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Dr. Charles Leale Historical Documents



Locati LLC proudly presents various historically important documents including his handwritten account of Lincoln’s last hours, a rank of captain medal from 1866, a military commission signed by President Andrew Johnson, a framed portrait, various photos, extracts, and so much more. All will be featured in our March Auction on the 19th starting at noon. We welcome those interested to come in person and visit our preview week running March 13- March 18 from 10 am to 3 pm.


Dr. Charles A. Leale's account of Friday, April 14, 1865. Leale had graduated with a degree in medicine just six weeks earlier from Bellevue Hospital Medical College in New York City. Making him only 23 years old at the time. The young doctor found Abraham Lincoln “seated in a high-backed arm-chair with his head leaning towards his right side supported by Mrs. Lincoln, who was weeping bitterly.”


“Having been the first of our profession who arrived to the assistance of our late President, and having been requested by Mrs. Lincoln to do what I could for him I assumed the charge until the Surgeon General and Dr. Stone, his family physician arrived, which was about 20 minutes after we had placed him in bed in the house of Mr. Peterson opposite the theatre, and as I remained with him until his death, I humbly submit the following brief account.”


“The Surgeon General now held his finger to the carotid artery. Col. Crane held his head, Dr Stone who was sitting on the bed, held his left pulse, and his right pulse was held by myself. At 7.20 AM. he breathed his last.” Charles Leale continued to serve in the army until 1866 when he was discharged as a brevet captain. See attached photos documenting this certification and awarded medal. His recollections come from the only time Leale ever publicly spoke about the events of that terrible night. This occurred on the 100th anniversary of Lincoln's birth in 1909 when Leale addressed the New York Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.



Featured lots in our March 2023 auction.


Lot 72, Two Military Commissions, Dr. Charles A. Leale


Lot 73, Material Related to Charles A. Leale, Medical Career


Lot 78, Charles A. Leale, Material Related to Lincoln

Lot 79, Dr. Charles A. Leale, Notes Related to President Lincoln



For more information, call 215.619.2873 or email us at michael@locatillc.com.


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