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LINCOLN, Abraham. Autograph letter signed ("A. Lincoln"), as President, to Secretary of War (Simon Cameron), Washington, 1 October 1861. 1 page, 8vo, Philp & Solomons stationers seal at top left, blank integral leaf.
LINCOLN HELPS OUT ONE OF THE MINUTE MEN OF '61. "The Post-Master General and myself have especial reasons for wishing to oblige Mr. Benjamin F. Watson, of Lawrence, Massachusetts. He has been appointed an Assistant Paymaster or Pay. M. of Volunteers; but he wishes the same position in the regular Army. If there is any vacancy, not committed to any other person, let Mr. Watson have it. If there be no such vacancy, oblige him as far as you can, by sending him to service at the place which suits him best." Watson had been a postmaster at Lawrence, Massachusetts under Pierce and Buchanan, but lost that position when he accepted a commission as Lt. Colonel in the Sixth Massachusetts Infantry--the Minute men of '61--a 90-day regiment. When his 90-days were up he found himself out of a job. The Postmaster General Montgomery Blair, acknowledged to Lincoln that he erred in removing Watson from his post, and they were both eager to redress this miscarriage. Published in Basler 4:543-544.
LINCOLN HELPS OUT ONE OF THE MINUTE MEN OF '61. "The Post-Master General and myself have especial reasons for wishing to oblige Mr. Benjamin F. Watson, of Lawrence, Massachusetts. He has been appointed an Assistant Paymaster or Pay. M. of Volunteers; but he wishes the same position in the regular Army. If there is any vacancy, not committed to any other person, let Mr. Watson have it. If there be no such vacancy, oblige him as far as you can, by sending him to service at the place which suits him best." Watson had been a postmaster at Lawrence, Massachusetts under Pierce and Buchanan, but lost that position when he accepted a commission as Lt. Colonel in the Sixth Massachusetts Infantry--the Minute men of '61--a 90-day regiment. When his 90-days were up he found himself out of a job. The Postmaster General Montgomery Blair, acknowledged to Lincoln that he erred in removing Watson from his post, and they were both eager to redress this miscarriage. Published in Basler 4:543-544.