(LINCOLN, ABRAHAM.) Pass to the trial of the assassination conspirators, signed by David Hunter--with his transmittal letter. Partially printed Document Signed "D Hunter," 2 x 3 1/4 inches, otherwise uncompleted; faint mounting stain on verso only. With the accompanying Autograph Note Signed, 7 x 4 1/2 inches, minimal wear, folds, apparently detached from an integral blank, light toning and offsetting. Washington, [May or June] 1865
The trial of the assassination conspirators took place from 10 May to 30 June 1865 by a nine-man military commission led by General David Hunter (1802-1886). Hunter was best known for freeing slaves and forming a regiment of South Carolina Colored Infantry before Lincoln was ready to approve either step. Under his leadership, all 8 of the conspirators were found guilty, and 4 of them were sentenced to death. The pass is undated, and the name of the person to be admitted is left blank. It is headed "Military Commission" and is signed by Hunter with the printed title "President of the Commission." The accompanying note reads (in full) "It gives me great pleasure to comply with your request, very sincerely, D Hunter, Maj. Gen." The pass and note were apparently stored facing each other for many years, probably in a scrapbook--see the offsetting in the bottom area of the note, which perfectly matches the size and signature of the pass.
