DR. GUESENT

1818 Dr. Guesent’S Letter to Comte de Montmorency Requesting a Vacant Position at the Children’S Hospital

France, 1818. Ephemera. ? ? On offer is a fine example of a letter requesting patronage sent from a physician to a French nobleman. The letter was written by a Doctor Guesent and addressed to the ‘Comte de Montmorency’. In the letter, Guesent notes the death of a doctor attached to the Children’s Hospital. This is the children’s hospital adjacent to the Necker Hospital, two very important hospitals in Paris because of their patrons. Guesent would like to assume the now-vacant position. He notes his current position as a doctor. He also notes that his father was a doctor in one of the ‘Montmorency hospitals’. The Vicount is Mathieu Jean Felicité de Montmorency, duc de Montmorency-Laval. Montmorency was a senior member of the French nobility, a prominent statesman, wealthy and importantly for Guesent, a very close friend of Germaine de Stael, the daughter of Jacques and Suzanne Necker. Necker was Minister of Finance for France and his wife was very involved in efforts to provide medical care to the poor and founder of the Necker Hospital – now the Necker – Enfants Malades Hospital. If anyone could argue Guesent’s case, it would be Montmorency. For a social historian, this is an excellent example of the type of correspondence that would have takenplace among those seeking favours and positions. It is also a direct connection to one of France’s greatnoble families. The letter measures 9.75 inches by 7.5 inches. It is in good condition with some wear marks along the left side.. The handwriting is legible. ; Manuscripts; 9.75" x 7.5"; 1 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

Katz Fine ManuscriptsProfessional seller

Book number: 0010208

Keywords: History 19th Century Employment

EVER READY GUILD

1950-1964 Manuscript Minute Book for the Ever Ready Guild Women’S Christian Social and Charity Club of Weymouth, Massachusetts

Weymouth, Massachusetts. Hardcover. On offer are the detailed minutes of 14 years’ worth of club meetings from a group of women collaborating to improve their church and community in 20th century New England. This minute book belonged to the Ever Ready Guild in Weymouth Massachusetts, which was founded in 1928. Newspaper reports of the time indicate that the Ever Ready Guild was a women’s club within the East Weymouth Congressional Church. Research shows that clubs of this or related names such as Ever Ready Club were a regular feature of many Christian congregations of the time. The minute book is fascinating for the amount of detail it provides about this group. According to their records, they had about three dozen members and would usually have 20-30 members out at their monthly meetings. These women were quite active in their church and community. At their meetings, they recognized members for life events such as births or deaths, they planned and carried out events such as dinners and discussed ways of supporting their wider community. One delightful feature of most meeting was the ‘Mystery Package’ wherein one member was responsible for selecting and giving ‘mystery gifts’ to two other members. Some of their fund raising activities were creative and certainly evidence of good humour, such as this: “...We were asked to measure our waists and pay a penny for each inch at the September meeting…” [p. 68]. “...It was reported that $8.93 was earned by the waist measurement project…” [p. 77]. “... A motion was made and accepted that the Guild pledge to the church should be $150.00…” [p. 47]. “...It was voted to make a donation of $5.00 to the Red Cross…” [p. 55]. “...Helen T made a motion that we bring to the next meeting gifts for children…” [p. 176]. Other donations were made to Red Feather (this community aid group was the fore-runner to the United Way) , Children’s Medical Center, their local Baptist church, programs to support the needy, a Childrems’ Table at the local fair, the March of Dimes, the Seaman’s Society and others. “... It was voted that the Guild take charge of the Children’s table at the fair. The Guild was also asked if they would take charge of a Silent or Sacrificial Luncheon to be held on Good Friday…” [p. 103]. “At the May 23rd, 1961 meeting, they recorded that it was the 33rd anniversary of the Guild” [p.226]. The monthly notes are filled with local references and specific members of their community. There are repeated references to events such as rummage sales and food sales, luncheons, annual outings, silent auctions, Halloween and Christmas parties, etc. They were held at local locations such as the "Country Fair", "Odd Fellows Hall", etc. These women were completely invested in their church and civic community. They planned, hosted and participated in many events throughout the year such as "Covered Dish Supper", "Snow Ball Festival", "Music Festival", etc. They also were a close-knit group and were careful to be aware of and respond to their fellow members such as visiting ill members of the group, sending cards or flowers for events such as births or deaths, attending funerals. They were conscious of events beyond their community and dark war clouds on the horizon did not pass unnoticed: “...The meeting closed at 9: 00 followed by a very interesting talk on air raids given by Mrs. Betty Prudent…” [p. 21]. It is tempting to look at middle class women from the 1950’s and 60’s through the stereotyped images of June Cleaver from Leave It To Beaver but these women were actively engaged in their communities and dealt with real-life issues. This Minute Book offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of these women and their church and the wider community of Weymouth, MA. For a social historian, it is rich in detailed information about the world these women inhabited and their roles in an evolving social structure. For a Women’s Studies or Gender Studies program, it offers an outstanding look at the role these women played in their community during a period of momentous social change in the United States. For a genealogist, this is a superb source of information about a fairly cohesive group in this New England community. There are extensive lists of members’ names along with their addresses. The book is a minute book and is in very good condition. Measuring 9.75x 7.75 inches, it contains 300 numbered pages and is 100% complete. There is evidence that 15 pages have been cut out of the book near the beginning. The hard cover is in good condition as are the binding and pages. The handwriting is quite legible. The minute book covers the years 1950 through 1964.; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 300 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

Katz Fine ManuscriptsProfessional seller

Book number: 0011169

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

Keywords: ' Societies ' Unitarian

CAPTAIN BASIL HALL AND MARGARET HALL

1833 Basil Hall Manuscript Letter to His Wife's Mother, Lady Hunter with Addition by Margaret Hall

RHINE, Europe, 1833. Non-Book. On offer is a quite unusual letter written by both Basil and Margaret Hall with handwriting of both on one document. HALL, Captain Basil [1788-1844]. 9-1/2 x 7-1/2 inches. Autograph letter signed. Two pages, Dated (on the Rhine 20th May 1833. Two pages, 4to. With postscript on verso by his wife Margaret, also a writer. To his wife's mother, Lady Hunter. Basil Hall's letter reads: "My dear Lady Hunter, I write merely to report of myself and to mention that here we are safe and sound and all happy and merry with our journey. We came here on Sat. Eve. And passed yesterday chiefly with Mrs. Hoover and her family. Mr H. Is in England. In the evening Mr. Schlegel and other intelligent oxalises of both sexes came to Mrs. Homers. This day we go to Coblentz by the Steam Boat and then we propose going on just as before. The weather is delightful still. We have a famous thunderstorm on Sat. Eve. After we got here which has cooled the air and laid the dust. My journal for the young folks goes merrily - I hope it may amuse hem. Perhaps Mgt [Margaret] might add a line to you. Mr. Dollard of St. Paul's Churchyard is to send a Box to meet me at Geneva and by it you may send any odds and ends. Mgt begs get from Joel Lane a book which Eliza left, called The Ladder of Leaving - and send it to Mr. Dollard. Yours Affectionately, B. Hall"Margaret Hall adds: 'That is to say you may desire Jane to send the book to Mr. Dollard. We at present plan going on either tomorrow or the following day from Coblentz to Mayence also by Steam Boat, and thence to Frankfurt by land, a distance of only about 20 miles- there we shall stay two or three days and I shall send a large sheet which will by that time be filled. There are two routes from Frankfurt to Munich, one to Heidelberg and Carlsruhe and thence by Stuttgard to Munich, but I think we shall prefer the other by Wuryburg, Nuremburg, Donanwerth and Augsburg - either way we shall get there by the end of the week even in our very leisurely mode of travelling. Eliza's message is a kiss, and that she wishes you would come and see us - Fanny Emily has given me a flower to send to you which you must imagine she has sent. Ever affectionately yours, Margaret Hall. 9 o'clock Monday. You can either forward this to Rose if you have a frank or let her know you have heard from us." From [James John] Audubon and His Journals/The European Journals. 1826-1829: "At precisely six I found myself at No. 16 Hope St. I was shown upstairs, and presented to Lady Mary Clark, who knew both General Wolfe and General Montgomery, a most amiable English lady eighty-two years of age. Many other interesting people were present, and I had the pleasure of taking Mrs. Basil Hall to dinner, and was seated next her mother, Lady Hunter, and almost opposite Lady Mary Clark. I did not feel so uncomfortable as usual; all were so kind, affable, and truly well-bred. At nine the ladies left us, and Captain Basil Hall again attacked me about America, and hundreds of questions were put to me by all, which I answered as plainly and briefly as I could." Basil Hall was a British naval officer from Scotland, a traveller, and an author. Following Basil Hall's retirement from the navy in 1823, Hall was married on 1 March 1825 to Margaret Congalton (d. 1876) , the youngest daughter of Sir John Hunter, Consul-General in Spain by his spouse Elizabeth Barbara, sister to Sir William Arbuthnot, 1st Baronet. Margaret Hall is the subject of a 1931 book "Aristocratic Journey. Being the outspoken letters of Mrs. Basil Hall, written during a fourteen months' sojourn in America, 1827-1828"Basil Hall commanded many vessels involved in exploration and scientific and diplomatic missions. From the beginning of his naval career he had been encouraged by his father to keep a journal, which later became the source for a series of books and publications describing his travels. Hall toured the major cities of the eastern and southern states, and his narrative includes comments on education, politics and government, the judicial system, slavery, and manufactures. In 1829 Hall published Travels in North America which caused some offense due to his criticisms of American society. His best known work was The Fragments of Voyages and Travels (9 volumes, 1831–1840) , originally released as three yearly series of eight volumes each. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 2 pages; Signed by Author. Very Good with no dust jacket .

