Description:

Samuel B. Arnold
Friendship, MD, ca. 1904-05
Lincoln Conspirator Samuel Arnold Pair of ALSs
ALS
A pair of handwritten signed letters by Lincoln Conspirator Samuel B. Arnold (1834-1906), one of eight convicted for his role in the coordinated plan to simultaneously assassinate 16th U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, Vice President Andrew Johnson, Secretary of State William H. Seward, and General Ulysses S. Grant on April 14, 1865.

Both letters are to Al Emmett Fostell, who has written to Arnold to request his photograph.

1.) Autograph Letter Signed, "Saml. B. Arnold", 2pp, on one pale blue sheet measuring 7.875" x 8.375", Friendship, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, December 23, 1904. Flattened folds, creases and rippling. Uneven top edge. Toning and discoloration. Some fading to the text. Overall, in near very good condition.

In this letter to Fostell, Arnold explains his delayed reply, "owing to have'g been in the Hospital for surgical operations upon hip joint, which was found to have been fractured from a fall upon the ice two years ago...As to my photo, I have none at present. I however send you a negative or proof of one, and by addressing Mr. Johnson, Washington, D.C., no doubt you can have one taken...should you write do not use my name, as I had them taken under the name of Mr. Charles M. Proust (to avoid notoriety)..."

2.) Autograph Letter Signed, "Saml. B. Arnold", 3pp, on bifold stationery measuring 5" x 6.25", Friendship, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, March 3, 1905. Expected mailing folds and creases. Toning and dampstaining. In very good condition.

In this letter, Arnold agrees to provide his signature for Fostell, "...if you send me the Photo, I will as requested by you, attach my autograph thereunto & perhaps a letter accompanying same." Arnold then goes on to discuss his hip injury and recovery from surgery, hopeful for better times ahead, "The rigor of the writer has been a great drawback to me, but I hope when Spring arrives to become strong and enjoy the remnant of my years in peace and less suffering...may the remainder of life have some pleasure, unknown for now 40 years."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 7.875" x 8.375"
  • Medium: ALS

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