Lincoln, Abraham, as Sixteenth President

Autograph letter signed ("A. Lincoln"), 2 pages (7 x 4 1/4 in.; 178 x 108 mm), Executive Mansion [Washington, DC], 28 September 1861, to George M. Weston in Augusta, ME; formerly folded, light dampstain in lower blank margin of second leaf, moderate spotting, tiny fold-tears mended on verso with tape. In a blue half-morocco slipcase.

Basler, R. P., ed. Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, vol. 4

moderate spotting, tiny fold-tears mended on verso with tape. In a blue cloth folding case.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
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General Ripley blocks an appointment.

The President tried to appoint Charles Weston as military storekeeper, but was twice frustrated by the refusal of General James Wolfe Ripley (1794-1870), Chief of Ordinance, to ask for the appointment. In the present letter, Lincoln recounts the story to Weston's brother George, who was a lawyer and newspaperman in Augusta: "Some time ago I told your brother if he would Get Gen. Ripley to say he desired his (your brother's) appointment as Military Store keeper, I would be inclined to appoint him. He brought me a note from Gen. Ripley saying he was competent, but in which he did not say he wished his appointment, and seemed to think he had got what I suggested. I, however, wrote the Sec. of War, favorable to his appointment. This morning your brother came to me again, having found in the newspapers that somebody else [had been appointed] to the office, and insisted that there is still another place. I went to Gen. Ripley, who told me plainly, he did not ask for his appointment, and could not be induced to ask for it. I have got the Sec. of War to promise to try to fix a place for him."

Despite the General's objections, Weston was appointed military storekeeper at the Watertown Connecticut Arsenal, but was removed in September 1862 by Ripley on charges of neglect of duty and disobedience of orders.