Abraham Lincoln, Autograph Note, Signed, Framed with Photograph

Description

This autograph note, signed by Lincoln on Oct. 17, 1864. In full:

“Will Mr. Risley please see and hear the bearer, Mr. Ruby.”

The note is framed with a 20th century albumen photograph of O-77. This photo was produced from the original glass plate negative, using period methods, chemical and fixative formulas from the era, as well as paper produced using the processes of the 19th century. 

Mr. Ruby might be George Ruby, a mixed race man grew up with his family just outside Portland, Maine, where he had schooling. Moving to Boston as a young man in 1860, he was hired as a correspondent on the Pine and Palm and sent as a correspondent to Haiti. Ruby returned that year to the United States. After the American Civil War, in January 1864, Ruby moved to Louisiana and began teaching school. First, he taught in a Baptist church in New Orleans and then, as the Union occupation force expanded its educational efforts into the hinterland, in St. Bernard’s Parish. The army dropped its responsibility for schooling at the war’s end. Perhaps he was seeking treasury support for his schools. (from African American Registry).

LINCOLN, ABRAHAM. Autograph Note, Signed. Washington, 17 Oct. 1864. 4″ x 4″ (sight); framed with modern reprint of O-77; overall size 16 1/2″ x 11″.