ABRAHAM LINCOLN Handwritten Envelope Circa 1863 With Autograph Letter SIGNED PSA

Phenomenal Abraham Lincoln Handwritten Endorsement For A Controversial Civil War Chaplain Who Believed in "The Salvation of Rebel Souls"

Legendary 16th President of the United States, ABRAHAM LINCOLN handwritten envelope addressed in Senator Preston King's hand "To The President". Lincoln annotates in pencil across the side margin: "James Shrigley - wants to be re-nominated as hospital chaplain." At the time, Shrigley was a Universalist Minister tending to wounded Civil War soldiers in Philadelphia. Accompanying the envelope is the original appeal letter from Shrigley, which was forwarded by Preston King and handled and read by President Lincoln. 

The Lincoln endorsement includes Shrigley's original letter appealing to Senator Preston King to request his re-nomination from Lincoln; King, in turn forwards the request to Lincoln, noting, "The Reverend Thomas J. Sawyer recommends to the above to me for confirmation by the Senate supposing him to be nominated. I know Mr. Sawyer and hold great respect for his opinion. Respectfully, Preston King". An excellent archive including an original handwritten note from Lincoln along with a letter personally read and handled by Lincoln!

Ultimately, Shrigley was in fact re-nominated, but not without some difficulty when a group of Protestant ministers traveled to Washington hoping to dissuade President Lincoln from making the appointment. The President asked on what grounds they were opposed to Shrigley. They replied that Shrigley believed in the salvation of all souls, and that even the rebels would be saved. Lincoln’s response was that, if that be so, the Reverend Mr. Shrigley deserved to be a Chaplain in the U. S. Army. Shrigley served at the McClellan Army Hospital in Philadelphia until 1865.

The Lincoln handwritten envelope has been thoroughly reviewed and CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC BY PSA/DNA EXPERT EXAMINATION and encapsulated inside PSA/DNA's proprietary sonically-sealed, tamper-evident holder. UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED GENUINE. 

Condition is as shown. The Lincoln envelope measures appx. 3" x 5.5" inside 4.25" x 7.25" encapsulate, and exhibits expected wear consistent with age, use, and handling including stains and toning. Additional pencil notation in collector's hand, "Lincoln's writing". Additionally, the Shrigley letter has been archivally mended for added stability and preservation. Pencil notation on interior page, as "A. Lincoln" in unknown hand. The Shrigley letter measures 7.75" x 9.75" (folded).

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Own a remarkable, investment-quality piece of American history! The perfect gift for the Presidential collector, Lincoln aficionado, autograph enthusiast, or History buff.

Sold as is, as shown.