Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) to Ladies managing the Soldier's Fair, re: declining invitation & Sherman's news
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 #: GLC01303 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) Place Written: Washington Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1864/12/19 Pagination: 1 p. 26 x 21 cm Order a Copy
Written on Executive Mansion stationery. Lincoln alludes to the "good news" of Sherman's March to the Sea.
Executive Mansion,
Washington, Dec. 19, 1864.
The ladies managing the
Soldiers Fair at
Springfield, Massachusetts
Your kind invitation to be present at the opening of your Fair is duly received by the hand of Mr. Ashmun. Grateful for the compliment, and ever anxious to aid the good cause in which you are engaged, I yet am compelled by public duties here, to decline. The recent good news from Generals Sherman, Thomas and indeed from nearly all quarters, will be far better than my presence, and will afford all the impulse, and enthusiasm, you will need.
Your Obt. Servt
A. Lincoln
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.