![LINCOLN, Abraham. Autograph endorsement signed ("A. Lincoln") as President, 4 July 1864. Five lines plus signature and date on the integral blank of an Autograph letter signed to Lincoln from Lieutenant James Jameson, Headquarters, Camp Tod[d], [Virginia], 3 July 1864. Together two pages, 4to, neatly separated.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2006/NYR/2006_NYR_01636_0114_000(120833).jpg?w=1)
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LINCOLN, Abraham. Autograph endorsement signed ("A. Lincoln") as President, 4 July 1864. Five lines plus signature and date on the integral blank of an Autograph letter signed to Lincoln from Lieutenant James Jameson, Headquarters, Camp Tod[d], [Virginia], 3 July 1864. Together two pages, 4to, neatly separated.
LINCOLN DECLINES AN ARMED ESCORT TO AN INDEPENDENCE DAY OBSERVANCE: "I BELIEVE I NEED NO ESCORT"
An interesting exchange between the President, General Auger, Military Commander of Washington and one of his garrison officers. In an effort to relieve pressure on Richmond, Lee had ordered General Jubal A. Early to launch an offensive up the Shenandoah Valley into Maryland, threatening Washington itself. On 2 July, Early was in Winchester, and on the 3rd and 4th attempted to probe for a weak spot along the Potomac. Uncertainty over these military moves may partly explain the military escort Lincoln here declines. Lieutanant Johnson respectfully writes to the Commander-in-Chief: "I received orders from Maj Gen. Auger the Military Governor of the District of Washington to report twenty men to your excellency as an escort. I reported the same and received a verbal order that the men were not wanted and will refer the same to you in the morning provided you wish it...." On the integral blank Major General C.C. Auger has written: "If his Excellency the President of the U.S. wishes an escort, Lt. Jameson will furnish it...." On the other fold, Lincoln politely declines: "I believe I need no escort, and unless the Sec. of War [Edwin M. Stanton] directs, none need attend me."
From the date and the involvement of the Secretary of War, it has been conjectured that that the President and Secretary of State were preparing to attend a 4th of July observance in the capital that day. Not in Basler or Supplements and presumably unpublished.
LINCOLN DECLINES AN ARMED ESCORT TO AN INDEPENDENCE DAY OBSERVANCE: "I BELIEVE I NEED NO ESCORT"
An interesting exchange between the President, General Auger, Military Commander of Washington and one of his garrison officers. In an effort to relieve pressure on Richmond, Lee had ordered General Jubal A. Early to launch an offensive up the Shenandoah Valley into Maryland, threatening Washington itself. On 2 July, Early was in Winchester, and on the 3rd and 4th attempted to probe for a weak spot along the Potomac. Uncertainty over these military moves may partly explain the military escort Lincoln here declines. Lieutanant Johnson respectfully writes to the Commander-in-Chief: "I received orders from Maj Gen. Auger the Military Governor of the District of Washington to report twenty men to your excellency as an escort. I reported the same and received a verbal order that the men were not wanted and will refer the same to you in the morning provided you wish it...." On the integral blank Major General C.C. Auger has written: "If his Excellency the President of the U.S. wishes an escort, Lt. Jameson will furnish it...." On the other fold, Lincoln politely declines: "I believe I need no escort, and unless the Sec. of War [Edwin M. Stanton] directs, none need attend me."
From the date and the involvement of the Secretary of War, it has been conjectured that that the President and Secretary of State were preparing to attend a 4th of July observance in the capital that day. Not in Basler or Supplements and presumably unpublished.