UNKNOWN

1967 Postcard with Cancelled Supai, United States Post Office Stamp

Supai, United States, 1967. Ephemera. ? ? On offer is an interesting American postcard that bears a rare cancellation mark from the Supai post office, which is the only post office in the United States that had mail come in and go out by mule. The card dates from September, 1967. The chatty note brings the recipients (context suggests parents) up-to-date on a trip to Arizona. The noteworthy aspect to this card though is the reference to the stamp cancellation. An excerpt from the letter reads: By the way if you are a stamp collector or have a friend who is one the stamp on this with the Supai post office cancellation on it is a rare collectors item. Supai is the only post office in the U. S. A. That has incoming and outgoing mail by horseback. Supai has been referred to as "the most remote community" in the contiguous United States by the U. S. Department of Agriculture. It is accessible only by helicopter, on foot or by mule. Supai is 8 miles (13 km) from the nearest road and has no automobiles in the community. It remains the only place in the United States where mail is still carried out by mules. For a stamp or post card collector, this would make a fascinating addition to a collection. The post card measures 7.0 inches by 5.5 inches. Folded in half, the outer side serves as the envelope while the note is written on the inner pages. The card is in very good condition. The handwriting is quite legible.; Postcard; 7" x 5"; 1 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 010242

Keywords: Stamps

UNKNOWN

19th Century Manuscript Transcription of Accounts of Two Battles Fought in the French and Indian War

Massachusetts. Hardcover. On offer is an intriguing manuscript transcription of firsthand accounts of two battles fought during the French and Indian War in North America (1754-1763). From the library of Arthur DeMerick Marble (1853-1934) , this beautiful transcription was completed in the late 19th century. The volume contains a manuscript copy of part of the 1757 journal of Joseph Frye, recounting the Attack on Fort William Henry. It also contains a handwritten copy of An Impartial Account of Lieut. Col. Bradstreet's Expedition to Fort Frontenac written by a Volunteer of the Expedition. This account was originally published in London in 1765. The transcription of Joseph Frye’s diary is preceded by a transcription of a letter published in the Port Folio in 1819, written by Nathaniel Frye, who had found his grandfather’s journal and offered up an excerpt of it for publication in the Port Folio. We believe that this transcription is taken from the Port Folio’s publication. According to Maine Story, “Nathaniel Frye released the "journal" for publication in The Port-Folio, a 19th century literary and historical periodical. There is some speculation that the popular Port-Folio and its 1819 "Journal" article influenced author James Fenimore Cooper's The Last of the Mohicans, the popular romance published in 1824 about Fort William Henry. Frye's original draft, in his own hand writing, can now be found in the collections of the Morristown (NJ) Historical Park” [Source: https: //www.mainestory. Info/maine-stories/joseph-frye. Html]. The transcription of the Expedition to Fort Frontenac was taken from the published book. This book, so carefully composed by our 19th century transcriptionist, provides an overview of two major battles of an important 18th century war, allowing the reader to immerse themself in this moment in history. That it was kept in Arthur DeMerick Marble’s personal collection indicates that this was written either for or by Marble. A special piece to add to the collector of 18th century war memorabilia or a collector of Massachusetts history who would appreciate having a piece of Marble’s personal collection in their own library. NOTES ON THE BATTLES: The French and Indian War (1754–63) comprised the North American theater of the worldwide Seven Years' War of 1756–63. It pitted the colonies of British America against those of New France. Both sides were supported by military units from their parent countries, as well as by American Indian allies. Fort William Henry was situated at the south end of lake George in what is now New York State. It was the scene of a notorious massacre of British/American prisoners by the Indian allies of the French army. Among the American officers present was Colonel Joseph Frye from Andover, MA. General Webb gave orders that as many of the Massachusetts regiment as were at Fort Edward, exclusive of the ranging companies should march tomorrow morning for Fort William Henry, with 100 men of the 3rd battalion of royal Americans and 100 independents [1st August 1757] Ultimately, LCol George Monro had approximately 2,300 men. He faced an attacking force of approximately 8,000 French soldiers and Indian warriors led by the Marquis de Montcalm. The Expedition to Fort Frontenac followed the disastrous British/American defeat at Fort Carillon, later known as Fort Ticonderoga in July, 1758. A month later, LCol John Bradstreet led a force of approximately 3,600 soldiers north to attach Fort Frontenac, the French trading post and fort located where Lake Ontario empties into the St Lawrence. The French garrison numbered about 100. The battle lasted about 2 days and the fort surrendered. The British burnt it and then withdrew. BIO NOTES ON ARTHUR DEMERICK MARBLE: Born in Hingham, MA to parents Captain DeMerick Marble and Deborah Hawkes Groce. Arthur lived in Lawrence, MA and worked as a city engineer and genealogist who compiled his and his wife’s family histories (held at Yale University). He had three brothers, William DeMerick, Thomas Burr and Charles Hawkes. Only Arthur and Charles survived childhood. Arthur married Mary A. Richardson in 1876, and they had one daughter, Marion Wright Marble, in 1879. He was a freemason and a member of the Grecian Lodge. The transcriptions were written in a hardcover W. E. Rice Blank Book, printed in Massachusetts. It measures 10.5”x8” and contains 100 pages. The first transcription is 24 pages in length and the second is 52 pages long. The cover, binding and pages are all in very good condition, though the spine is loosened. The handwriting is clear and legible. VG. ; Manuscripts; Large 8vo 9" - 10" tall; 76 pages. Very Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0011180

Keywords: 18th

UNKNOWN

Beautiful 1800s Handwritten French Sermon on Roman Catholic Teachings

France, 1850. Ephemera. On offer is is an excellent explanation of a Roman Catholic teaching in mid-19th century France. The manuscript is titled Instruction – Sur les Qualites de la Confession (Instruction – On the Qualities of Confession). It opens with the Latin quotation of the Biblical verse of John 20: 23 – Quorum remiseritis pecata (sic) et quorum remittuntur eis et quorum retinueritis retenta sunt (Whose sins you shall forgive they are forgiven them, and whose sins you shall retain they are retained). This verse served as a cornerstone of clerical authority for many many centuries and was a source of clerical power, especially among a rural, less-educated population. The author is unknown but clearly a priest. This may have been written as a sermon or perhaps as a talk. Throughout the text, there are corrections, strikeouts and edits which show that this was very much a document that was laboured over. It is an outstanding description of the church’s teaching on this subject and, without doubt, would underline the authoritative role of the clergy. For a social historian, this manuscript gives an excellent insight into the thinking and teaching of the Catholic Church as directed toward its ordinary members on a cornerstone teaching about their authority. This 16 page manuscript is in very good condition. The pages measure 8.25 inches by 5.5 inches and it is 65% complete. The binding is a single thread which is intact. The pages are in good condition and the handwriting is legible. ; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 16 pages. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010081

Keywords: Religion 19th

UNKNOWN

C1960s Report on the Impact of Austria’S Singing of the 1955 State Treaty on Their Armed Forces

Austria Germany, 1960. Non-Book. On offer is a two-page report on the state of the armed forces of Austria in 1955. The document is titled “The Armed Forces In Readiness For Austria”. Although undated, context suggests that it was written in the late 1960s. The author of the report is unknown. The report describes the effect of Austria’s signing of the State Treaty on May 15, 1955 that, among other terms, permitted Austria to re-establish her armed forces and confirm her neutrality. This position of neutrality continues to this day. The paper goes on to outline the steps taken to re-establish the Armed Forces and some of the roles they play, internally and also under the auspices of the United Nations. For a historian interested in the steps that European nations had to take to return from the ashes of WWII, this is a fine synopsis of one country’s efforts. The 2-sided document measures 11.75 inches by 8.25 inches. The condition of the typed pages is good and the pages are 100% complete.; Manuscripts; 4to 11" - 13" tall; 2 pages. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0011051

