Lincoln Assassin Conspirator Hangings in Washington Mary Surratt who was hung along with her cohorts David Herold, George Atzerodt and Lewis Payne
July 8, 1865-Dated, Autograph Letter Signed, James L. Livingston with comments and content about the Lincoln Conspirator Hangings in Washington the day before, Choice Very Fine
This is an original, three page letter, measuring 9.75” x 7.75” being written from Elmira, New York, by Paymaster's Clerk James L. Livingston to his father, Captain Robert W. Livingston of the 118th New York. This letter refers to the hanging of Mary Surratt, who was hanged along with her cohorts, David Herold, George Atzerodt and Lewis Payne, as the convicted assassins of President Abraham Lincoln. This letter reads, in part:

"My Dear Father... What do you think of the hanging-bee at Washington yesterday? Mrs. Surratt thought it rather severe not to give her only one day to turn her lamps in; but I reckon if she had had a week she would never have got them burning bright enough to save her. I guess she has gone to the sulphurous climate, straight.” -- (Signed) “Your affectionate son, Jas. L. Livingston”. Docketed: “J. L. Livingston - July 12/65”.

Written with stylish, beautiful clear handwritting in light brown ink on wove period paper, bearing a decorative embossing of the maker at the upper left corner. Fiery words are written within an otherwise innocuous letter, mostly riddled with not-so-subtle hints of needing money to return home for a visit. The significant, wonderful Lincoln Conspirator Hanging content as seen through the eyes of a young man of the time.