Annotation
[1] LS-F, Davenport, Iowa, Democrat and Leader, February 14, 1928. The letter is in John Hay's handwriting signed by Lincoln. A draft in Hay's autograph indicates his composition of the letter (DLC-RTL). The following communication was sent to Senator James Harlan by Caleb Russell on December 27, 1862 (ibid.):
``To Abraham Lincoln President of the United States
``Esteemed Friend On behalf of the Religious Society of Friends in the State of Iowa, whom we represent, we desire briefly to express to thee the very deep solicitude we feel that that [sic] in the present perilous condition of the Nations life, thou mayest be favored to ask counsel of Him who holdeth the destinies of Nations in His hand. We desire to express our united approval of thy late Proclamation of Prospective Emancipation. We believe it is intrinsically right and in the direction to bring about a permanent peace in our beloved country and we hope it may be carried out uncompromisingly. At this very late period we can do but very little more, than bear our testimony in favor of justice and liberty and like Aaron and Him of old would gladly hold up thy hands as they did the hands of Moses.
``In Christian love we subscribe ourselves thy friends.
``Signed by direction and on behalf of the monthly meeting of the Religious Society of Friends of Prairie Grove in the State of Iowa this 27th of the 12th mo A.D. 1862.
``CALEB RUSSELL
``SALLIE A. FENTON''
[2] This sentence is marked for deletion in the draft, but appears in the letter.