![LINCOLN, Abraham. Autograph letter signed ("A. Lincoln") to Secretary of War [Simon Cameron], Washington, D.C., 7 January 1862. 1 page, 8vo, on Executive Mansion stationery. FINE.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2005/NYR/2005_NYR_01534_0325_000(102122).jpg?w=1)
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LINCOLN, Abraham. Autograph letter signed ("A. Lincoln") to Secretary of War [Simon Cameron], Washington, D.C., 7 January 1862. 1 page, 8vo, on Executive Mansion stationery. FINE.
LINCOLN NAMES A PHYSICIAN TO BE A MEDICAL DIRECTOR. "Herewith are the recommendations of Dr. Stipp to be one of the eight new medical directors. His name is miswritten in one of them--the true name being 'George W. Stipp.' I shall be glad for him to be one of the appointees. I also lean towards Dr. Hamilton, as stated yesterday & Dr. Clymer." The "eight medical directors" Lincoln refers to are the appointees called for under the legislation proposed by Military Affairs Committee member, Senator Henry Wilson. His bill "to increase the efficiency of the Medical department of the Army" stipulated that "there shall be eight Medical Inspectors, with the rank, pay and emoluments each of a lieutenant colonel of cavalry, and who shall be charged with the duty of inspecting the sanitary condition of transports, quarters and camps, of field and general hospitals, and who shall report to the Medical Inspector General, under such regulations as may be hereafter established, all circumstances relating to the sanitary condition and wants of troops and of hospitals, and to the skill, efficiency and good conduct of the officers and attendants connected with the Medical Department." Stipp was not one of the first group of inspectors named under the legislation, but in 1863 he was chosen to fill a vacancy and served through the end of the war.
Lincoln would soon be replacing the recipient of this letter. Just four days later, on 11 January, Lincoln accepted Cameron's resignation and shuttled him off to St. Petersburg to head the American delegation to Russia. Untroubled by the massive corruption in military contracts overseen by his department, Cameron allowed as how his definition of an honest public servant was "a man who, when he's bought, stays bought" (DeGregorio, Complete Book of U.S. Presidents, 237). Lincoln found a much abler and more reliable replacement in Edwin P. Stanton.
LINCOLN NAMES A PHYSICIAN TO BE A MEDICAL DIRECTOR. "Herewith are the recommendations of Dr. Stipp to be one of the eight new medical directors. His name is miswritten in one of them--the true name being 'George W. Stipp.' I shall be glad for him to be one of the appointees. I also lean towards Dr. Hamilton, as stated yesterday & Dr. Clymer." The "eight medical directors" Lincoln refers to are the appointees called for under the legislation proposed by Military Affairs Committee member, Senator Henry Wilson. His bill "to increase the efficiency of the Medical department of the Army" stipulated that "there shall be eight Medical Inspectors, with the rank, pay and emoluments each of a lieutenant colonel of cavalry, and who shall be charged with the duty of inspecting the sanitary condition of transports, quarters and camps, of field and general hospitals, and who shall report to the Medical Inspector General, under such regulations as may be hereafter established, all circumstances relating to the sanitary condition and wants of troops and of hospitals, and to the skill, efficiency and good conduct of the officers and attendants connected with the Medical Department." Stipp was not one of the first group of inspectors named under the legislation, but in 1863 he was chosen to fill a vacancy and served through the end of the war.
Lincoln would soon be replacing the recipient of this letter. Just four days later, on 11 January, Lincoln accepted Cameron's resignation and shuttled him off to St. Petersburg to head the American delegation to Russia. Untroubled by the massive corruption in military contracts overseen by his department, Cameron allowed as how his definition of an honest public servant was "a man who, when he's bought, stays bought" (DeGregorio, Complete Book of U.S. Presidents, 237). Lincoln found a much abler and more reliable replacement in Edwin P. Stanton.