Scarce broadside headed "President Lincoln's Farewell Address to His Old Neighbors, Springfield, February 12, 1861," one page, 13.75 x 18.75, printed as a memorial in 1865 by the American News Company. In part: "My Friends, No one not in my position can appreciate the sadness I feel at this parting. To this people I owe all that I am. Here I have lived more than a quarter of a century; here my children were born, and here one of them lies buried. I know not how soon I shall see you again. A duty devolves upon me which is, perhaps, greater than that which has devolved upon any other man since the days of Washington. He never would have succeeded except for the aid of Divine Providence, upon which he at all times relied. I feel that I cannot succeed without the same Divine aid which sustained him, and on the same Almighty Being I place my reliance for support, and I hope you, my friends, will all pray that I may receive that Divine assistance without which I cannot succeed, but with which success is certain. Again I bid you an affectionate farewell." In fine condition, with scattered light foxing and a short tear to the top border. Lincoln gave this moving extemporaneous farewell to the citizens of Springfield, Illinois, at the train station just prior to his departure to Washington.
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