Abraham Lincoln

Franking signature as president, "A. Lincoln," on a 9.25 x 4.25 "From the President of the United States" mailing envelope, postmarked at Washington, May 17, 1862. The envelope has been addressed in Mary Lincoln's hand to "Mrs. James [struck out] John Sprigg, Springfield, Illinois," and signed by her at lower left "Mrs. Lincoln." In very good condition, with light creasing, several vertical folds, and overall soiling; both signatures are clear, dark, and well contrasted.

The addressee is evidently Mrs. Julia Sprigg, a widow who purchased a home next to the Lincolns' in Springfield in 1853. Sprigg and Mary Lincoln became close friends, and Sprigg's daughter sometimes babysat the younger Lincoln boys. An exceedingly scarce and desirable president-and-first-lady combination.