A very rare autograph letter signed!

322. NAPOLEON BONAPARTE (1769 - 1821) The "Little Corporal" whose brilliance in the field of battle and as Emperor of France has made him perhaps the most important figure of post-Renaissance Europe. Excessively rare A.L.S. "Buonaparte" 1p. 8vo., [n.p., n.d. ca. 1790] to his superior unnamed officer, in French. In part: "...We are all half-dead, citizen commandant. We are awaiting instructions on what we should do. If the weather is poor for [?] then could we not go to [Quiaro?]? Our troops are growling but I hope that this will not be [?], that we will know your intentions [?]. I feel very sorry for you. You must be quite ill. Buonaparte". Between 1790 and 1791 Napoleon spent 18 months in his homeland of Corsica, helping to consolidate French rule. In 1793, he rejoined his regiment who were stationed in Italy, and it was here that he was given his first military command. Lightly dampstained at left not significantly detracting, light soiling, overall quite good. Autograph letters signed by Napoleon are of legendary rarity! $5,000-7,000

323. MAXIMILIEN DE ROBESPIERRE (1758 - 1794) French revolutionary and leader of the Montagnards, he brought on the Reign of Terror, sending his friends Desmoulins and Danton to the guillotine. Arrested in the Revolution of 9 Thermidor, he attempted suicide, wounded himself, and was finally carted off to the guillotine. Rare partly-printed D.S. "Robespierre" 1p. legal folio, Paris, Apr. 4, 1794, an ornate "Extract" from the Committee of Public Safety signed at the height of the Terror, regarding inspections of a cider house. Signed by Robespierre at conclusion, and additionally by his fellow Revolutionaries: BERTRAND BARERE DE VIEUZAC, COLLOT-D'HERBOIS, COUTHON, and another unidentified by us. Light foxing throughout, a repair to both left and right margin, overall very good condition.$2,000-3,000

324. GEORGES-JACQUES DANTON (1759 - 1794) French revolutionary leader who assumed leadership of the Revolutionaries following the fall of the monarchy and became the de facto head of government. Danton was gradually identified with the moderates, arrested by Robespierre and beheaded by the guillotine. Fine, rare A.L.S. "Danton" as Minister of Justice, 1p. legal folio, Paris, Feb. 8, 1792, in French to M. Jervaut [?], in part: "...You have my assurances that I will occupy myself increasingly with the choice of officer for the new Gendarmerie [police] force. M. Thomassin...has a company. I beg you to take the request into consideration....". Very boldly written, mounting strip at left margin, a bit of marginal wear, else very good. $2,000-3,000

325. NAPOLEON BONAPARTE (1769 - 1821) The "Little Corporal" whose brilliance in the field of battle and as Emperor of France has made him perhaps the most important figure of post-Renaissance Europe. L.S. "Napol" with superb watermark picturing Napoleon in profile, 1p. 4to., Rambouillet, July 16, 1810 to Marshal Clarke, in part: "...Make it known to me if there has arrived in mayence some 48 bronze pieces from Germany. I pray God has you under his protection...". Fine.
$750-1,000

326. NAPOLEON BONAPARTE Partly-printed D.S. "Accorde NP" on a "Report to His Majesty the Emperor and King", 1p. legal folio, Paris, Dec. 20, 1809, a letter from the Minister of War, in which the Minister of War, the Duc of Feltre, reporting that: "...Those named, Juillet, fusilier of the 20th Regiment of the line infantry... requests the authorization to let these troops to pass in His Majesty The King of Two Sicilies' troops...". Boldly approved at left, fine. $800-1,200

327. NAPOLEON BONAPARTE Partly-printed D.S. "Nap" 2pp. legal folio, Paris, Dec. 27, 1811, a report from the Ministry of Inspection, untranslated but regarding military maters. Boldly approved by Napoleon in the left margin, fine condition. $800-1,200

328. LOUIS XIV (1638 - 1715) "The Sun King", King of France who undertook a series of wars with neighboring countries, yet is most remembered for impoverishing of the masses as he reigned at the height of France's "Golden Age". Scarce manuscript D.S. "Louis" as King, 1p. sm. folio, Versailles, May 6, 1692, untranslated but apparently the promotion of a naval infantryman to the rank of lieutenant. Very boldly penned and signed, two tiny holes at fold junctures, light soiling, overall very good and suitable for framing.$700-900