Keywords: Militaria Neutral Country

UNKNOWN

Early 19th Century Page from a Letter to a Powerful French Statesman

Paris, France. Ephemera. On offer is a letter requesting the intervention of one of France’s most powerful men after the fall of Napoleon. The document is one page of a multi-page letter. The author is unknown. The recipient is Mathieu Jean Felicité de Montmorency, duc de Montmorency-Laval. Montmorency was a prominent French statesman during the French Revolution and Bourbon Restoration. He was elected as the youngest member of the National Assembly in 1789. He is also known for his military expertise and his relationship with Mme Germaine de Staël. De Staël was the daughter of Jacques-Necker, France’s Minister of Finance and his wife Suzanne who hosted one of the most important salons in Paris. In short, Montmorency was wealthy, powerful and deeply connected in the leading circles of France. His relationship with de Stael is important as she too was deeply connected to the leading people in France and her salon was a focal point for some of the greatest thinkers and writers in Europe. The author of the letter knows the importance of Montmorency and that is why he writes him requesting consideration for a medical position in Paris for a doctor named Deschamps..... Dechamp fils, docteur en medicine de la faculte de Paris ...[Translation: ...Dechamp Junior, doctor of medicine of the faculty of Paris…]. In another place on the page, he makes his request for: [...pour une place au quelles le conseil general du hospices…]. [Translation: ...for a place on which the general council of the hospice…]. For a social historian, this is an excellent example of the type of correspondence that would have taken place among those seeking favours and positions. It is also a direct connection to one of France’s great noble families. This single sheet measures 9.75 inches by 7.25 inches and is in good condition. The text covers one side of the sheet. The paper is in good condition although there is some staining along the edges. The handwriting is legible. ; Letters; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 1 pages. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010152

Keywords: Nobility Post Revolutionary

UNKNOWN

Elaborate, Handwritten French Letter from a Catholic Bishop to His Boss

France, N.D.. Ephemera. On offer is a fascination look at an example of the rich, some would say grandiloquent, language used in correspondence in the 17th through 19th centuries in France. The letter is undated and the recipient is not identified. The letter was written within the context of the Catholic church hierarchy. Context suggests that it may be from a Bishop to a newly appointed Archbishop or more possibly a Cardinal. An excerpt of the letter follows: Il est naturel aux pretres et aux fideles de se rejouir a la vie ponite qui les gounevre quels ne d'avenir donc poins etre nos sentimens dans ce jour heuraux ou votre grandeur daigne nous visiter? ... Nous avons aujourd’hui le bonheur es la consolation de vous voir le chef es le pasteur legitime une favive et pure, une doctrine ennemie de toutes nouveauies, un zele ardent et prudent a etendre le culte de dieu, un amour constant de la discipline ecclesiastique et un attachement inviloable au succeffleur de st pierre; telles suivent monsuigneur, les vertus qui formerens le caractere de ces hommes apostoliques qui vous ont precedes dans le siege de cette metropole, vertus que nous voyons revivre aujourd'hui avec eclar dans la personne de votre grandeur… [Translation: It is natural for the priests and the faithful to rejoice in the pontifical life that envelops them, so what are our feelings on this holy day when your greatness deigns to visit us? ... We have today happiness and the consolation of seeing you the leader and the legitimate pastor, a favourable and pure doctrine, an ardent and prudent zeal to extend the cult of God, a constant love of the ecclesiastical discipline and an inviolable attachment to the successor of St. Peter;.. Such are, my lord, the virtues that formed the character of those apostolic men who preceded you in the siege of this metropolis, virtues that we see revived clearly today in the person of your greatness...]. For a social historian, this is a superb example of the manner in which relationships were forged and managed during a time in France when the Catholic hierarchy was a very powerful force with which to be reckoned. The manuscript is single-sheet, double-sided letter measuring 9.5 inches by 7.25 inches. The document is in good condition. There is staining and some wear along the edges but neither impairs the text. The handwriting is quite legible. ; Manuscripts; 9.5"x7.25"; 2 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010104

Keywords: Politics

UNKNOWN

French Revolution Commerce Document with Defaced Fleur de Lis Seals

Bourges, France, N.D.. Ephemera. French Revolution Commerce Document with Defaced Fleur de Lis SealsOn offer is a fascinating manuscript fragment dating from the early French revolutionary period. The manuscript is a sales document. It was drafted in the city of Bourges which lies in central France. Although very hard to read, it does clearly state that it is a record of a sale. Excerpt from document: Consente par M. Charles Penier, pere jardinier et Marie Lige sa femme au M. Charles Penier leur fils ...[Translation: Consented by Mr. Charles Penier, father gardener and Marie Lige his wife to Mr. Charles Penier their son...]The reverse details the transaction but the specifics are difficult to read. However, of note are the 2 tax stamps applied to the document. Such seals normally bear the Fleur de Lis within a circle supported by a scroll bearing the words “la Loi du Roi” signifying the King’s Law. In each case, the stamps have been mutilated to remove the Fleur de Lis, a longstanding symbol of the French monarchy and the words “du Roy” from the scroll. These alterations date this document to the early days of the French Revolution. For a historian, these defacements indicate the zeal with which the revolutionary fervour spread even into the smallest of offices across the land. They also point to the sensitivity of an official or officials to ensure that they were on the correct side of public sentiment. This document measures 9.5 inches by 6.75 inches. It is soiled and shows clear signs of wear and damage along the edges. The handwriting is not completely legible. ; 9.5"x6.75"; 1 pages. Good .

