A large photographic and manuscript archive of Frederick Roberts (1787-1868), a New York bookbinder, and his family. The archive includes nine (9) cased images, Roberts’s 1802-1808 Correspondence book containing 47 letters written to him, two (2) composition books (1832 & 1836), an expense book (1854-1858), and 3 additional letters. 

One of the most interesting letters was written by Londoner W. Bailey to Frederick’s brother, Thomas, in 1798. The Englishman, writing with a healthy dose of sarcasm, asks about Americans’ opinions of the British: “Have the Americans began to think any better of 'the dastardly English' yet? Or do they still retain the same affection for their dear allies?”

He also includes an extended discussion of increasing tensions with Napoleon Bonaparte: “The run of politics in this country now centers in the boasted invasion of the French. Men of all parties are learning the rise of arms; + we may be literally called a nation of soldiers. But it is all to no purpose, for the French have not yet asked leave of the blue-coat boys, to come over. - and you know, John Bull putts great dependence on these lads, as they play so prettily at ball. It is said, they float about on the sea shut up in large wooden boxes, and when they meet with any one they do not like, they pelt at them through little holes cut in the side. Their balls I am told, are so hard, that if they were to hit a man it would not fail to knock him down. And they are so expert at throwing them, & exercise their sport so much upon those who are anyways opposed to them, that it has become a subject of serious complaint from several foreign powers, particularly Spain, France + Holland; + they have singled out three of the ringleaders of this curious set of beings (viz Howe, Jervis, + Duncan) as the most atrocious offenders in this respect. God knows where it will end; but the [illeg.] was extremely agitated."

One of Frederick's sons, Eugene Frederick Robert (1837-1888), served in the Civil War and his letter archive is included in Lot 226. 

The archive includes: 

Correspondence & Manuscripts

1. Frederick Roberts's book of correspondence. 21 August 1802 - 10 June 1808. Includes 47 letters received by Frederick Roberts, the majority from his relative Joseph Roberts of Philadelphia and other relatives, including those from England. A complete list of letters with dates is available upon request. 

2. Mary Roberts (b. 1803), Frederick's wife. Composition book. 1832. 109 pages with writing, occasional watercolor illustration. Mostly poetic compositions. 

3. Alexander Roberts (b. 1821), Frederick's son. Composition book. 1836. 86 manuscript pages. 

4. Expense book. 1854-1858

5. Autograph letter signed by W. Bailey to Thos. Roberts of New York. London, [England], 28 May 1798. 4 pages, 4to. Integral address panel. 

6. ALS by Fred. Roberts to C. Corthorn. New York, 1 October 1837. 3 pages, 4to.Integral address panel. Death of his sister. 

7. ALS by C. Corthorn to Fred Roberts. Change Alley, [London], 12 December 1837. 

Cased Images 

1. Sixth plate ambrotype - dual portrait poss. Frederick Roberts and Mary Alexander Roberts. (Modern ID note behind plate). Pressed paper case

2. Sixth plate hand-tinted daguerreotype dual portrait - father and son? Half pressed paper plate. 

3. Sixth plate ambrotype portrait of a woman. Pressed paper case

4. Ninth plate daguerreotype portrait of teenage boy. [New York]: [Quinby]. Mat stamped “385 Broadway”. Half pressed paper case. With illustration, presumably of the subject, behind the plate.

5. Ninth plate hand-gilt daguerreotype portrait of a teenage girl. 

6. Ninth plate ambrotype portrait of a bearded man. Half leatherette case. 

7. Ninth plate hand gilt and hand tinted ambrotype portrait of a fashionable woman with jewelry. Leatherette case with clasp. Inscription behind plate but difficult to read. 

8. Ninth plate hand gilt and tinted ambrotype portrait of a fashionable man with a wide bowtie. Thermoplastic case. 

9. Ninth plate ambrotype portrait of a woman (striped shawl collar jacket). Brass frame and mat, no case. 

Miscellaneous

1. Robert's family heraldry. Print. 2 trimmed sheets.

[Photography, Early Photography, Historic Photography, Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Tintypes, Cased Images, Union Cases, Albumen Photographs, CDVs, Carte de Visites, Cartes de Visite, Carte-de-visite, Cartes-de-visite, CDV, Cabinet Cards, Stereoviews, Stereocards] [Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs]