Assassination & Mourning Material
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A tremendous rarity... a Boston Corbett ALS! |
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Hunting the conspirator: getting accurate
descriptions of the wanted fugitive. |
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781. ALS written by William Withers, Jr., the musical director at
FordÕs Theatre the night Lincoln was assassinated. As Booth made his escape
out of the rear door of the theatre, he passed by Withers who momentarily
obstructed the doorway. From Memphis, September 16, 1866 3pp., to John B. Wright, his former
Manager at FordÕs. In part: Ò...we are doing a good business and good
prospects of it being a prosperous season, although we will have opposition
this winter. The Greenlaw Opera House opens under the management of Mr.
Tannerhill – I have no faith in the place. The city is not large enough
to support two theatres, one must go down, and I am sure it will not be the
new Memphis theatre. I am happy to inform you, that I am quite a favorite
here – I am continually getting up something new, our manager Mr.
Thompson is a perfect gentleman, and everything goes pleasantly on. I only
wish you were down here for one season. I think you would like it. I see
by the papers Mr. John F. Ford is a candidate for Baltimore and good
prospects of his being elected I hope he will succeed. Mr. Drayton is our Stage
Manager he seems to understand his business he has not been in this country
long. He is an Englishman. The Cholera is very bad here – the
negroÕs suffer severely, but very few white people have fallen victim to the
dreadful disease. I hope I will continue in good health sometimes I get a
little frightened but I always have a good bottle of brandy on hand in case
of emergency. The reason why there are so many cases of cholera amongst
the negroÕs they will not engage a doctor for they believe the white people
want to kill them.Ó Although a minor figure, still quite desirable
and very rare. (Est. $250-350) |
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782. The doorkeeper at FordÕs Theatre on souvenirs from the
assassination. ALS by J. E. Buckingham, the doorkeeper at FordÕs Theatre the
night of the assassination, to John E. Fries, April 16th 1893, 2pp., on
various souvenirs associated with that fateful night. This wonderful piece
illuminates continuing fascination with the events of 1865: Ò...I have no
photos – except of John T. Ford Mr. Lincoln & Mrs. L – also
all the conspirators. I will try to get one of H. Clay Ford also of the
PolkinhornÕs for you. As for Harry Widmers, he was not the leader of
orchester on the night of the assassination but Billie Withers was who is now
in California I believe. I have written several times to Harry Hawk for one
of his photos. I have never heard from him. I have none of the caste except
Laura Keene.Ó Fun content. (Est. $200-300) |
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783. Tom Taylor ALS, Author of Our American Cousin. Fine 4pp. ALS
written by playright Tom Taylor, February 28, 1879, to a Miss Leach on
various matters including ÒThe retirement of Dir. M. Bixall from the
directorship of the National Gallery and the new appt. till two or three days
ago has prevented me from ascertaining anything as to the destination of the
drawings we presented... I think we have interested numbers in the
acquisition of the archives.Ó (Est. $100-$200) |
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784. Pass to the Trial of the Conspirators in the Lincoln
Assassination. HUNTER, David. D.S., 3 1/4 x 1 3/4Ó, slight irregular trim at edges,
clean. On May 1, 1865 President Johnson signed a controversial Executive
Order to form a nine man military commission to adjudicate John Wilkes
BoothÕs conspirators in the assassination of President Lincoln and attempted
overthrow of the Federal Government. The trial, lasting from May 10 through
June 30, was presided over by General David Hunter. The proceedings concluded
with the pronouncement of guilty verdicts for all the conspirators. This
pass, which is boldly signed by Hunter as President of the Commission, would
allow a spectator to enter and observe the proceedings. A rare relic from a time
that tested this countryÕs |
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785. CRANE, Charles H. (1825-83) |
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Ò...ladies in Benyville had given
expressions of joy or otherwise shown delight upon hearing of the
assassination...Ó Send in the Cavalry!
786. RUSSELL,
William, Jr. (1832-70) Assistant Adjutant General Russell joined the 18th
NY infantry in 1861, won brevets for Antietam, Gettysburg and Petersburg, and
died of wounds received in action with Indians in Texas in 1870. Interesting
2pp. ALS, April 19, 1865, to Brig. General George H. Chapman. Just five days
after the assassination while Booth and fellow conspirators were still on the
run – Russell speaks of
suspicious activities in Benyville, Arkansas to be investigated. ÒThe
Chief of Cavalry directs me to say that it has been reported at these HQ that
since ladies in Benyville had given expressions of joy or otherwise shown
delight upon hearing of the assassination of President Lincoln. He directs
that you cause an immediate and thorough investigation of the matter, for the
purpose of ascertaining who the parties were, upon which you will cause them
to be charged with the acts in the presence of the witnesses. You will cause
their arrest and forward them with a charge and the names of the witnesses to
these HQs. If it is proven against them, it is probable they will be sent to
Fort McHenry.Ó The fervor for retribution immediately following the
assassination extended to all corners... EVEN military pursuit of
civilians ÒabusingÓ their right of free speech. A remarkable
document.
(Est. $500-700) |
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A eulogy... with letter saying he has no further copies!
787. SUMNER, Charles. (1811-74)
Senator, strident abolitionist, intimate of Lincoln White House, consort of
Mary Todd. Sumner, of course, was almost beaten to death on the floor of the
House by Rep. Preston ÒBullyÓ Brooks trying to avenge the honor of his
kinsman, Sen. Andrew Butler. A.L.S. 1p. 8 x 5Ó, Washington, May 18, 1870 to
C.H. Underwood in Washington, regretting that he was Ò...unable to send you
the Memorial addresses on Mr. Lincoln, as I have not a spare copyÓ Offered
with a copy of said address, The Promises of the Declaration of
Independence. Eulogy on Abraham Lincoln, delivered before the Municipal
Authorities of the City of Boston, June 1, 1865. (Boston: Ticknor &
Fields, 1865) 16pp. in titled paper wraps. Together, two pieces. (Est.
$250-300) |
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788. LincolnÕs Last Hours by Charles A.
Leale, M.D. Autographed, inscribed first edition. Leale (1842-1932) was a
Union Army surgeon who attended to Lincoln after being shot, the young
officer in the theatre audience was the first to respond to the PresidentÕs
box. This autobiographical work, 16pp.,
describes the end of LincolnÕs life – an address delivered
before the Commandery of the State of New York in February 1909 in observance
of the 100th anniversary of the birth of President Lincoln. Inscribed: ÒTo
Miss Bliss Finley, Grand-daughter of Brevet Colonel D. Willard Bliss, M.D.
United States Volunteers, and his Patriotic and Beloved Wife from Brevet
Captain and Assistant Surgeon, Charles A. Leale M.D. New York, April 18, 1913.Ó
Colonel D. Willard Bliss (1825-89) was in charge of the medical staff that
attended to President Garfield upon his assassination and also served as the
personal physician to several members of the Senate. Great association! While
later reprints of this published work can be found, this 1909 First Ed. is
rare. (Est. $250-300) |
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789. FERGUSON, William J. (1845-1930) FordÕs Theatre prompter and
occasional player, Brief ANS ÒW. J. FergusonÓ on correspondence card, 4 1/2 x 3 1/2Ó, 1914, advising
Òwe open in Madam President.Ó Ferguson, author of I Saw Booth Shoot
Lincoln (1930), was scheduled for a small part at FordÕs
Theatre on the fatal night of LincolnÕs assassination. (Est. $60-80) |
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790. [Soldiers Mourn Lincoln] Special Orders No. 64 signed by the
Asst. Adg. for Brig. Gen. E.B. Tyler. Manuscript Document Signed, 1p. 10 x
8Ó, ÒRelay HouseÓ, MD, May 6, 1865 ordering that Ò...the national flag
will be displayed at half staff from the Hdqurs. of each Post or Camp in this
command until the 16th inst, thirty days from the date of Genl. Order
No. 66, War Dept. A.G. O. April 16, 1865.Ó Fine condition. (Est.
$200-300) |
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Assassin and conspirator – |
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792. [ARCHIVE] Correspondence written by Mrs. John B.
Wright, an eyewitness to the assassination, wife of FordÕs Theatre stage
manager. Ten (10) ALSs (one illeg.), some 28pp., 1893-1901, to the infamous
collector A.E. Fostell (see The Rail Splitter, Spring 2006).
