Sold – In an Uncommonly Lengthy Note, President Abraham Lincoln Moves to Fill a Regiment That Would Soon Suffer Tremendous Losses in the Wheatfield at Gettysburg

In May 1859, Abraham Lincoln's was but one of many names mentioned for the Republican nomination for president; he was not considered the front runner and had, in fact, said he thought it best for the Republican cause that no "concerted effort" should be made for his candidacy. One of Lincoln's Illinois backers was not so reticent. Newspaper publisher, Assemblyman and Scott County Republican Chairman Nathan M. Knapp was convinced that Lincoln was "the biggest man in the lot," and in a letter to the Illinois Secretary of State, he enthusiastically stated that Lincoln should be the state's favorite son. Knapp went to Chicago to the National Convention as a delegate, where he campaigned for Lincoln and then voted for his nomination.

When the Civil War broke out, Knapp's son John Sullivan Knapp, joined a regular army unit – the 17th U.S. Infantry – with the rank of second lieutenant, and was assigned to Company H. By late March 1862 the regiment, led by Gen. George Andrews, began arriving on the Virginia Peninsula to take part in General McClellan's campaign there. A number of companies in the unit participated in the siege of Yorktown, performing their share of duty in the trenches, and were also present at the battles of Gaines' Mill and Malvern Hill. Gen. Andrews cited Knapp for bravery at Gaines Mill in his July 1862 official report. Promoted to 1st Lieutenant, Knapp remained with his regiment through the Antietam campaign. After that campaign, the Army of the Potomac went into winter quarters.

Knapp wanted to use this as an opportunity to go on recruiting duty, and his desire was relayed by his father to President Lincoln. We know this because General McClellan, then still in command of the army, informed Lincoln in mid-October that he had "seen Mr. Knapp as you requested. The detail for officers on the recruiting service is made by the Adjt. Genl. of the Army & I think it will be best for Your Excellency to give the order to the Adjt. Genl., as the matter is beyond my province." So McClellan rather cheekily told the President that his request was out of channels and declined to help.

On Oct. 15, 1862, wanting to accommodate his old friend Nathan M. Knapp, Lincoln addressed the following Autograph Note Signed to the Adjutant General, Lorenzo Thomas: "The within letter [not included] of Gen. McClellan is in answer to one from me in regard to Lieut. John S. Knapp of 17th regular infantry, being detailed on recruiting service. Adjt. General, please fix it up. Mr. Nicolay goes to you with the father; and please hear them as to when the Lieut. is to go. A. Lincoln." The note is docketed in the hand of General Thomas as "Order issued", and below that is related, "Received A.G.O. October 15th 1862." This piece is ex-Thomas Madigan, the legendary autograph dealer of almost a century ago.

Other text on the docketing notes: "Camp in Pleasant Valley, October 14th 1862, Geo. B. McClellan Maj. Genl. Comdg. Reports having seen Mr. Knapp as requested by his Excellency the President would advise that the order be handed to the Adjutant General."
 
By the Battle of Chancellorsville in May 1863, Knapp was back with his unit as first lieutenant in Co. H. Most if not all of the men he had recruited pursuant to his request of the President would have been there with him. In late June the regiment was on the road to Gettysburg, and a rendezvous with history; and Knapp was now Company H commander. On July 2, the 17th U.S. Infantry fought heroically in the Wheatfield, losing 150 men, and Knapp was twice wounded in the leg. As a result of the wounds he could not remain in the service, and he resigned his commission in January 1864.