Civil War-dated ALS as president signed “A. Lincoln,” one page, 5 x 8, 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." Removably encapsulated in a mylar sleeve. In fine condition, with several vertical folds. Provenance: The Roy P. Crocker Collection, Sotheby Parke Bernet, November 1979; Robert F. Batchelder, 1983. Accompanied by the catalog for the sale of the Roy P. Crocker Collection.
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. A beautifully penned war-dated appointment for an upstanding Pennsylvania leader.
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