Lincoln’s Legacy: Historic Americana from the Life of Abraham Lincoln

7 pp. on two sheets; each 8 x 10 in. (203 x 254 mm); creasing from old fold; scattered stains.

In part: "My dear Judge, Your Kind letter of the 1st inst, had a warm Welcome, I assure you I was, indeed, glad to hear from you again...in a room adjourning to that in which I had my interview with Prest. Johnson & though a communicating door that chanced to be ajar, heard every word spoken by the President & myself, while he was considering the record of the trial of the assassins, & the petition for clemency in the case of Mrs. Surratt, I entertain no doubt- indeed I have satisfactory for myself. Woe to that man who in trustful ignorance of the treacheries of our race, leaves, for one single moment, his reputation in the power of another-be he peasant or President..."

Lengthy autograph letter by Joseph Holt (1807-94) Chief Prosecutor at the trial of conspirators to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln, written to fellow prosecutor, John A. Bingham (1815-1900).

Holt was appointed Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Army by Lincoln in 1862, and oversaw the expansion of legal powers used by the administration under martial law. After the President was assassinated in 1865, Holt, in his role, was appointed Chief Prosecutor, with John A. Bingham and Henry Burnett as his assistants, before the military commission chaired by General David Hunter. All eight defendants were found guilty on June 29, 1865, four of whom were sent to prison, the remainder executed.

Provenance:

Louise Taper, Beverly Hills, California