LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Autograph note signed ("A. Lincoln") to Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. [Washington, D.C.], 10 August 1864.

1 p., on cardstock; 2 x 3 in. (51 x 76 mm); unevenly toned; old residue on verso from when mounted.

In full: "Hon. Sec. of War, please see Eliot and Mr. Baker. A. Lincoln. Aug. 10. 1864" 

A brief note signed by Lincoln directing his Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton, to meet with a Mr. Eliot, likely referring to Representative Thomas D. Eliot (1808-70) of Massachusetts, as well as a Mr. Baker, possibly Lafayette Baker (1826-68), chief of the U.S. Federal Detective Police.

Eliot would go on to introduce a bill to establish the Bureau of Emancipation, or Freedmen's Bureau. Following Lincoln's assassination, Baker would lead the investigation into the conspirators.

Provenance:

Louise Taper, Beverly Hills, California

Property from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Foundation

This lot is located in Chicago.