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The only contemporaneous painting of the assassin known… an 1860s work of art of the celebrated actor.

976. An extreme rarity: a period, original oil on canvas portrait of John Wilkes Booth attributed to artist Ulysses Dow Tenney (1826-1904). The oil measures 12 x 15″ (sight) and is set into a 16 x 20″ gilt frame. Although not dated by the artist, we can most safely assume this likeness was painted during Booth’s life. Painted after the famous 1862 photograph taken in Boston by Case & Getchell, Tenney has draped the actor’s chest in a green cape suggesting a now unknown theatrical role. Clearly, Booth had yet to enter the pantheon of villains and was still a celebrated actor – on the same level of celebrity as his brother, Edwin, together with stage luminaries Joseph Jefferson, Laura Keene, Charlotte Cushman and Edwin Forrest. Following the assassination of the President, no one would have dared paint such a laudatory portrait of Booth. In fact, people could not destroy his image fast enough! Marked “D. TENNEY” on verso of the canvas, an examination also reveals the stencil: “FROM W. SCHAUS PRINT SELLER & ARTISTS COLORMAN. 749 BROADWAY NEW-YORK.” (The art supply concern of William Schaus was at 749 Broadway from the mid-1850s through the 1880s.) Tenney was noted for his portraiture of subjects, both living and dead, including paintings of Revolutionary War General Enoch Poor, Massachusetts Governor John D. Long, Dartmouth President John Wheelock and numerous others. This painting was originally part of the Philip Van Doren Stern collection and later part of the collection of Philip D. Sang Sale (sold at Parke Bernet Galleries). Two restorations at upper right with small canvas replacements visible on verso. Small chip at lower left, some dirt, a few chips to frame, but certainly worthy of restoration. Unlike other “possible” likenesses said to be the assassin, this is a genuine work of art – painted before he walked into infamy. (Est. $15,000-30,000)

Telegrams alerting those in Philadelphia to be on the lookout for Booth… first dispatches hunting for the assassin.

977. A pair of extremely rare and spectacular official manuscript telegraph dispatches concerning the pursuit of Lincoln assassin, John Wilkes Booth and Seward’s attacker, Lewis Paine. The two documents were issued by the Philadelphia Provost Marshals Office copying telegraphed dispatches from Washington ordering the immediate arrest of Booth and providing a detailed description of Paine. The dispatches capture the chaos of the days following April 14, 1865 as the authorities scrambled to find Booth and his yet-to-be named conspirators. The first piece is a manuscript L.S., 1p. 8 x 10″, Washington, April 15, 1865, an official copy of a dispatch from General N. L. Jeffries, acting provost marshal at Washington, addressed to Major J. Hayden, the assistant adjutant provost marshal for Philadelphia ordering him to “Arrest J. Wilkes Booth the murderer of the President where ever he may be found and send him here in Irons.” The second document concerns Lewis Paine who made an unsuccessful attempt on Seward’s life the same night. L.S., 2p. 8 x 10″, Washington, April 15, 1865, an official copy of a dispatch from Jeffries in Washington to Hayden in Philadelphia providing a detailed description of Seward’s assassin, ordering the office to “use every exertion in your power, and call to your aid the entire force under your command to secure the arrest of the assassin…” Jeffries then describes the suspect: “height six and one twelfth (6 1/12) feet Hair black thick, tall and straight, no beard nor appearance of beard, checks red on the Jaws. Face moderately full— twenty two (22) or twenty three (23) years of age. Eyes color not known large eyes not prominent. Brows not heavy but dark. Face not large but rather round. Complexion healthy. Nose straight and well formed, medium size. Mouth small, lips thin upper lips protruded when he talked, chin pointed and prominent. Head of medium size. Neck short and of medium length. Hands, soft, small and fingers tapering. Showed no signs of hard labor. Broad shouldered. Taper waist. Straight figure. Strong looking man not Gentlemanly but vulgar. Over coat double breasted, collar mixed of Pink and Grey, spots small, was a sack coat pockets in side and one on the breast with lappells [sic]…Pants black Common Stuff. New heavy boots. Voice small and thin and inclined to tenor.” The description of Paine was related by William Bell, Seward’s butler, who had answered the door of the Seward home that fateful night. The two documents are accompanied by a hurried letter of enclosure from the provost marshal for the 3rd Military District of Pennsylvania in a L.S. 1p. 8 x 10″, [Philadelphia], April 16, 1865 to J. Moore Hart, a clerk at the provost marshal’s office at 511 Brown Street: “You will Comply in accordance with the within orders.” Also present is an official envelope from the Provost Marshal’s office, the original transmittal envelope addressed to Moore at the Provost Marshal’s office at 511 Brown Street in Philadelphia. Needless to say, the days following the shooting of Lincoln were most chaotic. The night of April 14, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, set up an ad-hoc headquarters in the Peterson House where Lincoln lay dying and began to direct the manhunt for Booth and his conspirators. He ordered that all southbound passenger trains be stopped and banned boats on the Potomac from crossing to Virginia. Initially unsure of Booth’s direction of escape, telegrams were directed to cities both north and south of Washington in an effort to widen the federal dragnet. Manuscript material concerning official efforts to capture Booth and his conspirators are extremely rare, especially telegraphed communications like these written the day Lincoln died. Letters bear the usual folds with only minor partial separations, otherwise quite clean and in very good condition. (Est. $2,000-4,000)

The earliest known broadside to name the assassin… issued the very day the President dies.

978. (LINCOLN ASSASSINATION). Printed Broadside, 4.5 x 12 in., [no place]. April 15, [1865] providing the latest news and dispatches concerning the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and pursuit of John Wilkes Booth. One of the earliest reports of the assassination and subsequent death of Abraham Lincoln and the first imprint we know of identifying Booth as the assassin. An “EXTRA” from the Advertiser and Tribune, the broadside reports: “MR. SEWARD REMAINS WITHOUT CHANGE — Mr. Seward’s Skull Fracture. — J. WILKES BOOTH THE MURDERER. — The Assassination Planned Before the 4th of March. — CERTAINTY OF THE CAPTURE OF THE MURDERERS. — DEATH OF THE PRESIDENT.” Beneath the last headline is a transcript of a simple, yet earth-shattering one sentence dispatch from Secretary of War Edwin Stanton to General John A. Dix in New York: “Abraham Lincoln died this morning at 22 minutes after 7 o’clock.” Below this message the Advertiser and Tribune included Stanton’s previous message to General Dix earlier that morning, April 15, 4:10 A. M.: “the President continues insensible, and is sinking. Secretary Seward remains without change. Fred. Seward’s skull is fractured in two places, besides a severe cut on the hand. The attendant is still alive but his recovery is hopeless. Major Seward’s wounds are not dangerous.” Stanton then provides information on Booth and the plot to assassinate Lincoln: “It is now ascertained with reasonable certainly [sic] that two assassins were engaged in the horrible crime. Wilkes Booth being the one that shot the President, and the other a companion of his whose name is not known but whose description is so clear that he can hardly escape. It appears from a trunk that the murder was planned before the 4th of March, but fell through because the accomplices backed out till Richmond could be heard from. Booth and his accomplices were at the livery stable at 6 o’clock last evening, and left there with the horses about ten o’clock or shortly before that hour. It seems that they had for several days been seeking their chance, but for some unknown reason it was not carried into effect till last night. One of them has probably made his way to Baltimore. The other has not been traced.” This is a remarkable piece of ephemera in that it represents both the earliest news of the assassination and is perhaps the earliest circular to identify the assassin by name. (Est. $4,000-6,000)

The assassin on stage in his final theatrical engagement! (Well, almost last.)

979. The spring of 1864 found John Wilkes Booth at the height of his celebrity… starring in a run of performances at the Boston Museum. These would prove to be his last theatrical engagements of his career — the next time he would appear on a stage would be a brief but dramatic cameo on the evening of April 14, 1865. A rare broadside, for the Boston Museum, 14 x 6″, Boston, May 11, 1864 for John Wilkes Booth’s appearance as Charles De Moor in Friedrich Schiller’s The Robbers! Written in the early 1770s while Schiller was a student in Stuttgart, Die R”uber tells the story of two brothers, one of whom leads a group of rebellious students into the forest where they engage in Robin Hood-like banditry while the other brother schemes to inherit his father’s large estate. Schiller’s critique of social corruption and his espousal of republican ideology stunned its original audience, but made him an overnight sensation. The play’s theme surely resonated with American audiences, and it was a mainstay of the Booth family repertoire. John Wilkes’ brother, Edwin, appeared in the role in 1856 and nearly caused a riot when he began to speak the part in English – enraging the largely German audience. John Wilkes had appeared in the role beginning as early as 1861. Booth’s run at the Boston Museum was not only dramatic on stage, but off as well. Booth was becoming increasingly erratic and prone to mood swings. Other actors carefully avoided Booth, wary of his bitter denunciations of Lincoln. Miss Kate Reingolds, who appeared in the role of Amelia that night, commented on Booth’s behavior during the engagement: “It is my earnest belief that if ever there was an irresponsible person, it was this sad-faced, handsome passionate boy…He was as undisciplined on the stage as off…How he threw me about! Once even knocked me down, picking me up again with a regret as quick as his dramatic impulse had been vehement.” (Kimmel, The Mad Booths of Maryland, 184). His last performance of the engagement at the Boston Museum would be May 27, 1864 in the role of Count Ugolino in a play of the same name. That would be his last performance. Upon leaving Boston he moved to New York and then to Pennsylvania where he would form a short-lived oil venture under the name of the Dramatic Oil Company and begin planning the plot that would catapult him to immortality. This playbill also notes at the bottom: “Also coming Saturday afternoon Mr. J. Wilkes Booth in The Lady of Lyons.” An important and rare broadside. One ink spot at upper right, very light foxing, expected folds, marginal tear repaired on verso, else very good condition. (Est. $1,200-1,500)

980. Ford’s Theatre. From the moment following that fateful gunshot, the need to possess a tangible link to the tragedy in Washington became a national obsession, attracting a legion of entrepreneurs eager to make a profit. This included insiders including Ford’s Theatre stage manager John A. Buckingham. On the morning of April 15, he began churning out copies of the famous Our American Cousin playbill using the same press as the original, that of H. Polkinhorn & Son on D Street. Offered here is one of the famous “Buckingham Copy” issues, being one of the first “copies” printed in the days following the assassination using the same typesetting as the two known originals printed on April 14, 1865. Like the originals, the playbill is printed with moveable type on typical woven rag paper of the period. This example is mounted on board and lovingly housed in a 9 x 22″ nineteenth century frame. It bears a few moderate dampstains, and two minor losses at the top affecting two words in the address for the theater. The originals, which are profoundly scarce, sell in excess of $10,000 at auction. (Est. $1,000-1,500)

Broadway went black… the only playbill

printed on that fateful date with news of Lincoln’s death.

