LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Speech of Mr. A. Lincoln, of Illinois, on the Presidential Question. Delivered in the House of Representatives of the United States, July 21, 1848. Washington, D.C.: J & G.S. Gideon, [1848].

8vo. Disbound; light spotting; in chemise.

FIRST EDITION. This speech addressed the differences between General Zachary Taylor and the Democratic candidate, General Lewis Cass, particularly regarding executive power and internal improvements. Lincoln defended Taylor's position on allowing the people's will to guide policy, stating, "The distinction between it, and the position of your candidate is broad and obvious." He criticized the notion of excessive presidential power, arguing, "To thus transfer legislation, is clearly to take it from those who understand, with minuteness, the interests of the people, and give it to one who does not, and can not so well understand it." Lincoln also emphasized Taylor's commitment to respecting Congress's decisions on key issues like tariffs and infrastructure, quoting Taylor's Allison letter: "Upon the subject of the tariff, the currency, the improvements of our great high-ways, rivers, lakes, and harbors, the will of the people, as expressed through their representatives in congress, ought to be respected and carried out by the executive."

According to online records, the last copy was sold in 1980 at Sotheby's Parke Bernet. Monaghan 6.

Provenance:

Louise Taper, Beverly Hills, California

Property from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Foundation