Abraham Lincoln served as sixteenth President of the United States, from March 1861 until his death on April 15, 1865. This series dates from 1839-1865 and includes correspondence and documents pertaining to his Presidency as well his many years as a lawyer in Illinois. The series is divided into five main sections: Correspondence, Law Partnership Documents, Presidential Documents, Autograph Clippings, and Miscellaneous. Brief descriptions of the holdings are provided at the beginning of each section.
Many of Lincoln's letters and documents have been published at various times and in various formats. For the purposes of this finding aid, two main sources were consulted. The first was the multi-volume series: The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, Roy P. Basler, editor (New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, c1953-1990). Letters and documents in this collection that are published in this series contain a bracketed notation citing the volume and page numbers. The other main source was The Law Practice of Abraham Lincoln: Complete Documentary Edition, available on CD-ROM; a full citation is provided at the beginning of the law partnership files.
Patrons will be given access to surrogate, photoduplicated copies of the Lincoln materials.
The items in this file date from 1846-1864. Included are many appointments and promotions for government and military officers. A handful of letters deal specifically with the Civil War including a pair of letters to General Joseph Hooker and an 1862 letter to General Don C. Buell proposing a military strategy. Also of note are two letters to John A.J. Creswell and Henry W. Hoffman respectively, in which Lincoln strongly urges the ratification of a new Maryland constitution which would free the state's slaves: "I wish all men to be free." The file is arranged alphabetically by correspondent and contains letters both to and from Lincoln. The majority of the letters sent to Lincoln also contain some notation in his hand (noted in descriptions).
ALS, Executive Mansion. To the Attorney General. "The two Senators of Penn. with the brief before them recommend Alexander Murdoch for Marshall of the Western District, and Robert B. Carnahan, for Attorney of the same district. Send me the commissions." 1 p. [Vol. IV: 329]
ALS, Springfield. Clarifying a previous letter and explaining that he simply wishes to reunite the Whigs of Illinois, with reference to General [John J.] Hardin [his former political opponent]. 1 p. [Vol. I: 380]
ANS. "Let the appointment within requested be made." Written on the back of a May 17 letter from Blow to Lincoln, asking that Henry Wright be given the position of the late Captain C. C. Manwarring. 1 p.
ALS, Springfield, Ill. Warmly acknowledging a letter with news of Brady's move to Pittsburgh. 1 p. [Vol. IV, 76]
ALS, Hartford, Conn. Asking that [Horace] Greeley or [James Warren] Nye or another good man be sent to speak at Keene, New Hampshire, on Friday evening. 1 p. [Vol. X: 50]
ALS, Executive Mansion. Eulogizing the late Owen Lovejoy, his "most generous friend." 2 pp. [Vol. VII: 366-7]
LS, Executive Mansion. Proposing a military strategy in which Union forces simultaneously attack the enemy in different locations, suggesting it be coordinated between Buell and [Henry Wager] Halleck. Written in the hand of John Hay with corrections by Lincoln. 3 pp. [Vol. V: 98-99]
ALS, Springfield. To his aunt. Sending a detailed statement outlining her financial and real estate holdings. 3 pp.
ALS, Executive Mansion. Asking whether Burnside has a position for an old classmate, George Patten. 1 p. [Vol. VI: 7]
U.S. Secretary of War from March 1861 to January 1862.
ALS, Executive Mansion. Insisting on the appointment of William Patten as paymaster. Cameron noted underneath that he was appointed "additional paymaster." [Vol. IV: 398-9]
ANS written on the back of a June 5, 1861 letter from C[arl] Schurz to A.T. McReynolds, transferring command. Lincoln's note to Simon Cameron approves the transfer. There is also an ANS by Cameron. 2 pp. [Vol. IV: 406]
ALS, Executive Mansion. Urging the immediate appointment of J[ames] H[enry] Lane of Kansas as brigadier general of volunteers. With ANS endorsement by Cameron. 2 pp.
