Heading: (Corbett, Boston - Lincoln's Avenger)
Author:
Title: Boston Corbett - autographed calling card with Bible verse in his hand on reverse; with additional clipped signature framed with cartes-de-vistite of Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth, and the Avenger of Lincoln himself, Thomas H. "Boston" Corbett
Place Published: Farmington; Boston
Publisher:Merrill & Crosby; J. Ilbufford & Sons
Date Published: No dates
Description:

3 albumen photograph CDVs framed together with calling card and clipped signature. CDVs: 10.3x6 cm (4x2¼"); calling card: 5.3x8.3 (2x3¼"); signature slip: 4x13 cm (1½x5"); in Optium Museum Acrylic glass frame: 14.5x29.3 cm (5¾x11½"). Reverse of frame under acrylic glass to reveal Bible verse written in Corbett's hand, Romans 5:8.

Thomas H. Corbett, an Englishman who later took the name Boston after dropping the bottle and embracing Methodism in the city so-named, was either an avenging saint or what his countrymen would simply call "a nutter". The Avenger of Lincoln who shot John Wilkes Booth against the orders of his superiors – claiming that "Providence directed me" – was also derided as the "Glory to God Man" a self-castrato who saw visions. After having the insubordination charges dropped and being hailed as a patriot, Corbett became a celebrity of sorts, with his portrait taken by Matthew Brady. He would go on to preach revival and to give public lectures on the assassination of Wilkes Booth until paranoia got the better of him and he disappeared from the stage of history into the West. Written in Corbett's hand on reverse of calling card is "But God commandeth his love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5th Cht 8th Verse". With a 1983 certification of authenticity for the autographs issued by Charles Hamilton Galleries in NYC.

Some tracing over of letters in the last line of Bible verse; light foxing to cartes, a few stains including to calling card (somewhat affecting autograph); a few ink smudges.