One page, 4 7/8 x 8 in., creasing, staining, with one repaired separation to bottom edge and minor wear and other small separations to edges and corners. Addressed to "General Lippincott."

In full: "The bearer Mr. [?]. B. Amiss, was a soldier in Capt Best's Battery, a gallant man belonging to Virginia who served thro [sic] the whole war. I [indecipherable] him to your favor as a deserving man every way."

Nathaniel P. Banks (1816-1894) served both politically and militarily throughout the Civil War era. He served as Speaker of the House and Governor of Massachusetts before accepting an appointment from President Lincoln as a major general over West Point regulars. He experienced many failures as a military leader throughout the war, but was a crucial part of reconstruction efforts in Louisiana, and continued his political career as a Congressman after the war.