Annotation
[1] AD, DLC-RTL. With the exception of Spinner's signature, the receipt is in Lincoln's autograph accompanying a letter dated at Brooklyn, March 2, 1863, and signed ``Candide secure,'' as follows:
``Enclosed you will find Eight hundred and sixty eight dollars which came by in a dishonest manner and which I return to the United States through you
``Being tempted, in an unguarded moment, I consented to take it being very much in want of money but thanks be to my Saviour I was led by the influences of the Holy Spirit to see my great sin and to return it to you as the representative of the United States
``Hoping you will pardon, me in the name of the government you represent as I trust I will be pardoned by my Father who is in heaven (through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ his son).''
The envelope which contained the letter and money is addressed to Lincoln ``Care of `Adams & Co Express.' '' In the upper left-hand corner the envelope is endorsed in an unidentified hand ``$900 from Wm Johnson,'' and on the verso Lincoln endorsed first in pencil and later in ink, ``Stolen money returned.'' It is uncertain whether the ``from Wm Johnson'' is meant to designate the person who stole and returned the money, or merely the messenger who carried the money from Lincoln to the Treasurer's office. William H. Johnson, Lincoln's part-time valet and messenger of the Treasury Department, was probably the person designated.