Historical Letters, Documents, and Articles Offered at Everard Auctions and Appraisals This June

Everard Auctions and Appraisals of Savannah, Georgia will soon present its June sale of property from Lorlee and Arnold Tenenbaum, as well as various other Southern estates. In addition to a wide selection of fine art, sculptures, and Native American items, this sale will present several lots of historical letters, documents, and articles from around the world. Live bidding will begin on June 27, 2024 at 10:00 AM EDT. 

Before placing a bid, learn more about some of the notable historical letters in the catalog. 

18th-Century French Letters

Offered from the estate of William H. Rasch is a miscellaneous set of 18th-century French letters (lot #1096; estimate: USD 800 – $1,200). This large lot contains 22 items of correspondence, pamphlets, and commercial papers on diverse topics. Many touch on political affairs, concerning figures such as Guillaume-Chrétien de Lamoignon de Malesherbes and the French monarchy. 

Letter-writing in the 18th century was a complex affair. Personal letters served as a form of social entertainment, while business and official letters hewed to strict style guidelines. Increased literacy rates and the expansion of education during the Enlightenment contributed to a swell in letter-writing. Public figures in Europe and elsewhere also used letters to address the public and share ideas, values, and remarks. The offered collection of 18th-century French letters provides a window into this different era and culture. 

Confederacy Letters

A collection of Confederacy letters from Jefferson Davis, Varina Davis, and Alexander Stephens will also cross the auction block in this event (lot #1098; estimate: $800 – $1,200). These four articles from the 1870s include correspondence between Confederacy leaders following the American Civil War. The letters are slightly worn and toned with age. 

The first letter, written by former Confederate President Jefferson Davis in March of 1874, informs a friend of Davis’ plans to visit Paris. Davis faced financial ruin after the Civil War and the Confederacy’s dissolution. He pursued business opportunities in Europe after refusing numerous offers to teach and speak in the United States. Davis continued to justify his actions in the Civil War and celebrate the Confederacy for the rest of his life. 

This set of Confederacy letters includes correspondence between Varina Davis, the First Lady of the Confederacy, and Robert T. Corson, as well as a letter and signed address leaf from Alexander Hamilton Stephens, the vice president of the Confederate States.  

Texas Treasury Warrants and Consolidated Fund Notes

Three notes from the Consolidated Fund of Texas and the Texas Treasury join the collections of historical letters at auction (lot #1100; estimate: $700 – $1,000). An 1864 Texas Treasury Warrant for $20 signed by Cyrus Randolph and Clement R. Johns is included in this lot. This warrant entitled the recipient to funds from the Treasurer of the State of Texas and contains ink signatures by Texas statesmen. 

The three Consolidated Fund notes date back to 1837. During this period, the Republic of Texas existed as a breakaway state from Mexico and operated as an independent republic. The region experienced numerous violent outbreaks as European settlers, Mexican citizens, and Indigenous people struggled for control. The bonds offered in this sale allowed the Texas government to consolidate and fund public debt. 

Bavarian Royalty Documents

Beyond North American historical letters and documents, the upcoming sale includes several items from Europe. This includes a set of four articles from Bavaria (lot #1103; estimate: $500 – $800). Among the documents is a work sealed by King Ludwig II and a letter signed by King Ludwig I. The lot includes several visiting cards containing photos of the royals. 

Everard Auctions and Appraisals will offer these items and more in the upcoming Property from the Tenenbaum Estate and Other Owners sale. Live bidding will begin at 10:00 AM EDT on June 27, 2024. To find more information and register to bid, visit Bidsquare.