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Lot #104
Abraham Lincoln

Nine days before his death, Lincoln writes to Secretary of War Stanton regarding the imprisonment of Confederate General Rufus Barringer, who met with Lincoln at City Point on the very same day

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Description

Nine days before his death, Lincoln writes to Secretary of War Stanton regarding the imprisonment of Confederate General Rufus Barringer, who met with Lincoln at City Point on the very same day

ANS as president signed “A. Lincoln,” one page both sides, 3.25 x 2, April 5, 1865. In full, “Will the Sec. of War please see and hear Gen. Barringer of N. C. & oblige him if you consistently can in seeing some friends.” General Barringer was the first general officer to be captured and taken to City Point where the Federal Headquarters were then located. It so happened that President Lincoln was visiting there at that time and he was very anxious to meet a genuine Confederate General. An interview was arranged and the two men conversed pleasantly for a period of time. They discovered that the General's brother, Daniel, had shared a desk with Lincoln while they were both in Congress. Lincoln gave Barringer a note to the Secretary of War, Stanton, saying that the General was the brother of a dear friend and to please make his stay in prison as comfortable as possible. The note proved anything but helpful in light of the assassination. Barringer was questioned many times. In fact he was held until July, long after many of the other prisoners had been released. By August he finally made it home leaving behind a distinguished war record, having risen from captain to general in only a few years. His regiment was considered one of the finest in the Confederate service. In fine condition, with some light toning, bold signature and a couple of barely noticeable bends. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title:
  • Dates: #296 - Ended April 20, 2005