May 25: Landmark Abolitionist Material and Americana at Sotheby's New York
- by Thomas C. McKinney
Highlighted Americans from Sotheby's Two Centuries of American History: Highly Important Letters and Documents
The last item I'd like to bring to your attention is also the most contemporary and the last lot of the sale. Lot 94 is an Autograph Retained Draft Letter Signed by President Ronald Reagan in 1968, as Governor of California, in which he specifically states he will not "present myself as a candidate" for the presidency. This letter precedes his eventual election by twelve years, but dates to the beginning of his interest in the office. He did ultimately declare himself an active candidate in 1968, but was late to the game. The act did however help bring Reagan to national prominence and made him a serious candidate in 1976 and 1980, ultimately winning election in the latter year. This small piece of history is estimated $3,000-5,000.
Two Centuries of American History: Highly Important Letters and Documents will take place Wednesday, May 25th, 2016, at 2:00 PM eastern time. As previously stated, the catalog is not available online at this time. It should be made available both in print and on Sotheby's website in the very near future. For the time being, any information related to the sale can be found under the upcoming auctions page of Sotheby's Books & Manuscripts department. Exhibition dates and times (eastern) for the sale are the following in New York:
If you intend on bidding, registration with Sotheby's is required, which can be done here. This has the additional benefit of being able to track the sale as well.