329. LOUIS XII (1462 - 1515) King of France, conquered Milan and Genoa, defeated the Venetians at Agnadello but soon saw his Italian territories attacked by Pope Julius II's Holy League. Louis saw later defeats at the hands of the Swiss yet was fondly remembered by his subjects as the "Father of the People". Rare D.S. "Louis" as King, 1p. oblong 4to., [n.p., ca. 1492], a grant of a pension to a duke's valet de chambre. Seal removed, right one-fifth of document illegible, with a stain just intruding at the bottom of signature, estimated accordingly. $500-700

330. CHARLES DE GAULLE (1890 - 1970) President of France and organizer and chief of the Free French forces during World War II. Exceptional, oversized war-date I.S.P. 11" x 14" b/w, a mid-chest, up portrait of DeGaulle with a self-assured air, in uniform with his arms crossed on his chest, Signed at bottom (in French): "To the committee of Free France of Columbia C. de Gaulle". This photo was given to a British intelligence officer by De Gaulle's Free French office in early 1945. Some unevenness of ink in the inscription, a clean 1" tear at left margin with slight silvering thereat, overall very good.$1,000-1,500

331. DIANA, PRINCESS OF WALES (1961 - 1997) Princess of Wales and wife of Charles, Prince of Wales, the immensely-popular princess was tragically killed in a car accident while attempting to avoid reporters. Rare T.L.S. "Yours Sincerely Diana" 1p. 8vo., Kensington Palace, Oct. 25, 1993, to Chris Westwood, in part: "...I am very sorry to not be able to join you for your opening night performance of `Under Mild Wood'. However, I am sure that this colourful story of a day in the life of a Welsh fishing village will bring pleasure to audiences in Adelaide throughout the season...". With holograph salutation "Dear Mr. Westwood", two small tape stains, one of which lightly affects Diana's signature, else boldly signed and very good. $2,000-3,000

"...What tools of politicians we are all..."

332. WALLIS SIMPSON (1896 - 1986) American divorcee whose romantic liaison with King Edward VIII resulted in his abdication of the throne "for the woman I love". A superb grouping of six lengthy fine content A.L.S. and one T.L.S. "Wallis" mostly from Nassau, Bahamas ca. 1939-1941, where she lived with the banished Edward following his abdication of the throne. All are written to Jack Warner and his wife, friends of the Windsors who supplied the exiled royals with gifts and comestibles not available in the Bahamas. In very small part: "...This is a very difficult place to write from. We feel rather stupid writing to people who are living in the world. We have only the propaganda from the radio to reply upon and these days it really borders on the ridiculous...What tools of politicians we are all, and how grateful I have no children to be tossed about by them...What a race of servants [the British] -- they should be made to fight all wars with the politicians or their officers...Hope to get to Canada by hook or crook but have no definite plans...Do not forget to see if you can get more of that heavenly smoked trout...We suffer from shortages of things due to boat service. Soon it will be a real war...and a good thing it will be those who seem blind to the fact of war....The heat has been worse and I despair of having left here another summer, but England since the war is determined that the Duke shall never have a decent job, so what can we do but grin and bear it...The Hungarian delights arrived and also the book...not up to Berlin Diary [William Shirer's diary of his stay in Berlin in the 1930s]...Rose Wood says it is the truest picture of the Gestapo and she ought to know. We were most gratified for the clippings regarding the Duke of Kent, and I for all the political ones...Everything in the world seems utterly confused and now [Wendell] Wilkie threatens us with losing the peace...I think the Peace the most important item to win, I can't bear an idea that we might lose that...I read at least 4 books a week and every magazine. We are alone a great deal...Many thanks for the filets...I have been awfully busy with the Canteen as I am really running it...I am there day and night. I find it more interesting work than the Red Cross because it is more personal...To-morrow we leave for Paris, which we are not looking forward to as it is to be a round of visits to the dentist and people from England probably bringing bad news as that country can hand out to its ex-King!...Everything has arrived...The car...is a great success and the Duke uses it entirely for going back and forth to his golf...It has been very gay in Nassau...I have been reading the Kiplinger letters from Washington...but they don't present a very pleasant future for all of you in America. I am afraid you will be curtailed of things just as we were in England and France...I am buying up everything made of aluminum, silk and all the canned vegetables, etc. I can find...I am glad America has gone so far, but you know how I feel about war...". Overall very good condition. $1,000-1,500

