I am my dear your most effectionate
Husband
Edmd Munro
ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT OF LINCOLN’S SPEECH ON THE FORMATION OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. No date, but delivered in 1859.
[An extremely valuable Lincoln document, perhaps the best that was ever offered at public sale. It was accompanied by a letter from Mrs. E. J. Grinsley of Springfield, Ill., dated April 10th, 1866, presenting the Speech to the Rev. E. P. Hammond.
Mrs. Grinsley in her letter calls it “part of an address,” but it reads like a short but complete speech.]
The following is the text:
Upon those men who are in sentiment opposed to the spread and nationalization of slavery, rests the task of preventing it. The Republican organization is the embodyment of that sentiment; though, as yet, it by no means embraces all the individuals holding that sentiment. The party is newly formed; and in forming, old party ties had to be broken, and the attractions of party pride and influential leaders were wholly wanting—In spite of old differences, prejudices, and animosities, its members were drawn together by a permanent common danger—They formed and manœuvered in the face of the disciplined enemy, and in the teeth of all his persistent misrepresentations— Of course, they fell far short of gathering in all their own—And yet, a year ago, they stood up, an army over thirteen hundred thousand strong—That army is, to-day, THE BEST HOPE OF THE NATION AND OF THE WORLD— Their work is before them; and FROM WHICH THEY MAY NOT GUILTLESSLY TURN AWAY.
MAJOR JAMES M’HENRY TO GEN. GREENE
[Part of letter of Major Jamel McHenry, member of the Continental Congress, military secretary to Washington, and afterwards Secretary of War, to General Greene. It is dated at Ambler’s Plantation, (opposite James Island, Va.), July 8, 1781. It is not signed, but is of great historical interest. He says:]