Subject: Florida History

Official government certificate appointing Eugene A. Albee as Inspector of Customs for the District of St. Marks, Florida, signed by Isidore Blumenthal, Collector of Customs, Cedar Key, Florida, on May 15, 1875. The document is an 8 x 11 inch certificate with a blank reverse.

A one-page commercial letter written by Moses E. Levy on February 14, 1853, from Miconopy, Florida, to George N. Fairbanks, concerning land in Levy County, Florida. Levy, a prominent Jewish pioneer settler in Florida, arrived in 1821. The letter is significant due to its rarity; signed documents by this influential figure are scarce.

This 296-page Congressional Record documents the contested election of Stephen R. Mallory to the United States Senate from Florida in 1851. David Levy Yulee contested the election, resulting in a series of hearings and a final decision by the Senate. The record includes the full documentation of these hearings, culminating in the rejection of Yulee's claim and the confirmation of Mallory. Published August 24, 1852, this document details the legal arguments, political maneuvering, and ultimate outcome of this significant event in early American political history. Yulee's contest is notable given that he was the first Jewish Senator and the first Jew to participate in a contested election for federal office. The document highlights the complexities of Florida election laws, political strategies of the era, and the unique aspects of Yulee and Mallory's backgrounds as West Indies immigrants who entered Florida politics.

Issue No. 2, Vol. V, Vol. LV, Whole No. 1406 of Niles' National Register, published in Washington, D.C. on September 8, 1838. This newspaper edition covers a wide range of news, including events related to Creek Indians, the condition of Thomas Jefferson's grave and home, the French blockade of Mexico, news from the Western Frontier (Fort Gibson), Indian attacks in Florida, Texas news, astronomical discoveries by Sir John Herschel, Indian hostilities near Fort Leavenworth, a presidential proclamation concerning the seizure of ships, and developments in the Florida War. Additionally, it features news from Missouri regarding the construction of a new state house.

Congressional Record, 22nd Congress, 1st Session, "Report of the Committee on Military, To Whom Was Referred The Petition Of Major Abraham A. Massias." Dated December 12, 1832. This 18-page document chronicles the military activities of Major Abraham A. Massias in Florida during the War of 1812, detailing his service as a Captain in the 1st Rifle Regiment. The report includes accounts of his actions against Royal Marines, Native Americans, and Black soldiers. It also mentions Massias's role in lowering the American flag at Fort San Carlos and his subsequent actions at the Battle of Hammock. The document provides valuable insights into Massias's military career and the events of the War of 1812 in Florida.

Set of six trade cards depicting historical sites in Southern Florida. Each card measures 7 1/4" x 4 1/2" and features a different scene. The back of each card is blank except for a stamp indicating the store: Schneur's Curiosity Store, St. Augustine, FL. Accompanying text provides details about the business, describing Charles F. Schneur's extensive operations in Florida and beyond, including a branch in Jacksonville and publication of an illustrated guide to St. Augustine. This information is excerpted from Webb's Historical, Industrial and Biographical Florida, Part 1 (1885).

Set of six trade cards (7 1/4" x 4 1/2") depicting historical areas in Southern Florida. The cards are blank on the verso except for the stamped name of the store, Schneur's Curiosity Store, St. Augustine, FL. Accompanying text provides information about Charles F. Schneur's business, including details about his various locations and his publication of an illustrated guide to St. Augustine. The information is excerpted from Webb's Historical, Industrial and Biographical Florida, Part 1 (Wanton S. Webb, Editor and Compiler; W.S. Webb & Co., Publishers; New York; 1885).

Set of six trade cards (7 1/4" x 4 1/2") depicting historical areas in Southern Florida. Each card features a different scene, likely of a plantation. The back of each card is blank except for the stamped name of the store: "Schneur's Curiosity Store, St. Augustine, FL." Accompanying the cards is a description from Webb's Historical, Industrial and Biographical Florida (1885) detailing the business of Charles F. Schneur, owner of Schneur's Curiosity Store and St. Augustine Bazaar, which highlights the souvenir trade in St. Augustine, Florida, and his extensive experience in the curiosity business across various locations in the Northeast.

Congressional Record of a speech delivered by David Levy (later David Levy Yulee), Territorial Delegate from Florida, on March 5, 1844, concerning the tenth article of the Treaty of Washington and the extradition of criminals from Florida. This speech is significant as it predates Yulee's name change and his later role as the first Jewish Senator. The speech was exhibited at a Library of Congress exhibit in Cincinnati (AJA) in 2005. Includes biographical information on David Levy Yulee, detailing his birth in St. Thomas, his father's land purchase in Florida, his legal career, his election to the US Congress, his name change, his role in Florida railroad development, and his service in the Confederate Congress.

Bank draft issued by the United States Navy Yard, Pensacola, Florida, on June 2, 1838. Draft number 61, payable to the order of Geo. Brown for $156 at the Commercial Bank of New Orleans. The draft is stamped "Paid" and signed by Henry Etting, Purser. This is a rare example of Florida-related currency.