Kenneth W Rendell Gallery

Historical Documents and Autographs

Header Right

Main navigation

letter

Adams, Ansel

by

AMERICAN NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER ANSEL ADAMS.  Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, quarto, February 6, 1960. On his name imprinted stationery, to “Dear Nick.” “It was good to talk with you the other day – although I must have sounded very dull indeed! This flu is bad stuff!! I am still in bed with it, and I … [ Read More ]

Alphonso XI

by

King Alphonso XI of Castile and Leon [1312-1350]. Royal Charter, one page, 32 inches by 24 inches, on vellum, Royal Chancery, Segovia, September 29, 1344. Written in Castilian vernacular with the royal names, the opening device and the King’s seal painted in red, green, blue and beige. Fine condition. An important and exceptionally attractive document … [ Read More ]

Anne, Queen of England

by

Queen of England. Letter Signed, Good cousin and friend / and good sister, cousin,/ and friend / AnnaR, two and two-thirds pages, tall quarto, Given at Our Palace at Windsor, July 3, 1709.  Countersigned by H. Boyle.  To Franz Ludwig, Count Palatine, Bishop of Worms, and Johann Wilhelm, Count Palatine on the Rhine, Elector of … [ Read More ]

Baden-Powell, Robert

by

  “…IF THE SCOUT SPIRIT PREVAILED AT CAPE Hd. Qrs. THEY WOULD AS MEMBERS OF OUR TEAM SINK THEIR OWN LOCAL PREJUDICES OR EVEN INTERESTS FOR THE GOOD OF THE WHOLE.” Founder of the Boy Scouts. Autograph Letter Signed, four pages, octavo, April 1, 1927.  On imprinted stationery of the Union-Castle Line R•M•M•V “Carnarvon Castle,” to … [ Read More ]

Borodin, Alexander Porfir’yevich

by

  RUSSIAN COMPOSER Autograph Letter Signed, A. Borodin, two and one-half pages, octavo, St. Petersburg, May 6, 1884. To My dear Monsieur Jadoul. “I have just received your letter accompanied by two programs at once. I thank you infinitely for the kindness of having performed my piece and having notified me of its success. I … [ Read More ]

Browning, Elizabeth Barrett

by

  ENGLISH POET Autograph Letter Signed, two pages, octavo, 43 via Bocca di Leone [Rome], Friday, undated. To “My dear Reverend Hanna.” With the original black-bordered mourning envelope addressed in her hand. “Will you allow us to introduce to you Mrs. Hamilton and her daughter, country-women of your own, who will commend themselves to you, … [ Read More ]

Browning, Robert

by

ROBERT BROWNING. English poet. Autograph Letter Signed, three pages, octavo, London, February 14, 1882. To “My dear Leighton,” the British painter Sir Frederic Leighton. “I do more indeed than ‘care to have’ a copy of that address which I certainly had ‘interest enough in to listen to.’ I think, did the case relate to any … [ Read More ]

Burke, Edmund

by

EDMUND BURKE. British orator and statesman. Autograph Letter Signed, Edm. Burke, one page, quarto, April 24, 1796. To Stephen Thurston Ady, Burke’s friend and banker. Thurston was a partner in the banking house of Boldero, Kendal & Co. Fine condition. “I beg you to pay to a Mr. Chalkley, who will call on you for … [ Read More ]

Carnegie, Andrew

by

  CARNEGIE ON A LITERARY HONOR “…I WOULD NOT FORGO IT FOR MILLIONS.” Scottish-born American industrialist; merged Carnegie Steel Co. with United States Steel Corp. Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, quarto, New York, January 24, 1913. On his name-imprinted stationery, to Duffield Osborne, a representative of the Authors Club. “I wish to put on record … [ Read More ]

Christie, Agatha

by

  “….THE WORLD IS ALREADY PARTIAL TO DETECTIVE FICTION AND HAS BEEN FOR SOME TIME. HAMLET COULD CERTAINLY QUALIFY AS A DETECTIVE DRAMA….” English mystery writer; creator of Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot. Typewritten Letter Signed, Agatha Mallowan, one page, octavo, Churston Ferrers, near Brixham, South Devon, June 12, 1972. To Dear Mrs. Frink. “As … [ Read More ]

