Lincoln, Abraham, as Sixteenth President

Autograph note signed ("A. Lincoln") on a slip of paper (3 3/8 x 2 7/8 in.; 84 x 75 mm) cut from a larger sheet, [Washington], 17 June 1861; soiled, crude early repair on verso to fold separation.

James Donaldson — Mrs. M. Perry (inscription on the reverse, "Presented to Mrs. M. Perry by James Donaldson April 5th 1866")

Not in The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, ed. Basler, and presumably unpublished.

Autograph note signed ("A. Lincoln") on a slip of paper (3 3/8 x 2 7/8 in.; 84 x 75 mm) cut from a larger sheet, [Washington], 17 June 1861; soiled, crude early repair on verso to fold separation.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

An unrecorded example of Lincoln's famous "wants to work" notes: "This boy wants to work. Can any of the Departments find any thing for him to do—I shall be obliged if they will try." It is possible that the present note is connected to a letter that the President received from Amos Tuck of Boston, 29 April 1861: "If the undersigned can be of greater service to the Country in any other place than that which he now occupies, he prays you so to employ him. At such a time as this, I desire to do the most I can, within the sphere of my humble ability, and will, (with permission), employ a Deputy, or if necessary, resign my post, for one of more usefulness. In this part of the country the people all feel the magnitude of the struggle now going on, they wish not to shirk it, are ready for any sacrifices and thank God the issue is to be reached in their day. They want thorough work made, both of traitors and treason, cost what it will, of blood and treasure. We must transmit our institutions and our undivided country to our posterity, subjugating all enemies and thoroughly subduing all rebels, or be dishonored in the eyes of the whole world, as well as in our own estimation. So say the people of the North, — the men, women and even the children. Fear not that you will not have the hearts of the people with you. Their enthusiasm is unbounded and hundreds of thousands are impatient for the conflict."

The most famous example of this genre of Lincoln's letters was written to Major George Ramsay, 17 October, 1861: "The lady—bearer of this—says she has two sons who want to work. Set them at it, if possible. Wanting to work is so rare a merit, that it should be encouraged" (Basler 4:556). Lincoln returned to this theme at least twice. Once in a note very similar to the present, 23 January 1862, "This man wants to work—so uncommon a want that I think it ought to be gratified. I shall be obliged by any Head of a Bureau, or Department who can and will find work for him" (Basler 5:109). And again in an endorsement on a letter of recommendation for L. Loury Moore, "I am always for the man who wishes to work; and I shall be glad for this man to get suitable employment at Cavalry Depot, or elsewhere" (Basler 7:495).