****

Autograph Letter Signed by a William Neilson to President-Elect James K. Polk, Annotated on Reverse Postal Cover by Polk (unsigned).

New Orleans, 1845. Item #97-5952

One 10 x 16 sheet of lined paper folded once, with writing on three panels, the fourth used as postal cover, folds, tear with loss of writing (Neilson's note) from wax seal being opened, toning, wear else a nice example. William Neilson of New Orleans requests an appointment from the new President for his father (in Baltimore, at the customs house) though he relates in his long letter his own joblessness. On first panel is autograph letter of recommendation signed for Neilson from a John B. Grayson (Capt. US Army) and an AUTOGRAPH LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION SIGNED FROM EDMUND PENDLETON GAINES, Maj General US Army. There are a number of notes on postal cover, including "Jan 6" ink stamped cancel from New Orleans PO, numbers, red ink reference to Navy Dept., and JAMES K. POLK'S UNSIGNED NOTE vertically over address stating "Wm Neilson of New Orleans is recommended by Maj Gen Edmund P. Gaines & Capt Grayson for military store keeper or Purser of the Navy." Gainesville, TX and FL were named after Gaines, a hero of the War of 1812 and the Blackhawk Wars; court-martialed at the start of the war with Mexico.

Price: $850.00