War-dated handwritten endorsement, signed as president, “A. Lincoln,” dated April 4, 1862, on a 3.25 x 2 slip clipped from a larger document. Lincoln writes: “Q. M. General, please let the bearer, Geo. C. Bestor, withdraw the papers of Lt. Ferguson.” Tastefully archivally cloth matted and framed, with an engraved portrait, to an overall size of 11.5 x 15.75. In fine condition, with some scattered light toning, and a few trivial fingerprint brushes to endorsement.
The exact identify of the lieutenant remains unknown but Mr. Bestor was a major figure in Illinois—most notably with his involvement in the early history of Peoria. Devoted to the Union during the Civil War, he was said to have been held in high regard by President Lincoln and Stephen Douglas, who once said of Bestor, ‘There is no man in Illinois I respect more.’ It is not surprising then that Lincoln would entrust the “papers of Lt. Ferguson” to such an individual. A superb endorsement dated two days before the Battle of Shiloh. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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