I leave my entire estate, real and personal, to my children and step-children, to be divided equally among them.
To My Wife, Mary:
I leave to my wife, Mary, the use and enjoyment of our home in Springfield, Illinois, for her lifetime. I also leave her all of my furniture, household goods, and personal effects.
To My Emancipated Slaves:
I leave to each of my emancipated slaves the sum of one hundred dollars.
To My Friends and Supporters:
I thank my friends and supporters for their unwavering loyalty and support throughout my life. I am forever grateful for their friendship.
To the People of the United States:
I leave to the people of the United States my life's work: the preservation of the Union and the emancipation of all slaves. I pray that my legacy will continue to inspire future generations to work for justice, equality, and peace.
Signed this ______ day of ________, in the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and sixty-five.
Abraham Lincoln
Witness:
John Nicolay
John Hay
