776.  An extraordinary rarity, a printed ticket, 1 3/4 x 4 1/2” on yellow card stock, for the orchestra section of Ford’s Theatre the fateful night of Lincoln’s assassination at the hand of John Wilkes Booth. Bearing two rubber stamps reading “FORD’S THEATRE APR 14 1865 This Night Only”.

At right, the ticket carries the signature of James R. Ford as Business Manger of Ford’s Theatre. The verso bears an authentication by James R. FORD who writes “Genuine J R Ford” in pencil. These tickets are nearly identical to the pair in the Forbes Collection (see Christies, Oct. 8, 2002, Lot 126) save for the fact those tickets were for the Dress Circle, had seat numbers added in manuscript, and were cut diagonally at the right. Interestingly this example was not perforated, nor cut. The printing also appears to match examples in the collection at Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site in Washington (save for the date stamp)… their specimen apparently unused. In total, there are reportedly only four other pairs of tickets known – in addition to the present example and the pair from Forbes, including examples at Ford’s Theatre and the Smithsonian Institution. Likely to save on printing costs, the theatre would order quantities of tickets for each day of the week — subsequently stamping them for a particular date. Different colors indicated different sections of the theatre. Ephemera related to the Lincoln assassination is extremely rare and desirable. The aforementioned pair of tickets that sold from the Forbes Collection brought $83,650. Unlike those tickets, the present example is intact, bears no creases, only the lightest of toning, and is otherwise very fine condition. An extraordinary survival. From the personal scrapbook of Capt. Charles McCreery, MI Vols. He had collected extensive papers from the Fall of Richmond and other related documents. First time ever made available. (Est. $15,000 – 20,000)

A tremendous rarity… a Boston Corbett ALS!

777.  CORBETT, Thomas P. ‘Boston’ (1832- c. 1894) Rare A.L.S. “Boston Corbett” 3pp. 8 x 5”, New York, Sept. 7, 1867 to William T. Terry in Orient, N.Y. The avenger of Lincoln writes to a friend and fellow Christian: “Your kind letter of Aug 2nd reached me in fine Season It seems barely possible when I look at the date that its over a month old before it was answered. But I hope the Lord will forgive me and you too. I have been working at my trade at Mr. Clark’s 118 Nassau St. very near Mr. Goodenoughs [?]. I thank you for that card (The Lord will provide) He has done it; and he will again if I only prove faithful. God help me. Last night I had Prayer Meeting in my Room Bro Cook was with us and Sends his love to your sister Martiney[?] is expected back this coming week she has been away in the country several weeks. The two Sisters Mary and Louisa send their love to you. And others also. Next Friday night I expect to start for a Grove Meeting at Saratoga. I should be very glad if you would go too. I have not been to any camp or Grove Meetings yet this Summer. And I hope the Lord will give us a Special Blessing at Saratoga. Enclosed I return the two dollars you was so kind as to lend me And I hope the Lord will Bless you for it. Our Meetings in the Church are More powerful and better than they have been the Lord is blessing us in a Measure but are are [sic] praying that he will Bless us beyond measure. The Lord Bless you and Sister Terry And all your household. And Brother and Sister Reeves and their Dear ones and all that love Jesus. Good bye pray for us we often do for you. Yours in Jesus Boston Corbett. Love to Brother Gardiner and his family.” Corbett had become a born-again evangelical Christian while working as a hatter in Boston in the 1850s. He became so fanatical he actually castrated himself with a pair of scissors in order to avoid the temptation of prostitutes. He served in the Union Army in the 16th NY Cavalry and was captured and imprisoned at Andersonville. Soon after his famous killing of Booth, he was discharged from the army and resumed his trade as a hatter. As time went on he became increasingly erratic and unstable. After brandishing a weapon in the Kansas House of Representatives in 1887 while working as the body’s doorkeeper (someone mocked the opening prayer!), he was committed to an insane asylum. He later escaped the asylum and was not seen or heard from again. Corbett letters are very rare and seldom appear in the market. With original transmittal envelope. Usual folds, else fine condition. (Est. $4,000-6,000)

The U.S. Government seizes the theatre where the assassin struck.

778. (John T. FORD) Excellent content manuscript letter, a telegram on American Telegraph Company letterhead, likely in the hand of the operator, Baltimore, July 25, 1865. Ford, the owner of Ford’s Theatre in Washington telegrams stage manager John B. Wright concerning the dimming likelihood of re-opening of the theatre following Lincoln’s assassination the evening of April 14, 1865. The telegram reads in full: “The Govt has taken the theatre until after congress meets. I have no hope to obtain it until February first. J T Ford.” Ford (1829-1894) had begun as a Richmond, VA bookseller but moved into the theater business after writing a successful farce for a minstrel company, the Nightingale Serenaders. He worked as the business manager of this company for several years. In 1854 he assumed control of the Holliday Street Theatre in Baltimore and continued running it for 25 years. He opened the 2,400-seat Ford’s Theatre in 1863 and it quickly became a very popular destination for Washington society. At the time of the assassination, Ford was in Richmond which cast great suspicion upon him (he was also good friends with John Wilkes Booth). On April 18, he was arrested in Baltimore and found himself imprisoned with his brothers, James and Harry Clay Ford. Over a month would pass before the three brothers were exonerated. In the meantime, Ford’s Theatre had been seized by the Federal government. When Congress did reconvene, it ordered that the house be taken and never be used for public amusements of any sort – voting to provide $100,000 to Ford in compensation. For his part, Ford remained bitter toward the Federal government for his treatment. Fortunately for Ford, he did own other theaters and managed a variety of theatrical companies and continued on as a very successful manager and figured prominently in the civic life of Baltimore. Without question a unique piece of history.   (Est. $1,500-2,500)

Defending the conspirators…
Mudd, Spangler, and Arnold to meet with their defense counsel.

