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ABRAHAM LINCOLNAuthorizes & Signs - My Proclamation - August 18, 1864

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:3,750.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 7,000.00 USD
ABRAHAM LINCOLNAuthorizes & Signs - My Proclamation - August 18, 1864
Autographs
“Abraham Lincoln” Authorizes & Signs “My Proclamation”
ABRAHAM LINCOLN (February 12, 1809 - April 15, 1865). 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April of 1865.
August 18, 1864-Dated Civil War Period, Partially-Printed Document Signed, “Abraham Lincoln” as President, 1 page (upon a folded 4 page sheet), measuring about 10” x 8” (Quarto), Washington (DC), Very Fine. Signed during the Civil War, Lincoln recognizes the Port of Newport, Vermont as a key point of commerce for trade between the United States and Canada. Minor outer edge tone from a prior display, somewhat light manuscript portions, nicely printed in black upon fine period wove light blue paper, overall in nice condition. The primary word “Proclamation,” measuring a huge 4.5” long. Lincoln writes his full name for the signature, “Abraham Lincoln” which is well written in deeper brown ink and appears as the most prominent item upon the page, drawing one’s eye immediately to it, measuring over 2.5” long. Docket on the blank reverse reads: “18th August, 1864.” This Document reads, in full:

“I hereby authorize and direct the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to my Proclamation, dated this day, and signed by me and for so doing this shall be his warrant. -- (Signed) “Abraham Lincoln” --- Washington, August 18,1864.”

The “Proclamation” specifically referred to in this Authorization Document was also issued on that same day of August 18, 1864. That Document recognizes the Port of Newport, Vermont, as “entitled to all the privileges in regard to the exportation of merchandise in bond to the British North American Provinces adjoining the United States…”. Considered a part of the “Northeast Kingdom,” the City of Newport sits on the southern edge of Lake Memphremagog. Its shared proximity to the Canadian border which actually bisects that lake, made it an important gateway for commerce between the U.S. and the Canadian Province of Quebec during the American Civil War Era and 19th century in general. Accompanied with a photocopy of the printed text of the “Proclamation”.