401. A concise history, on the efforts to obtain an extension of suffrage in Rhode Island; from the year 1811 to 1842 ... Second edition. Providence: Benjamin F. Moore, printer, no. 19 Market Street, up stairs, 1842.
$250
12mo, pp. [9], 10-179, [1]; original green paper-covered boards stamped "R.I. Suffrage Question." in black on the upper cover, green cloth shelf-back; edges rubbed; very good.
402. Two-page autograph letter signed to Dwight Foster of Northampton, Mass.. Providence: November 20, 1775.
$350
Small 4to, in ink, approx. 42 lines and 400 words, address panel on verso of integral leaf; previous folds, some toning, all else very good.
Two recent college graduates looking for purpose in Revolutionary New England. Gair, age 22, writes from Providence where he had just earned his A.M. and was about to depart to establish the Baptist church in Medfield, Mass., to his fellow recent Rhode Island College (later Brown University) graduate (and eventual Federalist senator) Dwight Foster, who was then studying law in Northampton.
Foster appears to be having difficulties adjusting to studying law, presumably with the excitement of patriotic ferment bubbling up around him. Gair writes: "Your observation respecting true filicity is just. Unhappy for us ... we form such wrong conceptions of it, & yet we should place our affections on anything of a temporal nature ... You complain of Darknss of Mind, under which you say you labour. It must be a consolation to every unprejudiced enquirer after truth, yet tho' we are in ye present calamitous day deprived of many sacred rights, we in some good degree are indulged with Liberty of Conscience." Gair adds he is pleased to hear "your determination is Cheerfully to go, & also to do, wherever & whatever, appears duty." Gair concludes with instructions on directing correspondence to Medford.
403. Address delivered before the Rhode-Island Historical Society, at the opening of their cabinet, on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 1844. Providence: B. Cranston and Company, 1844.
$50
8vo, pp. 30; near fine in original printed brown wrappers; ownership signature at the top of the front wrapper of "Kingsbury."
Gammell was professor of rhetoric at Brown and the "cabinet" was a building meant to house the collections of the Society.
Not in American Imprints; Bartlett, p. 130.
404. The Huguenots and the Edict of Nantes. A paper read before the Rhode Island Historical Society, November 3, 1885 ... Published by request. Providence: printed by the Providence Press Company, 1886.
$25
8vo, pp. 23, [3]; very good in original printed salmon wrappers.
405. [Gaspee Incident.] King George's Crown --- Turn'd Upside Down! The Gaspee. Providence: printed and sold at No. 25 High Street, with 200 other kings of songs [by Henry Trumbull], [ca. 1832].
$950
Broadside (approx. 10¼" x 8"), text in double column beneath the running head and divided by type ornaments enclosing the imprint; inverted wood-engraving of the royal arms of Great Britain above title; previous folds, some wrinkling and one or two small holes not affecting text; good or better.
An attractive broadside commemorating the burning of the British customs schooner Gaspee in Narragansett Bay in 1772, one of the first acts of hostility leading up to the American Revolution.
Originally published under title: A New Song called the Gaspee (Providence: printed for the purchasers, [1772] - see Shipton & Mooney 42361, Alden 492).
In the Providence directories Trumbull is listed at 25 High Street from 1826 to 1836. I'm guessing this would have been printed on the 60th anniversary of the destruction of the Gaspee.
Not in American Imprints; Brown only in OCLC.
406. [Genealogy.] Brown genealogy of many of the descendants of Thomas, John, and Eleazer Brown, sons of Thomas and Mary (Newhall) Brown of Lynn, Mass. 1628-1907. Boston: Everett Press Company, 1907.
SOLD
8vo, pp. 618; frontispiece portrait, numerous portraits and views on plates throughout; original brown cloth, gilt stamped spine; top of spine chipped else near fine and bright.
Signed by the author on the dedication page, and with two printed sheets laid in: a "Notice to Subscribers" and "To the Beneficiaries of the Brown Genealogy," both signed in type by Cyrus Brown, he of Westerly, R.I., but not of the Providence Browns.
A second volume was published in 1915.
407. [Genealogy.] Representative men and old families of Rhode Island. Genealogical records and historical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and of many of the old families . Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1908.
$375
3 volumes, 4to, pp. [4], xvi, 672, [2]; [2], xvi, [673]-1408, [2]; [2], xvi, [1409]-2336 (continuous pagination); over 600 portraits of men and women of the state, all with facsimile signatures, many fine steel engravings; original half brown morocco over black cloth, gilt-stamped spines, a.e.g.; extremities rubbed and a little worn and a couple of small chips, but generally a very good, sound set.
Laid into volume I is the original prospectus which projects only 2 volumes. Excellent reference.
408. [George Washington Bridge.] Statement of the amount due the Proprietors of the Washington Bridge, estimating costs, expenditures and receipts according to the report of the committee.... [Providence: 1838].
$325
Broadside, 27" x 9", text in 5 columns beneath the running head; neatly folded in half, a couple of creases, edges a bit frayed at top and bottom, but overall very good.
Comprises a tabular list of the cost of repairs to the bridge by year, annual tolls, receipts, as well as net interest due after the tolls are deducted, covering the years 1793 to 1837. A summary at end indicates that the Proprietors are due $116,780.87.
The bridge, built by the Providence South Bridge Co. organized by John Brown, spanned the Seekonk River between Providence and East Providence. The original bridge contained a wooden statue of Washington and marble tablet dedicating the bridge "as a testimony of high respect" to him. The statue was lost when the bridge was destroyed in 1815. The tablet now resides at the Rhode Island Historical Society.
The sole copy located in OCLC is at the AAS which contains the following catalogue note: "The Rhode Island General Assembly appointed a committee to examine and adjust the accounts of the Proprietors of the Washington Bridge in Providence. Cf. Schedule of the Rhode Island General Assembly, Jan. 1838, p. 119-20. Includes 'Extract from amendment of charter, in 1815.' The complete amendment appears in the schedule of the Rhode Island General Assembly, Oct. 1815, p. 21-22."
Not in American Imprints. Not in Kress.
409. Mutiny and murder. Confession of Charles Gibbs, a native of Rhode Island. Who, with Thomas J. Wansley, was doomed to be hung in New-York on the 22d of April last, for the murder of the captain and mate of the Brig Vineyard, on her passage from New-Orleans to Philadelphia in November 1830. Gibbs confesses that within a few years he has participated in the murder of nearly 400 human beings! Annexed, is a solemn address to youth. Providence: printed and published by Israel Smith, 1831.
$1,350
First Rhode Island edition; 12mo, pp. 36; 2 full-page woodcuts; wrappers perished, text toned and spotted; good.
Gruesome and spectacular. Jeffers was born in Newport, the son of a sea captain and privateer. Many fictions about him have been concocted, not only by himself, but others as well. What's true and what's not are matters of speculation. What is known is that he and Wansley, an Afro-American, lead a mutiny on the brig Vineyard, killing the captain and first mate and seized the Vineyard's cargo of silver, which apparently belonged to Stephen Girard.
"The mutineers headed for Long Island where they scuttled the vessel and came ashore, several mutineers losing their lives in rough waters which also claimed much of their loot. After only a few days ashore, Jeffers, Wansley, and two others were captured and taken to prison in New York City" (Wikipedia).
Several other editions appeared the same year under varying titles, and the account was popular and read for years. The Driscoll copy sold for $3,760 in 2000.
Not in Afro-Americana. American Imprints 8362; McDade 348; Sabin 27295.
410. Nathanael Greene Junior High School autograph book. Providence: June, 1934.
$75
Oblong 12mo (approx. 4¼" x 6½"), approx. 40 pages, original red printed wrappers, ribbon-bound; back cover creased, but on the whole very good.
This autograph book was owned by Norman Goldberg and his fellow students have written humorous and tender sentiments in both pencil and ink - fond farewells, good wishes, and successes for the future.
Norman Isadore Goldberg was fifteen when he graduated Nathanael Greene Junior High School; he then attended Hope High School, also in Providence. He was born October 20, 1919 in Providence of Louis and Mollie (Friedman) Goldberg. He became a dentist and was living in West Palm Beach, Florida, when he died on September 13, 2012. Autographs in the book include school mates and faculty of the school. A few of the classmate autographs are Ray "Scotty" Paolozzi, John "Jig" Keenan, Phyllis Harrison, and Muriel Sweet.
Nathanael Greene Junior High School (now Middle School) opened in 1929 at 721 Chalkstone Avenue in Providence. Named after General Nathanael Greene, it was described in 1933 as being a large school with a well rounded curriculum including ancient world, world, and American history, math through algebra, English, civics, general science, music, shop, etc.
The students were mostly Italian, Irish, and Jewish immigrants. Today the school is majority Hispanic and is listed as underperforming.
411. Lengthy manuscript journal containing news of the 1841 Rhode Island Convention, and the Rev. Avery and Sarah Cornell murder case. Bristol: 1823 - 1848.
SOLD
Small 4to (approx. 8¼" x 6½"), approx. 115 pages, a number loose and some obviously taken from another journal: miscellaneous entries 1823-1848 but primarily 1833-35; board covers, some pen & ink illus., some pasted news clippings first few pages; spine separated, gatherings and pages loose and browned with some edge fraying; sequence seems erratic but possibly on purpose.
An odd assortment of Bristoliana, anecdotes, and mystery. Why the Lord's Prayer in Malagazy, for example? Or the cryptic marginal glosses?
Remarkable journal that contains much commentary on the scandalous Rev. Ephriam Avery and Sarah Cornell murder case. It also contains a comment on the controversial 1841 petition from the "Colored Citizens of Rhode Island to the Rhode Island Constitutional Convention," that grew out of the Dorr War voter enfranchisements and the subsequent two simultaneous governors of Rhode Island.
This journal has been attributed to Amos Thomas Gorham (1795-1861), son of Isaac and Sarah (Thomas) Gorham. He lived in Bristol with his wife (whom he refers to as "my Woman") and children. His identity is discovered through the noted death of his mother and references to his children by their first names. Gorham was a "tin worker" in the 1850 census and a "tin plate maker" in the 1860 census. He married Fanny A. Sanford (often Sandford) in St. Michael's Church in Bristol in 1820. Gorham's entries include not only details of the previously mentioned events but also ship arrivals and departures, notes on the weather; they also include much scriptural content, and birth, death, and marriage events. He sometimes uses the editorial "we" but we are uncertain as to exactly what he meant. His journal seems candid enough to have not been kept in any official capacity. Presumably he was an attendee at St. Michael's Church and there is much information on the building of a new church in Bristol. Gorham's "editorial comments" on various happenings in town, including the pairing up of various couples, are often amusing.
The journal opens with "the examination of Ephriam K. Avery charged with the seduction and murder of Sarah Mariah Cornell: the former a preacher of this Town; the latter a native of Lowell, Massachusetts. Thirty citizens were examined on the part of the girl, and 21 on the part of Mr. Avery ... The court assembled to decide upon the case as to the guilt or innocence of Mr. Avery; opinion runs high on both sides; as both of the parties have friends. Mr. John How[e], and Mr. Hale of Warren, R.I. set as judges on the case; about 4 o'clock their verdict was read to the court and spectators for their consideration and opinion ... The judge's opinion was that there was not a sufficient probability of supposition of his guilt as to the murder of the girl..."
[In December of 1832, the body of a young pregnant woman was found hanging at a Tiverton, Rhode Island farm. She was identified as Sarah Cornell, a worker in a textile factory in nearby Fall River, Massachusetts. Evidence implicated Methodist minister Ephraim Avery and the community was outraged that a man of the cloth had seduced and murdered an innocent mill girl. Avery was acquitted, but could not return to the pulpit, and eventually removed to Ohio.]
