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FREEDOM FOR CONFEDERATE PRISONERS
153
●
LINCOLN, ABRAHAM. Autograph Endorsement dated and Signed, “A.
Lincoln,” as President: “Let this man take the oath of Dec. 8. 1863 and be discharged,”
clipped from a larger sheet. 4
3
/
4
x 6
1
/
2
inches, ruled paper; additional endorsement of peti-
tion written in another hand at upper edge recto, minor scattered soiling, portion of
petitioner’s letter on verso, remnants of prior mounting at corners recto, vertical folds.
[Washington], 13 December 1864
[3,500/5,000]
In his Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction, issued December 8, 1863, Lincoln offered a par-
don and restoration of property to all participants in the rebellion against the Union who take an oath
(with certain exceptions).The oath specifically requires the “support [of] all acts of congress passed dur-
ing the existing rebellion with reference to slaves . . . .”