Abraham Lincoln

Civil War-dated partly-printed DS as president, one page, 15 x 18, March 6, 1862. President Lincoln appoints Arthur J. Pritchard as "Assistant Paymaster in the Navy." Prominently signed at the conclusion by Lincoln and countersigned by Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles. The light green wafer seal affixed to lower vignette is worn but intact. Handsomely double-matted and framed with a bust image of Lincoln and an information placard to an overall size of 32 x 27.25. In very good to fine condition, with light soiling and staining (most noticeably along the central vertical fold). Welles's signature is light but legible, while Lincoln's signature is clean and bold. On the very date of this commission, President Lincoln delivered a message that urged Congress to adopt a joint resolution encouraging gradual emancipation. Aiming to limit the growth of slavery in states bordering the South, the plan offered federal financing to assist in the economic transition of any state that abolished slavery. Congress passed the resolution, but no state accepted the offer.

Format:DS