Katz Fine ManuscriptsProfessional seller

Book number: 0012300

Catalogue: 19th Century Manuscript

Keywords: Husband

DR. HANQUENT

1815 Necker Hospital Medical Discharge Manuscript Note from Dr. Hanquent

France, 1815. Ephemera. On offer is an excellent example of a medical discharge note from the famed French Necker Hospital in early 19th century France. This medical discharge note is written on the letterhead of “HOPITAL DE MADAME NECKER”. The letter is a medical release form from the hospital. It confirms that a Madame Harrcourt was a patient at the hospital: Le Medicine en chef, soussigue, certifie que Mme Marie Madelaine Harrcourt age de 70 ans entree au dit hospital le 24me juillet 1814 [ ] pour une [] ...[Translation: The Chief Medical Officer, undersigned, certifies that Mrs. Marie Madelaine Harrcourt, 70 years old, entered the said hospital on July 24th 1814 [ ] for a []...]. It goes on to say that she is an invalid who will need constant care. It recommends he be moved to a hospice that can provide such care. The letter is signed by Doctor N. Hanquent. Necker Hospital was founded in 1778 by Suzanne Necker, (wife of France’s Minister of Finance, Jacques Necker) Jacques Necker was a leader in the movement to reform crowded hospitals by building smaller treatment centres closer to the patients' neighbourhoods. Madame Necker subsequently remodeled an old monastery into the hospital which, prior to the French Revolution, was known as the Hospice de Charité. Male and female patients were kept separate from each other, as many hospitals of the time did. Triage procedures, established all over Paris in 1802, systematically excluded pregnant women, the mentally ill, and venereal patients. Patients were divided into fourcategories: fever, malignant fever, surgical, and convalescent. This is an excellent example of the type of documentation that was established and maintained by themedical system that was developing in Paris in the early 19th century. The letter measures 8.5 inches by 6.0 inches and is a single sheet of paper. The page is in very good condition. The handwriting is tight but legible. ; Manuscripts; 8.5" x 6"; 1 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

Katz Fine ManuscriptsProfessional seller

Book number: 0010223

Keywords: Enfants Malades History Physician

SIR FREDERIC HARMER

1905 Letter from British Cambridge University Zoologist, Sir Frederic Harmer to Canadian Biologist, Charles Gordon Hewitt

England, 1905. Non-Book. On offer is a postcard, written and signed by S. F. (Sidney Frederic) Harmer (1862-1950) to Charles Gordon Hewitt (1885-1920). The postcard is dated from the University of Museum Zoology, Cambridge, July 14, 1905. It has been addressed by hand to C. Gordon Hewitt, Esq, c/o R. H. March Esq, Ingleside, Epping, Essex. Hewitt has written to Harmer informing him of the return of Dr. Sharp, who he says will need to make an appointment with Harmer. He asks Harmer to send Dr. Sharp his address in Cambridge so that Sharp can make an appointment to see him if he has time. Harmer has signed the note S. F. Harmer. BIO NOTES: Sir Sidney Frederic Harmer FRS[1] (9 March 1862 - 22 October 1950) was a British zoologist. He was President of the Linnean Society 1927-1931 and was awarded the Linnean Medal in 1934. Sidney Harmer was Superintendent of the Cambridge University Museum of Zoology from 1892-1908. Harmer was Keeper of Zoology at the Natural History Museum from 1909 to 1921 and director of the Museum from 1919 to 1927. His research library is held in the National Marine Biological Library at the Marine Biological Association in Plymouth. He was the father of Russell Harmer, the gold-medal winning British sailor, and great uncle of the actress and writer Juliet Harmer, best known for her role in the 1960s TV series Adam Adamant Lives! Charles Gordon Hewitt (1885-1920) was was a Canadian economic entomologist and pioneer of conservation biology. Letter measures 4-1/2 x 3-1/2 inches, hand-written two sides. Age toning and minor bends/folds on edges. Overall G. ; Manuscripts; 32mo 4" - 5" tall; 2 pages; Signed by Author. Very Good with no dust jacket .

Katz Fine ManuscriptsProfessional seller

Book number: 0012335

Catalogue: 20th Century Manuscript

Keywords: Academics

DR. CHARLES J. HASTINGS

1919 Public Health Vaccination Certificate During Mandatory Student Smallpox Vaccine Effort

Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 1919. Ephemera. On offer is a piece of ephemera that marks a moment in Toronto’s public health history that is reminiscent of a time those who lived through 2020-2022 will not soon forget. In November of 1919, the Spanish Flu was still seeing ebbs and flows throughout Canada, but the Toronto public’s focus was shifted to smallpox as an outbreak in Toronto was declared in early November. Ontario’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Charles J. Hastings, used the power of his office to mandate the smallpox vaccine for all students as a condition of their attendance in school. Dated November, 1919, this is a Toronto Public Health Vaccine Certificate issued to Bert Hudson of 319 Bartlett in Toronto. Hudson’s full name was Bertram Ellis Peter Hudson (b. 1908). He was 11-years-old at the time he received his vaccine and this certificate. While the certificate does not indicate which vaccine Bert received, given the history described above, this was very likely his smallpox vaccination certificate. It was issued by the Toronto Department of Public Health on November 27, 1919, and indicates he was “successfully vaccinated” on November 14, 1919. It indicates Chas. J. Hastings, M. D. As Medical Officer of Health and is signed LJS, by an unknown hand. This simple piece of ephemera symbolizes an early move toward mandatory vaccination in the schools which has gone on to become a polarizing and political topic. It would make an excellent addition to the collection of an infectious disease researcher or someone on either side of the ongoing mandatory vaccination debate. The certificate measures 8.5”x5.5”. It has some bends, folds and creases and age toning appropriate to its date. Overall G. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 1 pages. Good with no dust jacket .

Katz Fine ManuscriptsProfessional seller

Book number: 0012043

GOVERNMENT OF HAVANA

1860 Contrata (Contract) for a Chinese Coolie Labourer in Havana Following Completion of His Primitive Contract, Signed in Chinese

Havana, Cuba: Chinese Coolie Trade Emancipation Havana, 1860. Non-Book. On offer is a fascinating Contrata, being the second contract offered to Chinese coolie labourers after completing their first “primitive” contract. This contrata was given to a coolie who had been working in Havana when his initial contract ended in 1860. This contrata is written for Eduardo Echon, age 32 [Note: A Christian name assigned to Chinese coolies when they boarded the ship in Macau. For examples of this, see our collection of coolie ship manifests within the Chinese-Cuban collection]. In this contrata, Eduardo agrees to work for another four years and will work for Mr. Antonio Cabargo beginning December 1, 1860. The contract states very clearly that Eduardo may not stay in Cuba if he does not renew this contract or begin a new contract when this one expires (how will Eduardo get back to China? It would likely be impossible given the immense cost). The remainder of the contract discusses Eduardo’s obligations to his boss, and the boss’ obligation to Eduardo. Eduardo may have to work up to 7 days per week, for 12 hour days, and will be fed meals and allowed to rest when ill. The contract is signed by a member of Havana government, Jose Golon and in Chinese by Eduardo. It is also signed by three witnesses and contains handwritten notes below related to the renewal of the contract, signed by Golon. The Chinese coolie trade, a system of indentured labor that targeted young, poor Chinese men, operated from 1847-1874. Throughout this period, African slavery was slowly being abolished around the world. The coolie trade was initiated by Britain and was eventually dominated by both Britain and the United States of America. Chinese coolie laborers were sent to work in British, American and Spanish colonies, and the nature of the trade changed throughout its 27-year operation, due to social and political pressures. The coolie trade took place, in large part, between the shipping port in Macao (now a part of China, then under Portuguese rule) and Havana, Cuba (then under Spanish control). As Macau was under Portugese rule at the time of the coolie trade, they transported coolies on their vessels frequently and many of the documents related to the trade were written in Portuguese and/or Spanish. To learn more about the Chinese coolie trade and its importance in world history, click here to read our in-depth research blog on the topic. Since Chinese men who came to Cuba from Macau were extremely poor and often remained indebted to the master who purchased their initial primitive contract by the end of their work term, they were more or less forced to accept contratas such as this one. This is a vital piece of history connected to the Chinese coolie trade. This contrata measures approx 8.5x12.5 inches. It shows age toning and significant fraying at two edges. It is a single folio leaf, typewritten and filled in ink on the recto and verso. Spanish Language. Overall G. ; Manuscripts; 4to 11" - 13" tall; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

Katz Fine ManuscriptsProfessional seller

Book number: 0012081A

Keywords: Plantations Cuban Contracts

GOVERNMENT OF HAVANA

1861 Handwritten Contrata (Contract) for a Chinese Coolie Labourer in Havana Following Completion of His Primitive Contract, Signed in Chinese

Havana, Cuba: Chinese Coolie Trade Contract, 1861. Non-Book. On offer is an absolutely remarkable, completely handwritten Contrata, being the second contract offered to Chinese coolie labourers after completing their first “primitive” contract. This contrata is written for Juan, age 37 [Note: A Christian name assigned to Chinese coolies when they boarded the ship in Macau. For examples of this, see our collection of coolie ship manifests within the Chinese-Cuban collection]. In this contrata, Juan agrees to work for another two years and will work for Mr. Mariono Penichet, beginning in May of 1861. The contract lays out the obligations of the worker to the boss and of the boss to the worker. For example, he will be fed and clothed, allowed to rest if sick, but not paid if he cannot work. The contract is signed on May 23, 1861 by multiple witnesses and in Chinese by Juan. The Chinese coolie trade, a system of indentured labor that targeted young, poor Chinese men, operated from 1847-1874. Throughout this period, African slavery was slowly being abolished around the world. The coolie trade was initiated by Britain and was eventually dominated by both Britain and the United States of America. Chinese coolie laborers were sent to work in British, American and Spanish colonies, and the nature of the trade changed throughout its 27-year operation, due to social and political pressures. The coolie trade took place, in large part, between the shipping port in Macao (now a part of China, then under Portuguese rule) and Havana, Cuba (then under Spanish control). As Macau was under Portugese rule at the time of the coolie trade, they transported coolies on their vessels frequently and many of the documents related to the trade were written in Portuguese and/or Spanish. To learn more about the Chinese coolie trade and its importance in world history, click here to read our in-depth research blog on the topic. Since Chinese men who came to Cuba from Macau were extremely poor and often remained indebted to the master who purchased their initial primitive contract by the end of their work term, they were more or less forced to accept contratas such as this one. This is a vital piece of history connected to the Chinese coolie trade. This contrata measures approx 8.5x12.5 inches. It shows age toning and some fraying at the edges. It is a single folio leaf folded in half to make four pages. The contract is handwritten on the recto and verso of the first page. The contract is extremely fragile with a tear on the first page at the horizontal fold, which does eliminate the ability to read one sentence on the first page and a signature on the second page. Spanish Language. Overall Fair. ; Manuscripts; 4to 11" - 13" tall; Signed by Author. Fair with no dust jacket .