Interesting letters mostly about the scramble for souvenirs. In one she
comments: Ò...since Dr Taft's death I have read an article on two other
surgeons claiming they were the ones with Pres Lincoln, don't take any stock
in it Dr Taft was the Man & he was taken from his Wife & Myself &
boosted up into the box & held in his brains untill [sic] he breathed his
last, why did they not say something about it before, not wait until Dr Taft
was dead & then come out & say they were the ones..." MUCH
more. With a newspaper account of her seeing the murder and an albumen of
her husband. (Est. $500-700) |
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793. FORD, John T. (1829-94) Owner and manager of FordÕs
Theatre. 4 x 4Ó sheet being a
free theater pass, ÒTwo Seats (2) Kendall – J. T. Ford.Ó A nice
example. |
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794. BARNES, Joseph K. (1817-83) In 1840, he joined the Army,
serving in the Army Medical Corps in the Seminole and Mexican Wars. In 1861,
he was sent to the Pacific Northwest, recalled and posted in the east when
the war broke out. Barnes worked as a surgeon in Washington, D.C., Sec. of
War Stanton appointed Barnes Òacting surgeon generalÓ in 1862. Barnes was
appointed a brigadier general and Surgeon General on August 22, 1864. Barnes
attended to Presidents Abraham Lincoln and James A. Garfield when each was
mortally wounded. After the Civil War, Barnes supervised publishing
volumes of the Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion.
Gorgeous 6 x 8 1/2Ó mounted albumen of Barnes with a mourning arm-band, Signed on
the mount ÒJ. K. Barnes Surg. Genl.Ó An unusally sensitive study in superb
condition. (Est. $600-800) |
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795. ÒThe PresidentÕs assassin is dead and beyond mortal sight
in the Ocean.Ó 2pp., May 1, 1865, on U.S. Sanitary Commission stationery, from
Henry Perkins, Nashville, TN. Hospital Ward No. 6, to his cousin, in part: ÒThe
PresidentÕs assassin is dead and beyond mortal sight in the ocean. They have
taken him out to bury him in the middle of the sea.Ó After Booth was shot
and killed at GarrettÕs farm in the late evening of April 26, 1865, his
remains were taken to the ironclad Montauk for an autopsy. After the
autopsy his body was left unguarded, and when the officer in charge returned
he found prominent people with southern sympathies who had managed to get on
board. Sec. Stanton gave orders to remove all rebel visitors from the boat.
At this point a large crowd gathered at the Navy Yard to see what was to be
done with BoothÕs body. The plan was to take BoothÕs body and pretend to dump
it in the Potomac, being weighed down with heavy chains. Chief Detective
LaFayette Baker and his cousin lowered BoothÕs body into a boat, rowed down
the Anacostia River towards the Potomac, visible to the crowd gathered on
shore. They proceeded to rattle chains and give the impression that they had
disposed of BoothÕs body. (His remains were actually brought to the Old
Penitentiary, buried under the floor boards behind a locked door where he
would remain for 4 years until released to the family for burial in the
family plot in Baltimore.) An excellent letter. (Est. $300-400) |
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Hoping another Booth will come |
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797. ÒÉwe got the sad news of President Lincoln being murdered
some shed tears one old man (a Soldier) cryed like a child nearly every
Soldier in Camp wears a badge of mourningÉÓ Fabulous ALS,
3pp., from P.O.W. Guard Franklin Marshall of the 104th OH Infantry, Co. H, to
his father concerning his companyÕs melancholy concerning LincolnÕs
assassination as well as his own disdain for the atrocities. From ÒCamp Reno
Milwaukee/April 17th/65.Ó, in part: ÒÉThere is no telling where we will go
to the Co. I had order for us to go that was sent to Gen Curtis cam back
disapproved we may stay here till our time is out cant tell any thing about
it we would get home before next August but since hearing of our Chief
magistrate being villainously slain at the hands of an assassin and the life
of our Secretary of State is taken by a still more villainous hand have give
such thoughts up I never saw such a down hearted lot of men as there was here
when we got the sad news of President Lincoln being murdered some shed tears
one old man (a Soldier) cryed like a child nearly every Soldier in Camp wears
a badge of mourning we had a grand good time the day that we got the news of
the capture of Richmond The forces of camp were taken down town to celebrate
the day fired a salute of 100 big guns & then paraded the streets on that
dayÉÓ Marshall mustered into Co. H on 30 August 1862. He mustered out on
13th July 1865 at Saint Paul, Minnesota. The 104th saw action at Resaca,
