Lot 181
Lincoln, Abraham. Autograph Endorsement Signed "Respectfully submitted to the War Department. A Lincoln, Jan. 25, 1862," 1 p, 7½x4½". Fine; some toning at folds. The endorsement is on the second page of a document addressed "To The President of the United States…." regarding "recommendations by the Virginia Delegation" to fill vacacies in the Virginia cavalry: "2 vacancies of 2d Lieut. in the 5th Cavalry and one likely to occur in the 2d Cavalry…." The two vacancies were caused "by resignation of Capt. Eagle a day or two since" (probably to join the Confederate army) and the other vacancy was expected to be caused "by the retiring of Col. Brall and consequent promotion of Officers. "
The secession of Virginia from the Union on April 17, 1861 was vehemently opposed by the people in western Virginia, which was precluded by geography from being part of the slaveholding plantation economy in the eastern part of the state. On June 20, 1861, delegates from western Virginia met in Wheeling and formed a "Restored Government" that pledged its support to the federal government in Washington. At a second meeting in Wheeling on May 13, 1862, this "Restored Government" passed an act to form a new state, and on May 29, 1862, the U.S. Congress received a bill requesting that a new state be formed and admitted. It was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Lincoln on December 31, 1862. This Lincoln endorsement was signed while the "Restored Government" was in charge, after Virginia's secession from the Union, and before the act consenting to the formation of a new state.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000.
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| Realized $4,600 |
