This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/16/2012
Civil War-dated autograph letter signed by Lincoln's Attorney General ''Edward Bates'', dated 20 November 1862 on official ''Attorney General's Office'' letterhead. Bates served as Attorney General from 1861-64, implementing some of Lincoln's war policies until his views on emancipation opposed Lincoln's and he resigned. Here, Bates regretfully declines a request for an autograph by a Mr. Darlington: ''...I find it hard to remember to answer them all; and would be surprised in the number I receive, if I had not learned, long ago, that 'there there [sic] is no disputing about tastes...'' Letter on 1pp. measures 5'' x 7'' with minor glue residue along uneven left edge and minor buckling, else very good to near fine.