Historic Newspapers: Abraham Lincoln

BALLOU'S PICTORIAL, Boston, Feb. 6, 1858  The front page features an article and print of: "Frederic W. Lincoln, Jr., Mayor of Boston".
An inside page has an article and two prints of "Syracuse, New York" including: "General View of the City" and: "View of Salina Street". The back page has a print of the: "Royal Barge of the King of Siam".
Sixteen pages, good condition.

BALLOU'S PICTORIAL, Boston, Feb. 6, 1858  The ftpg. shows: "Frederic W. Lincoln, Mayor of Boston". Inside has a nearly half page: "General View of the City of Syracuse, New York" and another nearly halfpg: "View of Salina Street, Syracuse, New York" with a related article on Syracuse as well. The back page has 2 prints concerning Siam.
Complete in sixteen pages, lite scattered foxing, otherwise in very good condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 24, 1858 

* Abraham Lincoln nominated
* U.S. Senate candidate

Page 3 has an article headed: "Politics In Illinois" which reports the election of Abraham Lincoln as the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, to be opposed by incumbent Stephen Douglass the Democrat.
This election would be followed by the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates & would thrust Lincoln's name to national prominence & eventually the presidency.
The report notes…

NEW YORK HERALD, Oct. 16, 1858 

* Theatrical connection to the Lincoln assassination
* Debut of the play "Our American Cousin"
* Three days until opening night

The play President Abraham Lincoln attended on the night he was shot was "Our American Cousin". Its "world" premiere was actually in New York City on October 18, 1858.
This issue contains on page 7 a very brief and discrete advertisement for the play, noting: "Laura Keene's New Theatre...Monday-Tom Taylor's new comedy, Our…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, October 16, 1858  The front page features a half page illustration of "Gerard Hallock, Esq." with accompanying article. Inside full page illustration of "The Destruction of the New York Crystal Palace by Fire, October 5.1858" and a half page illustration of "The Ruins of the Crystal Palace." 1/4 pg. illus. of "Facsimile of the Turkish Twenty-Piastre Notes, Counterfeited at New York." Two large illustration of "General View of the City of Pekin - South Side." A 3/4…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Oct. 23, 1858  

* Abraham Lincoln & Stephen Douglas
* The Great Debates of 1858 (last one)
* Alton, Madison County, Illinois

Keeping in mind that this was from the period of the Lincoln/Douglas debates, page 4 has a report from Springfield headed: "Illinois Politics" which talks of Stephen Douglas.
Taking over a full column on page 6 is a fine report on the last of the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates, this one at Alton, Illinois. 
A few excerpts from the report…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE Nov. 29, 1859 

* John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry
* Pre Civil War tensions re. slavery question

Inside has two articles on: "Brownsville", Texas, concerning the troubles at the border with Mexico.
But the more notable content is on the John Brown raid at Harper's Ferry, with column heads including: "Further from Charlestown" "Additional Troops Expected" "The Churches Used for Barracks" "Soldiers Firing in the Air" "Narrow Escape of Citizens" "Spies Sent Out by Gov.…

Pamphlet: "REMARKS of HON. LYMAN TRUBULL, OF ILLINOIS, ON seizure of Arsenals at Harper's Ferry, Va., and Liberty, Mo., and in vindication of the Republican Party and its Creed, in response to Senators Chesnut, Yulee, Saulsbury, Clay, and Pugh. Delivered in the United States Senate, December 6, 7 and 8, 1859". Printed at Washington, D.C., Buell & Blanchard, printers, 1859.
Complete as a  16 page pamphlet, never bound nor trimmed, 6 by 9 1/4 inches, wear at the margins, wear at the back leaf…

NEW YORK SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, Jan. 24, 1860  

* President Abraham Lincoln
* Pre American Civil War

There is considerable reporting on the slavery issue, with a few mentions of Abraham Lincoln. However, of particular significance is the front page, column two re-printing of a portion of Lincoln's very famous speech in 1858 during the Lincoln-Douglas debates. During a speech on the Senate floor, Senator Douglas, speaking of Lincoln, states in part: "...When he returned to Illinois in 1858, to…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, Feb. 18, 1860 There is a small & uncaptioned Winslow Homer print on the ftpg., plus another on the front page captioned: 'Allow Me to Examine the Young Lady'. There is yet a 3rd Homer print: 'Hon. J.M. Curry of Ala.'. Very nice dblpgctrfld: 'View of Broadway, Opposite Fulton St., N.Y.' at winter time. 'Pope Pius the 9th'. This issue also contains the 1st installment of "The Uncommercial Traveler", by Charles Dickens.
Complete in 16 pages.

NEW YORK SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, Feb. 28, 1860 

* Historic Abraham Lincoln address
* Cooper Institute Union speech
* Launched into national prominence 

The front page has over five columns devoted to coverage of this famous speech which is headed: "NATIONAL POLITICS" "A Speech Delivered at the Cooper Institute Last Evening, by Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois".
At this point Lincoln had not declared himself a presidential candidate, and this was his first opportunity to establish his platform before an…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, May 12, 1860  The front page has a print of: "The Republican Wigwam At Chicago, Illinois, In Which the Republican Convention Will Be Held, May 16, 1860".  This was the event at which Abraham Lincoln would go from near obscurity to a position of prominence in American history.
The doublepage centerfold is a terrific print captioned: "Prominent Candidates For The Republican Presidential Nomination At Chicago" which includes portraits of eleven men, of central…

NEW YORK SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, May 15, 1860  

* Abraham Lincoln gaining recognition 
* At the Chicago Republican Convention 

This issue is one of those so desired by collectors, when innocent reports--often inconspicuous amongst the jumble of lengthier articles--wold only find relevance in the passing of years.
Keep in mind that at this point, the Republican National Convention in Chicago had yet to formally begin (May 16-18) and Abraham Lincoln was pretty much an unknown in the world…

NEW YORK SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, May 18, 1860  

* Abraham Lincoln about to make history
* Republican convention in Chicago, Illinois

A very notable issue from near the end of the Republican Convention at Chicago, during which Lincoln would be their nomination for President.
The front page begins with: "The Chicago Convention" "Admission of Fractional Delegates" "The Majority Rule Adopted" "The Platform" "Mr. Seward Still In The Ascendant" "No Balloting Yet".
Keep in mind that at this…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, May 19, 1860  Front page illustrations of the two Union Candidates for President & Vice Pres: 'John Bell, of Tenn.' and 'Ed. Everett, of Mass.' Full page with 6 illus. of: 'Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church'. Nice doublepage centerfold: 'The Republicans in Nominating Convention in their Wigwam at Chicago, May, 1860', wherein Lincoln would be nominated. Three illustrations on: 'Our Japanese Visitors'. Complete in 16 pages.

NEW-YORK TIMES, May 22, 1860

* Abraham Lincoln accepts presidential nomination
* Republican National Convention in Chicago

Page 4 has a report with column heads: "The Republican Candidate for the Presidency" "Hon. Abram Lincoln Accepts The Chicago Nomination"  being a very historic item although inconspicuously reported, indicating the the lack of stature of Lincoln at the time. Even his first name was not commonly known ("Abram"). Included is Lincoln's letter of acceptance which…

NEW-YORK SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, May 22, 1860  

* Abraham Lincoln accepts the nomination for President

The last column of the front page has very nice heads: "THE CHICAGO CONVENTION" "The Presidency" "The Struggle Between Seward and Lincoln" "LINCOLN NOMINATED For President" "Only Three Ballotings Had" "The Vice-Presidency" "Hon. Hannibal Hamlin Nominated for Vice President" "Great Joy & Enthusiasm".
Included is considerable verbatim reporting on the convention with all the details as to…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, May 26, 1860  This issue has become one of the most desired pre-Civil War issues of this famous illustrated newspaper, as it did much to propel Abraham Lincoln to national prominence and is one of relatively few published portraits of Lincoln without his beard.
This issue announces, in a very dramatic way, the selection of Lincoln as the Republican candidate for President of the United States with the large front page portrait of him. A somewhat unknown in national…

NEW YORK SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, May 29, 1860  

* Abraham Lincoln gaining familiarity 

With Lincoln's very recent nomination as the Republican candidate for President, it is not surprising that this issue would have much concerning this little-known politician.
Inside pages contain: "Lincoln And Hamlin In Ohio "Forgeries On Lincoln" Trilling Episode in the Life of Abe Lincoln" "Mr. Lincoln's Opinions" "Lincoln vs. Douglas", not to mention the many reports in the various newspapers cited.
…

NEW YORK HERALD, May 30, 1860  The front page begins with column heads: "The Presidential Campaign" "The Same Houston Demonstration at Union Square" "Ratification of the Texan Nomination" General Sam Houston Put Forth as the People's Candidate" and more concerning Sam Houston's bid for the presidency. More on this inside as well.
Also on the front page: "The Slave Trade in New York - Seizure of Another Supposed Slaver, and Arrest of Her Captain".
Inside has: "News From Washington" "Old Abe…

NEW YORK HERALD, May 30, 1860  The front page begins with column heads: "The Presidential Campaign" "The Same Houston Demonstration at Union Square" "Ratification of the Texas Nomination" General Sam Houston Put Forth as the People's Candidate" and more concerning Sam Houston's bid for the presidency.
Also on the front page: "General Houston Accepts The San Jacinto Nomination" which is signed in type: Sam Houston. More on this inside as well.
Also on the front page: "The Slave Trade in New…

NEW YORK HERALD, May 31, 1860  Page 3 has: "Seizure of Another Supposed Slaver" with subhead: "Seizure of the Steamer City of Norfolk, Suspected of Fitting Out For the Slave Trade".
The top of page 7 has a report: "Capture of Another Slaver Off the Coast of Cuba" which is rather brief. This is followed by: "Arrival of the California Pony Express--The Express Intercepted by Indians--Failure of the Mail, etc." with a St. Joseph, Missouri dateline. Then: "News From Pike's Peak".
Also on page 7:…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, June 2, 1860  The prime print in this issue is the three-quarter page illustration captioned: "The Slave Deck on the Bark 'Wildfire' Brought Into Key West on April 30, 1860." This print shows a huge number of slaves crammed on the deck. The balance of the page is related text on this slave ship, plus the facing page has additional text and 4 related illustrations including those captioned: "An African" "The Only Baby Among the Africans" and "The Barracoon at Key West…

NEW YORK TIMES, June 9, 1860 

* Ratifying Abraham Lincoln's nomination for President

The middle of the front page has an historic report headed: "The Republican Nominations" "Letters of Acceptance of Messrs. Lincoln and Hamlin" which is followed by the letter: "To the Hon. Abraham Lincoln of Illinois" which includes: "...representatives of the Republican Party...by an unanimous vote, selected you as the Republican candidate for the office of President of the United States..." with more &…

NEW YORK SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, June 12, 1860  

* Abraham Lincoln accepts the nomination for President

The front page contains Lincoln's acceptance of the Republican nomination, prefaced with the letter from George Ashimun telling Lincoln he won the nomination. Following this is Lincoln's letter of acceptance beginning: "I accept the nomination tendered me by Convention over which you presided..." with more, signed in type: Abraham Lincoln. And then is Hannibal Hamlin's acceptance of the…

NEW YORK TIMES, June 21, 1860 

* Famous slaver "Wildfire"
* African slave trade print fame

Page 2 has small one column headings: "The Captured Slaver" "Reception Of The Negroes At Key West--How They Fare" This is a notable slave ship, made somewhat famous by the print of it found in the June 2, 1860 issue of Harper's Weekly.
Other news of the day. Complete in eight pages, minor spine wear, generally nice condition.

NEW YORK TIMES, June 30, 1860  

* Stephen A. Douglas - Democrat Party
* Nomination for President of the U.S.
* Abraham Lincoln's opponent

The top of the front page hasL "Judge Douglas' Letter Of Acceptance" being Stephen Douglas' acceptance of the Democratic nomination for President. Page 2 includes: "The Last of the Richmond Convention---Attempt to Ratify the Seceders' Nomination" & "Mr. Hamlin At Home".
Eight pages, supplement not included, a bit irregular at the spine, very nice…

HARPER'S NEW MONTHLY MAGAZINE, New York, July, 1860 

* Abraham Lincoln accepts presidential nomination
* Republican National Convention in Chicago

Near the back under the report: "Monthly Record of Current Events" is a quite lengthy report concerning the Republican National Convention which met recently in Chicago. Included is a lengthy abstract of the Republican platform, following which is a detailed report of the various ballots of the Convention with the final results noted: "Abraham…

NEW YORK SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, Aug. 21, 1860  

* Abraham Lincoln as Republican candidate
* Springfield, Illinois home life described

