Edwin Stanton DS & John Covode Signature

Edwin Stanton
Washington, DC, May 29, 1865
Edwin Stanton DS & John Covode Signature
LS & Signature

Edwin Stanton letter signed on War Department letterhead and John Covode signature on a slip. Letter is 1p, 7.75” x 9.75”; Washington City; May 29, 1865. Stanton directs the Commanders of Military Departments, Posts, and Detachments to “please afford to [John Covode] transportation, subsistence, and protection, with such facilities and courteous as may tend to aid him in the discharge of his duties.” Signed, “Edwin M. Stanton” as Secretary of War. Stanton had appointed Covode to tour the South for the purpose of investigating the “circumstances and conditions of the freedmen.” Together with a signature, “John Covode / Lockport Station / Pa.” on a small sheet measuring 3.625” x 4.125”. Stanton’s letter has flattened folds and light toning. With various stamps and dockets recording his various stops; with wear and soiling along the exterior folds commensurate with its use.

Per Appleton's Cyclopædia of American Biography (Volume 2, published in 1887), Covode was sent by the War Department to investigate “matters connected with the interests of the government in the Mississippi valley.” Offered here is the letter Stanton gave to Covode to present to the various commanders and quartermasters along his route, with stamps and dockets recording transportation services received. Covode carried this letter on his entire trip with stops in Memphis, Vicksburg, and New Orleans.

Included with the lot is a photocopy of Stanton’s letter to Covode dated May 29, 1865 outlining his mission. In part: “The object of your visit will be to inspect such matters affecting the public interest as may come under your notice…Your authority is general to observe and report upon whatever subjects connected with this Department you may deem it beneficial to the service to bring to its attention.”

Covode submitted his findings to President Johnson upon his return in July 1865, recommending the removal of Governor Wells of Louisiana and opposing the withdrawal of Federal troops from the South. Johnson, although not rejecting the report, suggested he file it with the War Department, and later denied ever receiving it. A copy of Covode’s report is listed at the Library of Congress.

An important relic of failed Reconstruction efforts and Andrew Johnson’s political machinations.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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9.75" x 7.75"