January 2024 Auction Ends Thursday, January 25th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/25/2024
Abraham Lincoln autograph endorsement signed as President, dated 6 March 1865, issuing amnesty to a Confederate soldier according to the Proclamation of Amnesty on 8 December 1863, where Confederates would be given amnesty if they took the oath of allegiance to the United States. Lincoln hand writes, ''Let this man take the oath of Dec. 8, 1863 & be discharged- / A. Lincoln / March 6, 1865''. Endorsement measures 7.75'' x 3.75''. Irregular top edge and some buckling to paper. Overall very good plus condition with bold handwriting.
Endorsement is accompanied by an interesting letter from the wife of the Confederate soldier who received the endorsement. Dated 28 February 1865, letter to Lincoln reads in part, ''At the time this rebellion broke out my husband and I were living in New Orleans, and as you are well aware it was almost impossible for a man to avoid entering the Confederate Army...those who made life miserable to anyone who did not espouse secession, I suppose caused my husband Jonathan Gunsenhousir to enter the ranks of the enemy, as Sergeant of Co. H 14th Regt. La. Inf...my husband i s a good man - if a rebel can be...'' Letter measures 7.75'' x 9.875''.
Lincoln's endorsement is housed with the letter in a custom clamshell case with watered silk interior housing an image of Lincoln. With marbled and quarter morocco boards. Gilt title on spine reads, ''Abraham Lincoln / Autograph Endorsement Signed March 6, 1865''.
Abraham Lincoln Autograph Endorsement Signed as President -- Lincoln Issues Amnesty to Confederate Soldier
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