A Letter From Washington Territory, Concerning A Disabled Veteran Living There, Written To Welfare-Minded Territorial Governor William Pickering

ALS. 3pgs. April 18, 1866. Port Ludlow, Washington Territory. An autograph letter signed “Arthur Phinney”. Phinney wrote to Washington Territory’s Governor, William Pickering concerning the welfare of a disabled Naval veteran named Martin Bescente, who was residing in Washington Territory. Pickering was deeply invested in providing aid and treatment to the disabled and mentally ill, and he worked to establish government-funded care during his time as Territorial Governor. “Dear Sir Your favor of 14th inst came duly to hand making enquiries in regard to ‘Mr. C. E. Urkholm’ alia ‘Martin Bescente’. World say in reply that Mr Bescente is residing here and has been living for the past six months on the bounty of Merry Amos Phinney. About two years ago Mr Bescente was taken sick and not having any means the mill here raised two hundred dollars by subscription and sent Mr Bescente to Victoria for medical advice. At Victoria he (Bescente) got into the hands of a ‘quack doctor’ who did him more injury than good. When Biscente returned here his legs were so paralyzed that he could hardly walk. He remained here a short time and was then shipped on board of a vessel going to San Francisco and put into the Marine Hospital, there, where he remained some time under medical care, but they were unable to cure him wholly. He has not got full use of his legs as they are now partially paralyzed and he is unable to do any work of any account. His mind is also very much impaired at times. He received a letter from his sister some time ago making inquiries for him. It was handed to him and he (Bescente) said he would write to her – say now, he wrote last December. I gave him a letter about two or three weeks ago which I think, by the post marks, came from his folks. I will endeavor to keep him here until further is heard from his sister, if she writes again in regard to him, or if he leaves will keep news of his whereabouts. Very truly yours Arthur Phinney for P. Hinkley”. The paper is embossed “VICTORY” in the left-hand corner, probably referring to the Civil War, though it had ended the prior year. Washington Territory sided with the Union during the war. The letter is in fine condition.