War-dated handwritten endorsement, signed as president “A. Lincoln,” dated September 17, 1862, on the reverse of the second page of a two page letter written to Lincoln by Secretary of the Interior Caleb Smith. The two page letter measures 8 x 10, and is dated September 12, 1862. Smith writes, in part: “J. W. Brigsten Esq, a nephew of Senator Wade has been employed during the past year as a Clerk in the Census Office but in consequence…of the completion of the work I have been compelled to discontinue him…I respectfully recommend his appointment as a Paymaster in the Volunteer Forces for which I think he is admirably qualified.” On the reverse of the second page Lincoln writes: “If another Assistant Paymaster is needed, let Mr. Brigsten be appointed. He is a relative of Senator Wade (though residing in Penn) in whom I know the Senator feels a deep interest.” Endorsement is lavishly double cloth matted and framed with copies of both pages of Smith’s letter, a descriptive plaque, and a portrait of Lincoln, to an overall size of 38 x 20.5. In very good condition, with a light brush to first initial of signature, a couple small areas of ink erosion, and overall light show-through from writing on reverse.
This document was signed five days prior to Lincoln's emancipation announcement. Written by Secretary of the Interior Smith, this document endorsed J. W. Brigsten, Esq., the nephew of the radical Republican Wade of Ohio, to the position of Paymaster in the Volunteer forces. Lincoln grants the appointment knowing "the Senator feels a deep interest." The influential Wade chaired the Congregational Committee on the Conduct of the War which heavily influenced the selection of Union generals and war strategy. He also supported the 1862 Confiscation Act which prevented military officers from returning runaway slaves to their owners. In a speech on the Senate floor, he said "You cannot escape from this war without the emancipation of your negroes."
Lincoln backed off the anti-slavery issue, preferring to call the Civil War a battle "to restore the Union." Though he personally hated slavery, he wanted to garner as much support as possible before he tackled the incendiary issue. The president informed the cabinet that he planned to issue an emancipation proclamation exempting Union border states that permitted slavery; Congress requested the announcement be timed for release after a Union victory. The opportunity came on September 17, 1862 when the Union army defeated the Confederates at The Battle of Antietam, the bloodiest American battle fought in a single day. September 22nd the president promised that slaves "living in areas of the rebellion would be freed within 100 days." Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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