Booth, Edwin (1833-1893) to Col. Adam Badeau
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02508.01 Author/Creator: Booth, Edwin (1833-1893) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 January 1865 Pagination: 2 p. : card : envelope ; 24 x 14 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that the only spare room he has is for the Clarkes and the spare bed for John Wilkes. Remarks that Badeau is a bit sensitive. States that he will go downtown to visit Badeau soon.
Includes a card with Edwin Booth's signature and is dated February 1884.
Edwin Booth was a renowned tragedian of the 19th-century American stage, best-remembered as one of the greatest performers of Shakespeare's Hamlet. He was a member of a famous acting family; his brother was John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln.
Colonel Adam Badeau was appointed military secretary to General Grant, with the rank, first of Lieutenant-Colonel and afterward of colonel. On this duty he accompanied the general in the Wilderness and Appomattox campaigns, and remained on his staff until March 1869, when he was retired from the army with the full rank of captain and the brevet rank of Brigadier-General, United States.
Jany 14th
1865
Dear Ad-
Yours dated Jany 11th & post-marked Jany 13th has just reached me - I lay in bed with a 'lazy fit' on 'till 12 o'clk, but am up now & hasten to reply to a letter that has come [illegible insertion] far & been so long on its way.
The only spare room I have is awaiting the daily- expected arrival of the Clarkes, and the extra bed, in the room I must occupy when they come, is left warm for J. Wilkes, who is expected also.
I am sorry; for I shd like to 'help you up' old boy, and if there is a decent desire in my breast it is that of being hospitable (which perhaps, I am not after all), and 'Lui' always [2] said of my profanity -'what is mine is also my friend's'; but at this juncture the two 'JS' families are i' the same box.
I don't believe you are any less welcome at 102 today then you were ten years ago - you are a little sensitive, I profess.
I was wondering what did become of you yesterday & was thinking that I might get up to see you again.
Forgive my letter - you are doubtless looking for a reply & I am obliged to go downtown.
Send word by him when you are, [struck: &] or when you are going.
Yours ever
[signature]
[address]
Col Badeau
102 Madison Avenue
Cor 30th. St.
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