How History Unfolds on Paper: Important Americana from the Eric C. Caren Collection, Part X

New York, Friday, November 20, 1863. Whole No. 9926. Printed newspaper. Folio. 10 pp. Creased from old fold, loss at fore-edge of same on first leaf, affecting some text, closed tear at same on subsequent leaves; central fold repaired, with loss at lower half, affecting some letters at bottom; scattered spotting and toning.

Scarce first-day printing of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, printed at the bottom of final page ("Dedicatory Speech of the President"). This newspaper also features Edward Everett’s entire speech, as well as reports on the dedicatory ceremonies.

The transcript that gave the world Lincoln's speech was taken by Associated Press freelancer Joseph L. Gilbert, who was seated on the speaker's platform. As Gilbert recalled in 1917, during Lincoln's brief two-minute 272-word speech, he became "fascinated by his intense earnestness and depth of feeling," and "unconsciously stopped taking notes and looked up at him." Luckily for Gilbert, Lincoln allowed him to copy his text, from which the press report featured here was made. Lincoln's speaking copy has since been lost, and the definitive text has been pieced together, from Gilbert's account, and additional sources.