Dallas, New Hope Church, Kennesaw, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Franklin and
Wilmington. (Est. $300-500) |
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ÒÉwhile a great many mourn his death there
is some in our midst who will rejoiceÉÓ |
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ÒHow foolish to think drunkenness, sin, beastly, degradation
is a fit way of expressing joy...Ó |
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801. Canada mourns the death of President Lincoln. Two-page ALS,
April 30, 1865, Brantford [Canada], with original transmittal cover, in part:
ÒI expect there was considerable excitement over there when old abe was
killed. It made something of a stir here I know. The stores were all closed
and flags were at half mast mourning for him.Ó It is nice to know that
our friends and neighbors to the north mourned the Great Emancipator! (Est. $150-250) |
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802. ÒWashington the father of his country; Lincoln the
preserver of his country.Ó Four-page ALS, April 31, 1865, Lincoln,
MA., in part: ÒThere is great sadness down here because of the death of
Abraham Lincoln. Every flag is at half mast and trimmed with black. In Waltham
almost every house was draped in mourning and some had mottoÕs ÔWashington
the father of his country; Lincoln the preserver of his countryÕ.Ó The
writer continues to write about the fall of Richmond, hearing cannons and
bells ringing, and a boy playing Yankee Doodle. He mentions that his father
sent him Confederate envelopes and currency and pebbles from a spring near
the White House! A fine letter. (Est. $200-250) |
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Southern hospitality gone awry! |
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805. A LARGE portrait of the murderer, a cabinet card, from the
famed Ed Emerson Collection! |
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806. A fine CDV with printed title on verso (as if it were
necessary!): ÒJ. Wilkes Booth. Murderer of Abraham Lincoln.Ó
(Est. $150-200) |
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808. Booth by J.O. Durgan of Maine. Full board. (Est. $150-200) |
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809. Fabulous study – from Emerson Collection (Est. $150-200) |
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810. An unusual pose: Booth photographed by T. R. Burnham of
Boston, no imprint, gold-ruled only light soiling. (We sold an example in
2005 for $715.) Fine.
(Est. $300-500) |
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811. Extraordinary CDV of Sgt. Boston Corbett, the man who
killed Booth, by Brady. Gold-ruled, nice! (Est. $600-800) |
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812. A scarce pose of Boston Corbett. Blue-ruled
board, slight weakness at corner of mount, minor mounting rub on verso, a
tough CDV to source. (Est. $300-500) |
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813. David Hunter, headed conspiratorÕs Military Commission. By
Anthony/Brady, gold-ruled, IDÕd at bottom, small mounting stain on verso, a
superior example! (Est. $100-150) |
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814. Gen. Hunter by Anthony/Brady. Excellent. (Est. $100-120) |
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815. Judge Advocate Gen. Joseph Holt, he tried the ÒDemon of
AndersonvilleÓ Wirz, Vallandigham, and presided at the trial of the
conspirators. By Brady, excellent. (Est. $80-120) |
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816. Another Holt carte, this also exceptionally clean with
Anthony/Brady imprint on verso.
(Est. $80-120) |
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817. THIS ONE IS RARE! For the
assassination collector. Prohibitive carte photograph: Abram Dunn
Gillette (1807-82) the founding reverend of the First Baptist Church of
Scotia – the individual appointed to administer last rites to the
conspirators involved in the assassination. Sec. Stanton, to avoid
accusations he had a disregard for religious values, called for Dr. Gillette,
a reverend, to give the imprisoned conspirators their last rites. Lewis
Powell, who attempted to assassinate Seward, attended one of GilletteÕs
services and requested to see the Reverend. Gillette visited each conspirator
save for Mary Surratt, who had been attended to by her own Òspiritual
advisors.Ó When visiting Atzerodt, he extracted a confession which
incriminated Surratt. In PowellÕs cell, the accused spoke freely about his
actions at SewardÕs house. Gillette accompanied the brute to the scaffold and
was called forth to address the sizable crowd. He led a prayer which brought
Powell to tears. This magnificent carte by J. Gurney & Son of New York is
the only we have ever seen. Incredible tone/contrast, gold ruled, full board.
A pristine example! (Est. $300-500) |
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818. Lincoln Funeral Car CDV, Columbus, Ohio. Rare carte by
Baldwin of Columbus, Ohio, imprint on verso. Poignant image of the funeral
car sitting on railroad tracks in Columbus; three armed guards stand watch
while a woman mourner sits at the far left. LincolnÕs body began the trip
from Washington back to Springfield on April 21, 1865. On Saturday, April 29,
1865 the train arrived in Columbus at 7:30 A.M. LincolnÕs casket was taken to
the Ohio Statehouse where he lay-in-state in the rotunda. Thousands of
visitors came throughout the day to honor the fallen President. Of all the
funeral images, photos of the funeral train are among the most desirable and
coveted. Light age, else fine.
(Est.$1,000-$1,500) |
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819. A very rare carte by A.S. Baldwin: the Capitol building in
Columbus adorned with mourning bunting following LincolnÕs assassination; the
sign reading, ÒWith malice to no one. With charity for all.Ó Rounded mount
edges, slight abrasion towards top, a fine, quite scarce period
photograph. (Est. $400-600) |
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820. Pair of Springfield studies: a fabulous portrait of LincolnÕs
home with his horse Old Bob out front, slight clipping to left corners; and a
carte of the Northside Capital Square by P. Butler of Springfield, fine
contrast, full board, excellent. (Est. $300-500) |
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822. An extremely minty stereoview by Anthony from a negative by
Brady, ÒThe Chair that President Lincoln occupied at the time of his
assassination at FordÕs Theatre.Ó Flat orange board, nice composition. |
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824. Abraham Lincoln New York funeral procession |
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825. A clean stereoview of the ÒNorth front of the Capitol from
the West PorticoÓ by E. & H.T. Anthony & Co. Columns are draped
for the Lincoln funeral. Flat yellow mount, clean. (Est. $100-150) |
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826. Group of four (4) cabinet cards. Three are stamped on verso ÒOn
Exhibition Day and Evening Room 207 Chicago Opera House BuildingÓ. One is
by Alexander Hesler with LincolnÕs ÒOld Veneered SofaÓ, another
presents other Lincoln furniture, a third, by Stein of Milwaukee shows the ÒLog
Cabin built by Abraham Lincoln in Spencer Co., Ind.Ó Together with a card
stamped by C. Herbert Torrey of an ornate parlor, Lincoln connection we do
not yet fathom. A nice selection. (Est.
$300-400) |
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828. A beautiful, hand-colored, magic lantern slide of the Òmad actÓ
in progress. As with other examples, in a wooden housing, 7 x 4Ó overall.
Great color and detail — Booth is shown in dramatic stance with gun and
dagger. (Est. $300-400) |
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829. [Photographica] Large, mounted albumen of the
ÒWashington-Lincoln Apotheosis.Ó 10 1/2 x 13Ó overall, fine tone. 1865-cancelled
revenue stamp on verso. A fine, period mourning item from the Emerson
Collection. (Est. $200-250) |
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830. Pair of 8 x 6Ó mounted albumens of the re-interment of the
Lincoln family remains, 1901. It was at this time LincolnÕs coffin was opened
for the final time, then resealed and deposited in the Oak Ridge Cemetery
monument and tomb, along with the remains of Mary, Willie and Tad. One photo
shows a derrick about to lift the slab covering the coffins; a second shows
the exposed vault and four coffins. Moderate soiling, wear, a bit light. (Est. $200-300) |
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John Wilkes Booth on stage. |
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832. Playbill from another Boston Museum production, this Romeo
and Juliet, January 30, 1863, with Booth in the part of Romeo. From the
same six-week engagement as above. Trimmed to edges as shown, mounted to
archival mat board. (Est.
$750-1,000) |
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An ORIGINAL piece of the wallpaper that
adorned the Lincoln bedroom... with PERFECT Lincoln family provenance. |
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834. Original pencil drawing of the conspiratorÕs house... for
use in the newspapers! David HeroldÕs home, about 6 1/2 x 5Ó on heavy
paper; unsigned, but captioned in upper right corner ÒHarolds House near the
Navy YardÓ. This very intriguing sketch is identical to — but more
detailed than — the woodcut version as published in HarperÕs Weekly.
