Lincoln, Abraham....

Click the image to load the highest resolution version.

Sold on Dec 16, 2014 for:

$9,600.00 Bid Source: Internet bidder

Get one of these:

Share this lot

Track Item Printable Auction Results

Sell One of These

Description

Auction Info

Guides & Info

Description

Lincoln, Abraham. Autograph letter signed ("A. Lincoln"), 2 pages (8 x 5 in.; 204 x 127mm.), Washington, 19 February 1863, to Thurlow Weed, on engraved stationery of the Executive Mansion; repair to horizontal folds. Lincoln hopes Thurlow Weed does not neglect important matters recently discussed. Lincoln writes in full: Dear Sir, The matters I spoke to you about are important; I hope you will not neglect them. Yours truly, A. Lincoln. No doubt, the important matters Lincoln spoke to Weed about involved funds to finance the Republican Party machinery. It appears Weed promptly responded with the collection of $15,000 of pledges. On the bottom of the page and continuing on the back are the signatures of New York merchants who pledged $1,000 each as follows: Charles Knapp; Marshall O. Roberts; Alexander T. Stewart; Isaac Bell; William H. Aspinwall; Cornelius Vanderbilt; James Mitchell; H. B. Cromwell; Novelty Iron Works, Horace Allen, Pres.; James T. Sanford; Spofford & Tileston; J. F. Winslow; Secor & Co.; and P.S. Forbes. Russell Sturges and Henry W. Hubbell pledged $1,000 together. In the Life of Thurlow Weed, Including His Autobiography and a Memoir, edited by Harriet A. Weed, Boston, 1883-1884 (II, 434-35) an account of the circumstances which occasioned Lincoln's note and Weed's raising of the money is quite specific about everything except the purpose for which the money was needed, but quotes Lincoln as follows: "Mr. Weed, we are in a tight place. Money for legitimate purposes is needed immediately; but there is no appropriation from which it can be lawfully taken. I didn't know how to raise it, and so I sent for you." It is more likely that the money was raised to finance party machinery than that it was needed for purposes of government. Welles' Diary on 10 February noted Weed's presence in Washington: "He has been sent for, but my informant knows not for what purpose. It is, I learn, to consult in regard to a scheme of Seward to influence the New Hampshire and Connecticut elections.'" On 8 March Weed wrote Lincoln that, "The Secession 'Petard,' in Connecticut, has probably 'hoisted' its own Engineers. Thank God for so much."