Clemens, Samuel

by

Mark Twain.  American author of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Autograph Quotation Signed, Truly yours Mark Twain, two lines on an oblong octavo sheet, dated “Dec./05.” “Taking the pledge will not make bad liquor good, but it will improve it.” Matted in beige and cocoa with a bust-length portrait photograph of Samuel … [ Read More ]

Collins, Wilkie

by

  ENGLISH NOVELIST; WROTE “THE WOMAN IN WHITE”. Autograph Quotation Signed, one page, octavo, London, February 17, 1883. From The Woman in White, Collins writes: “Women can resist a man’s love, a man’s fame, a man’s personal appearance, and a man’s money; but they cannot resist a man’s tongue when he knows how to talk … [ Read More ]

Coward, Noel

by

“…THE BIGGEST SMASH HIT IN NEW YORK.” English actor, playwright, and composer best known for highly polished comedies of manners. Typewritten Letter Signed, May 21, 1958, octavo, on stationary with the address 404 East 55th Street, New York. To “My dear Bink” (Hugh Beaumont). “Thanks ever so for your letter. “Yes, I am very keen … [ Read More ]

Crawford, Joan

by

  AMERICAN MOTION PICTURE ACTRESS Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, quarto, April 23, 1955.  On her address-imprinted stationary, to Sally and Bob Roberts in Forest Hills, New York.  With the original envelope. “Thank you so much for your lovely birthday card.  I am so deeply grateful to each of you for remembering.  “I did enjoy … [ Read More ]

Florida

by

EARLY FLORIDA REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT [FLORIDA].  Henry O’Reilly, American author; prominent in early Rochester affairs, including the Anti-Masonic Excitement.” Autograph Letter Signed, Henry O’Reilly, one and a quarter pages, legal folio, [Rochester, New York], August 5, 1836. To Moses King in Attica, New York. “…the plan adopted for our settlement in East Florida, is to … [ Read More ]

Fouquet, Nicolas

by

French finance minister; confidential agent of Cardinal Mazarin; the last surintendant whose career ended with his conviction for embezzlement. Document Signed, Foucquet N, one page, Paris, March 15, 1661. “Order is given to Mr. Nicolas, carpenter contractor of the Paris dams, to pay cash with the funds he was allocated for the year 1660, to … [ Read More ]

Gauguin, Paul

by

French painter. Autograph Letter Signed, one page, small octavo, n.d. In bold pencil to the painter Camille Pissarro. “Upon receiving your letter I set off for the Grande Athenes, hoping to meet you. Since I am busy tomorrow until Wednesday, I will not be able to make a date with you. Anyhow, I’m not in … [ Read More ]

Harte, Bret

by

“IT WAS A DAMNABLE BIT OF FEUDALISM WHICH OUGHT TO BE EXPRESSED TO A CIVILIZATION THAT IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE LEFT SUCH THINGS FAR BEHIND.” BRET HARTE.  American short story writer. Autograph Letter Signed, one and one-half pages, octavo, [Scotland], July 14, 1880. To M. D. [Conory]. “Many thanks for your flattering and most kind … [ Read More ]

Hawthorne, Nathaniel

by

American novelist; author of The Scarlet Letter. Autograph Letter Signed, Nathl. Hawthorne, one full page, octavo, Liverpool, October 17, 1853. To Thomas George Morton, in Philadelphia, sending his autograph. “Your note, addressed to me at Concord, has just reached me on this side of the Atlantic. I take pleasure in complying with your request.” Hawthorne … [ Read More ]

Herzl, Theodor

by

Founder of Zionism. Autograph Letter Signed, Th. Herzl, one page, octavo, January 4, 1889. To Esteemed Doctor. “If it’s all right with you, I’ll come to you this afternoon at half past three, to work a little. If my messenger doesn’t find you at home, but hears that you are already in Vienna, I’ll come … [ Read More ]

Jackson, Andrew

by

“HOW IS IT TO BE LAMENTED THAT THE MORALS OF MEN RECENTLY ARE BECOME SO CORRUPT, THAT A MAN OF HIS WEALTH AND A HIGH STANDING… SHOULD BE GUILTY OF SUCH VILE CALUMNY FOR POLITICAL EFFECT.” ANDREW JACKSON.  President.  Autograph Letter Signed, two pages, quarto, Hermitage, November 30, 1844. To William Prescott, the American historian … [ Read More ]

