BENJAMIN BROWN FRENCH SIGNED LETTER COMM’R OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS, WASH ,CIVIL WAR

Description

BENJAMIN BROWN FRENCH SIGNED STATEMENT, COMM’R OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS - WASH , - CIVIL WAR ERA ( COA)
Up for auction is an rare,original and authentic letter signed by Benjamin Brown French on an official Office of the Commissioner of Public Works Buildings , Capitol of the United States, Washington City, letterhead . Dated: July 9, 1864 To : Edward Bates, Atty. Gen. of the U. S.
The contents of the letter states that Benjamin Brown French is writing on behalf of Frederick Boswick, Esq. for the Office of Justice of the Peace in the Seventh Ward who was appointed but not confirmed . Mr . Brown asked that Boswick be reappointed and confirmed.
The letter is written and signed in fountain pen and is good condition, aside from some expected light overall wear.
For protection the letter is enclosed in an archived plastic holder.
The Benjamin Brown French signed document comes with Certificate of Authenticity issued by JD Autographs Inc.
Historical Footnotes about :
Benjamin Brown French ( 1800- 1870)
French was politician,,telegraph business leader but what stands out is his illustrious career is his service in the Lincoln Administration which began in the fall of 1861 when he was appointed by Abraham Lincoln to be Commissioner of Public Buildings, Capital of the United States, Washington City.
His accomplishments include: He was present at Abraham Lincoln ‘s inauguration ( and was president of the inaugural ball committee) and is reportedly to have physically restrained John Wilkes Booth ( March 4, 1865 )who had gained access to capital rotunda,and was trying to push through the crowd . French was also present for the Gettysburg Address, and oversaw funeral arrangements for both young Willie Lincoln (1850- 1862) and President‘Lincoln funeral (1809- 1865) He even designed President Lincoln catafalque.
His more mundane duties as commissioner placed him in frequent contact with Mary Lincoln whom he found difficult, calling the First Lady a “ bundle of vanity and folly “ Mary Lincoln was noted for her excessive spending using federal expenditures to pay her bills .French would help cover expenses by shifting appropriated funds from another project .
This original and rare autographed letter by Benjamin Brown French who was close to the President and the First Lady on a daily basis would make a great addition to a Lincoln collector.
Seller note : Please carefully examine the photos to determine the condition of the autographed letter.