Signed presidential endorsement, “If Chaplain Neil[l], now serving at one of the Philadelphia Hospitals, shall resign, let Rev. Christopher Crouch be appointed to the vacancy, A. Lincoln, Dec. 14, 1883,” on the reverse of the adjacent leaf of a letter sent to him, one page, 7.75 x 10, December 7, 1863. The letter, mailed from Philadelphia, reads: “The undersigned five [actually six] accredited ministers of the Philadelphia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church do cheerfully testify that the Rev. C. J. Crouch is a regularly ordained minister in good standing in the Conference and do cordially recommend him for the appointment of Hospital Chaplain….” This letter is signed by Francis Hodgson, W. C. Robinson, John F. Chaplain, Robert H. Pattison, Thos. C. Murphy, and W. Kenney, each adding his ministry. In very good to fine condition overall, with intersecting folds (one horizontal fold just touching one line of endorsement; partial separations to letter with a few tape repairs), light scattered wrinkling to letter, and mild soiling and toning. Though the area surrounding the endorsement is lightly toned, soiled, and wrinkled, the panel itself is fine, clean, bright, boldly penned, otherwise unaffected, and handsome for display. JSA/John Reznikoff Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