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Book number: 0010066

Keywords: King's Language

UNKNOWN

French Revolutionary Legal Manuscript Regarding a Large Sum of Money

France, 1798. Ephemera. On offer is a fascinating legal document from the early years of the French Revolution describing legal action between two parties, ‘Bernadet’ and ‘Jacques Nadel’. The document was written on “cinq thermidor au sept”, which is the seventh year of the French Republic, or Summer, 1798. The legal action described in the document involves 2,000 francs, which is significant since this was at a time when the average annual income for a worker was about 450 francs. An excerpt from the manuscript follows: Extrait de registre de bureau de [ ] du juge de pays du premiere arrondissement situ commune de Bourges department du Cher... [Translation: extract from the register of the office of the country judge of the first arrondissement in the commune of Bourges department of Cher]. An additional excerpt follows: Est comparis le citoyen Bernadat fonde de pourvoir de citoyen Jacques Naudel propriataire demeurans en cette commune, section Sulpice par acte... [Translation: Has appeared the citizen Bernadat authorized to provide citizen Jacques Naudel owner remaining in this district section Sulpice by act…]. At the time this document was written, during the summer of 1798, France was enjoying a period of relative quiet as there had been a peace agreement with her continental adversaries and Napoleon was off invading Egypt and was yet to become Emperor. For a historian, this document is an excellent example of an aspect of the legal system that was undergoing enormous change. These changes would result in the Code Napoleon which would form the basis of the legal systems of continental Europe and the civil law in the province of Quebec, Canada. For a legal professional, this would make a wonderful addition to a legal collection or library. Drafted in 1798, this document measures 12.5 inches by 9.0 inches. It is 4 pages in total. Text occupies three of the pages. There is wear around the edges and staining die to age. The handwriting is reasonably legible. The document bears a government seal. ; Manuscripts; 12.5" x 9"; 4 pages. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010196

Keywords: Documents 18th Century History

UNKNOWN

Handwritten 1941 Diary of a Wife and Mother in Pre-Wwii California

Santa Rosa, CA. Hardcover. On offer is a fine diary recording the domestic and social responsibilities of a woman in California immediately before the United States entered World War II. The author is unknown, but from the diary, we learn that she lives in or near Santa Rosa, CA, is a wife and a mother, and is 49 when she begins this book. Her entries are detailed and she takes care to provide a very good description of how each day unfolds. The author is very focused on her family, and seems to fit many of the traditional expectations of women of her time. Throughout the diary, she refers to her husband as “Dad. ” “Washed and dried clothes between showers -- dried colors in the house. Pot luck dinner at Social Hall tonite at 6: 30 -- that’s too early for us so we didn’t plan to go -- dad went later to Council meeting -- they plan to call this Mr. Moorhouse to be our next Pastor -- at $1,500 per year. He may not want to come” (April 1). “Have been with mother quilting this eve, ironing done and clothes put away, had to shop for eats” (June 24). “Have been to Daisy’s to have hair washed and set. Corn cut from cob & put out to dry in the sun -- have it in the oven this eve . Mother picked a few quarts of blackberries -- we don’t care very much for them but so far have canned what she has picked, they are doing extra well this summer” (August 20). This diary is a perfect window into the world of an American wife and mother immediately before the Second World War. Details: Size 6.75" x 4.25"Number of pages: 183 Condition: very good 100% complete Handwriting easily legible; Manuscripts; 6.75" x 4.25"; 183 pages. Very Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010043