James, Frank

by

FRANK JAMES.  Desperado; robbed banks and trains together with his brother Jesse. Letter Signed, Ben, one half page, at the conclusion of a five and a half page letter from his friend, Mrs. Sam Gilkey written to Mr. and Mrs. James, octavo, Gallatin, Missouri, July 7, [1883]. To his wife, Annie James. With original envelope. … [ Read More ]

Jay, John

by

President of the Continental Congress; first Chief Justice of the United States; first Minister of Foreign Affairs; negotiated the Jay Treaty of 1794. Autograph Letter Signed, two pages, quarto, New Haven, [Connecticut], April 24, 1792. To his wife Sally. “My last to you was written at Bedford; which place I left yesterday, and arrived here … [ Read More ]

Jay, John

by

President of the Continental Congress; first Chief Justice of the United States; first Minister of Foreign Affairs; negotiated with Franklin and Adams the Treaty of Paris which ended the American Revolution; co-authored the Federalist Papers; negotiated the Jay Treaty of 1794; governor of New York. Autograph Manuscript, one and a half pages, legal folio, undated. … [ Read More ]

Joanna

by

“TO PREVENT FOREIGN MOORS, ENEMIES OF THE FAITH, FROM CAUSING THE DAMAGE, LOSS AND ROBBERIES THEY HAVE BEEN ACCUSTOMED TO DO” JOANNA LA LOCA. Queen Joanna of Castile; daughter of Ferdinand V and Isabella I. An official royal document, signed in the name of the Queen by the Councillors of Castile, one page folio, (15 … [ Read More ]

Laurencin, Marie

by

  MARIE LAURENCIN.  French modernist painter. Autograph Letter Signed, one and a half pages, octavo, undated. To an unnamed lady, concerning her tapestry designs that the state manufacturer would surely reject, but when the tapestry again comes into vogue, she is certain they will be accepted. Price: $4,750 This item is associated with the following … [ Read More ]

Law, John

by

  AN EXTREMELY RARE LETTER OF THE CREATOR OF THE “MISSISSIPPI SCHEME” FIVE DAYS BEFORE THE BUBBLE BURST JOHN LAW.  Scottish financier and speculator; founded Banque Générale in 1716, the first bank of any kind in France which issued paper currency and prospered; created for the development and colonization of Louisiana in 1717 the Mississippi … [ Read More ]

Leigh, Vivien

by

VIVIEN LEIGH’S CONTRACT FOR ‘GONE WITH THE WIND’ VIVIEN LEIGH.  Motion picture actress. Four Typewritten Documents, forty-two pages, legal folio, January 16 to November 8, 1939. Concerning Vivien Leigh’s role in the production of Gone With The Wind. Together with an Autograph Letter Signed. Typewritten Document, seventeen pages, legal folio, Culver City, California, January 16, … [ Read More ]

Marshall, John

by

JOHN MARSHALL. Chief Justice of the United States. Autograph Letter Signed, “J. Marshall,” one page, quarto, undated. To Walter L. Fontaine. “I have received your letter inclosing the half of a note of one hundred dollars and I now inclose one of the halves before sent.” In 1816, while Chief Justice, Marshall sold 421 acres … [ Read More ]

Millay, Edna St Vincent

by

  EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY.  American author. A Collection of twenty-eight Typewritten Manuscripts, twenty-eight pages, quarto, [ca. 1920 and earlier]. Three of the manuscripts are signed by Edna St Vincent Millay at the conclusion; one bears a holograph correction in the text; and in another she has changed the title. Accompanied by a typewritten letter … [ Read More ]

Mitchell, Margaret

by

THE PUBLIC REACTION TO “GONE WITH THE WIND” MARGARET MITCHELL.  American author of Gone with the Wind. Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, quarto, Atlanta, Georgia, January 7, 1936. On her name-imprinted stationery, to Dr. Mayos. “Thank you so much for your New Year’s note and all your good wishes. I had it on my mind … [ Read More ]

Napoleon I

by

“…THE STEPS BEING TAKEN ARE WEAK…THE STUDENTS AND INHABITANTS OF UTRECHT WHO JEERED AT THE PATROLS BE ARRESTED AT ONCE AND TRIED BY A MILITARY COMMISSION.” NAPOLEON I. Emperor of France. Letter Signed, Np, one page, quarto, Paris, March 18, 1811. To the minister of war [General Henri Jacques Guillaume Clarke], the Duke of Feltre. … [ Read More ]

Osler, William

by

WILLIAM OSLER. Physician and professor of medicine who practiced and taught in Canada, the United States and Great Britain. Autograph Letter Signed, Wm. Osler, [September 22, 1909], on a postcard measuring 4 1/2 inches wide by 3 1/2 inches high. To Hampton L. Carson. “Many thanks — bon voyage. Greetings to the family. Tell the … [ Read More ]

Porter, Katherine Anne

by

AN EXTRAORDINARY LITERARY LETTER ABOUT THE PROCESS OF WRITING “SHIP OF FOOLS” KATHERINE ANNE PORTER.  American essayist, short story writer, novelist; wrote “Ship of Fools”. Typewritten Letter Signed, Katherine Anne Porter, three densely typed pages, on blue paper, quarto, August 18, 1958, Outpost Inn, Ridgefield, Connecticut. With corrections in her hand. To Mr. Clemons. “I … [ Read More ]

Redoute, Pierre-Joseph

by

PIERRE-JOSEPH REDOUTE. French painter of flowers (sometimes called the “Raphael of Flowers”) and lithographer. Autograph Letter Signed, full page, quarto, December 10, 1811. To Aimé Bonpland, Josephine’s botanist, enclosing a bill that you have been asking me for so long a time, but I don’t at all remember what you spent yourself because I didn’t … [ Read More ]

Rontgen, Wilhelm C.

by

WILHELM C. RONTGEN. German physicist; awarded first Nobel prize for physics in 1901 for his discovery of X-rays. Autograph Letter Signed, Dr. W.C. Röntgen, one page, Cadenabbia, March 30, 1909. In German. On his personally imprinted correspondence card to the “Court Secretariat of his Royal Highness Prince Alfons of Bavaria. “Enclosed I am sending you … [ Read More ]

Roosevelt, Franklin D.

by

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT.  President. Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, quarto, April 7, 1932. On his name-imprinted State of New York Executive Chamber stationery, to Mr. J. Osborn Brink in Monrovia, California. Headed “Personal” at the top in Franklin D Roosevelt’s hand. With original envelope and a letter from Roosevelt to U.S. Senator Robert F. Wagner, … [ Read More ]

Roosevelt, Franklin D.

by

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT. President. Autograph Letter Signed, two pages, quarto, Hyde Park, New York, September 14, no year. On his name-imprinted stationery, to Dear Mr. Roberts. “I’m sorry, but still I don’t understand about the certificates. These are for 6,000 shares, the full amount to go to the organizers-and I understand that while they were … [ Read More ]

Roosevelt, Franklin D.

by

FDR ORGANIZES LIFE AT WARM SPRINGS  ON THE EVE OF THE DEPRESSION   FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT. President. Typewritten Letter Signed, FDR, two very full pages, quarto, Hyde Park, August 10, 1929. As Governor of New York, to Carp. After thanking Carp for his letter, Franklin D Roosevelt notes that he is home for “three comparatively … [ Read More ]

Roosevelt, Theodore

by

“…A WORKING MAN…IS THE MAN… I AM MORE ANXIOUS TO REPRESENT THAN ANY OTHER IN AMERICAN LIFE.” THEODORE ROOSEVELT. President. Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, quarto, New York, May 9, 1918. On imprinted stationery of The Kansas City Star, to William M. Stuart in Canisteo, New York. “That’s a very kind and friendly letter. Believe … [ Read More ]

Roosevelt, Theodore

by

THEODORE ROOSEVELT. President. Typewritten Letter Signed, two pages, quarto, on White House stationery, dated from Oyster Bay, New York, July 2, 1908. With original envelope to the Rev. William Potts George, in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. The President sends an expression of his very deep appreciation of the action of the New York Preachers Meeting … [ Read More ]

Rouget de Lisle, Claude Joseph

by

CLAUDE JOSEPH ROUGET DE LISLE. Composer of the Marseillaise. Autograph Letter Signed, Rouget de Lisle, two pages, octavo, April 29, 1829. To Mr. Lafebvre, saying that he is embarrassed not to have answered his letters, and that his health prevents him from travelling. Horizontal fold expertly repaired, otherwise fine. Price: $4,750 This item is associated … [ Read More ]

