American theater manager (1829-1894), most famous for operating Ford's Theatre at the time of the Abraham Lincoln assassination . ALS signed “J. T. Ford,” one page, 4.5 x 7, August 23, 1866. Letter to a Mr. Boyd requesting a playbill from the night of Lincoln’s assassination. In full: “The only bills I have of the eventful night you name are in scrap books at home. Should I find more I will save one for you.” In fine condition, with some slight toning and wrinkling from mounting remnants on the reverse.
As noted, Ford had a few playbills from that fateful evening—treasured keepsakes with which he was hesitant to part. One, in particular, would have been exceptionally special. After Lincoln was mortally wounded, Ford discovered a playbill for Our American Cousin beneath the seat in which the President had been seated. In an instant before John Wilkes Booth heinous act, the piece had been held by Lincoln. Now, Ford discovered, the item featured a tiny droplet of blood that had escaped Lincoln’s wound. In a frightening coincidence, Ford once related the tale of how he was once forced to fetch Booth, a troubled actor, from his place of residence while performing in a play. There he found the future presidential assassin, resting in the house…in the room…on the bed…that would later accept Lincoln. As a witness to history, Ford became part of those terrible events—an association that people remembered. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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