On the 17th of January Gorham writes: "About this time Avery made his escape in town or out, he cannot be found. The Sherifs have a warrant from the Supreme Court to apprehend him and lodge him in safe custody to await his trial in June next before a jury ... or to give bail for his appearance at the court for $10,000 -- but he has seen fit like a shooting star to disappear..." An entry by Gorham from January 21, 1833, notes that "a girl native of Lowell, Mass who was found dead in a ditch in that place, a jury of inquest was held over the body and said her Death was caused by falling into the ditch. But since supposition rests so heavy on Brother Avery, the people are disposed to charge the girl's death to him, also as he was the last person she was seen with at the time of her death, we hope him not guilty of this crime neither, but still the people say it looks D A R K."
Later, he notes that "Brother Avery has been taken in New-Hampshire and brought to New-Port RI to have his trial ... We say his fleeing the spot (Bristol) where he labored as we thought for the good of souls, his leaving his wife and children dependent upon strangers for protection and support. I say the man that hath done this thing shows a guilty man. We do not mean to say guilty of murder. I say he has given the people strong simtons of Suspicion of Guilt." An entry from December 4, 1834: "... a report has reached our City, that Ephraim has confess that he was the sole cause of Sarah's death."
Today news has reached our city from Fall-River that Brother Bidwell has been arrested ... in the murder of Miss Sarah Mariah Connel in company with Brother Avery ... We hope them both to be free of this charge as the spirits of departed saints, but some say it looks DARK however the sun may shine bright upon this deed of darkness ... About these days was found in wedlock Mr. Nathl. Chadwick and Miss Betsy Wilcox..."
In 1841, The Rhode Island Suffrage Association, in advance of the constitutional convention, urged all citizens to get out to vote, but black voters were turned away on election day. The Association's refusal to recognize black voters in August turned out to be a portent of things to come. The deciding moment for black suffrage at the People's Convention occurred on October 8, 1841. Just before the opening of the evening session, Thomas W. Dorr was presented with a petition from members of the Providence black community, protesting the commitment of many of the delegates to universal white male suffrage. This was the "1841 Petition from the "Colored Citizens of Rhode Island to the Rhode Island Constitutional Convention" [see Erik J. Chaput & Russell J. DeSimone"s Strange Bedfellows, The Politics of Race in Antebellum Rhode Island].
Gorham's reaction to these events was recorded as follows: "About this time, the Big Niger men...Say December 27th AD 1841... are about to frame a State Constitution...there object is is to mix Black and White together the head of this piece of nonsense, is these, Jeremiah Bosworth, Esq, James Mott, Isaac Hide, John Adams, James Hazard, Saml Allen, Prime Clark, Nathan Baroline [?], Wm B Spooner, and about 200 more, not half so good as the Nigers themselves; they want to eat, drink, and sleep with Nigers, a good descent Negrow would blush, to have it known they would sleep with any of the above named jackasses..."
Another representative entry from the journal: "Dec 15th, 1834. ...for it was cold enough to freeze a Laplander in his fins, had he been here; the mercury stood at 4° below zero, which was 3°colder than any day last winter...about the ninth hour of this day a Man by name, Mandal, a man whose scin was colored by him that made his soul & body while the hard hearted wretch, the collector of customs for the Port of Bristol, suffered this son of Neptune to Freeze and die for the want of one 10th part of that very hard earned money which this collector refused to hand out - we need call him no names but read his name in black NATHANIEL BULLOCK, enough of him..." There are also references in various contexts to the DeWolfe family of Bristol, today notorious as major slave traders, and many other reports of the goings-on in Bristol: births, deaths, and scandals.
412. Order of memorial services of Gen. U. S. Grant, Saturday, August 8th, 1885. Bristol: Phoenix Job Printing Rooms, [1885].
$200
Broadside (approx. 10¾" x 5¾"), previous folds, very good.
Detailing the order of services and events, beginning with "At sunrise a salute of thirteen guns will be fired," to be followed by a procession with bands and dignitaries. Addresses by LeBaron B. Colt and the ex-governor A.O. Bourn to follow.
Not found in OCLC.
413. Amasa Gray's tannery accounts. Ledger No. 5. [Providence: 1791-93.].
SOLD
Tall, narrow folio, 546 pages in ink in at least three distinct hands (Amasa Gray certainly; possibly Lewis Peck whose name among many doodles is on the front free endpaper; and at least one other); full contemporary reverse calf, worn and rubbed, but sound; the text reasonably bright and legible, but with the occasional and ledger-typical cross-outs, smears, ink splashes, and over-writes.
Although the name Amasa Gray (1751-1798) was well known for the Amasa Gray Tavern which stood at the corner of North Main Street and Branch Avenue in Providence, Gray also operated a tannery and shop in the same vicinity, in the north end of Providence. This ledger shows his customers to be many of the important settlers and merchants resident in Providence at the time, including the firm Brown & Benson--pre-eminent spermaceti traders and leaders of the Gaspee Raid; John Brown and Joseph Brown; Clark & Nightingale; Nicholas Power; Thomas Arnold; Foster Waterman; Christopher Olney; Stephen Dexter; John Carter, and many other recognizable names from the city's economic formation.
The ledger's facing pages show income and expenses in pounds and shillings. Accounts show the sales of sole leather, calf skins, "bushels of hai," neatsfoot oil, and hides; against the debits often items are taken in trade, such as corn, timber, bricks, chocolate, and vinegar. The ledger is nicely detailed in that the names of customers are often shown with their towns of residence, such as "Roby Hill of Foster," "Stephen Inman of Cumberland, Noah Tiffeny, Attleb.," and "Shubael Coffen (sic) of Nantucket," a practice most helpful to scholars and historians.
Signatures sometimes appear on the settled accounts along with Amasa Gray's own signature. The last page of the ledger shows two agreements made with employees; David Wight and Jonathan Chace who signed on in 1793 to work in the tannery. Gray's tannery business was extensive but regional in scope. At about the same time this ledger was kept, in 1791, Gray began advertising in the local papers that he was calling in his debts from his customers since his business was in trouble. Matters did not improve unfortunately, and early in 1795, the town council intervened since Gray had become addicted to "spiritous liquors," and he was declared incompetent to run his affairs. Gray's estate and business were auctioned off, and he died in 1798, at age 47. We have not been able to locate the rest of these ledgers making this one, "number 5," potentially unique, but there is at least one reference in this ledger to "No. 4", carrying over a previous balance.
414. [Green, Nathanael.] Presentation of the statue of Major General Greene, by the state of Rhode Island; with the remarks of Hon. H. B. Anthony of Rhode Island, Hon. Charles Sumner of Massachusetts [et al.] in the Senate of the United States. Washington: F. & J. Rives & Geo. A. Bailey, 1870.
$50
First edition, 8vo, pp. 8; 1 full-p. illustration of the statue by Henry Kirke Brown; near fine in original salmon wrappers.
415. Journal 1870. [Providence, Valley Falls, & Warwick, R.I.]: 1870-1895.
$1,500
Small 4to (approx. 8" x 6¾") approx. 140 pages, about 10 pages with newspaper clippings, and printed announcements pasted over (hence unreadable); also with a half dozen or so botanical specimens either mounted, or enclosed in mounted envelopes, and about a dozen small but charming pencil illustrations and flourishes; the half black roan binding is shot, some gatherings and a few leaves are loose; the covers are present.
Eliza C. Greene (1847-1929 but she says here she is 19 on March 2, 1870) married Arnold Buffam Chace in Providence, Oct. 24, 1871. Chase was later a Chancellor at Brown University and also President of the Westminster Bank. His mother (and Eliza's mother-in-law) was Elizabeth Buffum Chace (1806-1899) "a tireless life-long worker for women's rights and the abolition of slavery, and is probably best known for opening her home as the main Rhode Island stop on the Underground Railroad. After the Civil War, Chace served as vice-president of the American Anti-Slavery Society as it continued its efforts to assist the freedmen. She served as president of the Rhode Island Woman Suffrage Association from 1870 to her death. She was also influential in the founding of Pembroke, the women's college associated with Brown University.
A sporadic journal covering nearly 25 years (there is one last entry dated 1914 mentioning a trip in a Pierce-Arrow limousine to Brattleboro), but the larger sections are from August 1870 to April 1871, before her marriage to Arnold in October 1871; October 1880 to February 1881; and sporadic entries 1885-86. Much poetry, including, apparently, some of her own, is interspersed. Eliza recounts her time spent drawing and painting, dances, singing lessons, sewing, attending the theatre, a lost purse, a trip to Boston and a visit to an eye doctor; she studies German and French, and she reads Milton's Paradise Lost: "It is fine in some parts but I don't think so much of it as Miss H. Hall. She is flat about women's rights ... Painted on my frame and watch case till it was dark and then went with mother up to Mrs. Atwater's. There, as usual, John Mason."
"Will and I went over to Lizzie's, or rather I came over and Will came after. We had a long talk in the moonlight. I don't know as I was enlightening any. Came to the very new conclusion Prov. is a stupid place, and I don't care for anything and nothing cares for me. In January, 1871 she makes mention of her future husband: "Arnold and Lizzie Chace came here to see me ... Lizzie had wanted me to go to Boston with her the next day at half past seven. I made a compromise and made her get me at quarter past nine ... Arnold went as far as Pawtucket with me, there I met Lizzie ... We went to visit Mrs. Handy's school where Theodore Wellds [likely Theodore Weld, the abolitionist] teaches. Saw the gymnastics which were very pretty, saw Milly Richards ... heard Theodore W. give a Shakespeare lecture - very interesting. Went up to the rooms of the Woman's Journal, a new paper which Mrs. Lucy Stone is concerned in ... Had a nice time reading Miss Alcott's Hospital Sketches."
"Went to Boston, went in to Devries to see a portrait of Blanch Butler, the general's daughter. She is very handsome and painted very well, by Adams." Picking up after a newspaper clipping: "...they did not come, rather a stupid time but rather fun. Ned is very funny. Lillie very pretty. Arnold very something or other..."
"I hurried up and went to Boston in the 9 1/4 train, we went immediately to the anti-slavery meeting. We found Aron Powell speaking. He made a very fine speech. After him, Julia Ward Howe, very pretty, then Col. Higginson, he reviewed old Abolition times, and did not think they did all they could to rescue the slaves who were tried and sent back. Told a good story of Alcott's coolness. Said the negroes should now be left to shift for themselves. Then Mr. Livermore spoke against him (Mr. H.), then Wendell Phillips, he said we ought to give every black man a piece of ground and a mule and lend him money to begin life with. The meeting ended. Arnold C. came around and went out with us ... I had a nice time coming from dinner. Arnold gave me a lovely tea rose and spray of smylax" [here, a small drawing of the rose].
By August she is depressed: "I am here alone. I am also very close & very lonesome. It seems to me I always am & I am ashamed of myself for being so low. But everything seems wrong & I never seem to have anyone call for me ... I don't see any good in either living or dying."
Arnold had been away in the Adirondacks but he returned on Sept. 14: "Arnold came and called & is very well & fat." By February 1871 she is already reminiscing about the winter just past: "This winter has been a very pleasant one. I have been going every fortnight to Union Hall to the Dramatic Club gotten up by Phil Mason, Holder Bordon Bowen & Augustus Hoppin. All the Upper Ten belong to it, and I have come to the conclusion through sincere reflection that the people in that set are coarse, ignorant & heartless. Pretty strong terms but I am really quite disgusted with them ... I just wish I could change into someone else. I would choose to be either very healthy and energetic, or to have no conscience. The last would not suit though for anything but this world and the other troubles me quite as much as this, the endless struggle. See how foolish all that is - I just despise myself. Conceited, selfish, weak. and worst of all I don't try not to be."
