that of the great emperor.  In autographs of literary and musical celebrities the collection was extraordinarily rich, those of Goethe and Schiller, Beethoven and Mozart, being conspicuous.  But the chief rarity was a large album formerly owned by Babet von Ployer.  This contained, among other treasures, a manuscript of Haydn, believed to be the only one ever offered for sale in this country.  It also contained an India-ink sketch of Mozart, drawn by his wife Constance.  At the sale in 1878 this album was knocked down for one hundred and twenty-six dollars, although three hundred dollars had been previously refused for it.  The Mozart letter, a particularly interesting specimen, was sold for fifty-two dollars to M.H.  Cross, Esq.

Turning from the autographs to the books, we find still greater value and variety.  The historical portion, especially where it referred to local subjects, was almost phenomenal.  One precious lot comprised a complete set of the first daily newspaper of the United States, beginning with the “Pennsylvania Packet” in 1771, and continuing unbroken, through several changes of title and proprietorship, for one hundred and seven years.  An amusing incident is related in connection with Mr. Mickley’s purchase of the larger portion of this series,—­“Poulson’s Advertiser” from 1800 to 1840.  When the wagon was driven to his door, loaded with the purchase, the housekeeper exclaimed, “What ever is to be done with all this truck?” Yet this “truck,” a mine of wealth to the future historian, was sold after Mickley’s death for eight hundred dollars.  There were city directories of several editions for ninety-three years.  The black-letter list was quite large, and there were more than thirty editions of the Bible, some of great rarity, and nearly all in a fine state of preservation.

From the time of the coin-robbery the older acquaintances of Mr. Mickley noticed a decided change in him.  On the subject of coins, once so voluble, he grew very reticent.  His business, which had for many years appeared rather a pastime than a task to him, grew irksome.  After a period of uncertainty, he finally decided to close up his affairs and spend some years in foreign travel.  In spite of advanced age, he was both physically and mentally well equipped for such a journey.  His health had always been good.  His temper seemed never to be ruffled.  Of the French and German languages he was a master, and he had some knowledge of the Spanish, Italian, and Swedish.  His previous extensive acquaintance with men of many nations and habits was kept fresh in mind by a remarkable memory.  With all these advantages, the period of his travels was the most interesting of his life.