War-dated handwritten endorsement, signed “A. Lincoln,” dated March 4, 1863, on the reverse of the second page of a letter to Senator John C. Ten Eyck from Joseph Jackson. Jackson writes, in full: “The enclosed communication explains itself. May I ask the favor of your attention to the case. Secretary Stanton has said that he would probably fill the commission as desired by the Maj. General commanding the Corps. Gen Meade has assured me he will apply for no other person, and Hon. Truman Smith, who recently saw Mr. Stanton, told me that there was no doubt but that it would be given to me. I have been at considerable expense keeping my horses and servants in town for a month, and the earlier my appointment is made the more gratifying it would be. Maj. Gen. Meade has already been confirmed by the Senate, and I see no impediment to my appointment as he told me that he would yesterday make the application for his Staff officers. It was my desire to call and pay my respects to you instead of advising you by mail, but I am quite indisposed and leave for home to-day. Any communication addressed to Newark, New Jersey will reach me.” Endorsed on the reverse of the second integral page, “Submitted to the Secretary of War. A. Lincoln.” Nicely cloth matted and framed with the front of the letter, a copy of the reverse of the first page of letter, and a small plaque, to an overall size of 37.5 x 18.5. Several fingerprint brushes to endorsement and signature, complete separation along a horizontal fold to both pages, scattered toning and soiling, and a period replacement to a small area of paper loss to lower left of endorsed page, otherwise very good condition. Accompanied by a photocopy of a conservation treatment report from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library.
Jackson, an attorney practicing in New York City, was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 1st New Jersey Volunteer Infantry in 1861. He would serve as Major General Philip Kearny’s aide-de-camp until Kearny was killed at the Battle of Chantilly in 1862. In December of that year, Jackson was promoted to lieutenant colonel, which he declined. He wrote this letter in March 1863 to Senator Ten Eyck regarding his appointment as Commissioner of Navy Credits. Jackson received brevet promotion to brigadier general at the close of the Civil War. The day before this letter was written, Congress passed the Enrollment Act to provide fresh manpower for the Union army, which would spark infamous draft riots. A fine war-dated Lincoln letter mentioning major figures in the conflict. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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