ANDREW, JOHN ALBION (1818-67) Governor of Massachusetts – 1861-66, instrumental in enlisting some of the first units of Colored Troops for the Union, including the 54th Massachusetts Infantry

Civil War-Date Autograph Letter Signed – seeking a pass “to reclaim the remains of a dead Soldier.”

Autograph Letter Signed, on beautifully imprinted 6” x 7 ½” official stationery as Massachusetts governor.  During the second year of war, Andrew seeks the assistance of Franklin E. Howe, an officer in the 36^th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in procuring a pass for a colleague in the regiment, to reclaim the remains of an unnamed dead soldier.  Modern records indicate that Howe died of disease on May 5, 1864 in Westminster, Massachusetts.

“Boston, April 29, 1862, L[ieutenan]t Col[onel] Howe.  My d[ea]r Col[onel], If you can help Mr. A.S. Tuttle to get a passage to Roanoke Island to reclaim the remains of a dead Soldier you will confer a favor.  I am unaware about the regulations nom a sick passenger to N[orth] C[arolina] not in military service.  Your serv[ant], John A. Andrew.”

Accompanied by the imprinted transmittal envelope, addressed to Howe.  The letter is excellent overall, with light, even toning and two horizontal folds; the transmittal envelope bears heavier staining, with irregular tearing at the edges from opening.