5x8" with small embossed mark on upper left below name "Seward." Rest of the letter is by Lincoln's Secretary Of State and signed "William H. Seward." He is writing famed orator, 1860 VP candidate, and former Congressman, Senator, and Governor of Massachusetts Edward Everett. See Everett and/or Alabama items #8, 32 & 34. Letter reads in full: "Department Of State, Washington, 1st August, 1864. To The Honorable Edward Everett, Boston. My Dear Sir: I Have Received And Thank You For The Copy Of The New York Ledger Of The 6th District Containing Your Humorous And Able Article On The Pirate Alabama. Very Truly Yours, William H. Seward." The "Pirate Alabama" was a Confederate ship commanded by Ralph Semmes. Its fate is summarized in this paragraph from 1913: "After A Long Course of Capturing And Destroying Northern Merchant Ships, The Alabama Was Caught In A French Harbor By The United States Frigate Kearsarge. The Kearsarge Defied The Alabama To Battle; And The Confederate Ship, Accepted The Challenge, Steamed Confidentially Fourth Amid Salvos Of Applause From The French And English Spectators. The Kearsarge Completely Out Fought Her And Sank Her." This led to celebrations in the North including a "New Patriotic And Comic Song" by Silas Stele. We will enclose a photo copy. Letter has six horizontal creases that barely show. Bottom edge has 1/16" and 1/8" tears. VF. Comes with Hakes COA and JSA LOA. Lot includes slightly trimmed but otherwise clean 1860s carte de visite of Seward with reverse text  "Brady Portrait Gallery/Washington".