ALS, Executive Mansion. Written on the back of an August 6, 1861 letter from John S. Phelps and Frank P. Blair who wish to organize a volunteer militia in southwest Missouri (2 pp.). Lincoln's letter to Cameron requests that Phelps be appointed to oversee the regiments. 1 p. [Vol. IV: 475-6]
ALS, Executive Mansion. Directing promotions for David Hunter, G[eorge] H. Stoneman, W[illiam] F. Smith, and Henry W. Benham. 1 p. [Vol. IV: 483]
ANS approving the appointments of Stewart Van Vliet, J.G. Barnard, C.C. Augur, and John B.S. Todd. Written on the back of a Sept. 18, 1861 letter from General George B. McClellan to Simon Cameron; signed by both. 2 pp.
ALS, Executive Mansion. Appointing Dr. Edward E. Phelps Brigade Surgeon at the request of Vermont authorities. Underneath is an ANS by Cameron. 1 p. [Vol. V: 67]
ALS, Executive Mansion. Stressing the necessity of getting contraband cotton away from the enemy, mentioning high inflation, agreeing that more effort should be put into organizing the Louisiana state government, and mentioning a confidential telegram sent to [David G.] Farragut. 3 pp. [Vol. VIII: 163-5]
ALS, Executive Mansion. To the Secretary of the Treasury. Telling Chase to meet with a Mr. Wood, who may be able to help save in the cost of engraving treasury notes. 1 p. [Vol. IV: 326]
ALS, Springfield. Refusing to comment on the Fugitive Slave Law, as his printed speeches contain all he could willingly say, but adding "Justice and fairness to all." 1 p. [Vol. IV: 93]
ALS, Executive Mansion. Urging Maryland to emancipate its slaves, saying it is a matter of national consequence and would aid in ending the rebellion. 1 p. with original envelope. [Vol. VII: 251]
ALS, Executive Mansion. Asking Dahlgren's opinion as to whether the government should purchase some of [Orison] Blunt's new guns. 1 p. with original envelope. [Vol. IV: 399]
ANS. Returning a writ to the clerk of the Woodford County Circuit Court. 1 p. [Vol. II: 205]
U.S. Secretary of the Interior from March 1849 to July 1850.
ALS, Springfield. Concerning the backlash that has occurred in response to Lincoln's recommendation of Turner R. King for the Land Office. Asking Ewing to suspend judgment and consider that objections to King are part of a larger movement against Lincoln. 1 p. [Vol. II: 44-45]
ALS, Bloomington. Responding to rumors that the Pension Agency of Illinois is to be divided; questioning the legality and expediency of such a measure; expressing concerns that it would injure the current Pension Agent, who is Lincoln's brother-in-law. 1 p.
ALS, Springfield. About legal business concerning mortgages and real estate of [William W.] Blanchard and [Mordecai] Mobley. Regretting that he can do nothing about the Land Office at Danville. 1 p. [Vol. II: 63]
ALS, Executive Mansion. Ordering Jacob R. Freese to replace Mr. Wilson as Commissioner of Board of Enrollment for 2nd Dist. of New Jersey, mentioning the appointment is approved by Senator [John C.] Ten Eyck. 1 p. [Vol. VIII: 25]
ALS, Washington. Asking the general's best impression of the number of the enemy's forces north of Strasburg and Front Royal. 1 p. [Vol. V: 235]
ALS, Springfield. Giving instructions for taking depositions of witnesses. 2 pp. [Vol. II: 382]
ALS, Springfield. Saying he will soon be visiting Chicago and may be able to handle a case for Haines and [George H.] Rugg while there. 1 p. [Vol. II: 426-7]
ANS agreeing to staff changes involving Julius Stahl, S.P. Heintzelman, and [Percy?] Wyndham, with mention of [Joseph] Hooker. Written on the back of a letter from Heintzelman to Stahl. It appears to have been forwarded to Halleck, who endorsed it as well. 2 pp.
ANS. "Let them go." On the back of a letter written from Baltimore and addressed to the President or the Secretary of War, petitioning for the wife and daughter of Rev. Dr. E. C. Henkle to be allowed to accompany him into exile to the South. 1 p.
