Secretary of State who was severely injured in an attack planned as part of the Lincoln assassination plot. LS signed “Will. H. Seward,” one, 7.75 x 9.75, black-bordered Department of State letterhead (evidently expressing mourning for Lincoln, slain three months earlier), July 21, 1865. Seward writes to G. R. Rudd, Esq. In full: “Your letter of the 17nd instant informing me of the release of your son from imprisonment in San Francisco, California has been received. With reference to your question concerning compensation for his detention I have referred your letter to the consideration of the Secretary of War. In very good condition, with usual mailing folds, mild toning, wrinkling, faint offsetting of ink, and letter lightly affixed to adjoining sheet. R&R COA.
