On January 14th, Freeman’s will conduct its Books, Manuscript, Maps, Prints & Posters Auction. Amongst the exciting American manuscript material to be offered in the sale are a signed Carte-de-Visite photograph of Abraham Lincoln, an uncommon standing portrait from a Brady Studio negative priced at $8,000-12,000. Also of note is an autograph letter signed, George Washington as President to the Secretary of State (Thomas Jefferson), Sept. 7, 1793 with an estimate of $15,000-25,000; and an autograph manuscript signed, Walt Whitman for $8,000-12,000.
This Walt Whitman autographed Manuscript discusses his own candid assessment of his physical & psychological condition in the midst of perhaps the darkest year of his life, 1873, during which he suffered partially paralyzing strokes, the death of his mother and sister-in-law, as well as isolation from friends, as a consequence of his necessary move to Camden, New Jersey during that year. Written on Department of Justice letterhead & titled in his hand, “Walt Whitman’s case – paralysis,” Whitman evidently composed this report in preparation for his petition for leave from his Department of Justice clerkship.
The Sale also features an array of old movie posters and a variety of maps. The auction will take place on Thursday, January 14th at 10am.