ALS, Washington. Acknowledging receipt of a letter recommending William M. Black for Registar of the Land Office at Vandalia, saying other applications have been received, refusing to commit to any one of the applicants at this time. 1 p. [Vol. II: 23-4]
ALS , Springfield. Asking Herrick to immediately clarify whether he will support Lincoln or Mr. Butterfield for Commissioner of the General Land Office. 1 p. [Vol. II: 52]
ALS, Executive Mansion. Responding to Hoffman's request for a few words from Lincoln, to be read at a Maryland public meeting to ratify a new state constitution. Lincoln responded that he wished the people to ratify the new constitution and thereby abolish slavery; "I wish all men to be free." 2 pp. [Vol. VIII: 41-2]
ANS. "Please extend the leave of absence of Albert Holmes, of Scott's Nine Hundred, for sixty days." Written on the back of a February 24 ALS from W.H. Holmes to Lincoln, requesting the leave of absence for his sick son. 4 pp. total.
ALS, Executive Mansion. To the Judge Advocate General. Asking for facts and a legal opinion in the complicated case of Ridgely Greathorn, who was convicted as a pirate in California. 1 p.
ALS, Washington. Asking whether heavy rain and other events have significantly altered his situation. 1 p. [Vol. VI: 199-200]
ALS, Washington. 8:30 pm. Sending news that the Confederate army is in possession of Winchester and Martinsburg and is crossing the Potomac at Williamsburg. Asking to hear from Hooker. 1 p. [Vol. VI: 276]
Letter from Mary Todd Lincoln, written in third person. "The President & Mrs. Lincoln will be pleased to have Mr. James dine with them, informally, this eve, at 6 1/2 o'clock." 1 p.
ALS, Springfield. Sending a poem requested by Johnston [not included], mentioning his own poetry, and sending regards to [Archibald] Williams [attorney in Quincy, Illinois]. Beneath the letter is a March 2, 1872 ANS by Johnston authenticating the letter. 1 p. Also included is a March 7, 1872 ALS from Johnston to Harrie Hough, an autograph collector, to whom he gifted the above letter. 4 pp. [Lincoln letter published in Vol. I: 366-7]
ALS, Springfield. To his step-brother. Sending a bid for a mail contract, saying that an unnamed man cannot get a pension, and reporting that his son [Edward Baker Lincoln] died the first of the month. 1 p. Also included is a May 12, 1875 letter from William H. Herndon to a Mr. Winslow, to whom he gifted the above letter. [Lincoln letter published in Vol. II: 76-77]
ANS (initials). "I rather wish to make this appointment." Written on the back of an April 1 ALS from Leary to Lincoln requesting an appointment for Robert Cathcart. 2 pp.
ALS, Washington. Encouraging Linder to support General [Zachary] Taylor and not [James K.] Polk, as supporting Polk (and his handling of the Mexican-American War) would alienate a number of Whigs. 1 p. [Vol. I: 453]
ALS, Springfield. Reporting the arrival of New York depositions and asking for the immediate delivery of related materials, as court is about to commence. 1 p. [Vol. II: 110]
ALS, Washington. 5:45 PM. Telling McClellan that Confederate General [Thomas J.] Jackson is recrossing the Potomac and must be hurt. [Written shortly before the Battle of Antietam.] 1 p. [Vol. V: 418]
ALS, Executive Mansion. To the Quartermaster General. Introducing C[ornelius] Vanderbilt, Jr., who has a business proposition. 1 p. [Vol. VI: 432-3]
ALS, Exeter, NH. Declining a speaking engagement due to an already packed schedule; asking Pomeroy to pass the same news on to Mr. William Silvey. 1 p. [Vol. III: 554]
ALS, Executive Mansion. Apologizing after receiving a report from Mrs. Lincoln about a faux pas he committed the previous evening, expressing his embarrassment as he did not realize he had made a mistake. 1 p. [Vol. VII: 262]
ANS by Lincoln directing Dr. William H. H. Scott to fill a vacancy. Written on a Dec. 24 ALS from Scott to Lincoln, requesting an appointment. 3 pp.
ALS, Executive Mansion. To the Secretary of State. "Please send me a nomination for Hon. Caleb Lyon, as Governor of Idaho Territory." 1 p. [Vol. VII: 166]
U.S. Secretary of War from January 1862 to May 1868.
ALS, Executive Mansion. Urging Stanton to halt the delivery of additional mortars and beds to Cairo, as it seems there are more than enough. 1 p. Written in response to an enclosed telegram from A. Montgomery to General W.C. Meigs on the same subject. 2 pp.
