Collection Snapsot: A Presidential Pardon
In honor of Presidents’ Day (and the upcoming Academy Awards with a certain Lincoln movie in the lead with twelve nominations), we highlight this Presidential pardon signed by Abraham Lincoln on November 25, 1864.
He pardoned one Gordon Lafitte, alias Gibson, for “making counterfeit coin.” Mr. Lafitte had served 4/5ths of his 5 year sentence and was pardoned for good behavior while behind bars.
Pardon for Gordon Lafitte. Signed by Abraham Lincoln and William H. Seward. November 25, 1864.
Call number: MS Q2:1. Click images to enlarge.
Whitney Baker
Head, Conservation Services
Tags: Abraham Lincoln, American History, Gordon Lafitte, Legal Documents, Pardons, President's Day, Presidents, Whitney Baker, William H. Seward