Civil War–dated partly-printed DS as president, signed "Abraham Lincoln," one page, 8 x 10, September 12, 1861. President Lincoln orders the Secretary of State "to affix the Seal of the United States to the President's Warrant for the pardon of Robert Craig." Signed at the conclusion in full by President Abraham Lincoln. In fine condition, with faint toning to the edges and folds, and a couple tiny edge chips.
Born in Philadelphia to Scottish and Irish immigrants, Robert Craig served on board the ship William F. Storer as it began its journey to Liverpool in 1860. While docked in the North River before departure, eight men, led by Craig, conducted a mutiny on board, gathering tools from the deck and beating steward Andrew Mitchell to death. Quickly arrested by Harbor Police, the men were tried and found guilty; Craig bore the brunt of the responsibility and was sentenced to seven years in prison. After reviewing the case—just one of over 1600 cases of military justice that landed on his desk during his presidency—Lincoln granted a pardon to Craig, who then returned to the Navy where he remained active until his discharge in October of 1865. A handsome example of Lincoln's liberal use of presidential pardons, giving a second chance to a Navy officer who would remain loyal for the duration of the Civil War.
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