THE O'CONNOR AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION. A collection approximately 84 letters, addressed primarily to Major John Michael O'Connor (1790-1826) and his nephew, Charles O'Conor (1804-1884) and others, together with 62 clipped signatures. Most of the letters have been tipped in along the left margins, while most of the signatures have been mounted. Housed in a modern cloth bound album.

John Michael O'Connor was born in Philadelphia in 1790 to Hugh and Margaret O'Connor. He enlisted in the army in 1812 as a first lieutenant with the 3rd New York Artillery and was brevetted a major for his gallantry at the Battle of Chippawa in 1814. Following the War of 1812, O'Connor undertook a translation of Gay de Vernon's Treatise on the Science of War and Fortifications which became a standard text at West Point for many years afterwards. In 1818 he travelled to France to study at École Polytechnique near Paris as well as the military school at Metz. Plagued by chronic ailments, he retired from the army in 1821, and died in February 1826. Some of the more notable letters in the collection concern O'Connor's work on de Vernon's work.

[Includes:]

JEFFERSON, Thomas (1743-1826). Autograph letter signed in the third person ("Th:Jefferson") to Major [John] O'Connor, Monticello, 16 May 1824. One page, bifolium, 249 x 198mm. (light dustsoiling). With integral transmittal leaf addressed in his hand with his franking signature ("free Th:Jefferson"). A new book for the University of Virginia. Jefferson thanks O'Conor for "the Treatise on the science of war and fortifications, which he has been so kind as to send him. too far advance in hears to attend to the subjects of that kind, he will beg leave to place it, where it will become truly useful, in the library of the university of Virginia, which will be opened now with little delay. from this institution he hopes a great regeneration in the character of his native state, which for want of public instruction at home, has for some time had great difficulties to obtain it. the times are much clouded on both sides of the Atlantic. but public sentiment can never retrograde; and the advances daily making in the improvement of the human mind, ensure an ultimate issue in that of the condition of Man." While O'Connor's letter to Jefferson enclosing the book survives in the collections of the University of Virginia, at the time of writing, we have not sourced the book in their collections.

MADISON, James (1751-1836). Autograph letter signed ("James Madison") to Major [John] O'Connor, Montpellier, 16 May 1824. One page, bifolium, 250 x 202mm (light soiling). With integral transmittal leaf addressed in his hand with his franking signature ("Free James Madison"). Madison offers his thanks for sending along "The Translated Treatise on the Science of War &c.," adding that the "intrinsic value of the work forms a just title to my thanks: to which I must add those due for the kind interest you express in the few years of life remaining to me. With you there are many in prospect. I hope they will be happy ones; made so by continued pursuits useful to the public & Praiseworthy for yourself."

LAFAYETTE, Gilbert Motier, Marquis de (1757-1834). Autograph letter signed ("Lafayette") to [John] O'Conor, La Gange, 12 September 1818. Two pages, bifolium, 245 x 184mm. (toned at extreme margins). With integral transmittal leaf addressed in his hand. Lafayette writes of his disappointment that O'Conor's health will not permit him to visit Paris and may interfere with his plans to visit La Grange. After offering additional details on a possible visit, he turns to international affairs, particularly the revolutions gaining ground in South America, asking "how far the South Americans are Rife for their interior plans of a free Commonwealth. buenos ayres seems to go well. I may be mistaken, but I believe that the line of doctrines which may be admitted by the Congress of Aix la Chapple, can have a tendency, [illeg.] promote than to discourage the fellow feelings of the Northern Americans in favour of Southern Emancipation."

John Michael O'Connor died in 1826 leaving no issue. His sister, Margaret O'Connor (who had also married an unrelated Thomas O'Connor) died in 1816, so these letters likely remained with her widower until his death in 1855, when they would have come to his son, Charles O'Conor (who appears to have dropped an "n" in the family surname. Charles was a prominent New York attorney. In the course of his career O'Connor worked on several major divorce cases, including the famous Forrest Case, as well as serving as Aaron Burr's attorney in his separation from Lady Jumel—the latter represented by:

BURR, Aaron (1756-1836). Document signed ("A. Burr") [New York,] 14 February 1835. One page, 83 x 188mm.
Aaron Burr names Charles O'Conor "as Solicitor for me in this suit," namely his divorce from Eliza Jumel.

Charles O'Conor was also prominent in Democratic politics, serving as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York under the administration of Franklin Pierce. Their correspondence continued into the Civil War, where O'Conor supported the relief of Dartmouth President Dr. Nathan Lord, who was forced out of his office for his pro-slavery views:

PIERCE, Franklin (1804-1869). Autograph letter signed ("Frank:Pierce") as President to Charles O'Conor, Washington, 10 July 1854. Two pages, bifolium 179 x 110mm (toned at spinefold). Pierce accepts Charles O'Conor's request "to be relived from the burdens of the Office of District Attorney." * PIERCE, Franklin. Autograph letter signed ("Frankin Pierce") to Charles O'Conor, Pigeon Cove, Mass., 20 August 1863. Two pages, 181 x 114mm. Pierce asks O'Conor to direct his "attention for a few moments to a subject in which I fell much interest. I think we should shield that able, brave patriotic man, Dr. Lord, from the blow which abolition fanaticism has leveled at him." * PIERCE, Franklin. Autograph letter signed ("Frankin Pierce") to Charles O'Conor, Andover, Mass., 28 December 1863. Three pages on black-bordered mourning stationery, bifoium, 202 x 127mm. Pierce thanks O'Conor for his check to help with the relief of Dr. Lord. * PIERCE, Franklin. Autograph letter signed ("Frankin Pierce") to Charles O'Conor, n.p., "Saturday Morn" Two pages, 201 x 120mm.

