Desirable boldly penned autograph endorsement as president, signed “A. Lincoln,” dated January 23, 1864, penned on the reverse of a petition requesting the release of two prisoners of war, one page, 8 x 12.5, September 14, 1863. Lincoln writes, in full: “Let the persons alone named, take the oath of Dec. 8 and be discharged.” The original document appoints an attorney to execute “any bond or obligation which may be necessary to obtain the release of W. H. Smith & A. C. Smith prisoners of War now confined in Camp Douglas, Illinois, members of Col. Smith’s Regiment CSA.” Professionally cleaned and silked on both sides for reinforcement. In fine condition, with trimmed edges and archival repairs to separated folds.
This piece references one of Lincoln’s major steps towards reunifying the nation, his ‘Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction’ of December 8, 1863. By this proclamation, any of those who participated in the rebellion—with the exception of high-ranking Confederate officers—could swear an oath of allegiance to the United States of America and be pardoned with their citizenship, rights, and property restored. For all but the staunchest ideologues, this was an easy decision. Camp Douglas was one of the Union’s largest camps for prisoners of war and had some of the poorest conditions. With President Lincoln’s endorsement, these two prisoners were relieved from the harsh prison life at Camp Douglas and given the freedom to begin anew. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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