And the jump to the 1880s. She's still going to lectures, museums, and the theatre, still sewing, entertaining house guests, and teaching her children (Daisy and Jr.). In January 1881 she and Arnold went to the Conversation Club and heard Harriet Johnson read a paper on the religion of George Eliot's books. On the social front many names are mentioned and Eliza and Arnold spend time in Valley Falls where Arnold puts his foot down on white bread.
"Arnold has lately forbidden the children's having any white bread and says they must have gluten and just before Daisy had the measles she was down at Ma Chace's. Bessie Cheney was there and Sarah Read gave them each a whole biscuit and after looking at her for a little Daisy handed it back and said 'I don't eat white bread now,' Then Bessie said, 'It's lots better than gluten, you'd better eat this, and soon.' But Daisy said 'No, I don't like it now. My papa knows what is good for me and he loves me and he don't want me to eat it, and so I don't'."
"Providence, 66 Keane St. April 24, 1886. Today I have been talking with Mr. Herkomer - Hubert Herkomer from England, the great portrait painter ... I suppose Prof. Herkomer went to Boston tonight. He sails for England on Wednesday. If he had not painted Mrs. Goddard he would have done well here, quite well, not entirely as he has not taken time to draw his figures only to paint the face into a likeness. Mrs. Corliss has the best picture. Dr. Gardner & Judge Bradley are not good ... He is very interesting. Talks constantly & well. It was delightful and new to me ... The colored studio, dark and full of the portraits standing round, full of interest, got from the artist's hand, myself in the center of the studio on a raised platform in a long blue dress. Miss Wheeler agreeably painting, Prof. Herkomer full of fun & nervous, jumping round painting & doing nothing, playing & looking round with a face full of expression, an actor, very human, childish, manish, a touch of pathos ... self-absorbed, impersonal, genius, but not great."
416. The remains of Major General Nathanael Greene. A report of the joint special committee of the General Assembly of Rhode Island appointed to take into consideration the desirability of securing a permanent resting place for the remains of General Nathanael Greene. Providence: E. L. Freeman & Sons, printers to the state, 1903.
$75
8vo, pp. iv, 257, [1]; frontispiece portrait, folding plan and 42 plates; original green cloth stamped in gilt on upper cover and spine; fine copy.
Greene (1742-1786) was a major-general in the Continental Army and was George Washington's most gifted and dependable officer; ultimately, Washington appointed him as the commander of the Continental Army in the southern theatre, which in short order he liberated from the British.
417. The home of Gen. Nathanael Greene at Coventry, Rhode Island. N.p.: General Nathanael Greene Homestead Assn., 1925.
$35
First edition, 8vo, pp. 61, [3]; frontispiece portrait and 3 plates; original calf-backed blue cloth-covered boards, gilt lettering on upper cover; spine darkened and with hairline cracks, mild dampstaining; all else very good.
418. The Journals ... The voyages of the brigantine Perseverance 1817-1820. Edited by Howard Greene and Alice E. Smith. Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1956.
$20
8vo, pp. ix, [5], 221, [1]; map endpapers, portrait frontispiece and 7 illustrations on rectos and versos of 5 plates; near fine copy in original blue cloth stamped in gilt on upper cover and spine. Without a printed dust jacket, as issued.
419. The Providence Plantations for 250 years. An historical review of the foundation, rise and progress of the city of Providence. With a graphic description of the city at the present time and of its industries, commerce, manufactures, business interests, educational, religious, and charitable institutions, civic, scientific and military organizations. Also sketches of the cities of Newport and Pawtucket and other towns of the state . Providence: J. A. and R. A. Reid, publishers and printers, 1886.
$375
Large 4to, pp. [7], 12-468, [2]; illustrated throughout with portraits, views and maps; original pictorial green cloth stamped in gilt, red, and black; near fine, sound copy.
A massive production celebrating the 250th anniversary of Roger Williams coming to Providence from nearby Massachusetts in 1636.
Parks 3019.
420. [Guide Book.] The stranger's guide through Providence. Providence: Hutchinson & Trenn, publishers & printers, 1873.
$175
32mo (approx. 4¾" x 3½"), pp. 67, [9] ads; 5 plates (2 folding); original brown pictorial wrappers; slight chipping, top of spine perished; all else very good.
Brown only in OCLC. Not in Parks.
421. The story of the Jews of Newport. Two and a half centuries of Judism 1658-1908 ... Introduction by Davis De Sola Pool. New York: Bloch Publishing Co. "The Jewish Book Concern", 1936.
$125
8vo, pp. [2], 393, [1]; 36 illustrations on rectos and versos of 34 plates; original blue cloth, gilt-lettered spine; very good.
"The first attempt to give a complete and comprehensive study of the Jew of Newport, picturing from the religious, economic, social and political points of view the entire colonial background with which the Jew identified himself" (Preface).
422. The lower Blackstone River Valley. The story of Pawtucket, Central Falls, Lincoln, and Cumberland, Rhode Island. An historical narrative. Pawtucket: Lower Blackstone River Valley District Committee of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Tercentenary Committee, 1936.
$75
First edition, 8vo, pp. 169, [1]; 45 illustrations on rectos and versos of 18 plates; near fine in original blue cloth stamped in gilt on upper cover and spine.
423. A lecture on the pleasures and vices of the city. Delivered Sunday evening, March 30, 1856 ... Published by request. Providence: Knowles, Anthony & Co., printers, 1856.
$125
First edition, 8vo, pp. 31, [1]; original gray printed wrappers; chipping along the edges, wrappers loosening at the top; otherwise very good.
One has to wonder how much research Reverend Hall might have done to write this lecture.
Bartlett, p. 144; Sabin 29753.
424. Poems ... A memorial gift to her friends, and to her children, a reminder of the beautiful influence of her life. Providence: [publisher not identified], 1885.
SOLD
Square 8vo, pp. [40]; original stiff black paper wrappers lettered in silver; very good.
Inscribed: "Relative of the Spices, Ameria Hall's mother. Many personal things said of the early days of grandfather and grandmother Spicer." With brief notes of family association at the bottom of two poems.
425. A contribution to the bibliography and literature of Newport, R.I. comprising a list of books published or printed, in Newport, with notes and additions. Newport: Charles E. Hammett. Jr.; Providence: S. S. Rider, 1887.
$350
4to, pp.185, [1]; gravure frontispiece, numerous bookseller listingbs on Rhode Island and Newport tipped in at the back; later full brown cloth, gilt-lettered spine; very good and sound. Ownership signature of Pauline K. Weaver, and "P.W." in red pencil next to several items she apparently possesses.
426. [Harris Cotton Manufacturing Company.] Documents relating to Mary Brayton, Harris mill employee. 1828-29.
SOLD
Two manuscript leaves approx. 6½" x 8", and 6½" x 9", signed by John C. Harris and E. Harris. Some browning, previous folds; very good and legible.
The village of Harris (previously Harrisville) is part of Coventry which is situated on the north branch of the Pawtuxet River. It was named for Elisha Harris (1791-1861), whose signature "E. Harris" appears on this document. A business man, Harris became an owner of several manufacturing companies, banks and other enterprises, and served as President of the Bank of North America in Providence. In 1847, Harris became governor of Rhode Island. Around 1813, a wooden mill was constructed by Caleb Atwood and Son that produced cotton goods and, in 1822, with the arrival of Elisha Harris, the Harris Cotton Manufacturing Company was formed.
These documents show purchases of goods made by weaver Mary Brayton, probably from the company store since there are Harris signatures. One document shows that she owed as much as she made for weaving--being a bill of $35.10 in goods and $35.10 in salary. She bought shoes, tobacco, a comb, gloves, cloth, etc. She paid board as well.
The second document appears to show a credit of $4.65. She boarded with Lucy Brayton (perhaps a sister?). We are uncertain as to the precise identity of Mary but she was possibly a descendant of Mary Phillips (1709-1771) who married Thomas Brayton. The family lived in Coventry and were involved in the mills and in supplying water power.
Providence Architect, James Bucklin was hired to draw the plans for a new mill in 1850 and, in 1860, The Harris Cotton Manufacturing Company constructed a third mill along the banks of the Pawtuxet River as well as a dam. Two raceways were used to supply water to operate the machines and to power Corliss Steam Engines. With the death of Harris in 1861, the manufacturing company passed to his son-in-law, Henry Howard, and in May 1865 the Harris Manufacturing Company was incorporated. By 1883 Howard had been joined by his son, Elisha H. Howard, and son-in-law, Edward C. Bucklin, in the business.
The types of cotton goods produced in these mills were cotton sheeting, plain and twilled cloth. In 1900 the Arkwright - Interlaken Manufacturing Company acquired the Harris Mill and operated it until 1954. Today the mill buildings have been converted into lofts.
427. Deed for Pawtuxet land to Jacob Clarke, signed by Dan'l. Abbott, surveyor, and Robert Knight & Andrew Harris, as "Committee.". [Pawtuxet?]: March 10, 1730/31.
$325
Two sides of a single sheet approx. 9" x 8", docketed at a later date on the verso by Christopher Lippitt as clerk, June 4, 1774; recorded in the first bound book of the proprietors in folio 3. Folds & edges worn. Browned.
Early original deed to Joseph Clarke for 24 and 1/2 acres in Pawtuxet (Cranston/Warwick), Rhode Island. The meters and bounds description shows land from the Daniel Abbot survey located near Daniel Mathewson, Joseph Fenner, and Joseph Carpenter; "24 acres and 76 rods of the above land is on the Third Division and four rods is on the Fifth Division." A small sketch is made of the shape of the acreage and a note on the verso says: "Thomas Olney desirs me to take up 8 pounds in william olney Name to ye amount of twenty pound and one deed in william olney name that I am to gitt discharged."
Pawtuxet was included in the purchase of Providence when Roger Williams received the land from the Indians in 1636. Pawtuxet, today a thriving historic village, is the Indian name for "Little Falls" and was settled in 1638. Andrew Harris was a descendent of William Harris (1610-1681), one of the original settlers of the town of Providence in 1636 and one of the proprietors of the Pawtuxet Grant, the tract of land located in present-day Cranston.
Harris and the other original proprietors became involved in a protracted dispute over their legal claim and Harris traveled to England four times in an attempt to secure his claim. In 1680, he was captured by Algerian pirates but survived to be ransomed, only to die a few weeks later. William Harris' descendants continued the disputes over the Pawtuxet lands for many years after his death. Other names found on this document, Robert Knight and Christopher Lippitt, were to have descendents who would start Fruit of the Loom and the nationwide Lippitt cotton mill industry. (See Harris papers at RI Historical Society).
428. The life and works of John Hay 1838-1905. A commemorative catalogue of the exhibition shown at the John Hay Library of Brown University in honor of the centennial of his graduation at the commencement of 1858. Providence: Brown University Library, [1961].
SOLD
8vo, pp. xii, 51, [1]; frontispiece and 5 illustrations on rectos and versos of 3 plates; original red paper-covered boards stamped in gilt on upper cover and spine; fine in slightly worn original glassine jacket.
Private secretary and assistant to Abraham Lincoln and Secretary of State under McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt.
429. Josephine Lazarus. Mystery prophecy service freedom. N.p.: privately printed, n.d., [ca. 1910].
SOLD
16mo, pp.73, [1]; original brown cloth-backed printed tan paper-covered boards; near fine.
Laid in is a typed slip reading "With Miss Hazard's regards."
Hazard (1856-1945) was a Rhode Island educator, philanthropist, and author. She served as the fifth president of Wellesley College, from 1899 to 1910. Her subject is Josephine Lazarus (1846-1910) a New York essayist, transcendentalist, and Zionist. She was the sister of Emma Lazarus.
Not in OCLC or NUC.
