2004-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004
Dated April 18, 1865 Autograph Letter Signed, "Lizzie Allen," 4 pages on two adjoining, lightly ruled sheets, Washington, 8" x 5", Fine. Lizzie Allen, an employee of the Washington State Court House, writes to James O'Conner describing her reaction to the President's death. In part (with spelling corrections): "I have experienced what it is to receive the news of the death of a dear friend. I am not prepared to say which was the more terrible of the two instances I have in my mind, the death of my president or the death of my dearest friend...Oh, this is so sad to think about. Sunday, was a day of sorrow, sadness was written in the countenance of everyone. At four o'clock the citizens convened at the M.E. church for the purpose of making arrangements to observe Monday as a day of mourning for the death of the president, an executive committee of five was appointed to enforce the rules of the day. The bells were tolled from nine to ten o'clock, all businesses (and) private residences draped in mourning black and white. The men wore crepe on the left arm between the shoulder and elbow...I have never known such a quiet day. I will not say any more." Toned; tearing along the folds slightly affects the text. With transmittal envelope. A moving account of a tragic time.
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