779.  Joseph HOLT (1807-94) Important Autograph Letter Signed “J. Holt Judge Adv Genl” 1p. oblong 8vo., in pencil, [Washington], May 11, 1865 to Major General W.S. Hancock, asking that a pass be issued to Maj. Gen. Thomas Ewing, “to see Dr. [Samuel] Mudd and [Samuel] Arnold and [Edmund] Spangler [the last name added above line in ink] as council under the usual restriction when necessary to do so.” On the verso, Winfield Scott HANCOCK (1824-86) has added his approval, first in an Autograph Note Signed, Washington, May 12 [18]65 to Maj. Gen. John F. Hartranft, commander of the Old Capitol Prison asking him to “Admit Mr Ewing to See Dr Mudd & Arnold under the restrictions stated…” Just below, Hancock has added another Autograph Note Signed, [Washington], May 15, 1865 again to Hartranft remarking that “…Spangler’s name is added with above as of now…” The trial of the conspirators had already begun on May 10, 1865 when Holt made this request. The trial lasted for seven weeks and resulted in guilty verdicts for all eight suspects. Interestingly, the three conspirators named here were all sentenced to life in prison and were subsequently pardoned by Andrew Johnson in 1869. At the time of trial Hancock was nominally in charge of the prisoners after Edwin Stanton ordered him to personally take charge of security for the District of Columbia on April 25, 1865. In that capacity, he was also in charge of the executions. Although he was reluctant to execute some of the less-culpable conspirators, especially Mary Surratt, Hancock carried out his orders, later writing that “every soldier was bound to act as I did under similar circumstances.” As Judge Advocate General of the Army, Joseph Holt was the presiding judge in the trial of the accused conspirators. Holt’s public image was tainted by the trial enough to prompt his publication, in 1866, of a pamphlet titled Vindication of Judge Advocate General Holt From the Foul Slanders of Traitors, Confessed Perjurers and Suborners, Acting in the Interest of Jefferson Davis in which he attempted to defend himself against the various allegations and clear up some of the confusion stemming from the trial. Usual folds, else very good. Remarkable history here!  (Est. $1,500-2,000)

Hunting the conspirator: getting accurate descriptions of the wanted fugitive.

780. Original evidence statements made to the military detectives during the hunt for Lincoln assassination conspirator George Atzerodt. Pencil Manuscript Statement on an 8 x 8” sheet of lined paper, from Henry Marcellus Bailey concerning the whereabouts of the conspirator George Atzerodt. Bailey, a close friend of Atzerodt, describes events two weeks prior to the assassination: “Henry Marcellus Bailey says — He went to Washington in company with Atzerodt on the 28th of March in a buggy. Roomed together at the Pennsylvania Hotel, Room 50 until Apr 1st when he returned to Port-Tobacco by stage leaving Atzerodt at Penn Hotel. During this stay in W – Herold and Barnes were constantly with them. On return to Port-Tobacco went following day to his Aunts near Allen’s Fresh remained there until Apr 10th. When he rode down to his cousin (John E. Bailey) on Cobb Neck and has been visiting at different houses but making B. Simms his home in Cobb Neck until Apr 20th when he returned to Allen’s Fresh. Benjamin Simms.” Simms, a cousin of Bailey, had also been brought in for questioning as part of the dragnet that swept up anyone knowing any of the conspirators. Henry Bailey, a Confederate veteran, was a close friend and drinking buddy of Atzerodt. With another friend, Walter Barnes, they had all been seen together aboard the steamer Harriet DeFord at which time Atzerodt flashed a large roll of money to his friends, presumably funds supplied by John Wilkes Booth. (See Kauffman, American Brutus.) In fact Barnes and Bailey are thought to have been involved in plans made by Atzerodt – paying the two to monitor the activities of Michael O’Laughlen who had already left the conspiracy. [ibid.] Uncertain as to whose hand wrote this declaration, important details that might help in the hunt. TOGETHER WITH a description of the conspirator, a statement written and signed “R.R.J.” by Robert R. JONES, the desk-clerk at the Kirkwood House, the hotel where Andrew Johnson resided. 8 x 10” on lined paper, small torn portion at corner, in full: “G. A. Atzerodt Apr 14/65 About 5 ft 6 in height. Square built rather Stout. dark complexion. dark eyes black hair and moustache. no beard rather full Square features but not fleshy. Speaks low quick and Smiling. has more of a foreign than American appearance. dressed when I Saw him in long grey overcoat (sack) and black felt Slouched hat rather broad brim – pulled down on one Side. R.R.J. Atzerodt was Spoken to at the office by a Sallow complexioned boy about 18 years old dressed in a common light colored suit. Spoke and looked like a German and had the appearance of one of those fellows that puts in Glass or attends a corner grocery.” Major J. Rowan O’Bierne, Provost Marshal of Washington, was the very first official ordered to pursue Booth, given that direction by Sec. of War Stanton. O’Bierne sent one of his detectives, John Lee, to the Kirkwood to secure the site where the Vice-President lived and determine if Johnson had also been a target. Once he arrived he was told of a suspicious character in room #126. Because Mr. Jones could not find a key, Lee went up and broke down the door. It was Atzerodt’s room – where they found the first significant clues that there was, in fact, a conspiracy and Booth was involved. This is Jones’s statement as to the identity of the occupant… taken at that very moment of revelation of a conspiracy. (Jones later gave testimony at the trial, on May 13.) Both notes originate from O’Bierne’s papers (disposed of by Southern Cross Rare Books), with identifying blue-pencil “Booth” note on verso written by O’Bierne.  (Est. $2,000-3,000)

