Manuscript handwritten telegram in blue pencil from US Ambassador to England Charles Francis Adams, Sr., to US Ambassador to Sweden James Campbell in Stockholm, 8.5 x 10.75, one page, April 26, 1865. In full: “I am directed to inform you that the President was assassinated whilst in his box at the theatre in Washington. Mr. Seward was also attacked in his chamber on the same evening and his recovery is doubtful the Vice President Mr. Johnson was at Washington and assumed the functions of President. Full particulars as sent to me from or Staunton [sic] will appear in evening paper.” Intersecting folds with separations to edges, central separated fold reinforced with tape on reverse, moderate dampstaining and a significant tear to the upper left, and show-through from docketing to reverse to the upper right, otherwise very good condition. The first transatlantic telegraph cable was successfully completed on July 18, 1866—until then, all news had to be carried by steamship, hence the late date of this telegram. Although it took over a week to hit Europe, the news of Lincoln’s assassination reverberated throughout the world, and many countries sent words of condolence. Johnson’s calm and undisturbed succession, touched upon in this telegram, reaffirmed the strength of America’s constitutional democracy at home and abroad. RRAuction COA.
