This close-up detail gives you a good view of Abraham Lincoln's signature. Note the old pressure-sensitive tape repair and blotchy staining.

CONSERVATOR'S DESCRIPTION

Primary Support:
The letter is torn at both horizontal folds. Previous mends were made with an unidentified adhesive and blue-lined paper. Smudges of a brown colored adhesive are scattered on the letter.

Media:
The inks appear to be well-adhered to the paper. The iron gall ink may originally have been darker.

Object Condition Summary:
The most drastic problem is the attachment of the paper to glass with an unidentified adhesive. Tests showed that it was protein-based glue. The glue and old mends are not of conservation quality and should be removed.