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101

Abraham Lincoln

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
Abraham Lincoln

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Auction Date:2010 Jun 16 @ 10:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, 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
Bid online at www.rrauction.com. Auction closes June 16.

Handwritten war-dated endorsement, signed as president, “Submitted to Maj. Gen. Halleck, A. Lincoln, Nov. 24, 1862,” written upside down on the reverse of the last page of a letter written to Lincoln by Massachusetts congressman Samuel Hooper on November 20, 1862. Noting that recommendations already sent by Generals Hooker, Heintzelman, and Grover "fully establish the qualifications of Col. Dwight," Hooper declares, in full: "Permit me respectfully to urge upon your consideration the claims of Col. Wm. Dwight of Massachusetts, of the New York Excelsior Regiment, to be appointed a Brigadier General. The recommendations which have been sent to you from Major Generals Hooker, Heintzelman and Grover fully establish the qualifications of Col. Dwight for this appointment. The bravery he displayed at the battle of Williamsburg in holding the position assigned to him against the enemy, until half his regiment was cut down and himself dangerously wounded and a prisoner, is said to have contributed greatly to the final…of our arms on that occasion; and his conduct at the battle of Fair Oakes, before he had recovered fully from his wounds at Williamsburg, won for him the favorable notice of his superior officers; again in the battle of Antietam he distinguished himself by his coolness and bravery until he was overpowered by the enemy and again made a prisoner.

Col. Dwight had a military education and all his habits and tastes fits him for a military life. I understand that the skill with which he has lead his men into action, his cool…and his personal bravery have not been excelled by any officer in the Army.

Something seems to me also to be due to the family of Col. Dwight, which has proved by its deeds to be one of the most loyal and patriotic in this community. Four sons left lucrative employment and a pleasant home to join in the defense of the Nation when the rebellion first broke out, of whom Col. Dwight was the oldest; the second one, Lt. Col. Wilder Dwight, of the 2nd Mass. Reg't. was killed at the battle of Antietam; the third, Capt. Howard Dwight, now commands a company of cavalry under General Curtis in Arkansas, the fourth, Lieutenant Charles Dwight of the Excelsior Regiment, was made a prisoner at the battle of Antietam.

I understand that Col. Dwight's name has been before you for some time for promotion. His family and friends here are all well known to me, and are among the most respected and patriotic in this community. I am sure he would prove himself worthy of the honor of being appointed a Brigadier General, and I think few who have been appointed have earned more fully that distinction by services in the field. It will be a great personal satisfaction to me and to many influential friends of your administration if Col. Dwight's appointment could now be made.” Intersecting folds, one through top of Lincoln’s date, moderate show-through from Hooper’s writing (the ink is lightly eroded) to both pages, and a few small pieces of tape reinforcing portions of a couple of folds, otherwise fine condition.

Dwight, dismissed from West Point in 1853 for deficient grades, was a Boston and Philadelphia cotton manufacturer before becoming colonel of the 70th in New York in June 1861. At Williamsburg, his regiment suffered 50% casualties and he received three wounds, being left for dead on the field. In recognition of his gallantry on the field, he was promoted to brigadier general of volunteers on November 29, 1862, just five days after Lincoln endorsed this letter. The general was transferred to the Western Theater where, in 1863, he led his brigade in the attack of Port Hudson. He later served under Sheridan, and participated in the Valley Campaigns of 1864 as well as at the battles of Winchester and Fisher's Hill before the end of the war. An impassioned endorsement by the Union Army’s commander-in-chief for a war hero’s promotion.
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