Katz Fine ManuscriptsProfessional seller

Book number: 0012081G

Keywords: Slave Plantations Cuban Contracts

GOVERNMENT OF HAVANA

1861 Handwritten Contrata (Contract) for a Chinese Coolie Labourer in Havana Following Completion of His Primitive Contract

Havana, Cuba: Chinese Coolie Trade Contract, 1861. Non-Book. On offer is an absolutely remarkable, completely handwritten Contrata, being the second contract offered to Chinese coolie labourers after completing their first “primitive” contract. This contrata is written for Celestino, age 45 [Note: A Christian name assigned to Chinese coolies when they boarded the ship in Macau. For examples of this, see our collection of coolie ship manifests within the Chinese-Cuban collection]. In this contrata, Celestino agrees to work for another two years and will work for Mr. Mariono Penichet, beginning in May of 1861. The contract lays out the obligations of the worker to the boss and of the boss to the worker. For example, he will be fed and clothed, allowed to rest if sick, but not paid if he cannot work. The contract is signed on May 23, 1861 by multiple witnesses, but there is no Chinese signature by Celestino. In some cases, illiterate Chinese men had representatives sign for them. The Chinese coolie trade, a system of indentured labor that targeted young, poor Chinese men, operated from 1847-1874. Throughout this period, African slavery was slowly being abolished around the world. The coolie trade was initiated by Britain and was eventually dominated by both Britain and the United States of America. Chinese coolie laborers were sent to work in British, American and Spanish colonies, and the nature of the trade changed throughout its 27-year operation, due to social and political pressures. The coolie trade took place, in large part, between the shipping port in Macao (now a part of China, then under Portuguese rule) and Havana, Cuba (then under Spanish control). As Macau was under Portugese rule at the time of the coolie trade, they transported coolies on their vessels frequently and many of the documents related to the trade were written in Portuguese and/or Spanish. To learn more about the Chinese coolie trade and its importance in world history, click here to read our in-depth research blog on the topic. Since Chinese men who came to Cuba from Macau were extremely poor and often remained indebted to the master who purchased their initial primitive contract by the end of their work term, they were more or less forced to accept contratas such as this one. This is a vital piece of history connected to the Chinese coolie trade. This contrata measures approx 8.5x12.5 inches. It shows age toning and some fraying at the edges. It is a single folio leaf folded in half to make four pages. The contract is handwritten on the recto and verso of the first page. The contract is extremely fragile with a tear on the first page at the horizontal fold, which does eliminate the ability to read approximately three sentences in total. Spanish Language. Overall Poor. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; Signed by Author. Poor with no dust jacket .

Katz Fine ManuscriptsProfessional seller

Book number: 0012081H

Keywords: Contracts Plantations Cuban Slave

GOVERNMENT OF HAVANA

1861 Handwritten Contrata (Contract) for a Chinese Coolie Labourer in Havana Following Completion of His Primitive Contract, Signed in Chinese

Havana, Cuba: Chinese Coolie Trade Contracts, 1861. Non-Book. On offer is an absolutely remarkable, completely handwritten Contrata, being the second contract offered to Chinese coolie labourers after completing their first “primitive” contract. This contrata is written for Leba, age 47 [Note: A Christian name assigned to Chinese coolies when they boarded the ship in Macau. For examples of this, see our collection of coolie ship manifests within the Chinese-Cuban collection]. In this contrata, Leba agrees to work for another two years and will work for Mr. Francisco Terrano, beginning in June of 1861. The contract lays out the obligations of the worker to the boss and of the boss to the worker. For example, he will be fed and clothed, allowed to rest if sick, but not paid if he cannot work. The contract is signed on June 2, 1861 by Terrano, multiple witnesses, and in Chinese by Leba. The Chinese coolie trade, a system of indentured labor that targeted young, poor Chinese men, operated from 1847-1874. Throughout this period, African slavery was slowly being abolished around the world. The coolie trade was initiated by Britain and was eventually dominated by both Britain and the United States of America. Chinese coolie laborers were sent to work in British, American and Spanish colonies, and the nature of the trade changed throughout its 27-year operation, due to social and political pressures. The coolie trade took place, in large part, between the shipping port in Macao (now a part of China, then under Portuguese rule) and Havana, Cuba (then under Spanish control). As Macau was under Portugese rule at the time of the coolie trade, they transported coolies on their vessels frequently and many of the documents related to the trade were written in Portuguese and/or Spanish. To learn more about the Chinese coolie trade and its importance in world history, click here to read our in-depth research blog on the topic. Since Chinese men who came to Cuba from Macau were extremely poor and often remained indebted to the master who purchased their initial primitive contract by the end of their work term, they were more or less forced to accept contratas such as this one. This is a vital piece of history connected to the Chinese coolie trade. This contrata measures approx 8.5x12.5 inches. It shows age toning and some fraying at the edges. It is a single folio leaf folded in half to make four pages. The contract is handwritten on the recto of the first page. The contract is fragile but perfectly legible. Spanish Language. Overall Good+. ; Manuscripts; 4to 11" - 13" tall; Signed by Author. Good+ with no dust jacket .

