Browse Items (22278 total)

Five manuscript sheets in an unknown hand give stage and scenery directions for five different plays in which John Wilkes Booth appeared. The plays include Macbeth (1863 Jan 26); Damon and Pythias (1864 May); Richard III (1862); Robbers (1862); and…

Mary Ann Booth writes a brief note to Mary McVicker Booth (Edwin's 2nd wife) upon forwarding a gift to her.

Desperate to resolve her pecuniary situation, Mary Lincoln appeals to wealthy Republican benefactor James Orme: "Dear Mr. Orne, will you, in your great goodness, ascertain as you have the means of doing, whether the services of my great & good…

From Booth's Theatre in New York City, Lawrence Barrett, E.L. Davenport and J.C. Barry praise Giuseppe Operti for his musical composition for Julius Caesar.

On Herndon & Orendorff law office stationery, William H. Herndon writes a letter to B.B. French discussing Abraham Lincoln and his religion.

With her finances apparently in freefall, Mary Lincoln writes a second letter to James Orme renewing her appeal to him in response to word that Congress has turned its back on her situation. She mentions the Senate committee report tabling her bill…

Rebecca Herndon, as the widow of A.G. Herndon, signs a warrantee deed giving William H. Herndon possession of several sections of land in Township 16 of Sangamon County, Illinois.

Mary Lincoln writes to Rhoda White complaining of her poor health and "my aching, broken, desolated life," and her plans to visit Florida, perhaps with her son Robert. She refers to the death of Tad: "without my blessed, darling son, who was such a…

Edwin Booth states to J. Hutchinson that he cannot supply anything that belonged to his father due to the fire at the Winter Garden several years ago.

Judge Advocate General Joseph Holt writes to Special Judge Advocate J.A. Bingham in reference to testimony in the trial of Mary Surratt and to Stanton's request to suppress certain evidence.

In a letter written for Mary Lincoln in an unknown hand on War Department stationary, Mary Lincoln asks if Mr. H. Crosby has heard from Mr. Allen and notes that her rent would soon be due. Mary Lincoln asks Mr. Crosby to reply to her at 607 13th…

Junius Brutus Booth, Jr., calls upon Schonberg only to find him not at home. In a short note, Booth mentions that he wants to see him to discuss the "Gascons."

The autograph: "F. Sigel late Maj. Gl of vols Jan. 27th '74" is written by Franz Sigel on a narrow oblong card. At one time, the autograph appeared with a framed portrait of Sigel which is also part of the Taper Collection.

Former special Judge Advocate J.A. Bingham in the trial of the conspirators discusses Mary Surratt's trial in his letter to Joseph Holt.

Edwin Booth thanks poet L.J. Cist for an "ode on art" and accepts an invitation to see Cist's "wonderful collection."

Mary Ann Booth sends a chatty letter to Edwin Booth's daughter, Edwina, mentioning Aunt Asia and Joseph Booth.

On Isham & Lincoln office stationery, Robert Todd Lincoln writes Jacob Bunn sending a check for $125 for Mary Lincoln's mortgage payment. Bunn took control of Mary Lincoln's money and served as her financial conservator.

Edwin Booth assures Jervis McEntee that everything he sent Booth came safely and promptly. Booth speaks of some sort of "calamity" and hopes to return soon.

Edwin Booth comforts Jervis McEntee over the death of his wife.

Edwin Booth writes another letter to Jervis McEntee in order to console his friend over the death of his wife, yet he realizes that no words can make his friend feel better.

Edwin Booth again consoles Jervis McEntee over the death of his wife. Booth recognizes that McEntee seems to be doing better and encourages his friend to find a new studio and change his surroundings.

Edwin Booth expresses to Jervis McEntee his hopes that his friend will come to the city and see his play. Booth adds: "I believe Gertrude would tell you to do just what most folks consider not altogether right under the circumstances " Booth adds…

Edwin Booth tells his friend, Jervis McEntee, that he has thought of him many times, intending to write. Booth encourages his friend to write to him without "the fear of wearying me." Booth recalls his own feelings at the loss of his first wife.

Edwin Booth writes to E.C. Steadman to rearrange an appointment adding, "I shall be overjoyed to see you in my smokery."

Edwin Booth writes to Jervis McEntee regarding an attempt on his life by a lunatic (Mark Gray) just a few days previous, while he was on stage portraying Richard III. Booth confesses that this was a life changing event which he will never forget.