Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) to his Holiness, Pope Pius IX.
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 #: GLC01000 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) Place Written: Washington Type: Letter signed Date: 10 April 1861 Pagination: 2 p. + env. ; 42 x 27 cm Order a Copy
Letter of credence for Rufus King as U.S. Minister to Papal States.
Abraham Lincoln,
President of the United States of America.
To His Holiness Pope Pius IX, &c. &c. &c.
Great and Good Friend:
I have made [the] choice of Rufus King, one of our distinguished citizens, to reside near Your Holiness in the quality of Minister Resident of the United States of America. He is well informed of the relative interests of the two countries and of our sincere desire to cultivate and strengthen the friendship and good correspondence between us: and from a knowledge of his fidelity, probity and good conduct, I have entire confidence that he will render himself acceptable to Your Holiness by his constant endeavors to preserve and advance the interest and happiness of both nations. I therefore request Your Holiness to receive him favorably and to give full credence to whatever he shall say on the part of the United States; and most of all when he shall assure Your Holiness of their friendship and wishes for your prosperity. And I pray God to have Your Holiness in His safe keeping.
Written at the City of Washington this tenth day of April Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one.
Your Good Friend,
By the President: Abraham Lincoln
William H. Seward
Secretary of State.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.