Attorney general during the Civil War (1793-1869). Civil War–dated ALS signed "Edw. Bates," one page both sides, 5.25 x 9, March 14, 1864. Handwritten letter to a woman offering his assistance. In part: "You are quite right Madam, in supposing that John Hampden Pleasants was my ancient friend, and it is more than justice to me, to infer from the facts that I am more than willing to do any act of kindness, in my powers to one of his children. You are aware, no doubt, that my official position gives me no direct authority over the subject to which you refer—I can only use such influence as any private person might exercise." In fine condition.
John Hampden Pleasants practiced law briefly before turning to journalism. In 1824 he moved to Richmond where he founded the Whig, a daily newspaper which he edited for over twenty years. Bates would resign later in 1864 on account of his failing health, and also after Lincoln nominated Salmon P. Chase to Chief Justice, a position Bates had aspirations of filling.
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