Author and inventor (1835–1925) who served as an assistant secretary to Lincoln during his first term. ALS, one page, 6.5 x 8.75, Madison, New Jersey, May 17, 1915. Letter to an admirer. In full: “You ask for my autograph and for some ‘incident’ in the life of Abraham Lincoln wherein I was present. Well! I stood and looked into his face while I listened to every word of his first Inaugural Address and saw Chief Justice Taney administer the all important oath of office.” Vertical and horizontal folds, the vertical fold passing through a single letter of the signature, and pencil notations to the left border, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, filled out in Stoddard’s hand and including a signature, “W. O. Stoddard,” in the return address area. RRAuction COA.