Katz Fine ManuscriptsProfessional seller

Book number: 0012081I

Keywords: Slave Cuban Plantations

GOVERNMENT OF HAVANA

1861 Handwritten Contrata (Contract) for a Chinese Coolie Labourer in Havana Following Completion of His Primitive Contract

Havana, Cuba: Chinese Coolie Trade Contract, 1861. Non-Book. On offer is an absolutely remarkable, completely handwritten Contrata, being the second contract offered to Chinese coolie labourers after completing their first “primitive” contract. This contrata is written for Tomas, age 31 [Note: A Christian name assigned to Chinese coolies when they boarded the ship in Macau. For examples of this, see our collection of coolie ship manifests within the Chinese-Cuban collection]. In this contrata, Tomas agrees to work for another two years and will work for Mr. Jose Julian de Isla, beginning in May of 1861. The contract lays out the obligations of the worker to the boss and of the boss to the worker. For example, he will be fed and clothed, allowed to rest if sick, but not paid if he cannot work. The contract is signed on May 23, 1861 by Jose Julian de Isla and multiple witnesses. It is not signed in Chinese by Tomas. In cases where a Chinese coolie was illiterate, they would often have a representative sign on their behalf, which is likely the case here. The Chinese coolie trade, a system of indentured labor that targeted young, poor Chinese men, operated from 1847-1874. Throughout this period, African slavery was slowly being abolished around the world. The coolie trade was initiated by Britain and was eventually dominated by both Britain and the United States of America. Chinese coolie laborers were sent to work in British, American and Spanish colonies, and the nature of the trade changed throughout its 27-year operation, due to social and political pressures. The coolie trade took place, in large part, between the shipping port in Macao (now a part of China, then under Portuguese rule) and Havana, Cuba (then under Spanish control). As Macau was under Portugese rule at the time of the coolie trade, they transported coolies on their vessels frequently and many of the documents related to the trade were written in Portuguese and/or Spanish. To learn more about the Chinese coolie trade and its importance in world history, click here to read our in-depth research blog on the topic. Since Chinese men who came to Cuba from Macau were extremely poor and often remained indebted to the master who purchased their initial primitive contract by the end of their work term, they were more or less forced to accept contratas such as this one. This is a vital piece of history connected to the Chinese coolie trade. This contrata measures approx 8.5x12.5 inches. It shows age toning and some fraying at the edges. It is a single folio leaf folded in half to make four pages. The contract is handwritten on the recto of the first page. The contract is fragile with small tears at the horizontal centre fold, which obscures only a few words. Spanish Language. Overall Fair+. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; Signed by Author. Fair with no dust jacket .

Katz Fine ManuscriptsProfessional seller

Book number: 0012081J

Keywords: Contracts Slave Cuban Plantations

HELEN LOUISE BURROWS STUETZER, RUTH BURROWS

1940s Manuscript Letters on Love, Child Rearing and the Polio Epidemic, Both Connected to a Prominent New England Artist

Charlottesville Virginia VA. None. On offer is a small archive of two manuscript letters that interestingly connect an ill-fated marriage, child rearing practices in the mid-20th century and polio virus control restrictions in 1945. Both letters are connected to the Stuetzer and Burrows families, specifically to the relationship and marriage of Helen Louise Burrows Stuetzer (later Sleeper) (1922-2008) and Thomas Stefan Neafsey Stuetzer Sr. (1923-1977). Helen was the third child of Ruth Griffin and Harold Melville Burrows and grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia, attending Lane High School and the University of Virginia. Helen was a well-known artist, opening painting studios in Gloucester, Rockport and Newburyport, Massachusetts. She was a Member of the Portrait Society of America and the International Society of Marine Painters, the Dunwoody Fine Arts Association and the Portrait Society of Georgia. Her paintings are being sold to this day. Thomas Sr. Served as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Air Force in World War 2. He later worked as a broadcast executive for the Associated Press in Dallas, Texas. Helen and Thomas married in 1944 and had one son in 1945. In 1953, Helen filed for a divorce, citing “desertion” as the reason. Helen went on to marry Jacob Henry Sleeper in 1957. Sleeper worked as a collections officer and had served as a PFC in the US Army during the war. The first letter is written by Helen from her family home in Charlottesville, Virginia, to Thomas Sr. While he was stationed at Moore Air Base during World War Two. The letter foreshadows Helen and Thomas’ future. However, when read without the benefit of hindsight, it simply reads as the letter of a girl madly in love with a boy, and asking the boy to love her back. Dated only “June 8th”, Helen writes to Thomas and asks him why he is continuing to hurt her when all she does is show him love. She is confused as to how he feels about her, and reminds him that she needs to give a month’s notice at her job and will move to be with him if he says yes. An excerpt follows: “Must you keep hurting me with bitter words? You know I can never stop loving you and that I want to be with you more than anything…Each time you’ve asked me [to come see you] I’ve said I would if you’d send me the money. Once you simply ignored it, then the next time you went on a spree…Tell me as soon as you can if you think I’m worth it”The second letter answers any question as to Thomas’ response to the June 8th letter. It is also sent from Helen’s family home. This time it is written by Helen’s mother, Ruth, and addressed to Helen, who is now Mrs. Thomas N. Stuetzer. Helen and Thomas married on August 15, 1944 and their son, Thomas Neafsy Stuetzer Jr, was born almost exactly nine months later, on May 10, 1945. Ruth writes to Helen on July 23, 1945, when baby Tommy (or Tom-Tom) is only two months old. For an unknown reason, Helen is living with Thomas Sr. In his hometown of Port Washington, New York, and the baby is with Helen’s parents. In the nine-page letter, Ruth writes at length to her daughter, Helen, updating her on baby Tommy and the care she is providing. It reads like a high-level overview of popular child-rearing practices of 1945. Ruth also shares details about neighbors and Helen’s younger brother, Harold Jr, who is deployed. As the letter draws to a close, Ruth requests money to help with Tommy’s care, and discusses the current health restrictions related to the polio epidemic and its impact on Tommy. Some excerpts follow: “...[Tommy] is really the most appealing young man I’ve ever seen. I give him the cod liver oil and orange juice and outside of a yell (and a funny face he always makes) he keeps it down and is glad to get to the orange juice. I’ve called Dr. Birdsong only once ‘cause he was having cold feet and he asked me about pajamas. I reminded him the little one was only two months old…he said put socks on him”. “He is asleep now as contented as the cows that give Carnation Milk for him…I know you want to see and be with him and you also want to be with Tommy [Sr. ]. I’ve been hoping you both could see your way clear to come down and be with us all some too but it may not be that you can…”“One of the neighbors and I have our eye on a colored girl we can use between us at 7 dollars each a week. So if you and Tommy can send us 10 dollars per week that will cover all expenses practically? ? I want to get…Little Tommy Jr. A Kiddie Korp which will be 37 dollars but he is bound to have that”“...since you wrote there’s a ban on traveling also the radio is broadcasting its polio epidemic: ‘keep babies away from people, crowds, etc. Swat all flies. Do not go in parks for swimming’. Tommy Jr. Is safe. I watch him every minute. No one comes near him”. Taken together, these two letters provide insight into wartime romantic entanglements and the lengths families go to to provide the best lives for their children, both their adult children and infants. The second letter provides surprising detail as to the daily life of an infant in the 1940s under the shadow of the polio epidemic. These letters would make an impactful addition to any collection that relates to WW2, pediatrics, family studies or sociology. Both letters are in good condition, with creases from where they have been folded but no obvious rips or tears. All writing is legible. Both include addressed envelopes but only one has its stamp. Overall Good. ; Letters; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 10 pages; Signed by Author. Good+ with no dust jacket .

Katz Fine ManuscriptsProfessional seller

Book number: 0012051

Catalogue: 20th Century Manuscript

Keywords: 2 Childcare

BEN HELM

1813 Ads Court Summons with Connections to Abraham Lincoln by an Elizabethtown, Kentucky Pioneer

Elizabethtown, Hardin County, Kentucky: Circuit Court, Elizabethtown, Hardin County, Kentucky, 1813. Non-Book. On offer is an 1813 ADS, being a summons to appear at Hardin Circuit Court by Ben Helm (1779-1858) , who was Clerk of Hardin County Court and Circuit Court at the time. It was in relation to a conviction against Christopher Bush (1730-1813) and Ichabod Radley (1774-1847). The two men owed damages to Joseph Stover, another Kentucky pioneer. SEE BIO NOTES ON HELM and BUSH FOLLOWING THE LISTING. The summons refers to a March 13, 1809 judgment against Bush and Radley, handed down by Judge Stephen Ormsby (1759-1844) and assistant judge Samuel Haycraft (1752-1823). The 1809 judgment is described here: “Judgment of that Court had recovered against Christopher Bush and Ichabod Radley one penny Damage and twelve dollars and sixteen cents as well for the costs of a certain Ejectment brought by the said Joseph Stoves against the said Christopher Bush and Ichabod Radley as for his Damage in that suit expenses, where of the said Christopher Bush and Ichabod Radley are convicted…”The summons goes on to explain that, “Execution of the said judgment still remains to be made…”. Since Christopher Bush passed away in January of 1813 and made his son, Christopher, and his wife, Hannah, Executors of his will, they are summoned to appear on “the first day of [the Court’s] next June term”. The back of the document indicates that this summons was executed on Christopher Bush Jr. On April 28, 1813 and on Hannah Bush on May 14, 1813. It is important to note that Bush Jr. Would become Abraham Lincoln’s uncle. BEN HELM (1779-1858) was a pioneer, soldier, and noted for his success as an Indian fighter. Major Ben Helm was the uncle of John Larue Helm, governor of Kentucky and grandfather of Confederate General Ben Hardin Helm who married Emilie Todd, sister of Mary Todd Lincoln. Ben Helm, married Mary Edwards, the daughter of Benjamin Edwards and was a sister of Governor Ninian Edwards. It was the governor's son and namesake who married Elizabeth Todd, sister of Mary Todd Lincoln. Thus there was a connection with Mary Todd Lincoln on both sides of Ben Helm's family. Ben Helm was a prominent citizen of Elizabethtown who served as a merchant and bank president. He was County Surveyor and was a member of the Town Board, Clerk of Hardin County Court and the Circuit Court and a major in the War of 1812. He as County Surveyor and the first to survey Elizabethtown, the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln. Helm built the first brick house in Elizabethtown that became an important social and meeting center of town. On May 28, 1860, Abraham Lincoln referred to Ben Helm in a letter to Samuel Haycraft. Ben Helm also became the owner of the Christopher Bush farm. It was Bush's daughter Sarah that became Abraham Lincoln's step-mother when Abe's mother, Nancy Hanks died of milk disease. (BIO CREDIT: Raynor’s Historical Collectible Auctions) CHRISTOPHER BUSH (1730-1813) was said to have been born in Holland, and came to America circa 1750, and to Kentucky at the end of the Revolutionary War. Thomas Lincoln [Abe's father] was probably more involved with Bush and his children than anyone else in Kentucky. Bush was a farmer, a constable of Hardin County, and Captain of Patrollers. Thomas Lincoln served as a patroller under him. Christopher's son Isaac had a close relationship with Thomas, having made a flatboat trip with him to New Orleans [1806]. He lent him money and sold Tom the Sinking Spring farm where the future president was born. And, of course, Christopher's daughter, Sarah, married Abe's father and raised young Abraham Lincoln. Anything by or about the Bush family from Kentucky should be considered quite rare. An unusual opportunity for the Lincoln collector. Because Christopher had died a few months earlier his wife Hannah appeared with her son Christopher Jr. Appeared. He would become Abe Lincoln's uncle. (BIO CREDIT: East Coast Books). This ADS, contains two pages of text on either side of a single sheet. It measures approx 7-1/2 x 13-1/4 in. It is in very good condition, save for some age toning, fold marks and micro-tears at the seams. Overall VG. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 1 pages; Signed by Author. Very Good with no dust jacket .

