Collection Overview Collection summary derived from "Guidebook to Manuscripts", 1969: A two-page document, on vellum, signed November 12, 1862, authorizes the Smithsonian Institution's agents in London to recover the residue of Smithson's bequest so that it may be used for the benefit of the Institution. This is one of the few documents on which Lincoln signed his full name - he usually used only the initial of his first name. The paper is countersigned by William H. Seward, Secretary of State, and Charles...