Bank check, 8 x 2.75, filled out entirely in Lincoln’s hand and signed as “A. Lincoln”, as president-elect, payable to F. E. Payne for $1.00, February 8, 1861. Expected cancellation cut to body, five vertical folds, one through a single letter of signature, some mild toning, and a punch hole to left edge, otherwise condition is remarkably clean and fine.
Like many days around this period, February 8, 1861 was a full one for the future president. In addition to signing this check, Lincoln purchased an insurance policy on his Illinois residence and accepted two invitations (one to visit Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and the other to travel to Cleveland, Ohio). He also moved his family into temporary housing, as three days later - on February 11, 1861- president-elect Lincoln said farewell to the citizens of Springfield and his friends of nearly a quarter century as he embarked for Washington, D.C. and a presidency to be dominated by four years of bloody Civil War.
Upon his arrival at the rail station that Monday, Lincoln was greeted by a thousand friends, neighbors, and well-wishers. Lincoln had not intended to address the crowd, but was so overtaken with emotion that he spoke to them from the back of the railroad car. His impromptu brief remarks would ultimately be considered one of his best speeches. Among the eerily prophetic lines: “I now leave, not knowing when or whether ever I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of that Divine Being who ever attended him I can not succeed. With that assistance I can not fail.” The president did return to Springfield, but not before being felled by an assassin’s bullet
Lincoln will always be known as a great and courageous leader, but the offered, scarce check gives an additional glimpse of Lincoln as a man settling his debts before embarking on the greatest journey of his life. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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