Notable lot of five items related to the history of Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., the site of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865. The lot is highlighted by a pairing of rare ALSs from the theater’s owner John T. Ford, both signed “Jno. T. Ford.”
The earlier letter, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 6.5 x 8, September 5, 1855, addressed to a Mr. McKeon from the Holliday Street Theatre in Baltimore, and detailing certain matters of the theater, in part: "Do not think hard of me for not writing earlier as I have had my hands very full and from the extra pressure of business and opposition I have been led to neglect you. I can now only say with projected Spectattes Stars etc we are full up to Jany 1st. Henry Farren telegraphs me an acceptance for his and Miss Louisa Howard commencing Nov. 3rd. What does this mean? Is the dissolution reconsidered. Eddy [ostensibly Edwin Booth] opened to night received at the end of Macbeth with an immense call and very great enthusiasm. House very good. Circus Museum & Front [Street Theatre] open. The latter opened last Saturday to 250. Tonight it has only 50. Museum opened to 175 tonight about 80. Circus crowded. The Front won’t survive this week the place is haunted with ancient creditors constables sheriffs & c. Eddy will play a great engagement. I have not yet heard from Miss Ince. It is time she was sending me some word. Charles St. opens on Monday. It will not be I opine of long duration. It will be the only 50 ct. House.”
The second handwritten letter, one page, 4 x 6, September 8, 1859, addressed to actress Jean Margaret Davenport with proposed terms of her engagement, in part: “You favor just received. Instead of the 15th make it the 22nd of January and I will conclude the engagement for two or three weeks sharing after $130 and a half benefit each week.” Also included: a pair of circa 1880 photos cards, both 7 x 3.5 and featuring two stereoscopic views of Ford’s Theatre, one published by J. F. Jarvis and the other identified as part of the “American Series”; and the upper panel of letterhead, 5.5 x 2.75, depicting Ford's Theatre and the Holliday Street Theatre, and listing “Jno. T. Ford, Proprietor & Manager.” In overall fine condition.
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