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Exceedingly rare original 9.5 x 22 broadside for a planned lecture by Lincoln assassination conspirator John Surratt at Odd Fellows Hall in Washington, DC, on December 30, 1870, as part of his ongoing lecture tour. The talk, which, per the poster’s profuse text, was set to cover a wide array of subjects, ultimately never occurred. While many assert that public outrage was the chief cause for the cancellation, others contest that Surratt himself nixed the lecture when he was informed that the U.S. government was prepared to use the speech against him and recharge him for complicity in Lincoln’s death.
The broadside’s text, in part: “J. H. Surratt Will Most Positively Deliver His Lecture! / In Washington, On the above date—All reports to the contrary notwithstanding. In which he will give a full and truthful account of his Thrilling Adventures During The Rebellion, His Introduction to J. Wilkes Booth, and the Plan Arranged to Kidnap, not Murder President Lincoln, The attempted abduction and its defeat, together with the abandonment of the plot, the Arrest! Trial! Acquittal! Denunciation of Judge Fisher, Judge Pierrepont, Edward M. Stanton, and Louis Weichmann. / This lecture will include Surratt's Account Of Himself! From the time of his leaving College; his active service during the War; his many perilous journeys from Richmond to Washington, His Introduction to J. Wilkes Booth, And what occurred at that and subsequent interviews; his defence to the world; no desire for self-glorification; you have heard One Side of the Story now listen to the other; Booth’s plan; its attempt and failure; trip to Richmond, thence to Canada; / Interview With Gen'l Lee, Ordered to Elmira; what was done there’ A Plan to Release Confederate Soldiers… /Arrest and return to the United States! A captive in irons / Trial, continuing sixty-two days and honorable acquittal.” In very good to fine condition, with various tears repaired with old tape on the reverse.
Provenance: the estate of Ernest T. Love; noted Washington, DC historical collector Anton Heitmuller.
