One page on bifolium, 8vo (254 x 203 mm), folds with minor toning and wear.

MARY LINCOLN REQUESTS A FURLOUGH FOR A WHITE HOUSE EMPLOYEE.

In full: "H. Kelly is allowed a furlough of two days, to Baltimore and return, as he is a faithful attendant at the W.H. door. And if the Sec of War will give a transportation ticket, it will oblige."

For many years following the Lincoln family's departure from the Executive Mansion, the staff who worked under them continued to speak of them fondly. Although Mary Lincoln in particular could be difficult with certain members of the staff, she was nonetheless remembered as an ultimately fair mistress. In his memoir, White House bodyguard William Crook would write of her, “The President’s wife found time, too, to investigate cases of need that were brought to her attention, and to help. I know of such cases. She was kind to all the employees of the White House. I think she was very generally liked.” This letter is another example of Mary Lincoln advocating for her staff's needs.

REFERENCES:
Turner, p.182