Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) [Authorization for the Secretary of State to affix the United States seal to President Lincoln's proclamation]

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00030 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Document signed Date: 19 November 1864 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 25.3 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy

A docket in pencil indicates that this document refers to a proclamation to lift a blockade from ports in Virginia and Florida. This document is printed and all handwritten text is underlined.

William H. Seward served as Secretary of State 1861-1869.

I hereby authorize and direct the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to my Proclamation dated this day, and signed by me: and for so doing this shall be his warrant.

Abraham Lincoln
Washington, 19th November, 1864.

[docket]
19th Novr. 1861.

Raising blockade &
Norfolk, Fernandina
& Pensacola

[docket]
19th Novr. 1861.

Raising blockade &
Norfolk, Fernandina
& Pensacola

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865
Seward, William H. (William Henry), 1801-1872

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources