Civil War–dated handwritten endorsement, signed as president, “A. Lincoln,” dated September 27, 1864, penned on the reverse of the second integral page of a letter written to him by Henry Janney, one page, 7.75 x 9.75, September 27, 1864. Lincoln’s autograph endorsement, in full: “I would like for Mr. Janney, whom I know to be one of our best men, to be obliged in this matter, Will the Sec. of War please see and hear Mr. Janney?” Janney’s original letter, in full: “I most respectfully request that my son Joseph J. Janney Orderly Sergeant of Co. C. Purnill Legion Md Volunteers 2nd Brigade 2nd Division 5th Cong. Army Potomac, be ordered to Washington on special duty.” Beneath Lincoln’s endorsement, Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton refuses the request, writing: “There is no special duty to which he could be assigned.” In fine condition, with a trivial brush to a single letter of Lincoln’s endorsement, Janney’s writing light but legible, and three small mounting remnants to edges of the page with Janney’s letter. Originally purchased from noted dealer Robert Batchelder and accompanied by a large packet of information about the Janney family, including photocopies of Joseph J. Janney’s Civil War pension record.
Janney enlisted as a sergeant on September 8, 1862, and was mustered into 'C' Company of Purnell's Cavalry. He was transferred into 'I' Company of the 8th Maryland Infantry on November 17, 1864, just a few weeks after the present request was denied by Stanton—perhaps Lincoln intervened again on his behalf to have him transferred out of Purnell's Legion. Despite this transfer, however, Janney resigned just one month later. In his pension documents Janney noted that he had a 'permanent mark or scar' from a 'wound on neck made by bullet in battle,' though the specific skirmish is unmentioned. A wonderful Civil War piece featuring Lincoln's crisp, bold endorsement, and especially intriguing as the president's request goes unfulfilled. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA.
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