Description:

Abraham Lincoln
Washington, DC, September 17, 1861
A. Lincoln Endorsement on West Point Soldier Who Raised Zouaves, Wants Commission - Fantastic Civil War Content!
AES

ABRAHAM LINCOLN, Autograph Endorsement Signed, September 17, 1861, Washington, DC, on William G. Tackaberry to Abraham Lincoln, August 20, 1861, New York, NY. 2 pp., 7.625" x 11". Expected folds; general toning, darker on Lincoln endorsement page.

President Abraham Lincoln forwarded this letter from William G. Tackaberry to Secretary of War Simon Cameron. Tackaberry had been in the 62nd New York as a sergeant but hoped for a lieutenant's commission. He later served in the 90th and 70th New York Infantry regiments.

Complete Transcript
"No 40 Ea 23rd St.
New York Aug. 20, 1861
Honorable Sir;
I make bold to write to your Excellency as the Commander-in-chief of the U.S. Forces for a practical recognition of my services in getting together Volunteers for the present war.
I have recruited in all some 300 men and laid out (not including my uniform, etc,) some $300 or more, or say $1 00 per man.
In two different regiments I have more than fulfilled my part of the contract for office, but from a variety of accidents have in both cases lost my position, the men, having however, been saved to the Union Cause.
The first regiment that I recruited for was the old British Legion, which from lack of discipline and a continual spirit of contention among the officers soon broke up. The second was the Anderson Zouaves which Regiment I have been connected with until yesterday with expectation of a Lieutenancy, but from a lack of men, consequent on a misunderstanding, on mustering-in, the Colonel incorporated two parts of companies together with officers from both, which arrangement left me out. The Colonel however thought that when the examination of officers took place, I would secure an office.
Now, without awaiting uncertainties, I have a great desire to serve my country more than I have already, if possible, and if you could in justice to all concerned place me in the Regular Army in the capacity of brevet second Lieut. (I am but 20 years of age) on trial for three months or more, or if you could recommend men on the endorsement of Gov. E. D. Morgan, Mess. Thurlow Weed, Hone C. C. Leigh G. T. Cobb &c—herewith enclosed, for a cadetship at West Point, I should endeavor to show my appreciation of your kindness in my attention to, and thorough study of, the necessary qualifications to make me a good soldier and citizen of our great and glorious republican Union.
Submitting all to your known kindness and generosity and hoping that you will not consider me presumptuous in my zealous efforts to establish myself where I can be of the most service to my country in the present dark hour of her history, I beg leave to subscribe myself, very respectfully
Your obedient Svt
Wm G. Tackaberry.
His Excellency / Hon. A. Lincoln / Washington, D.C."

[Lincoln endorsement:]
"Respectfully submitted to the War Department
A. Lincoln
Sep. 17, 1861."

On September 6, 1861, Tackaberry sent an additional letter to President Lincoln with a "Certificate from our State board of examiners as to my qualifications as Company officer" and additional recommendations. Abolitionist and Methodist minister Charles C. Leigh recommended Tackaberry for the position of second lieutenant, "knowing that he has spent much time and money in recruiting, and that he bears a good character and has studied hard for a position for some time past." Democratic New Jersey Congressman George T. Cobb, publisher and political advisor Thurlow Weed, and Republican New York Governor Edwin D. Morgan also "cheerfully concur" and signed Leigh's recommendation of Tackaberry.

William G. H. Tackaberry (1842-1912) was born in New York City to John Tackaberry, an Irish druggist and Methodist minister, and his wife. He enlisted in the 62nd New York Infantry (Anderson's Zouaves) on May 10, 1861, in New York City to serve three years. He was mustered in as a sergeant in Company C on July 3 but was discharged later in July. On September 17, 1861, he enrolled in the 90th New York Infantry and was mustered in as captain of Company B on November 30. He was commissioned as a captain on January 13, 1862, with rank from October 3, 1861. He was discharged from this regiment on October 14, 1862. On December 19, 1862, Tackaberry enrolled in Company D of the 70th New York Regiment for three years as a second lieutenant. He was dismissed on May 30, 1863. On June 11, he was commissioned but not mustered as a second lieutenant with rank from December 19, 1862. In March 1863, he wrote to Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts, seeking permission to raise a regiment of African-American troops or for an officer's commission in an existing regiment. After the war, he returned to New York City. In 1880, he was an insurance agent in New York City and lived with his widowed mother and younger sisters. He never married. From 1891 to 1903, he was in St. Elizabeth's Hospital for the Insane in Washington, D.C. In August 1903, he obtained a court-ordered release, but the next month, Tackaberry was committed to the Manhattan State Hospital for the Insane.

Ex. Parke-Bernet Galleries, 1963.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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