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Abraham Lincoln. Autograph note signed ("A. Lincoln") to Joseph K. Barnes, acting Surgeon-General. [Washington, D.C.], Decem...
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Description
War-time request regarding hospital chaplains, written to the man who would attend Lincoln on his deathbed less than a year and a half after penning this note
Abraham Lincoln. Autograph note signed ("A. Lincoln") to
Joseph K. Barnes, acting Surgeon-General. [Washington, D.C.],
December 31, 1863.One page, 8.75 x 3.75 inches. Written in ink on an envelope stamped "Official Business." Housed in a quarter morocco folding case.
AUTOGRAPH NOTE SIGNED BY LINCOLN DURING THE CIVIL WAR.
Lincoln writes, in full: "Surgeon-General please / say in writing below, whether / there is a vacant Hospital / Chaplaincy? & If so where? / A. Lincoln / Dec. 31. 1863." Joseph K. Barnes responds on the same envelope: "Surg-Genls. Office / Washington DC / Dec. 31 1863 / I have the honor to / state that not a single / vacancy as "Hospital / Chaplain" exists at this / time, as shown by the / records of this office. / Jos. K. Barnes / Acting Surg-Genl."
Joseph K. Barnes (1817-1883) was a physician who served as a surgeon in the army during hostilities against the Seminole Indians in Florida, the Mexican-American War, and the Civil War. On September 3, 1863, only four months before the writing of the present note, he was appointed acting Surgeon General. On August 22, 1864, he was advanced to the position of Surgeon General. On April 14, 1865, Barnes was summoned, along with members of the Cabinet and other doctors, to Lincoln's bedside to attend the president after he was shot. Barnes remained Surgeon General of the United States Army until his retirement in 1882.
Condition: Creased along old folds, uneven toning, scattered soiling and other wear, adhesive remnants to verso, reinforcement inside envelope. From the William A. Strutz Library.
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Auction Info
2024 June 27 Important English and American Literature: The William A. Strutz Library, Part I, Rare Books Signature® Auction #6295 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2024
27th
Thursday
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