Civil War-dated ANS signed “A. Lincoln,” one page both sides, 3.25 x 2, October 14, 1862. Handwritten note from President Lincoln regarding a diplomatic commission, in full: "If the Sec. of State knows no reason to the contrary, send me a commission for William Edwin Phelps, of Ills., as Consul to St. Petersburg, in place of Dr. Arnold resigned. Hold up only if Hon. W. Kellogg has filed a recommendation for a different man." In very good to fine condition, with light staining and soiling. William Edwin Phelps was a politician from Peoria County, Illinois, (1835-1914) who during the Civil War served as Consulate General of Saint Petersburg, Russia, remaining in said position for three years. He was later elected as a Republican to the Illinois House of Representatives, where he served one term before retiring. Phelps’ appointment was due in some part to nepotism, as Lincoln was a good friend of his father, William Joshua Phelps, a prosperous Peoria County miner and Illinois congressman.
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