Catalogue: 20th Century Manuscript

Keywords: Pre Wwii America 1940s Housewife 20th Usa Americana 's Studies History

UNKNOWN

High Value 1905 Money Order Receipt from Vieux Marche, France

Vieux Marche, Brittany, France, 1905. Ephemera. On offer is an interesting financial instrument from the opening years of 20th century France. The document is a Money Order. Avis de Payement D'Un Mandat Ordinaire Le soussingne declare que la somme de deaux milles francs montant d'un mandat emis sous le numero 170 par le bureau de Paris 43 le 13th Octuobre 1905 a l'adresse de Monsieur Lucien Mesny a ete dument paye le 15th Octobre 1905 [Translation: Notice of PaymentOf an Ordinary Money OrderThe undersigned declares that the sum of two thousand francs amounting to a money order issued under number 170 by the office of Paris 43 on the 13th of October 1905 at the address of Mr. Lucien Mesny was duly paid on the 15th of October 1905. ] This was a significant sum of money, worth approximately US$22,000 today. There are no details as to the purpose of the money order or the payment to which it it refers. The document also bears a stamp tax imprint from Vieux Marche, a community in Brittany in the far northwest corner of France. For a collector of financial instruments, this is a fine example of such a document from pre-WWI France. This single sheet measures 10.0 inches by 8.0 inches. It is in excellent condition. The document is a printed form with specific details filled in by hand. ; 10" x 8"; 1 pages. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010076

Keywords: 20th French

UNKNOWN

Lovely 1855 Malzeville, France Legal Agreement for a Plot of Land Near Nancy

Malzeville, France, 1855. Ephemera. On offer is an outstanding example of a legal agreement drafted in mid-19th century France. The agreement was struck in 1855 between Jean Simon Ulrion and Bartholemy Henry on the one hand and Joseph Antoine Nilanollo, the other party. All lived in what is today Malzeville, France on the outskirts of the city of Nancy in the north-east of France. The contract concerns a parcel of land, as discussed in this excerpt: un terrain situé dan dudit Malzeville faisunt plusieurs haches environs lieudit au goulot entre Ehamas et un chemin contenant environs neuf ares vingt un centiares. [Translation: a plot of land located in said Malzeville made up of several pieces in the vicinity of the narrowing between Ehamas and a path containing around nine ares twenty one centiares] (Note: an acre = 100m2 and a centiare = 1 square metre). The document goes on to detail many additional terms. On a stub, there is a government seal as proof of being recorded as well as a listing of the various fees that were paid. For a historian or a legal scholar, this is an excellent example of the type of legal documents that were drawn in mid-19th century France. The document will also give a sense of the legal system that underpinned these types of contracts. For a genealogist, this document helps trace family lines and lands in and around this village a century and a half ago. This single-sheet document measures 9.75 inches by 6.75 inches. It is in very good condition. The text of the agreement covers both pages of the leaf in closely-written script. The handwriting is legible. The document itself is sewn into a paper cover measuring 10.25 inches by 7.0 inches which serves as a folder for the document. The names of parties and the date of the agreement are written in copperplate on the verso of the cover. ; Manuscripts; 10.25" x 7"; 2 pages. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010156

Keywords: 19th History French Manuscript

UNKNOWN

Manuscript Highlighting Achievements of France’S Great Pharmacist, Pierre-Irenee Jacob

