Lincoln, Abraham, Sixteenth President

Autograph note signed ("A. Lincoln"), (3 1/4 x 2 1/4 in.; 55 x 81 mm, sight) on blue ruled  paper, [Washington], 25 February 1865, allowing an unnamed individual to take the Oath of 8 December 1863 and be discharged. In a handpainted, ink-ruled and gilded mat with a bronze relief portrait of Lincoln in profile, in an elaborate brass frame with a leafy meander border surmounted by an eagle with unfurled wings, double-glazed to display the reverse of the medal.  

Autograph note signed ("A. Lincoln"), (3 1/4 x 2 1/4 in.; 55 x 81 mm, sight) on blue ruled paper, [Washington], 25 February 1865, allowing an unnamed individual to take the Oath of 8 December 1865 and be discharged. In a handpainted, ink-ruled and gilded mat with a bronze relief portrait of Lincoln in profile, in a gilt bronze frame with a leafy meander border surmounted by an eagle with unfurled wings, double-glazed to display the reverse of the medal.
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 applies his Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction to a Confederate sympathizer a little more than a month before the war drew to a conclusive end. "Allow this man to take the oath of Dec. 8, 1863 & be discharged."  On 8 December 1863, despite the fact that the war still waged on,  Lincoln issued a proclamation to provide a means of repatriating "those who resume their allegiance." To those who took an oath of loyalty, he was prepared to issue a full pardon, with some notable exceptions which he delineated in the proclamation.