Auction Date:2009 Jun 24 @ 10:00 (UTC-4 : AST/EDT)
Location:6270 Este Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232, United States
personal correspondence and later career, 1844-1845, 1888-1907; ca 400 items.
The bulk of the lot falls late in Ruger's career, including documenting his tenure as Commander of the Dept. of California (1888-1897) and his retirement years, along with a few items of early family correspondence. This lot begins when Ruger was completing his stint as Commander of the Dept. of the Dakotas, based in St. Paul, and with his acceptance as the post in California in 1891, adding in the following year Commander of the Dept. of Columbia.
The lot breaks down into several significant pieces, including military correspondence and orders, particularly relating to orders in California and the Northwest; materials relating to military training and preparedness; letters of congratulations on his new posts, his promotion to Major General, and his retirement.
Among the earliest items in the collection, one can sense that Ruger was ready to leave his appointment in the Dakotas. Three letters regarding his appointment to a commission to deal with the Sioux Indians in 1888, give a hint. He was asked to oversee carrying out a Congressional resolution which provides for dividing a portion of the reservation of the Sioux Nation of Indians in Dakota into separate reservations and for securing the relinquishment of the Indian title to the remainder, but perhaps because he recognized that such a project would require the assent of three quarters of male Indians, Ruger declined, saying he had other plans that would conflict.
Given Ruger's prominent position, it is no surprise that he was occasionally subject to political pressures from Washington, and the correspondence includes a number of delicate exchanges. Foremost among these is an interesting exchange of 8 letters in 1890 over Ruger's choice for postings at Yellowstone Park, and the not so subtle pressures being mounted by officials in Washington, particularly over opposition to the appointment of Frazier Boutelle, who had made himself obnoxious to the Secretary of the Interior. Boutelle was dismissed from the post in 1891.
Not all was power politics, however. From roughly the same period is a fabulous letter from the War Department approving Ruger's request to enlist Indian soldiers that reveals the meaning of ulterior motives: If at any time an increase in the number of Indian scouts authorized for your department shall seem advisable to you, the letter reads, I shall be glad to authorize such increase. And this not entirely on the ground of the necessity for their employment, but also the question of policy may be considered if it shall appear that such enlistments will have a good effect upon the temper of the Indians, and this indirectly influence favorably the ultimate solution of the general problem of Indian pacification and civilization.
As a former Commandant at West Point, Ruger was perhaps naturally interested in professional training for the army and cavalry, and the collection includes a number of exchanges over proper examinations for officers, training methods, and regulations. Among other items, there is a set of Suggestions for improvement of the Infantry Drill Regulations, Fort Reno, Oregon Territory, 1895; a thick packet of printed orders and other materials relating to regulations at Fort Leavenworth, 1881-1885; letters from 1898 seeking Ruger's opinion on the Congressional act to require Army and Navy to use rifles of the same caliber; and a memorandum on the proper use and placement of machine guns.
Also in keeping with his experience, Ruger was selected after his retirement from active duty to become President of the Military Service Institution, an organization founded in 1878 to contribute to progress in military science. In the clutch of approximately 25 items relating to his work with the MSI, the highlight is a letter from Gen. Shaffer in the Philippines, December 1901, declining to establish a branch of the MSI in Manilla: The facts are, my dear General, he wrote, that every officer in these Islands at this time is busy with work. I am afraid that there is not one who we could sufficiently interest to make a branch here at this time of much value. The days really seem too short to accomplish the task we have to perform, and it is my opinion that no interest in the mater you have mentioned can be brought about until we have established comparative peace and order throughout the Archipelago.
Although Ruger was technically retired at the time, the collection includes a few items of Spanish American War correspondence, starting with a typed letter requesting all general officers from the Civil War, e.g. Ruger, to serve in the National Volunteer Reserve. Among the other letters is a fine one from S.C. Mills, a fellow officer in the regular Army, who had been mustering troops at Chickamauga for service in the War, but whose experience was not delightful: Coppinger was never intended by nature as a Corps commander, and some of the other general officers there [Tampa] were not up to their work… they all seemed afraid to take a strong grip. There was a good deal of growling but very little honest effort at doing the best under the circumstances... the result while I was at Tampa was a confusion and lack of system that would have been funny if it had not been so serious in its results. From what the people coming back say the same thing was true at Santiago, and altogether I don't believe we have any reason to be proud of any thing save the fighting ability of our regular troops, and that we knew before hand was above par....
