Autographed Letter Signed as Congressman

Published by Washington, D.C., 1818

  • Signed
  • Used
See all details
Item image 1 of 2.
Heritage seller

Seller: Argosy Book Store, ABAA, ILAB, New York, NY, U.S.A.Argosy Book Store, ABAA, ILAB

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since September 25, 1996

Association member: ABAAILAB

View this seller's items

Condition: Used

£ 916.74

£ 4.45 shipping 
Ships within U.S.A.

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket

Item description from seller

3 pages (front and back) with each two-page spread measuring 9.75 x 15.75 inches, Washington, D.C., March 14, 1818. Written to his friend at Bowdoin College, Prof. Parker Cleaveland, American geologist, called "The Father of American Mineralogy," pertaining to the marble columns that supported the Capital building prior to the British burning of Washington, D.C. in 1814, in part: ".You seem to suppose that I might have given you some amount of the marble column of the Capital, and I should have done it, had it not been my intention to carry with me a small specimen of that very curious and beautiful item. I have seen collections of small stones in great numbers, which, if cemented, would resemble some, these fine pillars. They are 2 feet and 8" in diameter and 22 feet in height. In general, the cement is very firm, though in some instance, remnants of pebbles have given way to the hand of the workman.We had some amusement yesterday in the H.of R. from sharp shouting between Clay and Nelson. The Presidents opinion of the unconstitutionality of making roads and canals under the law of the U.S. was under discussion. Nelson supports the Executive Opinion, Clay contested the correctness & propriety of it." Note: according to the papers of architect Benjamin Latrobe, the marble columns of the connecting corridors were moved and subsequently reused during the rebuilding of the Capital (1815 - 1819). However, there are several documented instances of marble disappearing through the wanton pilfering by thieves and the indiscretions of local souvenir hunters. Did any of the marble end up at Bowdoin College? This letter grades very good condition with light show-through -- though easily read. The Integral address leaf has a gorgeous Free Frank of Benjamin Orr as Congressman and a docket in the hand of Professor Parker Cleaveland. Federalist Congressman from Massachusetts who served in the United States House of Representatives from 1817 - 1819. He became an overseer of Bowdoin College as well as a trustee and later treasurer.

Seller Inventory # 261045

Bibliographic details

Title
Autographed Letter Signed as Congressman
Author
ORR, Benjamin (1772 - 1828)
Publisher
Washington, D.C.
Publication year
1818
Signed
Signed by Author(s)
Binding
unbound
Seller catalogs
19TH CENTURY, ARCHITECTURE, MASSACHUSETTS, POLITICS, STONE

Argosy Book Store, ABAA, ILAB

New York, NY, U.S.A.

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since September 25, 1996

Association member:
  • ABAA
  • ILAB

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Item6 to 14 business days3 to 6 business days
First item£ 4.45£ 8.16
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.

Payment methods

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay

Store description

We are a large retail store, with 6 floors of out-of-print and rare books, (including Americana, modern first editions, history of medicine and science), antique maps and prints, autograph manuscripts, letters & signatures.

Specialty

Americana, Art, Autographs, History of Medicine, Modern First Editions, Antique Prints & Maps, Rare Books, Women, World History, Scholarly Books on All Subjects

Association member

  • Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America
  • International League of Antiquarian Booksellers
Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Argosy Book Store, ABAA, ILAB

116 East 59th Street
New York, NY U.S.A. 10022