Partly-printed war-dated DS as president, one page, 20 x 14.51, July 17, 1861. President Lincoln appoints William Cuddy of Missouri “to be a Surveyor General of the United States for the District of Illinois and Missouri.” Signed at the conclusion by Lincoln, and countersigned by Secretary of Interior Caleb B. Smith. In good to very good condition, with uniform toning to most of document from previous display, intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, light overall creasing and wrinkling, a few small edge tears and chips, and a pencil notation to top right.
Although the Civil War had begun, Lincoln had other matters and appointments to tend to, including this appointment to an area that included his home state. Missouri was still reeling from the violent St. Louis Massacre, where union forces clashed with angry civilians resulting in the deaths of at least 28 people. This affair highly polarized the border state, with some citizens advocating for secession and others rallying to support the Union. Just four days after this appointment was signed, the Union forces were routed at the First Battle of Bull Run, the first major battle of the Civil War. This loss was a shock to the North, with both sides realizing the war would be longer and more brutal then imagined. On July 22 Lincoln signed a bill that provided for the enlistment of another 500,000 men for up to three years of service. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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