Controversial and colorful American politician and military officer (1819–1914). After discovering his young wife was having an affair, Sickles shot the man, the son of Francis Scott Key, and managed to secure an acquittal with the then-novel defense of temporary insanity. During the Civil War, Sickles served as a general and lost his leg in a famous incident at the Battle of Gettysburg. After the war, Sickles served as Minister to Spain and as a U.S. Representative. War-dated ALS signed “D. E. Sickles,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.75 x 8, December 29, 1864. Sickles writes to New York State Senator William Laimbeer. In part: “I take the liberty of introducing to you Capt. Zch. Mayhew an old shipmaster of this port, who is strongly … by our principal merchants for the post of Harbor Master. I need not add the assurance that he is just the man for the place…. The appointment of such men will redeem the … administration from the discredit among Merchants, into which it has fallen … by disregarding the wishes and recommendations of the mercantile community…. In myself, personally, I feel no ordinary solicitude in the success of Capt. Mayhew’s application, and I shall esteem it a great favor if you will give him the benefit of your commanding influence….” Intersecting mailing folds (short edge separations; vertical fold to first letter of signature) and a touch of mild soiling and handling wear, otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
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