Abraham Lincoln Autograph Letter Signed. One page of a bifolium, 5 x 8 inches, "Executive Mansion," Washin...
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Description
Abraham Lincoln Autograph Letter Signed. One page of a bifolium, 5 x 8 inches, "Executive Mansion," Washington; May 11, 1861. Lincoln writes to Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles asking him to review the disciplinary case of Commander Edward B. Boutwell, a thirty-nine year old naval veteran who had been suspended in 1858. In full:"Some time ago, at the request of Commander E. B. Boutwell, I asked you to look into the case of his suspension, and ascertain whether he might not, without inconsistency, be relieved from the remainder of his suspension. I am now informed that his case is not yet acted upon. I make no complaint of this, knowing you are overwhelmed with business; but I will be obliged if you will attend to it as soon as possible." Signed, "A. Lincoln."
A period note in pencil on the verso reads, in full: "Boutwell had the services of J[ohn] P[arker] Hale, Chairman of Naval Council, to assist him – was crazy and died insane."
Boutwell, who had commanded the sloop John Adams during the Navy's 1855 Fiji expedition, had been court‑martialed in June 1858 on charges of "disobedience to orders, neglect of duty, and scandalous conduct." The court originally sentenced him to dismissal, but the punishment was reduced to five years' furlough pay. During and after the proceedings Navy surgeons described him as suffering from "nervous dyspepsia," and he spent years arguing that illness rather than willful misconduct explained his behavior, repeatedly petitioning the Navy Department and Congress for relief as late as 1876. In response to Lincoln's inquiry, Welles wrote on May 16, 1861 that he knew of no facts that would justify any further mitigation, and Boutwell was dismissed from service on July 31, 1861.
Includes a letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
Condition: Lightly toned with minor mat burn. Ink smudged at a single letter ("I"), not affecting legibility. Pencil note on verso somewhat faded.
Reference: Basler 366.
Auction Info
2026 February 26 Historical Manuscripts Signature® Auction #6328 (go to Auction Home page)
Bidding Begins Approx.
January
26th
Monday
Auction Dates
February
26th
Thursday
Proxy Bidding Begins Approx.
32 Days
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Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
Signature®: Heritage Live®:After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)
Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
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