Lincoln’s Legacy: Historic Americana from the Life of Abraham Lincoln

4 pp.; 12 x 6 1/2 in. (305 x 165 mm). Creasing from old folds, separations along same; scattered spotting and edge wear.

Part of a series of weekly tracts published by the Young Men's Republican Union, of the City of New York in support of Lincoln's candidacy. This example includes coverage of a speech by Pennsylvania politician John Hickman targeting Stephen A. Douglas; reportage on the incendiary language used in an anti-Lincoln speech by South Carolina politician and "Rampant Fire-Eater" Robert Barnwell Rhett; a series of jocular and sarcastic news items including a burial announcement for the Democratic Party; and a notice headed "Wide Awakes," informing readers that they can "obtain the necessary information about uniform, &c., by applying to E.A. Mann, 659 Broadway."

Organized in 1856 as the Young Men's Fremont and Dayton Central Union, the Young Men's Republican Union notably sponsored Lincoln's famous Cooper Union address at the Cooper Institute in February of 1860. The organization was fervent in its support of Lincoln, being among the first in New York City to ratify his nomination and assembling what is believed to be the first campaign of Wide Awakes in the state. RARE: Monaghan 62-65 (this issue not listed).

Provenance:

Louise Taper, Beverly Hills, California