Autograph Letter Signed, “A.G. Lane.” Two pages, 7 7/8” x 12”. Russelsburg, Warren Co, Pa January 27, 1860. Lane writes to a Mr. Hiller, in part: “ … I am very anxious to hear from you concerning my complaints and have you send me that paper we talked of.  I will describe my situation as nigh as I can and I want you to show it to Ludlum and see if he ever saw any body in my situation before.  The prostate gland is enlarged a considerable and there is a thick matter in my water.  When I make water some times it is very  clear only the thick chunks of matter that is in it and then some times it is very biley so you can’t go through it at all some like buttermilk only not so white.  I have done every thing used injections and taken every thing but to no purpose it aches very much.  The perineum or to speak more vulgar round the tuch hole and it hurts me to make water. It smarts very much and my groins ache considerable.  I have use a catheter a number of times to see if there was any strictun formed but the doctors here say not but there is plenty of corruption comes out on the catheter.  The holes in it fill full.  You show this to Ludlum and see what he says and write me immediately for I can’t live so long.  I am very anxious to know if there can any thing be done for me for I can’t live so long.  You may think I am foolish but if you was in my situation you would feel as bad as I do.  Don’t fail to write to me and send me that Recpt for it is all the time costing me money here and doing no good.  I have spent over two hundred dollars already and if I can be cured sound over more.  I will give all I have got and don’t you fail to attend to this if you please and if I live I will reward you for it and if don’t I hope heaven will.  You can’t blame me for wanting to get cured and I don’t you to read this and forget it and let that be the last of it.  Tell Ludlum I shall call and see him if I am able to get there in the spring but I am in hopes he can send me word what to take or do so that I shall be able to call on him a well man but I am fearful that will never be for I have about given up all hopes unless some one in that country can help me.  It will be a hard death to die but I shall have to stand it now …” Some separation at folds. Slight paper loss at intersection of lower right folds. Overall Fine. 

DAVID FARRAGUT (1801-1870). An American admiral during the Civil War, Farragut is best remembered for his actions against New Orleans and Mobile Bay. He quipped “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” DS. 1pp. 8” x 3 1/2”. Washington D.C. Sept 28th 1866. A partly printed promissory note signed “D. G. Farragut” on the verso. A man agreed that “two months after date I promise to pay to the order of David G. Farragut Forty Dollars with Interest”. Black on thin white paper with an engraving of an allegorical woman in the top right corner and a steamship in the lower center. Farragut’s signature is dark and it is in very fine condition.

Ichabod, Goodwin (1794 – 1882). Governor of New Hampshire. July 25, 1863. Promissory note signed by Goodwin with the Boylston Fire and Marine Insurance Company. Attached adhesive revenue stamp. Punch cancelled. Fine.

RAYMOND P. RODGERS (1849-1925) U.S. Naval officer who served as the Head of the Office of Naval Intelligence. Document Signed, “R.P. Rodgers,” on Commandant’s Office, Navy Yard, Mare Island, Cal. letterhead. One page, 8” x 10”. California. June 18, 1874. The document concerns the shipment of iron aboard the Steamer “City of Panama. Usual folds. Overall Fine.

Raymond P. Rodgers ALS 2pp (1 sheet folded, double sided). Measures 7 3/3” x 12 ¼”. Navy Yard, New York July 30, 1883. Letter written to the Admiral by Rodgers requesting leave due to a family illness. The letter reads in part, “…After an illness of more than two months I find my wife’s condition to be such as to give me considerable alarm. For several weeks the one under the care of Dr. Hoehling, in Washington, who finding that her disease did not yield to treatment advised that she should have a change of air and scene. Since her arrival in Orange, N.J. she has become decidedly worse, until her strength and general condition have fallen so low as to cause decided apprehension for her recovery. This ship is about to sail on a voyage which, I understand, will be of some five weeks duration As my wife’s illness during the coming month will certainly be critical I desire to ask that I may be granted a leave of absence from this ship, if this be deemed impossible I should feel obliged to ask for my detachment, a step I should take with the greatest reluctance…” The reply from the Admiral reads: “For the reason stated above, leave of absence of the Tenseness from the United states-Upon the return of the ship to a northern port of the U.S., you will report on board, without delay – Leave your telegraphic address.” Excellent.

Thomas Slidell Rogers (1858 – 1931). Naval Officer arising to the rank of Rear Admiral. Signed sheet “T. S. Rodgers, Rear Admiral, U.S.N.” Below, he has added “U. S. S. Utah, New York, Dec. 26, 1918.” Center fold. Fine.

Manuscript Document. One page, 9 ½” x 7 1/2". No place. June 9, 1812. The document is a “Report of a Guard mounted at Fort Hamilton June 9th 1812.” The document lists six individuals who guarded the barracks and rampart of the fort in two hour shifts from 8 until 2. Some minor paper loss and discoloration. While the cornerstone for Fort Hamilton was not officially laid until 1825, earlier batteries at the sight were in use from the Revolutionary War onward. During the Revolutionary War, a small American battery fired upon British troop ships, damaging the HMS Asia in the process. In the War of 1812, forts in the Narrows outside New York’s harbor played a role in dissuading British forces from moving on New York directly, perhaps saving the city from the destruction Washington, D.C. saw during the conflict. Our research indicates that this report appears to be for the above-mentioned Fort Hamilton, though verification remains difficult in light of the fact that construction of a permanent fort at this sight was not begun until 1825.

CONTINENTAL SOLDIERS FROM RHODE ISLAND Manuscript Document. One page, 15 ½” x 12 ¼”. Sutton. January 15, 1778. “A Pay Roll of Capt. Joseph Sibley’s Company in Col. Danforth Keys Regiment for Bounty due from the Time of Each man Inlisting[sic] Until their service Ending; Excluding three Months Bounty they have Received.” 62 soldiers are listed as members of the company, which was stationed mostly in Providence and Kingston. Very Fine.

--The 3rd Connecticut was authorized in September 1776 and organized in early 1777. The regiment was to have eight companies and was to operate in the Connecticut Highland’s Department. After the regiment was re-assigned to the Continental Army, the regiment was heavily involved in the New York Campaign. Following this campaign, the regiment fought in the Philadelphia Campaign and Battle of Monmouth. After the regiment’s battles in Pennsylvania, the group was part of a re-organization and was combine with the 4th Connecticut Regiment. This new group formed a significant portion of the new Connecticut 1st Regiment. The regiment was officially disbanded in 1783 in West Point, New York. --Benjamin Butler served in the Connecticut 3rd Regiment under Colonel Samuel Wyllys. Following Revolutionary War service, Butler became a very prominent and successful merchant. He owned a boat named “Betsey and Nancy” that shipped to the West Indies, especially St. Bartholomew.