Details:

Salmon P. Chase autographed handwritten letter (ALS), dated April 20, 1864, on official Treasury Department letterhead. Written during the American Civil War while Chase was serving as Secretary of the Treasury under President Abraham Lincoln. Signed "S. P. Chase" in ink at the conclusion.

The letter concerns political divisions in California, federal appointments, and the relationship between government officials and supporters of the Lincoln administration.

Chase begins by acknowledging two letters received from his correspondent, dated March 17 and 18, and discusses a disagreement involving another individual whose political sympathies appear to have been questioned.

He observes that the individual may believe the recipient's sympathies lie with his political opponents in California. Chase then offers advice about remaining politically neutral while carrying out federal responsibilities, writing, in part: "In my judgment the more strictly you confine yourself to the precise duties of your Agency; taking no part for or against any one, except as your official duties may require, the better for you..."

He continues with a particularly interesting statement concerning California politics: "Let the people of California manage their own political matters..."

Chase further discusses the friends of the National Administration and the selection of candidates or nominees, emphasizing the importance of avoiding unnecessary interference in local political affairs.

An especially interesting Civil War-era letter reflecting the political tensions within the Union during the presidential election year of 1864. At the time, Chase was serving in Lincoln's cabinet while also maintaining his own political ambitions. His relationship with the president was frequently strained by disagreements over appointments, patronage, and Republican Party politics.

Chase resigned as Secretary of the Treasury in June 1864, just two months after writing this letter. In December of that year, Lincoln appointed him Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

Accompanied by a handsome 19th-century engraved portrait of Chase, depicting him seated at a writing desk surrounded by papers and books. The engraving was published by Johnson, Fry & Co. of New York, after a portrait by Alonzo Chappel, and bears a printed facsimile of Chase's signature beneath the image.

The letter measures approximately 7.75 x 9.75 inches, and the engraved portrait measures approximately 6.25 x 9.5 inches. Fine condition with original mailing folds, light age toning, scattered minor staining, and handling wear. The engraved portrait exhibits light age toning and minor handling wear.

Salmon Portland Chase (1808–1873) was an American statesman, abolitionist, and jurist who served as United States Senator from Ohio, Governor of Ohio, Secretary of the Treasury under President Abraham Lincoln, and the sixth Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

An outspoken opponent of slavery and an influential figure in the early Republican Party, Chase was appointed Secretary of the Treasury in 1861. Tasked with financing the Union's enormous military expenditures during the Civil War, he oversaw the introduction of federal paper currency known as "greenbacks," the establishment of the national banking system, and the expansion of federal revenue collection.

Chase also emerged as a political rival to Lincoln, briefly pursuing the Republican presidential nomination in 1864 before withdrawing from consideration. Despite their differences, Lincoln appointed Chase Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court in December 1864, following the death of Roger B. Taney.

As Chief Justice, Chase presided over the 1868 impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson and participated in important constitutional decisions during Reconstruction. His career placed him at the center of some of the most consequential political, financial, and judicial developments in American history.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11700 1419342-1