War–dated ALS as president signed “A. Lincoln,” one page, 5 x 8, Washington, July 30, 1862. Letter to Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. In full: “Col. John N. Purviance, of Penn., wishes to be a Pay-master of Vols, and I wish him to have the place, if there be any vacancy not already promised.” Reverse bears docketing notations regarding the recommendation and position. In fine condition, with unobtrusive intersecting folds (one passing through first letter of signature), and a trivial brush to one word of text.
Born in Butler, Pennsylvania in 1810, John Purviance built a distinguished civic and legal career, serving as deputy attorney general of Butler county and general auditor of the state before setting his career aside to join the war effort. At the start of the Civil War, he recruited a company of three-months men for service in the Thirteenth Volunteer Regiment, and was elected their lieutenant colonel. His service earned him several public appointments, including this one, directly from President Lincoln. This beautifully penned appointment for an upstanding Pennsylvania leader was last offered thirty years ago by Robert Batchelder in 1983. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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