ALS, Executive Mansion. Asking for six Indiana colonels to be appointed Brigadier Generals of Volunteers. With ANS endorsement by Stanton. 2 pp.
ALS, Executive Mansion. Directing Stanton to promote Major Robert W. Allen to Brigadier General, at the recommendation of [Henry Wager] Halleck. 1 p.
ALS, Executive Mansion. Appointing Alfred B. Farnsworth Second Lieutenant at the request of Senator [Zechariah] Chandler. 1 p.
LS, Executive Mansion. Asking for the paperwork for the nomination of Ralph B. Buckland as Brigadier General of Volunteers. 1 p. [Vol. V: 299]
ANS. Submitting a recommendation from New York City Mayor George Opdyke for Theo. O. Ebaugh to be appointed paymaster. Written on the back of a July 29 ALS from Opdyke to Lincoln. 3 pp. total.
Autograph signed memo. About a request from Wisconsin Governor [Edward] Saloman for a general hospital, asking that the Secretary of War make inquiries so that all states will be dealt with equally with regards to this matter. 1 p.
ALS, Executive Mansion. Ordering the appointment of Lieutenant Keeler as provost marshal of Oregon on recommendation of A.G. Henry and Mr. McBride. 1 p.
ALS, Executive Mansion. Asking Stanton or Joseph G. Totten to find employment as an engineer for his longtime friend John Von Horn. 1 p.
ALS, Executive Mansion. Asking Stanton to: 1) suspend action with regards to 400 Southerners on the eastern shore of Virginia who are being asked to swear allegiance to the Union or be deported, 2) suspend assessment of a damaged light house, as both matters are serious and require propriety. 1 p. [Vol. VI: 427]
ALS, Executive Mansion. "Please send me a nomination of George M. Pinney to be Provost Marshal for Dakota Territory in place of George P. Waldron, removed." 1 p.
ALS, Executive Mansion. Reiterating an order for the discharge of James M. Philips at the request of E.H. Webster, as the first order appears to have miscarried. 1 p. [Vol. VII: 427]
ANS. "If the vacancy occurs as stated, let the appointment, as requested, be made." Underneath is an ANS by Stanton: "This appointment is suspended to consult Senator Ten Eyck who objects." 1 p. The page has been torn and the leaf containing details of the appointment is lost.
ALS, Executive Mansion. Saying that he has endorsed a note from Mrs. Stone to Mrs. Lincoln. Suggesting the note and endorsement be presented to the Secretary of War [E.M. Stanton]. 1 p. [Vol. VI: 295]
ALS, Executive Mansion. Directing various army appointments. 2 pp. [Vol. IV: 413]
ALS, Springfield. Thanking Vandyke for complimenting him at the Philadelphia convention and agreeing to support Judge [William Lewis] Dayton and Colonel [John Charles] Fremont [for the Republican presidential ticket]. 1 p. [Vol. II: 346]
ANS, third person. Confirming that Colonel [August] Willich has been appointed a brigadier general. 1 p. [Vol. V: 253] With an ALS of Washburne of the same date spreading news of the appointment. Original envelope included.
Secretary of the Navy.
ALS, Executive Mansion. Asking Welles to select the best available man for the post of Chief Engineer of the Navy, to be appointed by Lincoln. 1 p. [Vol. IV: 297]
ALS, Executive Mansion. Asking to be relieved of the remaining California appointments, and reporting that charges against Samuel Bell have been cleared and he should therefore be appointed Navy Agent. 1 p. [Vol. IV: 335]
ALS, Executive Mansion. Expressing doubt over Wood's suggestion that the Southern States are planning to send representatives to the next congress. Saying that the when they are truly ready to negotiate they know how to communicate with him. Asking Wood to keep the letter confidential for the moment. 2 pp. [Vol. V: 553-4]
ANS. "I submit the within from General [Daniel E.] Sickles on an old and very painful subject." 1 p.
Lincoln had three successive formal law partnerships: junior partner to John Todd Stuart, junior partner to Stephen T. Logan, and senior partner to William H. Herndon. Documents pertaining to cases involving these men are filed under the name of the respective partnership. Lincoln was also involved in the Illinois judicial circuit, which required him to travel to various counties to either assist local attorneys or directly represent local litigants. This occasionally resulted in temporary, informal partnerships. Documents from such partnerships and other miscellaneous legal documents are housed in a separate folder at the end. Many of the dates are taken from docketing by court clerks. Missing dates, names, and partnerships were verified using an electronic resource: The Law Practice of Abraham Lincoln: Complete Documentary Edition, Martha L. Benner & Cullom Davis, editors (Champaign, IL : University of Illinois Press, c2000), available on CD-ROM.