The present artwork depicts, at the left side, additional buildings and trees
apparently cut from the final rendering. The HarperÕs image bore a
nearly identical title (ÒHaroldÕs House near the Washington Navy-YardÓ) and
the credit Òsketched by McCallumÓ, we believe this to be the artistÕs
original sketch, later embellished for publication. Davy Herold —
by all accounts mentally underage and impressionable — was a druggistÕs
clerk when he fell into the orbit of John Wilkes Booth, who realized that his
familiarity with Maryland countryside, gained on hunting trips, could be very
useful. Fleeing Washington after the PresidentÕs murder, Davy faithfully
remained by the assassinÕs side until they were cornered in Virginia and
Booth was killed. Davy surrendered, but was tried and hanged for his role in
LincolnÕs death. Some vertical creases; affixed at corners to old card; right
side lifted, breaking off a tiny blank piece at lower right (present, and
easily repairable). TOGETHER WITH another period sketch by the same
artist, this a period pencil sketch of the Surratt Tavern, 8 x 5Ó on
heavy paper; unsigned. A quick, impressionistic view of the one-time home of
assassination conspirators Mary Surratt and her son John H. Surratt. The
latter briefly acted as a Federal postmaster from this tavern while
simultaneously working as a Confederate agent and courier; his mother rented
the tavern building and business in order to open a rooming house in
Washington, D.C., where she apparently first met John Wilkes Booth and became
embroiled in his plotting. Mrs. SurrattÕs suspicious trip to this tavern on
the day of the PresidentÕs murder, to deliver spyglasses to her tenant John
Lloyd and tell him to have some Òshooting ironsÓ ready, sealed her fate and
sent her to the gallows. Nearly identical in perspective and building details
to a woodcut version published in HarperÕs, the differences between
this piece and the HarperÕs picture strongly indicate it was drawn
from personal observation – likely the artistÕs original, preliminary
sketch, later embellished and refined for publication. [Provenance: Jim
McCluskey, Cockeysville, Md.; Signature House Auctions.] (Est. $400-800) |
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835. Lovely woven jacquard silk, presented in a gilded and beveled
mat in original frame, circa 1876. 8 x 10 1/2Ó (sight),15 x 18 1/2Ó overall. This
French-made commemorative, ÒAbraham LincolnÓ, is marked ÒCarquillat Tex.
Allardet del. Appold Schulthess, et Cie.Ó (Threads #406) Excellent
condition, this texitle tribute is rarely offered. (Est.
$400-600) |
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836. A lovely, silk mourning ribbon, 3 x 7Ó, from the service
pronounced by the great abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison. A scarce and
very desirable example. (Est. $300-500) |
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837. A clean silk mourning ribbon, 3 x 6Ó, with an excellent portrait
festooned with patriotic imagery. One of the best designed tributes on silk;
mint.
(Est. $400-500) |
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838. Silk mourning ribbon ÒU.L.A.Ó for the Union League of America. 2
x 4Ó, quite bold and clean. (Est. $150-200) |
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839. 2 x 5Ó In Memoriam tribute on silk. Clean. (Est.
$150-200) |
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840. 2 x 11Ó woven ribbon in red, blue, green and black with gold
tassel , manufactured by the Phoenix Manuf. Co. with original paper mount of
B. B. Tilt & Son of New York City. Includes the last few lines of LincolnÕs
second inaugural. A few creases otherwise excellent. Circa 1893. (Est. $200-300) |
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841. Light blue silk with albumen portraits of Washington and
Lincoln. 1 x 5Ó commemorating the first 4th of July following LincolnÕs death
paying tribute to the Founder and the Savior. Crease at middle otherwise
excellent. (Est. $130-150) |
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842. Elegance... a true mourning masterpiece! A 2 1/4 x 4Ó silk tribute
with eagle clutching riband ÒE Pluribus UnumÓ, black on white. One of the
more simple, pleasing designs... and very scarce!. (Est.
$150-200) |
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843. Gem-size, brass-matted albumen affixed to CDV mourning card
stamped OUR MARTYR. Excellent. (Est. $200-250) |
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844. 1865 Mourning Medal. Gilt brass medal by the Swiss
medalist Hugues Bovy, 21 x 23mm., ÒMartyr to LibertyÓ and date of death on
verso. Brilliant Unc.
(Est. $75-100) |
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846. From the Zabriskie Collection! Lincoln memorial
38mm. medal in white metal with eagle pin. Obverse: ÒABRAHAM LINCOLN
PRESIDENT OF THE U.S. DIED, APRIL 15 1865 BY THE HANDS OF A REBEL ASSASSIN.Ó
Reverse: weeping willow with grave: ÒA SIGH, THE ABSENT CLAIM, THE DEAD A
TEAR.Ó Quite nice. (Est.
