Abraham Lincoln, 7 March 1865

LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Document signed ("Abraham Lincoln") as President, Executive Mansion, Washington, 7 March 1865.

Two pages of lined paper joined at top margin, 353 x 210mm, docketed "Executive Order in favor of Robert B. Baker" on verso (minor partial marginal fold splits).

Lincoln issues a safe conduct pass to Philadelphia merchant Robert B. Baker who "claims to own or control products of the insurrectionary States which he proposes to sell and deliver to Agents authorized to purchase for the United States." Lincoln orders that Baker be permitted to deliver his goods "free from seizure, detention or forfeiture to the United States," and that he shall be granted "free and unmolested passage through the lines, other than blockaded lines, and safe conduct within the lines...." The lower corner indicates, in light pencil, that this pass was presented at some point by a Major James Harkins(?) a Pay Master in the USCT.