Jun 25, 2026 10:00 EST
The Collection of a Florida Bibliophile
30
Civil War draft substitute document signed by William "Boss" Tweed
Collection of a Florida Bibliophile
[CIVIL WAR]
Partially printed draft substitute document. New York City: September 9th, 1863. Two-page document signed "W.M. Tweed" as Supervisor. 7 x 8 1/2 inches (18 x 21.5 cm). The document affixed at top edge, usual horizontal fold, light soiling, adhesive remnants in upper margin, minute staple holes on the reverse, revenue stamp on the second page, Tweed's signature bold.
In the aftermath of the New York City draft riots of 1863, Tweed and other City officials sign authorization to pay the price of a draft substitute with city funds. Tweed signs as a member of the "New York County/Substitute and Relief Committee" as have two other supervisors and New York City Comptroller "Matthew T. Brennan." Henry Schweckendiek of Regiment No. 82 has been drafted and found a substitute named George Roe "in consideration of the sum of $300."
The Union Conscription Act of March 3, 1863, provided that all able-bodied males between the ages of 20 and 45 were liable to military service, but a drafted man who furnished an acceptable substitute or paid the government $300 was excused. There were nationwide protests but the most serious were in New York City where for four days (July 13-16, 1863) there occurred large-scale, bloody riots. In August the draft was peacefully resumed. Since the conscription provision that allowed the rich to buy exemption was especially resented, on August 28, 1863, Tweed's new Tammany city government voted to pay the necessary $300 for anyone who might be drafted. These documents provide that $300 would be paid by the city comptroller to the substitute. Tweed had just become head of New York City's political machine in 1863. By 1868, "Boss" Tweed's Tammany Hall organization controlled most of the city and state government in New York. The "Tweed Ring" stole millions of dollars from the city through bloated construction projects and kickbacks. Tweed was indicted for corruption, fled the country, was arrested in Spain and returned to stand trial in 1872. He died in prison in 1878.
Sold for $416
Estimated at $400 - $600
Includes Buyer's Premium
Collection of a Florida Bibliophile
[CIVIL WAR]
Partially printed draft substitute document. New York City: September 9th, 1863. Two-page document signed "W.M. Tweed" as Supervisor. 7 x 8 1/2 inches (18 x 21.5 cm). The document affixed at top edge, usual horizontal fold, light soiling, adhesive remnants in upper margin, minute staple holes on the reverse, revenue stamp on the second page, Tweed's signature bold.
In the aftermath of the New York City draft riots of 1863, Tweed and other City officials sign authorization to pay the price of a draft substitute with city funds. Tweed signs as a member of the "New York County/Substitute and Relief Committee" as have two other supervisors and New York City Comptroller "Matthew T. Brennan." Henry Schweckendiek of Regiment No. 82 has been drafted and found a substitute named George Roe "in consideration of the sum of $300."
The Union Conscription Act of March 3, 1863, provided that all able-bodied males between the ages of 20 and 45 were liable to military service, but a drafted man who furnished an acceptable substitute or paid the government $300 was excused. There were nationwide protests but the most serious were in New York City where for four days (July 13-16, 1863) there occurred large-scale, bloody riots. In August the draft was peacefully resumed. Since the conscription provision that allowed the rich to buy exemption was especially resented, on August 28, 1863, Tweed's new Tammany city government voted to pay the necessary $300 for anyone who might be drafted. These documents provide that $300 would be paid by the city comptroller to the substitute. Tweed had just become head of New York City's political machine in 1863. By 1868, "Boss" Tweed's Tammany Hall organization controlled most of the city and state government in New York. The "Tweed Ring" stole millions of dollars from the city through bloated construction projects and kickbacks. Tweed was indicted for corruption, fled the country, was arrested in Spain and returned to stand trial in 1872. He died in prison in 1878.
Auction: The Collection of a Florida Bibliophile, Jun 25, 2026
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Successful Auction of The Collection of a Florida Bibliophile on June 25, 2026 Tops $550k with 97% Sell-Through Rate
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Featuring a Wide Range of Americana and Military History Spanning the 18th through 20th Centuries
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We Invite You to Contact Us for a Complimentary Auction Evaluation of Your Collection
NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle's highly-anticipated auction of The Collection of a Florida Bibliophile on June 25, 2026 delivered outstanding results, with trans-Atlantic bidding driving the sale total beyond expectations and an impressive 97% sell-through rate. Comprising more than 200 lots, this extensive and fascinating collection featured books, manuscripts, and original illustration art spanning centuries of antiquarian interest.
Signed Volume from Abraham Lincoln's Personal Library - Sold for $64,000
Books from Abraham Lincoln's personal library are among the great rarities of the American book trade. Leading the sale was an 1849 first edition of William W. Campbell's The Life and Writings of De Witt Clinton inscribed by Lincoln that achieved $64,000, more than doubling its $20,000-30,000 estimate. Lincoln signed the book on November 19, 1860, less than two weeks after his election to the presidency. In February 1861, he would depart Springfield by train for Washington, never returning to his hometown until his burial following his assassination.
A United States Senator, Mayor of New York City, and Governor of New York, DeWitt Clinton is best remembered for championing the Erie Canal, one of the great infrastructure projects of the 19th century. Lincoln admired Clinton's vision and leadership, looking to him as a model of a strong executive capable of undertaking and completing ambitious public works.
British Military & Naval Color Plate Books - Sold for $16,640
The wide selection of color plate books featured magnificent first editions of James Jenkins' celebrated The Martial Achievements of Great Britain from the Year 1799 to 1815 and The Naval Achievements of Great Britain from the Year 1793 to 1817. Amid trans-Atlantic bidding, this elegant two-volume set sailed its $7,000-10,000 estimate to realize $16,640. Among the finest military color plate books of the early 19th century, these large-paper editions, featuring over 100 hand-colored aquatint plates, were presented in their most desirable state, with coloring of exceptional quality and delicately tinted plate surrounds not found in the regular issue. Completing the lot was an original watercolor by William Heath, the leading British military watercolorist of the period, prepared for one of the plates in The Martial Achievements.
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