Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 7.25 x 9, December 17, 1864. President Lincoln directs “the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to a Warrant for the Pardon of David S. Everett.” Nicely double-matted and framed to an overall size of 14.75 x 16.5. In fine condition, with expected document wear and light creases (one light diagonal crease trivially passing through a letter at the end of his signature.
Lincoln granted this pardon for a highly unusual case—David Everett was only twelve years old. He had been caught stealing letters from boxes at the post office in Providence, Rhode Island, and under the existing statutes there was no choice but to convict him and sentence him to the minimum of two years. A movement began almost immediately to free the boy, but his advocates believed there was a greater chance of success in their petition for clemency if Everett served part of his sentence. On the first anniversary of his conviction, the jailer, prosecuting attorney, presiding judge, and governor of Rhode Island submitted recommendations for the pardon of Everett to the attorney general’s office. The request was expedited to President Lincoln, who summarily granted the pardon with the present document. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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