Katz Fine ManuscriptsProfessional seller

Book number: 0012057

HENRY HOWARD MOLYNEUX HERBERT, 4TH EARL OF CARNARVON

1876 Manuscript Letter from Henry Howard Molyneux Herbert, 4th Earl of Carnarvon to Lady Holland Regarding a Social Engagement

England, 1876. Non-Book. On offer is an Autographed Signed Letter (ASL) of Henry Howard Molyneux Herbert, 4th Earl of Carnarvon (1831-1890). Dated 16 Sept[ember] 1876, the Earl is inviting Lady Holland to visit with her husband. Henry Howard Molyneux Herbert, 4th Earl of Carnarvon known as Lord Porchester from 1833 to 1849. British politician and a leading member of the Conservative Party. The establishment of the Dominion of Canada as a confederation was a desirable enhancement of responsible government, having immense possibilities for colonies and mother country. He was willing to adopt it as an imperial object in any group of colonies where it seemed appropriate and locally acceptable Colonial secretary under Derby and Disraeli, he federated the Canadian provinces into a self-governing dominion by the British North America Act (1867). He was twice Secretary of State for the Colonies and also served as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. The letter measures 7 x 4-1/2 inches. Autograph letter signed. One page with blind embossed logo. Very good condition. ; Manuscripts; 12mo 7" - 7½" tall; 1 pages; Signed by Author. Very Good with no dust jacket .

Katz Fine ManuscriptsProfessional seller

Book number: 0012321

Catalogue: 19th Century Manuscript

Keywords: Political Figure Nobles

HENRY CHARLES GEORGE, VISCOUNT LASCELLES & PRINCESS MARY, PRINCESS ROYAL AND COUNTESS OF HAREWOOD

20th Century Manuscript Signatures of Two Members of the British Nobility

England. Non-Book. On offer is a cut out of an undated document containing the signatures of Henry Charles George, Viscount Lascelles (1882-1947) & Princess Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood (1897-1965). BIO NOTES: Henry George Charles Lascelles, 6th Earl of Harewood, KG, GCVO, DSO, TD, JP, DL styled The Honourable Henry Lascelles before 1892 and Viscount Lascelles between 1892 and 1929, was a British soldier, peer, and a landowner. He was the husband of Mary, Princess Royal, and thus a son-in-law of King George V and Queen Mary and a brother-in-law to Edward VIII and George VI. It is widely understood that Virginia Woolf based the character of Archduke Henry on him in her novel Orlando, a tribute to her lover Vita Sackville-West. Henry Lascelles was one of West's suitors. In the 2019 film Downton Abbey, Viscount Lascelles is played by Andrew Havill. Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood (Victoria Alexandra Alice Mary was a member of the British royal family. She was the only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary, and aunt of the current British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. In the First World War, she performed charity work in support of servicemen and their families. She married Viscount Lascelles (later the Earl of Harewood) in 1922, and they had two sons, George, 7th Earl of Harewood and The Honourable Gerald Lascelles. The couple regularly rode with the Bramham Moor Hunt, among many other involvements in Yorkshire life. She was awarded the title Princess Royal in 1932, and in World War II, she was Controller Commandant of the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS). The signatures of Henry Charles George, Viscount Lascelles and Princess Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood are cut from a larger document. The document on which the signatures are written measures 6 x 3-1/2 inches. ; Manuscripts; 16mo 6" - 7" tall; 1 pages; Signed by Author. Very Good with no dust jacket .

Katz Fine ManuscriptsProfessional seller

Book number: 0012344

Catalogue: 20th Century Ephemera

Keywords: Nobles Autograph