O'Connor also had relationships with prominent Confederate leaders, including:

BENJAMIN, Judah P. (1811-1884). Autograph letter signed ("J.P. Benjamin") to Charles O'Conor, Washington, 25 March 1858. One page, 200 x 128mm. Thanking his correspondent for his comments on a recent speech and recommending he read "the opinion of the Ch. J. of Ohio on the same subject…." * DAVIS, Jefferson (1808-1889). Autograph letter signed ("Jefferson Davis") to Charles O'Conor, Beauvoir, 14 June 1882. One page, 238 x 152mm. A letter introduction for "Mr. Godfrey T. Johnson, the son of my esteemed friend C.G. Jonson of New Orlans. The young gentleman is at school in Nantucket and I have been requested to give him this letter of introduction, because the respect and admiration his Father feels for you…." * LEE, Robert E. (1807-1870). Autograph letter signed ("R.E. Lee") to Charles O'Conor, Lexington, Va., 12 March 1867. One page,202 x 125mm. Lee thanks O'Conor for his assistance in gaining admittance to the son of Daniel Ruggles into Washington College, adding his hope "that by faithful application to his studies, he may obtain the full benefit of the opportunity you have given him for acquiring and education."

Considering O'Connor's pro-Southern sympathies one of the surprises in the collection is: GARRISON, William Lloyd (1805-1879). Autograph quote signed ("Wm. Lloyd Garrison"), n.p., n.d. 44 x 120mm. "It is absurd and unjust to predicate the right of suffrage upon sex as it upon the color of skin."

O'Connor corresponded with numerous other notable political and social figures in the course of his carreer, among which are: GREELEY, Horace (1811-1872). Autograph letter signed ("Horace Greeley") to Edward White, New York, 20 September 1852. Three pages, bifolium, 153 x 97mm. In part: "I see no decisive enduring remedy for the [illeg.] of labor this side of Socialism — that is of a well-adjusted system of Partnership between the drivers and doers of any given work. Until we have that it seems to me that Railroad Companies must contract and contractors will sublet—how is this to be stopped?" * GREELEY, Horace (1811-1872). Autograph letter signed ("Horace Greeley") to Charles O'Conor, [New York,] 27 April 1860. One page, 246 x 198mm. A lengthy letter concerning the settlement of a lawsuit. * HOUSTON, Sam (1793-1863). Autograph letter signed ("Sam Houston") to Charles O'Conor, 31 June[?] 1838. Offering condolences on O'Conor's "bereavement" (perhaps on the loss of his brother John?), and making arrangements to meet. * WHISTLER, James McNeil (1834-1903). Autograph letter signed ("Mc:Neil Whistler") to "My Dear Henry" Paris, n.d. Three pages, 98 x 151mm. Bifolium. Announcing his marriage and contemplating a visit to New York.

Other autograph letters in the collection include: ADAMS, John Quincy (1767-1848). Autograph letter signed ("J.Q. Adams") to Alexander Mann at the University of Vermont, Washington 22 January 1838. One page, 253 x 202mm (toned). Declining an invitation to speak at "the annual commencement of August next…" * ASTOR, William B. Autograph letter signed ("Wm. B. Astor") to Charles O'Conor, New York, 3 March 1856. One page, 200 x 128mm. A brief note of receipt of a letter. * COLFAX, Schuyler (1823-1885). Autograph letter signed ("Schuyler Colfax") as Vice President, n.p., 27 April 1869. One page, 228 x 76mm. Acknowledging the receipt of a note. *

Charles O'Connor's other correspondents included: George BANCROFT (1800-1891), 3 letters; Hamilton FISH (1808-1893), 3 letters; Edward Everett HALE (1822-1909); Alexander HAMILTON, Jr. (1786-1875), 2 letters; John HAY (1838-1905); Joseph JEFFERSON (1829-1905); Reverdy JOHNSON (1796-1876) 3 letters; William L. MARCY (1786-1857); John NICHOLAY (1832-1901); Edwards PIERREPONT (1817-1892); Theodore SEDGWICK (1746-1813); Horatio SEYMOUR (1810-1886) Seymour2 letters; Gerrit SMITH (1797-1874) 2 letters; Samuel J. TILDEN (1814-1886).

The final fifth of the volume is filled with mounted clipped signatures and includes numerous presidents such as: John ADAMS (1735-1826) (from late in life); Millard FILLMORE (1800-1874); Benjamin HARRISON (1833-1901); Andrew JOHNSON (1808-1875); Abraham LINCOLN, (1809-1865) (2): Zachary TAYLOR (1784-1850); John TYLER (1790-1862) (2); Martin Van BUREN (1782-1862); Grover CLEVELAND (1837-1908). Politicians and other notables include: John C. CALHOUN (1782-1850); Henry CLAY (1777-1852) ; Roscoe CONKLING (1829-1888); Peter COOPER (1791-1883); Jefferson DAVIS (1808-1889); John A. DIX (1798-1879); Ralph Waldo EMERSON (1803-1882); Sam HOUSTON (1793-1863); Washington IRVING (1783-1859); William H. SEWARD (1801-1872) (2); Daniel D. TOMPKINS (1774-1825); Daniel WEBSTER (1782-1852) (2); John G. WHITTIER (1807-1892).