2009-04
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/31/2009
Autograph Letter Signed by Benn Pitman, Military Recorder/Stenographer to the trial of the Conspirators who participated in the Assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, writes to President Lincoln's Church Minister pertaining to relics found at the Assassination scene. A book was published shortly after the trial ended in July 1865 of the entire trial proceedings as recorded by Pitman. This incredible letter, written and signed by Pittman, is dated June 23, 1865, on War Department stationary, and written while the trial was still in secession, was sent to the Reverend Phineas D. Gurley, President Lincoln's friend and Minister, as noted in pencil on the last page. The 2 ¾ page letter, in bold dark ink, concerns items found at Ford's Theater the night of April 14, 1865, the evening that President Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth. "Dear Sir,/I would suggest that an effort be made by your association to secure, for deposit at Ford's Theatre, the terrible but interesting mementos that have been put out in evidence as Exhibits in the Trial of the assassins of our late President. Besides the articles in evidence, there is Booth's hat, found on the stage, also the gimlet with which he bored the hole in the President's box. These articles are at our office. The pistol's, knives, and ball that pierced the brain of the President, are as yet in my keeping at the Penitentiary. The person who found Booth's hat on the stage has made an informal application for it, stating that Barnum of N.Y. had offered him $1500 for it. One object I have in view is making this suggestion, as to the most fitting disposition of these national relics, is to prevent any of them getting into the hand of any vulgar mercenary showman. Should the suggestions strike you as one to be acted upon, I think the best way would be to draw up a request to the President, first submitting it to and getting an endorsement from Judge Holt, the assistant Judge advocates, and every member of the Commission, I think be no difficulty about this. Then the approval of the Secretary of War would have to be obtained, and that secured, the President's would be had without doubt. The Commission will close it's labor's in four or five day's, so that action must be prompt. I cannot assist you in this matter, the action of the offices of your association is all that is needed, and this suggestion you must please to consider private, to you personally. The mention of my name would be of no advantage, but perhaps a hindrance in the attainment of your desire. /Very Resp/You obeid Servant/Benn Pitman/Military Recorder/To Com./ You must not, of course, ask for possession of these things till the findings and Sentences are approved by the President. Then the whole affair is at an end as far as the action of the Com. (Commission) is concerned." An incredible historic letter discussing the disposition of assassination relics including the lead ball the pierced Lincoln's brain, and the possibility of showman P.T. Barnum buying Booth's hat! Letter has a couple of splits at the folds, else fine. This wonderful letter comes from the Dr. John Lattimer Lincoln Collection.
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