Description:

Arguably the most unusual name ever issued a commission by Abraham Lincoln. He appoints Salmon P. Chase's former law partner, Flamen Ball, as United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. Ball's rare endorsement and signature appear on the back of the document

ABRAHAM LINCOLN (1809-1865) Partly-printed Document Signed, "Abraham Lincoln," as President, 1 page, 15.75" x 10", Washington, April 19, 1861, appointing "Flamen Ball, of Ohio," as "Attorney of the United States for the Southern District of Ohio." Countersigned "William H. Seward," as Secretary of State and bears a lengthy endorsement on the verso in the hand of and signed by the appointee, April 30, 1861 as well as "H. H. Leavitt," District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio. Usual folds and light corner creases, one partly separated, light soiling, else very good with an intact embossed seal of the United States.

Flamen Ball (1809-1885) was a native of New York who moved to Cincinnati in 1832 where he studied law. Upon graduation in 1838 he founded a law practice with Salmon P. Chase. The two remained in partnership until 1858 when Chase assumed the Governorship of Ohio. His association with Chase landed him the post of United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio in 1861 as noted in the present document. After his old friend became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Ball was appointed U.S. Register in Bankruptcy.

A fine example of a Lincoln appointment as President, with an unusually dark and bold signature.

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