981. An exceedingly rare and unusual playbill printed for a New York performance at the Broadway Theatre on April 15, 1865. A four-page issue of The Play Bill, New York, Saturday, April 15, 1865 (No. 108) replete with black-bordered columns with the main news at the left column reporting on the assassination together with the short note from Edwin Stanton to John A. Dix reporting the passing of Lincoln that morning. The playbill was printed especially for the Broadway theatre, which at the time was located at Broadway and Broome Street. It was never used as the theater, as all New York theaters, went dark that night in mourning for the fallen president. The production that evening was to be the last appearance of John E. Owens in Boucicault’s Cricket on the Hearth. Except for the left column, a related blurb on page two, and the black borders, the balance reads as any normal playbill of the time providing updates on other New York and out-of-town productions, “Foreign Gossip” and advertisements. Moderate dampstains at top, light toning and the expected folds, some minor margin losses not affecting text, else very good condition. (Est. $500-1,000)

982. SEWARD, William. Fine content L.S. as Secretary of State, 2p. 4to., on State Department mourning stationery, Washington, July 5, 1865. One of the first letters Seward was able to sign following his long recovery after the attempt on his life on the night of April 14, 1865, Seward writes the Congregational Convention of Vermont at Burlington, noting that he had “…received and laid before the President the resolutions which you have transmitted to me and which were passed at the recent Convention of Congregational Ministers and Churches in the State of Vermont, and I am directed by him to express to you his entire concurrence with that convention in their appreciation of the blessings of peace now about being offered to the Republic. The President further wishes me to express his grateful acknowledgements for the confidence the Convention have expressed in his devotion to the cause of the country, which is now, as it always heretofore was the cause of Human Nature.” Light toning, usual folds with minor partial split at spine, else fine condition. His signature reveals obvious pain from almost being murdered just two months earlier. (Est. $200-400)

983. A Signed CDV of one of the Commissioners from the trial of the Lincoln Conspirators!

Brig. General James A. Ekin autographed CDV, Fassett’s, Chicago back imprint. Ekin entered the service in 1861 as a 1st lieutenant of the 12th PA Infantry and quickly rose in rank. By 1864 he had been promoted to the rank of colonel and was made Chief Quartermaster of the Cavalry Corps., Army of the Potomac. He served as one of the adjudicating officers in the Military Commission that tried the Lincoln assassination conspirators. A scarce signed photograph in excellent condition. (Est. $600-800)

984. He led the 16th NY Cavalry that captured John Wilkes Booth…a RARE autograph. DOHERTY, P. Edward. (1837–97) Enlisting at the age of 24 in NYC as a 1st Lieutenant in the NY 71st, in 1863 he jointed the NY 16th Cavalry. A Canadian by birth, Doherty was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. In his written deposition before the military commission, his extensive report concludes with: “In conclusion I beg to state that it has afforded my command and myself inexpressible pleasure to be the humble instruments of capturing the foul assassins who caused the death of our beloved President and plunged the nation in mourning.” A prohibitively scarce signature with rank, bold, 4 x 1 1/2″ slip, light mounting remnants on verso. This is the first Doherty signature we’ve seen for sale. (Est. $300-600)

Free Soil candidate for President in 1852,

the first anti-slavery (abolitionist) elected to the U.S. Senate…and, ironically, the father of John Wilkes Booth’s lover!

985. HALE, John Parker. (1806-73) Appointed U.S. Attorney under Andrew Jackson, a New Hampshire Senator, Hale was the Free Soil Party presidential nominee in 1852. He was among the strongest opponents of the Mexican-American War in the Senate and is considered “the first US Senator with an openly anti-slavery (or abolitionist) platform.” One of the founders of the Republican Party, Lincoln named Hale Minister of Spain in 1865 in gratitude for political support. Hale’s daughter Lucy Lambert Hale was betrothed to John Wilkes Booth; the assassin had a picture of Lucy with him when he was killed. Today, portraits of both President Lincoln and John Hale hang next to each other in the chambers of the New Hampshire House of Representatives. A prohibitively rare Signed Photograph, a carte by Brady. Mounting remnants on verso, exceptionally fine presentation. (Est. $300-500)

986. HALE, John P. Writing to his daughter, who soon became the lover of John Wilkes Booth. A.L.S., Washington, Feb. 6, 1860, an obviously bored Hale writes his daughter Lucy while “Sitting in the Senate with Mr Chandler is speaking on the ‘St. Clair Flats’ and having nothing particular to do at this moment…” Mounted to a larger sheet, else fine. (Est. $60-80)

987. HUNTER, David. (1802–86) Close Lincoln friend who accompanied the President-elect for a portion of his inaugural journey from Springfield to Washington, and commanded the detail that escorted the return of his body to Illinois. Considered one of Lincoln’s more controversial generals – a man absolutely despised in the South – Hunter first entered military service after graduating from West Point in 1822. During the War he held several commanding posts. He was severely wounded while leading one of two divisions on the flank march at the 1st Bull Run. After his recovery and service in other posts – including replacing the command of General John C. Fremont – in late 1862, Hunter found himself in South Carolina. Hunter would infuriate Confederates in that state by announcing the “abolition” of slavery in the department and forming the 1st South Carolina Colored Infantry. Washington, still hoping for a peace proposal, disavowed his policies. Hunter’s policy of burning Confederate land and properties – including the torching of the Virginia Governor’s residence and the Virginia Military Institute – earned him a death sentence if ever captured. His presiding over the trial of the conspirators was his last active role in military service. Fine association war date manuscript D.S., Washington, Sept. 27, 1862 certifying “...that Col. James D. Fessenden has actually discharged the duties of Additional Aide de Camp with the rank of Colonel on my staff from July 26, 1862 to the present date.” James D. Fessenden (1833-82) was one of three sons of Lincoln’s second Sec. of the Treasury, William P. Fessenden. Fessenden began his Civil War service as a captain of the 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters and from 1862 to 1863 served on David Hunter’s staff where he organized and commanded the first regiment of black troops fielded in the Civil War. In 1863 he transferred to the Army of the Tennessee serving under Hooker at Chattanooga and Atlanta and was promoted to Brigadier General in August, 1864. Two of Fessenden’s brothers also served in the war including Samuel Fessenden, killed at 2nd Bull Run, and Major General Francis Fessenden. (Est. $250-500)

The man who presided over the Lincoln conspirators’ trial orders a transfer for the man who presided over Lincoln’s autopsy.