$100-150) |
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847. The George F. Robinson Medal. The original in
solid gold was issued in 1871 by an Act of Congress to William SewardÕs
attending nurse, George Robinson, who was nearly killed by would-be assassin
Lewis Powell during his attack on the Sec. of StateÕs life. 77mm. in bronze,
light pitting at outer rim, a very scarce modern issue by the U.S. Mint as we
have encountered only two or three examples in the market over the years. Two
examples in silver are known, a few more original strikes in
chocolate-bronze, and then a few of these specimens. Designed by G.Y. Coffin
and engraved by Anthony Pacquet, it shows one of the most dramatic scenes in
American history. (Est.
$200-400) |
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848. ÒThe Assassination of President Lincoln at FordÕs Theatre
Washington D.C. April 14, 1865.Ó A dramatic 15 x 11Ó (25 x 21Ó framed)
lithograph showing Booth jumping from LincolnÕs box with blood dripping off
his knife and the playbill for Our American Cousin on the rail beneath
a pair of opera glasses. Light spots do little to detract from this extremely
clean and crisp specimen. Scarce. (Est. $300-500) |
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850. LincolnÕs funeral in New York City. 14 x 10 1/2Ó print ÒThe
Funeral of President Lincoln, New York, April 25, 1865: Passing Union Square,
the magnificent Funeral car was drawn by 16 grey horses richly caparisoned
with ostrich plumes and cloth of black trimmed with silver bullion.Ó
Published by Currier & Ives, 1865. Linen-backed, one mild 2Ó tear and
slight fold markings. Also scarce. (Est. $250-300) |
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851. . 18 x 27Ó lithograph originally published by Currier &
Ives: ÒAbraham Lincoln, The Martyr President. Assassinated April 14th 1865.Ó
Inscribed below: ÒJoseph Koehler, Publisher, New York, U.S.A.Ó This appears
to be a 19th century issue. We speculate that Koehler obtained the original
stone and ran these off, perhaps at the time or in 1876. Excellent. (Est.
$150-250) |
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853. The official communication: General Order
No. 66, War Department, announcing to the Army Òthe untimely and lamentable
death of the illustrious Abraham Lincoln, late President of the United
States.Ó Issued by Secretary Stanton, April 16, 1865, 2pps., usual file
holes, light foxing, black mourning border, includes orders for the display
of all flags at half-staff, the firing of 13-gun salutes, and other
ceremonies to respect his passing. These were the first official notices sent
to military bases throughout the country. (An example recently sold for
$1,500 in a national book and manuscript auction.) VERY RARE. (Est. $500-700) |
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854. By far one of the prettiest Victorian mourning cards, 4 1/4 x 3Ó with raised
(embossed) image of Columbia draping herself over LincolnÕs Tomb and quote
ÒWith malice toward none...Ó from the presidentÕs Second Inaugural Address.
An absolutely lovely item... rare. (Est. $250-350) |
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855. Victorian mourning card, 3 1/2 x 5Ó with raised (embossed) tombstone,
as with previous lot with LincolnÕs famous ÒWith malice toward none...Ó
quote. This is one of the more elegant designs issued during the national
period of grief. Scarce. (Est.
$250-300) |
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856. The official program from BostonÕs funeral service for Lincoln, June
1, 1865 at Music Hall, 4pp., the Order of Services, the eulogy
delivered by Charles Sumner. Ironically, Mayor Lincoln (no relation)
presided. Clean. (Est. $200-400) |
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857. Funeral program from Templeton, MA: Order of
Services, April 19, 1865. On this date, funeral services were held in
Washington D.C. At the same time, similar services were held to mourn the
slain President around the country as here in Templeton. Lists the hymns to
be played and sung. 8 x 11 1/2Ó, nice. (Est. $300-500) |
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858. ÒCertificate of Admission to the Lincoln Dioramic AssociationÓ
in Columbus OH, presenting a ÒDiorama of the Funeral Obsequies... and a
photographic View of some of the remarkable Scenes represented by the Diorama.Ó
Nicely engraved, no doubt another 19th century way to milk the public and
make a buck! (Est. $40-60) |
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859. Large format issue of the National Police Gazette for the
week ending April 29, 1865. The front page has six graphic woodcuts of events
concerning the assassination, including the escape of Booth, identification
of Payne by SewardÕs negro servant, arrest of Payne at the house of Surratt,
arrest of Atzerodt, and ÒTarring and Feathering at Swampscott, Mass. of a
Justifier of the Assassin.Ó Mourning borders on the interior pages, light
aging, 4pp. (Est. $100-200) |
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Considered the first assassination pulp. |
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861. Townsend, George Alfred, The Life, Crime, and Capture of John
Wilkes Booth, with a Full Sketch of the Conspiracy... Dick &
Fitzgerald: NY, 1865. The scarce 80pp. edition in pictorial wrappers, a
tight, clean copy. #M-781. Published at the beginning of the trial. A neat
paperback! (Est. $400-600) |
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862. Life, Trial and Adventures of John H. Surratt, The
Conspirator. Philadelphia, Barclay & Co., 136pp. in pictorial brown
wraps, #M-596. Very minor rub/loss at bottom of cover at edge, back wrap
intact, interior bright and clean with gorgeous woodcuts of the key players
in the story. A rare volume that speaks to the ravenous interest, albeit
morbid, in Victorian America that gave birth to the dime-novel industry. Of
the four or five copies of this work we have encountered, this is one of the
best.
(Est. $500-750) |
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863. Bingham, John. Trial of the Conspirators for the
Assassination of President Lincoln, & c. Argument of John A. Bingham,
Special Judge Advocate. Washington, D.C., Government Printing Office,
122pp., 1865. Titled brown wraps, contents bright and tight. John Armor
Bingham (1815-1900), an Ohio Congressman, a principal in the impeachment of
President Johnson, was Judge Advocate General in the trial of the
conspirators. In one of the most dramatic episodes of that trial, Bingham played
a leading role. It was his part as the Judge Advocate to bully the defense
witnesses and assert in his summary of the evidence that the rebellion was
Òsimply a criminal conspiracy and a gigantic assassination [in which]
Jefferson Davis is as clearly proven guilty as is John Wilkes Booth.Ó In
defending the legality of the military court commissioned by President
Johnson, he argued that the Executive could exercise all sorts of
extra-Constitutional powers, even to Òstring up the culprits without any
court.Ó A fine, scarce imprint. (Est.
$150-200) |
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864. The ÒComplete and Unabridged Edition – Containing the
whole of Suppressed Evidence.Ó The FIRST complete report on the crime
in Washington. The Trial of the Assassins and Conspirators... (T.B. Peterson
& Brothers, Philadelphia: 1865.) The classic, first definitive account of
all the proceedings with numerous engravings. 210pp., brown, tooled cloth,
minor loss to spine and cover fading, contents generally bright with just
light foxing/dampstain. The illustrations of the courtroom, the conspirators,
and scenes detailing the crime are fabulous. A quite fine example of a
scarce, important work. (Est. $250-300) |
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865. The Assassination of President Lincoln and the Trial
of the Conspirators, Benn Pitman. (Moore, Wilstach & Baldwin, Cincinnati and
New York: 1865). #M-674. Frontispiece engraving of the conspirators. Bound in
library cloth boards, original titled spine showing typical age, new
endpapers, overall fine. 421pp. A pivotal work – this complete account
of the investigation and proceedings includes escape route maps, portraits, a
fascinating read! (Est. $200-300) |
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866. An important and quite rare volume:Trials for Treason at
Indianapolis, Disclosing Plans for Establishing a North-Western Confederacy. Benn
Pitman, ed. Cincinnati: Moore, Wilstach & Baldwin, 1865. A complete
transcript of one of the ÒconspiracyÓ trials that rose from the events in
Washington. Court reports from the trials of prominent midwestern Confederate
sympathizers and plotters, including many interesting details of the rituals
of the secret societies formed by northern Confederates, including the Order
of American Knights (a.k.a. the Sons of Liberty), Knights of the Golden
Circle, Circle of Honor, etc. Among those arraigned in Indianapolis for
treason were William A. Bowles, L.P. Milligan, and Andrew Humphreys. Custom
rebound in marbled boards with titled, ribbed, leather spine. A fine
copy. (Est. $300-500) |
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A huge, mourning broadside. |
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