William Buell Sprague (1795-1876) was a prominent Presbyterian clergyman in Albany, NY, perhaps best known as one of the great autograph collectors of his day. He was the first to complete a set of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. This collection of his own letters to fellow autograph collectors includes: 71 letters to Eliza Harriet Arnold Allen (1796-1873), wife of industrialist Zachariah Allen of Providence, RI, 1840-75 19 letters to Miss Elizabeth Rotch Arnold (1809-1860), daughter of wealthy merchant James Arnold of New Bedford, MA, 1842-49 4 letters to miscellaneous parties, 1828 and 1860-2. With two letters to Sprague from other collectors, 1828 and 1836.
with--Joseph H. Hedges (ca. 1828-1905), Philadelphia collector. Group of 3 Autograph Letters Signed, "JHH" or "JHHedges," to various other collectors. Together 4 pages, 8vo or 4to. Np, 1849-51. With 19 letters to Hedges from other collectors, concerning purchasing or trading or researching autographs. Together 27 pages, mostly 4to. Vp, 1843-99.