Guiteau Prosecutor’s

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/27/2025

George Baker Corkhill (1838-1886) was an American lawyer who served as United States Attorney for the District of Columbia and prosecuted Charles J. Guiteau for the assassination of James A. Garfield, which began in November 1881 and ended with Guiteau's conviction in January 1882.A pair of Letters Signed "George B. Corkhill" each on "Office of the Attorney Of The United States, For the District of Columbia. Both letters were written during the sensational trial, and relate directly to the accused. The first, partial preprinted, Jan. 5, 1881 to Mr. D.C. Parey, "Your favor of the 1st inst. concerning the case of the United States vs. Guiteau is received; 1 am much obliged to you for your suggestions, which shall have due consideration. As the evidence is all in, your services will not be needed." ... plus, December 10, 1881, "Dr. Selden H. Talcott," relating "As the government desires your presence as an expert witness in the case of the United States vs. Guiteau you will please remain in the city until your testimony is taken." District Attorney Corkhill was only one part of the team gathered by the U.S. Government for the prosecution, the other members were Judge Porter of New York, and Mr. Davidge, of Washington. Ultimately the prosecution succeeded, Guiteau was found guilty and hanged on June 30, 1882. (Provenance Smythe 1997)

Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).