Autographs
Revolutionary War Massachusetts Brigadier General William Shepard Archive
(WILLIAM SHEPARD), U.S. Congressman and Brigadier General of the Massachusetts Militia who prevented the capture of the Springfield Arsenal during Shays' Rebellion.
Lot of 7 letters, all addressed to William Shepard, varying in content, but mainly focusing on war and family. Each letter is in excellent condition. Please contact us for a full transcription of each letter, if desired.
1. May 27, 1797, 11.5" x 7.25", a one-page Letter from an old war buddy, Seth Banister, to William Shepard, Choice Fine. Written in brown ink on laid paper, the integral (self-made envelope) has retained most of the red wax from its original seal. There is a 1" tear on the crease along the left side, but this in no way hampers the text. Some minor toning to the corners, yet still in excellent condition.
2. March 27, 1797, Letter from Lewis Collins to General William Shepard. Written on brown ink on laid paper, the letter measures 8" x 6.25". The integral (self-made envelope) still bears remnants of the original red wax seal. The letter is 2 pages long, with an absence on the left side due to its original opening. The script is bold, and the missive is hardly creased with little to no foxing, toning or chipping. Collins' reference to naval frigates is especially interesting, as 1797 was the year in which the first three frigates in America's fledgling navy were launched.
3. November 19, 1803, the letter measures 9" x 7.5", 1 page, laid paper written in brown ink. The letter is written by Calvin Noble Clark, talking about a soldier, Elisha Lee, who did not report for duty one day. It will serve as a "neglect of training" on Lee's record. There are some minor scratch-outs on the letter, as well as some light foxing and mild toning, but overall, the letter is in wonderful condition.
4. February 24, 1802, the letter measures 9" x 7.25", 1 page, watermark paper written in brown ink. E. Mattoon writes to send his sympathies for Shepard's illness, and informs him that he plans on visiting him soon. Tear on left side by original wax remnants; overall excellent condition. There are creases that run through the letter, as is custom with an integral (self-made envelope), and these do not impair the text in any way. Interestingly enough, E. Mattoon was the highest ranking military officer of Amherst.
5. February, 16, 1800, the letter measures 12.25" x 7.5", 1 page, laid paper written in brown ink. In the last meeting of Congress, Mr. Smith had asked Shepard to locate his brother, Tilly Smith, for him. This letter was written by Smith, reminding Shepard to continue to look for him. On the reverse is the postage address and cancellation stamp. Age-toned with a small hole caused by the red wax remnants, most of which is still intact; overall wonderful condition.
6. May 20th, 1800, the letter measures 12.25" x 7.5", 1 page. A formal family letter from the grandson of the famous General Shepard regarding her life and affairs. His mother has just passed away, and he is now attempting to stay in better touch. He is in good health, with his father now running a Wholesale Store in the city. An amazing insight into the day to day life in the early 19th century. One small hole on the right hand side caused from wax remnants from the original seal; overall in wonderful condition with beautiful script.
7. Interesting personal letter to U.S. Congressman William Shepard in Philadelphia, from Justin Ely, a Commissioner in Massachusetts, with good political content. April 4, 1800, New Springfield, 12.5" x 7.5", a one-page letter with manuscript "FREE" franked integral mailing leaf, Choice Very Fine. Part of the original red wax remains on the self-made envelope, and the indentation "JE" (for Justin Ely) can be seen in the paper covering the leftover wax. Some minor toning and creases, yet still in excellent condition. Written in brown ink on fine-laid paper with usual folds; There is a tear at the bottom where the wax seal was broken, but the content of the letter is unaffected. Beautiful and legible manuscript; an interesting historical missive.
(7 items)
Revolutionary War Massachusetts Brigadier General William Shepard Archive
(WILLIAM SHEPARD), U.S. Congressman and Brigadier General of the Massachusetts Militia who prevented the capture of the Springfield Arsenal during Shays' Rebellion.
Lot of 7 letters, all addressed to William Shepard, varying in content, but mainly focusing on war and family. Each letter is in excellent condition. Please contact us for a full transcription of each letter, if desired.
1. May 27, 1797, 11.5" x 7.25", a one-page Letter from an old war buddy, Seth Banister, to William Shepard, Choice Fine. Written in brown ink on laid paper, the integral (self-made envelope) has retained most of the red wax from its original seal. There is a 1" tear on the crease along the left side, but this in no way hampers the text. Some minor toning to the corners, yet still in excellent condition.
2. March 27, 1797, Letter from Lewis Collins to General William Shepard. Written on brown ink on laid paper, the letter measures 8" x 6.25". The integral (self-made envelope) still bears remnants of the original red wax seal. The letter is 2 pages long, with an absence on the left side due to its original opening. The script is bold, and the missive is hardly creased with little to no foxing, toning or chipping. Collins' reference to naval frigates is especially interesting, as 1797 was the year in which the first three frigates in America's fledgling navy were launched.
3. November 19, 1803, the letter measures 9" x 7.5", 1 page, laid paper written in brown ink. The letter is written by Calvin Noble Clark, talking about a soldier, Elisha Lee, who did not report for duty one day. It will serve as a "neglect of training" on Lee's record. There are some minor scratch-outs on the letter, as well as some light foxing and mild toning, but overall, the letter is in wonderful condition.
4. February 24, 1802, the letter measures 9" x 7.25", 1 page, watermark paper written in brown ink. E. Mattoon writes to send his sympathies for Shepard's illness, and informs him that he plans on visiting him soon. Tear on left side by original wax remnants; overall excellent condition. There are creases that run through the letter, as is custom with an integral (self-made envelope), and these do not impair the text in any way. Interestingly enough, E. Mattoon was the highest ranking military officer of Amherst.
5. February, 16, 1800, the letter measures 12.25" x 7.5", 1 page, laid paper written in brown ink. In the last meeting of Congress, Mr. Smith had asked Shepard to locate his brother, Tilly Smith, for him. This letter was written by Smith, reminding Shepard to continue to look for him. On the reverse is the postage address and cancellation stamp. Age-toned with a small hole caused by the red wax remnants, most of which is still intact; overall wonderful condition.
6. May 20th, 1800, the letter measures 12.25" x 7.5", 1 page. A formal family letter from the grandson of the famous General Shepard regarding her life and affairs. His mother has just passed away, and he is now attempting to stay in better touch. He is in good health, with his father now running a Wholesale Store in the city. An amazing insight into the day to day life in the early 19th century. One small hole on the right hand side caused from wax remnants from the original seal; overall in wonderful condition with beautiful script.
7. Interesting personal letter to U.S. Congressman William Shepard in Philadelphia, from Justin Ely, a Commissioner in Massachusetts, with good political content. April 4, 1800, New Springfield, 12.5" x 7.5", a one-page letter with manuscript "FREE" franked integral mailing leaf, Choice Very Fine. Part of the original red wax remains on the self-made envelope, and the indentation "JE" (for Justin Ely) can be seen in the paper covering the leftover wax. Some minor toning and creases, yet still in excellent condition. Written in brown ink on fine-laid paper with usual folds; There is a tear at the bottom where the wax seal was broken, but the content of the letter is unaffected. Beautiful and legible manuscript; an interesting historical missive.
(7 items)
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Auction details
Autographs-Coins-Currency-Americana
9:00 AM PT - Feb 17th, 2008
offered by
Early American
P.O. Box 3507
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
