March 2024 Auction Ends Thursday, March 28th, 5pm Pacific

Signatures of Abraham Lincoln's Cabinet

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/28/2024

Signatures of Abraham Lincoln's cabinet, comprising:

1) Attorney General Edward Bates autograph letter signed, composed on his Attorney General stationery, dated 26 June 1862. Bates writes to the Honorable Edwards Pierrepont, then a Judge on the New York Supreme Court who would later serve as U.S. Attorney General. Bates writes regarding the case of Marshall O. Roberts and an ''oddly-worded act''. Single page marked Private measures 5'' x 8''. Very good plus condition.

2) Postmaster General Montgomery Blair signed telegram, dated 12 June 1863 from Washington DC. Blair writes to a lawyer, writing, ''Where is young Walter, & what offense is he charged with. / M. Blair PMG''. Measures 7.75'' x 7''. Very good plus.

3) Interior Secretary Caleb B. Smith circular signed, dated 22 November 1862 on Interior Department stationery. Circular concerns the Annual Message of the President. Signed ''Caleb B. Smith'' in blue ink. Measures 7.75'' x 10''. Minor discoloration and closed tear starting along fold. Very good.

4) War Secretary Edwin M. Stanton letter signed, written to California Senator John Conness regarding a soldier's furlough and promotion. Dated 23 April 1864 on War Department stationery, letter measures 8'' x 9.875''. Puncture holes at top and closed tear along fold just under signature. Very good.

5) Navy Secretary Gideon Welles letter signed, dated 20 April 1861 from the Navy Department. Three page letter on bifolium stationery is addressed to Commander Thomas T. Craven regarding recruiting for the Navy, reading in part, ''...Boys not under 13 or over 18 years of age, may be enlisted to serve until they are 21 years of age, with the consent of their parents or guardians...'' Measures 8.25'' x 13.75''. Folds and light wear, overall very good.

6) Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase letter signed, composed 9 August 1862 from the Treasury Department. Chase writes to Charles Almy, Collector of Fall River, Massachusetts regarding his bond duties, ''...You are...in error, in supposing, a bond, given for duties, must be approved by me. The responsibility of approval rests upon the Collector, who must be careful to see that the bond is exactly according to the form required by Regulations...'' Single page measures 8'' x 10''. Very good plus condition.

7) Secretary of State William H. Seward letter signed, written on 11 January 1865 to Illinois Lt. Governor Francis A. Hoffmann. Composed on State Department stationery, measuring 7.875'' x 9.875''. Very good plus condition.