Page 3 has a nice and interesting article headed: "Lincoln At Home" which has a Springfield, Illinois dateline.
This fascinating article takes an entire column, and begins: "In a large two-story frame house, bearing no slight resemblance to Washington's headquarters...resides the Republican candidate for President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln..."…

THE WORLD, New York, Aug. 25, 1860  Page 4 has a lengthy list of news items under: "THE PONY EXPRESS" with a dateline of St. Joseph, Missouri.
Over half of page 7 is taken up with much on the: "Political War" which has much commentary on the coming Presidential election, presented state-by-state, with much mention of Abraham Lincoln as well.
Eight pages, slightly irregular at the spine, good condition.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, August 25, 1860  Perhaps the most significant print in this issue is the back page political cartoon captioned: "The Coming Man's Presidential Career, a la Blondin" showing a beardless Abe Lincoln with an African-American on his shoulders. (Blondin was a famous tightrope walker who had walked across Niagara Falls on a rope the year prior).  Another Harper's Weekly issue for this date with this exact same print sold at auction for over $1,300 in early 2012.
The full…

NEW YORK SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, Sept. 7, 1869  Page 2 has: "Mr. Lincoln's Eulogy on Henry Clay" which is an excerpt of his talk. Page 3 has: "Capture of a Slaver" which was the Spanish ship: "...Joven Antonia...fitted out for a slave voyage...had been on the coast & actually purchased a cargo of slaves...".
Pages 6 and 7 have nearly a full column report headed: "From Utah" dated at Great Salt Lake City. It begins: "The Mormons having concluded that peace has been again restored to Zion, and…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, October 6, 1860  Full ftpg. shows: 'His Royal Highness Albert Edward, Prince of Wales'. Fullpg. shows: "Sheep Owned by Mr. Messenger". 3/4 print shows: "Robert Fleury's Great Picture of the Burning of Heretics by the Roman Catholics at an Auto Da Fe". Nice dblpgctrfld. view of: 'Broadway--Respectfully Dedicated to the Prince of Wales' shows a parade plus much more.  A very brief report (upon the return to New Orleans of the Gladiator) titled, "Honduras", confirms the…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, October 13, 1860  The front page shows "His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales at the Tomb of Washington". Inside shows: "The Late General Walker, the Filibuster".   A 2nd report, "The End of Walker", provides additional details of his death.  Yet another report, "Hondoras... The Capture of Walker", provides details of his capture and execution.
The doublepage centerfold is captioned: "Grand Procession of the Wide-Awakes at New York"  and shows a huge political…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, NY, October 27, 1860  Fullpg: "Britain Americanized" includes a pool table. Two nice fullpg. prints: "The Prince of Wales at West Point". "Grand Ball to the Prince at the Academy of Music, Boston" plus much more.
Complete in 16 pages.

LONG ISLAND DEMOCRAT, Jamaica, Queens County, New York, Oct. 30, 1860 

* Peter Cartwright (revivalist)
* Abraham Lincoln for president

The front page has over half a column headed: "Peter Cartwright On Lincoln". Cartwright was himself a rather notable personage and he makes some observations on his political involvement with Lincoln.
Page 2 has a notice supporting: "For President, Stephen A. Douglas, of Illinois" (see). Pg. 3 has: "Negroes to be Made our Equals" and a report on a rally…

THE SPRINGFIELD REPUBLIC, Ohio, Nov. 2, 1860  

* Abraham Lincoln about to become President elect
* Presidential campaign that would divide the nation

The front page has nearly 2 columns taken up with a great & detailed letter headed: "Climbing Pike's Peak".
Page two has a political notice supporting: "For President, ABRAHAM LINCOLN, of Illinois - For Vice President, Hannibal HAMLIN, Of Maine" with a bit more.
Four pages, great condition.