A few oddities in the collection are worth noting separately. A curiosity is a request from the Military Information Division, April 15, 1892, for discussion the question as to the best plan to be adopted by the U.S. military authorities, in case of war with Great Britain, to protect our northern frontier. After prodding with a second letter, Ruger replied simply that he needed more time. Even more ominous, along the same lines, is a thick sheaf of correspondence, reports, and maps relating to war preparations along the St. Lawrence River in 1896. Someone in the War Department really wanted to visit Canada.
In a different vein, but just as important, are three letters from Col. A.S. Burt of the 25th Infantry (one of the regiments of Buffalo Soldiers). Stationed in Missoula, Montana Territory, in 1896, and thinking back to something he had witnessed during the Siege of Corinth during the Civil War, he devised a system in which trumpets were used to send telegraphic signals. His letters include a mimeographed page of music showing his system and four (identical) printed pages showing the same. It may not be coincidental, but this was the same year that the 25th Infantry attempted to use bicycles for transport instead of horses.
Finally, there is a thick (3") packet of correspondence and documents relating to the significant, but failed, visit of the Chinese ambassador, Li Hongzhang (or Li Hung Chang), in 1896, who had come on a mission to press the United States into easing its anti-Chinese immigration laws. The correspondence documents include detailed arrangements for travel, security, press coverage, as well as finances, and much more.
As might be expected, the collection includes a number of letters from well known general officers and high ranking members of the US Army, many with a Civil War pedigree. Among other officers represented in the collection are George A. Ruggles, Fitz-John Porter (2 ALsS, 1896-1897); Wesley Merritt (ALS, 1894), Nelson A. Miles (3 ALsS, 1895-1897); O.O. Howard (2 TLsS, 1895-1897, 2 ALsS 1866, 1894); George Gordon Meade (ALS, 1895); Charles R. Greenleaf (ALS, 1895); Henry Russell (ALS, 1895); and J.M. Schofield (2 TLsS, 1895). There are dozens of invitations to all sorts of functions from lesser known military officers, politicians, and friends; some attractively printed, including two different programs, a ticket, and map of the ceremonies dedicating the Grant Monument, 1897; many letters congratulating Ruger on promotion and in 1897, lamenting his retirement; and companion diaries kept by Ruger and his wife on a trip to Europe in July 1895. Anna Ruger's diary is illustrated (not entirely successfully) and includes pressed flowers and plants.
Scattered through the lot is a considerable amount of personal correspondence, mostly from Ruger's later years, but including a series of 20 letters from the mid-1840s between brothers Alexander Wilson in Ireland and James Wilson, who had recently emigrated to Easton, Pa. The letters from James, long and well written, offer insights into an outsider's first take on American politics. In Dec. 1844, the ardent Democrat James Wilson writes: Polk made a speech at Nashville that if he carries out the outcomes he there expressed, he will be a very popular President -- even the Whigs approve to but you may say that us a sorry recommendation. Well I don't care much about pleasing Whigs (as a party) but if he pleases Democrats (and I think he will) I have no objection that Whigs are also pleased.... In Feb. 1845, he continued his thread: I see that Congress is greasing the Texas question in different ways to make it as palatable as possible for the North. They ought to all as some has done enter their solemn protest against such an unholy class which is in every respect calculated to perpetuate slavery and bind honest citizens to a reckless band of robbers gathered from Europe & America... Also approximately 60 letters to Ruger's wife, Anna, including some personal letters and a series of letters of condolence of Ruger's death in 1907. Two pairs of engraved invitations to the Coolidge White House (1927 and 1928), four entrance tickets to the White House (1925-1929), and a pair of tickets for the 1936 Army-Navy football game (sadly, Navy won) in Anna Ruger's name brings up the rear.
A fine assemblage of materials from Ruger's later years, including important autographs, a handful of items relating to the Indian Wars in the Dakotas and the Buffalo Soldiers, and military preparedness in all its phases.
Descended directly in the family of General Thomas H. Ruger
Condition: Generally good condition throughout, with expected wear and tear.
Auction Location:
6270 Este Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232, United States
Previewing Details:
Tuesday, June 23, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday, June 24 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Taxes:
| Tax | Rate | Desc. |
| Ohio |
5.5% |
Ohio State Tax |
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
17.5% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
Cowan's is happy to provide a shipping estimate in advance of the auction. We have partnered with an outside shipper - Wrap-It Postal. Their services to our respected customers are based inside the Cowans facility.Please contact Wrap-It Postal by email at shipping@cowans.com, or call 513.871.1670 (ext.19). You can also submit a request for an online quote . All shipping and packing costs will be charged separately by Wrap-It Postal to your credit card on file.
Cowan's is in no way responsible for the acts or omissions of independent handlers, packers or shippers of purchased items or for any loss, damage or delay from the packing or shipping of any property.
ADVICE TO INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: Cowan's will not ship any package containing a firearm to any location other than within the United States. Buyers outside the United States must make their own shipping arrangements taking full risk for the transportation of any firearm.
Buyers are required to pay for all packing, shipping and insurance charges. Overseas duty charges are the responsibility of the successful bidder. Be aware that for larger and/or valuable items, shipping charges can be substantial.
Payment Details:
The purchase price for each lot shall equal the hammer price, buyer's premium, sales tax and, if applicable, all packing, handling, insurance and shipping costs. Payment may be made with cash, personal or traveler's check, Visa or MasterCard.
Buyers who are present at the auction must pay the full purchase price at the time of the sale. Buyers who bid by telephone or who are absentee bidders will be invoiced within 5 days after the close of the auction and must pay the full purchase price for each purchased lot within 14 days after the date of the auction. By signing the absentee bid form or placing an absentee bid by telephone, an absentee bidder authorizes Cowan's to charge the purchase price (hammer price, plus buyer's premium) for each lot for which such bidder is the successful bidder to the credit card number provided by telephone or on the absentee bid form, unless payment in full or alternative payment instruction is received within 14 days after the date of the auction. No property will be released by Cowan's unless the purchase price has been paid in full.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- VISA
- Master Card
- Check/Cheque
By registering and bidding in an auction conducted by Cowan's Auctions, Inc. ("Cowan's"), bidders (whether present in person, by telephone, by agent, by written or telephone absentee bid instruction, or through a live internet connection) agree to be bound by these terms. These are the complete and only terms and conditions on which all property is offered for sale.
1) REGISTRATION
All bidders must register their name, permanent street address (no P.O. Boxes), and telephone number prior to the auction. Unless known to Cowan's, all registrants are required to present two forms of identification, at least one of which must include a current photograph. Bidders may be required to present a valid Visa or MasterCard.
2) ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS
Bidding on any item, whether in person, by phone, by absentee bid or via a live internet auction indicates the bidder's agreement to be bound by these Terms and Conditions for Bidders. Any right of bidder under this agreement shall not be assignable and shall only be enforceable by the original buyer. The rights and obligations of the parties shall be governed by the laws of the state of Ohio. All bidders submit to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts in Ohio.
3) TERMS OF SALE
Announcements made the day of auction take precedence over any previous communication. The auctioneer reserves the right to withdraw any lot at any time before its final sale and to reject any bid for any reason. The highest bidder for each lot acknowledged by the auctioneer shall be the "buyer". If any dispute arises as to any bidding, or between two or more bidders, at the sole discretion of the auctioneer, the successful bidder will be determined or the disputed lot shall be put up again at the last undisputed bid and resold.
4) BUYER’S PREMIUM
(a) Buyer’s Premium for “Historic Firearms and Early Militaria”. The Auctioneer will collect and retain from the Buyer, as additional commission, a premium equal to 15% the Sale Price of each Lot up to and including $200,000, plus 10% of the amount by which the Sale Price exceeds $200,000.
(b) Buyer’s Premium for “Fine and Decorative Arts”, “Historic Americana” and “American Indian Arts”. The Auctioneer will collect and retain from the Buyer, as additional commission, a premium equal to 17 ½% of the Sale Price of each Lot up to and including $200,000, plus 10% of the amount by which the Sale Price exceeds $200,000.
