genl Butler at Fortress Monroe, and conferring with him upon the matters arising there and bringing to us from him an explanation of his views as to the expediency of movement and the manner thereof." Lincoln endorses the verso "I approve. A. Lincoln" Additionally endorsed by Winfield Scott: "Very good W. Scott" Lincoln endorsed this letter the same day his cabinet had overruled Winfield Scott's recommendation to hold off on a major attack until the at least the end of summer, as he was of the opinion that the soldiers on hand were not battle ready. Due to calls from Congress and the press for imminent action, Scott's reservations were overlooked — with disastrous consequences the following month at Bull Run. Sadly for the Union, Scott was indeed correct in his assumptions about Union preparedness.

Also of interest is a fine content Typed Letter Signed, "Dwight D. Eisenhower," as President, 1p. 6.5" x 8.75", Washington, February 14, 1956, graciously accepting a membership in the "Coronary Curling Club," written in the months after he suffered his heart attack. Eisenhower's heart condition, together with a mild stroke he suffered in 1957 caused Eisenhower to write a letter of authority giving Vice President Richard Nixon the means to assume power in the event of his incapacitation. This arrangement was codified in the Twenty-Fifth Amendment ratified in 1967.

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