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My Dear Sir It is with heartfelt gratification that I acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 30th of September, and the accompanying medal, by which I am made an honorary member of the Union League of Philadelphia.
I shall always bear with me the consciousness of having endeavored to do my duty in the trying times through which we are passing, and the generous approval of a portion of my fellow-citizens so intelligent and so patriotic as those composing your Association, assures me that I have not wholly failed. I could not ask, and no one could merit, a better reward.
Be kind enough, sir, to convey to the gentlemen whom you represent, the assurance of the grateful appreciation with which I accept the honor you have conferred upon me. I am very sincerely Your Obedient Servant A. LINCOLN
[1] LS, Union League Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The letter is in John Hay's handwriting, signed by Lincoln. This letter is misdated by Nicolay and Hay, October 26, 1863 (IX, 181-82), due to the fact that Hay's draft (DLC-RTL) was misdated. Boker's letter of September 30 has not been located.