(c) Buyer’s Premium for Internet Auctions conducted in Liveauctioneers.com. The Auctioneer will collect and retain from the Buyer, as additional commission a premium equal to 17.5% of the Sale Price of each Lot up to and including $200,000, plus 10% of the amount by which the Sale Price exceeds $200,000.
5) ESTIMATES AND RESERVES
Presale estimates are intended to be guides and may or may not reflect the ultimate hammer price of a lot. Cowan's retains the right to change estimates on any lot up to time of sale. A reserve is a confidential minimum price agreed upon by the seller of the lot and Cowan's. In the case of reserved lots, the seller has authorized Cowan's to bid on seller's behalf until the reserve price is reached. In no case will the reserve be higher than the low presale estimate. Cowan's standard house reserve on all property at auction is 70% of the low estimate.
6) WARRANTIES AND DISCLAIMERS
Cowan's makes a limited warranty only to the original buyer of record concerning the authenticity of each lot for a period of 14 days after bidder's receipt of merchandise. If a buyer is not satisfied that the lot purchased is genuine, the buyer may, at his or her own expense, obtain the opinion of two mutually agreed upon recognized experts in the field of the disputed lot. If these experts determine that the item is not genuine, the buyer's sole and exclusive remedy shall be the rescission of the sale and refund of the amount paid for the item. It is specifically understood and agreed that the rescission of the sale and refund is exclusive and in lieu of any other remedy which might otherwise be available as a matter of law or in equity, and such remedy is conditioned upon the buyer returning the property in the same condition as at the time of sale. Cowan's shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages. All sales are final, with no returns or refunds except as provided in this limited warranty.
Except as provided in the immediately proceeding paragraph, EVERY LOT IS SOLD "AS IS", without any representations or warranties by Cowan's or the seller as to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, condition or value of the property, or the correctness or completeness of the catalog or other description of the property, and no statement, whether written or oral shall be deemed such a representation, warranty or assumption of liability. Cowan's makes no representation or warranty that the buyer of manuscript material, photographs, prints or works of art will acquire any copyright or reproduction rights. Cowan's does not guarantee the working order of any clock, watch, electronic or mechanical device. Dimensions given in our descriptions may be approximate.
7) INSPECTION
Except for On-Line Only Auctions, all lots are available for inspection prior to the auction. Condition reports for most items can be found online at Cowan's website, www.cowans.com, and prospective bidders are encouraged to contact Cowan's directly for additional information regarding the condition of any lot. Cowan's does not warrant the condition of any item. Buyers interested in the condition of an item are encouraged to contact Cowan's and, to the best of our ability, we will document for the prospective bidder the condition status on any lot. Condition is always a subjective evaluation and final responsibility rests with the buyer to assess the condition of any item sold by Cowan's.
Absentee and telephone bidding is offered as a free service to our customers and prospective bidders. Cowan's shall not be responsible for any errors or failures in executing bids, either absentee, telephone or via the internet.
8) ABSENTEE BIDDING
Absentee bids are accepted via mail, phone, fax, email, or on our website. Such bids will be posted with the time and date of arrival, with ties being awarded to the earliest bidder.
All absentee bids must be made on Cowan's absentee bid form. An absentee bidder unknown to Cowan's may be required to submit a bank letter of credit prior to the auction, or, using a credit card, deposit with Cowan's a fee equaling 30% of the absentee bid.
All absentee bids are executed competitively by a member of the auction staff. The auction staff will try to purchase the lot for the lowest price possible and will bid up to the amount designated by the absentee bidder only if necessary. Cowan's does not accept "buy bids," or absentee bids which have no limit. In the event of a tie bid between a floor and absentee bidders, the floor bid will be honored.
All absentee bids must be received no later than 6:00 p.m. eastern standard time, the day before the start of each auction session.
9) TELEPHONE BIDDING
Bidding live via the telephone is available on a first come, first served basis for those lots with a low estimate of $500 or greater. In order for Cowan's to efficiently serve the needs of those who wish to bid by phone, please note the following:
• To participate in the auction by telephone, potential bidders must complete the absentee bid form and check “I WISH TO BID BY TELEPHONE” for the designed lots.
