Description:

Abraham Lincoln
Springfield, IL, November 3, 1859
Lincoln ALS to Youth: "A young man, before the enemy has learned to watch him...votes... shall redeem the county" Evocative of Famous "Work" Letter
ALS

An autograph letter signed by Abraham Lincoln regarding an upcoming Congressional election, Springfield, dated November 3, 1859. 1p, measuring 5" x 8" (sight). The letter has been matted and double framed to the overall size of 10" x 13", with a pane showing the blank verso. This frame has been mounted to a larger frame, hinged so that the verso is visible, to the overall size of 18.75" x 21.75". With flattened mail folds and some separations starting at the fold edges. Light toning and soiling throughout. The text is faint in some areas, but legible. Infilled at lower left corner with archival paper. Boldly signed. This letter is certainly evocative of another Lincoln letter, the "wanting to work" letter which sold for $666,000 in 2002. Any Lincoln letters offering advice of this sort are highly coveted.

A short note signed "A. Lincoln" and addressed to Peachy Quinn Harrison, whom Lincoln defended in a previous murder trial. Lincoln appeals to Harrison, asking for his support in getting Republican John M. Palmer elected to Congress. Lincoln notes Harrison's advantage of youth, writing: "A young man, before the enemy has learned to watch him, can do more than any other. Pitch in and try."

In full:

"Dear Sir: I have [no] reason to doubt that our friends are doing the best they can about the election. Still, you can do some more, if you will. A young man, before the enemy has learned to watch him, can do more than any other. Pitch in and try. Palmer is good and true, and deserves the best vote we can give him. If you can make your precinct 20 votes better than it was last we probably shall redeem the county. Try."

At the end of his 25-year career as a trial lawyer, Lincoln tried one final murder case, defending Peachy Quinn Harrison. Harrison was the grandson of his old political foe, Rev. Peter Cartwright, "the Backwoods Preacher", and had been involved in a brawl with Greek Crafton which resulted in the death of Crafton. The case drew a large amount of media attention as the two men were sons of two of the most powerful political families in Springfield, Illinois. On July 4, 1859, at a picnic along the Sangamon River, the two young men got into a heated argument which nearly came to blows. Their disagreement persisted and came to a fatal end on July 16 when Harrison was assaulted by Greek, took out a four inch hunting knife, and fatally slashed Greek across the stomach. Harrison was indicted for murder and was defended by prominent attorney Stephen T. Logan. Logan was Lincoln's former law partner and friend, and he brought Lincoln in to work on the case. The prosecution team was lead by attorney John M. Palmer, a political ally of Lincoln who would become an Illinois governor and U.S. senator. The trial lasted four days, and Harrison was found not guilty after eleven men debated just one hour and nine minutes.

It is fascinating that only four month later, Lincoln would be advocating on behalf of his courtroom rival. The almost incestuous nature of politics at that time and place is shown by the fact that the lead prosecutor Palmer and lead defense attorney Lincoln were friends and allies. Palmer would soon become the Republican candidate in a special election to a vacancy in the 36th Congress caused by the death of Thomas L. Harris. He was ultimately defeated by John A. McClernand, but would later became a Republican presidential elector in 1860, and was one of the leading people who got Lincoln nominated for the presidency at the Republican National Convention in Chicago.

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:
  • Framed: 18.75" x 21.75"
  • Artist Name:
  • Abraham Lincoln
  • Medium:
  • ALS<br />

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