Lincoln, Abraham, as Sixteenth President

Autograph note signed ("A. Lincoln"), 1 page (3 3/4 x 4 1/2 in.; 95 x 115 mm), on letterhead "Executive Mansion," Washington, DC, 11 March 1863, to Charles Sumner; formerly folded. Matted, glazed and framed with engraved portrait of Lincoln and carte-de-visite sized photos of Mary Todd Lincoln and two residences.

R.P. Basler, ed. Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln (1953), vol. 6

Clean, small crease from fold.
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.

The President awaits suggested candidates:"I still have no name for Solicitor to go to Peru. Have you?"

Sumner (1811-1874) was chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. An act approved March 3, 1863, to carry into effect the Convention with Peru signed at Lima on January 12, 1863, authorized the appointment of a solicitor "learned in the Spanish language.'' No reply from Sumner has been found, but the U.S. Official Register, 1863, lists Henry R. La Reintrie of Maryland as solicitor to Peru.