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Louis Weichman typed letter signed to Judge John A. Bingham, prosecutor of the Abraham Lincoln assassination conspirators. Weichmann was the star witness for the prosecution, giving eyewitness testimony of the conspirators colluding at Mary Surratt's boarding house. Weichman also traveled with Surratt to Maryland the day of the assassination where Surratt delivered binoculars and organized firearms that John Wilkes Booth and David Herold would use in their escape.
Dated 17 September 1896 from Anderson, Indiana, letter reads in part, ''...Judge Bingham, you are now an old man and it may not be many years before the good Father of us all calls you to the enjoyment of that happy home where all troubles and sorrows are at an end. You, more than any man alive to-day, are aware of the meed of praise to which I am entitled for the sacrifices I made and the work I did in connection with that great trial of 1865. I am writing the history of that affair now and will have it published some day, either during my life time, or after my death. It will be written from the strict stand point of loyalty and truth. I have always felt that I would like to have some brief expression from you in writing as to what you think of the manner in which I performed my duty to the country and of the reward to which I am entitled in the estimation of all good people. As a matter of justice to me, will you not send me a kind letter expressing your views in that regard?...[signed] L.J. Weichmann.''
Weichmann did indeed write a book about the trial, titled ''A True History of the Assassination of Abraham Lincoln and of the Conspiracy of 1865'', published posthumously in 1975. Two page letter on two sheets measures 8'' x 10.5''. Folds, else near fine.