Abraham Lincoln

Civil War-dated ANS signed “A. Lincoln,” one page both sides, 3.25 x 2, October 14, 1862. Handwritten note from President Lincoln regarding a diplomatic commission, in full: "If the Sec. of State knows no reason to the contrary, send me a commission for William Edwin Phelps, of Ills., as Consul to St. Petersburg, in place of Dr. Arnold resigned. Hold up only if Hon. W. Kellogg has filed a recommendation for a different man." In very good to fine condition, with light staining and soiling. William Edwin Phelps was a politician from Peoria County, Illinois, (1835–1914) who during the Civil War served as Consulate General of Saint Petersburg, Russia, remaining in said position for three years. He was later elected as a Republican to the Illinois House of Representatives, where he served one term before retiring. Phelps’ appointment was due in some part to nepotism, as Lincoln was a good friend of his father, William Joshua Phelps, a prosperous Peoria County miner and Illinois congressman.

Format: ANS