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John Wilkes Booth: Autographed Letter Signed. ...
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Sold on Jan 24, 2015 for:
$30,000.00
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Description
John Wilkes Booth: Autographed Letter Signed. 5" x 8" letter on lined stationery, Philadelphia, October 9, 1861, boldly signed "John Wilkes Booth." 3pp. with one-line postscript on back of page one. Booth updates his Boston friend Joseph Simonds. In full: "I know you will forgive me for not answering yours of Sept. 13th till this distant date, but I am, at the best of times, the worst letter writer in the world, but for the last month I have been so closely occupied with so many business letters to answer, that I really had to forego the pleasure (and I assure you it is one,) of writing to you. However, my pen is now in hand to assure you that I have not forgotten you or any of my good friends in Boston. Remember me kindly to them all, the Bugbee's in particular, not forgetting our old friend Carruth. I had a letter from Davenport [theater manager and impresario E. L. Davenport]. He wants me some time in November, but I am sure we shall not be able to agree about terms, whereupon, I am about to ask you to render me a service, if any more of those curious members of society should trouble you about the possibility of my playing in Boston, let all those who are connected or who patronize the Museum understand that Davenport wants me bad, but that the engagement is not ratified yet, and that it's doubtful whether it will be, and others, if they should ask that I want to come to the Howard, & c. which is all true. It will be a little move to bring our Friend D--- to terms. He thinks me a novice, crazy to play in Boston and that he will get me for nothing, which to tell you the truth is nearly as much as he has offered me. More hereafter. Once more remember me to my friends, accepting the best wishes of Yours truly. P.S. I commence in Buffalo Oct 28th". Joseph H. Simonds (1839-1888) worked as a cashier at the Merchants Bank of Boston and met Booth in the summer of 1861 and went on to serve as his business manager. In 1864, Simonds quit his banking job and moved to Franklin, Pennsylvania to manage Booth's oil investments. In the 1865 trial, he was an important witness. A wonderful and insightful letter. Some scattered light stains of no consequence. Boldly signed at the bottom of page four. Ideal for display.Auction Info
2015 January 24 The Donald P. Dow Collection of Lincolniana Americana & Political Grand Format Auction - Dallas #6128 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
January, 2015
24th
Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 7
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