Description:

Abraham Lincoln
Washington, DC, ca. 1865
Lincoln Memorial Poem Written by Famed Female Poet Mary E. Nealy
AMS

An original autograph poem "Veritas Vincit" written and signed by Mary E. Nealy after the death of Abraham Lincoln. 2pp, measuring 8" x 12.5", Washington, D.C., ca. 1865. The poem, signed at the conclusion "Mary E. Nealy", is four stanzas of eight lines. Written following the assassination of President Lincoln, the poem is a commentary on the grief shared by the nation and the outlook of the country. With flattened folds and stiff creasing. Light, uneven toning and soiling. Some paper loss to the upper left corner of the first page, not affecting any text. Boldly signed.

In part:

"Truth is invincible. Show us, O Father!
Why this dark murder, like thunder should roll.
Why this bleak storm was permitted to gather
Quenching the light of a Nation's great soul.
Is it that justice should smite the destroyers,
Is it that traitors should stain not our sod?
That Freedom, once free from her petty annoyance
Should stand all untainted and pure before God?...

Truth is invincible. Smith them, O Father!
Who with His dear blood has enflooded the land
Out of the cloud Thou hast suffered to gather
Give us to see Thy all-merciful hand.
For darkness, and shadows, and sorrow surround us
We grope through the gloom like a man that is blind.
O, lift from the Nation this grief which hath bound us,
And makes us still feel that our Father is kind!"

Mary Elizabeth Nealy (1825-1902) was an American poet who was published in numerous journals such as The Louisville Journal, Southern Literary Messenger, Godey's Lady's Book, and Scott's Weekly from 1846 to 1860. She found international fame with her publication of "The Little Shoe" in several British newspapers. The Nealy family moved to Washington, D.C. to be closer to their two sons serving in the Civil War, and Mary became a correspondent for The Evening Star and contributed to a local poetry anthology.

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: 8" x 12.5"
  • Medium: AMS

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