DS as president, one page, 20.5 x 16, November 3, 1863. A four-language ship’s pass. In part: “Leave and permission are hereby given to William T. Neames, master … of the ship called Arnolda of the burden of 359 & 79/95 tons, or thereabouts, lying at present in the port of New Bedford bound for the Pacific Ocean and laden with Provisions, Stores and utensils for a whaling voyage, to depart and proceed…. We … declare upon oath that the vessel … is of the United States of America and that no subjects of the present belligerent Powers have any part or portion therein…. Please receive the said master with goodness, and treat him in a becoming manner, permitting him, on paying the usual tolls and expenses … to frequent the ports, passes, and territories … where and in what manner he shall judge proper.” Nicely signed on the third panel in black ink, “Abraham Lincoln,” and countersigned by Secretary of State William Seward. Archivally matted and framed with a seated portrait of Lincoln and a biographical plaque to an overall size of 40.5 x 26.5. Lincoln’s invitation to make the most famous speech of presidency, the Gettysburg Address, arrived in a letter on November 2, the day before signing the present document; he made the address two weeks later, on November 19. In the meantime (on November 9), one of the President’s diversions was a performance of the play The Marble Heart at Ford’s Theater; the star was none other than John Wilkes Booth. Bisecting vertical separation, several small tape repairs, worn but intact seal, and some scattered light toning and soiling, otherwise fine condition. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA. Oversized.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