Consolidating transport as the Allies close in

333. ADOLF HITLER (1889 - 1945) Fuhrer of Germany and Nazi Party leader, Hitler's bloody rise to power, his military seizure of most of Europe and North Africa and his genocidal racial policies culminated in suicide in his Berlin bunker as Russian troops approached. Rare, important late D.S. 2pp. large 4to., "Fuhrer's Headquarters", July 12, 1944, in which Hitler orders that due to the changing military situation, all sea transportation of the Army shall be brought under control of the Navy. The order, marked "Secret Dispatch" at top, reads in part: "...The development of the military situation brings ocean navigation into an ever closer relationship with the management of the war at sea and requires therefore a close accounting within the Army of all requests for sea transport. I therefore order...consistent handling of all requests for...sea transport for the Army by the Commander in Chief of the Navy [Raeder]...The disposition and responsibility of the Reichskommisars for merchant shipping...[is] no longer in force...To cut off the operations of the enemies of the homeland...management of sea transport by the Commander in Chief of the Navy was the basis of my order of 25 October 1943...This determination relieves the Chief of Staff of the Army of responsibility with the Chief of the Navy and the Reichskommisar for sea transport...". Boldly signed with a somewhat shaky hand. Initialed by Gen. WILHELM KIETEL and Gen. KURT ZEITZLER. This order was no doubt prompted by the Allies' powerful grip on the sea lanes in the Mediterranean, North Sea, and in the Channel. Hitler's shaky hand is explained by the fact that just two weeks earlier he had been wounded in the bomb attempt on his life. It had been only five weeks since D-Day, Cherbourg had fallen and Russian forces were making a determined attack from the east. $3,000-4,000

334. ADOLF HITLER Rare A.N.S. "Adolf Hitler" on a 3 1/2" x 1/2" slip [n.p., n.d.]. In full: "Many thanks for the detailed letter, which I intend to answer more fully soon. Best regards from Adolf Hitler". Closely cut, otherwise near fine condition.$1,000-1,500

335. BENITO MUSSOLINI (1883 - 1945) Italian dictator whose fascist supporters marched on Rome, securing him power; allied with Hitler, after many military and political setbacks he was captured and executed at war's end by partisans. Nice A.L.S. "Mussolini" on "Il Capo de Governo" letterhead, 1p. 8vo., Rome, May 22, 1927, in Italian to Constanze Ciano, Minister of Communications. In part: "...The long distance telephone system in Predappio Nuova has not yet settled in. Please check with the [telephone] company...". Mussolini grew up in Predappio, which perhaps explains his particular interest in this matter. Boldly penned and very good.800-1,200

Castro and Che signed document

336. FIDEL CASTRO AND CHE GUEVARA FIDEL CASTRO (b. 1927) Cuban revolutionary who led the guerilla campaign against Batista, overthrowing the dictator and replacing him with the first communist government in the Western Hemisphere; and ERNESTO "CHE" GUEVARA (1928 - 1967) Argentine Marxist revolutionary and guerrilla leader, allied with Fidel and Raul Castro in their successful revolutionary activities, headed Cuba's finances, led revolutionary activities in the Congo and in Bolivia where he was captured and executed. Incredibly rare document signed by both Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, 1p. legal folio, Havana, Oct. 20, 1962, in full: "Ministry of Industries Let it be known that Ramon Sanchez has received these presents from the Minister of Industries for his attitude and for the efforts maintained during his work; in virtue of these merits, we present this Diploma Dated in Havana the 20th day of the month of October of 1962". At conclusion, Castro has signed his name in full: "Fidel Castro", with Guevara typically signing "Che" as Minister of Industries. At center the document bears a vignette of smokestacks and a tractor, with a book and a semi-automatic rifle in the foreground. Some dampstaining affects the top half of the document, light toning with a few creases, nevertheless entirely presentable. On the very day this document was signed, at the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis, John F. Kennedy and his cabinet were debating the use of nuclear air strikes and blockades against Cuba!$8,000-10,000

