Abraham Lincoln

Uncommon Civil War–dated partly-printed vellum DS as president, 14.25 x 17.25, August 5, 1861. President Lincoln, "by and with the advice and consent of the Senate," appoints Alexander Henderson as "a Chief Engineer in the Navy." Signed at the conclusion in ink by Lincoln and countersigned by Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles. The green seal affixed at the bottom remains intact. In very good to fine condition, with Welles' signature very faded, and irregular ink adhesion to Lincoln's. Naval appointments are far scarcer than other military appointments made by President Lincoln. Consignor notes that this originates from the noted Lincolniana collection of the late Dr. Arthur C. Hansen.

On the same date, August 5, 1861, President Lincoln consulted with General Benjamin Butler on military and slavery topics. He also approved an act levying income tax of three percent on income exceeding $800 per year—the first federal income tax.