Beschreibung:

LINCOLN, ABRAHAM, President. Autograph letter signed ("A. Lincoln") as President, TO SECRETARY OF THE NAVY [GIDEON WELLES], Washington, D.C., 13 January 1863. One page, 8vo, integral blank, on Executive Mansion stationery, blank with related endorsements. "IF IT BE LAWFUL FOR ME TO DO SO": THE PRESIDENT INTERCEDES ON BEHALF OF A DISMISSED NAVAL CADET "My dear Sir, Robert H. Bushnell has been dismissed from the Naval School [the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis]. He is the son of one of my most valued friends; and I really think, if he be allowed a chance, he will do better in future. I have, therefore, concluded to say that if it be lawful for me to do so, I re-appoint him to enter the class of next autumn." Robert H. Bushnell was the son of Nehemiah Bushnell of Quincy, Illinois, law-partner of Orville H. Browning, whom Lincoln had known for many years in connection with his law practice. As early as January 1850, Browning had asked Licoln to recommend Bushnell for a District Judgeship; in his letter explaining that he had already suggested Logan for that post, Lincoln remarked that "I certainly esteem Mr. Bushnell as being in every way worthy of such an office" (Basler, 2:72). It is not known what offense young Bushnell had committed, nor who had written to Lincoln requesting the President's intercession on the youth's behalf. Apparently unpublished, not in Basler or Supplements.