San Martin, Jose de

by

“THE PRINTER’S PROPERTY BROUGHT BY THE ANDES ARMY… BELONGS TO THE STATE OF THE UNITED PROVINCES OF SOUTH AMERICA.” JOSÉ DE SAN MARTIN. South American statesman. Letter Signed, José de Sn. Martin, one page, legal folio, Santo Headquarters, June 6, 1817. Notated in the left margin, Visit to the Fiscal Ministry. With the response of … [ Read More ]

Sayers, Dorothy Leigh

by

“…ONE STATEMENT OF YOURS…IS VENOMOUS, BECAUSE IT IS ONE OF THOSE ACCUSATIONS, OF THE HAVE-YOU-STOPPED- BEATING-YOUR-WIFE VARIETY, AGAINST WHICH THERE IS NO CONCEIVABLE DEFENCE….” DOROTHY LEIGH SAYERS. English mystery novelist; creator of the memorable sleuth, Lord Peter Wimsey. Typewritten Letter Signed,  Dorothy Leigh Sayers, three pages, quarto, Witham, Essex, July 25, 1947. To Dr. James … [ Read More ]

Service, Robert W

by

“I HAVE NO FAVORITE PASSAGES IN MY WORK AND  I DISLIKE IT AS SOON AS WRITTEN” R. W. SERVICE.  Canadian writer; author of The Shooting of Dan McGrew. Letter Signed, Robert Service, one full page, octavo, Monte Carlo, November 3, 1954. To W.C. Goodson, with original envelope. After thanking Goodson for his letter, Robert Service … [ Read More ]

Simenon, Georges

by

GEORGES SIMENON. French novelist; creator of the series of detective novels featuring Inspector Maigret. Autograph Letter Signed, one page, octavo, January 31, 1959. On his name imprinted stationery to Albert-Jean. “ I apologize for being so late in replying to your letter. I was in the middle of working on my novel. I don’t know … [ Read More ]

Talbot, H. F.

by

H. F. TALBOT. English pioneer in photography; in 1839 invented and described “photogenic drawing”, contemporaneously with the invention of the daguerreotype; process later improved and known as the calotype, or Talbotype process; discovered method of instantaneous photography [1851]; with Rawlinson and Hincks, one of the earliest to decipher cuneiform inscriptions of Nineveh. Autograph Letter Signed, … [ Read More ]

Tallyrand, Charles Maurice de

by

CHARLES MAURICE DE TALLYRAND. Minister of Foreign Affairs under Napoleon and Louis XVIII; instrumental in restoring the Bourbons after the defeat of Napoleon. Autograph Letter Signed, talleyrand, one page, octavo, January 4, [1823]. “At more than 88 francs, 30 centimes, you, Monsieur can have one hundred thousand francs of government bonds sold. I will have … [ Read More ]

Washington, Booker T

by

Black American educator; founded the Tuskegee Institute for practical training of blacks in trades and professions in 1881. Autograph Letter Signed Booker T Washington, one page, large quarto, Tuskegee, Alabama, March 13, 1897. On imprinted stationery of the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, to a supporter, Ella Kent in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Booker T Washington, the … [ Read More ]

Weizmann, Chaim

by

Polish-born Israeli chemist and politician who was the first President of Israel. Autograph Letter Signed, Chaim Weizmann, one page, octavo, August 4, 1940. On imprinted stationery of the Dorchester Hotel in London, to Dr. Josef Cohn at the Zionist Organization of American in New York City. “I would like to thank you for your reports. … [ Read More ]

Wellington, Duke of

by

British Army commander during the Napoleonic Wars; defeated Napoleon at Waterloo; later Prime Minister. Autograph Letter Signed, Wn, (Duke of Wellington) three pages, quarto, London, February 23, 1829. From the Duke of Wellington. To Betsy. “You are in good health and moreover you are a reasonable woman; and I therefore select you as the person … [ Read More ]

Wright, Frank Lloyd

by

American architect. Typewritten letter Signed, in pencil, one page, Taliesin, July 26, 1957. On his Taliesin letterhead with his modernist device, measuring 11 inches wide by 8 inches high. With pencil emendations. To Desmond Smith in Stamford, Connecticut. “Major Jenney built the first “tall” building: The Home Insurance Building Chicago with cast iron – the … [ Read More ]

MENU