France. Ephemera. On offer is a fascinating and brief description of one of France’s great Pharmacists in the NapoleonicWars, Pierre-Irenee Jacob. This manuscript appears to be an excerpt of a larger document. The author of the document is unknown. The subject however, is not. Pierre-Irenee Jacob was born in Metz, June 27, 1782, he served 10 years in Napoleon’s Grande Armée. He crossed Europe from Paris to the army of the Coasts, from Prussia to Madrid, from Saxony to Bérézina, from Jena to Warsaw, on foot very often or in a cart. He was captured twice, was victim of an ambush in Spain and was a miraculous survivor of the retreat from Russia "the march of misery" in which only 10,000 men out of 442,000 survived. He kept a detailed journal of his experiences titled Les Carnets de Route de Pierre Irénée Jacob (The Logbooks of Pierre Irénée Jacob). This document may be the beginning of a recounting of his experiences or it may be part of a recommendation for a position or honour. The document says, in full: La France, patrie de ses ancetres, etait devenue le theatre de plus belles decouvertes en chimie, il resolut de s'y rendu pour y acquerir des nouvelles connaisances . Peu apres son arrivess en 1795 il fut force par les circonstances de temp a servir aux armees en qualite de Pharmacien . Il a suivi cette nouvelle carriere sans interrution avec les armees en Italie, en Holland, en Allemagne, en des payes de Russie. En 1808, il fut nomme Pharmacien en chef des armees. Il fut charge en 1811 de faire un inspection generale dans tous les hospitaux militaires de France. Il fut nomine en 1812 Pharmacien en chef de l'armee de Russie et Chevalier de l'ordre de la Reunion, etait prisonniere a Leipzig en 1814. Il fut nomine Inspecteur general de service de sante militaire [de] sa Majesté. [Translation: France, the homeland of his ancestors, had become the theatre of the most beautiful discoveries in chemistry. He decided to go to acquire new knowledge. Shortly after his arrival in 1795 he was forced by the circumstances of the time to serve in the army as a pharmacist. He followed this new career without interruption with the armies in Italy, Holland, Germany and Russia. In 1808 he was appointed Chief Pharmacist of the army. In 1811 he was charged to make a general inspection in all the military hospitals of France. He was nominated in 1812 Chief Pharmacist of the Russian Army and Knight of the Order of the Reunion. He was a prisoner in Leipzig in 1814. He was appointed Inspector General of Military Health Service [of] His Majesty]. For a historian, this is a superb opportunity to acquire a document that directly references a man in whom Napoleon Bonaparte placed a great deal of trust and responsibility. It would be an excellent addition to a library or collection, especially on focused on the Napoleonic Wars. For a medical professional, it would be a fine addition to a collection or libraryThis one-page document appears to be a portion of a longer document. It measures 9.5 inches by 7.5 inches. It is written on one-side only. The page shows some slight discolouration and wear around theedges. Written in French, the handwriting is very legible. ; Manuscripts; 9.5"x7.5"; 1 pages. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010154

Keywords: History

UNKNOWN

Post-Revolutionary Letter Promoting Employee Support for Revolutionary Government

France, N.D.. Ephemera. On offer is a fascinating little letter from the days of the French Revolution that hints at turmoil under the surface. Although there is no date on the letter, context suggests it was written during the days of the Revolution. The recipient is referred to as “Citizen” and he is a Councillor of National Holidays. This would refer to the holidays established by the Revolutionary Government which brought in a new calendar in 1793. That calendar was in use until 1805. Therefore, it is reasonable to put the date of this letter somewhere between 1793 and 1805. The letter is a request, apparently from a school administrator, to a government official, asking him to send an instruction to his staff. This letter appears to be a less-than-subtle hint that there are staff who are not zealous in their support of this initiative of the new Revolutionary government. Given the incredible bloodshed of the Terror that swept across France, this could be a dangerous position to take. An excerpt follows: Les membres composant le bureau de l'ecole centrale prient le citoyen Labourie de leur faire dire de les professors de l'ecole centrale et leurs eleves doivent de trouver a la fete de demain au rang des institutions indiquant par le programe. [Translation: The members of the board of the Central School ask the citizen Labourie to tell them that the professors of the Central School and their students must be present at tomorrow's celebration in the row of the institutions indicated by the program]. For a historian, it hints at the turmoil and upheavals that were still taking place in French society far and wide. This 4-page, folded document measures approximately 7.5 inches by 5.0 inches. Only the outer pages have text – the front being the name of the recipient and the reverse being the letter. The paper is in good condition with some feathering and chipping along the outer edges. The handwriting is legible. ; Manuscripts; 7.5"x5"; 4 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010139

Keywords: Education Propoganda

UNKNOWN, MULTIPLE SIGNATURES

Stunning 1582 Secretary Script Middle French Financial Document Mentioning Jacques Bellot

