Winfield Scott Great 1860 Letter of Recommendation for Paymaster

A letter of recommendation from Winfield Scott for the position of Pay Master. 2pp of a bifolium, measuring 5" x 7.75", New York (HQ of the Army), dated March 6, 1860. Writing to Hon. Secretary of War, John B. Floyd, Scott puts forward three candidates for promotion which he believes will not only aid the Army but will raise the moral of the officers. Boldly signed "Winfield Scott." With docketing on verso. The letter has flattened mail folds with soiling and toning at the edges and folds. A few spots of foxing, otherwise very fine. Boldly signed.

In full:

"I deem it the duty of my position to claim for the benefit of the army, vacancies in the pay & other department of the staff to aid the promotion of the line which has become so slow as to deaden hope & ambition among our lieutenants & captains. I accordingly beg to present to you as most worthy of the vacancy created by the death of Pay Master Gaines - Brevet Major Gatlin, 7th Infantry, a gallant officer of great general merit; Brevet Major Larkin Smith, distinguished in the field, & worthy of all confidence, & Brevet Major Sprague, a valuable officer, & who is charged (mainly) with the maintenance of Genl. Worth's family."

Winfield Scott (1786-1866) served as a general in the United States Army from 1814 to 1861, taking part in the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the early stages of the American Civil War, and conflicts with Native Americans. Scott was the Whig Party's presidential nominee in the 1852 election but was defeated by Democrat Franklin Pierce. He was known as “Old Fuss and Feathers” for his insistence on proper military etiquette, as well as the “Grand Old Man of the Army” for his many years of service. Paymaster A. W. Gaines died at Fort Smith, Arkansas on February 19, 1860, from the effects of a severe injury caused by being thrown from his buggy on Christmas morning.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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