988. HUNTER, David. War Date manuscript D.S., St. Louis, September 17, 1861 ordering “The following named gentlemen, members of Maj. Gen Hunters Staff, will accompany him from St. Louis to Rolla, Missouri…” Below, six officers are named, including Surgeon J. K. Barnes, listed as “Medical Director“. Barnes, (1817-83) would be appointed by Lincoln to become Surgeon General of the United States. In his capacity as Surgeon General, he attended to Lincoln after he was shot. Barnes also attended to Garfield after his shooting at the hand of Charles Guiteau. Usual folds, very light foxing, fine. An excellent association piece. Together with: a Signed Photo, a cabinet card by Rice of the General in his final years, posed in uniform. The layers of the board have separated, some mottling to image; the autograph on verso is bold and clean. Two (2) nice items. (Est. $500-800)

A terrific association piece!

989. FORD, John T. Theatre manager, owner of Holliday Street Theatre in Baltimore and Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC, site of Lincoln’s assassination. Copy in wraps of the play Victims (how appropriate!) by Tom Taylor, published in London by Thomas Lacy. Signed three times by Ford – on the front cover (John T. Ford Holliday Street Theatre, identically on the top of the title page and the first page, but with the addition of the date, 1854). Tom Taylor was also the author of Our American Cousin, performed at Ford’s Theatre the night of the assassination. Lacks back cover. Front cover is separated and is missing one corner, typical soiling, housed in protective wrap. Signatures are fine. John Thomson Ford (1829-94) was a major theatre force in the 19th century; building, managing, operating venues for performers. Ford actually built three theatres in Washington, D.C., the first opened on Tenth Street in 1861. After it was destroyed by fire the following year he built the structure known as Ford’s Theatre on the same site. Ford, a personal friend of assassin John Wilkes Booth, fell under suspicion in the immediate aftermath of the murder and was briefly arrested and detained along with his brothers James and Harry Clay. They were incarcerated for a total of thirty-nine days before finally being exonerated. But, their theatre was seized by the government – Ford was paid $100,000 for it by Congress. Ford also managed theatres in Alexandria, VA, Philadelphia, Charleston, SC, and Richmond. Ford also managed a great number of traveling as well as resident companies, theatrical troupes, which included the greatest stars and actors of his generation. He had a reputation for being honest and honorable in his numerous business dealings. A great rarity with interesting association. (Est. $800-1,200)

Setting the official order of procession for

New York City’s funeral observances…

a unique piece of history.

990. Lincoln’s Funeral in New York. Fine content L.S. 3p.,

New York, April 22, 1865 from the Committee of the Citizens of New York to A. A. Low, President of the Chamber of Commerce. Titled “Funeral Obsequies”, the letter discuses the order of ceremony for the ceremonies at Union Square for April 25: “The Committee appointed at a Mass Assemblage of Citizens on the 15th inst. propose to unite with the City Authorities in rendering Funeral Honors to the memory of the late President of the United States, on Tuesday next, the 25th instant. The order of arrangement will be as follows: The Citizens generally and all pubic and private organizations which may be disposed to unite with them, are invited to assemble at 10 O’clock A. M. on the day named, on Fourteenth Street, Union Square. The intellectual and religious services will be as follows: Prayers of Right Revd. Bishop Potter. Address by George Bancroft. The last Inaugural Address of President Lincoln will be read by Revd. Dr. A. R. Thompson. Prayers and Benediction by Reverend Dr. Rodgers, and Revd. Dr. Osgood. At the close of these exercises, the Citizens and Associations will proceed to unite with the Civic Procession under the direction of the Municipal Authorities. We are instructed to invite the co-operation of the Chamber of Commerce in rendering these testimonials of respect for the character and the memory of the honored and lamented deceased President.” Lincoln’s body arrived in New York on Monday, April 21 from Philadelphia, and laid in state at City Hall for pubic viewing. The corpse remained there until 2 P.M. the following day, when his casket was drawn by 16 horses en route to the Hudson River Railway Depot. The funeral train, trailed by 75,000 mourners proceeded up Broadway to Union Square, west on Fourteenth Street, then up Fifth Avenue to Thirty-fourth Street, then west again to the river and the train depot. A few minor marginal chips with only minor loss not affecting text, usual folds, light toning, else very good condition. This is the document that defined these most solemn exercises… a profound piece of history!

(Est. $800-1,200)

991. HOLT, Joseph. (1807-94) Kentucky politician who served briefly as Secretary of War in the Cabinet of Abraham Lincoln; earlier, he was Postmaster General in James Buchanan’s Cabinet; in 1862, he became the first Judge Advocate General, U.S. Army, serving until 1875; in this powerful position, he prosecuted those charged with having conspired in the assassination. As Judge Advocate General, he was accused of suppressing evidence and keeping from President Johnson the military commission’s recommendation of clemency for Mrs. Surratt. A.L.S. “J. Holt” as 1st Judge Advocate of the U.S. Army, 2p., “Washington, Novr. 5th 1862.” Written to “Maj. Gen. [Henry] Halleck,” former commander of the Dept. of Missouri who was called to Washington in 1862 to become commander-in-chief of the Union Army. Holt writes: “I saw Gen. [Albin Francisco] Schoef this morning & find him much improved within the last days. He is very anxious to be assigned to some duty, & thinks himself capable of any service which does not involve the riding on horseback. He has a vigorous & clear intellect & a soldier’s education & would I think make a good member of the military commission about to convene at Cincinnati. He has a personal knowledge of many of the matters which will be the subject of investigation. I do not know whether this will be considered by you a recommendation or an objection. I only hope that something may be given him to do. He will call on you to day or in the morning.” Inlaid. Lincoln had appointed Henry Halleck major general in August 1861. As a field commander, he proved an able organizer and administrator, but an incompetent leader of field armies. Hungarian-born Union General Schoeff had only recently concluded his command of the 1st Division, Army of Ohio at Perryville. A fine specimen. (Est. $500-600)

992. BINGHAM, John Armor. (1815-1900) An Ohio Congressman and principle in the impeachment of President Johnson, Bingham 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 “simply a criminal conspiracy and a gigantic assassination [in which] Jefferson Davis is as clearly proven guilty as is John Wilkes Booth.” 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 “string up the culprits without any court.” A fine Autograph Quotation Signed: “Liberty and Justice/Very truly yours/Jno A. Bingham/Ohio“, 3″ x 2” card. Mounting remnants. (Est. $100-150)

A touching relic with provenance…

from the Lincoln cortege in New York City.

993. Black mourning crepe worn in mourning by Admiral C.H. Eldredge as a Guard of Honor when Lincoln lay in state in New York, April 25, 1865. A long strip that adorned the uniform of Eldredge when he was a Guard of Honor in New York – his “duty” scheduled from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 25, 1865 at City Hall where Lincoln lay in state. New York City was but one stop in the procession back to Springfield…President Lincoln’s Funeral Train left Washington, D.C., on April 21, 1865 to retrace the trip back home mirroring the inaugural trip to Washington for the President-elect four years earlier. The “Lincoln Special” stopped at: Baltimore, MD; Harrisburg, PA; Philadelphia, PA; New York City, NY; Albany, NY; Buffalo, NY; Cleveland, OH; Columbus, OH; Indianapolis, IN; Michigan City, IN; Chicago, IL, and arrived in Springfield the morning of Wednesday, May 3, 1865. Lincoln was the first President to be embalmed enabling the public viewings of his mortal remains. At the viewing in New York’s City Hall, a photograph of the President lying-in-state was secretly taken – the only such instance – an image secreted away by Stanton only to be rediscovered in the late 20th century. Charles H. Eldredge served as a Naval Paymaster through the entire Civil War. His record has him rising to Pay Director and remaining in the service for twenty years after the War. An amazing piece of history accompanied by provenance listing Eldredge’s assignment to the guard detail in New York, dated April 25, 1865. Touching, evocative. (Est. $3,000-5,000)

994. LOWRY, Thomas. (1843-1909) Minneapolis real-estate magnate and businessman who is responsible for the early growth of the streetcar lines in Minneapolis and St. Paul. An avid Lincoln collector, he was the owner of the Lincoln funeral hearse! An interesting association piece, a sixth-plate (sight) tintype portrait of Lowry seated next to Minneapolis attorney Clinton Morrison together with a humorous A.L.S. by Lowry to Morrison, Minneapolis, “‘At Midnight Holy hour’ Thanksgiving Day”, Nov. 25, 1880 commenting on the tintype and reads in part: “…the gentleman sitting in a ‘graceful and easy posture’ seems to be the embodiment of ease, grace, refinement, culture, education and ‘political economy,’ while the ‘rake’ beside him seems a ‘minister of such frightful mien, that to be hated needs but to be seen.’ To me it is perfectly incomprehensible how two ‘human Veins’ of such different type should become friendly enough or so closely ‘al[l]ied’ as to ‘sit for a picture’ Please send the ‘picture’ to you wife and ask her to solve the problem…” Tintype bears surface wear, letter bears the usual folds with some partial separation and toning. Both framed together with a printed reproduction of the tintype. (Not examined out of frame.) Albeit a little esoteric, nonetheless part of the Lincoln story. We have to believe there aren’t many original photographs of this fellow! (Est. $200-400)

An original eulogy…

composed for his congregation, 1865.

995. An original, penned eulogy as pronounced in an 1865 service for Lincoln. A rare and unusual piece, an original manuscript memorial sermon in the hand of and delivered by the Reverend Nathaniel F. Stevens, A.Ms., 15p. 8vo., Montgomery, June 1, 1865 in pencil and ink with numerous manuscript corrections and emendations together with several mounted news clippings retelling the story of the assassination and a copy of Henry Ward Beecher’s words on the slain president. Stevens opens with Psalms 33:123 “Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord.” and observing (in small part), “While as yet the Nation is draped in mourning for her fallen Chief Magistrate, & while the circumstances of his fall were such as to shock, & horrify even the heart of an inveterate enemy – for a time the activity of the whole world is arrested. Now after the first red heat of excitement has partially passed & sober reflections occupy our thoughts, we may be able more fully to understand what our loss is, & the mysteries of that Providence that has suffered it…forty seven days ago just as the lower disk of the sun of peace began to swing above the national horizon, suddenly, like draping the curtains of midnight it was veiled from our sight, A few vessels lay at anchor in the mouth of the James, suddenly a great cry breaks the silence as a large steemer [sic] rushes past with large letters written on the wheelhouse ‘President Lincoln has been Assassinated’…Never since the death of Washington has the grief been so deep, so general, No president has ever been so well known by the people…Our President is dead & buried…There are two periods in the history of man in which his character is brought into notice When he lives the world asks what are his vices. When he dies the world asks what were his virtues…We may admire his self control, Promotion did not excite his ambition, Flattery did not lead him to be partial in his administration… Partisan Prejudices seemed never to actuate him in his public life. On the pressure of National duties he was at his post, Amid the wasting disaster of war he was confident. On his dealings with his enemies, he was mild & lenient…Let us not be in despair, We believe it was well with our President when he died, But in the march of empires…he prepared having been sanctified through suffering, to stand in the front rank of the great moral conquest which shall lay the kingdoms of this world at His feet, who spoke peace on earth & good will toward men.” Bound with string, usual wear, else fine condition. (Est. $500-800)

Lincoln’s visit to Richmond & the end of the war.

