Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) Speech fragment of annual address to Congress re: reconstruction in Louisiana
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03252 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) Place Written: Washington Type: Autograph manuscript Date: [ 06 December 1864 ] Pagination: 1 p. + note 17.5 x 21 cm Order a Copy
One page from his State of the Union address, printed in full, Basler 8: 136-153. This fragment, mentioning reconstruction of Louisiana and Arkansas, appears on p. 148. Written in larger than normal handwriting to help Lincoln read it. With John D. Defrees autograph endorsement (docket) on verso certifying its authenticity. GLC 5805 is the following page.
Notes: Basler vol. VIII, p. 148. The text of this paragraph continues in GLC 5805. Lincoln's complete message to Congress is printed on p. 136-153, whence comes the section in angled brackets. Basler was unable to locate this autograph fragment but there is only one difference in accidentals, a comma after "Louisiana," which does not appear in printed version. In addition, 'foul' takes the place of "unclean" in the finished version. John Defrees was a government printer (Basler 148n). Other autograph fragments from this speech have similar written statements on verso.
Important movements have also occurred during the year to the effect of moulding [sic] society for durability in the Union. Although short of complete success, it is much in the right direction, that twelve thousand citizens in each of the States of Arkansas and Louisiana, have organized loyal State governments, with free constitutions, and are earnestly struggling to maintain and administer them. The movements in the same direction, more extensive, though less definitive, in Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee, should not be overlooked. But Maryland
[2] [Later endorsements by owners:]
This is a portion of Mr. Lincoln's last annual message, in his own hand writing.
Jno. D. Defrees
This is to be given to Thomas Morris Defrees. J. D. D.
[In a later hand:]
This is to be given to Bradley Defrees
Thos. M. Defrees
His Grand Uncle
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.