Chicago: Laird & Lee Publishers, 1893. First Edition. Woodcut frontispiece portrait and other full-page woodcuts. Hardcover. Octavo. 126 pages.

Fascinating firsthand account by a Confederate signal officer in Southern Maryland. Jones concealed and succored John Wilkes Booth and David Herold for six days before helping them across the Potomac River into Virginia following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

By the time Jones wrote this memoir he had come to regret his role in aiding Lincoln's assassin, which he plainly confesses in the first chapter. However, in another example of questionable judgment, he attempted to sell this book at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, inflaming the wrath of Union sympathizers and Lincoln loyalists who destroyed many copies. Jones would die just two years after publication.

Uncommon in its first edition in this condition.

Ref. HOWES J241; MONAGHAN 1126; HOUMES p.48.

Near fine. Bound in dark maroon cloth over boards with spine and upper board stamped in gilt, light green floral patterned endpapers. Just light rubs to binding, along with mild darkening to gilt on spine. Interior leaves moderately browned and somewhat brittle. Hinges not cracked. A very nice copy overall.

Item #2157

Price: $500