1853 Autograph Note Signed – Future Brigadier General John Cochrane

Description

1853 Autograph Note Signed – Future Brigadier General John Cochrane
Offered for your consideration is a short note regarding an introduction (and maybe a position), written and signed at the conclusion by a future Civil War general. Addressed to the “
Hon H J Redfield
”, this letter states: “
Dear Sir
/
The bearer John E Develin Esq. wishes a note of introduction to you – He is one of our friends – understands city politics
(?)
and well worth listening to --
”. It is dated “
Novr 14
th
1853
” and is signed “
Truly Yrs
/
John Cochrane
”. The back bears the name of the recipient (“
Hon. H. J. Redfield
”) in large letters at the center, with a modern pencil notation at the bottom reading “
Autograph Note of Gen. John Cochrane / Nov. 14, 1853 / Argus Osborn No 387-I-1
”. John E. Develin had apparently served as a member of the Commission of Emigration of the state of New York from 1850 through 1851. The nature of the requested meeting is unknown to the seller, but it may have had something to do with Develin’s earlier position. This piece would make a wonderful research project for the local historian, as little information has been found during a cursory search. Certainly worthy of further study. Would look nice framed with a portrait of Cochrane in uniform.
John Cochrane
was born on August 27, 1813 in Palatine, New York. Graduated from Hamilton College in 1831, he was admitted to the bar in 1834, practicing in Oswego and Schenectady, before moving in 1846 to New York City. He was appointed Surveyor of the Port of New York in 1853, and served in the United States House of Representative from March 4, 1857 until March 3, 1861. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Cochrane became colonel of the 65
th
New York Volunteer Infantry (1
st
United States Chasseurs), which he led during the Peninsular Campaign in early 1862. He was promoted to brigadier general of volunteers in July, 1862, though he resigned in February, 1863 (supposedly this was due to ill health, but more likely so that he could return to politics). Prior to his resignation, he commanded a brigade in the VI Corps and was present at the battle of Fredericksburg. Cochrane served as the New York State Attorney General from 1864 through 1865. During the former year he was nominated by the Radical Democracy Party as the vice-presidential candidate on the ticket with John C. Fremont, but Fremont soon withdrew. He was a member of the 1868 and 1872 Republican national conventions, after which he returned to the Democratic Party (he had been a Democrat prior to the Civil War). He was elected Sachem of Tammany Hall, and from 1872 through 1873, he was president of the Common Council of New York City. John Cochrane died at his home in New York City on February 7, 1898 and was buried in Albany Rural Cemetery in Menands, New York.
The presently offered note exhibits signs of significant period use, as well as many years of less than ideal storage. Toning is noted across the entire surface, imparting to the paper a beige to light tan appearance. This toning is significantly more pronounced at the edges and along the folds, with additional streaks noted at the corners (it appears that tape had once crossed this piece at the corners, protecting some of the paper from toning). Tape residue can be seen at the right edge, undoubtedly associated with situation noted in the previous sentence. Numerous folds are present, with associated wrinkling and slight weakening of the paper. Minor ink corrosion is noted for accuracy, though no paper has been lost to this condition. The lower edge is irregular, while the other three are straight. The final lines of the note appear slightly lighter than the upper portion, possibly a result of the toning. Overall, a nice example of this rarely encountered autograph, measuring approximately 5 x 7⅞ inches when folded and 7⅞ x 10 inches when laid flat. A wonderful chance to add this general/politician to your collection.
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If you have any questions regarding this item, please ask before purchasing.
Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2
nd
Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows.
American Coins and Collectibles
Shreveport, LA