ALS, most likely as First Lady, signed “Mrs. Lincoln,” one page, 5 x 7.75, no date, circa 1863-1864. Letter to Gustav Gumpert in Philadelphia. In full: “Send the name immediately of the young man who desires a cler[k]ship. The place is given to him. Name only required. I write you today. Please attend to the contents.” Under her signature, Lincoln adds, “Send name today—by telegraph.” Letter is also addressed at the top in Lincoln’s hand, “Through War Department, Mr. Gomfort [sic], 1226 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Penn.” In very good to fine condition, with a small chip to top edge, intersecting mailing folds, one through a single letter of signature, light mirroring of time notation, thin strip of mounting remnant along reverse of left edge, and two small blocks of toning to top corners from previous mounting remnants on reverse.
Gumpert, this letter’s recipient, came to the United States with his family in 1856, eventually becoming the country’s “tobacco king” after taking over his father’s cigar business. Mary Todd Lincoln and her son, Tad Lincoln, often visited the store on Chestnut when in Philadelphia, becoming friends with Gumpert. The young Lincoln purportedly had the run of the store—on occasion scattering the contents of the cash drawer on the floor or riding a pony through the establishment. It is likely that during one of those eventful visits to Philadelphia that Gumpert and Lincoln spoke of a young man desiring a clerkship—with the businessman using his familiarity with the First Lady to court a political favor from her. It was likely just such a scenario that produced this missive. A scarce letter from the storied Mrs. Lincoln. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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