December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2023
A small, yet interesting archive related to 20th president of the United States James A. Garfield, and his assassin, Charles Guiteau. The archive is contained in the book "A Treastise on the Medical Jurisprudence of Insanity", by I. Ray, M.D., Little Brown & Co., Boston, 1853, third edition with additions. Contained in the book are the following: Affidavit by Henry E. Burdick of Gloversville, N.Y., 2 full pages, 8vo, November 9, 1936, relating that this book was offered by Guiteau, "late in 1880 or early in 1881" as part payment for Guiteau's room rent at the hotel Brunswick, Oneida, N.Y., of which Burdick's father was proprietor. There is also a James Garfield ALS "J.A. Garfield" 2/3 page, 8vo, dated February 18, 1869, to Ellen L. Tenney, sending autograph (stained and mounted at head on detached front cover of book). Also included is a Charles Guiteau ALS, 1 full page, 8vo, in court, Washington D.C., November 12, 1881, to Ms. Hastings "...Mr. Scoville sent you my Photograph...Did you receive them? I have an idea I shall be fond of you, & I am wondering why you did not come...My trial commenced this morning..." (held at each corner by "magic tape" to the front fly-leaf of the book, else very good). CONDITION: The book itself is in poor condition, worn, with covers detached, but internally sound and could be re-bound. The letters of Garfield and Guiteau could be extracted if desired and the Burdick affidavit is lightly held in with paper hinges. A fascinating association piece, inviting speculation on whether Guiteau was perhaps already pondering the Garfield assassination and anticipating his defense in late 1880 or early 1881. Condition as mentioned throughout description. This book was once part of the Dr. John K. Lattimer Library and is accompanied by 2 James Spence Authentication Full Letters of Authenticity, 1 for each signature.
Item Dimensions: 9" X 7"
Paperwork
2 JSA LOAs, Information