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Laura Keene (1810-1873). Famed Nineteenth Century Actress, Stage name of English actress whose real name is unknown. On American stage from 1852. Excelled in light comedy. Forever linked to Abraham Lincoln and the fateful night at Ford's Theater in Washington, D.C.. She was the actress on stage the night Lincoln was shot, April 14, 1865. It was a benefit and the last night that Laura Keene was to play the part of Florence Trenchard in "Our American Cousin," which was originally produced and performed by her.

 

But, not only was Keene present in Ford's Theater when President Lincoln was shot but, immediatiatly after the assassination, probably because she had an intimate knowledge of the layout of the theater, she managed to find he way from the stage to the box where the President lay dying. After she arrived on the scene she made the very bold request that she be allowed to cradle President Lincoln's head on her lap as he lay mortally wounded. As time passed and before the President was moved across the street to the Peterson boarding house Lincoln's wound bled onto her dress and that dress thereafter was one of the most viewed relics of the post-assassination period. Although this may seem morbid today, Keene was asked frequently to model the dress for various groups, blood stains and all.

 

Extraordinarily Rare Autograph Letter Signed, one page, Saturday, no date or place (appears to be trimmed), large octavo. Reads in part: "My dear Mrs. Mosford, What a good bit you had last Sunday. We open I think on Monday… A Barietta, 3 acts-called 'Seven Sons' each soon played by a good and pretty actress. After this play is off my friend I want to see you on an important business subject. When are we to have another Sunday? Mrs. Stephens and Mathalda are anxious to go along. Very Truly yours, L Keene".

 

Signatures of Laura Keene are basically unobtainable. Dealers of Lincolnia would agree that her material is all but non-existent. The wonderful letter has been inlaid on borders, "Laura Keen as been written in purple ink, vertically on left margin, the number 2 has been written in a box on lower left corner which touched the "ne" in Keene. Together with a Vintage Signature of John T. Ford, on a 3 in. by 2 in. card. Simply an extraordinary example of Keene. No Lincoln collection is complete without her. Price:$6,800.