Civil War Auction
Lot 1016:
Description
Personal correspondence from Hannibal Hamlin of Maine, the man who would be Abraham Lincoln’s Vice President from 1860-1864.
This personal correspondence letter is on Hannibal Hamlin’s own stationery, signed at bottom. Page measures 4-9/16 x 7-1/2″. Top of page has an oval portrait image [middle aged] of Hannibal Hamlin [1″ x 1-1/2″] affixed. Letter reads: “Hampden, May 14, 18__ Your form of the 6th most duly received. Yours Truly, H. Hamlin. Chas. G. Dill, Esq.”
Interestingly, Hamlin was a member of Company A, of the Maine State Guard, militia unit. When his company was called into service in the Summer of 1864, he was informed by the militia leaders that he did not have to muster with the unit, since he was the current Vice President of the United States. He opted to serve, arguing that he could set an example by doing the duty expected of any citizen, and the only concession made because of his office was that he was quartered with the officers. He reported to Fort McClary, in Kittery, in July, initially taking part in routine assignments including guard duty, and later taking over as company cook. He was promoted to Corporal during his service, and mustered out with the rest of his unit in mid-September. When the war ended, the desire for a successful reunification of the country, led the Vice President’s position to be filled by Andrew Johnson, who broadened Lincoln’s base and could help with the Reconstruction. When Lincoln was assassinated at Ford’s Theater, it was Andrew Johnson who became the next President of the United States, and not Hannibal Hamlin. Here is a chance to acquire a signature of a man who was a heartbeat away from becoming President of the United States, and was probably a fine mess hall cook.
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