One of Lincoln’s early ‘patronage appointments,’ who served as surveyor of the Port of New York. He was present at Ford’s Theatre on the night of Lincoln’s assassination and present in the Peterson House at the time of his death. Mary Todd distributed gifts and mementos to Lincoln’s closest friends shortly after his death, and Andrews received perhaps the greatest of them all—the pen with which Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. ALS, one page, lightly-lined, 7.75 x 9.5, March 1, 1861. Letter to President Abraham Lincoln. In part: “I am happy to commend your favorable consideration…Mr. Porter desires to be appointed Chief Justice of the Territory of Colorado and is every way well qualified for that position…I hope it may be your pleasure to appoint him to the position to which he aspires. I may also say, that his efforts in behalf of the Republican cause in the last Campaign were untiring & efficient & his influence & devotion added much to the strength of the party.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds, two vertical folds passing through single letters of the signature, and mild uniform toning. RRAuction COA.