Lincoln was junior partner to John Todd Stuart from 1837-1841.
ADS, signed "Stuart & Lincoln." William H. Marsh v. William H. Wemwag. Sangamon Circuit Court. 1 p.
ADS, signed "Stuart & Lincoln." James Bell & Co. v. Garrett Elkin. Sangamon Circuit Court. 1 p.
AD. Samuel West v. Lucetta & Phineas Stevens. 1 p.
ADS, signed "Stuart & Lincoln." Joel Wright et al. v. James Adams in the Schuyler Circuit Court. 1 p.
AD, Isaac R. Braucher v. the heirs of James Sayles. 2 pp.
Lincoln was junior partner to Stephen T. Logan from 1841-1844.
ADS signed "Logan & Lincoln." Receipt for their $25 fee in the case of the People versus William Rhodes. On a small slip of paper.
ADS, signed "Logan & Lincoln." Nathaniel Hay(?) v. Nicholas Bryan. Sangamon Circuit Court. 2 pp.
AD, Samuel Renshaw v. James Boyd. Signed by Renshaw and the Judge of the Sangamon Circuit Court, S[amuel] H. Treat. Sangamon Circuit Court. 2 pp.
ADS, signed "Logan & Lincoln." George Bryan v. Seth M. Tinsley & others. Lincoln was attorney for the defendant. Sangamon Circuit Court. 1 p.
AD. Thomas E. Jackson v. Jacob Applegate. Sangamon Circuit Court. 1 p.
AD. Willis Groves v. Thomas Fortune & Samuel Garvey. Signed by Morris Bird concerning his financial indebtedness to the defendants. Sangamon Circuit Court. 1 p.
AD. Willis Groves v. Thomas Fortune & Samuel Garvey. Signed by Benjamin M. Kizer concerning his financial indebtedness to the defendants. Sangamon Circuit Court. 1 p.
AD. Willis Groves v. Thomas Fortune & Samuel Garvey. Signed by Moses Ellsworth concerning his financial indebtedness to the defendants. Sangamon Circuit Court. 1 p.
ADS, "Logan & Lincoln." Petition of Edmund Taylor, administrator of the estate of the late Washington Ray, requesting to sell certain lands to cover Ray's debts. Sangamon Circuit Court. 2 pp.
ADS, signed "Logan & Lincoln." Horatio M. Vendeveer v. James Baker, Andrew D. Northcutt, & Peter Porter. Christian County Circuit Court. 2 pp.
DS, signed "Lincoln for Deft." Charles H. Valentine & Co. v. John Delaney. Written and signed by M[ason] Brayman, attorney for the plaintiff. Sangamon Circuit Court. 1 p.
Lincoln was senior partner to William H. Herndon from 1844-1861.
ADS, signed "Lincoln & Herndon." John Calhoun v. John Warner & Lawrence Gros. 1 p.
ADS, signed "Lincoln & Herndon." Catharine Penny v. Henry McHenry & Matthias Yoakum. Sangamon Circuit Court. 3 pp.
ADS, signed "Lincoln & Herndon." Elizabeth Plunket v. Coleman Gaines & Madison A. Cartwright. Sangamon Circuit Court. 2 pp.
ADS, signed "Abraham Lincoln," "A. Lincoln," and "Lincoln & Herndon." Jane E. Allen v. Robert Allen, Jr. 2 pp. with two smaller slips of paper with notes in Lincoln's hand.
AD. Jane E. Allen v. Robert Allen, Jr. Sangamon Circuit Court. 1 p.
AD. Affidavit of John Allen for McDaniel et al. v. Correll et al. Signed by Allen. Sangamon Circuit Court. [Lincoln & Herndon also worked with James C. Conkling on this case.] 2 pp.
AD. Affidavit of William Hickman for McDaniel et al. v. Correll et al. Signed by Hickman. Sangamon Circuit Court. [Lincoln & Herndon also worked with James C. Conkling on this case.] 2 pp.
