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Abraham Lincoln. Autograph note signed ("A. Lincoln") as President.... (Total: 2 Items)
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Description
Abraham Lincoln. Autograph note signed ("A. Lincoln") as President. 1 page, 2 x 3.25-inch card, [Washington], August 24, 1863. [To William T. Otto, Assistant Secretary of the Interior].Lincoln pens (in full):
"Please send me the name of the boy you wish to go to West Point.
A. Lincoln
Aug. 24, 1863"
The "boy" was 20-year old John C. Mallery. On February 27, 1863, President Lincoln wrote the following memorandum: "Executive Mansion, Washington, Feb. 27, 1863, Today Hon. Mr. Babbitt of Penn. Strongly urges the appointment of John C. Mallery, son of Judge Garrick Mallery, for West-Point. Mr. Babbitt is very earnest & anxious on this subject." Philadelphia lawyer Garrick Mallery (1784-1866) had served in the Pennsylvania legislature (1827-1831) and was Judge of the Third District of Pennsylvania (1831-1836). Evidently John C. Mallery was not appointed and William T. Otto contacted the President. On August 24, 1863, Lincoln sent the note here offered.
John C. Mallery (1843-1912) was a Cadet at the Military Academy from September 16, 1863, to June 17, 1867, when he graduated and was promoted in the Army to First Lieut. Corps of Engineers, June 17, 1867. Mallery, who ranked second of 63 cadets in the Class of 1867, was born in Pennsylvania but was appointed from Alabama. Maj.-Gen. George W. Cullum, explains: "Many members of this class, though Northern young men, were appointed Cadets from the unrepresented Southern States, they or their fathers being temporary residents of the South while serving with the armies against the Rebellion."
[Together with:] 22ct Gold Medal for "Academic Merit" awarded to Cadet John C. Mallery at West Point in 1866. Measures 1.125 inches diameter with attached red, white, and blue ribbon. Obverse with bust of George Washington and "United States Military Academy." Reverse with "Academic" above and "Merit" below an oblong octagon within a closed, banded laurel wreath with "Cadet Mallery 1866." Engraved by Anthony C. Paquet (1814-1882) who prepared the dies for the first Congressional Medal of Honor in 1862. "Paquet F" is engraved under Washington's bust. The medal is suspended from a 3-inch silk ribbon striped red, white, and blue. Colors faded and ribbon exhibits some staining, a few scratches to medal. The presentation of a gold medal to Cadet Mallery was appropriate for his rank of second in the class of 1867. According to Bob Julian, author of Medals of the United States Mint, "These medals were especially ordered by George W. Cullum, who served as superintendent from September, 1864, until August, 1866. They were struck only in 1865 and 1866. The gold medals were awarded to seniors, silver medals to juniors and bronze medals to sophomores. They were formally presented for the first time on February 9, 1866. Cullum's successor, Thomas G. Pitcher, ordered a few bronze medals in 1866. The Secretary of War issued an order forbidding such awards in August, 1866." Reportedly, this is one of only ten gold medals struck; ten silver and fifteen bronze were also minted.
Slight toning and smudge to "3" in 1863; otherwise, fine condition.
George W. Cullum. Biographical Register of the Officers and Graduates of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. from Its Establishment in 1802, to 1890, Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1891.
Auction Info
2022 May 7 Treasures from the Melvin "Pete" Mark, Jr. Collection Signature® Auction #6256 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
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