War-dated LS, one page, lightly-lined, 8 x 9.75, Navy Department letterhead, October 15, 1864. Pass for a Colonel. In part: “Col. J. B. Swayne, there bearer hereof, has permission to take passage in any steamer of the U. S. Navy to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron for the purpose of collecting the votes of absent electors belonging to the state of New York.” In fine condition, with scattered toning and foxing, and a horizontal fold through Welles’ signature. This was the first time that citizens serving as soldiers in the field were allowed to cast votes. Soldiers in the Army gave Lincoln more than 70% of their vote. RRAuction COA.
