Description:

Robert Todd Lincoln
Washington, DC, January 25, 1882
Robert Todd Lincoln ALS as Secretary of War
ALS
Robert Todd Lincoln (1843-1926). Autograph Letter Signed, "Robert T. Lincoln", as Secretary of War, 1p, on blue-lined War Department stationery measuring 7.625" x 10", Washington City, January 25, 1882. Mounting remnants on an otherwise blank verso. Expected folds and creases. Light toning and minor soiling. In near fine condition.

To S.C. Johnson, Esquire, in full: "Referring to your letter of the 16th instant, requesting to be furnished with the official record of Abraham Van Assum, of Company B. 51st New York Volunteers. I beg to inform you that the Department must decline your request as it does not appear from your communication for what purpose the information is sought, nor what interest you have in the matter."

Robert Todd Lincoln was the oldest son of Abraham and Mary Lincoln and the only one of their four sons to live into adulthood. He graduated from Harvard College in 1864. After four months at Harvard Law School, he was commissioned a captain on the staff of General Ulysses S. Grant and was present at the surrender of Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Courthouse. In 1867, he was admitted to the Illinois bar, thus beginning a thriving law practice. He also became active in Republican politics. He served as Secretary of War from 1881 to 1885, under Presidents James A. Garfield and his successor Chester A. Arthur. From 1889 to 1893, he was the U.S. Minister to the United Kingdom in the administration of Benjamin Harrison. From 1911 to 1922, Lincoln served as chairman of the board of the Pullman Palace Car Company, of which he had been president from 1897 to 1911.

Throughout his lifetime, Lincoln fought to preserve and protect his father's legacy. He controlled his father's presidential papers and later willed them to the Library of Congress, stipulating that they could not be opened until twenty-one years after his death. Lincoln lived long enough to attend the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., in 1922. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 7.625" x 10"
  • Medium: ALS

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

March 12, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000