AD. Affidavit of Joseph McDaniel for McDaniel et al. v. Correll et al. Signed by McDaniel. Sangamon Circuit Court. [Lincoln & Herndon also worked with James C. Conkling on this case.] 1 pp.
ALS, Springfield. To Messrs. S C. Davis & Co. Refusing to continue to handle a land case as Davis & Co have been demanding and unresponsive; requesting the case be passed to lawyer William Fishback. Both the front and back contain notes by Lincoln's law partner, William H. Herndon, that the letter is "never to be published." 2 pp. [Col. III: 338]
ADS, signed [James C.] "Conkling & Lincoln & Herndon." Thomas Correll & others v. James McDaniel & others. 1 p.
ADS, signed "Lincoln & Herndon." A. Spencer, Nye & others v. Peter Ambos & others. Sangamon Circuit Court. 1 p.
Containing documents from informal law partnerships (including multiple cases with Ward Hill Lamon, who later became Lincoln's Presidential bodyguard), as well as miscellaneous other documents related to his legal career.
ADS. Receipt for ten dollars received from J.A. Crain as the fee for Crain v. Walter "except a contingent fee, as per his written promise to me." On a slip of paper.
AD. Joseph Gundy v. John Van Gundy, Vermilion County Circuit Court. [Lincoln worked with attorney John H. Sconce for this case.] 2 pp.
ADS, signed [Oliver L.] "Davis, Lincoln, and Lamon." William Bachop v. William M. Lamm. 1 p.
ADS, signed "Lincoln & Lamon." Samuel & George W. Titus v. Joseph B. Lamon. Signed also by "Davis for the pltff." 1 p.
ADS, signed "Lincoln & Lamon." John Clark v. John Hoxworth and others. Vermilion County Circuit Court. 1 p.
AD. James A. Barret v. William McDonald et al. Christian County Circuit Court. Signed by Barret. [Lincoln worked with attorney Horatio M. Vandeveer for this case.]1 p.
AMsS. A legal opinion regarding an act of Congress related to land surveys. 2 pp. [Vol. III: 348-9]
ADS. Michael Courtney v. Erastus French. 1 p.
AD to the U.S. Circuit Court concerning Joshua F. Speed. Post-1844. 3 pp.
Lincoln's Presidential documents are split into four sections: Memoranda, Discharges & Pardons, Commissions, and Orders. The majority of these items are official documents that merely contain Lincoln's signature and/or a quick notation in his hand.
Autograph memoranda in which Lincoln noted important details from meetings and conversations.
ADS noting a promise to [John Brooks] Henderson and [Charles W.] Noell to appoint Frederick Dodge paymaster in the Regular Army, or at least a grade higher in line. 1 p.
ANS, Executive Mansion. "I am in favor of Captain David V. Derickson for Provost Marshal, and Henry Fetter for enrolling commissioner...20th Dist. Of Penn." 1 p.
ANS. Noting that Samuel A. Pancoast of Hampshire County, West Virginia, had called that day asking for an appointment, following 17 months of imprisonment. 1 p.
ADS. Noting that Messrs Bonifant and J.F. Wagner requested Colonel John C. Holland be appointed provost marshal for the 5th Dist. of Maryland. 1 p.
ANS written on the front of a stamped envelope addressed to Lincoln, giving his decision not to interfere with a matter involving the Provost Marshal General.
Autograph memorandum concerning J. Wesley Greene, who met with Lincoln and pretended to be an associate of Jefferson Davis. 1 p. [Possible date December 1862; see Vol. V: 517 for more.]
Friends and family members of soldiers often wrote to Lincoln pleading for an official discharge or pardon for their loved one based on age, illness, or family situation. Lincoln noted his responses on the back of the letters, frequently granting the requests.
ADS. Rescinding an order designating William H.H. Hampson a deserter, after learning from James F. Wilson that Hampson is seriously ill and unfit for service. Ordering a proper discharge. 1 p.
ANS. "Let Thomas Bedford, named within, take the oath of allegiance, and be discharged." Written on the back of an October 20 letter from Brutus J. Clay to Lincoln. 1 p.
