Author and statesman, he practiced law at Springfield, Ill., where he met Abraham Lincoln. Hay accompanied Lincoln to Washington and was the President's assistant and private secretary until Lincoln's death. ALS, one page, 4.5 x 7, Department of State, Washington letterhead, October 30, no year. In full: “A friend of mine sends this letter from New York. I do not know whether it is practicable to comply with his request. If it is, I should be very much obliged.” In fine condition, with faint mirroring of text due to premature folding. R&R COA.
