ANS, one page, 4.75 x 7, July 4, 1864. The text of a telegram to be sent to Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. After penning the heading “Capitol, July 4, 1864, 9:40 A.M.,” Lincoln writes: “Sec. of War, War Department. Please come here, A. Lincoln.” Matted and framed with a nineteenth-century engraving and several engraved plaques to an overall size of 20.5 x 38.5. On the same day as he penned this telegram, Lincoln sent another communication to Stanton in which he took a dismissive view of his own security: “I believe I need no escort, and unless the Sec. of War directs, none need attend me.” The was also the day on which Lincoln vetoed the controversial Wade-Davis reconstruction bill, which outlined a stringent slate of requirements for readmission to the Union and would have given control of reconstruction to Congress. The telegram is accompanied by a 1929 letter of provenance from Winthrop Baldwin Morris, whose mother originally obtained the item from James Elverson, a young telegraph operator present in the office when Lincoln sent the message, and later the owner of the Philadelphia Enquirer. In fine condition, with light folds, mild toning, scattered light soiling, and secretarial pen notation. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA. Oversized. Featured collection item.
