Exceptionally desirable partly-printed DS as president, one page, 8 x 9.75, January 29, 1862. Civil War military appointment for Captain William Kyle. In part: “You are hereby informed that the President of the United States has appointed you on the recommendation of Major General McClellan an additional aide-de-camp on his staff to be detailed for service with the army in Kansas under Brigadier General James H. Lane.” Neatly signed at the conclusion by President Lincoln and countersigned by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. Handsomely mounted, double-matted, and framed with an engraved portrait to an overall size of 21.5 x 17. In fine condition, with archivally repaired separations to horizontal folds and light soiling.
By January 1862, President Lincoln was extremely frustrated with the Union Army’s slow progress and lack of success. Edwin M. Stanton had replaced Simon Cameron as secretary of war only nine days before issuing this document, and the leadership abilities of George B. McClellan were being called into question because of his hesitancy to go on the offensive. His reports exaggerated the size of Confederate forces and he refused to attack until he believed he had sufficient troops to combat the enemy. After meeting with McClellan several times throughout the month, Lincoln finally decided to force him into action with General War Order No. 1, issued on January 31, which set a hard date to begin troop movements. While McClellan followed these orders, his strategy was poor and ineffective in making progress toward the capture of Richmond. His faith in the commander lost, President Lincoln removed McClellan from his position as general-in-chief of all Union troops on March 11, 1862. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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