430. A brief pilgrimage in the Holy Land recounted in a series of addresses delivered in Wellesley College Chapel ... with illustrations from sketches and photographs by the author. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, The Riverside Press, Cambridge, [1909].
SOLD
First edition, 8vo, pp. x, 138, [2]; 4 color plates after watercolors by the author plus 16 plates from photographs; original blue cloth stamped in gilt on upper cover and spine; fine copy.
431. Shards and scarabs from Egypt. [New York]: The Harbor Press, 1931.
$50
First edition, 8vo, pp. [8], 50, [4]; color frontispiece after a watercolor by the author plus 3 plates from photographs; original black cloth-backed marbled boards; near fine.
Ransom, Harbor Press, 62.
432. The homing to 'This Precious Stone Set in a Silver Sea.'. New York: The Harbor Press, 1929.
$40
First edition, 8vo, pp. [8], 50, [4]; original black cloth-backed marbled boards; near fine.
Ransom, Harbor Press, 42.
433. The illuminators ... A poem read at the installation of the Eta chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa Society in Massachusetts, at Wellesley College, January seventeenth MDCCCCV. [Campden, Gloucestershire: Essex House Press, August, 1905.].
$325
Edition limited to 150 copies (this, no. 132); folio (approx. 12½" x 8¾"), pp. 13, [1]; printed in blue, red and black; strapwork, pictorial initials and ornamentation; original printed brown wrappers; a few nicks in the margins; near fine.
Hazard (1856-1945) was a Rhode Island educator, philanthropist, and author. She served as the fifth president of Wellesley College, from 1899 to 1910.
434. Letters from Helen Hazard to her brothers Rowland Gibson Hazard, Frederick Rowland Hazard and to Alida L. Blake written in the years 1876 and 1877. [New Haven]: privately printed, 1931.
$100
First edition limited to 100 copies printed at the Quinnipiack Press, 8vo, pp. xvii, [1], 106, [4]; frontispiece portrait; original black cloth-backed boards; near fine.
Letters containing an account of a European winter 1876-77.
On the front free endpaper: "From the library of Z. Chafee." Zechariah Chafee (1885-1957) was a judicial philosopher and civil rights advocate. His nephew was Rhode Island Governor, U.S. Senator, and Secretary of the Navy, John Chafee, and his grandnephew is the Governor and former Senator Lincoln Chafee.
435. Two lectures [wrapper title]. Providence: H. Fuller, 1841.
$200
First edition, 2 parts in 1, as issued; 8vo, pp. 29; 48; minor chipping of the spine, else near fine in orig. brown printed wrappers.
Each lecture with a separately printed title page: Lecture, on the Causes of the Decline of Political and National Morality, and Lecture, on the Adaptation of the Universe to the Cultivation of the Mind.
Hazard (1801-1888) was a native Rhode Islander who spent most of his life at the family business manufacturing woolens. He served three terms as a member of the R.I. House of Representatives. "His underlying interests were philosophical. When on his business trips, while travelling on packets and stage-coaches, on boats and trains, he made notes for later books" (DAB).
He immediately attracted the attention of William Ellery Channing with his book, Language: Its Connexion with the Present Condition and Future Prospects of Man. Of Hazard Channing wrote, "I have known a man of vigorous intellect, who had enjoyed few advantages of early education, and whose mind was almost engrossed by the details of an extensive business, but who composed a book of much original thought, in steamboats and on horseback, while visiting distant customers."
Channing, himself a Rhode Islander and Unitarian minister in Boston, was one of the great liberals of his day, writing and preaching against slavery, and promoting philanthropic endeavors.
436. Language: Its connexion with the present condition and future prospects of man. By a Heteroscian.. Providence: Marshall, Brown and Co., 1836.
$375
First edition of Hazard's "first considerable publication," small 8vo, pp. 153, [1]; original embossed green cloth, gilt-lettered spine; near fine. Errata slip tipped in at p. 153.
This copy inscribed by Hazard to "Rebecca D. Smith from her friend the author. New Port, June 20th, 1840."
An early American work on language and philosophy. The author (1801-1888) was a native Rhode Islander who spent most of his life at the family business manufacturing woolens. He served three terms as a member of the R.I. House of Representatives. He possessed the habit "of looking for general principles, and of applying the results of abstract thinking to practical ends, [and] engaged himself with problems of Reconstruction, and other questions of the day ... His underlying interests were philosophical. When on his business trips, while travelling on packets and stage-coaches, on boats and trains, he made notes for later books. Language... possibly had its inception in discussion with his friend --and Poe's friend-- Mrs. Sarah Helen Whitman, on the nature of poetry" (DAB). The book attracted the attention of William Ellery Channing who wrote, "I have known a man of vigorous intellect, who had enjoyed few advantages of early education, and whose mind was almost engrossed by the details of an extensive business, but who composed a book of much original thought, in steamboats and on horseback, while visiting distant customers."
437. The Credit Mobilier of America. A paper read before the Rhode Island Historical Society, Tuesday evening, February 22, 1881. Providence: Sidney S. Rider, 1881.
$100
First edition, 8vo, pp. 42; original printed gray wrappers; wrappers a touch soiled and an old accession label at the bottom of the front wrapper; all else near fine.
Wikipedia notes that the Crédit Mobilier scandal of 1867, which came to public attention in 1872, was a two-part fraud by the Union Pacific Railroad and the Crédit Mobilier of America construction company in the building of the eastern portion of the First Transcontinental Railroad. First, a fraudulent company, Crédit Mobilier, was created by Union Pacific executives to greatly inflate construction costs. Though the railroad cost only $50 million to build, Crédit Mobilier billed $94 million to Union Pacific, and Union Pacific executives pocketed the excess $44 million.
The second part involved using part of the excess cash and $9 million in discounted stock to bribe several Washington politicians for laws and regulatory rulings favorable to the Union Pacific. The scandal negatively affected the careers of many politicians and nearly bankrupted Union Pacific.
438. Facts for the laboring man: by a laboring man. Newport: James Atkinson, printer, 1840.
$100
First edition, 8vo, pp. 102, [2]; removed from binding, wrappers wanting, title page soiled, some foxing; all else good and sound.
A pamphlet against President Van Buren's administration. "This volume contains a great many facts relating to the early history of manufacturing in Rhode Island" (Bartlett). Originally published in the Newport Herald of the Times over the signature "Narragansett."
American Imprints 3036; Bartlett, p. 148; Hammett, p. 60; Sabin 23623.
439. Mediums and mediumship ... Second thousand. Boston: William White & Co., 1872.
SOLD
16mo, pp. 62, [2]; self-wrappers; stitched, as issued; mild damp pervades the whole, otherwise very good.
Hazard was a Rhode Island manufacturer and social reformer who worked for the establishment of common schools in R.I., and opposed capital punishment. He also supported woman's suffrage and opposed slavery. And, he was also an advocate of Modern Spiritualism.
From Wikipedia: "Following the death of his wife in 1854, Hazard became interested in spiritual communication and began visiting mediums in Providence and Boston. The author Maud Howe Elliott, a neighbor and childhood friend of the Hazard children, recalls [Hazard's] grief and subsequent obsession with “materialization, spirit life, mediums, psychic photographs.”
Hazard penned numerous firsthand accounts of spirit materializations and séances held in a dedicated room at his Portsmouth estate, Vaucluse. After two of his daughters died of tuberculosis and a third drowned herself in a river on the family’s property, he dedicated himself exclusively to the defense of mediumship.
440. Report on the poor and insane in Rhode-Island; made to the General Assembly at its January session 1851 ... Printed by order of the General Assembly. Providence: Joseph Knowles, state printer, 1851.
$200
First edition, 8vo, pp. [3]-119, [1]; engraved frontispiece of Butler Hospital for the Insane; tables in the text; original brown blindstamped cloth lettered in gilt on the upper cover; very good and sound.
This copy inscribed to "E. N. Champlain with respects of Secty. of State" who at the time would have been William R. Watson. An interesting appendix concerns the state of the impoverished Narragansett Indians.
Hazard was a manufacturer and social reformer who worked for the establishment of common schools in Rhode Island. He supported women's suffrage and opposed slavery. As a result of this study "important reforms resulted" (DAB).
Bartlett, p. 148; not in Sabin.
441. Report on the poor and insane in Rhode-Island; made to the General Assembly at its January session 1851 ... Printed by order of the General Assembly. Providence: Joseph Knowles, state printer, 1851.
$250
First edition, 8vo, pp. [3]-119, [1]; engraved frontispiece of Butler Hospital for the Insane; tables in the text; original brown printed wrappers; near fine.
An interesting appendix concerns the state of the impoverished Narragansett Indians. Hazard was a manufacturer and social reformer who worked for the establishment of common schools in Rhode Island. He supported women's suffrage and opposed slavery. As a result of this study "important reforms resulted" (DAB).
Bartlett, p. 148; not in Sabin.
442. Letter addressed to Robert H. Ives, in reply to his published statements in relation to the case in equity Ives vs. Hazard. Newport: George H. Hammond, 1859.
$125
First edition, 8vo, pp. 48; self-wrappers; near fine.
"A celebrated case ... on account of the prominent place it occupied during a long time in the history of Newport. It arose from the agreement on the part of Mr. Charles T. Hazard, a well-known citizen of Newport, to sell to Mr. R. H. Ives of Providence, a parcel of land situated near the cliffs, which agreement Mr. Hazard claimed was for some reason not binding. Mr. Thomas R. Hazard entered into the controversy with great earnestness, and the result was that nearly the whole State through the Legislature and the Courts became parties in the dispute. The citizens of Newport, more especially were thoroughly interested, and an attempt was finally made to impeach the judges of the Supreme Court and the removal of the State Reporter" (Hammett).
The case was decided in favor of Mr. Ives.
Cohen 11311; Sabin 31112, note; Hammett, p. 61.
443. The Jonny-cake letters I-XII. Dedicated to the memory of Phillis, my grandfather's colored cook. By Shepard Tom. Providence: Sidney S. Rider, 1880.
$500
First separate and first collected edition; 12mo, pp. [4], 173, [1]; original printed gray wrappers; pages toned; very good copy contained in a quarter brown morocco slipcase, gilt-lettered spine.
These letters originally appeared in the Newport Mercury and the Providence Journal during the years 1878-79. The letters were later continued to the number of twenty-six, but these were not separately issued.
With the ownership signature at the top of the front wrapper of "Addie H. Sears."
Adeline Harris Sears (1839-1931) was born in the small village of Arcadia, Washington County, R.I. where she was an autograph collector and quilt maker: "The practice of collecting autographs of famous people was very popular in the middle decades of the nineteenth century. Adeline's collection, however, was different. She asked the signers to write their names in ink on the small diamond-shaped pieces of white silk that she sent to them. After these diamonds were autographed, they were sent back to her; she then cut out more diamonds of brightly colored silks, pieced them together with the signed white ones, and created an all-silk bed quilt. In 1995 the Metropolitan Museum acquired Adeline's extraordinary quilt from her four great-grandchildren handmade quilt which is now a preserved treasure at The Metropolitan Museum Of Art" (findagrave.com).
Hammett, p. 61.
444. One-page holograph document. Bristol: Feby. 20th, 1816.
$950
4to (approx. 9¼" x 7½"), mild dampstain in the left margin and entering the text; all else good or better.
A 15-line invoice, in ink: "Mr. Allen Miller to C. F. Herreshoff" for items purchased from December, 1810 to February, 1814, largely for hay, hogs, and beef. "Received payment in full this date C. F. Herreshoff." Docketed on the verso, "C. F. Herreshoff bill settled 1816."
