[Lincoln, Abraham] Dr. Charles Henry Crane. Dr. Crane (1825-83) was one of the doctors who attended President Lincoln after he was shot by John Wilkes Booth. He was one of nine men present at Lincoln's autopsy, being acting Assistant Surgeon General. In 1866 he became Assistant Surgeon General and from 1882-83 served as Surgeon General. Autograph Letter Signed ("C.H. Crane"), 6 pages (3 sheets recto/verso), on letterhead engraved "Surgeon General's Office / Washington City, D.C.," 7 x 4¼ in., April 22, 1865. Crane writes to Col. Thomas A. McParlin, Surgeon General of the Army of the Potomac, about the incredible events which have taken place in April: the surrender of Confederate general Robert E. Lee, the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and the nationwide effort to find John Wilkes Booth, and the probable flight of Confederate president Jefferson Davis. Superb content. Very fine condition. The letter has been framed so that all sides show and matted with a CDV of John Wilkes Booth, which Crane sent to McParlin; this frame is hinged to a larger frame, 29 x 38½ in., which contains a plaque regarding the background of the letter, another with the content of the letter, and a smaller biographical plaque of Crane, as well as an image of Crane. A handsome, impressive display piece.
The letter says, in part: "The news of the surrender of Lee's Army, was received with the greatest possible joy and delight….Everybody felt that the Confederacy had been pierced by a mortal wound, and all rejoiced…at the prospect of a speedy peace and a restored Union….The expression was universal 'All honor to the noble Army of the Potomac'. It would have been too cruel if any other Army had even assisted in the final defeat and overthrow of Lee's Rebel Army and the capture of Richmond….The murder of the President has cast a gloom over all & all joy is now turned into mourning….We still hope that the murderer Booth will be captured. I send you his picture--We had a number struck off…to distribute throughout the Country….We have a rumor on the streets today that Joe Johnston has surrendered his Army….This will about finish the war. I suppose Jeff Davis is making for Texas & Mexico. The Secretary of State [William Seward] is improving and is out of danger. His son is still in critical condition…."
Estimated Value $5,000 - 7,500.
Ex. Robert Hesselgesser, M.D. Collection.
U.S. Presidents and First Ladies