The Musical Director the night of the assassination writes to the Manager of Ford’s Theatre mentioning John Ford and an epidemic plaguing Memphis:

781. ALS written by William Withers, Jr., the musical director at Ford’s 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 Ford’s. In part: “…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 negro’s 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 negro’s they will not engage a doctor for they believe the white people want to kill them.” Although a minor figure, still quite desirable and very rare.  (Est. $250-350)

782. The doorkeeper at Ford’s Theatre on souvenirs from the assassination. ALS by J. E. Buckingham, the doorkeeper at Ford’s 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: “…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 Polkinhorn’s 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.” Fun content.     (Est. $200-300)

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 “The 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.” (Est. $100-$200)

784. Pass to the Trial of the Conspirators in the Lincoln Assassination. HUNTER, David. D.S., 3 1/4 x 1 3/4”, 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 Booth’s 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 country’s
mettle – the judicial consequences of the use of a military court is still under debate. Excellent.  (Est. $800-1,000)

785. CRANE, Charles H. (1825-83)Son of Ichabod Bennett Crane who met Washington Irving while both served in the War of 1812 and was the inspiration for the name used in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The younger Crane graduated from Yale and received a medical degree from Harvard, joined the U.S. military as an assistant surgeon, and saw combat in the Mexican-American War. In the Civil War, Crane was promoted to major and surgeon, detailed as medical director of the Dept. of the South. In July 1863 he was recalled to Washington to be medical inspector of prisoners-of-war. After Lincoln died, the President’s body was returned by hearse to the White House shortly after 9:00am on the 15th. Nine men were present for the autopsy that ensued: Surgeon General Dr. Joseph K. Barnes, Lincoln family physician, Dr. Robert King Stone, Dr. Charles Sabin Taft, Army Asst. Surgeon William Morrow Notson, General Rucker of the Army’s Quartermaster Dept., Lincoln’s friend Orville H. Browning, Army Asst. Surgeon Joseph Javier Woodward, Army Asst. Surgeon Edward Curtis, AND Asst. Surgeon General Dr. Charles H. Crane. Crane was named Surgeon General in 1882. Fine LS, January 20, 1866, on Surgeon General’s letterhead to Rep. Pesham on mustering-out documents for Asst. Surgeon Gen. Stubbs.   (Est. $100-150)

“…ladies in Benyville had given expressions of joy or otherwise shown delight upon hearing of the assassination…” 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. “The 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.” The fervor for retribution immediately following the assassination extended to all corners… EVEN military pursuit of civilians “abusing” their right of free speech. A remarkable document.   (Est. $500-700)

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 “Bully” Brooks trying to avenge the honor of his kinsman, Sen. Andrew Butler. A.L.S. 1p. 8 x 5”, Washington, May 18, 1870 to C.H. Underwood in Washington, regretting that he was “…unable to send you the Memorial addresses on Mr. Lincoln, as I have not a spare copy” 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)

788. Lincoln’s 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 President’s box. This autobiographical work, 16pp.,  describes the end of Lincoln’s 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: “To 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.” 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)

789. FERGUSON, William J. (1845-1930) Ford’s Theatre prompter and occasional player, Brief ANS “W. J. Ferguson” on correspondence card, 4 1/2 x 3 1/2”, 1914, advising “we open in Madam President.” Ferguson, author of I Saw Booth Shoot Lincoln (1930), was scheduled for a small part at Ford’s Theatre on the fatal night of Lincoln’s assassination.   (Est. $60-80)

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 8”, “Relay House”, MD, May 6, 1865 ordering that “…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.” Fine condition. (Est. $200-300)

Assassin and conspirator –
John Wilkes Booth and David Herold
spotted by detectives while on the run.

791. ALS “John S. Young Chief of N.Y. Detectives” concerning the pursuit of John Wilkes Booth. One page, 7 1/2 x 10”, on letterhead reading “Headquarters Department of Washington, / Office Provost Marshal General, Defenses North of Potomac” but datelined by Young “Head Quarters Bryantown” [Maryland], 25 April 1865, to Major [James Rowan] O’Beirne. The addressee was in fact the Provost Marshal at Washington, but he had apparently furnished Detective Young with some of his stationery. Young – one of a number of local police operatives “loaned” to the Federal government to assist in tracking John Wilkes Booth – he reports in part that “at 9:30 o’clock this A.M. I received information that Booth & Herold had been seen about 4 miles from here in the direction of Beantown. They came out from the pine woods on foot and remained on the edge of the wood and beckoned for a negro woman to come to them and asked her for some food, then went back into the woods again. I immediately sent a detachment of about 25 cavalrymen and all of the detectives – with the party who have the information – then about five companies of the colored infantry and 300 of the 8th Illinois Cavalry in different detachments. Will send you word immediately if they are captured.” Young wrote this letter two days after Booth and Herold had, in fact, rowed across the Potomac to Virginia. The following day, April 26th, Booth and Herold would be captured at Garrett’s farm. An extremely rare, first-hand account of the chase for the assassin. Slight separation at folds; some stains, else fine.  (Est.$2,000-$2,500)

