FFoorr tthhee PPeeooppllee A N ewsletter of t he Abraham L incoln Association Volume 6, N umber 1 Spring 2004 S p r i n g f i e l d , I l l i n o i s

Lincoln’s “Suicide” Poem: Has It Been Found?

By Richard Lawrence Miller* Weik about when the poem was pro- the August 25, 1838, Sangamo Journal duced. The spring of 1840 would is a candidate for being the poem in n William Herndon’s Life of remove any connection of the poem question. Lacking, however, a holo- Lincoln, ghostwriter Jesse Weik with Lincoln’s black mood of 1841. graph manuscript or dependable iden- Ihas Herndon say that Abraham Herndon himself once recalled an even tification by contemporaries familiar Lincoln wrote “a few lines under the earlier date: “As to the Lincoln poem with the work, we are left to our own gloomy title of ‘Suicide’” at around the on suicide, I found out from Speed devices in determining whether Lin- time of the depression Lincoln suffered that it was written 1838, and I hunted coln might be the author. in 1841 after breaking his engagement up the Journal and found where the This candidate poem satisfies basic with Mary Todd and learning that his poem was, what day published, etc., requirements. Dating is within proper best friend Joshua Speed was moving etc., but someone had cut it out—sup- perimeters. The subject matter of sui- back to Kentucky. According to the rec- posed to be Lincoln. I could never find cide is extraordinary. The Sangamo ollection attributed to Herndon, the another copy, and so there is an end of Journal and other newspapers poem was published in the Sangamo that” (see Herndon to Ward Lamon, of that time routinely contained verse Journal, but in the newspaper’s files the Feb. 25, 1870, in Emanuel Hertz, ed., with themes of death or mortality, but poem later had been clipped from the The Hidden Lincoln, from the Letters and not suicide. Lincoln appears to have issue containing it: “I have always sup- Papers of William H. Herndon [New had no competitors dealing with that posed it was done by Lincoln or by York: Blue Ribbon Books, 1940], 67). theme. The title given by Weik, with- some one at his instigation.” Was the poem indeed clipped out out access to the poem itself, may be The piece has been a minor literary from the newspaper file? Herndon imprecise. And typically, poetry in the mystery. Skepticism has even existed does not declare personal recollection Sangamo Journal did not give an about the poem’s existence, on of ever seeing the poem; on the con- author’s name, so lack of attribution grounds that scrapbooks should have trary, he seems to rely on Speed for does not argue against Lincoln’s preserved it, and that Springfield’s knowledge of the item’s existence. authorship. Democratic Illinois Register of the era Searchers examining the standard Aspects of content are consistent would have reprinted anything embar- Sangamo Journal file do encounter an with his authorship. Given the rarity of rassing to Lincoln (see Mary Leighton occasional empty rectangle where an suicide verse in newspapers of the era, Miles, “The Fatal First of January, item once existed, but how did we can easily speculate that Sangamo 1841,” Journal of the Illinois State Herndon know that a particular empty Journal editor Simeon Francis had par- Historical Society 20 [1927–1928]: 16). rectangle had contained a poem he evi- ticular respect for the item’s author, Although Jesse Weik is an outstand- dently did not remember and (given else the submission might have been ing authority, Herndon saw flaws in the dating conflicts) published in a year rejected. Francis is well known for giv- the book. Was the poetry account an he apparently was uncertain of? ing Lincoln open access to the newspa- example of error in detail? Weik dates Perhaps his remarks to Lamon should per’s columns. Although Herndon and the piece from 1841. Herndon’s notes be treated as sincere but casual, a pri- Weik implied that someone thought of a circa June 10, 1865, interview vate comment made to a friend but not Lincoln’s suicide poem contained with Joshua Speed date the poem as intended as a public declaration that thoughts best hidden from posterity, “about 1840.” A September 13, 1866, could be proven. Weik’s prose on the Lincoln was not given to public confes- letter from Speed to Herndon says: subject, attributed to Herndon, was sion of intimate thoughts. Nor would “My recollection is that the Poem on very public but may have had no more his personal and political friend Francis Suicide was written in the Spring of backing than Herndon’s earlier com- be likely to publish a piece raising ques- 1840. or Summer of 1841,” and “It ment to Lamon. tions about Lincoln’s steadiness; even was published in the Sangamon If we are willing to consider that if such a piece lacked public attribu- Journal soon after it was written.” Herndon possibly erred about the tion, persons closely connected to the Speed appeared less certain than poem’s disappearance, an item from continued on page 6 2 For the People

