James Speed LS: "I was appointed Attorney General by Mr Lincoln in November 1864"
James Speed
Louisville, KY, October 3, 1883
James Speed LS: "I was appointed Attorney General by Mr Lincoln in November 1864"
LS
James Speed letter signed. 1p on his professional imprinted letterhead, 7.875" x 10.375"; Louisville, Kentucky; October 3, 1883. Speed writes to Otto J. Levy responding to his inquiry regarding his role in the Lincoln administration. Signed, "James Speed"; with the original transmittal cover. Letter has flattened folds and light soiling on verso. Transmittal cover has been torn open along top and the postage stamp has been removed resulting in loss of paper. Excellent content and association by a Lincoln Cabinet member, and longtime adviser and friend.
Letter reads in full: "I own yours of Sept 27th and for answer would say that I was appointed Attorney General by Mr Lincoln in November 1864 and was confirmed by the Senate during the following December. I was from Kentucky."
James Speed, a prominent Louisville lawyer and abolitionist, came to know Abraham Lincoln largely through his younger brother, Joshua Fry Speed. Joshua had been Lincoln's close friend in Springfield, Illinois. Their relationship became especially important during the Civil War. As noted in this letter, Lincoln appointed Speed U.S. attorney general and, in that role, he advised Lincoln and the administration on wartime legal questions. Following Lincoln's assassination, Speed played a critical role in shaping the government's legal response, specifically regarding how the conspirators were brought to justice.
He continued as attorney general under President Andrew Johnson but resigned in 1866, when he became increasingly opposed to Johnson's lenient Reconstruction policy. He returned to Kentucky, where he resumed practicing law.
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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James Speed
Louisville, KY, October 3, 1883
James Speed LS: "I was appointed Attorney General by Mr Lincoln in November 1864"
LS
James Speed letter signed. 1p on his professional imprinted letterhead, 7.875" x 10.375"; Louisville, Kentucky; October 3, 1883. Speed writes to Otto J. Levy responding to his inquiry regarding his role in the Lincoln administration. Signed, "James Speed"; with the original transmittal cover. Letter has flattened folds and light soiling on verso. Transmittal cover has been torn open along top and the postage stamp has been removed resulting in loss of paper. Excellent content and association by a Lincoln Cabinet member, and longtime adviser and friend.
Letter reads in full: "I own yours of Sept 27th and for answer would say that I was appointed Attorney General by Mr Lincoln in November 1864 and was confirmed by the Senate during the following December. I was from Kentucky."
James Speed, a prominent Louisville lawyer and abolitionist, came to know Abraham Lincoln largely through his younger brother, Joshua Fry Speed. Joshua had been Lincoln's close friend in Springfield, Illinois. Their relationship became especially important during the Civil War. As noted in this letter, Lincoln appointed Speed U.S. attorney general and, in that role, he advised Lincoln and the administration on wartime legal questions. Following Lincoln's assassination, Speed played a critical role in shaping the government's legal response, specifically regarding how the conspirators were brought to justice.
He continued as attorney general under President Andrew Johnson but resigned in 1866, when he became increasingly opposed to Johnson's lenient Reconstruction policy. He returned to Kentucky, where he resumed practicing law.
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.
WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
