Lot #8052

Robert Todd Lincoln

Description

"It is now thirty years since my Father’s death and I am older than he was when he first took the oath of office"

ALS signed “Robert T. Lincoln,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.25 x 6.75, 60 Lake Shore Drive letterhead, November 10, 1895. Letter to Dr. Sidney Dyer, in full: "Your recent letter came to me before I was able to acknowledge the first. I have not unhappily the faculty which at least makes one believe that he can criticize a poem but I can say what pleases myself and I assure you that I consider your tribute to my father as one of the most eloquent among the many that have come to me. Of your versions I much prefer the last & I hope you will secure its publication. It is now thirty years since my Father’s death and I am older than he was when he first took the oath of office, but I am hardly for a single day left without some fresh indication, like yours, in feeling at least, of the place he won in the affection & veneration of his countrymen. It is, as you may believe, very affecting to me & I am very grateful to them who write from their hearts as you have done. I congratulate you heartily on being a survivor of the ‘Black Hawk War,’ which seemed ‘Ancient History’ to me when a boy, & I hope that you may long be borne on the Honor Roll. With my many thanks for your kindness in sending me your Poem.” In fine condition, with an erasure to the top of the first page. Like his father, Robert Todd Lincoln became a lawyer and eventually went into government service, acting as secretary of war under Garfield and Arthur. A fantastic letter in which Abraham Lincoln's son recognizes the lasting and important legacy of his father.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Letter Collection
• Dates: #553 - Ended June 28, 2018

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