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Lincoln when a relative unknown in his quest for the Presidency...
Lincoln when a relative unknown in his quest for the Presidency...
Item # 717822
May 11, 1860
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, May 11, 1860
* Decatur - Illinois Republican State Convention
* Abraham Lincoln endorsement for president
This issue is one of those so desired by collectors, when innocent reports--often inconspicuous amongst the jumble of lengthier articles--would 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 a relative unknown in the world of national politics. Although he did capture some attention with his famous "...house divided..." speech two years earlier, and more contemporarily with his Cooper Union address of 3 months prior, still, he was--at best--an outsider for the Presidency.
Page 4 has an inconspicuous report noting in part: "The Ilklkinois Republicfan State Convention met at Decatur...Abram Lincoln was declared the choce of the Republicns of Illinois for the Chicago Presidential nomination...".
Note his first name is noted as "Abram".
Similarly, page 5 has a report headed: "Illinois Republican State Convention" which includes in part: "...Mr. Lincoln and the state officers were present, and were invited to take seats on the stand..." and further on: "...Resolutions were unanimously adopted declaring Abram Lincoln the choice of the Republican party of Illinois for the Presidency, and instructing the delegaates to Chicago to use all honorable means to secure his nomination and to vote as a unit for him...".
Ultimately, at the Chicago convention, Seward led on the first ballot but fell short of a majority, while Lincoln would finish in a strong second place. Cameron's delegates shifted to Lincoln on the second ballot, leaving Lincoln essentially tied with Seward. Lincoln clinched the nomination on the third ballot after consolidating support from more delegates who had backed candidates other than Seward. And as they say, the rest is history.
Eight pages, this issue has much wear and various tears at the spine margin affecting some text, with other wear at the margins. It is untrimmed (desired) and folds out to a single sheet. Fortunaely the Lincoln content is unaffected by the wear.
Although a "2nd rate" issue by condition, the content is terrific on the earliest days of Lincoln's political quest for the Presidency.
AI notes: On May 9, 1860, the Illinois Republican State Convention convened in Decatur, Illinois, and marked a pivotal moment in Abraham Lincoln's political rise. During the event, Lincoln received a dramatic and symbolic endorsement as the state's choice for the Republican nomination for President. The highlight came when John Hanks, Lincoln's cousin, carried in two fence rails supposedly split by Lincoln during his youth, labeled: "Abraham Lincoln, the Rail Candidate for President in 1860." This theatrical gesture helped solidify his image as a self-made man and "rail-splitter," appealing to working-class voters. The enthusiastic response at the convention catapulted Lincoln onto the national stage, setting the stage for his formal nomination at the Republican National Convention in Chicago later that month.
Category: Pre-Civil War
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