Abraham Lincoln. Autograph docketing and signature as President, "Col. Wistar--Negro Regiments. Submitted to the Sec. of War, A. Lincoln Feb. 20, 1863", on cover addressed by Col. Isaac J. Wistar to "Hon. Wm. D. Kelley M.C., House of Representatives, Wash. D.C.", neat "Philadelphia Pa. Jan. 27, 1863" circular datestamp with matching "Free" in oval handstamp

VERY FINE. A RARE COVER DOCKETED AND SIGNED BY ABRAHAM LINCOLN, RELATING TO THE CONSCRIPTION OF "NEGRO REGIMENTS" DURING THE CIVIL WAR.

This letter was sent from Colonel Isaac J. Wistar to an anti-slavery congressman, William D. Kelley, shortly after the Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863. Kelley was a friend of Lincoln's and evidently thought the letter was important enough to bring to the President's attention. Lincoln then docketed the envelope and forwarded it to Secretary Edwin Stanton. Soon after the Emancipation Proclamation, four new black regiments were raised to join the Union forces.

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