LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2006 October Grand Format Autographs #629  / 

25821

Abraham Lincoln: 1860 Election Archive

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:750.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
Abraham Lincoln: 1860 Election Archive
<B>Abraham Lincoln: 1860 Poll Book from, arguably, the Most Important Election in American History.</B></I> Five pieces, poll book and documents. Sizes range from 8" x 13" to 26" x 16.5". A fabulous archive. An 1860 poll book and oversized tally sheets and documents detailing campaign results from DeWitt County, Ill. From the national election, November 6, 1860. Present are two large poll sheets approximately 16" x 27" with usual folds and minor separation, listing the "Names of Persons Voted For to be Electors of President and Vice President of the United States." Hash marks detail actual votes cast for a range of offices including the election of Richard Yates as Governor. Together with a poll book measuring 8.5" x 13.5", partially printed and manuscript completed, usual folds, with 3 pages detailing that 174 citizens cast their vote. Docketed on front cover, three blank pages, usual folds. The results of these votes are then summarized on a separate, two-sided sheet, same size, being the "Abstract of Votes Given in the County of DeWitt and State of Illinois for Eleven Electors for President and Vice President of the United States..." Without question, such a complete record of a single polling station seldom appears, particularly from 1860. And, that these tally sheets are from Illinois are enhanced by the face that two of their major candidates from this race came from that state: Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas. The Republicans - with Lincoln as their standard-bearer - proclaimed that each state could decide the issue within its own border and that no one (Congress or Territorial Legislatures) could legalize slavery in the territories. His political strength was confined to the populous Northern States, but he won a decisive victory in the Electoral College. However, he polled only about 40 percent of the popular vote. Douglas garnered an impressive popular vote, but barely made a showing the electoral tally. Few would argue that this election forever changed American history. These documents record some of the mechanics of how it was done. Fine condition.
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