792. [ARCHIVE] Correspondence written by Mrs. John B. Wright, an eyewitness to the assassination, wife of Ford’s 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: “…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)

793. FORD, John T. (1829-94) Owner and manager of Ford’s Theatre.  4 x 4” sheet being a free theater pass, “Two Seats (2) Kendall – J. T. Ford.” A nice example.
   (Est. $150-200)

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 “acting surgeon general” 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 1/2” mounted albumen of Barnes with a mourning arm-band, Signed on the mount “J. K. Barnes Surg. Genl.” An unusally sensitive study in superb condition. (Est. $600-800)

795. “The President’s assassin is dead and beyond mortal sight in the Ocean.” 2pp., May 1, 1865, on U.S. Sanitary Commission stationery, from Henry Perkins, Nashville, TN. Hospital Ward No. 6, to his cousin, in part: “The President’s assassin is dead and beyond mortal sight in the ocean. They have taken him out to bury him in the middle of the sea.” After Booth was shot and killed at Garrett’s 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 Booth’s body. The plan was to take Booth’s body and pretend to dump it in the Potomac, being weighed down with heavy chains. Chief Detective LaFayette Baker and his cousin lowered Booth’s 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 Booth’s 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)

Hoping another Booth will come
and KILL Andrew Johnson!

796. An incredible 4pp. missive, Colby Hall, New London (CT), April 22, 1865 from “John”, a student at what is today called Colby-Sawyer College to his mother – great content from this student who wishes that someone would kill the new President! In part: “The term closes one week from next Tuesday…I do not regret any that it closes so soon, for the past three weeks have been broken in upon sadly by the great events occurring, which are of so deep interest to the whole country, and the great excitement occasioned thereby. We have had days of Thanksgiving, days of fast, days of rejoicing and days of mourning, and with all these it is a very hard matter to settle down to hard study. The assassination of President Lincoln has cast a deep gloom over all, here as elsewhere, for the future of the nation now looks darker than ever to most when the presidential chair is occupied by a man who has pledged himself to make the blood of the educated and influential rebels run in streams for vengeance for the execution of Old John Brown. Of course, he means to hang all such men as Gen. Lee, if he can get the consent of his party, and from what I have heard and read, he will have the unbounded support of every man in it. But before he accomplishes his base designs, I hope that another Booth will arise and this time, with the true interest of the country in view, and lay low the drunken tyrant, for such he showed himself in Penn. and in Washington, to the joy of all honest and virtuous people. We hear Andy Johnson extolled to skies here everyday by some of the abolitionists, just as though his being inaugurated Pres. made him a better man than when a Vice-Pres. I write this because I hear of nothing now except Abraham Lincoln and Andy Johnson, and when I sit down to write, I think of nothing else. Please send me seventy-five dollars ($75.00) which you can obtain of such John. It will be safest to send it by express...” (Est. $400-600)

797. “…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…” Fabulous ALS, 3pp., from P.O.W. Guard Franklin Marshall of the 104th OH Infantry, Co. H, to his father concerning his company’s melancholy concerning Lincoln’s assassination as well as his own disdain for the atrocities. From “Camp Reno Milwaukee/April 17th/65.”, in part: “…There 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 day…” 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)

“…while a great many mourn his death there is some in our midst who will rejoice…”
798. Fascinating letter from Enoch Ross of the 197th OH Infantry, Co. A. to his brother, 4pp., accompanied by cover. “Camp Chase/Columbus, Ohio/April 18th, 1865,” in part: “…I guess we are going to remain here for some time and I am indeed sorry of it for I do not think Camp Chase is a healthy situation by a long ways. I am now detailed in the Captains Quarters making out Clothing Rolls…Our Camp bears quite a mournful aspect since President Lincolns Death. Flags all half massed and wrapped in mourning. Officers with crepe on their arms and the sound of muffled drums. It is indeed sad. I suppose while a great many mourn of his death there is some in our midst who will rejoice. My Capt. told me this morning that he would give two forty-eight hour furloughs at a time during the summer but he said they might be stretched some if necessary. I told him I would take mine on the Fourth of July and stay a week. He said that would do very well. I like our Captain very well he is kind to the men and very common. He thinks himself above no private…I almost forgot to tell you that we drew our arms today. They are as neat little guns as I ever saw they are Springfield rifles but they are…very hard to keep clean for the barrels are bright…” Ross mustered into Co. A at the very end of the war, 28 March 1865 and mustered out four months later. The regiment served as guards on the Philadelphia and Baltimore Railroad. (Est. $200-300)

“…You would be pleased to see the change that has come over the Democrats here… now they award to our lamented President that praise and honor which they sought so malignantly to tarnish…”
799. ALS “Your loving Mother”, 6pp., [n.p.] May 5, 1865 to her son, a soldier in the field. Remarking on a late-night shooting incident in Syracuse resulting in the murder of a judge “that threw the city into the greatest terror and consternation…”, the correspondent reflects on the death of Lincoln and the general uncertainty that pervaded the country in the wake of that tragedy: “…I sometimes think that the surrender of the South, will be to fill the land with thieves, and assassins. Another attempt has been made to burn the City of Philadelphia. If the Armies should be disbanded too soon there is no telling what they might do these ‘Chivalry’ I hope they will get Jeff Davis, and I believe they will sooner or later. How did the Death of the President affect the Army I hope you will soon be in circumstances to write fully what you have seen, heard, and felt these sad weeks past, so full of startling incidents. We are living fast Jamie! and history is recording Events in quick Succession that will astonish generations to come character is forming for good or evil faster than we can think — There is to be no middle ground — virtue with all its beauty and power — or vice in its deformity, and degradation will mark the personality of the National Character… You would be pleased to see the change that has come over the Democrats here – and elsewhere, now they award to our lamented President that praise and honor which they sought so malignantly to tarnish this blessed Man! bore all patiently He honored God, and ‘God honors him in the hearts of the people making even his enemies to be at peace with him…” Usual folds, else fine condition.  (Est. $300-500)

“How foolish to think drunkenness, sin, beastly, degradation is a fit way of expressing joy…”
800. Lengthy ALS of John P. DeMerit, quartermaster for the 29th Wisconsin Infantry, 7pp., Mobile, AL., May 6, 1865 to his sister Martha in Washington, D.C. He writes, in very small part: “...You… speak of the manner in which the people [in Washington] celebrated the surrender of Richmond and Lee. How foolish to think drunkenness, sin, beastly, degradation is a fit way of expressing joy or a source of joyousness! when this immorality leaves the nation we may hope for happy days, but so long as it is cherished, will shameful acts like assassinations and the like embitter, indanger [sic] and bemoan this country …this week has been fraught with great events. Great and wonderful changes have taken place. Johnson and his army have surrendered. Dick Taylor and his army have surrendered thus leaving us no enemy East of the Miss. River. Booth has been shot; and in fact the agitated condition of last week has settled into a calm as suddenly as a quick lulling of the winds smoothes the lake. The change here is not a small one. By getting possession of Miss & Ala. only about eight miles of telegraph interruption lies between us and Washington, between me and you. In a day or two the communication will be complete…. ‘The War is over’ rings out from every newspaper and the boys talk of nothing so much as of their going home…” Much more fine content describing the general mood in Mobile in the final weeks of the Civil War: “…It is remarkable how finely everything has run so far… Sesesh money is no where….”    (Est.$200-300)

801. Canada mourns the death of President Lincoln. Two-page ALS, April 30, 1865, Brantford [Canada], with original transmittal cover, in part: “I 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.” It is nice to know that our friends and neighbors to the north mourned the Great Emancipator!    (Est. $150-250)

802. “Washington the father of his country; Lincoln the preserver of his country.” Four-page ALS, April 31, 1865, Lincoln, MA., in part: “There 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 motto’s ‘Washington the father of his country; Lincoln the preserver of his country’.” 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)

803. A friend writes Sgt. Romanzo V. Swain, 1st WI Heavy Artillery: “I would give worlds could I have the pleasure of seeing the man who dare commit so inhuman an act. Torture, yes, burned at the stake.”  Three-page ALS, April 16th, 1865, Cohoes, [NY] with original transmittal cover, in part: “It is the holy Sabbath, all is as quite as the graves, every house every available place is draped in the deepest mourning for the loss of our much beloved President. In him the nation has lost a great and good man. What is our country coming to. The good Lord only knows. Today we live – tomorrow laid in the cold graves. But god is first, it is all for the best, perhaps, but fear we shall see more trouble. O’ I would give worlds could I have the pleasure of seeing the man who dare commit so inhuman an act. Torture, yes, burned at the stake. I wonder the good lord did not think him dead on the spot”. This person’s feelings towards Booth were felt all through the north and beyond.    (Est. $300-500)

Southern hospitality gone awry!
A stop in the escape of John Wilkes Booth.
804.  One of the last stops Booth and his accomplice David Herold made in their escape was at the home of Dr. Richard Henry Stuart. Twice during the war, Stuart had been arrested and questioned – he was the cousin of Robert E. Lee. On the night of April 23, Booth and Herold arrived while Stuart and his family entertained family and recently returned soldier friends. He was in no mood to be arrested again. Stuart would not allow the two fugitives to stay the night, but he did feed them. While eating, Booth regaled the family gathering with stories. With Major Robert Hunter (who is mentioned in the letter) Booth personally recalled the role he played in helping capture John Brown at Harper’s Ferry in 1859. After a brief fifteen minutes, Stuart hurried the men away. Feeling slighted at the lack of hospitality, Booth sent the doctor a note that contained $2.50 for the dinner, signing it “Stranger”. Within days, Dr. Stuart was arrested and taken to the Old Capitol Prison where he gave testimony against David Herold. Stuart’s daughter, Ada S. Randolph, was perplexed by her father’s arrest and here writes a 6-page letter, Sunday, May 21, 1865, in part : “…these opportunities are very seldom for there is no mail nearer than Richmond… Papa is still detained in prison. He has been there now two weeks & no tidings of his expected release. We rarely see papers & indeed as the trial proceeds with closed doors they would give no information. Their government seems determined to make us feel subjugated in all its horrors. Oh it is so hard, so bitter to feel that all this crushing anguish has been for nothing!…has God forsaken us…now the cold stillness is oppressive-the blank future -terrible…they say Papa is detained as a witness in the case of Herold. I can’t imagine what he is to witness for he only saw the men a few minutes. They got their suppers as some eight or ten others had that day & without anything being said to lead anyone to suppose they were not common passersby. Papa was not even in the house the few minutes they were eating however the mere fact of his seeing them was enough for his imprisonment. We are expecting him any day…poor President Davis-I trust there is some mistake about his being taken. I dread to think what they may do to him. Amid all our sufferings it is a comfort to feel that they can not do more to us than God permits & his face seems turned from us…we hope Papa may come down in her [riverboat] tomorrow if so & nothing unforeseen occurs…”. A politically astute woman, Ada was aware that the authorities promised to put to death those helping Booth in his escape and therefore never mentioned Booth by name in this letter. And interestingly, Gen. David Hunter, who headed the Lincoln commission, was the cousin of Ada’s brother-in-law Maj. Robert Hunter. The original stamped transmittal cover, addressed to her in-laws in West Virginia, is included. Accompanied by research notes.    (Est.$700-900)

