Description:

Douglas Stephen

Stephen A. Douglas FF, CDV & More in a 5-pc Archive

 

A small lot related to indomitable Illinois statesman Stephen A. Douglas (1813-1861), ca. 1861. Items include his free franked signature as "S A Douglas"; three vintage cartes de visites of himself and second wife Adele Cutts Douglas (1835-1899); and a contemporary copy of his eulogy delivered by Secretary of the Senate John W. Forney a month after the former's death. 

 

The lot includes:

 

1. A free franked signature on an envelope fragment signed by Douglas as "free S A Douglas". With expected folds and wrinkles, and an uneven bottom edge. Minor mounting traces verso. Else very good. 3.25" wide.

 

2. Carte de visite of Stephen Douglas (Chicago studio J. Carbutt), showing him standing with his right hand on a chair. Pencil inscription verso. 2.5" x 4".

 

3. Carte de visite of Adele Cutts Douglas (New York City studio Charles D. Fredericks & Co.), showing a full length view of her in mourning dress standing near a column and balustrade. Pencil inscription verso.

 

4. Carte de visite of Adele Cutts Douglas depicting her standing in a white dress with black lace hair net and matching shawl, with her facsimile signature at bottom. Scattering foxing.

 

5. Contemporary pamphlet entitled Eulogy upon the Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, Delivered at the Smithsonian Institute, Washington, July 3, 1861, by John W. Forney (Philadelphia: Ringwalt & Brown, 1861). The 28pp pamphlet summarized Douglas's life and attempted to reconcile his antebellum stance towards slavery with current events--the onset of the Civil War--to only limited success, as the pamphlet's former owner Mrs. J.W. Queen wrote on the front cover. Weakened binding. A central vertical fold. Several minor closed tears to the front cover and a few light pencil notations within, else very good to near fine. 5.75" x 9.125".

 

Douglas was one of the most talented politicians of the mid-nineteenth century, whose great oratorical skills outweighed his small physical statue. The "Little Giant" is best remembered for his role in the celebrated Lincoln-Douglas debates during the 1858 Illinois Senate race.

 

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

 

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