Title:
Edwin M. Stanton – ALS on War Department Letterhead Regarding Telegraph Operator who "rendered very important service to the Government during the recent rebellion" – Dated June 9, 1866 – Beckett Certified

Description:
One-page Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) by Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War under Abraham Lincoln, written on official War Department letterhead and dated June 9, 1866. The letter is neatly penned in Stanton’s hand and boldly signed “Edwin M. Stanton” at the close.

Addressed to Hon. J. Bigelow, the U.S. Minister to France (noted as being in Paris), the letter serves as an introduction for Brigadier General Sanford, highlighting his important wartime service.

The letter reads in full:

War Department
Washington City
June 9, 1866

Dear Sir,
I beg to introduce to you Brevet Brigadier General Sanford of this Department, who, as Superintendent of the Military Telegraph, rendered very important service to the Government during the recent rebellion.

General Sanford is on a tour of pleasure with his accomplished family, and such attention as you may be pleased to afford them will be esteemed a favor by

Yours truly,
Edwin M. Stanton

The letter is addressed at the bottom to:

Hon. J. Bigelow
U.S. Legation
Paris

This document is preserved in a Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) slab with tamper-evident encapsulation. The letter is well-preserved with minor toning, two horizontal folds, and strong visual appeal. Stanton's signature remains exceptionally bold.

Historical Context:
Edwin M. Stanton (1814–1869) served as Secretary of War under President Abraham Lincoln, playing a pivotal role in organizing the massive Union war effort during the Civil War. Stanton oversaw military operations, logistics, and the telegraph system, becoming a vital member of Lincoln’s cabinet. After Lincoln’s assassination, Stanton remained in office under Andrew Johnson but clashed with him over Reconstruction policy, eventually leading to Johnson’s impeachment proceedings.

This 1866 letter was written shortly after the war’s end, during Stanton’s final years in office. It references General Anson Sanford, the Superintendent of the U.S. Military Telegraph, whose communications network was essential to the Union's wartime coordination. Stanton's letter, sent to John Bigelow, U.S. Minister to France, reflects the ongoing postwar diplomatic connections and the high regard in which Stanton held those who served under him.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Certified authentic by Beckett Authentication Services (BAS).

• Certification Number: 0001666028

• Encapsulated in a clear, tamper-evident holder preserving the handwritten letter and signature.

• Full contents in Stanton’s hand, on official War Department letterhead.

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This exceptional 1866 letter from Edwin M. Stanton, written on War Department letterhead just one year after the Civil War’s conclusion, provides a direct link to the Union’s highest command. As Lincoln’s formidable Secretary of War, Stanton helped shape the modern American military. His signature and personal correspondence regarding General Sanford’s wartime service offers both collectors and historians a rare glimpse into the postwar recognition of key military figures. A remarkable Civil War-era document of political and military significance.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.

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