Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 8 [ Sept. 12, 1864-Apr. 14, 1865, undated, appendices].

Annotation

[1]   AES, ORB. Lincoln's endorsement appears on the back of the printed program of the ``Third Anniversary Meeting of the U.S. Christian Commission'' held in the Hall of the House of Representatives at 7 P.M. on January 29, 1865. The order of exercises listed item 7, ``SINGING---`YOUR MISSION'---By Mr. PHILIP PHILLIPS, of Cincinnati.'' An endorsement appears on the bottom of the program: ``This is the original Programme used by President Lincoln in the Hall of the House of Representatives Washington on the occasion of the third anniversary of the U.S. Christian Commission January 29th. 1865 when Mr. Philip Phillip sang `Your Mission' at the close of the Hymn the President

wrote on the other side with his own hand a request that it [be] repeated which was done between 11 & 12 O'clock P.M. GEO. H. STUART.''

George H. Stuart, chairman of the Commission, conducted the meeting. On January 30, Phillips wrote Lincoln:

``I learn through Mr Geo H Stuart . . . that you made the request to him in writing for me to repeat my little song---`Your Mission' at our Aniversary last sunday night. The honor created in me a strong desire to have the request in writing as you gave it to him. But Mr S wanted it himself, and said I could apply to you for another and you to send it to me by mail.

``This little favor in your own hand writing I should appreciate nearly as highly as having the honor of singing many songs---together with Two (2) hearty votes for you during the last five years. . . .

``I will send to you my last little singing Book for your little Boy containing the Song `Your Mission''' (DLC-RTL).

No reply to Phillips' letter has been found. The text of ``Your Mission'' may be found in the Annals of the Christian Commission, pp. 256-57.