War-dated ink endorsement, “Submitted to the Sec. of War, A. Lincoln, March 11, 1863,” on the integral leaf of a manuscript order on 4.75 x 7.75 Exeuctive Mansion letterhead. The order reads, in full: “For Pay Master in the Volunteers, F. S. Hoyt of Delaware, Ohio, Recommended by {Harding, Nesmith, McBride} of Oregon.” A few weeks earlier, on February 25, Congress passed the first federal draft in American history, the infamous Conscription Act, which was signed into law by Lincoln on March 3. The most controversial provision—a “commutation fee” that enabled a draftee to buy his way out of military service by hiring a substitute or paying $300—caused a nationwide uproar. Derided for the patently unfair advantage it afforded wealthy, well-heeled draftees, the act was the direct catalyst for the infamous Draft Riots that rocked New York City over a three-day period in the following July, resulting in $1.5 million in damage and dozens of casualties. Intersecting folds with associated light toning (vertical fold touching three letters of endorsement text) and a touch of mild soiling and handling wear, otherwise fine condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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