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ROBERT TODD LINCOLN, Manuscript Letter Signed

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Robert Todd Lincoln Letter Recalling "the Great Chicago Fire"

ROBERT TODD LINCOLN, Secretary of War and Son of Abraham Lincoln.
Manuscript Letter Signed "Robert Lincoln Secretary of War," on "War Department, Washington City" letterhead, November 1, 1883, three lined pages, 10" x7.5", Choice Extremely Fine. Addressed to Rufus E. Lester, Mayor of Savannah, GA regarding the great Savannah fire in which some 300 homes were destroyed with more that 1,500 people left homeless. Lincoln writes:
"Sir: Late last evening, I received a telegram from you saying 'A disastrous fire has made homeless many hundreds of people. May we have the use of Oglethorpe Barracks for a few days for sheltering the destitute.' I replied immediately in a telegram addressed to you, 'Officer in charge of barrocks is ordered by telegram sent herewith to allow unoccupied parts of barracks to be used for shelter of destitute persons designated by you.' I trust that my telegram reached you in time to prevent suffering, for, having been myself a witness of the great Chicago fire in 1871, I can readily understand the necessity for immediate temporary relief to those made homeless by an extensive conflagration. I think it proper to call your attention to the fact that the barracks are advertised to be sold on the 15th instant. I am entirely unacquainted with the extent of the disaster which has taken place, but I trust that the time between now and the day fixed for the sale will be sufficient to enable you to provide for the safety and comfort in other ways of all who under your designation have been able to procure shelter in the barracks. I am, very respectively, your obedient servant, Robert Lincoln Secretary of War."



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