United States senator from Pennsylvania who sponsored the Wilmot Proviso which aimed to ban slavery in land gained from Mexico in the Mexican-American War of 1846–48. ALS signed “D. Wilmot,” one page, lightly-lined, 7.75 x 10, March 31, 1861. Letter to Lyle White regarding several political appointments. In part: “I saw Mr. Chase [Salmon Chase] yesterday, and tried to obtain a promise that he would put at my disposal some two or three Clerkships in his department, intending to make you one of them. I could not get any satisfactory assurances…The great difficulty is I am trying to serve too many…I fully believe that Seward is disposed to refuse everything I ask because I opposed his nomination in 56 & 60.” Intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, lightly trimmed top edge, two tape remnants to top edge, and a couple small pencil notations, otherwise fine condition. RRAuction COA.