Handwritten endorsement, as president, signed “A. Lincoln,” dated April 3, 1863, written vertically on an off-white 8.25 x 3.5 mailing envelope, addressed in an unknown hand to Lincoln, “His Excellency, A. Lincoln, President U.S.” Lincoln writes, in full: “Mr. Whitehill appears to be a worthy and competent gentleman, and being so well recommended by Hon. Thadeus [sic] Stevens & Hon. John Strohm, I would be glad to appoint him an Additional Pay Master, if the service of another is needed.” A couple ink notations along top edge, a horizontal fold near bottom, endorsement over a small portion of address, and a bit of scattered light soiling, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by an engraved portrait of Lincoln, and a clipped label from Goodspeed’s Book Shop in Boston, having been previously framed by them.
While preparing his visit to Major General Joseph Hooker’s headquarters the following day, Lincoln wrote this sincere endorsement of Mr. Whitehill’s appointment to “Additional Pay Master,” based on the recommendations of the influential Thaddeus Stevens of Pennsylvania and his predecessor in the U. S. House of Representatives, John Strohm. With its mention of Stevens, one of the most powerful men in Congress and an early advocate for the Emancipation Proclamation that was finally issued three months prior to this endorsement, this is a highly desirable piece from a crucial year in the Civil War. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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