Description:

ABRAHAM LINCOLN
(1809-1865) Sixteenth President of the United States who led the Union through the Civil War and emancipated the slaves, assassinated. Superb association partly-printed D.S. "A. Lincoln", a check filled out in his hand, Springfield, Dec. 19, 1855 payable to "W. W. Watson & Son", drawn on the Springfield Marine and Fire Insurance Co. for $41.72. W. W. Watson was a confectioner in Springfield who also operated a saloon in town where he also sold his wares. Trained in St. Louis, Watson was famous for his macaroon pyramids, and the Lincolns patronized his business on a regular basis. Watson's confectionery saloon was also the place where Lincoln celebrated the news of his election as President on the evening of November 9, 1860. According to Paul M. Angle's relation, 'While they were waiting for the news from New York which would clinch the victory, the little group [Lincoln, Dubois, Hatch] in the telegraph office was invited to Watson's Saloon which the Republican women of the town had taken over for the night. As Lincoln walked through the door a hundred feminine voices sang out, 'How do you do, Mr. President!' and as he sat down at a long table piled with food the old refrain was started: 'Ain't you glad you joined the Republicans? Joined the Republicans, Ain't you glad you joined the Republicans? Down in Illinois?' While the voices were still ringing the long-expected dispatch from New York was delivered. Returns from New York City indi­cated certain victory in the state. The word spread throughout the room in a flash, and congratulations came in an avalanche'. See Angle, "Here I have lived": a history of Lincoln's Springfield, 1821 - 1865 (1935), p. 252. From the surviving records, this is the only check we have discovered from Lincoln to Watson to date. A superb association piece. Small tear at upper right corner and small hole from cut cancellation at center affecting one word of text, light folds, else very good condition. Simply matted, not examined out of mat.

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July 22, 2011 11:30 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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