• Telephone bidders are advised to indicate an “insurance bid”, which amount will become an absentee bid, pursuant to the absentee bidding process set forth above, if Cowan’s can not reach the bidder by telephone for a particular indicated lot.
• Telephone bidders must disable any caller ID or other call blocking mechanism.
• Cowan’s sells about 100 lots per hour, so telephone bidders should plan accordingly. Cowan’s will attempt to reach each telephone bidder, but Cowan’s is in no way responsible for missed calls.
All reservations for telephone lines must be received no later than 6:00 p.m. eastern standard time, the day before the start of each auction session.
10) INTERNET BIDDING
Internet bidding via icollector.com may be available for certain auctions. There may be terms which apply to internet bids that should be reviewed on line at the time of sale. Cowan's is not responsible for any failure to execute a bid due to interruption of internet line service which is beyond our control.
11) BIDDING INCREMENTS
The following increments are used at the auction. Absentee bids must fall within these increments. Cowan's will automatically reduce any absentee bid to the closest increment if the bid falls outside the published range of increments.
For Bids falling Between Bidding Increment
$0-200 $10
$201-500 $25
$501-1000 $50
$1001-3000 $100
$3001-5000 $250
$5001 and up $500 or at the discretion of the auctioneer
Cowan’s reserves the right to modify increments at any time during the auction
AFTER THE AUCTION
12) BUYER'S RESPONSIBILITY
Upon the fall of the hammer, title to the offered lot shall pass to the buyer and the buyer immediately assumes full risk and responsibility for the lot, including liability for loss or damage.
13) PURCHASE PRICE AND PAYMENT
The purchase price for each lot shall equal the hammer price, buyer's premium, sales tax and, if applicable, all packing, handling, insurance and shipping costs. Payment may be made with cash, personal or traveler's check, Visa or MasterCard.
Buyers who are present at the auction must pay the full purchase price at the time of the sale. Buyers who bid by telephone or who are absentee bidders will be invoiced within 5 days after the close of the auction and must pay the full purchase price for each purchased lot within 14 days after the date of the auction. By signing the absentee bid form or placing an absentee bid by telephone, an absentee bidder authorizes Cowan's to charge the purchase price (hammer price, plus buyer's premium) for each lot for which such bidder is the successful bidder to the credit card number provided by telephone or on the absentee bid form, unless payment in full or alternative payment instruction is received within 14 days after the date of the auction. No property will be released by Cowan's unless the purchase price has been paid in full.
Institutional billing may be available, and should be arranged prior to the auction.
14) SALES TAX
Buyers are required to pay any applicable state and local sales tax.
15) SHIPPING
Cowan's is happy to provide a shipping estimate in advance of the auction. We have partnered with an outside shipper - Wrap-It Postal. Their services to our respected customers are based inside the Cowans facility.Please contact Wrap-It Postal by email at shipping@cowans.com, or call 513.871.1670 (ext.19). You can also submit a request for an online quote . All shipping and packing costs will be charged separately by Wrap-It Postal to your credit card on file.
Cowan's is in no way responsible for the acts or omissions of independent handlers, packers or shippers of purchased items or for any loss, damage or delay from the packing or shipping of any property.
ADVICE TO INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: Cowan's will not ship any package containing a firearm to any location other than within the United States. Buyers outside the United States must make their own shipping arrangements taking full risk for the transportation of any firearm.
16) SHIPPING CHARGES
Buyers are required to pay for all packing, shipping and insurance charges. Overseas duty charges are the responsibility of the successful bidder. Be aware that for larger and/or valuable items, shipping charges can be substantial.
17) REMOVAL AND STORAGE OF PROPERTY
If purchased property has not been removed, or Cowan's has not received shipping instructions within 21 days after the auction date, a $10 per item per day storage fee may be charged to the buyer.
18) CANCELLATION OF SALE
If purchased property remains in the custody of Cowan's for a period of 60 days following the auction, Cowan's may, at its option, cancel the sale, retaining as liquidated damages any payments made by the buyer, or resell the property at auction or by any other commercially reasonable means, and in such event, buyer shall be liable for the payment of all of Cowan's costs, including but not limited to storage and costs of sale.