^#1536 ^Lot 1594 Lincoln Assassination

Manuscript telegram, transcribed in an unknown hand, sent by “J. D. Stevenson, Brig Genl,” one page, 7.5 x 9.5, Headquarters, First Brigade, Third Division, Department of West Virginia letterhead, April 24, 1865. Telegram is to Major John Townsend Daniel, regarding the search for the assassins of President Abraham Lincoln. In full: “The following Telegram has been received at these Hdqters: Harpers Ferry Va., April 23, 1865. 9:15 AM, To Colonel Cook. Notify all subordinate Commanders along line of railroad, that there is reason to believe, that the assassin of the President will attempt to escape disguised through the lines along the B.& O. R.R. Examine critically all persons who attempt to pass the lines. Look out for a disguise in woman's clothing.” Small separations along horizontal folds, and some scattered light toning, otherwise fine condition.

The date this letter was dispatched Lincoln's body was being viewed at the New York City Funeral, while his assassin, John Wilkes Booth, was hiding at the Garrett Farm just south of Port Royal, Virginia. Booth and his accomplice, David Herold, had still eluded capture since his assassination of the President some 10 days earlier. The hope of the government was that Booth had not yet left the Washington, D.C. and greater Virginia area, and that he would soon be captured. The pursuing Union soldiers were guarding not only the area roads and bridges, but were also carefully searching the railroad lines as well as a possible route of escape for Booth. Of most interest is the fact that the authorities thought that Booth might be dressed in woman's clothing to elude capture, such as was related to the capture of Confederate President Jefferson Davis! This important, historic fact has not quite made it into the modern history books regarding Booth. A truly important and superb Abraham Lincoln Assassination related letter, directly involving the efforts to capture John Wilkes Booth.