December 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, December 18th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/18/2012
Civil War General Robert C. Schenck autograph letter signed. An ardent supporter of Lincoln, it is rumored he was the first to publicly endorse him for President. Six months before Lincoln would personally appoint him as General, Schenck writes to politician Thomas Ewing about the selection of Lincoln's cabinet. Dated 27 December 1860, letter reads in part: ''...the whole success of Mr. Lincoln's administration, in extricating us from trouble, as far as may yet be practicable, & going on smoothly with the government, or what may remain of it, depends now on a wise & judicious constitution of his administration. I wish you, my dear sir, or such as you, were among his advisors. I greatly fear radicalism & extremism...Friends in this & other states have been pleased to think that I might properly represent Ohio in [Lincoln's cabinet] if I could in advancing the general good or preventing evil...I am for keeping [Salmon P.] Chase or his influence out...selection...is to be settled necessarily by Mr. Lincoln very soon. He is troubled about it. There are two men in Washington - Gov. Corwin & Senator Wade - who, I believe, if they will, can exert the proper influence...Robert C. Schenck''. Schenck was a high-profile figure who published America's first book on draw poker. Salmon P. Chase did get into Lincoln's cabinet as Secretary of the Treasury and instituted a national banking system. Lengthy 4pp. letter on ruled card-style stationery measures 5'' x 8''. Toning, creasing, and light staining to verso, else near fine. With full transcription.
Civil War General Robert C. Schenck Attempts to Influence Lincoln's Cabinet Selection -- ''...God help us!...the whole success of Mr. Lincoln...depends now on a wise...constitution of his...
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