996. (LINCOLN, Abraham) A fine content A.L.S. of Donald MacLeod (1809-69), in the First Comptroller’s Office at the Treasury Department, 2p., [Washington], April 11, 1865 discussing Lincoln’s visit to Richmond and the end of the war. He opens by inviting his correspondent to “come here this week (any day except Friday, which is a ‘Cabinet day’)...” which would be Lincoln’s last as that was Friday, April 14! MacLeod continues congratulating him “and our friends generally on the glorious results in Virginia. I had the pleasure of meeting last night Mr. Senator Sumner, W. Harlow (the new Secretary of the Interior) and others who had accompanied the President and Mrs. Lincoln to Richmond. They are all confident of an early peace being re-established, and speak kindly and even tenderly of the People of the now ‘re-possessed’ communities. The next few years will be eventful ones in their efforts upon the restoration of the Union…It is time that those who have borne the cost and burden of the day — who stood boldly by the cause of the Union and the Emancipation policy of the Administration...” Usual folds with a couple of minor partial separations, light even toning, else very good. (Est. $250-350)

997. Union Soldier on Lincoln’s Death. Partial A.L. of a Union soldier, 2p., Warrensville, Apr. 20, 1865 inquiring about family matters noting “i think i will soon be able to com[e] home…i suppose you have heard the bad news that abraham lincoln was shot he was in the theater we have richmond and petes burth [sic] about i dont’ know how the war will go on…” Moderate toning, usual folds, else very good. A touching example. (Est. $100-200)

998. Mourning Lincoln in Philadelphia. A.L.S. of an unknown officer, 1p. [Philadelphia] Apr. 22, 1865 to a colleague concerning the official functions in Philadelphia on the occasion of Lincoln’s body arriving in Philadelphia. He writes in full: “By accident or chance, this morning I discovered a notice in the ‘Times’, referring to some action to be had tomorrow (Sunday) by the Army & Navy in relation to the Sad & afflicting National Calamity that has fallen upon us – I presume the affair will be of an official Character & I should regret my command should not be represented on the occasion. I am & have been for some days unwell – a slight touch of Miasmatic fever, which may prevent my being present; but if the occasion is to be an official one, I with some of the officers to represent the ‘Ossipee’ – will you please advise me what the uniform is to be – I presume it will be in dress with side Arms.” Mounting remnants on verso, light folds, else fine. Interesting — he was worrying about how to dress for the solemnities! (Est. $200-300)

999. “What a burning shame that the demon of Dixie should exult over the misfortune of our brave…Lincoln one of the best, noblest, and purest men…” A fine content A.L.S. of A. D. Billingsley, 4p., Indianapolis, April 23, 1865 commenting on Lincoln’s assassination’s effect upon the city of Indianapolis, vividly describing the public demonstrations of grief that followed: “…What a burning shame that the demon of Dixie should exult over the misfortune of our brave so long. I trust under God, that the day is not far distant, when those of our loved soldiers who have not gone up higher, will be permitted to return, and remain with loved ones at home, that willing rebels will receive [illeg.] punishment, that traitors will hide their guilty heads in shame and repent in sack cloth and ashes, that the demon assassins with the leaders of the most foul plot ever concocted by the [illeg.] devils, since the crucifixion of our Christ; will be hung higher than Haman I have not language to express my indignation for those who have done all they could to assassinate our Government our brave soldiers, and consummated the fiendish deed upon A. Lincoln one of the best, noblest, and purest men that god in his wisdom ever placed on this earth, may his mantle rest upon his successor Andy Johnson. Yesterday week was the darkest day of mourning and weeping this nation every experienced, All, all seemed as if the pall of death was over us, before night every loyal house was draped in mourning. Sunday came, the people repaired with bowed heads, and stricken hearts to church, on entering our house, we found the habiliments of woe, of mourning, form the gal[l]ery, swing in rich folds long lines of black, in the rear of the speaker, was the blessed emblem, the old flag at half mast draped in mourning, in front of the desk, a fine portrait of A. Lincoln, every seat full, each one anxious to hear what the man of god would say, His theme was the incidents of the hour, and Providence of God. Whilst he spoke and wept, the audience wept and was comforted. On Wednesday the funeral services were performed at all the churches then a long, long procession flags, devices, badges, [illeg.] etc etc…” With original transmittal envelope, usual folds, very good. (Est. $300-400)

On Lee’s surrender and the assassination – written the very day Lincoln died.

1000. A fine content A.L.S. of 1st Lieut. Thomas F. Walter of the 91st Pennsylvania, 3p. 8vo. in pencil, “Camp at Burnesville Junction, Va.”, April 15, [1865] to his wife discussing the surrender of Lee at Appomattox and the news of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. He writes in part: “…we are now camped some thirty miles nearer the place that most of us hope to see an be free in before many more weeks pass…we get no newspapers so that I have not yet been able to see an account of the capture of Petersburg and Richmond yet. We had a hard chase before we got Lee cornered and our brigade had the honor of receiving the flag of truce that preceded the surrender and afterward of receiving the rebel arms and colors. I hear there was a general jubilee in Phila when the news of our victories was received there…We are told that president Lincoln has been killed and is to be buried to day but there is so many tales about the affair that we can scarcely believe anything. I suppose there is a general sadness throughout the north and the south cannot well rejoice for they will not be likely to find one so lenient in the White House hereafter…” Walter enlisted in the 91st in August, 1861 serving to the end of the war seeing action at Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor. Walter was wounded on the third day of Gettysburg, the regiment seeing heavy action at Little Round Top. Usual folds with slight partial separation, else fine. (Est. 250-350)