805. A LARGE portrait of the murderer, a cabinet card, from the famed Ed Emerson Collection!
A scarce John Wilkes Booth cabinet card, the portrait was taken in late 1862 by Case and Getchell of Boston. This large, resonant photograph is in pristine condition: great contrast, tone, absolutely perfect. The provenance adds to the desirability… from a period assemblage of note. (See The Rail Splitter for details on Emerson.) Pristine! (Est. $1,200-1,800)

806. A fine CDV with printed title on verso (as if it were necessary!): “J. Wilkes Booth. Murderer of Abraham Lincoln.”    (Est. $150-200)

807. The most recognized portrait of the assassin — this a from-life example on Case & Getchell’s board. Clips to corners, nice tone and contrast.     (Est. $150-250)

808. Booth by J.O. Durgan of Maine. Full board. (Est. $150-200)

809. Fabulous study – from Emerson Collection (Est. $150-200)

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)

811. Extraordinary CDV of Sgt. Boston Corbett, the man who killed Booth, by Brady. Gold-ruled, nice!  (Est. $600-800)

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)

813. David Hunter, headed conspirator’s Military Commission. By Anthony/Brady, gold-ruled, ID’d at bottom, small mounting stain on verso, a superior example!      (Est. $100-150)

814. Gen. Hunter by Anthony/Brady. Excellent. (Est. $100-120)

815. Judge Advocate Gen. Joseph Holt, he tried the “Demon of Andersonville” Wirz, Vallandigham, and presided at the trial of the conspirators. By Brady, excellent.   (Est. $80-120)

816. Another Holt carte, this also exceptionally clean with Anthony/Brady imprint on verso. (Est. $80-120)

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 Gillette’s services and requested to see the Reverend. Gillette visited each conspirator save for Mary Surratt, who had been attended to by her own “spiritual advisors.” When visiting Atzerodt, he extracted a confession which incriminated Surratt. In Powell’s cell, the accused spoke freely about his actions at Seward’s 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)

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. Lincoln’s 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. Lincoln’s 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)

819. A very rare carte by A.S. Baldwin: the Capitol building in Columbus adorned with mourning bunting following Lincoln’s assassination; the sign reading, “With malice to no one. With charity for all.” Rounded mount edges, slight abrasion towards top, a fine, quite scarce period photograph.    (Est. $400-600)

820. Pair of Springfield studies: a fabulous portrait of Lincoln’s 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)

822. An extremely minty stereoview by Anthony from a negative by Brady, “The Chair that President Lincoln occupied at the time of his assassination at Ford’s Theatre.” Flat orange board, nice composition.
  (Est. $500-700)

823. With a future president captured in the moment! The brightest, richest example of this stereoview we’ve seen: “Funeral of President Lincoln, N.Y. City, 7th Regiment passing in view.” By Anthony, this photo is famous for the irony of a witness to the procession near Union Square. Years later, President Theodore Roosevelt identified himself in this photo as a child with his brother, watching the procession from a second-floor window of their grandfather’s brownstone. (He was six years old!)     (Est. $500-700)

824. Abraham Lincoln New York funeral procession
stereoview. A shot of Broadway in New York City, April 25th, 1865 by E. & H.T. Anthony, label on the verso, fine.
     (Est. $200-$300)

825. A clean stereoview of the “North front of the Capitol from the West Portico” by E. & H.T. Anthony & Co. Columns are draped for the Lincoln funeral. Flat yellow mount, clean. (Est. $100-150)

826. Group of four (4) cabinet cards. Three are stamped on verso “On Exhibition Day and Evening Room 207 Chicago Opera House Building”. One is by Alexander Hesler with Lincoln’s “Old Veneered Sofa”, another presents other Lincoln furniture, a third, by Stein of Milwaukee shows the “Log Cabin built by Abraham Lincoln in Spencer Co., Ind.” 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)

827. Glass, hand-colored lantern slide in a wooden mount, depicting Columbia and two other figures weeping at the catafalque of Lincoln. Copied after the Thomas Nast illustration that appeared in Harper’s. Paper label: “Apotheosis of Abraham Lincoln”. Colorful.     (Est. $100-150)

828. A beautiful, hand-colored, magic lantern slide of the “mad act” in progress. As with other examples, in a wooden housing, 7 x 4” overall. Great color and detail — Booth is shown in dramatic stance with gun and dagger. (Est. $300-400)

