Abraham LINCOLN. War date Autograph Endorsement Signed “A. Lincoln” as President, 1p. 3 x 2 3/4 in. (sight), [Washington], 13 December 1864.

“Let this man take the oath of Dec. 8, 1863, and be discharged A. Lincoln Dec. 13, 1864” In his efforts to promote reconciliation between the north and south, Lincoln preferred to free Confederate prisoners whenever possible. Just the previous day, after a discussion with Kentucky congressman William H. Randall, he ordered the discharge of two prisoners: Thomas Rice, an inmate at Rock Island and Reuben Turner, a prisoner held at Johnson’s Island.

Matted and framed with a tinted engraving of Lincoln. Ex Charles Hamilton Galleries and housed in the original frame with his certification of authenticity and Hamilton’s trademark wax seal affixed to the blue paper backing.

Light vertical crease and contemporary ink smudging, else fine overall.

(EXA 4329) $4,000