1001. A from-life photograph of the assassin by Fredricks – on his board. Great clarity, detail, tone. Just a hint of age to background, overall a superior specimen. (Est. $300-500)

1002. John Wilkes Booth by Case & Getchell, Boston. This CDV usually appears as a copy image. Rarely does one encounter an original with photographer’s credit. A pensive pose, the madman deep in thought. (Est. $400-500)

1003. Another from-life photo of the infamous assassin… when he was just the celebrated actor. A stellar carte by C.D. Fredricks, the photographer who made this portrait 1862-3, on his mount. About as fine an example as found. (Est. $300-500)

1004. Booth by Gott. One of the most difficult JWB images to source, posed wearing his hat. (We sold an example of this jaunty pose in our 2000 auction for $920.). A great opportunity to acquire a truly rare Booth CDV. Mount has some light soil, else fine. (Est. $500-700)

1005. A fine, vignetted portrait of the assassin. Excellent presentation, crisp. (Est. $120-160)

1006. A fine carte of Booth, the pose used on the $100,000 “Wanted” posters! Nice contrast. (Est. $100-150)

1007. A Booth carte of a Booth carte! A fun, period CDV that reveals the entrepreneurial photographer’s source for his “souvenir” — the ruled borders of the original CDV are revealed in his albumen! Inked ownership on verso, an interesting period “keepsake.” (Est. $100-150)

1008. A fine CDV with “J. Wilkes Booth, Murderer of Abraham Lincoln” printed on the verso. Light age, fine. (Est. $100-150)

1009. The Devil made him do it. A great bit of period commentary, titled mount, small albumen chip at very top edge, one of the better examples we have seen. (Est. $120-160)

1010. He killed Booth! The mad hatter, Boston Corbett. A nice example. (Est. $400-500)

1011. David Hunter by Anthony/Brady. Extremely fine tone, contrast, detail. (Est. $100-150)

1012. General David Hunter by Anthony/Brady. Great contrast and deep tone. Quite excellent. (Est. $100-150)

1013. He officiated at Lincoln’s funeral in Springfield. Rev. Matthew Simpson (1811-84) led a congregation in Philadelphia. A profound orator – Lincoln regarded him as the greatest speaker he ever heard. At the President’s funeral in Illinois, Bishop Simpson led the service. One of the most influential religious and spiritual leaders of the era. A scarce carte by Hagelstein Bros. of New York. (Est. $80-120)

1014. LARGE Booth photo in cabinet card format. One thin streak, a light line, going through the mid-section of chest, a popular pose in a larger than carte size. (Est. $400-500)

1015. Spectacular Victorian gold mourning brooch, 2 x 2″ (28 x 34 mm.). This oblong, gold-filled brooch contains an albumen portrait of Lincoln by Brady. The frame consists of four shields interspersed with four fleur-de-lis, with chased details. Beautiful condition and perhaps the finest known example of a memorial brooch. (Est. $800-1,200)

1016. Perhaps the most desirable mourning medal, a lovely design by William H. Key of Philadelphia. 48mm., white metal with a great deal of original luster, a fabulous example. These large tributes were in tremendous demand in 1865.

(Est. $150-250)

1017. Another example of the classic medal by Key, this in copper. VF.

(Est. $150-200)

1018. A most unusual mourning medal, white metal with original luster, suspended from eagle pin with affixed black ribbon. With legend “Martyr President,” this is a scarce tribute piece in excellent condition.

(Est. $150-200)

1019. 1865 Mourning Medal. An oval gilt brass medal by the Swiss medalist Hugues Bovy, 21 x 24mm. with the words “Martyr to Liberty” and the date of death, April 15, 1865 on verso. Uncirculated. (Est. $50-80)

1020. One of the very programs given to VIP’s and dignitaries… those attending the service for the martyred president in Washington. “OFFICIAL ARRANGEMENTS at Washington for the funeral solemnities of the late ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United States, who died at the Seat of Government, on Saturday, the 15th day of April, 1865.” 4p., last page blank, one age burn at bottom edge, signed in type by W.A. Nichols, Asst. Adj. General. Details the order of the procession and those set to march behind Lincoln’s body…culminating with the all-encompassing group “Citizens and Strangers.” We’ve seen examples in the hands of bibliophile dealers priced at $2,000. While a necessary component to a comprehensive collection… and now getting hard to source… we are more “comfortable” with an estimate of… (Est. $600-800)

1021. Mayor Lincoln presides over the funeral of President Lincoln. A fine rarity: the official program from Boston’s service, June 1, 1865. Four pages provide the “Order of Services”, verses to hymns to be sung, and notes that the eulogy would be delivered by Charles Sumner. An odd coincidence that it was Frederick W. Lincoln, Jr. serving as Mayor at this fateful time. A scarce piece of ephemera – the first example we have seen. (Est. $150-250)

1022. A good mourning imprint, “Requiem for President Abraham Lincoln“, a four stanza poem by Richard Storrs Willis, Detroit, April 19, 1865. With one manuscript correction changing “him sweet” to “his dust”. Folds, toned at top margin, else very good. (Est. $100-300)

1023. New Hampshire mourns Lincoln. A 5 x 9″ program for the official memorial services at Concord, NH June 1, 1865 – Dartmouth President Asa Smith listed giving a prayer. Weak at folds, wear, minor loss, else good. (Est. $150-200)

1024. Quite rare 3 x 6″ “American Protestant Association” mourning silk “We Mourn Our Loss Abraham Lincoln.” Wonderful cemetery scene in center, an excellent ribbon in lovely condition. (Est. $300-400)

1025. A simple, elegant memorial ribbon. 2 x 6″, tiny pin-hole at top from being pinned to the chest of a mourner, a silk that says it all. (Est. $150-200)

