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 The Emancipation ProclamationSigned Authorized Edition” of the Document That Saved America All persons held as slaves within said designated States and
parts of States are and henceforward shall be free.” ABRAHAM LINCOLN. Document Signed as President, Authorized Edition” of the Emancipation Proclamation, co-signed by William Seward as Secretary of State, and John Nicolay as Private
Secretary to the President. Washington, D.C., January 1, 1863 [but printed and signed 1864]. one page, 17¼ x 21¾ inches, J. Whatman watermarked paper. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. With this
Executive Order, he took a decisive stand on the most contentious issue in American history, redefined the Union’s goals and strategy, and sounded the death knell for slavery. The text of his proclamation reveals the major issues of the Civil
War: slave labor as a Confederate resource, slavery as a central war issue, the status of African Americans who escaped to Union lines, courting border states, Constitutional and popular constraints on emancipation, hopes of reunion, questions of
Northern acceptance of black soldiers, and America’s place in a world moving toward abolition. The President took the action, sincerely believed to be an act of justice,” knowing that it might cost him the election. This Authorized Edition” was
created in 1864 to aid Union troops. It was signed by Abraham Lincoln, Secretary of State William Seward, and John Nicolay, the President’s private secretary, to be sold at the Philadelphia Great Central Sanitary Fair. In Lincoln’s words, the fairs
raised money to relieve and comfort our brave soldiers.” Of only 48 copies signed by Lincoln, 26 are known to survive, nearly all are in (or are expected to be donated to) institutions. Condition. Large, bold Abraham Lincoln
signature. The signatures of William Seward and John Nicolay are fine, but as is typical, lighter than the President’s. Conservator’s condition report available on request. Provenance. Private collection since at least the
1960s.# Follow this link to the full single-item catalogue for The Emancipation Proclamation: http://www.siegelauctions.com/2012/1025/1025A.pdf (Image) Search for comparables at
SiegelAuctions.com |
E. 1,800,000-2,400,000
SOLD for $1,850,000.00
Will close during Public Auction |
