Description:

Abraham Lincoln
New York, NY, February 27, 1860
Lincoln's Famous Cooper Union Speech: Slavery "as an evil, not to be extended"
Handbill

[Abraham Lincoln]. "Speech of Hon. Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois," 16pp, 6" x 10", New York City, New York, February 27, 1860. A very good copy of this historic speech by Abraham Lincoln, presaging his presidential nomination. Full title: "The Republican Party Vindicated - The Demands of the South Explained. Speech of Hon. Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, at the Cooper Institute New York City, February 27, 1860." At top in an unknown hand: "Given by W. Irving Ballon / No 50." Moderately age toned with scattered foxing throughout. Soiling and dusting. Chipping to blank margins, not affecting text.

Lincoln's Cooper Union discourse provided a cogent and widely-publicized argument that slavery was, and always had been, contrary to American values. Lincoln argues that the Framers and early Congresses contemplated a narrow role for slavery. Examining the constitutional and early Congressional debates, he demonstrates that contemporary statements viewed slavery "as an evil, not to be extended, but to be tolerated and protected only because of and so far as its actual presence among us makes that toleration and protection a necessity." Lincoln's argument received wide press coverage; it catapulted him into presidential contention, for its great contribution placed the new Republican Party at the center of American constitutional and legal thought rather than an unacceptable extreme, paving the way for his 1860 presidential win on the Republican ticket.

An unusual 16pp issue of Lincoln's Cooper Union discourse, followed, at the middle of page 9, by John Hickman's July 24, 1860 campaign speech. Page 16 prints Stephen Douglas's endorsement of the Dred Scott Decision, and criticisms of his doctrine of Popular Sovereignty. Most copies print Lincoln's speech only, in 8 pages.

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: 6" x 10"
  • Medium: Handbill

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