American Historical Ephemera & Early Photography Online

Lot comprised primarily of material related to the assassination and aftermath of President James Garfield, including: 

7 vintage Ohio and New York newspapers concerning the shooting and death of President Garfield, and the execution of his assassin, a 26 September 1881, memorial funeral service pamphlet for Garfield held at Greenfield, [Mass]. -- An 1880 carte-de-visite of Garfield. -- A period black-bordered facsimile of the 23 September 1881 condolence letter sent by Queen Victoria to Mrs. Garfield. -- An period supplement that reprints Garfield’s confidential 23 January 1880 letter urging cheap labor by extending Chinese Emigration (used against Garfield during his Presidential campaign). -- “The Verdict March” sheet music (1882) by F. W. Helmick of Cincinnati. 

The newspapers include an erroneous “Extra” report on the day Garfield was shot (2 July 1881) stating that he died later that day and misidentifying the assassin. Three papers are from the The Kingston Daily Freeman of Kingston, NY. Two papers [23 and 30 September] are from the Cleveland Weekly Herald. One paper is from the New York Tribune, and one paper [22 September 1881] is from the Youngstown [weekly] Register. They include: 2 July 1881 black-columned edition on rag paper [Kingston] with the heading “Garfield Shot!” adding “The shooting done by a slender man…. He refused to give his name, but it is said by persons who profess to know him that his name is Dooty.” Five columns over on the same page is the heading “Extra! DEAD!... Washington, July 2 – President Garfield died this evening at 6:15 o’clock.” Single sheet (front and back), rag paper, good. Two 20 September 1881 black columned editions (one Kingston, 4-pg. edition on rag paper, the other from the N.Y. Herald Tribune, 10-pages, non rag paper) announcing the death of Garfield at 10:35 p.m..; The Cleveland Weekly Herald papers (rag paper) give the particulars of the funeral arrangements with a picture of Garfield (some insect erosion on edges), and the other (30 September) is an 8-pg. memorial edition fully dedicated to the Garfield family. The 22 September Youngstown edition has black borders with the heading “The President Dead.” Very good cond. The 30 June 1882 Kingston edition [non rag paper] announces the execution of Charles Guiteau at 12:40 p.m., with the heading “HUNG!, Garfield’s Assassination Avenged,” describing that his death was instantaneous (i.e., “Guiteau’s neck was broken by the fall.”)