Details
LINCOLN, ABRAHAM, President. Autographed note signed ("A. Lincoln") as President, [to Joseph Holt]. [Washington, D.C.], 4 August 1864. One page, 45 x 75 mm. (1¾ x 2 7/8 in.), some overall browning; matted and framed. "Please send me, by the bearer, the record, in the case of A.J. Smith. Aug. 4. 1864 A. Lincoln." Received by William Johnston (note on verso).
On August 1, John Hay referred numerous petitions to Holt on behalf of Private Andrew J. Smith, U.S. General Service, convicted of falsely filling out and signing blank soldiers' discharges and final settlements. On June 7, 1864 he was sentenced to be dishonorably discharged, forfeit all pay, etc., and to be imprisoned at hard labor for the remainder of his term of enlistment. "On August 11, Lincoln endorsed Smith's court-martial record, 'Pardon for unexecuted portion of sentence'"--Basler, VII:479.
On August 1, John Hay referred numerous petitions to Holt on behalf of Private Andrew J. Smith, U.S. General Service, convicted of falsely filling out and signing blank soldiers' discharges and final settlements. On June 7, 1864 he was sentenced to be dishonorably discharged, forfeit all pay, etc., and to be imprisoned at hard labor for the remainder of his term of enlistment. "On August 11, Lincoln endorsed Smith's court-martial record, 'Pardon for unexecuted portion of sentence'"--Basler, VII:479.