July 14th, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/14/2011
BACHELDER, John (1825-1894) was a portrait and landscape painter, lithographer, and photographer, but best known as the preeminent 19th century historian of the Battle of Gettysburg in the American Civil War. He was a dominant factor in the preservation and memorialization of the Gettysburg Battlefield in the latter part of the century. Autograph Letter Signed "J(ohn) B. Bachelder" Hyde Park, March 12, 1888, 4pp., 8" x 10," In small part, "I suppose it is time order the wire for our fence if we contemplate erecting it this spring." Bachelder then expends a full page defining his thoughts on construction and dimension of the fence. On page two, we are presented with a 7/8 page illustration of the fence with measurements and closing with "Table of distance according to my map."…...plus; an Autograph Letter Signed "J(ohn) B. Bachelder" on "Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association", Hyde Park, April 7, 1889, 1pp., To Hon. E. McPherson, in part, "Can you tell me how I can learn the names of the members of the next congress...". McPherson responds, in part: "…see p 30, 31, 32 Almanac for 1889. Also in the Congressional Directory...". ...plus; "The Last Hours of Lincoln" exhibit announcement, 4pp., 5" x 8," Signed in script type, Bachelder invites the public to view the painting which in this printed form, a key of 47 persons who viewed President Lincoln. Although tragic, Lincoln's assassination created opportunities for entrepreneurs such as the artist and engraver John B. Bachelder of Washington, D.C who arranged for everyone who visited the dying president to have their photographs taken at Mathew Brady's studio. From those images, Bachelder created a design for a monumental painting and hired Alonzo Chappell to complete the canvas. Printed copies of the scene were sold by subscription. All very good condition.
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