LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Partially printed document signed ("Abraham Lincoln"). Washington D.C., 23 February 1864.

1 p. on bifolium; 10 x 8 in. (254 x 203 mm); creasing from old folds; closed tears in top edge of first leaf, old sello tape repair on verso of same visible, not affecting text; central fold reinforced; small loss in bottom edge of conjugate leaf.

LINCOLN'S CLEMENCY.

Lincoln directs the Secretary of State to affix to the seal to "a Warrant for the pardon George Hamilton."

Throughout his presidency, Abraham Lincoln was alternately reviled for his trampling of civil liberties during wartime and praised for the clemency often granted to deserters and those sentenced to death. One of these pardons was issued on 23 February 1864 for George Hamilton, who was convicted for embezzling money from the United States mail.

Provenance:

Sotheby Parke Bernet, 24 Februrary 1976, lot 293

Louise Taper, Beverly Hills, California

Property from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Foundation

This lot is located in Chicago.