829. [Photographica] Large, mounted albumen of the “Washington-Lincoln Apotheosis.” 10 1/2 x 13” overall, fine tone. 1865-cancelled revenue stamp on verso. A fine, period mourning item from the Emerson Collection.  (Est. $200-250)

830. Pair of 8 x 6” mounted albumens of the re-interment of the Lincoln family remains, 1901. It was at this time Lincoln’s 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)

John Wilkes Booth on stage.
831. Playbill of a Boston Museum production of Marble Heart, Feb. 3 & 4, 1863, with Booth as Raphael, the Sculptor, part of a six-week engagement. Commencing in January 1863, he returned to the Boston Museum for a series of plays, including the role of the villain Duke Pescara in The Apostate that won acclaim from both audiences and critics. Trimmed to edges as shown, mounted to archival mat board.  (Est. $750-1,000)

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)

An ORIGINAL piece of the wallpaper that adorned the Lincoln bedroom… with PERFECT Lincoln family provenance.
833. [RELIC] Approximately 9 x 5” irregularly torn original fragments of the blue and bronze patterned wallpaper from Abraham and Mary Lincoln’s bedroom in Springfield. Abraham Lincoln lived with his family at 413 South Eighth Street 1844-61, up to leaving for Washington to be sworn-in as President. The house, purchased by Lincoln in 1844, was the only home he ever owned. These wallpaper fragments, as with other extant examples, originate with Mary Edwards Brown, granddaughter of Ninian Wirt Edwards and Elizabeth Todd Edwards, a sister of Mary Todd Lincoln. Built by Rev. Charles Dresser in 1839 as a one and a half story dwelling, it stood on the outskirts of the city where homes of the most influential Springfield citizens were developed.  In 1844, Dresser sold the young couple his house and lot for $1,500 in cash. In the mid-1850s the home was expanded to a full two stories. After the Lincolns moved to Washington in 1861, the home was rented out. In 1887, O.H. Oldroyd convinced Robert Todd Lincoln to deed the property to Illinois and Oldroyd became the first official “custodian”. Succeeding custodians were Herman Hofferkamp, a Lincoln neighbor; Mary Lincoln’s nephew Albert S. Edwards; Mrs. Albert S. Edwards, and Mrs. Mary Edwards Brown, her daughter; and finally her daughter, Virginia Stuart Brown. No changes have been made in the interior of this twelve-room house since the Lincolns left. (The bedroom was on the second floor, north.) These wallpaper fragments were removed and preserved by Mary Edwards Brown. In 1956, Brown sold the relics, with other Lincoln family property, to Dorothy Kunhardt, daughter of Frederick Hill Meserve. Her collection was sold at auction by Charles Hamilton in 1981. [A framed example of this same wallpaper sold at auction this year for $3,500.] Together with a notarized letter of authenticity.  (Est. $1,000-1,500)

834. Original pencil drawing of the conspirator’s house… for use in the newspapers! David Herold’s home, about 6 1/2 x 5” on heavy paper; unsigned, but captioned in upper right corner “Harolds House near the Navy Yard”. This very intriguing sketch is identical to — but more detailed than — the woodcut version as published in Harper’s Weekly. The present artwork depicts, at the left side, additional buildings and trees apparently cut from the final rendering. The Harper’s image bore a nearly identical title (“Harold’s House near the Washington Navy-Yard”) and the credit “sketched by McCallum”, we believe this to be the artist’s original sketch, later embellished for publication. Davy Herold — by all accounts mentally underage and impressionable — was a druggist’s 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 President’s murder, Davy faithfully remained by the assassin’s side until they were cornered in Virginia and Booth was killed. Davy surrendered, but was tried and hanged for his role in Lincoln’s 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 5” 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. Surratt’s suspicious trip to this tavern on the day of the President’s murder, to deliver spyglasses to her tenant John Lloyd and tell him to have some “shooting irons” ready, sealed her fate and sent her to the gallows. Nearly identical in perspective and building details to a woodcut version published in Harper’s, the differences between this piece and the Harper’s picture strongly indicate it was drawn from personal observation – likely the artist’s original, preliminary sketch, later embellished and refined for publication. [Provenance: Jim McCluskey, Cockeysville, Md.; Signature House Auctions.]  (Est. $400-800)

835. Lovely woven jacquard silk, presented in a gilded and beveled mat in original frame, circa 1876. 8 x 10 1/2” (sight),15 x 18 1/2” overall. This French-made commemorative, “Abraham Lincoln”, is marked “Carquillat Tex. Allardet del. Appold Schulthess, et Cie.” (Threads #406) Excellent condition, this texitle tribute is rarely offered.      (Est. $400-600)

836. A lovely, silk mourning ribbon, 3 x 7”, from the service pronounced by the great abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison. A scarce and very desirable example.     (Est. $300-500)

837. A clean silk mourning ribbon, 3 x 6”, with an excellent portrait festooned with patriotic imagery. One of the best designed tributes on silk; mint.     (Est. $400-500)

838. Silk mourning ribbon “U.L.A.” for the Union League of America. 2 x 4”, quite bold and clean.     (Est. $150-200)

839. 2 x 5” In Memoriam tribute on silk. Clean. (Est. $150-200)

840. 2 x 11” 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 Lincoln’s second inaugural. A few creases otherwise excellent. Circa 1893.    (Est. $200-300)

