British and American Politicians

A good group of 19 letters and documents, 1730-1930, mostly autograph, some typed, many of the later ones addressed to the publisher Cyrus Curtis, generally in very good condition, as follows:



Warren Hastings (first Governor-General of Bengal, 1732-1818). Autograph letter signed ("Warren Hastings"), 2 1/2 pages (9 x 7 3/8 in.; 230 x 186 mm), Fort William, Bengal, 10 May 1775, to George Bogle. Asks for a report of his negotiation with Teshov Lama, "the sequel of your journal, & your observations on the people & country that you have visited." — Clement XII, Pope. Papal bull of indulgence in favor of the church of St. Petronella, Vienna, manuscript document on vellum, 1 page (6 x 15 1/2 in.; 152 x 395 mm), Rome, 2 October 1730, signed by Cardinal Olivieri, remains of wax seal attached to verso.— Thomas De Witt Talmage (clergyman in Philadelphia & Brooklyn, 1832-1902). Autograph sentiment signed ("T. De Witt Talmage"), 1 page (8 x 4 7/8 in.; 204 x 124 mm), Brooklyn, 17 June 1888. — Wickham Steed (British Journalist, 1871-1956). Autograph letter signed ("Wickham Steed"), 1 1/2 pages (6 1/8 x 3 7/8 in.; 155 x 98 mm), on Waldorf Astoria stationery, New York, 19 October 1927, to the publisher Cyrus Curtis, accepting invitation. — Marlborough, Charles Richard John Spencer-Churchill, 9th Duke of. Autograph letter signed ("Marlborough"), 2 pages (10 x 7 3/4 in.; 254 x 196 mm), on personal letterhead, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, 2 August 1922, to Cyrus Curtis, suggests to him the name of Mr. H. Stannard as someone who could write articles on the political affairs of Europe. — J. Hampton Moore, mayor of Philadelphia. Typed letter signed ("J.H.Moore"), 1 page (9 x 6 1/4 in.; 228 x 158 mm) on official letterhead, Philadelphia, 9 June 1921, to John C. Martin, Public Ledger Company. "Please advise Mr. Curtis that the Convention Hall bond was signed by be a few days ago ... it will take some time to complete the proceedings for the condemnation of the property." — Rudolph Blankenburg, mayor of Philadelphia. 2 typed letters signed ("Rudolph Blankenburg"), each 1 page (9 1/2 x 6 in.; 240 x 152 mm), Philadelphia, 5 January & 13 February 1912, to Cyrus Curtis. Concerning Curtis' participation in a committee for the celebration of the One Hundredth Anniversary of Peace among English speaking peoples. — John J. Pershing (World War I general, 1860-1948). 2 typed letter signed ("John J Pershing"), each 1 page (10 3/8 x 7 1/8 in.; 264 x 180 mm), on personal letterhead, Washington DC, 9 November 1926 & 25 January 1932, to Cyrus Curtis. Invitation to luncheon, and encouragement of Christmas fund.  — Julia Dent Grant Spiransky, Princess Catacuzene. 3 typed letters and 1 autograph letter signed ("Julia Cantacuzene Spiransky"), in all 7 pages on personal letterhead, plus a clipped signature (two sizes of 4to); fold-tears and edge soiling, New York, 3 February 1921, Washington DC, 12 February 1927, 3 February 1928, 14 February 1932, to Cyrus Curtis. Fund-raising for the American Central Committee for Russian Relief. — Burton M. Cross, Governor of Maine. Typed letter signed ("Burton Cross"), 1 page (10 1/2 x 7 1/4 in.; 266 x 184 mm), Augusta Maine, 8 July 1954, to Cyrus Curtis, explaining the state's use of airplanes. — James Bryce, 1rst Viscount Bryce (British Jurist, 1838-1922). Autograph letter signed ("James Bryce"), 2 pages (6 x 3 7/8 in.; 152 x 98 mm), on personal letterhead, London, 27 June 1919, to Cyrus Curtis, invitation to dinner. — Ministère des Affaires Étrangères, République Française. Typed document on official letterhead, signed (?"Dancey"), 1 page (12 x 8 1/4 in.; 305 x 210 mm), Paris, 31 December 1933, to Cyrus Curtis, congratulations on becoming director of the New York Evening Post. — Andrew Mellon, Secretary of the Treasury. Typed letter signed ("A W Mellon"), 1 page (8 1/4 x 6 1/8 in.; 210 x 155 mm), Washington DC, 11 June 1930, to Cyrus Curtis, thanking him for contribution to Washington Cathedral. - plus another unidentified.

generally in very good condition, occasional marginal soiling, a few with smal fold or edge tears.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
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