War-dated autograph endorsement, signed as president, “A. Lincoln,” dated October 10, 1861, on the reverse the second integral page of a letter written by Chas. S. Olden, then Governor of New Jersey, dated, October 8, 1861. Olden writes to Lincoln, in full: “I take pleasure in introducing to you the bearer Captain Geo B. Raymond of New Jersey a very worthy citizen who has rendered our state good service. He has visited Washington several times at my request in charge of important business which he most satisfactorily performed. He is an accomplished Seaman, to prove which he has abundant testimonials and desirous of serving his country in this her hour of need has offered himself to the Secretary of the Navy to take command of a vessel. Should it be in accordance with your wishes to further by application I would feel under obligations for the favor.” Lincoln’s endorsement to Gideon Welles on the reverse reads: “Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of the Navy, asking a fair consideration, and that Mr. Raymond be employed, if consistent with the public service." Accompanied by three letters, dated 1894–1930, relating to this document, as well as an undated envelope panel from the Adjutant General’s Office, State of New Jersey, addressed to “Capt. Geo. B. Raymond, Bordentown, New Jersey.” In the winter of 1844, Capt. Raymond had rescued 21-year-old Abram S. Hewitt and 19-year-old Edward Cooper, son of industrialist Peter Cooper, after the ship they were on sank when returning from Europe. Raymond had found the two friends floating on a small boat in the Atlantic and helped them aboard his ship Atlanta. In 1894, Capt. Raymond celebrated the 50th anniversary of the rescue with former New York City Mayors and brothers-in-law, Democrats Edward Cooper (served 1879-1881) and Abram S. Hewitt (served 1887–1889). In good to very good condition, with moderate staining and toning to endorsed panel (none affecting Lincoln’s crisp signature, and only lightly affecting a few words of endorsement), heavy mailing folds and repairs to letter, scattered edge wear, and pencil notations to first page of letter. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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