841. Light blue silk with albumen portraits of Washington and Lincoln. 1 x 5” commemorating the first 4th of July following Lincoln’s death paying tribute to the Founder and the Savior. Crease at middle otherwise excellent.  (Est. $130-150)

842. Elegance… a true mourning masterpiece! A 2 1/4 x 4” silk tribute with eagle clutching riband “E Pluribus Unum”, black on white. One of the more simple, pleasing designs… and very scarce!.      (Est. $150-200)

843. Gem-size, brass-matted albumen affixed to CDV mourning card stamped OUR MARTYR. Excellent.     (Est. $200-250)

844. 1865 Mourning Medal. Gilt brass medal by the Swiss medalist Hugues Bovy, 21 x 23mm., “Martyr to Liberty” and date of death on verso. Brilliant Unc. (Est. $75-100)

845. Similar to the previous lot, except with a reeded edge. Bright Uncirculated. (Est. $75-100)

846. From the Zabriskie Collection! Lincoln memorial 38mm. medal in white metal with eagle pin. Obverse: “ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENT OF THE U.S. DIED, APRIL 15 1865 BY THE HANDS OF A REBEL ASSASSIN.” Reverse: weeping willow with grave: “A SIGH, THE ABSENT CLAIM, THE DEAD A TEAR.” Quite nice.  (Est. $100-150)

847. The George F. Robinson Medal. The original in solid gold was issued in 1871 by an Act of Congress to William Seward’s attending nurse, George Robinson, who was nearly killed by would-be assassin Lewis Powell during his attack on the Sec. of State’s 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)

848. “The Assassination of President Lincoln at Ford’s Theatre Washington D.C. April 14, 1865.” A dramatic 15 x 11” (25 x 21” framed) lithograph showing Booth jumping from Lincoln’s 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)

849. Small folio Currier & Ives hand-colored litho: “Death of President Lincoln, At Washington, D.C. April 15th 1865. The Nation’s Martyr.” 13 1/2 x 10” [sight], matted and framed. Excellent condition. Not the typical black & white version so ubiquitous, this enjoys VIVID colors!  (Est. $200-400)

850. Lincoln’s funeral in New York City. 14 x 10 1/2” print “The 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.” Published by Currier & Ives, 1865. Linen-backed, one mild 2” tear and slight fold markings. Also scarce.   (Est. $250-300)

851. . 18 x 27” lithograph originally published by Currier & Ives: “Abraham Lincoln, The Martyr President. Assassinated April 14th 1865.” Inscribed below: “Joseph Koehler, Publisher, New York, U.S.A.” 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)

The OFFICIAL program for the nation’s observance at the White House.

852. Lincoln’s funeral on April 19, 1865 in Washington. 6 x 9” Order of the Procession with black border. The procession line assembled along the entire distance covering the Executive Mansion to the Capitol, a distance of about one mile. With some 40 thousand marching up Pennsylvania Avenue, this order of procession is a partial list of mourners. The mourners that attended the private funeral in the East Room (estimates are 500) were given a copy of this program. Mint.  (Est. $1,000-1,500)

853. The official communication: General Order No. 66, War Department, announcing to the Army “the untimely and lamentable death of the illustrious Abraham Lincoln, late President of the United States.” 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)

854. By far one of the prettiest Victorian mourning cards, 4 1/4 x 3” with raised (embossed) image of Columbia draping herself over Lincoln’s Tomb and quote “With malice toward none…” from the president’s Second Inaugural Address. An absolutely lovely item… rare. (Est. $250-350)

855. Victorian mourning card, 3 1/2 x 5” with raised (embossed) tombstone, as with previous lot with Lincoln’s famous “With malice toward none…” quote. This is one of the more elegant designs issued during the national period of grief. Scarce.  (Est. $250-300)

856. The official program from Boston’s 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)

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 1/2”, nice. (Est. $300-500)

858. “Certificate of Admission to the Lincoln Dioramic Association” in Columbus OH, presenting a “Diorama of the Funeral Obsequies… and a photographic View of some of the remarkable Scenes represented by the Diorama.” Nicely engraved, no doubt another 19th century way to milk the public and make a buck!   (Est. $40-60)

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 Seward’s negro servant, arrest of Payne at the house of Surratt, arrest of Atzerodt, and “Tarring and Feathering at Swampscott, Mass. of a Justifier of the Assassin.” Mourning borders on the interior pages, light aging, 4pp. (Est. $100-200)

Considered the first assassination pulp.

860. Abott, Abott A., The Assassination and Death of Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States of America, At Washington, on the 14th of April, 1865. (New York, American News Company.) 12pp. #M-372. Includes contemporary dispatches and observations. An early account of the crime, considered the first account printed in this form. Printed with black mourning borders. Concludes with “There are millions of people in our unhappy country today, who were not favorable to Mr. Lincoln’s course. Whatever we may think of their opinions, let us beware of confusing political inimicality with personal hatred.” Excellent condition, housed in a custom folder. As clean a copy as one would hope for. (Est. $600-$800)

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)

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)

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 “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)

864. The “Complete and Unabridged Edition – Containing the whole of Suppressed Evidence.” 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)

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)

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 “conspiracy” 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)

A huge, mourning broadside.

867. 19 x 24” broadside (“poster”), likely printed in Philadelphia, “We Mourn Our Loved and Martyred Guide!” Solid mourning border, one of the more evocative displays that would have adorned a shop or public building. Bright, clean, great shape! (Est. $400-600)