Original January 19, 1865 political letter written during the final weeks before congressional passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
The letter discusses the proposed constitutional amendment abolishing slavery, Democratic political support/opposition, and broader wartime political maneuvering during the closing months of the Civil War.
Dated just twelve days before House passage of the amendment on January 31, 1865.
Includes an early Brady studio portrait attributed to future U.S. Senator Bainbridge Wadleigh.
Outstanding Civil War, abolition, Reconstruction, and political manuscript material.
This letter was sent to Charles F. Conant (1835–1886), who entered the Treasury Department in 1865 and later rose to become Assistant Secretary of the Treasury in July 1874 under Presidents Andrew Johnson, Ulysses Grant, and Rutherford B. Hayes.
Conant later served as a Treasury funding agent and maintained international financial correspondence, including with N M Rothschild & Sons.
This letter captures the earliest phase of his federal career.
Normal folds, age toning, handling wear.
Please review all photos carefully.
133-67