138

Abraham Lincoln

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:12,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
Abraham Lincoln

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Auction Date:2017 Sep 13 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:236 Commercial St., Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Autograph endorsement as president, signed “A. Lincoln,” one page, 5 x 4.25, March 18, 1862. In full: "To-day, March 18, 1862, Major Joseph H. Whittlesey, now commanding 5th Cavalry, calls & wishes to be a Brig. Gen. of Vols. or, what he prefers, a brevet-colonelry in his own Regiment. If made a General, he wishes to go with Gen. Shields." Mounted, matted, and framed with an engraved portrait of the president to an overall size of 14.5 x 11.25. In very good to fine condition, with intersecting folds, a diagonal crease, and light edge wear.

A career US Army officer, Major Joseph Hotchkiss Whittlesey had graduated from West Point in 1844 and served with distinction in the Mexican–American War, during which he earned a rank of brevet first lieutenant for his gallantry and meritorious conduct at the Battle of Buena Vista. He served throughout the west in the intervening years, then entered service with the 5th Cavalry at the outbreak of the Civil War. Major Whittlesey commanded his regiment in the defense of Washington, DC, from January 14 to March 10, 1862, after which he lodged this request with President Lincoln for a promotion—a request which, it seems, was never granted. During a leave of absence in late May, Whittlesey was captured at Winchester, Virginia, and held as a prisoner of war until the end of September 1862. Following his release, Whittlesey worked on organizing volunteer troops, and retired from active duty the following year. A boldly penned, highly desirable presidential endorsement for a dutiful career officer.