Rare war-dated partly-printed DS as president, one page, 8 x 10, May 19, 1863. President Lincoln approves an international agreement, in part: “I hereby authorize and direct the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to my Proclamation of the Convention between the United States and Peru concluded on 20 December, 1862.” In fine condition, with faint toning along a horizontal fold passing through Lincoln’s signature.
In 1860, when two American vessels, the ‘Lizzie Thompson’ and ‘Georgiana,’ were found loading their ships with guano—Peru’s largest export and a declared article of contraband at the time—the Peruvian government captured and confiscated both, leading President Buchanan to break off diplomatic relations. As hostilities grew over the next two years, the stage was set for a foreign war, which some people hoped would unite the North and South. Always the diplomat, however, Lincoln reversed his predecessor’s policy and reestablished friendly relations, sending an envoy to Lima for the December 20, 1862, convention announced in this document. There the two nations agreed to appoint the King of Belgium as a ‘friendly arbitrator’ in the matter; when he returned judgment in favor of Peru, Lincoln immediately bowed to the Peruvian contention, settling the matter finally and peacefully. A rare document marking an interesting event in war-torn America’s international relations. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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