August 2019 Auction Ends Thursday, August 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/29/2019
Fascinating autograph letter signed by Abraham Lincoln in 1859, an unpublished letter written to Lincoln's close associate Norman B. Judd, the Republican State Chairman of Illinois at the time. Lincoln discusses a plan to reach German voters in the state via the purchase of a printing press that would ostensibly print literature in German, saying he's in favor of the plan if it would cost no more than $400 - ''we seem to be gaining with the Germans; and perhaps it is right to press our own luck while it runs favorably''.
From Springfield on 29 April 1859, Lincoln writes in full, ''Dear Judd / The letter on the other half of the sheet comes to me, as you see, from Shawneetown, and I suppose I know who wrote it, although it is not [?] I confess the scheme does not strike me favorably; but as I suppose the author of it to be true friends, they are entitled to a respectful hearing and consideration - Think of it, and write me what you think - Another matter you remember it was said last winter that the press and type for a German paper was here, and could be bought for four hundred dollars, and Gov. [Gustav Philip] Koerner and one or two other German friends were deputed to enquire and decide whether it would be [in] our interest to buy them. - I believe they decided in the affirmative. - Dr. Canissius resides here now, and this morning he showed me a letter from Gov. Koerner, expressing a wish that the thing may be done. - If the thing can be started for four hundred dollars, and then kept going without more, I too think it ought to be done. By our recent elections here, we seem to be gaining with the Germans; and perhaps it is right to press our own luck while it runs favorably.- But I suppose it would be better done by the Central Committee; and if they think proper to do it, I suppose the money could be raised here, on their checks.- I will pay fifty dollars any day you draw. Think of this too. Yours &, A. Lincoln''.
As evidenced by this letter, Lincoln and Judd were close allies at this time. It was a year earlier that Judd had proposed the idea that Lincoln should debate Stephen Douglas on the issue of slavery, catapulting Lincoln to national prominence. And it would be Judd who, a year later, nominated Lincoln for President at the Republican National Convention in Chicago - the city selected by Judd so that Lincoln would have an advantage over the other contenders, even going so far as arranging the seating chart so that anti-Lincoln men were in the back of the convention hall. Single page letter measures 7.75'' x 9.875''. Mounting remnant to one corner on verso, and restoration along fold on verso. Also an ink blot at bottom in what looks to be a fingerprint. Writing remains bold, overall very good plus condition.
Abraham Lincoln Autograph Letter Signed to His 1860 De Facto Campaign Manager Norman Judd -- In 1859, Lincoln Writes About Shoring Up the German Vote by Buying a Printing Press to Market to Them
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