LINCOLN SEEKS HELP FOR A CRIPPLED UNION VETERAN.
LINCOLN, ABRAHAM. 1809-1865. Autograph Endorsement Signed (“A.Lincoln”) directing his staff to find work for a severely disabled Union soldier who lost a limb during his service, 7 lines, February 10, 1865, written on the verso of a 2 pp letter from Robert Bradin describing his dilemma, 208 x 127 mm, February 9, 1865, additionally endorsed by Congressman Calvin T. Hulburd on February 11, 1865, sending the matter to the War Dept, contained in envelope from Wright Howes.
Provenance: Raymond Adams (1898-1987, noted Thoreau scholar and collector, founder of the Thoreau Society).
LINCOLN SEEKS TO HELP 2ND LIEUTENANT ROBERT BRADIN WHOSE LEG WAS AMPUTATED AT THE SIEGE OF PETERSBURG. Bradin served in the 7th Regiment, New York Heavy Artillery, which saw action at the Spottsylvania Courthouse, Harris Farm, Totopotomoy, Cold Harbor, and then Petersburg. At Petersburg, June 16, 1864, Bradin was injured, resulting in the loss of his leg. When he was discharged on January 27, 1865, his ability to earn a living was severely hampered by the loss in the service of his country, and so he reached out to Lincoln on February 9th, appealing for assistance. Responding quickly, Lincoln sent his endorsement requesting help for Lieutenant Bradin on February 10, before Calvin T. Hulburd, Republican of New York, 17th District requested a position for Bradin in the War Department. A rare and poignant form of Lincoln’s autograph, seeking assistance for a wounded Union veteran.