THE LITCHFIELD ENQUIRER, Connecticut, Nov. 8, 1860

* Abraham Lincoln elected president
* America about to change

Page 2 begins with one of the nicest stack of column heads on Lincoln's first election we have seen. They included: "VICTORY ! VICTORY !! " "Great Republican Victory!" " 'Old Abe' the Next President!!" "Secession And Fusion Simmered Down!" "Disunion and Dry Goods Below Par!" "Douglas Doomed!" "The North West Swept by the Whirlwind!" "The Union Safe!!" "The Final Triumph of…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Nov. 10, 1860  This is a terrific issue for display as the entire front page is taken up with a nice Winslow Homer illustration of Abraham Lincoln, beardless (see), captioned: Hon. Abraham Lincoln, Born in Kentucky, February 12, 1809."  Certainly one of the more desirable issues from the Lincoln era, from before he became president.
Other  good content as well with the doublepage centerfold containing a print captioned: "Reading the Returns of the Presidential…

HARTFORD WEEKLY TIMES, Connecticut, Nov. 10, 1860 

* President Abraham Lincoln
* First presidential election win
* Civil War on the horizon

The top of page 2 has a column headed: "The Presidential Contest" "Election Of Lincoln and Hamlin" "The North for Lincoln - The South Mostly For Breckinridge" "Lincoln Comes In With A Congress Against Him!"
A wealth of reporting here with some interesting editorial comments. Other related articles include: "Trouble!" which is brief: "Northern…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, November 17, 1860  The full front page shows: 'Gen. Guiseppe Garibaldi" who was considered the George Washington of Italy, the person most responsible for uniting the country. There is also a page two article on him.
Other prints include a nice full pg. of: "Fort Moultrie (Sullivan's Island), Charleston, South Carolina in the Distance", a fullpg: "The American Turf--Portraits of Favorite Horses"; a fullpg: "Suffolk and Essex Pigs" and a fullpg. comic print…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, Dec. 1, 1860  The front page shows: "Charleston Scenes" includes "Palmetto Tree & Old Custom House at Charleston" & "Fort Sumter From Sullivan's Is.".
Inside has a print of: "Entrance to Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Ga." & "Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah" "The New State House at Columbia, S.C."
Also a nice Winslow Homer doublepage centerfold: "Thanksgiving Day, 1860, the Two Great Classes of Society" which is a handsome print.   This issue also contains a serialized…

NEW YORK TIMES, Dec. 11, 1860  

* Pre-Civil War Southern tensions - secession ?
* Mormons on Abraham Lincoln's election

A great issue from several months before the outbreak of the Civil War, with ominous first column heads including; "THE NATIONAL CRISIS" "The Secession Question Before Congress" "Latest Reports From the South" and more. 
Also on the ftpg: "A Bold Protest Against Disunion--Letter from John Minor Bolts Protesting Against Secession" datelined from Richmond.
Page 2 has:…

THE NEW YORK HERALD, from New York, dated December 12, 1860.

* Southern crisis
* Secession options
* Abraham Lincoln as president elect

This Genuine newspaper has a Wealth of pre Civil War reporting from during Abraham Lincoln's president elect era before his inauguration.

Among the one column headlines on the tensions building in the South prior to the Civil War are:

* THE SOUTHERN CRISIS
* The Cotton States to Secede on the Third of March

and more. Loads of interesting…

NEW YORK SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, Dec. 14, 1860  With Lincoln's election determined, much national focus is on the slavery issue and the secession of Southern states. 
Among the articles: "Mr. Lincoln's Cabinet" "The Slaver Cora--Escape Of The First Mate" "Why Not Compromise?" "What Is Asked of the North--Mr. Iverson's Speech" "THE SECESSION MOVEMENT - From South Carolina" "Feeling In Texas" "Secession In War" "The Science of Astronomy & the Ethics of Slavery" and more.
Eight pages, good condition.

FRANK LESLIE'S ILLUSTRATED, New York, Dec., 15, 1860 

* President-elect Abraham Lincoln's wife and kids

The entire front page is taken up with a quite rare print, captioned: "Mrs. Abraham Lincoln, Wife of the President Elect, and Sons" which are  captioned "William" and "Thomas". The top of page 2 has a brief article on them: "Mrs. Lincoln & Her Sons". William, or "Willie", would die in 1862.
Inside has a nice full page print: "The Kansas Gold Region--View of Auraria [Aurora] and Denver…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Dec. 19, 1860 

* Tensions increasing in the South
* Abraham Lincoln to divide a nation
* History about to be made

Page 4 has an interesting article: "The Popular Vote" which begins: "A great deal is attempted to be made of the fact that though Mr. Lincoln has been chosen President of the United States, he had only a minority of the popular vote in his favor...The great question at issue in the late Presidential election was the relation of slavery to the territories…