Description:

JOSEPH HOLT
(1807 - 1894) Union Judge Advocate General empowered to suspend the writ of habeas corpus, tried Fitz-John Porter and the Lincoln assassins. Good content, war-date A.L.S., 2pp. 8vo., Washington, D.C., Feb. 10, 1863, to a Henry J. Randall. Holt promises his correspondent that his son will not be removed from naval service, in part: ‘...I called on the Secretary of the Treasury [Salmon P. Chase] & laid before him your views in regard to the apprehended removal of your son, & expressed also my own feelings on the subject with some earnestness. He manifested a kindly interest in the case, but said that his rule had been to leave such questions to the determination of the naval officer himself. After some conversation however I left him under an impression that the removal would not be confirmed unless he himself became satisfied, from investigation, that it was necessary & required by the interests of the service… I rejoice to hear that you have been laboring so efficiently in behalf of our distracted country which I think will yet survive all its enemies & live nobly toward all its friends… Still slow as is our progress, & rugged & darkened as is our pathway, I have an abiding faith that the republic will be saved in the end.' He signs ‘J Holt' at the conclusion in black ink. Shows a split between the body of the letter and the cover, with original mailing folds, otherwise in very good condition overall.

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November 14, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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