ANS. "Let the boy be discharged." Written on the back of a March 7 letter from John F. Hurst to E. Cowan, asking for the discharge of his young son Daniel, who enlisted against his wishes. 1 p.
ANS. "Satisfied that this statement is correct, this man--Simon H. Elliott--is pardoned." Written on the back of a 2 page statement describing the reasons why Elliott did not report for duty, submitted by his father.
ANS. "Let this boy be discharged." Written on the back of the sworn statement of Thomas Closson, who testified that his son, Caleb H. Closson, enlisted underage and should be returned home. 1 p.
ANS. "Let this boy be discharged." Written on the back of the sworn statement of Michael and Ann Coady, who testified that their son, Michael Coady, enlisted underage and should be returned home. 1 p.
ANS. "Let the man be discharged." Written on the back of a copy of a letter from A.S. Buckner to J.W. Payne, approving Payne for detached duty. 1 p.
ANS. "Let this boy be discharged, on restoring bounty, if any." Written on the back of a sworn statement from John Lyon, testifying that his nephew, James H. McManemin, is underage for enlistment. 1 p.
ANS. "Let this man take the oath of Dec. 8 and be discharged." Written on the back of letter written to H. Winter Davis, testifying to the loyalty of the West family, particular the son. Davis wrote an ANS forwarding the letter to Lincoln. 1 p.
ANS. "Pardon." Written on the back of a letter from Illinois Governor Richard Yates to Lincoln, requesting a pardon for Leander Patteson, who enlisted underage and is unfit for service. 1 p.
ALS, Executive Mansion. "Let Private Thomas Lowery of Co. G 11th New-Jersey Vols, now in hospital at Philadelphia, be discharged. Addressed to the Secretary of War [Edwin M. Stanton]. 1 p.
ANS. "At the request of Hon. Mr. Stevens, the pardon within requested is granted." Written on the back of an April 20, 1864 ALS from Thaddeus Stevens to Lincoln. 2 pp.
ANS. "Let the boy be discharge on refunding any bounty received." Written on the back of the sworn statement of Roxana Metcalf, who requests her son, Marquis L. Metcalf, be discharged and returned home as he is too young for military service. 1 p.
ANS. "Pardon, for unexecuted part of punishment." Written on the back of June 3 ALS from William H. Munroe, pleading for a pardon for deserter Charles B. Clark. 3 pp.
ANS. "Let this boy be discharged on refunding any bounty received." Written on the back of the sworn affidavit of William W. and Mary Ann Cassidy, who request the discharge of their son, as he is underage; attached to a letter from John G. Nicolay. 2 pp.
ANS, Executive Mansion. Recording that Oscar E. Burnham of 106th Co. H, New York Volunteers, is pardoned for any desertion charges provided he returns to his regiment and serves out the rest of his term. 1 p.
ANS. "Let this man be discharged, upon James F. King, being substituted for him, and not charged to the quota." Written on the back of a Sept. 22 autograph signed memo recording Lincoln's promise to discharge Lyman H. Tuttle should a suitable substitute be found. 2 pp.
ALS, Executive Mansion. Addressed to the Adjutant General [Lorenzo Thomas]. "If the drafted man Robert Westlake, will put in a good substitute, let him do so and be discharged." 1 p.
ANS. "Let Thomas W. Johnson, prisoner of war at Fort Delaware, take the oath of Dec. 8 and be discharged." Written on the back of a clipped letter from Andrew Johnson, with Johnson's signature. 1 p.
ANS. "Let the boy be discharged on refunding any bounty received." Written on the back of the sworn statement of Philena Fay, testifying that her son, Loomis C. Fay, enlisted underage. 1 p.
ANS. Pardoning a man for desertion on condition of return to his regiment. Written on a Dec. 29 ALS from James Jameson, requesting the pardon. Containing also the signatures of I[srael] Washburn and W[illiam] P[itt] Fessenden, testifying to the reliability of the writer. 4 pp.
ANS. "If the man puts in a substitute for three years, let him be discharged." Written on the back of a Jan. 10 letter from Lucius J. Hendee, requesting the discharge of Lafayette G. Fuller on grounds of his health. 1 p.
ANS. "Let this man be discharged." Written on the back of a letter from E.C. Ingersoll requesting the discharge of Ephraim Black. 2 pp.
