LINCOLN INTERVENES ON BEHALF OF A MOTHER WITH THREE SONS IN SERVICE. LINCOLN, ABRAHAM. 1809-1865...

LINCOLN INTERVENES ON BEHALF OF A MOTHER WITH THREE SONS IN SERVICE. LINCOLN, ABRAHAM. 1809-1865. Autograph Endorsement Signed ('A. Lincoln') on a fair copy of an earlier letter from Lincoln to Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, 1 p, on adjacent side of bifolium letter, 8vo, [Washington, DC], June 6, 1864, regarding a request to grant a commission to the third son of Mrs. Morris, the wife of General Morris, stationed at Fort McHenry. Lincoln's endorsement reads 'I am quite willing for Mrs. Morris' son to be appointed to the Navy Marine Corps if the Sec. of War can make it convenient.' The text of Lincoln's original letter to Stanton has been written in an unknown hand on the recto of the letter, clearly marked '(Copy)' at the top margin. In that letter, Lincoln explains to Stanton that Mrs. Morris already has two sons in service, and says 'See her a moment and you will probably feel like obliging her, and if so make the the [sic] appointment not in violation of your will, but as my direction.' Contained in custom half morocco and marbled paper portfolio with an engraved portrait of Lincoln and a contemporary envelope in which the letter was preserved. Fold creases, minor soiling. Mrs. Mary Alexander Morris (nee Ritchie) was the wife of General William Walton Morris, Jr., grandson of Declaration of Independence signer Lewis Morris. Their second son, Gouvernor Morris had already volunteered in the 8th New York Regiment, but was given a commission in the U.S. Marine Corps on July 2, 1864. Lincoln's gesture would not spare Mrs. Morris from grief, however, as her husband passed away on December 11, 1865, and her son Gouvernor followed closely, dying on Christmas day the same year. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing