Politician (1807–1894) who was a member of the Buchanan administration, later serving as Judge Advocate General of the Army. Most notably, he was the chief prosecutor in the trial of those accused of involvement in the conspiracy to assassinate President Lincoln. ALS signed “J. Holt,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, November 20, 1873. Letter to author Benn Pitman, criticizing inaccuracies in his work on the trials of assassination conspirators. In part: “I take it for granted that you have read ex-Prest. Johnson's publication which appeared in this city…& have observed the unjust inference sought to be drawn from your having omitted to include in your volume of the trial of the Assassins, the recommendation in favor of Mrs. Surratt, signed by five members of the Court—I have reason to believe that this false view of the subject is misleading some & embarrassing the judgment of many.” Holt has also added brief a postscript, signed “JH,” to the top of the first page. In very good condition, with scattered soiling, and toned tape remnants to the last page, slightly affecting the signature. Accompanied by an unsigned original carte-de-visite of Holt. Five of the nine judges signed a letter asking President Johnson to give Surratt clemency and commute her sentence of execution to life in prison, given her age and gender. Holt is said to have delivered the letter to Johnson two days before her execution was scheduled; Johnson claimed to never have seen it, and the execution went forward. RRAuction COA.
