Description:

Lincoln Abraham 1809 - 1865 A fabulous archive. An 1860 poll book and oversized tally sheets and documents detailing campaign results from DeWitt County, Ill. From the national election, November 6, 1860. Present are two large poll sheets approximately 16 x 27 with usual folds and minor separation, listing the "Names of Persons Voted For to be Electors of President and Vice President of the United States." Hash marks detail actual votes cast for a range of offices including the election of Richard Yates as Governor. Together with a poll book measuring 8.5 x 13.5, partially printed and manuscript completed, usual folds, with 3pp detailing that 174 citizens cast their vote. Docketed on front cover, three blank pages, usual folds. The results of these votes are then summarized on a separate, two-sided sheet, same size, being the "Abstract of Votes Given in the County of DeWitt and State of Illinois for Eleven Electors for President and Vice President of the United States . . ."

Without question, such a complete record of a single polling station seldom appears, particularly from 1860. And, that these tally sheets are from Illinois is enhanced by the fact that two of their major candidates from this race cam from that state: Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas.

The Democratic Party was in complete disarray in 1860 when they convened in Charleston, South Carolina to choose their presidential candidate. Southern elements insisted the nominating convention issue a declaration supporting slavery in the territories. Western elements, however, opposed that stance and argued for an endorsement of popular sovereignty. The latter position prevailed and the Southern delegates walked out. The Northern Democrats later met in Baltimore, Maryland, and nominated Stephen A. Douglas. Southern Democrats met once again in Richmond, Virginia and nominated John C. Breckinridge; the platform pledged the protection of slavery in the territories. And, in another effort to find a compromise candidate, moderates formed the Constitutional Union Party, which nominated John Bell. The party composed mostly of former Whigs, enjoyed some strength in the Border States, but lacked any semblance of vigor and was dubbed the "Old Gentleman's Party."

The Republicans - with Lincoln as their standard-bearer - proclaimed that each state could decide the issue within its own borders and that no one (Congress or Territorial legislatures) could legalize slavery in the territories. His political strength was confined to the populous Northern States, but he won a decisive victory in the Electoral College. However, he polled only about 40 percent of the popular vote. Douglas garnered an impressive popular vote, but barely made a showing in the electoral tally. Few would argue that this election forever changed American history. These documents record some of the mechanics of how it was done.

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