Karl Frederick Herreschoff (1763-1819) was born in Westphalia and came to America, ironically enough, on a ship owned by the Browns, in Providence. Carl Fredrerick (he eventually changed the spelling of both his first and last name) eventually married Sarah Brown, the daughter of the merchant and slave trader, John Brown, and was the sire of the famed Herreshoff clan. He died by his own hand in the Adirondacks having squandered much of his wife's money, and having failed in sheep-raising and an iron-forge business.
This invoice, docketed in Bristol in 1816, is likely for unpaid debts to Allen Miller over the course of three-plus years.
445. [Herreshoff Manufacturing Co..] 100 fighting ships built during World War II by Herreshoff. Bristol: Herreshoff, 1945.
$125
Oblong 4to, pp. [16]; 6 full-page color illustrations after paintings by Duncan Gleason specially commissioned by Herreshoff; slight staining at the lower edge of the upper wrapper; all else near fine.
"A tribute to our craftsmen for a job well done" during World War II.
446. Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, Bristol, R.I. sole manufacturer of the Herreshoff patent safety coil boiler, builders of steam vessels, yachts, launches, portable, stationary and marine engines, pumps, propeller wheels and safety valves ... John B. Herreshoff, president and treasurer. New York: Beadle & Broun, stationers, 55 Exchange Place, n.d., [ca. late 1870s - early 1880s].
$250
Tri-fold leaflet on India paper (approx. 8½" x 5¼" folded), printed in red and blue; 4 wood-engraved illustrations; near fine condition.
An early Herreshoff promotional - the company was founded in 1878 - touting the company's hulls, engines, boilers, and propellers.
447. Herreshoff Sailing Tutor. Bristol: ca. 1935.
$1,250
Contained in the original box (approx. 7¾" x 6¾" x 1¾") are 2 hulls made of Burma teak with masts, 2 mainsails, 2 jibs, 2 spinnakers (all "cut from metal and finished in white enamel"), 2 buoys, a wind direction pointer and a tide direction pointer - all parts present and accounted for; box with a pictorial label and original bifoliate directions repeating the box label on the front.
"The Herreshoff Sailing Tutor is a great aid to the novice sailor in mastering the elements of yacht sailing and navigation - and in demonstrating and plotting racing tactics ... Race committees are using the Herreshoff Sailing Tutor to rehearse and visualize alleged rule violations, in deciding subsequent protests, and find that it makes an unpleasant duty easier and considerably more accurate ... These miniature yachts are made with that same painstaking care and skilled workmanship that established the Herreshoff yard at Bristol as the world’s most distinctive center of yacht designing and construction."
448. [Herreshoff Manufacturing Co..] Report made to the Bureau of steam-engineering, Navy Department, August 9, 1882 ... on the vedette boats constructed for the British and French navies by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company at Bristol, R.I.. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1882.
$200
First edition, 8vo, pp. 48; 1 large folding plate of the boiler for the vedette boats; original printed blue wrappers; pressure stamp in the front wrapper, back wrapper slightly chipped; all else near fine.
449. [Herreshoff Manufacturing Co..] Report made to the Bureau of steam-engineering, Navy Department, March 3, 1883 ... on the hull, engine, and boiler of the steam-yacht "Siesta," constructed by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company at Bristol, R.I.. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1883.
$200
First edition, 8vo, pp. 62; 1 large folding table, 1 large folding plate of the boiler, several other illustrations in the text; original printed gray wrappers; a couple of inoffensive library marks on title page recto and verso, otherwise fine.
Includes data on dimensions, weight, and performance
450. Preliminary report of a Board of United States Naval Engineers on the Herreshoff launch and system of machinery for steam yachts, launches, &c. made to the Bureau of Steam Engineering, Navy Department, October 26, 1880 [wrapper title]. N.p.: 1880.
$200
32mo (approx. 5¼" x 3¼"), pp. 14, [2]; original printed green wrappers; fine.
It's unclear if this is a Navy Dept. publication or a Herreshoff one. An early Herreshoff item, nonetheless. The company wasn't founded until 1878.
Not in OCLC.
451. [Herreshoff, Nathanael Greene.] Capt. Nat Herreshoff, the wizard of Bristol. The life and achievements of Nathanael Greene Herreshoff, together with an account of some of the yachts he designed.. New York: Sheridan House, [1953].
$375
First edition, 8vo, pp. 349, [1]; 108 illustrations, primarily from photos, on rectos and versos of 24 plates; a fine copy in the dust jacket.
A review copy, with a quarto typed letter from Sheridan House to the reviewer laid in, and containing extensive notes by the reviewer in pencil on the verso; also laid in is a tri-fold leaflet printed in yellow and black with additional blurbs and an order form.
The reviewer in question is likely Garrett D. Byrnes (1923-1984) whose review for the Providence Journal is also laid in.
This is the story of the remarkable life of the genius who designed the first U.S. Navy Torpedo boats, the first high-speed steam launches and six successful defenders of the America's Cup. In all important yacht races from 1890 to the time of his death in 1938, his yachts won more prizes than those of all other yacht designers put together.
452. One-page autograph letter signed on personalized stationary [N. G. Herreshoff, Bristol, R.I.]. Bristol: August 19, 1937.
$950
8vo, approx. 20 lines and 100 words, to "Brother Leahy" thanking him for the gift of Jeff Davis's Log. Autobiographical Reminiscences of the Yachting Editor of the Providence Journal and Evening Bulletin which had been published earlier that same year.
"I ... have days of 'ups & downs.' I want to thank you for the very artistically done-up package ... the Log of Arthur W. Davis - so called 'Jeff' - I don't know why. And cleverly illustrated by that Gale who has real talent ... With cooler weather I hope to be feeling better, and that you will drop in and have a little chat - that is so pleasant! Please give my kind regards to your father and mother..."
Capt. Nat Herreshoff (1848-1938) was arguably the most successful yacht designer of the last part of the 19th century, and into the 20th. Among his many accomplishments were the successful designs of every America's Cup defender between 1893 and 1920. Herreshoff letters are rare. The last record we find of one coming on the market is 1915. Herreshoff died June 2nd the following year.
"Brother Leahy" is Edward Lawrence Leahy, Jr. (1918-1944), son of U.S. Senator Edward Leahy and Fern Dixon Leahy, who was killed in the final days of World War II in a submarine in the North Pacific.
Accompanied by: An undated letter from Mr. Herreshoff's secretary to Mrs. Leahy thanking her, her husband and son "Brother" for birthday flowers.
453. Two-page autograph letter signed on personalized stationary [N. G. Herreshoff, Bristol, R.I.]. Coconut Grove, Fla.: Mch. 21, 1930.
$1,250
8vo, approx. 30 lines and 140 words, to a Mr. Rigg regarding the building of a yacht.
"[Y]ou are considering having the Herreshoff Mfg. Co. build you a duplicate of Haswell. For a fast cruiser, I have always considered Flying Cloud (and Haswell which [is] exactly the same except having slightly more over hang,) the best design I have made. I am very sure you will not be disappointed if you build from that design. I hardly feel about giving advice on the rig ... For myself I would prefer a yawl, or ketch with mizzen..."
Capt. Nat Herreshoff (1848-1938) was arguably the most successful yacht designer of the last part of the 19th century, and into the 20th. Among his many accomplishments were the successful designs of every America's Cup defender between 1893 and 1920. Herreshoff letters are rare. The last record we find of one coming on the market is 1915.
454. Two-page autograph letter signed on personalized stationary [N. G. Herreshoff, Bristol, R.I.]. Bristol: Feb. 2, 1935.
$1,500
8vo, approx. 37 lines and 220 words, to a Mr. Rigg comparing three Herreshoff-designed yachts.
"I believe the three boats Flying Cloud, Haswell and Mary Rose ... to be very perfect models to combine good sailing qualities with cruising comfort. All are strongly built and fit for sea-going. Flying Cloud never was in racing hands, and has not the record she deserves. Haswell at first had no sailing record but was fortunate in falling into the smart Canadians hands - Jarvis, who got her rig in shape and made a brilliant record with her even winning - with schooner rig allowance against the crack J-class yachts ... So to Mary Rose, you probably know more about her than I do, as she was built after my retirement ... Of course you know that in ordinary racing success depends in the ability of the owner and skipper on average at about 3-1, and in ocean racing, the owner, skipper, and crew on average about 4-1..."
Capt. Nat Herreshoff (1848-1938) was arguably the most successful yacht designer of the last part of the 19th century, and into the 20th. Among his many accomplishments were the successful designs of every America's Cup defender between 1893 and 1920. Herreshoff letters are rare. The last record we find of one coming on the market is 1915.
455. The science of language. A lecture: Sanskrit and Hebrew, the two written, primitive, languages compared. Newport, R.I.: Frederick A. Pratt, printer, 1868.
$175
8vo, pp. iv, [1], 6-23, [1]; original printed yellow wrappers. Fine.
Hodgson was an Honorary Member of the Asiatic Societies of London and Paris. He also wrote a grammar of the Berber language, different accounts of his travels in Africa, a history of the Creek Indians, and The Gospels, written in the Negro patois of English, with Arabic characters, 1857.
The Science of Language was written by Hodgson during the Civil War in Savannah, Georgia, and delivered as a talk before the Georgia Historical Society. How this work by an eminent philologist came to be published by an obscure Newport printer remains a mystery.
456. Accounts payable for the Sloop Elizabeth: "Sloop Elizabeth to Esek Hopkins". [Newport?: n.d., ca. 1750.] .
$2,500
Autograph manuscript approx. 9" x 7" accomplished in ink on both sides of the sheet. At the bottom of the verso in another (contemporary) hand: "This is all in the handwriting of Esek Hopkins the first Admiral of the American Navy--in the Rev. War." Light foxing, left edge slight tear. Clean and legible.
Written by Esek Hopkins (1718-1802), first Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Navy, when he was a privateer. The sheet lists expenses such as "To Wm Perce for 2500 hoops 150." And: "To 1 lode wood 6: to 3 day work my negro 10:10". Items such as "an old foresail" , "flower and freight" and "to John Brown for rigen (rigging?)" are listed together with approximately 30 other line items, each with a cost, totaling "3,362:17:57."
Esek Hopkins was the brother of Stephen Hopkins (1707-1785), who served as Governor of Rhode Island for ten terms between 1755 and 1768 and was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Esek Hopkins spent his childhood on his parents' farm until he left at the age of twenty to pursue a career as a sailor. He quickly rose up the ranks and became a prominent master mariner by the time he married Desire Burroughs (c.1722-1794) of Newport in 1741, with whom he had eight children. Hopkins flourished as a captain and soon became highly successful and involved in privateering, Rhode Island's most profitable enterprise during the years before the American Revolution (1775-1783).
Rhode Island was one of the first colonies to provide naval protection from the British, and Esek Hopkins was asked to command the colony's naval forces. Hopkins did have some success as the country's Commander but his navy failed to meet Congress' expectations. (Some historians say he continued to act like a privateer rather than a military commander) and by October 16, 1776, Congress took a vote of censure against Hopkins and he went before a Naval Committee with John Adams (1735-1826) as his defender. Unfortunately, Adams' defense of him did not succeed, and Commodore Hopkins was dismissed from the Navy on January 2, 1777. Later, Hopkins settled near Providence and continued to serve as a member of the state general assembly.
457. Pilgrim jubilee. Celebration in Providence, R. I., of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of Congregationalism in this country, October 11th, 1870. Minutes of Rhode Island churches in council. Memorial address by the Rev. Mark Hopkins, D.D., LL. D. ... Festival and addresses. Published for the benefit of the Free Congregational Church, Providence, R.I., December 1870. Central Falls: E. L. Freeman, steam book and lithographic printer, 1870.
$125
First edition, 8vo, pp. 36; original printed brown wrappers; fine.
Hopkins was the president of Williams College.
Not in Parks. Sabin 62845.
458. Memoirs of the life of Mrs. Sarah Osborn, who died at Newport, Rhodeisland [sic], on the second day of August, 1796. In the eighty-third year of her age. Worcester: Leonard Worcester, 1799.
$450
First edition, 12mo, pp. 380; full contemporary sheep; spine ends chipped, the binding rubbed and worn; a good copy.
Early American bookplate of Enoch Sawyer.
Sarah Osborn was an early American Protestant and Evangelical writer who experienced her own type of "religious awakening" during the birth of American Evangelicalism, and through her memoirs, served as a preacher ... First written in 1742 at the age of 29 as a way to deal with life's difficulties, she quickly became aware of her work's value, and later "emerged as the leader of a remarkable religious revival that brought as many as five hundred people-including large numbers of slaves-to her house each week" (Wikipedia).
Not in Bartlett; Evans 35636; Sabin 32952.
459. Recollections of Auton House. A book for children. With illustrations by C. Auton [i.e. Augustus Hoppin]. Boston: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1881.
$100
First edition, square 8vo, pp. 99, [1]; numerous illustrations throughout by Hoppin; original cloth-backed pictorial boards; near fine.
The youngest of twelve children, Augustus Hoppin recounts the thinly fictionalized joys and sorrows of growing up during the early parts of the 19th century in a stately mansion in Providence.
460. [Hoppin, Augustus.] Nothing to wear: an episode of city life. (From Harpers Weekly.) Illustrated by Hoppin. New York: Rudd & Carleton, 1857.
$100
12mo, pp. [7], 8-68; half-title and title page printed in red; 8 full-page illustrations by Augustus Hoppin; original brown blindstamped cloth stamped in gilt on upper cover; very good and sound.
The author was a New York lawyer and the father of Howard Russell Butler, the founder of the American Fine Arts Society.
461. Carrot-pomade with twenty-six illustrations. New York: James G. Gregory, publisher, 1864.
$275
First edition, 8vo, pp. [32]; 26 full-page illustrations, one for each letter of the alphabet; original card wrappers bound in brown morocco-backed green paper-covered boards; front wrapper worn, with some creasing, the illustrations lightly spotted, the spine a bit sunned; all else very good.
Each letter begins a rhyme, and each has an accompanying illustration. Together they tell the story of the origin, manufacture, and use of a hair dressing that was meant to cure baldness "on the waste places of the human cranium."
462. [Hoppin, Augustus.] Old Grimes ... Illustrated by Augustus Hoppin. Providence: Sidney S. Rider and Brother, 1867.
$150
First edition, 8vo, 14 leaves printed on rectos only; illustrated throughout; original pictorial terracotta cloth stamped in gilt on upper cover; light wear; near fine.
With a manuscript poem entitled "Young Grimes" laid in, 10 quartets on a small octavo bifolium.
463. Report of the Committee on Finance of the House of Representatives, on bounty frauds, &c. made at the January session, 1865. Providence: H. H. Thomas & Co., printers to the state, 1865.
$125
8vo, pp. 411, [1]; original printed tan wrappers; small chip from the top corner of the upper wrapper, else near fine.
In ink at the top of the wrapper: "From the R.I. Historical Society."
Afro-Americana 8839; Sabin 70677.
464. Call it treason. New York: Viking Press, 1949.
$125
First edition, 8vo, pp. [6], 344; map endpapers; original pictorial pale green cloth stamped in green; fine copy in a very slightly rubbed dust jacket.
Signed by the author on the half-title.
Based on Howe's experiences in World War II when he served as a civilian with the Office of Strategic Services and was attached to the 7th Army in Algiers and France, working on operations of agents behind enemy lines. Call It Treason was published in six foreign languages and later was filmed by 20th Century Fox under the title, Decision before Dawn. Mr. Howe produced the novel while he was a patient at the old Emergency Hospital in Washington, D.C. after he was severely injured in an automobile accident. He dictated it and it was transcribed for him.
George Locke Howe (1898-1977) was a native of Bristol, R.I. He was a trained architect having received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1918 and a masters in architecture in 1925, both from Harvard, and went into business with his father, Wallis Howe, also an architect, in Providence. In 1934 he moved to Washington, D.C.. Mr. Howe also was the author of Mount Hope, a historical book about his native Bristol. He wrote several other novels and short stories that were published in Harpers Magazine and poems that appeared in The New Yorker.
465. Call it treason. New York: Viking Press, 1949.
$125
First edition, 8vo, pp. [6], 344; map endpapers; original pictorial pale green cloth stamped in green; spine a little sunned and binding a bit skewed, dust jacket worn and with chips and short tears at extremities.
Presentation copy from Howe to his daughter, "For my dear daughter Luisa in Paris from George Howe, August 12, 1949."
466. Call it treason. London: Rupert Hart-Davis Press, 1950.
$150
First British edition, 8vo, pp. 318; map endpapers; original green cloth stamped in silver on spine; very good dust jacket with several shallow chips and breaks.
Presentation copy from Howe to his parents, "For father & mother with a lifetime of love from George."
467. Call it treason. London: Rupert Hart-Davis Press, 1950.
$125
Advance proof of the first British edition, 8vo, pp. 318; original brown paper wrappers with printed paper label on the upper cover; very good.
With the publisher's presentation slip laid in.
468. Call it treason. Washington, [D.C.]: Emergency Hospital, Jan. 12 - June 5, 1948.
$450
4to, title leaf plus 387 leaves printed from typescript on rectos only; green paper wrappers backed in brown paper and with typed label applied on spine; on the front wrapper is typed "Copy #" and "28" filled in by hand, "not to be distributed."
Inscribed by Howe on the title leaf: "For Sam and Dora Spencer with thanks for their kindness while this was being concocted, George Howe, Christmas, 1948."
Laid in is an 8-page biography titled #18 written by George Howe, detailing the life of his father, Wallis Eastburn Howe, the prominent Rhode Island architect, inscribed on the last leaf to the Spencers again, from Howe and his wife, dated 1963.
Neither the advance typescript nor #18, the brief life of his father, are found in OCLC.
469. La légion des damnés ... Traduis de l'Anglais par Robert Maghe et A. De Wynter. [Paris]: Collection Marabout, n.d., [1952].
$40
French paperback edition of Call It Treason, approx. 7" x 4½", pp. 247, [9] ads; double-page map; pages toned else near fine.
George Howe's own copy. On the half-title he has written: "Please return to George Howe, Boston, Virginia, U.S.A."
One copy only in OCLC, in Romania!
470. Bristol Rhode Island a town biography. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1930.
$60
First edition, 8vo; pp. [2], 172, [6]; photographic frontispiece with another 12 photographic plates; original blue paper boards quarter-bound in tan cloth, t.e.g.; near fine but with a tender front hinge.
471. Rari nantes being verses and a song. Boston: privately printed, 1893.
$375
Edition limited to 80 copies printed at the Riverside Press "from designs by D. B. Updike," 16mo, pp. [16]; original gray printed wrappers, spine partially split; all else very good.
A native of Bristol, R.I., Howe served in many editorial capacities. In 1925 he won the Pulitzer Prize for biography and autobiography.
Smith-Bianchi 2.
472. The presence [drop title]. N.p., n.d.: [1908].
$450
Oblong 8vo, 7 leaves (the first and last blank); printed from typescript; string-bound into hand-lettered tan paper wrappers. Possibly a unique book.
The author is known only by an inscription on the front wrapper: "To E. W. H. on her eighty-second birthday, January 25th, 1908. / M. A. De W. H." The inscription is marred a bit by an ink pressing, but it is entirely legible.
A 64-line poem on finding Christ on earth. E. W. H. is clearly Eliza Whitney Howe (1826-1909), the third wife of the Rev. Bishop Mark Anthony DeWolf(e) Howe, married in 1857. And the presenter and poet is Mark Anthony De Wolfe Howe, Jr., Eliza's son, and a prominent editor and author, winner of a Pulitzer Prize in 1925.
Not found in OCLC. The poem is likely unpublished.
473. Harmonies: a book of verse. Boston and New York: Houghton, Mifflin Company, The Riverside Press, Cambridge, 1909.
$100
First edition, 8vo, pp. ix, [1], 106, [2]; original red cloth stamped in gilt on the upper cover and spine; spine soiled, spine ends chipped; good and sound.
This copy with a presentation "To James S. Whitney from his affectionate nephew, M. A. DeWolfe Howe, Christmas, 1909."
474. La vie et correspondance de Barrett Wendell. Paris: Payot, 1926.
$75
First edition in French, translated by A. Brule, 8vo, pp. [9], 12- 430, [2]; uncut and largely unopened; frontispiece portrait; original gray wrappers printed in blue; very good and sound.
Bookplate of Alanson Bigelow Houghton, president of Corning Glass Works, and later a U.S. Representative from New York, and later still, U.S. Ambassador to Germany and Great Britain.
Howe was assistant editor of the Atlantic Monthly 1893-1895, and editor of the Harvard Alumni Bulletin until 1913. He was vice president of the Atlantic Monthly Company from 1911 to 1929, and for this book on the life and letters of Barrett Wendell, he won the 1925 Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography.
475. Personae gratae. Pictures from a fading past. Boston: Club of Odd Volumes, 1953.
$25
First edition, small 8vo, pp. 80; 31 vignette portraits; original terracotta cloth-backed marbled boards, gilt-lettered spine; fine in a chipped and torn glassine.
Twenty-eight poems honoring people who had influenced Howe over his long career, including Alfred North Whitehead, Sarah Orne Jewett, Annie Fields, Bliss Perry, Learned Hand, Richard Harding Davis, and others.
476. [Howe, Mark Antony DeWolfe.] Mark Antony DeWolfe Howe 1808-1895. A brief record of a long life. [Boston]: privately printed [by D. B. Updike at the Merrymount Press], [1897].
$75
Small 8vo, pp. [2], 45, [3]; portrait frontispiece plus one other portrait; original marbled paper-covered boards, mauve tri-fold dust jacket; printed paper label on upper cover; jacket a little stained and spotted; very good.
This copy inscribed "For cousin Abby - with the love of E. W. H. / Bristol, Nov. 6th, 1897."
Smith-Bianchi 23.
477. [Howe, Mark Antony DeWolfe.] In memoriam Rt. Rev. M. A. DeWolfe Howe D.D. LL.D. [cover title]. "A preacher and an apostle." A discourse commemorative of the life and services of the Rt. Rev. M. A. DeWolfe Howe D.D. LL.D. first Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania in Christ Cathedral, Reading.... [Reading: B. F. Owen & Co., printers, 1895.].
$125
8vo, pp. 20; original purple wrappers printed in gilt; some wear along the spine and the whole lightly rubbed; all else very good.
Newberry only in OCLC.
478. Sketches drawn on his trip to Europe and Asia Minor in 1895 aboard the steam yacht "Barracouta" owned by John R. Fell of Philadelphia, the father of W.E.H.'s sister-in-law, Mrs. Herbert Marshall Howe, born Mary W. Fell [cover title]. Shipboard, Mediterranean Sea: 1895.
$1,500
Three-ring binder assembled by the historian and writer George Howe from whom this notebook emanates, with approximately 23 sheets extracted from the artist's sketchbook, with approximately 77 individual sketches and studies in pen & ink, pencil, and watercolor (18 full-page), on both rectos and versos of the sheets; the leaves are toned throughout, occasionally with erose margins and sometimes with short tears and breaks; the artwork for the most part is in very good condition.
Subject matter includes shipboard life aboard the Barracouta, St. George's (Bermuda), Funchal (Madeira), Gibraltar, Marseille, Menton, Arles, Malta, Palermo (Sicily), Cairo, Jerusalem, Athens, Naples, and 16 men atop a London bus! Almost certainly these sketches were salvaged from a sketchbook long gone, but these survivals seem to be representative of what the whole once looked like.