Lincoln and the Cold War

By Thomas F. Schwartz Lincoln’s legacy, especially as it per- to say to you here in Springfield, as tained to division of Germany. Recent well as to all the people of America, art of the Lincoln Sesquicenten- Soviet statements of reunifying Berlin how greatly indebted we are to you. I nial observances was the appear- prompted Brandt to seek reassurances have just passed several pleasant and Pance of West Berlin Mayor Willy from the that West encouraging days; and they have Brandt in Springfield, Illinois. A crowd Berlin would remain safe from any out- strengthened my conviction that Berlin of fifteen hundred gathered at the side military threats. President Eisen- can rely on its friends and that we shall Illinois State Armory for a steak dinner hower stood firmly behind Brandt and march forward shoulder to shoulder, and an address by the young forty- the people of West Berlin. Brandt used permitting nothing to come between us. four-year-old mayor of the divided city Lincoln’s “House Divided” speech as The history of nations, particularly of Berlin. The evening revelers includ- his point of departure. It is reproduced the nations of Europe, has passed on to ed twenty-four diplomats, including here in its entirety. posterity in ample measure the deeds of Sir Harold Cassia, the British ambassa- those personalities whose fame rests on dor, and Herve’ Alphand, the French Ladies and Gentlemen: the external employment of power. Yet, ambassador. The local newspaper, the We have come together here in it may be rightly said that a greater his- Illinois State Journal Register, noted the Springfield to pay homage to a great torical force has emanated from those last-minute cancellation of Czechoslo- political leader of your country. I have men and women who have helped their vakian charge d’ affaires, Dr. Carl gladly come the long way from Berlin country and their people to attain inner Duda, with the headline, “Reds Snub to Springfield, because I consider it a greatness and strength and who thus Lincoln Fete.” Czechoslovakia was the high honor that I may have a part in became the embodiment of ideas only “Iron Curtain” country that had these ceremonies and that I may speak which have influenced many countries indicated a willingness to participate in to you. and many generations. the celebration. In spite of this small diplomatic incident, the evening was a great suc- cess. The famous singer and actress Etta Moten sang the “National Anthem” while the University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra and Varsity Men’s Glee Club provided addi- tional music, including a performance of Aaron Copeland’s “A Lincoln Portrait.” Springfield Mayor Nelson O. Howarth, William Stratton, and Senator Everett M. Dirksen were among the elected official representing Illinois. In recognition of Brandt’s efforts, he was presented a gavel “made from a block of black walnut taken from a tree that grew in the yard of the Sangamon County Courthouse where Lincoln gave his “House Divided” speech.” Brandt was also given book- ends fashioned after Daniel Chester West Berlin’s Mayor Willy Brandt French’s seated Lincoln that was and Illinois First Lady Shirley Stratton inscribed: “Presented to Mayor Willy Brandt by the people of Springfield, My fellow-Berliners are filled with In my city of Berlin, during those Ill., Feb. 12, 1959.” the same sense of gratitude; and I most difficult years after the war, we Brandt used the occasion of bring to all of you and to your many had such a personality at our head, a Lincoln’s 175th birthday to discuss guests their heartfelt greetings. I wish continued on page 4 For the People 3

THE ASSOCIATION ROGER D. BRIDGES Member News and President MOLLY M. BECKER Announcements RICHARD E. HART RICHARD MILLS Vice-Presidents pringfield attorney Joseph E. accepted a position with the history THOMAS F. S CHWARTZ McMenamin serves in the Illinois department at Gettysburg College Secretary SNational Guard. He and his unit beginning in the fall. ROBERT A. STUART JR. have been deployed to Afghanistan for James M. McPherson is writing a Treasurer one year. Our thoughts and prayers are biography on Abraham Lincoln. ROBERT S. ECKLEY with him and all the men and women Catherine Clinton, author of Immediate Past-President serving in the military. Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom, Board of Directors Myron Marty will be discussing is working on a biography of Mary L. Kenneth Anderson Dan W. Bannister books that Abraham Lincoln read and Todd Lincoln. Judith Barringer some of the best books written about The Abraham Lincoln Association Michael Burlingame the Sixteenth President. The discussion and the Governor Oglesby Mansion John Daly are hosting “A Lincoln Evening” on Brooks Davis will be streamed live over the Internet Rodney O. Davis on Thursday, April 1 at 7:00 P.M. at Thursday, April 29, 2004, in Decatur, Donald H. Funk www.drake.edu. For further informa- Illinois. The evening will begin with a Allen C. Guelzo reception from 5:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. Kathryn M. Harris tion, contact Claudia Cackler at Earl W. Henderson Jr. 515.271.4049 or via e-mail at at the Governor Oglesby Mansion at Fred B. Hoffmann [email protected]. 421 West Williams Street. The festivi- Barbara Hughett ties then move to the Madden Auditor- Robert J. Lenz A “sneak peek” at the Abraham Lee McTurnan Lincoln Presidential Library and Muse- ium at the Decatur Public Library, 130 Myron Marty um attracted over 4,400 individuals on North Franklin Street, where noted Susan Mogerman author Ronald C. White Jr. will give a Georgia Northrup Valentine’s Day. Richard Norton Phillip S. Paludan Smith, executive director of the lecture on “Lincoln’s Eloquence.” James W. Patton III ALPLM, was surprised and gratified White has received high praise for his Mark Plummer book Lincoln’s Greatest Speech: The Gerald Prokopowicz by the public interest. James A. Rawley Former Illinois Governor Jim Second Inaugural. His current research Marvin Sanderman Edgar has agreed to head the reconsti- explores Lincoln’s eloquence as a writer Brooks D. Simpson and orator. Copies of White’s book as Richard Norton Smith tuted Abraham Lincoln Presidential Nicky Stratton Library and Museum Foundation. well as titles from other Lincoln histo- Louise Taper Allen C. Guelzo appeared on rians will be available for purchase and Donald R. Tracy signing at the library. While the event is Andy VanMeter numerous television and radio shows Margaret VanMeter discussing his new book Lincoln’s free, donations at the Governor Ogles- Daniel R. Weinberg Emancipation Proclamation: The End of by Mansion are accepted. Mark your Vibert White calendars and plan to attend! Robert Willard Slavery in America. Guelzo has also Kenneth J. Winkle Honorary Directors Governor Rod R. Blagojevich Senator Richard Durbin Mr. Lincoln at 195 Senator Peter Fitzgerald Congressman Ray LaHood Congressman John Shimkus Mayor Timothy J. Davlin he Abraham Lincoln Associa- Hayes Presidential Library and The Honorable Rita Garman tion celebrated the one hundred Museum in Fremont, Ohio, as well as Emeritus Directors ninety-fifth anniversary of past director of the Illinois State John R. Chapin T Historical Library. He and his wife Cullom Davis Abraham Lincoln’s birth in Spring- John J. Trutter field, Illinois, with an exciting lineup of Karen reside in Bloomington, Harlington Wood Jr. speakers and events. The Board of Illinois. Distinguished Directors Directors met to elect new officers and Also elected were Molly Becker, Mario M. Cuomo some new board members. Dr. Roger Richard E. Hart, and Richard Mills as David Herbert Donald vice presidents, Thomas F. Schwartz as John Hope Franklin D. Bridges replaced Dr. Robert S. Harry V. Jaffa Eckley, who stepped down to chair the secretary, and Robert Stuart Jr. as treas- Robert W. Johannsen endowment campaign. Bridges is the urer. Garry Wills former director of the Rutherford B. continued on page 7 4 For the People

