Henry Bradstreet Cleaves (1840–1912) was a Union Civil War officer who later became Governor of Maine, serving from 1893 to 1897. During the Civil War, Cleaves initially served with the 23rd Maine Volunteers and later reenlisted under General Francis Fessenden, becoming First Lieutenant of Company F in the 30th Maine. He participated in the Red River Campaign and other operations before returning to Maine after the war.
The yellow cover bears a NEW YORK / FEB 5 circular date stamp and a perforated 3¢ Washington stamp of the 1861 issue, canceled by a striking bold black segmented radial or “sunburst”-style fancy cancel.
The original letter is headed 65 Wall St., N.Y., February 5th 1866
It begins “Dear Henry” and discusses a matter involving Genl. F. Fessenden, members of Congress and an application to the Secretary of War. Particularly interesting is the writer's advice that Cleaves enlist congressional assistance in presenting his case.
The reference appears to be to General Francis Fessenden, under whom Cleaves had served during the Civil War. Maine Historical Society material directly associates Cleaves and Fessenden with recruitment for the 30th Maine Veteran Regiment.
This correspondence therefore dates from less than a year after the end of the Civil War and connects Cleaves's wartime military associations with his immediate postwar affairs.
Cleaves subsequently pursued a distinguished public career. He became a lawyer, served in the Maine House of Representatives, was Maine Attorney General, and ultimately served two terms as Governor of Maine from 1893 to 1897.
Condition: The cover shows expected age, toning, soiling and handling wear, including some edge and corner wear. The 3¢ Washington remains affixed and displays a particularly bold fancy cancellation. The enclosed original letter survives in quite attractive condition with clear handwriting and normal folds. Please examine all photographs carefully for condition and contents.
The penciled “1866” on the front of the envelope appears to be a later notation; the year is independently established by the original letter dated February 5, 1866.
A particularly appealing piece for collectors of Maine history, Civil War postal history, political Americana, gubernatorial material, Henry B. Cleaves, Francis Fessenden, or 19th-century fancy cancellations.
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