Desirable, early printing of Abraham Lincoln's famous 'Cooper Union Speech,' 16 pages, 6 x 10, headed: "The Republican Party Vindicated—The Demands of the South Explained, Speech of Hon. Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, At the Cooper Institute, N. Y. City, February 27, 1860." Lincoln's historic speech occupies the first nine pages, followed by a campaign speech of John Hickman of Pennsylvania. On the last page is Stephen A. Douglas's endorsement of the Dred Scott decision and criticisms of his doctrine of popular sovereignty. In very good condition, with staining, toning, edge chipping, some minor paper loss, and ink notations at the head of the front page.
Delivered on February 27, 1860, in New York City, Abraham Lincoln’s Cooper Union address was a pivotal speech that helped propel him to national prominence. In it, Lincoln argued that the Founding Fathers intended for the federal government to have the authority to regulate slavery in new territories, countering the claims of pro-slavery advocates. He appealed to reason, history, and morality, presenting himself as a moderate yet principled leader. The address impressed Eastern Republicans and positioned Lincoln as a serious contender for the presidency later that year.
