1864

Boker, George H. (George Henry), 1823-1890

Book signed

Title: Poems of the War

Written by Philadelphia poet, playwright and diplomat George Henry Boker. First edition copy signed by one of Lincoln's secretaries John G. Nicolay as "Jno G. Nicolay / Sept 19th 1864." Published by Ticknor and Fields. Contains 37 poems, including 4 sonnets (Boker is remembered favorably for his sonnets in particular). 31 of the poems deal with the war, including "The Crossing at Fredericksburg," "The Black Regiment," and "Before Vicksburg," among others. 6 fall under the heading "Miscellaneous Poems." Pebble-grained green cloth cover, stamped in blind with gilt-stamped title on spine. Boker…

GLC00530

6 March 1863

Boker, George H. (George Henry), 1823-1890

Autograph letter signed

Title: to David Bell Birney

Boker, Secretary of Philadelphia's Union League, thanks General Birney for the flag of General Philip Kearny, recently donated to the League (refer to GLC02608.01). Declares "I never before was so thoroughly impressed with my incompetency to perform any duty that was allotted to me. If you could have been present at the Solemn Silence which fell on all lips, as I reverently unrolled that war-worn standard ... you would understand how poorly mere words can convey the feeling which it inspired." Thanks Birney for the "treasure which I know that you esteem above all other symbols save that of…

GLC02608.02