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This original DS from a prestigious collection is signed by N. B. Forrest as President of Selma, Marion & Memphis Railroad Company. The Memphis, Tennessee document is dated December 6th, 1870, and prepared  by the Company's Board of Directors. The purpose is to specify the commissions to be paid to N.B. Forrest for subscriptions sold in the Railroad's stock. It is also signed by W. R. Hunt,  former comrade and  Confederate Lt. Colonel.

The historic piece is beautifully framed with burl walnut and under museum UV glass......SOLD

1. This great partly printed document on vellum is in Latin and is an 1842 diploma from the University of Nashville granting a Bachelor of Arts to  John Wharton Williams. The diploma is boldly signed by Andrew Jackson who is at the top of a list of several other trustees....among the other trustees are John Bell who was Secretary of War under Harrison and Tyler and a candidate for President in the 1860 election....other signers include university president Philip Lindsley and Nashville founder, Francis Fogg.

The silk and paper seal remains intact at the center....The document measures 18" X 17" is in fine condition and  perfect for framing. It's clearly dated October 5, 1842...interestingly Vanderbilt University later acquired the medical school and other departments of the University of Nashville.....Truly a rare document from early Nashville and signed by "Old Hickory".......$2,500.00

2. This is a Joshua Chamberlain letter concerning a volume of the Roster of Brigade Commanders...He mentions several Generals  including Vincent and Bartlett....The writing and signature are in bold ink and very legible.....written on The Florida West Coast Improvement Co. letterhead with caption "Constructing the Silver Springs, Ocala and Gulf Railroad". 

The letter is not dated but Chamberlain served as Vice President of The Florida West Coast Improvement Company in the 1880's so it can be assumed to be from that period....there is a a discoloration at the top with little or no affect on this very rare Chamberlain Post War piece...The text is unquestionably entirely in Chamberlain's hand and written all at once.  It appears however, that his signature (although authentic) was added later  ..$1,750.00

3. This is an extremely rare and desirable Bourbon County, Kentucky Slave Document that is actually three documents in one.  A slave whose name was Captain Davis was freed by his master and then subsequently purchased his wife from her owner whose name was Thomas Ardny.  After freed slave, Captain Davis purchased Darkey, he then "set her free" and issued the proper "Deed of Manumission".....this emancipated or set  Darkey free. 

The clerk of Bourbon County, Kentucky- Thomas P. Smith prepared the "Deed of Manumission" and signed same on January 7, 1839....Smith then acknowledged and applied his seal to Captain Davis'  X mark......

The three documents incorporated on the front and back of this 8" X 7-3/4" are all neatly and legibly written in ink.  This is truly a remarkable piece of Black Americana and is in fine condition with no damage and nor repairs......$995.00

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5. This is a very rare Texas Planters Oath from Lavaca County, Texas. The document is written in period brown ink and dated the 23rd of September, 1865. James C. Finnie certifies on oath that three (3) bales of cotton "were produced by him on his plantation in Lavaca County and that  said cotton was never the property of the late so called Confederate States" .....more very interesting text. An extremely nice document that's very legible. There is one small hole in the center fold that does not touch any text and affects nothing.....Several signatures......Great Southern History and Great Americana.....$375.00

 

6.  This is a Yazoo City, Mississippi Tax Receipt for the year 1859.  It's from the The Corporation Of Yazoo City for taxes on the personal estate of James D. Taylor.  It includes lot no. 128 along with taxes for money loaned and WHITE POLL TAX..........AND SLAVE POLL TAX $5.00.........Signed A. B. Johnson, Assessor and Tax Collector Yazoo City. The document is on blue gray paper and is partially printed.  The size is perfect for framing....7 5/8" X 6 1/4"....Excellent condition with no tears....Interesting that there was a Poll Tax for both Whites and Slaves........$225.00