France, 1500s. Ephemera. On offer is a fabulous document from the late 1500s in France. The document is titled Contract de Consultation or Annuity Agreement and is dated 1582. An excerpt from the document follows: ... Contract de Consutation de quinze livres de rente [] hypotheque a l'un reparthe Sieur [] sur Simon Morin. [Translation: …Contract of fifteen pounds annuity [] mortgage [between or on] the one hand Sieur [] [and] on [the other hand] Simon Morin]. The document is written in middle French and uses a script that appears very much as ‘Secretary’ script which had been in wide use in France at that time. For these reasons, we have not been able to translate the document. However, there are several tantalizing hints within it. The document was found with other documents from Normandy, including from around the area of the city of Caen. And, in the last sentence, the name of Jacques Bellot is mentioned. This is important because Jacques Bellot came from the Caen region and lived there in 1582. And Jacques Bellot was an important writer and teacher. Years earlier, he had fled the religious persecutions of France for England. There, he taught French to English speakers, and wrote and published a number of pedagogical language texts. However, unlike other contemporary immigrant language teachers in London, Bellot also taught English to the French refugee community in London. Bellot’s Familiar Dialogues catered to the immediate language needs of refugees and dealt with everyday interactions. This was very different from other works and in fact anticipated the refugee phrasebooks of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Accompanying the document is a smaller list of surnames that appears to have been written much later. Included on the list is the name “Bellot”. To be clear, these are very circumstantial pieces of evidence. The document however, is beautiful. For a historian, there is a likely a wealth of information contained within about the manner in whichagreements were struck. Framed, it would look magnificent on a wall. This document measures approximately 13.25 inches by 11.25 inches. It is made from vellum. Other than a small notation on the reverse, it is written on one side only. For its age, it is in excellent condition. There is some staining due to its age. The document was folded into thirds and the notation on the reverse appears to be the title of the document. There are a few small holes as a result of wear marks at corner folds. ; Manuscripts; 13.25" x 11.25"; 1 pages; Signed by Author. Fair with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010159

Keywords: 16th Century History

UNKNOWN

World War One-Era Photo Album Depicting an American Family and Military Scenes

United States, France, N.D.. None. On offer is a superb photographic record of an American family before, during and after WWI. The owner of the album is unknown as is the identity of this American family. A label on the back cover shows that the album was made in Chicago, Illinois. The photographs depict the life of this family. The first several pages show the classic group family pictures, baby photographs and couples with children. However, not far in come the first pictures of military life. One picture shows an airship/dirigible passing overhead. Others show various scenes of camp life. Many have notations on the reverse. Early on is a photograph of tent encampment at Harfleur, outside of Le Havre, France. The next photograph showing a group of sombre men is labelled simply “Prisoners”. Other pictures show camps in Boulogne, Rouen and other locations. The American Expeditionary Force that went to France saw tens of thousands of soldiers set up home in the Gascon and Gironde regions of France, accompanied by several thousand civilians supporting them through humanitarian associations. In Gironde, on 1 October 1918, the American workforce comprised: 3,202 officers, 89,027 troops, 4,366 civilians, and 168 nurses. They lived in a wide spectrum of military bases, most of which were dismantled when they left. Nearly 3 million tons of equipment passed through the ports. In October 1918, day and night, an average of 7 men, 2 horses and 7 tons of equipment landed every minute. 1,500 steam locomotives and 23,000 wagons were provided by the United States, most of which were left behind at the end of the hostilities. One of these was Pauillac-Trompeloup, of which there are several photographs. This camp served as a major maritime base with over 3000 men stationed there in 1918 – covering a range of activities such as the unloading, assembly and repair of all US Army seaplanes in service in Europe, as well as a station for a squadron of seaplanes participating in the surveillance of the Gascony coast. There is a photograph of a Lt. Ed Merwin, 1st Batt, 7th Cavalry. Another annotated photograph was taken in Thuringia, Germany in 1915. Another photograph bears this inscription: “Mr. & Mrs. Col F. A [ ], Ballygown, Isle of Mull. Two of Gods’s noble people ... Over 30 years in the Queen’s Service, 32 years a Christian. Three sons in the army”. There are postcards with addresses which may offer clues as to the person who put this album together. Despite its anonymity, or perhaps because of it, this album paints a wonderful picture of the many generations and members who make up this family. Whether enjoying a day by the sea, leading a team of oxen, or serving overseas in the army, it depicts in many ways the archetypal American family and experience. For a historian, it is replete with visual details and clues about life in America a century ago. It is an excellent record for military historians. For genealogists, it is a challenge and a tease – there are dozens and dozens of people, likely all related, who await only one clue to begin to unravel their identities. This is an excellent addition to any photographic record of this period. Measuring 7 inches by 5.25 inches, this album contains 78 pages, holding a total of 92 black and white photographs. The front cover is missing but the back cover is firmly attached to the binding. The spine is intact and the pages are in good condition. The photographs are, with few exceptions, all secured with mounting corners. ; Photograph; 12mo 7" - 7½" tall; 78 pages. Good with no dust jacket .

Katz Fine ManuscriptsProfessional seller

Book number: 0010287

Keywords: Forces 1 Pauillac Trompeloup 7th