ANS signed “A. Lincoln,” one page, 8 x 5, January 14, 1863. An endorsement related to a request by General Robert Schenck (which appears on the reverse) to appoint Charles G. Schenck (clearly a relative) to the rank of second lieutenant in the regular Army. In full: “Gen. Schenck is very anxious for this; and I believe the boy has fought once, if not, oftener, and been severely wounded.” Robert Schenck (1809–1890), who had earlier served as a congressman and Minister to Brazil, is said to have made the first public speech in support of Lincoln’s presidential candidacy (in Dayton, Ohio, 1859), and was a vocal supporter of Lincoln at the 1860 Republican Convention. After a personal audience with Lincoln shortly after the attack on Fort Sumter, Schenck was appointed a general and fought at both Battles of Bull Run, where he was seriously wounded. After another stint in Congress, Schenck was appointed Minister to the United Kingdom by Ulysses S. Grant. In very good condition, with intersecting folds (horizontal fold to signature; small, tight separation to “ncoln”), small repaired tears to blank portions, and light scattered soiling with a few small stains. The writing is otherwise dark and clear. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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