![LINCOLN, Abraham. Autograph endorsement signed ("A. Lincoln") as President, [Washington, D.C.], 11 June 1862. 1 page, 4to, six lines, signature and date-line in center portion of a folded sheet (probably detached from a letter to Lincoln), minor browning, otherwise in good condition.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2003/NYR/2003_NYR_01318_0297_000(070601).jpg?w=1)
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LINCOLN, Abraham. Autograph endorsement signed ("A. Lincoln") as President, [Washington, D.C.], 11 June 1862. 1 page, 4to, six lines, signature and date-line in center portion of a folded sheet (probably detached from a letter to Lincoln), minor browning, otherwise in good condition.
"CONSISTENTLY WITH THE PUBLIC SERVICE." Writing during the height of Stonewall Jackson's Valley campaign, the President makes a recommendation: "I shall be glad for the within request to be granted, if it can be consistently with the public service." His phrase, "consistently with the public service," is a striking one that occurs with some frequency in Lincoln's presidential endorsements and notes. In April 1862, Lincoln used a less striking echo of the phrase in a note to Stanton: "so far as public service will permit" (Basler, Supplement 10:131). In this and similar endorsements employing that qualification, Lincoln directs the recipient to perform a particular action only if it does not contravene law and established practice, leaving the determination of that up to the particular official.
"CONSISTENTLY WITH THE PUBLIC SERVICE." Writing during the height of Stonewall Jackson's Valley campaign, the President makes a recommendation: "I shall be glad for the within request to be granted, if it can be consistently with the public service." His phrase, "consistently with the public service," is a striking one that occurs with some frequency in Lincoln's presidential endorsements and notes. In April 1862, Lincoln used a less striking echo of the phrase in a note to Stanton: "so far as public service will permit" (Basler, Supplement 10:131). In this and similar endorsements employing that qualification, Lincoln directs the recipient to perform a particular action only if it does not contravene law and established practice, leaving the determination of that up to the particular official.