Description:

(LINCOLN ASSASSINATON) THOMAS P. "BOSTON" CORBETT
(1832? - ?) Union army sergeant who shot assassin John Wilkes Booth as the murderer's figure passed a crack in the wall of a burning a barn on Richard Garrett's farm in Virginia. Extremely fine content and rare A.L.S. "Boston Corbett Sergt. co. L. 16th N.Y. Cavalry" 1p. 8vo., "Lincoln Barracks" Washington, May 11, 1865 to Mr. Harrington an admirer, in full: "Dear Sir In Answer to Your request I would say that Booth was Shot on the Morning of the 26th of April 1865 Near Port Royal, Virginia at which place we crossed the Rappahannock in Pursuit. He lived but a short time after he was shot, perhaps 3 hours, and at or about Seven O- clock that morning he died". Corbett was immediately arrested for violating orders to capture Booth alive, but the charges were later dropped by Edwin Stanton who reportedly remarked, "The rebel is dead. The patriot lives". In his official statement, Corbett claimed he shot Booth because he thought that the cornered assassin was preparing to use his weapons: an assertion that was contradicted by other witnesses. When he was asked later about his motive, Corbett answered "Providence directed me". Following his discharge from the army in August 1865, Corbett drifted, first working as a hatter in Boston, Connecticut and New Jersey and later moving west, his behavior growing increasingly erratic (possibly due to exposure to mercury, common in the hat trade). Due to his fame as Booth's killer, in 1887 he was appointed assistant doorkeeper for the Kansas State House of Representatives in Topeka. One day, hearing the legislature's opening prayer mocked, he brandished a revolver and threatened the representatives. Corbett was arrested and sent to the Topeka Asylum for the Insane. On May 26, 1888 he escaped from the asylum. He told a friend he was going to Mexico and was never seen from again. He may have actually settled in Minnesota where a Thomas Corbett is listed among the dead in the Great Hinckley Fire of 1894. This is magnificent piece associated with Corbett and his most famous act. Usual folds, light dampstain at top left, purple border wash at margins, else very good condition.

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October 9, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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