Lincoln Appointee Edwin Morgan Presents Petition For New York Harbor Master

EDWIN D. MORGAN, JR. (1811 – 1883) was the first chairman of the Republican National Committee, from 1856 to 1864, including during both of Abraham Lincoln’s presidential campaigns. He was governor of New York from 1859 to 1863.  Lincoln appointed him major general of volunteers and placed him in command of the Military Department of New York during the Civil War. He was later elected to the U.S. Senate.

3 pp, 5 x 8, New York, January 15th, 1873, to John A. Dix, governor of New York, informing, “...the petition [not included] of Ship owners, merchants and others, for the appointment of Capt. Henry Waterman as Harbor Master for the Port of New York...”

He further states, “Captain Waterman has commanded various vessels, steamers and sailing vessels, sailing out of this port. He is in every way competent for the duties of Harbor Master...He is the person of whom I spoke to you on Christmas day and is now and has always been a true and reliable party man on our side of the question. There is no more honest and upright man living or one who has more abhorrence for dishonorable conduct. For the proper discharge of his duties and for his strict integrity, please hold me responsible.”

Bold signature of Morgan with slight smudge at the end.  Else excellent and a very fine letter.

Everything we sell is guaranteed authentic forever to the original buyer. We also offer a 30-day return policy. If you discover a problem or are dissatisfied with an item, please contact us immediately. Our goal is to please every customer.  We are pleased to be members of The Manuscript Society, Universal Autograph Collectors Club, The Ephemera Society, the Southern New England Antiquarian Booksellers and the Preferred Autograph Dealers and Auction Houses. [P 205]