Description:

Abraham Lincoln
Springfield, IL, February 8, 1861
A. Lincoln Check, Possibly to Gunsmith, Authenticated by Son Robert, Days Before Leaving Springfield in 1861
Partially printed DS

ABRAHAM LINCOLN, Partially Printed Document Signed, 1/2 Check to Unknown, February 8, 1861, Springfield, Illinois. 1 p., 3.75" x 2.5"; 9.25" x 11.25" overall. Tipped to sturdy page but easily removable; bold signature possibly rating a "10".
With: Robert T. Lincoln, Autograph Letter Signed, to Miss Chandler, May 15, 1891, London, England. 2 pp., 5" x 8".

Abraham Lincoln wrote this check on Friday, February 8, 1861, just three days before leaving Springfield for the Presidency on Monday, February 11. When he arrived at the rail station on Monday, Lincoln was greeted by a thousand friends, neighbors, and well-wishers. Although he had not intended to address the crowd, his impromptu remarks became one of his most powerful speeches. As the train steamed east, Lincoln and secretary John G. Nicolay attempted to recall what he had said and write it down.

According to Lincoln's account with the Springfield Marine and Fire Insurance Company, he wrote two checks on February 8, 1861, one for $12.50. However, Lincoln also wrote at least one other check—to gunsmith Francis E. Payne for $1.00—on February 8 and since this check has no "cents" it is quite probably that one but not definitively. On the same day he wrote this check, Lincoln and his family vacated their home and occupied rooms in the Chenery House in Springfield. He also purchased an insurance policy for $3,200 on this house and outbuildings for an annual premium of $24. Looking to the weeks ahead, he accepted an invitation to visit Cleveland, Ohio, and the Pennsylvania legislature in Harrisburg on his trip to Washington.

This check also includes a letter by Lincoln's oldest son, Robert T. Lincoln, transmitting the check to a Miss Chandler in May 1891. At the time, Robert T. Lincoln was serving as the U.S. Minister to Great Britain, a position he held from 1889 to 1893.

Lincoln checks typically sell for $30,000 or more, but also typically do not have as bold a signature as this partial one, nor the fantastic provenance of authentication and transmittal by his son, Robert T. Lincoln. While only the right half of the check has survived, a facsimile of the left side of a similar check is included for potential display.

Complete Transcript
[Robert T. Lincoln transmittal letter:]
London May 15, 1891
2. Cromwell Houses. S.W.
Dear Miss Chandler
It would be a great pleasure to me if I could respond to so gratifying a letter as yours by sending you an autograph letter of my father but the simple fact is that I do not possess such a thing. The few I received were burned in Chicago & I have only a few cheque signatures, saved by accident & of them I send you one.
Very sincerely yours
Robert T. Lincoln

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 3.75" x 2.5"; 9.25" x 11.25" overall
  • Medium: Partially printed DS

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