Beschreibung:

Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865). President of the United States (1861-1865). Autograph Endorsement signed, five lines plus date and signature, penned vertically at lower right on last page of a letter/manuscript to Lincoln from Commander R(obert) W. Meade, datelined US Ship North Carolina, Navy Yard, NY, November 20, 1862. Folio, 13pp; plus obl. 8vo, 2pp (15 pages in all). A long appeal by Meade (brother of General George G. Meade) on the grounds that he has been oversloughed (passed over) for command and rank. The first 3 pages are Meade’s own letter to “His Excellency” President Lincoln; the rest are mostly copies of testimonial letters by admirals Hiram Paulding, D.D. Porter and Saml. L. Breese, Archbishop John of NY, et al. Mead’s own letter, stressing his desire to serve, notes rejection of a January 1861 plan by himself and Commander J.H. Ward to relieve Ft. Sumter; and his taking command of the North Carolina, “no place of ease.” He immodestly takes credit for schooling volunteer crews and officers “for all the ships that have sustained the honor of our flag...through my efforts, honor and renown has been won for the Navy...” But he has been disallowed any chance to improve the ship or discipline, feels unappreciated, and stays on only because the country needs him. “I have remained quiet...hoping that the Executive would eventually honor my present services...my zeal has been crushed by delay, my ambition...palsied...all other officers on this station have received their promotion...I have been forgotten...” Saying he can bear disappointment but no dishonor, he asks Lincoln to place his appeal before the Senate’s naval committee for perusal before they act on any nominations. Lincoln complies by writing: “Respectfully submitted to the Senate Committee on Naval Affairs. / A. Lincoln / Dec. 4, 1862.” Meade signs the manuscript three times (once on his letter to Lincoln, twice again on a fair copy letter to ex-Secretary of Navy Isaac Toucey). Meade eventually, in his own words, “floored all his enemies” by getting Captain’s rank (from July 1862) and command of the San Jacinto. Sailing in May 1864, he unfortunately ran it aground in the Bahamas. The ship had to be abandoned; he was suspended from the service, and resigned in 1867. A choice naval-related item, published in CWAL supplement 2, page 64. Mentioned in Sandburg’s The War Years, Vol. 2, pg. 30; in part: “Sometimes Lincoln forgot, was reminded, and forgot again, an appointment promised…” and Sandburg continued explaining this circuitous case. Condition: On blue paper; last page has dime-sized lt. brown stain and some scattered tiny splatter stains; folds w/some wear and soil; faint translucent oil stain beneath Lincoln’s endorsement. All defects are clear of Lincoln’s writing, which is dark and clear. Overall, v.g.