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Autograph Letter, Signed ("George"), to his brother, giving his eye-witness account of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln on the night of April 14th, 1865 by (Lincoln Assassination) Todd, George B., M.D - 1865

by (Lincoln Assassination) Todd, George B., M.D

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Autograph Letter, Signed ("George"), to his brother, giving his eye-witness account of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln on the night of April 14th, 1865 by (Lincoln Assassination) Todd, George B., M.D - 1865

Autograph Letter, Signed ("George"), to his brother, giving his eye-witness account of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln on the night of April 14th, 1865

by (Lincoln Assassination) Todd, George B., M.D

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Montauk", Montauk Navy Yard, Wash D.C. 34, 1865. 4 pp. 8vo. Slight soiling and minor tears along old folds, otherwise in very good condition. 4 pp. 8vo. The Surgeon of the 'Montauk' Gives an Eye-Witnesses Account. "...About 10:25 P.M. a man came in and walked slowly along the side ..." A remarkably clear and dramatic eyewitness account of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln from a naval surgeon who was close to the President's box at Ford's theater on that fateful night of April 14, 1865. In this letter to his brother written the night after the assassination, while the details were still fresh in his memory, Dr. George B. Todd, surgeon aboard the U.S. "Montauk" at anchor in the Navy Yard that day, recounts the terrible event with a clarity of observation one might expect of his profession - a rarity among confused eyewitness accounts. The text of Todd's letter - one of only 7 eyewitness accounts written within 24 hours of the assassination - reads: "The few hours that have intervened since that most terrible tragedy of last night have served to give me a little clearer brain, and I believe I am now able to give you a clear account up to this hour. Yesterday about 3 P.M. the President and wife drove down to the navy yard and paid our ship a visit, going all over her, accompanied by us all. Both seemed very happy, and so expressed themselves, - glad that this war was over, or so near its end, and then drove back to the White House. In the evening nearly all of us went to the Ford's Theatre. I was very early and got a seat near the President's private box, as we heard he was to be there. About half past nine he came in with his wife, a Miss Harris and Major Rathburn and was cheered by every one. As soon as there was a silence the play went on, and I could see that the "pres." seemed to enjoy it very much. About 10:25 P.M. a man came in and walked slowly along the side on which the 'pres.' box was and I heard a man say "there's Booth" and I turned my head to look at him. He was still walking very slow, and was near the box door, when he stopped, took a card from his pocket, wrote something on it, and gave it to the usher, who took it to the box. In a minute the door was opened and he walked in. No sooner had the door closed, then I heard the report of a pistol and on the instant, Booth jumped out of the box onto the stage, holding in his hand a large knife, and shouted so as to be heard all over the house - 'Sic Semper Tyrannis' ("so always with tyrants") and fled behind the scenes-I attempted to get to the box but I could not and in an instant the cry was raised 'The President is Assassinated.' "Such a scene I never saw before. The cry spread to the street, only to be met by another, 'So is Mr. Seward.' Soldiers had gone. Some General handed me a note and bid me go to the nearest telegraph office and arouse the nation. I ran with all my speed and in ten minutes the sad news was all over the country. Today all the city is in mourning, nearly every house being in black and I have not seen a smile. No business and many a strong man I have seen in tears. "Some reports say Booth is a prisoner, others that he has made his escape, but from orders received here, I believe he is taken as a mob once raised now would know no end. I will not seal this until morning and I may have some more news. "April 24th. "I have had no time to write until now, as I have been a detective. We have now 7 that are implicated. Why don't you write? Love to all, George" Several important facts regarding the movements of both the President and John Wilkes Booth are recorded here: (1) This appears to be the only eyewitness account of the President's inspection of the "Montauk" earlier that afternoon. (2) Todd's account of Booth's interaction with the "usher" sitting outside the President's box ("took a card from his pocket, wrote something on it, and gave it to the usher") is especially intriguing, and reveals not only something of Todd's powers of observations, but also his proximity to the assassin immediately before the shooting. Todd alone among eyewitnesses notes that the "usher" first took the card from Booth, then went into the box, and that a short time later the door opened, and Booth went in. In fact, Good finds only 7 other eye-witness accounts of the Lincoln assassination as early as April 15 -- most of these witnesses record little or nothing regarding the events before hearing the shot itself, and none of them noticed Booth's interchange with the usher (who was, in fact, Lincoln's valet, Charles Forbes). There are three other accounts by eyewitnesses which partially corroborate Todd's observation of the Forbes and Booth interchange -- but they were written much later than Todd's. (3) Todd's observation of the time he spotted Booth moving toward the box ("about 10:25") corresponds to Good's own conclusion that Booth fired the fatal shot close to 10:30 PM. According to James Swanson (MANHUNT, p. 419) "the exact time of Booth's shot cannot be fixed ... Booth may have shot Lincoln as early as 10:13 or as late as 10:30" Todd's account - again, one of the freshest and most reliable, weighs heavily in favor of Good. (4) Todd, by his own account, played a role in alerting the nation by telegraph. (5) Although he doesn't mention it, as a surgeon of the ironclad Montauk, Todd was also probably present at the autopsy of John Wilkes Booth on Thursday, April 27 in the gun room of his ship. Indeed, in an article in the February issue of the Baltimore and Ohio Magazine, 1926, where the letter was first published and reproduced, Todd is reported to have been "one of the surgeons who performed the autopsy." That, as well as the fact that the other prisoners were being held on board the ironclad "Montauk" and "Saugus", may explain his cryptic remark near the end ("... I have been a detective ..."). Todd actually mailed the letter on April 30, 3 days after the autopsy, and may very have participated in the actual investigation of the captives aboard the "Montauk." AN EXTRAORDINARY AND UNIQUE RECORD OF ONE THE NATION'S GREAT TRAGEDIES. Published (from a copy in the State Historical Library of Wisconsin) in Timothy S. Good, WE SAW LINCOLN SHOT (U. of Miss., 1995; with the mistaken date of April 30, 1865)
  • Seller James Cummins Bookseller US (US)
  • Format/Binding 4 pp. 8vo
  • Book Condition Used - Slight soiling and minor tears along old folds, otherwise in very good condition
  • Quantity Available 1
  • Place of Publication Montauk", Montauk Navy Yard, Wash D.C. 34
  • Date Published 1865
  • Keywords Civil War

