April 20, 1864: Abraham Lincoln Clipped Endorsement

Abraham Lincoln was well known for his generosity in granting clemency and pardons to both Union and Confederate soldiers. He seems to have been truly sympathetic to their plight, but his mercy also had strategic aims. He was generous with pardons for Confederates in an attempt to regain their loyalty and trust; a strategy that would later be evident in his plans for Reconstruction.

Transcription:

Let this man take the oath of Dec 8 and be discharged.

A. Lincoln

April 20, 1864

Citation: Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865), autograph document signed. Washington, D.C.:  20 April 1864. AMs 353/14.