LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Partially printed document, signed ("Abraham Lincoln"), Washington, D.C., 29 February 1864. 

1 p. on bifolium; 10 x 8 in. (254 x 203 mm); docketed on verso; creasing from old folds; light scattered spotting.

Lincoln authorizes and directs the Secretary of State William H. Seward to affix the Seal of the United States to "a Full Power authorizing Anson Burlingame Esqre to conclude a modification of the 14th Article of the Treaty between the United States and China of the 18th of June 1858."

In 1858, during the Second Opium War (1856-1860), the United States and China signed the Treaty of Tianjin. The treaty increased the number of trade ports allowed for use by the United States in China, and permitted the establishment of foreign legations in the Chinese capital of Beijing, among other terms. 

In 1861, President Lincoln appointed Anson Burlingame (1820-70) as Minister to China, and in 1862 established a Legation office in Beijing. Using diplomacy instead of force, Burlingame re-negotiated several features of the 1858 Treaty, as can be seen in this document. Article XIV of the Treaty allowed American citizens free movement and residence among several authorized Chinese ports and port cities, while it prohibited trade with non-authorized ports, as well as prohibiting the trade in contraband. Violators of these terms were subject to the confiscation of merchandise and vessels, and other punishments deemed necessary by the Chinese government, without the protection of the United States. The United States in-turn would assist in the prevention of its own flag being used by traders seeking to abuse these terms. In September 1863, China proposed a modification of this Article that implemented fines against traders who presented false manifests in Chinese ports. Here, Lincoln authorizes Burlingame to conclude these negotiations, which were subsequently approved by both nations.

In 1868 Burlingame would negotiate the landmark Burlingame–Seward Treaty, which established formal friendly relations between China and the United States.

RARE. This is the first document signed by Lincoln relating to Chinese diplomacy at auction since 1976.

Provenance:

Louise Taper, Beverly Hills, California

Property from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Foundation

This lot is located in Chicago.