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Autograph Letter Signed
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Autograph Letter Signed

by [Flower, James

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Savage, Maryland, United States
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1843. One page 13 line autograph letter signed by James Flower, the High Sheriff of Norfolk. In it he writes that he was postponing an appointment and noting that he we going to Mr. Simpson for his picture. Dated May 17, 1843.
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Autograph Letter Signed

Autograph Letter Signed

by (SOAP / BATHING). WATSON, David S. (?-?)

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Galena, Illinois, United States
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This Boston businessman was partner in the firm of Winslow, Rand & Co. Wholesale Grocers. ALS, 1p, 8" X 10½", Boston, MA, 23 December 1881. Addressed to "Friend Nutter." Very good. Original folds; single archivally closed (on verso) edge tear. On imprinted company letterhead listing the four principal officers, Watson comments interestingly on the use of soap: "I shall see that you have the soap today. Some fellows are awfully particular, and think that they must wash once a week. Now annual baths, or monthly baths, are great institutions, but I know you are a 'stubborn cuss', and will stick to your old habits and customs, and I trust that the superior quality of the goods sent you, will satisfy the fastidious tastes of you revellers in luxury." Handsomely penned in black ink and signed in full at the close. Intriguing remarks about personal hygiene of the day -- sounds like recipient may have been, as the Brits say, a "right Nutter"!
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Autograph letter signed (Mary Heaton Vorse) to Seymour Halpern in response to Halpern's query...

Autograph letter signed ("Mary Heaton Vorse") to Seymour Halpern in response to Halpern's query regarding the key to success in life

by (Labor) Vorse, Mary Heaton

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Used - Tears not affecting text or signature, some loss to leaf edges, fair/good
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HACKETTSTOWN, New Jersey, United States
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New York, 1931. 1 p. on "Hotel Brevoort" letterhead. 8-1/2 x 11 inches. Tears not affecting text or signature, some loss to leaf edges, fair/good. 1 p. on "Hotel Brevoort" letterhead. 8-1/2 x 11 inches. A letter from an author better known for her advocacy of social justice. Reading in part: "To work, opportunity and curiosity about life. Have you read my last book Strike!? Sinclair Lewis reviewed it...." Author, journalist, and novelist Mary Heaton Vorse (1874-1966) was a prolific writer whose novels include The Breaking in of a Yachtsman's Wife, The Heart's Country, and The Ninth Man. However, she is probably best remembered as an outspoken pacifist and activist whose causes included civil rights, women's suffrage, infant mortality and most notably workers rights and the labor movement. In 1962, she received the first UAW Social Justice Award. As a high school student, Seymour Halpern (1913-1997), wrote letters to many notables of the day inquiring about their ideas to the keys to success in… Read More
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Autograph Letter Signed ("Wm H. Spencer") To J[edidiah] D[owns] Commins of Lima [Livonia, Ontario county] , New York

by (New York State) Spencer, William H

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Used - Regarding the Convention bill which he feels will not pass this time but another is being put forth. Folds, some browning, else
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HACKETTSTOWN, New Jersey, United States
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Albany, 1821. One page with integral address leaf with Spencer's free frank. 1 vols. 4to. Regarding the Convention bill which he feels will not pass this time but another is being put forth. Folds, some browning, else good. One page with integral address leaf with Spencer's free frank. 1 vols. 4to. Free frank.
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AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED (ALS)

AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED (ALS)

by [CIVIL WAR]

