Five items signed by Lincoln's allies, including four members of his famous 'Team of Rivals' cabinet:
Edward Bates
Attorney general in Lincoln's cabinet during the Civil War (1793-1869). Civil War-dated ALS signed "Edw. Bates," one page, lightly-lined, 5 x 8, Attorney General's Office letterhead, April 12, 1864. Letter to a gentleman. In part: "Tho' the idea of making money, for the Fair, by the sale of my clumsy hand writing, does seem to me a little ludicrous, still, as I am not a good judge in matters of trade & business, & as where there is no disputing about tastes, I comply with your request, & send you this scrawl." In fine condition, with slightly trimmed edges. Accompanied by an unsigned original carte-de-visite portrait of Bates.
Montgomery Blair
Lawyer who served in Lincoln's cabinet as postmaster general (1813-1883). Civil War-dated DS, signed "Yrs respectfully, M. Blair, Pm G, Wash'n Sept. 8th 1864," one page, 5 x 8, August 25, 1864. Blair signs at the conclusion of an autograph request document issued by the Western Illinois Sanitary Fair Committee. In part: "As a means for increasing the fund for the benefit of our soldiers, and procuring a valuable and interesting collection, the Executive Committee have decided to respectfully request the Autographs of prominent persons." In fine condition. Accompanied by an unsigned original carte-de-visite portrait of Blair.
Salmon P. Chase
Politician (1808-1873) who served as secretary of the treasury for the first three years of Abraham Lincoln's term, after which Lincoln appointed him chief justice of the Supreme Court. In that role Chase presided over the 1868 impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson. AQS, signed "S. P. Chase," on an off-white 5 x 8 sheet. In full: "Democracy is the everlasting antagonist of all oppression: and the uttermost of oppression is slavery. Washington, March 30, 1853." In fine condition, with some scattered mild toning along horizontal mailing folds. Accompanied by an unsigned carte-de-visite portrait.
Charles Sumner
Influential senator from Massachusetts (1811-1874). Partial ALS, one page, 5 x 8, no date. Final page of a longer letter to an unidentified recipient. In part: "For answer I appeal to my life. I have always stood by the down trodden, never was there more occasion than war. Never in my life did I desire your sympathy & support more than now." In fine condition, with a couple light brushes to text.
Gideon Welles
Secretary of the Navy under Lincoln and Johnson (1802-1878). LS, one page, 7.75 x 9.75, January 29, 1863. Draft for a telegram to Commodore Andrew A. Harwood. In full: "Can you have a trial of the submarine boat—The Alligator—some afternoon, after 2 o'clock, of this week?" Repaired separations to mailing folds and a stray ink blotch below the signature, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by an unsigned original carte-de-visite bust portrait. In mid-March, the Alligator was dispatched to South Carolina to participate in the capture of Charleston. However, it was cut loose and lost after encountering poor weather while being towed to the location. In overall fine condition.
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