December 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, December 18th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/18/2012
Fascinating autograph letter signed by Almarin C. Richards, Washington DC Police Superintendent and attendee at Ford's Theatre the night of President Lincoln's killing. Here, Richards writes to Louis Weichmann, the prosecution's chief witness who boarded at the Surratt home, about meeting conspirator Mary Surratt just hours after Lincoln's assassination. Richards writes, ''...It is my present impression that on that night during my conversation with Mrs. Surratt that either myself or [assassination Detective James A.] McDevitt intimated that we would like to look through the house to see who was there and that McDevitt did go through the house to some extent at least. I remember I think that McDevitt seemed to be somewhat acquainted with Mrs. Surratt and her family. Hence I left the examination to him. If I remember rightly he found Holcham (I think that's the name) and had young ladies there, Miss Surratt and another. If I remember rightly I remained at the front door while McDevitt went thought the house with Mrs. Surratt. Of course you will bear in mind that up to the visit in question and not until after I had conversed with you next day did I have the remotest conception or suspicion in the plot to assassinate Mr. Lincoln. Even after our suspicions fill in John H. through finding that he had been seen in company with Booth the winter previous many times. We did not realize that Mrs. Surratt was one of the conspirators...You will remember that in two or three days after the assassination the authorities were being urged through newspapers & the wire to offer rewards for the capture of Booth and others and that large rewards were offered...A.C. Richards''. 8'' x 10'' letter is datelined 7 May 1898 from Eustis, Florida. Slight separation at folds, minor toning and chipping. Very good.
Lincoln Assassination Letter From Lead Detective -- ''...during my conversation with Mrs. Surratt...We did not realize that Mrs. Surratt was one of the conspirators...''
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