Wallis Eastburn Howe (1868-1960) was the third child of Mark Anthony DeWolf Howe's third marriage to Eliza Whitney. While he was born in Philadelphia, his family had deep roots in Bristol, R.I. A graduate of Lehigh and M.I.T. he moved to Bristol in 1892 and set up as an architect. As such, he went on to become one of the most noted architects in Rhode Island working with several different partners and partnerships over a long and successful career.
479. Address delivered before the Providence Association of Mechanicks and Manufacturers, on the occasion of opening Mechanicks' Hall, January 10, A.D. 1825. Providence: H. H. Brown, printer, Market Square, 1830.
$75
First edition, 8vo, pp. 12; wrappers wanting; very good.
A short history of the association by its sitting president. Howland (1757-1854), a barber, "was prominent in virtually every aspect of the city's life during the eighty-four years he resided there, including the Providence Institution for Savings, the Providence Association of Mechanicks and Manufacturers, the First Congregational Church, the Town Council, the Association for the Promotion of Domestic Industry, the Peace Society, the Providence Library Company, and the Rhode Island Historical Society" (note to the John Howland collection at the R.I. Historical Society).
American Imprints 1937; Bartlett, p. 156; Rink 499.
480. Thirty-four page autograph manuscript being the text of his second lecture before the Rhode Island Historical Society. [Providence, n.d.: ca. late 1820s -1830s?].
$950
4to, pp. [32], plus a 2-page autograph "anecdote" laid in; first page a little soiled, the ink varying in tone but the hand is legible throughout; very good.
According to an old pencil note on the first page, this is his "2nd lecture before the R.I. Historical Society."
Howland (1757-1854) was the great-grandson of the John Howland who arrived on the Mayflower. He served in the American Revolution in Colonel Lippitt's regiment, and fought with Washington at Trenton Bridge and Princeton. He was long associated with the Providence Association of Mechanics and Manufacturers, serving 18 years as secretary and 6 years as president, and he was a long-time president of the Rhode Island Peace Society. He was the second president of the Rhode Island Historical Society serving in that position for 21 years. (See, A Discourse ... on the Life and Times of John Howland by Edward P. Hall, Providence, 1855.)
The subject of the lecture is the early history of Providence, from the time of Roger Williams up to the Great September Gale of 1815, much of it concerning the American Revolution as it related to Providence to which Howland was a witness and participant. The lecture appears to be unpublished. One item in the Howland archive at the R.I. Historical Society is of interest. In the inventory of that archive is "Second Lecture before the Rhode Island Historical Society, undated manuscript on the subject of the settlement of the Town of Providence." A slip of paper pinned to the inserted "anecdote" reads: "Anecdote of Gov. Hopkins related to John M. Howland by Paul Revere..."
481. The legal opinion of the Hon. William Hunter on the question of the town's interest in the ancient grist mill. [Providence]: Patriot Office, 1829.
$175
First edition, 8vo, pp. 15, [1]; later calf-backed marbled boards, spine chaffed and with small pieces missing at extremities, title slightly spotted; all else good and sound, or better.
Inscription at the top of the title page: "R.I. Hist Society, from Geo. H. & Chas. F. Tillinghast."
Legal opinion concerning the town of Providence's rights to a grist-mill, originally built in 1646 and recently dismantled to make way for the Blackstone Canal. In 1828, the freemen of Providence selected a committee headed by Stephen Tillinghast to investigate and inquire into the town's rights and claim to the mill on the Moshassuck River, once part of a land grant to a John Smith. The committee appointed William Hunter and Richard W. Greene as counsel.
American Imprints 39053; Rink 1450. Not in Bartlett, although other works of Hunter's are.
482. [Indenture.] Indenture of mortgage between Abraham Clark and the trustees of the Rhode Island colony for "one certain peace or parcil of land containing twenty nine acres and a half ... in the township of Providence ... about four miles southwesterly from Providence Street and is buted and bounded as followeth southerly on land belonging to John Clark easterly on River caled Pawchaset ... northerly on land belonging to ye said John Clark and westerly on a highway". Providence: December 19, 1751.
$750
Pro-forma folio document (approx. 16" x 13") accomplished in ink, previous folds in eighths with several breaks; very good.
Signed by Clark and countersigned by witness Joseph Randall, Junior; Job Joy; Jonathan Randall, justice of the Supreme Court, and Richard Waterman, clerk; docketed on the verso by Benjamin Nichols.
The General Assembly for the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations passed an Act in its 1750-51 session: "for promoting the raising of flax and wool, and for the manufacturing of the same into cloth; also for the encouragement of the whale and cod fishery; for which purpose, the same act authorized an emission of £25,000 in bills of public credit." Wording was added to appease and encourage the King: "Whereas... giving a proper encouragement for the raising of flax and wool, and manufacturing the same into cloth, will greatly conduce to promote frugality and industry ... it may justly be expected, that the vacant lands within this colony ... may be greatly improved to the advantage and interest of His Majesty's subjects, the inhabitants of this colony ... be therefore enabled, in case of another war, not only to defend and protect themselves, &c., but also greatly to distress and annoy His Majesty's enemies in these parts."
With the printed names of the eight trustees of the Colony appearing at the top. Abraham Clark (probably the first Abraham Clark 1705-1763), then of Gloucester, purchased land in 1751 under the act for "thirty-one pound, twelve shillings & ten pence." The deed was recorded April 27, 1752.
483. [Indenture.] Indenture of an agreement by and between Katharine Lippitt of Cranston, in the county of Providence, widow, and her son Christopher Lippitt of the same town and county. Cranston: December 1, 1779.
$1,000
Single sheet, folded (approx. 12" x 16" overall), 2 pages of text, with an integral leaf containing the Lippitts' signatures and seals on one side, docketed on verso. Old fold lines, some minor browning, a few ink corrections, else very good, and legible.
Katharine Lippitt is granted, during her natural life, "the full possession profits and improvements agreeable to law of every part and parcel of land houses orchard and privileges...in full consideration of the rite of dower and dower of thirds the sd. Katharine hath in and to the sd. Christopher Lippitt's Real Estate...."
The indenture describes Katharine's privileges as follows: "all that part of the homestead farm where Christopher now dwells on the south side of the highway, along with buildings, orchard, fences and timber for improvements and firewood, except 2/3 of one barn and stable; also use of 1/3 of the 'cribbe,' 1/3 of the 'bld. house' and 'chease roome,' likewise the "roome bedroom & closet cauld the Dining Roome of the said Christopher's Dwelling house, together with said Dining Roome Chamber Closet and Bead Roome... one third part of the Garret... and that Part of the Suller which the South staires leads into. Likewise Priviledge in the Kitchen rooms throow the Dining Roome Dore to wash on washing days and to Bake at all times in the Little Oven and to Cook whenever it is ill-convenient to cook in the Dining Roome, she the sd. Katharine is to find and make use of her own wood when ever she does bissness in said kitchen and at all other times the before mention Dining Roome Dore is to be kept fast by the said Katharine so as to Prevent any Persons going in an out that way unless it be by consent of the Parties from time to time, under the Penalty of having the same intirely shut up and to come in at the outside dore to due the bisness in the kitchen... and priviledge to goin out the North Door of the Barn with grain hay &c...."
Signed by both parties, and with two small red wax seals, and witnessed by Charles Lippitt, and Phebe Wails [her mark]. An interesting, and very specific agreement between mother and son. Christopher Lippitt (1744-1824), who commanded one of the two Rhode Island regiments formed in October 1775 shortly after the commencement of the American Revolution, was commissioned a Colonel in the Continental Army in September 1776. He participated in the battles of White Plains, Trenton, and Princeton. His regiment's enlistment expired in the spring of 1777, and Lippitt returned to Rhode Island, having received a Brigadier General's commission 'by brevet' from Gen. Washington. He later became a brigadier-general in the Rhode Island militia and participated in the battle of Rhode Island, under Maj. Gen. Sullivan. He served as a member of the Rhode Island General Assembly throughout the remainder of the war, and was appointed a Judge of the Superior Court of the state in 1783.
Lippitt had a saw mill and engaged in farming after the Revolution. In 1809, he and his brother Charles and several other Cranston area men founded a cotton mill, called the Lippitt Manufacturing Company (see his brief biography in Appleton's Cyclopedia of American Biography and on the Find-a-Grave website). Lippitt's father Christopher died in 1764, leaving the young man as the oldest surviving son. His mother Katharine [also spelled 'Catherine'] Holden lived until 1807.
484. [Indenture.] This indenture of lease ... made and executed on the [first] day of [December] in the year 184[5] by and between the City of Providence ... and [Winthrop Pidge] ... that in consideration for the sum of [Eighty] dollars ... the said City leases ... until the first Monday of December, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty-[Six] Stall No. [twelve] in the Market-House [upper] floor, with all its privileges and appurtenances.... Providence: 1845.
$75
Pro-forma "Indenture of Lease" for "Stall No. 12" in the "Market House, upper floor," between the city of Providence and Winthrop Pidge, approx. 6¼" x 7½", previous fold; very good.
With the witness signature of Edward Harwood, and signed at end: "Winthrop Pidge and Stephen Tripp, City Treasurer"; docketed on the verso. Accompanied by two leaves extracted from a periodical that includes a full-page view of the Providence Market and surrounding buildings, ca. 1844.
485. [Indenture.] This indenture, made the twenty-fourth day of July ... 1744 between Samuel Pearce of the county of Providence ... and Jableel Brenton [et al.] trustees for the said colony ... that the said Samuel Pearce for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and thirty two pounds ... convey and confirm unto said trustees ... a certain tract of land lying in Warwick ... on the cove commonly known by the name of the Fulling Mill Cove.... Providence: 1744.
$350
Pro-forma folio broadside (approx. 15" x 12"), accomplished in ink documenting the sale of 55 acres of land on Fulling Mill Cove in Warwick, signed by Samuel Pearce and witnessed by Joseph Stafford and William Holdman; the deed is subsequently discharged and signed by Benjamin Nichols, Newport, October 24, 1750. Small losses in the margins, the document toned; all else very good and legible.
The land in question is at the head of Greenwich Bay in the Apponaug section of Warwick. In 1696 John Micarter erected a fulling mill on Kekamewit Brook. Henceforth, the place became known as Fulling Mill.
486. [Independent Order of Odd Fellows.] A brief history of Franklin Lodge, no. 23, I.O.O.F. Providence, R.I. Instituted July 13, 1872. Also, an obituary of deceased members, and a list of members, December 31, 1876. Providence: Providence Press Company, printers, 1877.
$100
12mo, pp. 59, [1]; original glazed printed blue wrappers; some cracking along the spine, else near fine.
Brown and R.I. Historical only in OCLC.
487. Lengthy three-page autograph letter signed to his wife in Gorham, Maine. Providence City: June 9, 1841.
$125
4to, approx. 125 lines and 1800 words; previous folds, address panel on verso of integral leaf; very good and legible. A complete typed transcription accompanies the letter.
This is a letter written by Rev. E. W. Jackson to his wife during the Episcopal conference of 1841 in Providence, Rhode Island. The letter was written in portions over an extended period of time. The conference appears to have lasted for upwards of one month, and in addition to recounting bits of the business covered, Jackson's letter also includes his observations on the city, the weather, his personal health, and news of family friends. Jackson was preaching in Gorham, Maine, prior to attending the conference, and the letter is addressed to his wife residing there.
Jackson traveled to Providence by coach via Boston. He complained of ill health during his journey, though his condition improved over the course of the conference. Jackson seems to have admired Providence and spent many afternoons exploring the city with his colleagues. He made special note of the beauty of the architecture at Brown University. However, it was not long before homesickness set in, and in later additions to the letter he complained of being sick of both the city and the conference. Jackson noted many of the sermons he attended as well as various appointments made to individuals during the conference. Jackson himself was reassigned to preach at Eastham, and the last lines of the letter instruct his wife to prepare to move the family there.
