2025-01 Raynors Historical Collectible Auctions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/25/2025
A Union soldier's widow fights for her pension after her husband, Pvt. Patrick Dougherty, Co. C, 21st Mass. Vols., killed at Chantilly, Va., on Sept. 1, 1862. In this letter, 1 1/4pp. 4to., written by Washington D. C. law firm, Stephen, Stevens, & Co. on Oct. 31, 1863 advises Widow Dougherty's counsel on the papers needed to file for a pension. Just over one 4to. page long Margaret Dougherty's Massachusetts attorney, Stephen P. Teviss, reads, in part: "Yours of 29th, enclosing affidavit of Capt. Harlow as to the death of Patrick Dougherty came - we notice - that the commissioner still requires evidence of marriage. If you cannot furnish - a certificate of her marriage, let her, so state in an affidavit; then evidence of the baptism of one or more of her children - then evidence of two disinterested persons - swearing to the fact of their having lived together for a period of years, as husband and wife - up to the time of his going into the service - with this, we can get a Pension for the Widow. Very truly, Yours, Stewart, Stevens & Co." There is no record to if Miss. Margaret Dougherty ever received her wanted pension. Also included is the original stamped transmittal cover, with printed cachet: "Stephen, Stevens, & Co. Attorneys and Counsellors at Law and Solicitors For All Military Claims, No. 411 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C." Overall VG.
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