(CIVIL WAR) Nicolay John G Letter recommending a private to

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(CIVIL WAR.) Nicolay, John G. Letter recommending a private to take command of a regiment of colored troops. Autograph Letter Signed, "Jno.G. Nicolay," as Abraham Lincoln's private secretary, to Brigadier General Lorenzo Thomas. 2 pages, 9 3/4 x 7 3/4 inches, on one sheet of Executive Mansion letterhead; minor wear and toning, three short repairs on verso. Washington, 18 May 1863

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One of Lincoln's top aides recommends a friend, Private William L. Baldwin of the 16th Illinois Infantry, to be appointed a colonel of one of the new regiments of colored troops. Nicolay offers an unusual credential: Baldwin "was a pro-slavery Democrat when he entered the army, and has become so thoroughly convinced by practical experience of the necessity of arming the negroes, that he voluntarily asks to be assigned to this service." As an officer, of course. . . He describes Baldwin as "eminently a worker, who if charged with the care and labor of fitting negroes for soldiers, will do it." Baldwin mustered out as a private the following year, and as far as we can tell, never was appointed as an officer.