Gerald Ford, Partly Lincoln Speech, Printed Pamphlet, Signed

Description

Gerald Ford signs a reprint of a speech Lincoln delivered a month before the commencement of his famous debates with Stephen Douglas.

Within these pages, Lincoln denies his opponent’s charges of disunion sentiment, opposition to the Dred Scott decision, and espousal of black equality. This speech is one of several given just prior to the celebrated Lincoln v. Douglass debates. On this same day, Stephen A. Douglass had also addressed an audience in Springfield, and Lincoln’s tone is clearly to set a marked contrast to his opponent, at first lightly and in jest of their physical appearances; and later more pointedly when addressing serious issues. This is one of Lincoln’s most noted speeches on the campaign trail and discusses the Dred Scott decision and the Lecompton Constitution; and includes his dictum that “A house divided against itself cannot stand” (p. 5).  

A curious association piece, accompanied by several T.Ls.S. (all as “Paul”) of Illinois Congressman Paul Findley to Lincoln curator and historian James T. Hickey, one stating that Ford signed this pamphlet while aboard Air Force One “the signature occurring about 9:15am;” together with a photocopied T.L.S. from Ford to Findley about receiving the pamphlet, and related carbon copy correspondence of Hickey and Findley.  A detailed provenance for an autograph is unusual.  As is, Hickey’s provided information as to how the pamphlet was originally discovered. 

Very good; toned at edges; two corners bent, but present.      

Margins a bit age-toned and soiled; leaves beginning to separate, but overall good.

Ford, Gerald R. Printed Pamphlet, “SPEECH OF / HON. ABRAHAM LINCOLN, / DELIVERED IN SPRINGFIELD…JULY 17, 1858”. Signed diagonally by Ford in black felt tip at upper right corner of cover, along with a spilled ink dot nearby. 6.5″ x 9.5″; 8pp. [Monaghan #12]