Dated April 11, 1863, this remarkable and historically rich Civil War-era letter offers a direct and deeply personal window into the Union’s political and military efforts in the American West. Written by Captain Gurden Chapin of the 1st U.S. Infantry, the letter is addressed to U.S. Attorney General Edward Bates and constitutes a heartfelt appeal for promotion to Brigadier General. What makes this piece truly extraordinary is its convergence of battlefield valor, national politics, and presidential involvement—all centered around one of the Civil War’s most significant western engagements: the Battle of Glorieta Pass.
Captain Chapin, a native Virginian who remained loyal to the Union, outlines his service and dedication in detail, emphasizing his commitment despite his Southern origins. He references his active role in the New Mexico campaign, including his presence at the Battle of Glorieta Pass—often referred to as the “Gettysburg of the West” for its critical role in halting Confederate ambitions to seize the Southwest and its vital resources. The letter is further supported by endorsements from key military and political figures of the region, including Generals John Slough and Edward Canby, and New Mexico Territorial Delegate John S. Watts.
The centerpiece of this artifact is the handwritten endorsement by President Abraham Lincoln, dated July 21, 1863. Lincoln directs the appeal to both the Secretary of War and the General-in-Chief, affirming that Chapin's service warrants serious consideration. Presidential endorsements on military promotion letters are rare, and those tied to the Western Theater—especially the Glorieta campaign—are virtually nonexistent in the marketplace. Lincoln’s concise yet deliberate notation captures the wartime burden of evaluating loyalty, merit, and strategic necessity.
Encapsulated and graded MN-MT 8 by PSA/DNA, this document stands as a pristine example of Civil War presidential correspondence and is authenticated for both its historical and autograph integrity. It represents a confluence of themes crucial to understanding the war's broader scope: the complexity of Union loyalty, the political mechanisms behind military promotions, and the vital role of the Western Theater in determining the conflict’s outcome.
For collectors of Civil War artifacts, presidential autographs, or Western expansion history, this letter offers an exceptionally rare opportunity. It not only reflects the human dimension of the war through Captain Chapin’s personal narrative but also links directly to a pivotal strategic event, all under the shadow of Lincoln’s leadership. A museum-worthy piece with immense historical depth and narrative power.