War-dated DS as president, one page, 13 x 16.5, March 10, 1863. Lincoln appoints James Gillette to the position of “Commissary of Subsistence of volunteers with the rank of Captain.” Signed at the bottom in black ink, “Abraham Lincoln,” and countersigned by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Matted to an overall size of 18 x 22. In very good condition, with even overall toning, mild foxing to edges, previous intersecting storage folds and Stanton’s signature fairly light, but legible. A week earlier, on March 3, Lincoln signed the Conscription Act, the controversial draft law that mandated the impressment of all able-bodied young men into the service of the Union Army. A clause allowing for a “rich man’s exemption” by payment of a fee or recruitment of a substitute provoked nationial fury, leading to riots in New York City during that same summer. Ultimately, the Conscription Act was ineffective, and Lincoln turned to more unashamedly mercenary means to keep the forces manned. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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