Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) to Edwin McMasters Stanton
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00602 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph note signed Date: 12 May 1863 Pagination: 1 card ; 5.2 x 8.6 cm. Order a Copy
On a small card, President Lincoln requests that Stanton, Secretary of War, "see Mr. Dole & others, about the first colored regiment. Please do the best for them you can." Location inferred from outside sources.
As Commissioner of Indian Affairs during the Civil War, William P. Dole encouraged Lincoln to allow Native American and African American males to join the military. This note was written ten days before the United States War Department issued General Order Number 143 (22 May 1863) establishing a Bureau of Colored Troops to facilitate the recruitment of African American soldiers to the Union.
Sec. of War, please see Mr. Dole & others, about the first colored regiment. Please do the best for them you can.
May 12. 1863 A. Lincoln
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