337. FIDEL CASTRO Exceptional, rare signed book Una Revolucion Que Sabe Defenderse (One Revolution Which Knows How to Defend Itself), by Jose Hernandez Sanchez, paperback, approx. 105 pp. with illustrations, published by Editoria Politica, Havana, 1988, boldly inscribed by Castro on the front flyleaf: "Sin el conocimiento absoluto de nuestra historia, hoy seria vana lan incansable lucha de nuestro valeroso pueblo"("Without the absolute knowledge of our history, the present inexhaustible struggle of our community would be in vain"). Very light toning at margins, else near fine condition.$1,000-1,500

338. FIDEL CASTRO Excellent, attractive D.S. "Fidel Castro" 1p. 4to., [Havana?, 2000], in Spanish, an award document recognizing Javier Duran for his "outstanding participation" in festivities honoring the "victorious entrance of the Revolution to the New Millenium". Boldly signed, fine condition. $800-1,200

339. FIDEL CASTRO Important D.S. "Fidel Castro" as Prime Minister with two margins also initialed, 4pp. folio on Republic of Cuba Presidencia letterhead, Presidential Palace, Havana, July 7, 1959 ("Year of Liberation"), headed "Law No. 439". In this document, Castro orders that a special fund of 1,000,000 pesos be created to fund the ministry charged with the recovery of embezzled goods. No doubt Castro sought to recover the hundreds of millions of dollars stolen by Batista and his associates when they fled Cuba. First page bears a small stain at bottom, files holes in left margin of all the pages barely graze one set of initials, else very good. $1,000-1,500

340. FIDEL CASTRO Rare S.P. "Fidel" 7 1/2" x 9 1/2" color, a vintage photograph retouched in color and printed upon plastic, nicely signed in blue ballpoint on the verso. The photo was obtained by a Russian politician who notes the item's provenance on verso, with official USSR Ministry of Culture stamp. Two tiny indents at upper-left, else very good. $600-800

341. ERNESTO "CHE" GUEVARA (1928 - 1967) Argentine Marxist revolutionary and guerrilla leader, allied with Fidel and Raul Castro in their successful revolutionary activities, headed Cuba's finances, led revolutionary activities in the Congo and in Bolivia where he was captured and executed. Exceedingly rare D.S. "Che" as President of the National Bank of Cuba, 1p. folio, Havana, August 24, 1960, a 2,250,000 peso Provisional Certificate registering the terms and conditions of the "Issuance of `Bonds of the National Institute of Savings and Housing, 1960-1976'". These bonds promised to pay an interest rate of 4 % per annum until 1976, and were undoubtedly used to help finance Castro's new Socialistic housing plans for the Cuban population. With Che at the national bank's helm, the country's economy was nearly ruined in his zeal to rapidly turn the economy into a Marxist showpiece. Usual cancellation marks and punches and one tiny spot of soiling at upper left, otherwise fine condition. An exceptionally rare document.$2,000-3,000

342. ARGENTINE INDEPENDENCE Exceedingly rare L.S. signed by all three members of the revolutionary triumvirate of the newly independent Argentina, BERNARDIO RIVADAVIA, FELICIANO ANTONIO DE CHICLANA and MANUEL DE SARRATEA, 2pp. 8vo., Buenos Aries, Apr. 9, 1812 in Spanish to Colonel Domingo French concerning the transfer of carriages and horses and expressing confidence in French's abilities for "the continuation of such an important objective". Also signed by Secretary NICHOLAS HERRERA. Light soiling and dampstaining along extreme margins, otherwise very good. A fine document for the first year of Argentina's independence.$2,000-3,000

343. VENUSTIANO CARRANZA (1859 - 1920) Mexican revolutionary and politician, proclaimed "first Chief" by a coalition of revolutionary bands including Villa and Zapata, elected President of Mexico but deposed and killed attempting to escape the capitol with a trainload of gold and lady followers. Extraordinary, oversize and quite rare S.P. 10" x 14" sepia, a full-length image of Carranza while head of the Constitutionalists, showing him full-length as he prepares to board a train, signed "V. Carranza" and dated April 3, 1914 at Juarez. Beautifully framed with the image floating above a mat in a shadowbox with an ornate, carved wood molding frame. Very good condition. $1,200-1,500

344. ISABELLA I (1451 - 1504) "Isabella the Catholic", Queen of Spain (1474-1504) who approved and financed Columbus' proposal to seek out a new route to Far East. Scarce D.S. "Yo la Regna" 1p. folio, Grenada, Sep. 30, 1499 to her Chamberlain Sancho de Paredes instructing him to give several yards of white damask to the friars of San Jeronimo of Cordoba by way of payment for a casket. Two cut cancels professionally mended on verso, not affecting signature and nearly impossible to detect. Very good to fine.$1,500-2,000

345. BENITO JUAREZ (1806 - 1872) Mexican revolutionary and statesman, instrumental in the revolution against Santa Anna, and conducted successful war against the French and Maximilian culminating in his ascendancy to the presidency. Manuscript L.S. "Benito Juarez" 2pp. 8vo., Mexico City, Mar. 30, 1868 to a friend, in Spanish. Largely untranslated, but with reference to a correspondence with a Mr. Gonzalez sent by mail from Vera Cruz, with additional mention of a battle at Matamoros and Tampico. At this time, Juarez was consolidating his power following the execution of Maximilian, and was plagued by rebellions throughout Mexico. Certainly worthy of translation! $600-800

346. STALIN'S REVOLUTIONARY ARREST RECORD AND MUG SHOT (JOSEPH STALIN) (1879-1953) Soviet Premier and dictator who reorganized the government and army through bloody purges of his political enemies, allied with the Nazis who then turned on him and invaded the Soviet Union, costing 20 million lives. A superb Stalin item, namely his St. Petersburg arrest record dated April 22, 1912 and bearing three mug shot photographs of the future dictator! The document is a double-sided octavo-sized heavy stock card bearing photos of Stalin on the front, depicting him in both bust and profile portraits, with a slightly larger photo showing him full-length. On the verso, holograph notations include his proper name "Dzhugashvili, Iosif Vissaryonovich", adding: "Nickname: Koba Alias: Chistykov, Peter Alexeivich Criminal Activity: Social Democrat...bearing a peasant's passport...Christian...studied in a seminary...holds professional position as a low-level clerk...previous record organizing trade unions, twice arrested for false credentials...speaks Georgian...Special markings: disease scarred across the body...32-34 years old...", and so on. Folds with creases somewhat affecting photos, yet overall very good, with great historical importance. Stalin's first noticeable appearance in politics was in February 1912, just two months before this arrest, when Lenin chose him to serve on the first Central Committee of the Bolshevik Party. His revolutionary activities resulted in numerous arrests and exile on six different occasions. $1,000-1,500

Shutting down a newspaper

347. LEON TROTSKY (1879 - 1940) Russian Communist leader who with Lenin organized the Bolshevik October Revolution, defeated by Stalin in their struggle for control of the government, banished and later assassinated in Mexico. Rare, fine content A.D.S. in blue indelible pencil, written on the recto and verso of a telegram sent to him from Penza, May 17, 1918. The telegram reports that the Czech Red Army formation is proceeding smoothly, with weapons being distributed without any resistance, thereby negating the need for any repressive measures. The telegram further states that the Czech National Council has reacted negatively, and suggests that the newspaper "Czechoslovakian Diary" in Omsk be shut down with presses confiscated. In his response, Trotsky orders that the regional council shut the Omsk newspaper and arrange for the transfer of the presses elsewhere. The union of the Czech lands and Slovakia was officially proclaimed in Prague on Nov. 14, 1918; no doubt Trotsky sought to cut-off any such similar Czech nationalistic sentiments in his own country. Trimmed at margins, slight soiling, overall very good.$750-1,000

348. LEON TROTSKY Rare typed D.S., 1p. oblong 8vo., Moscow, Sep. 13, 1920, a telegram in which Trotsky, as Chairman of the Military Council, writes that it is necessary to immediately replace Engineer Grigorievich with a more energetic and active worker, due to his inability to thrive in the work conditions on the road at the front. Trotsky also suggests granting the replacement engineer three days to arrive at the front, and asks that he be granted assistance in obtaining swift, comfortable passage to Gomel. Trimmed a bit at top, not affecting text, overall very good.$700-900

349. SERGEY STEPNIAK (1851 - 1895) Russian and revolutionary who took part in the assassination of the Chief of the political police, General Mezentov, in 1878. He left Russia in 1882 and settled in England, where he wrote The Career of a Nihilist. Fine collection of thirteen A.L.S.'s in English from Nov. 18, 1885 to May, 1890 largely to his publisher, Swan Sonnenschein, regarding the completion of Stepniaks' monumental work, The Russian Peasantry, Their Agrarian Condition, Social Life and Religion (London, Sonnenschein, 1888). In very small part: "...In respect of my new work on Russian --the R. Peasantry -- I am quite prepared to make an arrangement at once...The copy I have makes about 60,000 words. I can deliver ready for print in two weeks notice. The remainder can be completed in one month...You will have a fresh book...Would you mind sending me the agreement to sign?...". Overall in very good condition, and deserving of further research. $800-1,000

350. LEONID BREZHNEV (1906 - 1982) Soviet leader who engineered the ouster of Khrushchev, chairman of the Presidium, and established the Brezhnev Doctrine entitling the Soviet Union to interfere in affairs of Warsaw Pact countries. Rare oversize signed book Leonid Ilych Brezhnev, Moscow, 1976, a lavish photo-biography of Brezhnev, bearing a pasted in presentation bookplate signed by Brezhnev and dated 1977. With slipcase, very good to fine.$300-500

351. WHO'S WHO IN MOSCOW SOCIETY A large grouping of over 400 pieces consisting of greeting cards, and a few pieces of social correspondence, addressed to Vladimir Piomislov, chairman of the Moscow City Council during the 1960s and 1970s. Correspondents include KONSTANTIN CHERNENKO (3 pieces), EDWARD SHEVERNADZE (2 pieces), ANDRE GROMYKO (4 pieces), G. A. ALIYEV, the current president of Azerbaijan, (3 pieces), VALENTINA TERESHKOVA (3 pieces), DINMUKHAMMED KUNAEV, Secretary of Communist Party Central Committee of Kazakhstan (3 pieces), SHARAF RASHIDOV, Soviet ruler of Uzbekistan (1 piece). Also includes several cards from Leonid Brezhnev bearing his rubber stamp signature. Numerous other greeting cards from other Moscow and Russian luminaries forming a veritable who's who of Soviet society in the 1960s and 1970s. Very good condition. $500-700

352. CATHERINE II (1762 - 1796) "Catherine The Great", Czarina of Russia who murdered her husband Peter III and proclaimed herself Czarina (1762). She added huge tracts of land to the Russian Empire, while suppressing the peasants and serfs within her realm. Very attractive, scarce manuscript D.S. "Ekaterina" 1p. lg. folio, an award from the Russian consulate bestowing an honor to the Naples government. Co-signed by Duke F. N. Golytzin, boldly signed by Catherine and adorned with a huge 5 1/2" round intact wax paper seal. With the integral fair copy in Latin attached at verso. A central vertical fold, otherwise in very fine condition. A mostattractive example, perfect for display. $1,200-1,500

353. NICHOLAS II (1868 - 1918) Czar of Russia forced by the Revolution of 1905 to create a Russian parliament and approve a constitution, abdicated during the February Revolution, assassinated with his family by the Bolsheviks after the October Revolution of 1917. Partly-printed D.S. "Nicholas" 1p. sm. folio, 1905, in Russian. Untranslated, but undoubtedly a document appointing a man to an honorary order. Very good to fine, perfect for framing.$700-900

354. THEODORE HERZL (1860 - 1904) Hungarian Jew, founder of modern Zionism. Sent to Paris as a correspondent, he reported on the Dreyfus affair and was soon appalled by the vicious anti-Semitism he observed. Herzl decided that Jewish assimilation in Europe was impossible and that the only solution to the Jewish problem was the establishment of a Jewish national state, and organized the first Zionist World Congress, serving as its president. Fine content T.L.S. "Herzl" 1p. 4to., Vienna, Apr. 3, 1902, in German to "Esteemed Colleague", in part: "...We have addressed the Russian members of the A[ction] C[ommittee] with a circular asking them to mark the passages in their reports that should be reproduced in `Die Welt' [The World]. We are very sorry that this is not yet happened, because even though we are very willing to fulfill the wishes for publication, we cannot carry them out because we do now know whether one or another published article would cause awkward or even harmful feelings...It would be even better if you would...send reports to be published about the work and the situation in your area of activity on a monthly basis...With Zionist greetings...". In 1897, Herzl was elected the first president of the World Zionist Organization, and spent the last years of his life with world leaders, trying to garner financial and political support for the creation of the first proposed Jewish state. File holes at left margin, a marginal tear at right, ragged top margin reinforced with tape at verso, else very good.$1,500-2,000

355. THEODORE HERZL Fine content T.L.S. "Herzl" 1p. 4to., Vienna, Apr. 25, 1902, in German to "Esteemed Colleague", in part: "...We have the honor to inform you that we have taken note of the following resolutions of the National Fund Commissions: `The Commission has elected Dr. Farbstein as President. It is the duty of the President to get in contact with the A[ction] C[ommittee] and the members of the N.F. Commission...to convey all applications and drafts to them, and, if applicable, to determine the result of the a vote of the N.F. Commission...With Zionist greetings...". File holes at left margin, else very good. $1,500-2,000

"...the idea of our movement will not fail..."

356. HENRIETTA SZOLD (1860 - 1945) Jewish American leader and founder of Hadassah, the first woman elected to the World Zionist Organization. Fine content A.L.S. "Henrietta Szold" on her personal letterhead, 1p. 8vo., Jerusalem, Jan. 28, 1940, in Hebrew to the "First Youth of Kiryat Anaveem Ma'aley Hachameesh'a". In part: "...Although I am writing to you a long time after receiving your good wishes for my birthday, I thank you that all of me is absorbed with the heartfulness and sincere spirit of your letter. The spirit of your wishes serves as a sure guarantee that the idea of our movement will not fail. In these hard times...I drew much encouragement from the optimism and energy of your words and for me this is my dearest gift...". With the original holograph envelope cancelled in Jerusalem, fine. $500-700

On the Oslo Accords

357. YITZAK RABIN (1922 - 1995) Israeli Prime Minister, assassinated by a radical conservative opposed to his peace plan. Exceptional content T.L.S. "Y. Rabin" as Prime Minister on official embossed letterhead, 1p. 4to., Jerusalem, Oct. 20, 1993. In part: "...Your message of support for the Declaration of Principles and the Agreement of Mutual Recognition, signed between Israel and the Palestinians is truly appreciated. Israel has taken considerable risks in order to create an opportunity for peace and to put an end to violence and war. It is our wish to open a new chapter in the history of the Middle East - a chapter of mutual recognition, good neighborliness, mutual respect and understanding...From Jerusalem, the eternal capital of Israel and the Jewish people, in the language of the Bible, we say `Peace, peace to him who is afar and to him who is near'...". Fine condition. $500-700

On the proclamation of Israel

358. DAVID BEN-GURION (1886 - 1973) Israeli politician, proclaimed the independence of Israel in 1948, headed the provisional government, and was later Prime Minister. Fine content D.S. "D. Ben-Gurion" 2pp. 4to., [n.p.], n.d.], a typed portion of his work Israel: Years of challenge entitled "Independence Reborn", recounting his announcement of the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. In small part: "...With heavy heart I set out of a few minutes before for the Museum to proclaim the establishment of the Jewish State, which we had decided to name `Israel'...Inside the auditorium...hung a huge photograph of Theodore Herzl. The Philharmonic Orchestra played `Hatikva', which had been made the new State's anthem...I held in my hands the Declaration, which I read with a heart filled at once with trepidation and exaltation....I read the first Manifesto of the Council...then signed my name at the end of the Declaration...I announced that the State of Israel was now in existence...In the streets the throngs sang and danced...". Boldly signed, matted and framed. In fine condition, unexamined out of frame.
$300-400

View Royalty and Heads of State section from LIVE AND INTERNET AUCTION - PART II - Lots 1040-1101