LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Autograph endorsement signed ("A. Lincoln"), as President, 30 July 1862.

1 page, oblong 8vo, accomplished on an address leaf, 2 lines in a different hand partially crossing the date, some staining.

In full: "I regret to say I do not think any good can now come out of a conference or the Military Governorship of S.C. A. Lincoln July 30, 1862."

Written just 8 days after Lincoln announced his intention to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. At this juncture, Lincoln believed the border states would remain in the Union. Lincoln decided to wait to address the nation publicly to introduce his proclamation after a more favorable military battle; he ultimately issued the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation on 22 September 1862, after Union troops halted the advance of Confederate forces near Sharpsburg, Maryland, in the Battle of Antietam. Not in Basler.