American theater manager (1829-1894), most famous for operating Ford's Theatre at the time of the Abraham Lincoln assassination. Rare ALS signed “John T. Ford,” one page, faintly-lined, 4.5 x 7, March 14. Letter to John B. Wright, later the stage manager at Ford's Theatre on the night of Lincoln’s assassination. In part: “Your favor with casts received. With present impressions I think I prefer ‘Town & Country’ to open…does it act, Don’t you…Mrs. Smylie in ‘9 Points’ injustice by casting it to…Miss Skerritt instead of Gladstone. It is a splendid part. The best of the play I think. Enclosed find extract from a London paper. The works goes on bravely. Hastily yours.” Several words faded and illegible, scattered toning and soiling, intersecting folds, several small holes from ink erosion, and mounting remnant showing through from inside hinge, otherwise very good condition.
Writing here in haste to his stage manager, Ford was a ‘hands on’ owner and operator who here provides his input into casting for an upcoming performance, citing his preference for “‘Town & Country’ to open” and questioning a casting decision of the aforementioned “Miss Skerritt instead of Gladstone.” A shadow was cast upon Ford’s reputation as an honest and honorable businessman after Abraham Lincoln was murdered by John Wilkes Booth—an actor and friend of Ford, who was out of town when the president was shot. Ford and the name ‘Ford’s Theater’ are among the most recognizable in American history. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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