A one page, autograph letter signed as President on Executive Mansion letterhead from Washington, September 23rd, 1864, to Major Gaines. “…Please send me the transcript of the trial of Cap’t George A. Bennett, in order that I can have it reviewed by the Judge Advocate General. Yours truly, A. Lincoln.” George A. Bennett was the commanding officer of the Union Light Guard of Ohio, the group of specialized soldiers serving as the bodyguard to President Lincoln in and around Washington. Also known as the Seventh Independent Company [Squadron] of Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, the Union Light Guard was organized in late 1863 by Governor David Tod of Ohio, after growing sentiment that the President’s security was inadequate. Previously, the members of infantry stationed at the White House were quite limited in the scope of actions they were permitted to take, and had only been enlisted at the urging of Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton. Though Confederate sympathizers were plentiful in D.C. at the time and at least one potential plan to abduct President Lincoln had been discovered, Lincoln often made unaccompanied trips around Washington. Most mornings and evenings during the war, he would venture alone on foot to the War Department to receive the latest news from the battlefield. On many occasions, he would visit the wounded at the Soldier’s home near Washington and often spend the night there. After the formation of the Guard, they traveled there with him to ensure his protection. According to Robert W. McBride, member of the Guard and author of “Lincoln’s Bodyguard,” Lincoln’s “faith in his countrymen was such that… He could not believe that they would ever resort to political murder. He especially resented any suggestion that there was any such danger while he was mingling with the people on social occasions, or while he was visiting the theaters… Mrs. Lincoln did not share in this feeling. Her anxiety was such that… she privately requested that a detail from the Union Light Guard should… without Mr. Lincoln’s knowledge, be stationed in[side] the White House… until her fears were allayed…” Ironically, on the morning of his assassination, Lincoln had signed legislation which created the U.S. Secret Service, though it was then part of the Treasury Department and had been commissioned to curtail the counterfeiting of U.S. currency. The Secret Service wouldn't assume Presidential protection duties until the early 20th century. On the night of Lincoln’s assassination, the Union Light Guard was not on duty, as per the President’s wishes. Lincoln’s close friend and unofficial bodyguard, Ward Hill Lamon, was also not present. Four Metropolitan Police Officers were charged with the President’s protection that evening, with Officer John Frederick Parker assigned to the Presidential Box. At intermission, Parker went with Lincoln’s valet and coachman to a local tavern, where John Wilkes Booth also happened to be drinking. Parker was not at his post when Booth later entered the box, unimpeded.
The trial referenced in the letter is regarding Captain Bennett, who had been court-martialed for “…misapplying forage belonging to the United States, misapplying provisions belonging to the United States, knowingly making a false return, and conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline…” Bennett had been found guilty of nearly all counts and sentenced to be dismissed from the service and ordered to forfeit all pay and allowances due. A compassionate Lincoln apparently felt this sentence was too severe, considering the petty nature of the crimes, for a serviceman who had pledged to guard Lincoln’s life with his own. In this letter, Lincoln petitions for Bennett’s trial to be reviewed, though Bennett was still ultimately discharged from the Guard. A letter written entirely in Lincoln's hand, of excellent content relating to the storied Union Light Guard, and showcasing Lincoln’s benevolent concern for an Officer tasked with protecting the President. $27,500.
