LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Manuscript document signed ("Abraham Lincoln") as President, Washington, 21 December 1863. Co-signed by William H. SEWARD as Secretary of State.

Two pages, 390 x 270mm, bifolium with paper seal. (Condition lacking, complete separations, and tape repairs, sold for content and signature value.)

Lincoln pardons the treasurer of the Confederate government of Kentucky, John Burnam, whose home was later the headquarters of Gen. Rosencrans during the Tennessee offensive. The "Confederate government of Kentucky" operated as a shadow government established by a group of Confederate sympathizers, with Bowling Green as its capitol; this rogue assembly never officially replaced the elected government in Frankfort, nor did it gain the support of the entire state, with a majority of support being limited to the half of the state close to the Confederate battle lines. Nevertheless, this provincial government was recognized by the C.S.A, being the final state admitted to the Confederacy in December 1861.

Shortly following Grant's victory at Fort Henry in February 1862, Burnam (along with the other leadership of the provincial government) left the state and sought refuge in Tennessee, where they travelled with the Army of Tennessee for most of the rest of the war. The document does not mention when Barnum returned to his home in Kentucky, yet a New York Times article, dated 3 November 1862, states: "Gen. ROSECRANS and Staff arrived in Bowling Green on Saturday. On his arrival he went immediately to Gen. MCCOOK's headquarters. The next day, he established his headquarters at the residence of JOHN BURNAM, one of the luminaries and officials of the bogus Provisional Government of Kentucky. This BURNAM was Treasurer of the concern, and, like the chief of traitors, Judas, carried the bag, and, like his illustrious prototype, has, I presume, gone to his own place. He is not here..."

Records from the Confederate government of Kentucky are scant, though Burnam later returned to Kentucky, took the oath of allegiance to the Union and executed a bond of "ten thousand dollars for his future good behavior". Lincoln, upon hearing "many loyal citizens of Kentucky have earnestly petitioned for his pardon", so pardons him of all treasons, felonies and misdemeanors.

[With:] LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Document signed as President, Washington, 22 August 1862. Co-signed by Salmon CHASE as Secretary of the Treasury. One page, 280 x 400mm (one full separation, uneven toning from removal of prior seal, chipping on lower edge). Appointing Joseph Hoxie as tax collector for the fifth collection district of New York.

[Also with:] LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Document signed as President, Washington, 28 February 1863. Co-signed by Salmon CHASE as Secretary of the Treasury. One page, 420 x 525mm (two complete fold separations, uneven toning from prior framing). Appointing Peter M. Pearson as Assessor of Internal Revenue for the First District of Washington D.C.

Sold as a group, not subject to return.