LOT #47016 |
Sold on Dec 15, 2023 for: Sign-in
or Join (free & quick)
Abraham Lincoln Autograph Endorsement Signed and Salmon P. Chase Autograph Endorsement Signed. ... (Total: 2 )
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Description
Lincoln Rewards Union Supporters in Baltimore to Dissuade the Secession of Maryland
Abraham Lincoln Autograph Endorsement Signed and Salmon P. Chase
Autograph Endorsement Signed. One page, 2 ¾ x 4 ¾ inches
(sight), [Washington]; June 14, 1861.The President and the Secretary of the Treasury approve a shipbuilding contract for John J. Abrahams, a pro-Union Baltimore shipbuilder. Signed, "A. Lincoln" and "S.P Chase." Accompanied by five autograph letters signed written by a Baltimore naval officer; Postmaster General Montgomery Blair; Thomas Swann, pro-Union former mayor of Baltimore; and Attorney General Reverdy Johnson dated June 3 to June 24, 1861.
Lincoln writes, "If the public interest can be served as well, or very nearly as well, I would like for our Union friends in Baltimore to be obliged." Chase concurs, writing, "My word is not needed in addition to the President's; the importance of giving employment to loyal Union men in Baltimore cannot be overestimated."
The Civil War created an immediate need for gunboats. The federal government sent out a circular calling shipbuilders stating that the contracts would be awarded by competitive bid and "otherwise," allowing for extenuating considerations in the final awards. John J. Abrahams let the Naval Officer in Baltimore know of his desire to submit for one of these contracts, and immediately gained the support of key government officials.
Lincoln's and Chase's endorsement of Abrahams' winning the contract is in keeping with the accompanying letters written by senior Union leadership in support of his good character and business acumen. Most notably, there is an Autograph Letter Signed by Maryland native and Lincoln cabinet member Postmaster General Montgomery Blair to Navy Secretary Gideon Welles. He writes, "If you can give our people this employment I believe it will contribute as much almost as the vessels for which they are designed." Important here is the suggestion from Blair that the employment of pro-Union citizens in critical border regions was as critical as gunships in the war.
A letter from a Baltimore Naval officer stated that "J.J. Abrahams is a good shipbuilder... and loyal to the Government. I trust he may have an opportunity of competing for some of the gunboats." Likewise, Thomas Swann, former mayor of Baltimore wrote that "Mr. J.J. Abrahams is advantageously known as a competent and reliable shipbuilder... It affords me great pleasure to commend him to you."
Months before Abrahams submitted his bid to build ships for the Union, in the winter of 1861, the United States was at the precipice of war. South Carolina's secession on December 20, 1860 caused a political flurry as Southern and Border states met to decide whether to join their cause. A border and slave state, Maryland was a key asset for both the Union who hoped to keep the state on its side, and the Confederacy who hoped to convince more states to join their cause. Because of this, the state held a unique position during the war. Although southern and eastern Maryland was populated by majority secessionist slave-holding residents, the state's northern and western inhabitants sided almost entirely with the Union. Baltimore overwhelmingly leaned towards secession and in January 1861, city leaders sought to organize a secession convention. In an attempt to prevent the meeting, a group of pro-Union men, including Abrahams as one of the vice presidents, met at the Maryland Institute to espouse pro-Union sentiments.
Despite Abrahams' efforts, the situation in Maryland did not improve. Lincoln recognized the importance of keeping the borders states in the Union, writing, "I think to lose Kentucky is nearly the same as to lose the whole game. Kentucky gone, we can not hold Missouri, nor, as I think, Maryland. These all against us, and the job on our hands is too large for us." In April 1861, shortly after the Baltimore Riot, where pro-Confederate mobs attacked Union troops traveling through Baltimore, Lincoln declared martial law in Maryland, suspending the writ of habeas corpus. This allowed for the arrest and detention of pro-Confederate sympathizers who posed a threat to the Union cause. He also stationed federal troops in Maryland to maintain order and protect key transportation routes, including the B&O Railroad, which was vital for moving troops and supplies. In the political sphere, he worked to ensure that Maryland's pro-Union sentiment was supported, appointing government officials and military leaders who were sympathetic to the Union cause.
The idea of awarding government contracts to pro-Union supporters in Maryland was a part of Lincoln's overall strategy to maintain control of the state. Such contracts not only served as a reward to loyalists but also provided economic incentives for Maryland to remain in the Union.
Abrahams was awarded the contract and built, among other things, the United States Gunboat Eutaw which became well-known after being featured in a famous 1863 naval print. Lincoln's careful handling of Maryland was successful in keeping the state from seceding and played a crucial role in ensuring that D.C. remained connected to the rest of the Union.
The Lincoln and Chase endorsements are matted and framed with Blair's letter, portraits of the men involved, and an informational plaque to the overall size of 22 x 28 ¼ inches. The endorsements and accompanying letters are listed in the Papers of Abraham Lincoln, compiled by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
Condition: Endorsement is lightly toned with an untrimmed edge. The Blair letter is creased along folds and lightly toned. Each of the four remaining letters have residue on the verso from previous mounting. Minor soiling.
Auction Info
2023 December 15 Historical Platinum Session Signature® Auction #6280 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2023
15th
Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 4
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 760
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $300,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $300,000 and $3,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $3,000,000 per lot.
Shipping, Taxes, Terms and Bidding
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms