Description:

ABRAHAM LINCOLN
(1809-1865) Sixteenth President of the United States who led the Union through the Civil War and emancipated the slaves, assassinated. Fine content A.E.S. "A. Lincoln" as President, [Washington], March 7, 1862 on the verso of a heartfelt (to say the least) A.L.S. of one "Miss Gould" 3pp. 8vo., [n.p., n.d.] who writes a lengthy and passionate plea for a pardon to be granted her imprisoned son. In part:: "Allow a lady to call your attention for a few momentous duties devolving upon one in your Station, to an act which can bring joy to a crushed heart, or death to its remaining hope...no trifling result hangs on one word of yours. Most noble Sir, whose heart I am told can be touched by the recital of sorrows, in pity hear me, and heal this bleeding heart. Turn not coldly away…See your precious boy thus, and you will feel for her who pleads with thee. If I mistake, respected, Sir, take these lines to your gifted lady, - woman's heart is quickly alive to a Suffering one, her sensitiveness would in a moment's space picture the terrible agony of one interceding for a being, in whole life, her own is measured. She will importune for me and, and - will prevail…Would to heaven, I might kneel at your feet, and implore this pardon…Let mercy shine through the cloud, gradually dispelling the darkness, till one bright blaze of sunshine is only visible, and yourself the centre of brightness.-who commanded, and it was done! Do you, most worthy magistrate, fear a repetition? Oh! Safely may you banish, as far as heaven from earth, such apprehension…I assure you, the laws of our country will never be marred again, by his hand; -- a lifetime of better wretchedness has he spent in the last ten months…God Strengthen you to bid us live again in the bounds that bond us, till stronger united…I am most happy to assure you, the Judge and Attorney fully acquiesce in this matter, as the letter of introduction will prove to you. How much I should love to look upon your face, but yield this pleasure to others…" Obviously moved by the woman's eloquent plea, Lincoln directed Attorney General Edwin Stanton, adding his endorsement: "Respectfully submitted to the Attorney General with the request of as early an examination as possible." A superb demonstration of Lincoln's penchant for granting pardons. Very lightly toned at left margin, minor pin holes at top, usual folds, else fine condition.

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June 3, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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