Excellent war-dated ALS as president signed “A. Lincoln,” one page, 5 x 8, Executive Mansion letterhead, July 5, 1863. Lincoln writes to the surgeon general. In full: The bearer of this, Mrs. Ames, wishes to go anywhere she can, to minister to our wounded soldiers; and I shall be glad for you to give her any facilities you can, consistent with the services....” The letter bears Lincoln’s handwritten “Duplicate” notation at lower left. In the wake of extensive casualties at the Battle of Gettysburg two days earlier—some 23,000 Union soldiers dead or wounded, the Confederates sustaining similar losses—the North issued an urgent call: “Nurses, matrons, lady superintendents, all females qualified for usefulness in this emergency, are asked to report at once to the headquarters of their aid societies or to the headquarters of the United States Sanitary Commission, for service at Gettysburg.” Four months later, on November 19, Lincoln himself traveled to the site of the battle and delivered the most eloquent and timeless address of his entire career. Housed in a handsome custom quarter blue morocco and marbled-board presentation case. This letter is documented in American Book Prices Current, Vol. XI (1905) as originating in the Botta Collection, dispersed at auction by C. F. Libbie & Co. of Boston on November 17, 1904; the price in that year was $41.00. Light intersecting folds and very subtle toning from previous framing, otherwise fine, clean condition. The writing is exceptionally bold, clear, and sharply contrasted. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
