LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865).
Speech of Mr. Lincoln, of Illinois, on the Reference of the President's Message, in the House of Representatives... January 14, 1848. Washington, D.C.: J & G.S. Gideon, 1848.

8vo. Uncut and unopened; small stains on title-page; in chemise. 

FIRST EDITION PRINTED FOR POLITICAL DISTRIBUTION DEFENDING LINCOLN'S "SPOT RESOLUTIONS."

In his speech, delivered on 12 January 1848 (not 14 January as stated in the title), Lincoln criticized President Polk's justification for the Mexican-American War and argued that Polk had failed to provide sufficient evidence that American blood was shed on American soil, which was the pretext for war. Lincoln challenged Polk's claims, stating that the president "can not, or will not" prove that the conflict began on undisputed American territory. Lincoln accused the administration of provoking both countries into war and attempting to distract the public with "the exceeding brightness of military glory". He likened Polk's war message to "the half insane mumbling of a fever-dream," highlighting the questionable nature of the president's justifications. The speech expanded on Lincoln's earlier Spot Resolutions, introduced on 22 December 1847, which requested President Polk to provide concrete evidence of American territorial claims in the disputed area where hostilities began. Monaghan 4; Sabin 41162.

Provenance:

Louise Taper, Beverly Hills, California

Property from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Foundation