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Used - Creases from folding; ink a bit light. Very Good
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Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, United States
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Stevenson, AL, 24 August 1863. Letter. Creases from folding; ink a bit light. Very Good. One-page letter on a 7-3/4" x 12-1/4" sheet addressed to a Capt. Goodwin and SIGNED "J. W. Able"[?], "Army Mail Contractor & News Dealer." The writer seems to be proposing a way of "simplifying the army with news matter." The verso is docketed "Hdqrs. Department Cumb[erland] Office.... Respectfully referred to Lieut. Bracken A. Chf Army Police, who will make a thorough examination of the mails tonight and report By Command of Maj. Gen. Rosecrans" and SIGNED "R. M. Goodwin."
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Autograph Letter Signed
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Autograph Letter Signed

by (MONTANA -- Mine Claim.) SMITH, Alonzo (1832-1912)

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Galena, Illinois, United States
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Montana resident, possibly an attorney. ALS, 2pp (separate leaves), 8½" X 11", Harlem, MT, 1904 July 21. Addressed to "My dear James & Albert," Smith's brothers. Near fine. Handsomely penned in black ink in a large readable hand, this letter largely concerns the claims on "poor Writ's property," for "some of his old time prospect loving friend got around me and did not want Writs mining claims sold, that he had held onto for 20 years as they would go for little or nothing. So I paid out on them $500.00 & told the administrator not to sell them. They have to be represented again within a few months it will take between $300 & $400.00 dollars Will you help me represent them? If you cannot or do not want to, will you let me have your interests? On account of your being in Canada & so far away, If you will let me have your interests I will send you $25.00 apiece. Should I ever be luckly [sic] to get any thing out of them I will send you something more." Goes on to explain, "the claims are so high up in… Read More
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Autograph Letter Signed (secretarial)

Autograph Letter Signed (secretarial)

by (MITCHELL, S. Weir, 1829-1914)

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Galena, Illinois, United States
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This pioneering American physician, considered the father of neurology, was also a psychiatrist and bestselling writer and poet. Secretarial ALS, 2pp (lettersheet), 5" X 8", Philadelphia, PA, 1898 August 11. Addressed to Edward Peterson. Near fine. On his "S. Weir Mitchell, M.D." letterhead, Mitchell's secretary pens a letter on his behalf. In part: "Dr Mitchell has forwarded me some letters for reply as he is always out of the City at this time of the year. He strongly advises you to choose the University of Pennsylvania from which to get your degree. He is one of the Trustees of that institution. During the Civil War he was on duty at the Christian St Hospital." Appears to be signed "MBC. / sec'y." With original envelope. An interesting curiosity.
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Autograph letter signed ("Archibald MacLeish") to ("Mr. Applefield")

by ((PULITZER PRIZE)) Macleish, Archibald

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HACKETTSTOWN, New Jersey, United States
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Paget [Bermuda], 1/20/78. 1p. pen and ink on paper. 4to. VG. 1p. pen and ink on paper. 4to. 'Had My World Been Right Side Up'. A somewhat doleful and revealing letter citing difficult times, by the three-time Pulitzer prize-winning American poet and writer, to "Mr. Applefield," probably author David Applefield, who would have been the opinion editor for the Amherst Student at the time this letter was written. Reading in part: "I'm sorry I've been so hard to get at these last few years. It has been, a perhaps you know, a difficult time and it shows no sign of changing its ways. But I do want to thank you for your patience and persistence. You have brilliantly succeeded in doing on of the hardest jobs in letters - editing a really good undergraduate magazine - and I would have liked nothing better than a talk with you had my world been right side up...".
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Autograph Letter Signed (Kathleen Lucille Foote) to Editor of The Lady (Dear Sir) in gratitude...

Autograph Letter Signed ("Kathleen Lucille Foote") to Editor of The "Lady" ("Dear Sir") in gratitude for a favorable theater review and relating upcoming performances

by (THEATER) Foote, Kathleen Lucille

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Used - Some foxing
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HACKETTSTOWN, New Jersey, United States
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Denmark House Kew, 1893. 9 pp. purple ink on paper in calligraphic hand. Some foxing. 9 pp. purple ink on paper in calligraphic hand. According to her 1936 obituary in the New York Times, Kathleen Lucille Foote (1868-1936), was once a famous American and European stage actress. Her fall from grace, after three marriages and the squandering of several small fortunes, found her on the streets of London, where she was known as "Old Kate" the matchbook peddlar, selling matches at three pennies a box to passers by outside a the Gaiety Theater, "where years before her name gleamed in lights and London was at her feet."
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Autograph letter signed (Geo F. Root) to (Sir)

Autograph letter signed ("Geo F. Root") to ("Sir")

by (Popular Song) Root, George F

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Used - Trimmed, old folds, residue from album paper on verso, good
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HACKETTSTOWN, New Jersey, United States
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Chicago, 1885. 1 p., pen and ink on paper. 8vo. Trimmed, old folds, residue from album paper on verso, good. 1 p., pen and ink on paper. 8vo. 'I Am So Pressed By The Publishers'. A letter penned by antebellum period and Civil war era American songwriter, George Frederick Root (1820-1895), best known for his sentimental popular songs and memorable martial airs such as Tramp, Tramp, Tramp and The Battle Cry of Freedom. Reading in part: "I despair of being able at present to do what you wish, I am so pressed by the publishers for some work that I have in hand, and I do the sort of thing you want so slowly and laboriously - perhaps because there is so little to say...".
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