Iowa Heritage Digital Collections
State Library of Iowa

65. Lincoln to U.S. Sen. James W. Grimes on election credentials for state representatives

Title

65. Lincoln to U.S. Sen. James W. Grimes on election credentials for state representatives

Description

Letter from Abraham Lincoln to U.S. Senator James W. Grimes (Republican, Iowa) alerting him that a Congressional act requires special documenation of election credentials for delegates arriving for the next Congress. Lincoln writes on a copy of the required form, adivising Grimes to have Iowa's Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood make additional certifications for Iowa's Representatives using the form. He expresses concern that the new procedure might be used by others to exclude proper delegates and that "Iowa, having an entire Union delegation," will be especially targeted. October 29, 1863. Autograph Letter Signed.

Date

1863-10-29

Contributor

Becki Plunkett and Stephen Vincent

Rights

Copyright State Historical Society of Iowa. Information at http://www.iowahistory.org/libraries/services-and-fees/conditions-for-image-reproductions.html

Digital Reproduction Information

Original scanned at 600 dpi w/ sRGB color space.

Repository

State Historical Society of Iowa, Des Moines

Repository Collection

Special Collections: Abraham Lincoln Collection

Digital item created

9/29/2008

Transcription

Executive Mansion[,] Washington D.C. Oct. 29, 1863 Hon. James W. Grimes My dear Sir: The above act of Congress was passed, as I suppose, for the purpose of shutting out improper applicants for seats in the House of Representatives; and I fear there is some danger that it will be used to shut out proper ones. Iowa, having an entire Union delegation, will be one of the states the attempt will be made upon, if upon any. The Governor doubtless has made out the certificates, and they are already in the hands of the members. I suggest that they come on with them; but that, for greater caution, you, and perhaps Mr. [U.S. Senator James] Harlan with you, consult with the governor, and have an additional set made out according to the form on the other half of this sheet; and still another set, if you can, by studying the law, think of a form that in your judgments, promises additional security, and quietly bring the whole on with you, to be used in case of necessity. Let what you do be kept still. Yours truly[,] A. Lincoln