Abraham Lincoln Signed Photo from First Washington Sitting, With John Hay Note of Authentication

c. 1861

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Abraham Lincoln Signed Photo from First Washington Sitting, With John Hay Note of Authentication
Signed Photograph
2 pages | SMC 216

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      Background

      One day after sneaking into Washington from Baltimore under cover of darkness, Lincoln, exhausted and pensive, sits as president-elect for this photo - his first taken in Washington - by Alexander Gardner at Mathew Brady’s studio.

      John Hay, Lincoln’s young Assistant Presidential Secretary - who himself went on to become a statesman - wrote a major biography of Lincoln, and was, during his long life, a much respected Lincoln expert: here, on the verso of the signed image, he authenticates Lincoln's signature.
      Signed Photo (“A. Lincoln”), as President-Elect, being a carte-de-visite, [Washington D.C.,] Hamilton & Ostendorf, O-49B . With an Autograph Note Signed on verso, in the hand of John Hay. No place or date.
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      Page 1/2

      Page 1 transcript
      A. Lincoln.

      Page 2/2

      Page 2 transcript
      I certify that the President's signature is genuine

      John Hay

      [printed]

      Published by
      E. Anthony,
      501 Broadway,
      New York.
      From 
      Photographic 
      Negative,
      From
      Brady's National
      Portrait Gallery.