Attorney general during the Civil War (1793–1869). War-dated ALS signed “Edw. Bates,” one lined page, both sides, 5 x 8, E. H. Owen embossed letterhead, May 4, 1864. Bates writes, in part: “I have not been able yet, to procure the desired leave for you to send a trunk of clothing to your sister in law at Lynchburg. I attribute the filure [sic] thus far, to the critical condition of Virginia, at the present time. I write now, to say this much, & also to send, for your perusal, a letter which I have just now received from Mrs. Gordon, at Lynchburg Va. The letter, you will perceive, is old, bearing date March 9. It came unsealed, & by flag-boat, and was detained a long time, but I do not know on which side of the line. I send the letter, supposing that you would like to read it, & in the hope that it may administer some comfort to the elder Mrs. Gordon, so reverently mentioned, who, I presume, is your mother. Please return me Mrs. Gordon’s letter, as soon as conveniently may be, as I desire to use it, if I can, to ameliorate her condition. I write this, in haste, in my sick room.” In fine condition, with uniform shade of toning, and a trivial border of blueish rubbing to the first page from previous mounting. Accompanied by original mailing envelope, addressed, in Bates’ hand. Penned during his last year as Attorney General to President Lincoln, Bates would resign in November of 1864 on account of his failing health, and also after Lincoln nominated Salmon P. Chase to Chief Justice, a position Bates had aspirations of filling. RRAuction COA.
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