An autographed note signed by Abraham Lincoln is to cross the block at RR Auction.
Bidding on the lot stands at $5,576 ahead of the September 16 close date.
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The note is written in response to a former Confederate soldier named EH Bennett, who was captured during the civil war by Union forces in 1862.
Bennett writes: "i am a citizen of crittendon county kentucky was arrested at home on the 25th of november 1862 and sent to this place carged with aiding gurrillers with out any confermation my cace was investigated last summer by general McClain he told me he wald recommend my immediate release i wald take the oath which i never refused i have heard nothing from it since if you will get me releast so i can go home to my suffering family your charge shall be paid and your faver never forgat."
The oath refers to an arrangement at Johnson's Island prison that allowed Confederate prisoners to go free of they took an oath of allegiance to the Union.
Here Bennett explains that he is keen to take the oath, but has heard nothing since he spoke with the commanding officer.
Lincoln writes: "It would not be safe to act on this case with out some knowledge of the man. I suggest to Senator Powell to refer the letter to the Rep whose District Crittenden County is, who may have, or possibly can get some knowledge of the man."
The letter sold for $13,750 at Bonhams New York earlier this year.
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