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#ThomasJefferson #CherokeeNation #HeritageAuctions #HistoricalManuscripts #TexasHistory #AbrahamLincoln #MatthewBrady #AlbertEinstein #SamHouston #AmericanaAuction #PoliticalHistory #RareManuscripts #Collectibles #AuctionHighlights #HistoricTexana
Heritage Auctions in Dallas held a two-session sale on March 28, 2024, featuring 364 lots of historical manuscripts, many with Texas connections. The sale achieved a total of $1,517,035, with 325 lots successfully sold. The highlight of the auction was a polygraph copy of Thomas Jefferson’s address to the Cherokee Nation, which sold for $187,500. Dated January 10, 1806, this 3½-page manuscript was part of Jefferson’s efforts to encourage Native American assimilation and land acquisition. The document, signed and dated by Jefferson, was from the collection of Jacob J. Podell’s descendants, with the original held by the Library of Congress.
Another notable Jefferson item was a letter to Dutch scholar Francis Adrian Vander Kemp, dated January 19, 1823, which sold for $50,000. In this letter, Jefferson reflected on his declining physical and mental faculties, describing it as a “providential favor” to prevent him from revealing his waning abilities on paper.
Abraham Lincoln-related items also drew significant interest. A carte de visite of Lincoln, taken by Matthew Brady on January 8, 1864, and featuring a bold signature, sold for $87,500. Additionally, an archive of letters, cartes de visite, diaries, and artifacts related to Christian Rath, the provost marshal who oversaw the trial and execution of Lincoln’s conspirators, fetched $62,500. This archive included a section of rope from the gallows and handcuffs used in the execution.
Albert Einstein was represented in the sale with four lots: three letters and one photograph. The letters sold for $45,000, $55,000, and $27,500, while the photograph brought $18,750.
The highest-selling Texas-related item was Sam Houston’s final paycheck as Governor of Texas, a Treasury warrant dated March 22, 1861, for $458.34. It sold for $40,000, bearing Houston’s endorsing signature.
Heritage Auctions’ next Americana & Political Signature auction is scheduled for April 25, with a showcase sale on July 12. The firm’s next Historic Texana auction has yet to be announced. Prices reported include the buyer’s premium. For more information, visit www.ha.com or call 214-528-3500.
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