Abraham Lincoln, 19 September 1863

LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Autograph endorsement signed ("A. Lincoln") as President to Edwin Stanton, [Washington,] 19 September 1862. Accomplished on the docket of a letter from Samuel A. Smoot to Lincoln, Washington, 18 September 1862.

Two pages, bifolium 245 x 197mm (mild toning along folds). Additionally endorsed by Edwin M. STANTON (1814-1869) as Secretary of War.

Lincoln enquires after an office seeker's appointment by the Department of War. Lincoln forwards a letter from Samuel A. Smoot who wrote that although he had been nominated for and confirmed by the Senate for the position of quartermaster general with the rank of Captain in July, he complains that the Secretary of War had "refused to give it to me and at the same not telling me why he refuses it." Lincoln admits he remembered "nothing of this case," and asks, "is this letter true?" To this, Stanton replied that in light "of information communicated [to him] … that Mr. Smoot is not a suitable person for the U.S. Service."