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Partly-printed DS as president, signed "Abraham Lincoln," one page, 8 x 10, January 6, 1864. President Lincoln directs the Secretary of State "to affix the Seal of the United States to the envelope of a letter of ceremony addressed to His Majesty Christian IX, King of Denmark." Nicely signed at the conclusion "Abraham Lincoln." In very good to fine condition, with light toning and several old tape stains, none affecting Lincoln's bold signature.
A bloody Civil War did not mean that political protocol had to be abandoned, as evidenced by Lincoln's sending a congratulatory message to Christian IX on his accession to the throne of Denmark. Albeit nearly two months after the fact—Christian took the throne on November 16, 1863 and reigned until his death in 1906—Lincoln's ceremonial pronouncement here was undoubtedly a welcome respite from the dogs of war the president faced daily. President Lincoln, at his own expense, also sent Denmark's ruler a pair of Colt revolvers.
As the Civil War continued in America, Lincoln used his favorable relationship with Denmark to try to persuade European nations to side with his administration after the spread of anti-Union feelings in Northern Europe—shrewdly waging a media war at home and abroad. During his decades on the throne, Christian became known as 'the father-in-law of Europe' as his six children married into other royal houses—with most current European monarchs his descendants.
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