ANS. "Pardon & discharge." Written on the back of a Jan. 8 letter to Lincoln requesting the pardon & discharge of Benjamin Shearer based on youth and health. 1 p.
ANS. "Let him be discharged." Written on the back of a letter from D.W. Young requesting the discharge of J. C. Denison. Approved and signed also by J. F. Farnsworth of the House of Representatives. 1 p.
ANS. "On the representation and at the request of Hon. J.C. Sloan of Wisconsin, Burt Scott, of the 3rd U.S. Cavalry is hereby pardoned for any desertion heretofore committed, and discharged the service." 1 p.
ANS. "Let these men take the oath of Dec. 8, 1863 & be discharged." Written on a letter from A.L. Knapp submitting the names of sixteen prisoners of war for discharge. 2 pp.
DS, on vellum. Appointing William Henry Forwood Assistant Surgeon. Signed also by Secretary of War Simon Cameron. 1 p.
DS, on vellum. Appointing John Godfrey Assistant Quartermaster of Volunteers with the rank of Captain. Signed also by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. 1 p.
DS. "Ferdinand Andrews is hereby appointed to discharge the duties of Second Auditor of the Treasury during the absence of E.B. French, the Auditor." 1 p.
ADS. Printed certificate appointing Manuel S. Salazar as "Agent for the Indians in the territory of New Mexico." Signed also by Secretary of the Interior J.P. Usher. 1 p.
For the affixing of the Seal of the United States.
DS. Ordering the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to a letter addressed to the President of Ecuador. 1 p.
DS. Ordering the Seal of the United States to be affixed to an envelope addressed to the Sultan of Turkey. 1 p.
DS. Ordering the Seal of the United States to be affixed to the ratification of the postal convention between the U.S. and Costa Rica. 1 p.
Various endorsements and signatures clipped from Lincoln letters and documents. All on small slips of paper.
Clipping of Lincoln's signature from a warrant. 1 p.
"Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War. A. Lincoln." On a piece of an envelope.
"Submitted to the Sec. of War. A. Lincoln."
"Let the men take the oath of Dec. 8, and be discharged. A. Lincoln."
"Let the men take the oath of Dec. 8, and be discharged. A. Lincoln."
"Let this man be discharged, on taking the oath of Dec. 8, 1863. A. Lincoln."
"Let this man take the oath of Dec. 8, 1864 and be discharged. A. Lincoln."
"Let this man take the oath of Dec. 8, 1863, and be discharged. A. Lincoln."
"Approved on taking oath. A. Lincoln."
"Let this man take the oath of Dec. 8, 1864 & be discharged. A. Lincoln."
"Let this man take the oath of Dec. 8, 1863 & be discharged. A. Lincoln."
"Let this man be discharged, on taking the oath of Dec. 8, 1863. A. Lincoln."
Lincoln's signature endorsing orders for a discharge.
ANS clipping from a letter or document reading: "Submitted to the Commissioner of Public Buildings, with direction that he give immediate attention to the subject." On a small piece of paper.
"Submitted to Gen. Halleck. A. Lincoln." With a few other words written on a clipping from an envelope.
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Including a fragment of a speech on Stephen Douglas, Lincoln's political opponent, and an agreement among Lincoln and the other proprietors of a cemetery in Springfield, Illinois.
AMs. Fragment of a speech on Stephen Douglas, mentioning their early acquaintance and the contrast in their careers. [The date is based on a written note by Lincoln, see Vol. II: 382-3 for more]
ADS with many other signatures, Springfield, Illinois. Agreement among the proprietors of lots in Hutchinson's Cemetery appointing John Hutchinson agent and superintendent of said cemetery. 1 p., very damaged. With a later note explaining that the agreement was found among John Hutchinson's papers. [Vol. III: 399] (Document is very damaged.)
Autograph endorsement on the back of a New York check from Spofford & Tileston.
AMs, in pencil. Consisting entirely of columns of numbers said to be tabulations of the number of Union forces at Knoxville, based on a telegraphic report from General Ambrose Burnside. Possible date October 20, 1863. 1 p.
AD. List of names for provost marshal in nine districts in Missouri. 1 p.
Stamped envelope docketed in Lincoln's hand: "David V. Derrickson. 20. Cong. Dist., Penn."