488. A discourse in commemoration of the forty-sixth anniversary of the Mite Society and the two hundred and fifteenth anniversary of the First Baptist Church in America. Providence: John K. Stickney, 1854.
$125
8vo, pp. 32; original printed wrappers bound into half brown morocco over marbled boards, gilt-lettered direct on spine.
Inscribed on the front wrapper to "Rev. S. Adlam, with the kind regards of the author."
The Mite Society (founded 1806) is the oldest missionary society in Rhode Island. Jackson (1798-1863) was born in Providence and graduated from Brown in 1817. He served various ministries in Massachusetts and Connecticut before settling in Newport in 1847 where he remained for the rest of his life. "During the ministry of Dr. Jackson he was actively engaged in the cause of religion and education" (Bartlett).
Bartlett, p. 166.
489. An account of the churches in Rhode Island presented at an adjourned session of the twenty-eighth annual meeting of the Rhode Island Baptist State Convention, Providence November 8, 1853. Providence: George H. Whitney, 1854.
$45
First edition, 8vo, pp. 134; steel-engraved frontispiece of the First Baptist Meeting House; original limp brown cloth lettered in gilt on the upper cover; first several leaves and front cover dampstained at the bottom; likewise the back cover and last few terminal leaves; all else very good and sound.
490. In memoriam Thomas Allen Jenckes. Born November 2, 1818. Died November 4, 1875. [Providence: publisher not identified, 1876.].
SOLD
Tall 8vo, pp. 75, [1]; unopened; steel-engraved frontispiece portrait; original printed tan wrappers; fine.
Jenckes served the Rhode Island public most all his life, most notably as a 4-term U.S. Representative.
Memorial addresses and tributes by contributions by H. B. A. (likely Henry B. Anthony, editor of the Providence Journal and R.I. Governor, 1849-51); Charles S. Bradley, R. B. Thurston, William W. Hoppin, and Sidney S. Rider, among others.
491. [Johnny-Cakes.] The Rhode Island johnny-cake. North Franklin, CT: L. B. Ladd, printer, 1878.
$200
32mo (approx. 6" x 3½"), pp. [4]; fine in original printed gray wrappers. A poem in 10 sestets on the famed Rhode Island delicacy.
Let the bards from the North, South, East, and West,
All sing in the theme that suits them the best:
Let them sing of baked beans, of puddings and pies,
Their hot apple dumplings, and doughnuts, likewise,
The bard of Rhode Island no theme can afford
But to sing of hot Johnny Cakes fresh from the board.
AAS only in OCLC.
492. History of the Third and Brown Street Baptist Churches of Providence, R.I.. Providence: published by the Union Baptist Society, 1880.
$50
First edition, 8vo, pp. 43, [1]; fine in original printed tan wrappers.
493. A mathematical question, propounded by the Vicegerent of the world: answered by the King of Glory. Enigmatically represented, and demonstratively opened ... Sixth edition, corrected and revised. Newport: for Asaph Chilson, and sold by him, wholesale and retail, 1804.
$425
12mo, pp. 88; contemporary full calf, gilt-paneled spine laid out in 6 compartments, red morocco label in 1, ownership stamp in gilt on upper cover of "J. P. Luther," and with 4 pages of manuscript notes on the front free endpaper and flyleaf; the binding is rather rubbed, but is totally sound.
The long inscription starts on the recto of the front free endpaper: "Joseph P. Luther's Book. Providence AD 1820." The first page deals with whether to grant the request of a friend and when it is proper to give a reason for granting or not granting a request. From this, Luther goes on to propose seeking a true friend in God. "It will be wise to devote a few moments to reflect upon the most Important of all Subjects which can possibly occupy our attention - the purpose of our existence, and the end of our voyage - this way we consider and apply our Hearts unto Wisdom - So when our voyage on Earth shall end And we meet Deaths Embrace may we find in Christ a friend in Heaven a resting place."
The last page of the flyleaf is inscribed "This little Book I present to you my Daughter keep it preserve it and may it do your Soul good." Another inscription on the back flyleaf: "A present to Mrs Harriet B. Basset From Her Father JP Luther New Bedford November 28th 1844."
Joseph Parsons Luther was born March 9, 1783 in Swansea, Bristol County, Massachusetts, of Caleb Luther and Levinia Clarinda Seamans. He married Elizabeth Hoar Luther (1787-1819) and later Harriet B. Westcott Luther (1792-1878). He died November 16, 1850 in New Bedford and is buried in Swan Point Cemetery in Providence. In 1850, he was listed as a hair dresser.
American Imprints 6560; not in Hammett.
494. One-page autograph letter signed to Job Durfee concerning the Roger Williams Church Corporation. Providence: November 22, 1837.
$175
4to, previous folds, small break at the wax seal; very good.
The Reverend Lorenzo D. Johnson writes to Hon. Job Durfee stating that the Roger Williams Church Corporation will attempt to raise funds because of "having had a debt standing against them for some time." To raise funds they "have adopted the following method...to give a course of Scientific lectures to be delivered in the house in the western margin of the city...called Christian Hill..." Johnson asks Durfee to speak on behalf of the church and mentions that he has already obtained the services of Mr. Upham of Salem, Hon. Tristam Burges and a few others.
Lorenzo Dow Johnson was born in 1805 in Wethersfield, Vermont. A Reformed Methodist preacher, he lived in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, but served at a number of different churches in New England including The Roger Williams Church in Providence. Rev. Johnson married in 1832, in Rochester, Massachusetts, Mary Burges, daughter of Abraham Burges and the niece of Tristam Burges, afterwards member of Congress from Rhode Island, and professor in Brown University.
He was the author of a number of books including a biography, The Spirit of Roger Williams: with a Portrait of One of His Descendants. There is evidence that he was installed as pastor in the Roger Williams Baptist Church Society in 1827, [cf. Cheney, Rev. Martin. A sermon delivered at the installation of the Rev. Lorenzo D. Johnson, as Pastor of the Roger Williams Baptist Church Society, in Providence, Oct. 25, 1827] although this is interesting since his biographers call him a Methodist. This church united with the Quakers in 1837. After traveling in Europe, he was in the clerical employ of the Government from about 1851 until the second battle of Bull Run and, there being an urgent need for assistance for the wounded, he went to the front, and from that time to the close of the war, devoted himself to the care of the sick and wounded in and about Washington.
Job Durfee (1790 –1847) was a politician and jurist from Rhode Island. He graduated from Brown University in 1813 and was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Tiverton. He was a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from 1816 to 1820, and was elected as a Democratic-Republican to the Seventeenth Congress. In 1833 he was elected associate justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court. As chief justice, he presided over the trial of the last person executed in Rhode Island, John Gordon. Durfee was the author of What Cheer, a Poem in Nine Cantos; and of an oration, The Influences of Scientific Discovery and Invention on Social and Political Progress, or Roger Williams in Exile (1843).
495. [Johnston.] An act of the town of Johnston, respecting highways, passed November 16, 180[8]. [Providence]: from the Phenix Press, Jones & Wheeler, printers, [1808 or 1809].
SOLD
8vo, pp. 8; stitched, as issued; old stains, toned, and horizontal fold; good or better. Ownership signature of Robert Thornton of Johnston on last page.
Sets out provision for raising taxes for the repair and improvement of roads and specifies how that money is to be used and accounted for by the Town's surveyors to whom it is entrusted.
Not in OCLC or American Imprints.
496. [Johnston.] Manuscript audit of the town treasury of Johnston. [Johnston, R.I.]: October 1, 1776.
$250
One page (approx. 12" x 7¼"), signed by auditors John Fenner and Andrew Harris; docketed on verso; previous folds, small breaks; all else very good.
"Wee the subscribers being appointed audits for the town of Johnston for the year 1776..."
A list of twelve persons owing money to the town of Johnston; six have notes due and six have license fees due. The total amounts to £16.14.7. A note at the bottom adds that there is a further amount of £45.9.9 from unspecified debts. The largest debtor was Andrew Aldrich who owed over £8. The verso contains the date October 1, 1776. "In Town meeting. The written report was read and accepted. Witness An. Harris TClk" - i.e. Andrew Harris, Town Clerk.
The town originally formed an integral part of Providence, but was incorporated into a separate township in 1759, therefore these names include some of the earliest citizens.
497. [Jones, William, Governor.] To the freemen of the state of Rhode-Island, &c., &c. [drop title]. N.p. [Warwick?: publisher not identified, 1817.].
$175
8vo, pp. 14, [2]; uncut, self-wrappers; stitched, as issued; some foxing, else very good.
The text is signed in type on p. 14 "A Citizen" and is dated at Warwick, March 6, 1817.
Campaign literature in favor of Governor William Jones who was seeking reelection, but who lost to Nehemiah Rice Knight.
American Imprints 42299; not in Bartlett.
498. [Juveniles.] Holiday tales [wrapper title]. The balloon; and The good boy rewarded. Providence: Weeden & Peek, 1850.
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12mo, pp. 16; 2 full-page wood-engravings;
bound with, as issued: The Good Grandson; Pedler Johnny; &c., &c. Providence: Weeden & Peek, 1849, pp. 15, [1]; 2 full-page wood engravings;
bound with, as issued: Curiosity; and Eleanor Wilmot. Providence: Weeden & Peek, 1850. pp. 16; 2 full-page wood engravings.
Together in publisher's printed green wrappers; generally fine.
Ads for Weeden & Peek on the rear wrapper. Wrapper imprint reads: Providence: Weeden and Snow."
499. [Juveniles.] Rhode-Island tales, and tales of old times. By a friend to youth, of Newport, R.I.. New York: Mahlon Day & Co., No. 374 Pearl-Street; [James Egbert, printer], 1839.
$225
Small square 8vo (approx. 5½" x 4½"), pp. 171, [1]; wood-engraved illustrations throughout; sectional title at p. [131]; original pictorial brown paper-covered boards, rebacked, most of the printed spine label laid down; occasional moderate foxing; old paper repair in the lower margins of leaves 5-1 and 5-8; the spine had once been taped, hence adhesion marks lengthwise along the joints; all else very good.
The engravings are charming and are variously signed by Alexander Anderson, "R," and "M." "Tales of old times" (pp.68-128) is by Avis C. Howland. "Little Ellen, and other pleasing poetic stories" is by "A. L." of Newport, R.I. (identified in NUC as Abby Lee).
The imprint on the cover reads "Newport, R.I.: C. E. Hammett Jr., 116 Thames-Street," and the subtitle varies as well: "Tales of Old Times and Little Ellen."
Not in Bartlett. American Imprints 56392; Hamilton, American Book Illustrators, 324. Sabin 70741.
500. [Juveniles.] What could I do without grandmother? By Mrs. Sherwood, author of "Duty is Safety, or Troublesome Tom," etc.. Providence: Weeden and Peek, n.d., [1848-50].
SOLD
16mo (approx. 5½" x 4½"), pp. 20; wood engravings in the text; original printed green front wrapper bound in;
Bound with: Comfort in Death. By Mrs. Sherwood. Providence: Weeden and Peek, n.d., pp. 16; wood engravings in the text;
Bound with: The Child is but a Child. By Mrs. Sherwood. Providence: Weeden and Peek, n.d., pp. [2]; 14; wood-engraved frontispiece and wood engravings in the text.
Together 3 titles in one volume, bound in early 20th century black cloth-backed marbled boards, gilt-lettered spine; very good.
Weeden & Peek published in Providence, R.I., from 1848 to 1850, and were successors to Geo. P. Daniels, no. 2, South Main St., corner of College St., Providence.