November 2025 Auction Ends Thursday, November 20th, 5pm Pacific

Lot #27:

Abraham Lincoln's Attorney General Edward Bates Letter Signed -- Dated 1862 During the Civil War, Bates Appoints John Bozman Ker as Chief Clerk to the AG's Office

Edward Bates letter signed as Attorney General under Abraham Lincoln, composed on Attorney General stationery. Though he served almost the entirety of the Civil War, letters signed by Bates are quite rare, with this one dated 1 July 1862. Here, Bates approves the appointment of John Bozman Kerr of Maryland to replace Richard Bates as Chief Clerk of the Attorney General's office with a salary of $1,000 per year. Signed ''Edw. Bates'' at conclusion. Letter measures 7.75'' x 9.75'' on bifolium. Folds, light soiling and a few thumbtack impressions, overall very good.