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Princeton University Library Collection of Abraham Lincoln Materials

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Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.

Overview and metadata sections

The collection consists of selected correspondence and documents, both original and facsimiles, of Abraham Lincoln, 16th president of the United States. The correspondence includes an autograph letter to R. M. Corwin; a letter to Princeton University President John MacLean, dated Dec. 27, 1864, in which Lincoln acknowledges the award of an honorary degree; two letters to James Gordon Bennett; and two sheets of material regarding Edward Lewis and William H. Herndon, who were clients of Lincoln when he was a lawyer in Illinois. The documents include an original engrossed souvenir copy of the 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution for the abolition of slavery. Written on vellum and dated February 1, 1865, the document was signed by Lincoln and other officers of Congress after it was approved by both houses. There is a signed document regarding the acceptance of Carl Messing's credentials. There are also documents for the appointment of John T. Robinson as Deputy Postmaster in Princeton, New Jersey, William L. Dayton, Jr. (Princeton Class of 1861), as Assistant Secretary of the United States Legation in Paris, Rev. Nathaniel West as Chaplain of the United States Hospital at Philadelphia, and Otis F. Presbrey as Tax Assessor in the State of New York. Also included are a photostat of a speech on "Sectionalism"; an inauguration day pass dated March 3, 1865, and an envelope addressed to "Mr. Linken, the Presendent" with "Death to Traitors!" printed on the outside, which is postmarked May 15, 1861. In addition, there is a silver gelatin photograph copy of a Lincoln photograph, No. 180 of 500, made by the Curtiss Studio of New Haven, Conn., from an original by Alexander Gardner that was taken on February 5, 1865, in Washington, D.C.

In addition, there is a letter (Jan. 9, 1945) and a typewritten copy of an article titled "When Lincoln came to Cape May" (accompanied by members of the Field family).

Some items in this collection are also available on microfilm.

The engrossed souvenir copy of the 13th Amendment was a gift of William G. Mennen, Jr., Princeton Class of 1936, on November 25, 1964. (AM 18546)

Folder inventory added by Nicholas Williams '2015 in 2012.

During 2022, restrictions on original letters and documents, including the copy of the 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, were lifted as part of a restrictions review project.

No appraisal information is available.

Publisher
Manuscripts Division
Finding Aid Date
2008
Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. No further photoduplication of copies of material in the collection can be made when Princeton University Library does not own the original. Inquiries regarding publishing material from the collection should be directed to RBSC Public Services staff through the Ask Us! form. The library has no information on the status of literary rights in the collection and researchers are responsible for determining any questions of copyright.

Collection Inventory

Letter from Abraham Lincoln to James Gordon Bennett, 1862 May 21. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Includes a typewritten transcription.

Physical Description

1 folder

Letter from Abraham Lincoln to James Gordon Bennett, 1865 February 20. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Letter from Abraham Lincoln to Mrs. Bixby, 1864. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Photocopy

Physical Description

1 folder

Certificate of Commissions by Abraham Lincoln, 1862. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Photocopy

Physical Description

1 folder

Letter from Abraham Lincoln to R.M. Corwin, 1860 May 2. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Appointment of William Lewis Dayton III by Abraham Lincoln, 1861 March 23. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Gettysburg Address, 1863. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Photocopy

Physical Description

1 folder

Letter from Abraham Lincoln to Major General Joseph Hooker, 1863 January 26. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Photocopy with explanatory text by Paul M. Angle, Librarian, Illinois State Historical Society

Physical Description

1 folder

Inauguration Day Pass, 1865 March 4. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Letter from Abraham Lincoln to "Gentleman", 1864 May 18. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Photocopy

Physical Description

1 folder

Miscellaneous Material Regarding Abraham Lincoln's Attorney Days, 1856-1857. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Envelope: "Death to Traitors!", 1861 May 15. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"When Lincoln Came to Cape May": Article and Photocopy of Lincoln's Guest Signature, 1945. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Letters Between Abraham Lincoln and John Maclean (President of Princeton University), 1864. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Materials Viewable Online
  1. View digital content
Appointment of Carl Messing by Abraham Lincoln, 1863. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Albumen Photograph of Abraham Lincoln, undated. 1 box.
Scope and Contents

No. 180 of 500 copies made by Curtis Studio of New Haven, Conn. from an original by Alexander Gardner.

Physical Description

1 box

Appointment of Otis S. Preysbrey by Abraham Lincoln, 1862. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Note from Abraham Lincoln to Major Ramsey, 1861 October 17. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Photocopy

Physical Description

1 folder

Appointment of John T. Robinson by Abraham Lincoln, 1861. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Sectionalism" Speech by Abraham Lincoln, 1856. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Photocopy

Physical Description

1 folder

Letter to Abraham Lincoln Regarding Pardon of Edwin Sprague, 1865. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Appointment of Reverend Nathaniel West by Abraham Lincoln, 1862. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

13th Amendment, Engrossed Souvenir Copy Signed, undated. 2 boxes.
Physical Description

2 boxes

Print, Suggest