1026. A fine silk, 3 x 7 3/4″ proclaiming “The Nation Mourns His Loss He Still Lives in The Hearts of the People.” Bold design, some staining at bottom does not detract. (Est. $150-200)

1027. Spectacular 3 x 10″ mourning ribbon on heavy fabric, this gold on white with black mourning border. As good as it gets, and in pristine condition. (Est. $300-400)

1028. Perhaps the smallest tribute… but still an evocative mourning piece! Paper mourning ribbon printed in red, blue, and black, 1 1/2 x 3 1/2″, “We Mourn Our Martyred President.” A lovely, period item from the grief of 1865. (Est. $100-150)

1029. A rare and unusual document, a certification for Charles T. Kern as a contributor to and member of the Lincoln Monument Association of Philadelphia, 9 x 6 1/2″, July 4, 1865 bearing the printed signature of Mayor Alexander Henry. Henry was of course, responsible for the near-riot that broke out after he issued too many passes to view Lincoln’s body when it was on view in Philadelphia. The Lincoln Monument Association in Philadelphia was one of numerous fund-raising entities established in the summer following Lincoln’s assassination; most did not amount to anything. This is the first time we have encountered this particular imprint, and a search has located but one other example in the Henry O. Havemeyer Collection at the New York Historical Society. Vertical folds toned with one with minor separations, else very good. (Est. $100-300)

1030. Once again, this is the first example we’ve seen – even San Francisco, California raised money for a Lincoln tribute! As with the previous lot, contributions to pay homage to the fallen President occured in almost every non-Rebel state. This one must be quite rare as we can source NO other examples! This dollar contribution certificate is signed in type by William Chapman Ralston (1826-75), the colorful financier nicknamed the “man who built San Francisco.” He founded the Bank of California and built the extravagant Palace Hotel. (The financial collapse of 1875 wiped him out…his body found in the Bay either victim to a heart attack or a suicide. 50,000 attended his public funeral.) 6 x 2 1/2″, black and white, interesting as we can find no citation of what the monies went toward… anyone know what the “Testimonial” paid for? (Perhaps a really great meal down at the Wharf!) (Est. $150-300)

1031. “Certificate of Admission to the Lincoln Dioramic Association” in Columbus OH, presenting a “Diorama of the Funeral Obsequies…and a photographic View of some one of the remarkable Scenes represented by the Diorama…” (We have no clue!) Nicely engraved, no doubt another 19th-century way to milk the public for their grief and make a buck! (Est. $80-120)

1032. One of the most elegant designs; a different Lincoln visage.

(Est. $50-75)

1033. [Dealer’s Postcard Group.] Five (5) photographic postcards with extensive details on verso providing the history of the Lincoln funeral car. Cards by Lamson Brothers of Toledo, 1908, one example is postal-used. These are among the more desirable examples traded. (OPEN)

1034. 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, 122p., 1865. Titled brown wraps, contents bright and tight. John Armor Bingham (1815-1900), an Ohio Congressman, and 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 “simply a criminal conspiracy and a gigantic assassination [in which] Jefferson Davis is as clearly proven guilty as is John Wilkes Booth.” 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 “string up the culprits without any court.” A fine, scarce imprint. (Est. $150-200)

1035. [Lincoln in Memoriam.] A fine set of four (4) works concerning Lincoln and his untimely death: Frank Crosby’s Life of Abraham Lincoln (Philadelphia: John E. Potter, 1865) 476p., bound in tooled cloth boards with gilt titled spine; George Bancroft’s Memorial Address on the Life and Character of Abraham Lincoln… Delivered… (Washington: Government Printing Office, 1866) 69p. bound in gilt titled boards; The Boston City Council’s memorial to Lincoln, A Memorial of Abraham Lincoln…(Boston: 1865) 153p., bound in gilt titled boards and spine; a fine presentation containing the memorial addresses for Lincoln, Garfield and McKinley delivered respectively by George Bancroft, James G. Blaine, John Hay, Memorial Addresses Delivered Before the Two Houses of Congress on the Life and Character of Abraham Lincoln, James A. Garfield, William McKinley…(Washington: Government Printing Office, 1903) 246p., in gilt tilted boards and spine. Condition is overall very good with the expected rubbing, two spines cracked, and other minor faults. Together, four pieces. (Est. $100-200)

1036. A bold white metal high relief mourning bust of Lincoln set against black velvet and set into a deep 14 x 17″ frame. Elegant… among the more desirable Victorian-era memorial displays. (Est. $300-500)

1037. A gilt high relief bust of Lincoln set against a maroon velvet cloth and a gilt oval frame set into a 8 x 9″ shadow box. Lovely. (Est. $200-400)

1038. A good high relief mourning bust in a simple 9 x 11″ shadow box. Likely cast in brass or copper. A pretty piece. (Est. $100-150)

1039. Lincoln memorial porcelain plaque. 4 1/4″ diameter parian or bisque porcelain disc with raised profile of Lincoln, painted black, against a white background, surrounding by a raised circle highlighted in gilt. Manufactured by the A. W. Fridolin Kister Factory in Scheibe Alsbach, Thuringia (Germany). This company was active from 1863-1905. This handsome piece was likely made around 1865-70. Excellent condition.

(Est. $150-250)

1040. Lincoln’s Death, at least as imagined by Currier and Ives, in a 14 x 10″ print. A few minor marginal tears and chips, else fine condition. (Est. $100-150)

1041. An elaborate mourning portrait of Lincoln featuring an oval albumen 5 1/2 x 7 1/2″ surrounded by biographical details and an excerpt of his second inaugural address. Housed in an oval gilt frame, light toning and minor dampstains, else very good.

(Est. $400-600)

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