Lincoln, Abraham, as sixteenth President

2 engraved broadside documents signed (each ca. 12 x 17 3/4 in.; 304 x 449 mm) on paper, accomplished in a clerical hand, Washington, 18 April 1861 and 15 July 1861, each appointing Green Clay of Kentucky to be Secretary of the United States Legation at St. Petersburg, both countersigned by Secretary of State William H. Seward, both with embossed seal of the United States; the second with some short fold separations.

2 engraved broadside documents signed (each ca. 12 x 17 3/4 in.; 304 x 449 mm) on paper, accomplished in a clerical hand, Washington, 18 April 1861 and 15 July 1861, each appointing Green Clay of Kentucky to be Secretary of the United States Legation at St. Petersburg, both countersigned by Secretary of State William H. Seward, both with embossed seal of the United States; the second with some short fold separations.
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.

Lincoln appointments to the Court of Alexander II. The earlier of Clay's two appointments as "Secretary of the Legation of the United States if America at St. Petersburg" was issued on Lincoln's sole authority when Congress was not in session and had a term only "until the end of the next session of the Senate of the United States and no longer." His second appointment, a scant three months later, was made "with the advice and consent of the Senate" and had no explicit terminus.