Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) [Note allowing John Swisher to take the oath of 8 December 1863]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00693.03 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph endorsement signed Date: 11 January 1865 Pagination: 1 p. ; 26 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Lincoln autograph endorsement signed on a letter from Edward McPherson to President Lincoln requesting clemency for a man, dated 10 January 1865. Lincoln's endorsement reads, "Let this man, John Swisher take the oath of Dec. 8, 1863 & be discharged." McPherson was Clerk of the House of Representatives.
On 8 December 1863, Lincoln issued the Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction to pardon those who took an oath of loyalty to the Union even though the war was not yet over.
To the President --
If I had time, I w[ou]ld gladly accompany this lady, who wishes to see you respecting a brother now in Camp Douglas, who is extremely anxious to be released. His friends fear, that long confinement is unsettling his mind. He is anxious to take the oath, & his friends, who are loyal citizens [inserted of the County] of Gettysburg, Pa, guarantee that he will keep it. I respectfully commend her case to you.
Very respy
Yr obnt. St.
Edw McPherson.
Jan 7 1865.
[verso]
Let the man, John Swisher take the oath of Dec. 8, 1863 & be discharged.
A. Lincoln
Jan. 11, 1865
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