War-dated handwritten endorsement on a 3.5 x 5.25 off-white slip, clipped from a larger sheet. Lincoln writes, in full: “Submitted to the Sec. of War & Genl. in Chief, A. Lincoln, Jan 11, 1864.” Above Lincoln’s endorsement is written in the hand of John B. Henderson, “Respectfully referred to his Excellency the President with the hope of favourable notice, J. B. Henderson.” Slip is affixed to an identical size piece of heavy cardstock.
Senator John B. Henderson of Missouri, representing a slave state, co-authored and co-sponsored the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution permanently prohibiting slavery in the United States. Henderson's original proposal, made January 11, 1864, the same date as this endorsement, was submitted to the Senate Judiciary Committee and on February 10, 1865, the judiciary committee presented the Senate with a proposal combining the drafts of Henderson and two other congressmen. Lincoln took an active role in the passing of this Amendment by adding it to the Republican Party platform for the upcoming presidential elections. The 13th Amendment was approved by the U. S. Congress on January 31, 1865, and was signed by President Abraham Lincoln the following day.
In fine condition, with a bit of scattered light toning and soiling, and some light feathering to Lincoln’s date. An item of incredible importance connecting two of the politicians involved in the most important addition to the United States Constitution in the past 200 years!
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