Lincoln and the Cold War

continued from page 2 however, regarded it as improper that ties, a duty which, after biter experi- man whose life and work was permeat- the General Association of German ence, the great majority of the German ed with the knowledge that spiritual workers—a predecessor of my own people also acknowledge. forces and moral values are stronger party—expressed its sympathy on the He spoke of the eternal struggle than the exigencies of the moment. I occasion of Lincoln’s death in address- between democracy and tyranny. We am thinking of Ernst Reuter, who es to the American Government. know that this struggle has torn apart showed us Berliners not only the way Third, and foremost, however, I the European continent and that it has of resistance to tyranny but also the am thinking of the character of that assumed world-wide dimensions. He way of close cooperation with our man, who, with so much warmth and quoted the passage from the Bible American friends. understanding, stood at the side of about the house divided against itself, We here today, all the American those people then struggling for their and expressed his conviction that this people and millions of freedom-loving freedom. Let us remember his words government cannot endure permanent- men and women throughout the world about the electric cord that links the ly half slave and half free. are honoring that great man, Abraham hearts of patriotic and liberty loving The truths which Lincoln spoke Lincoln, who in martyrdom has gone men together throughout the world. here in Springfield in June, 1858, are down in history as the uniter of his Perhaps we should also remember that perhaps even more applicable to the people. But this man does not belong Lincoln was one of those men who present situation of the German people to you alone, my friends. He belongs here in Springfield, more than one than to the one which he faced: that is, to all of us, above all to our young peo- hundred years ago, put it on paper that to the arbitrary disruption of their ple, and he lives in the hearts of Russian action with regard to the lives, for which, of course, they are not mankind everywhere. In Abraham Hungarian freedom-fighters of those without guilt themselves. I can only tell Lincoln intellectual force was matched days was an “illegal and unwarrantable you that the Germans in the East and with moral strength. He understood interference.” in the West have not accepted this situ- the spirit as well as the needs of his In other words, Lincoln and his ation and that they will not accept con- time; and he was possessed of that friends avowed their solidarity with all ditions under which a son is separated pragmatic way of thinking which is those people in the world who fought from his mother, a brother from his conducive to successful action and for freedom, for human rights and for brother. which always stands the test if it is the right to self-reliance. Important I can only ask you all to imagine anchored in firm convictions. periods of American policy have since what it means when each and every day When I say that Lincoln belongs borne the mark of this principle. The for ten years and more hundreds of to all of us, I am naturally thinking—as world would look bad indeed had not Germans become refugees in their own the spokesmen of Germany’s capital— the American people and their govern- country, because they can no longer of his connections with Germany and ment been permeated by this basic atti- endure the tyrannical pressure put of the help which he received, before tude, especially during recent decades. upon them in the part of Germany and after his election to the presidency, Ladies and gentleman, you will ruled by the Soviets. I must make you from men of German origin. I need not expect me to give you an interpre- aware of the danger resulting from this only mention such names as Carl tation of your great president in terms arbitrary division. It is a threat to peace Schurz, Gustav Koerner, and Franz of domestic American affairs. Yet even in Europe and to peace in the world. Lieber. an outsider may venture the guess that Therefore, the German question, As a man who has emerged from those who stood “on the other side of the desire of the Germans for the the labor movement, I wish to point the barricade” during the Civil War reestablishment of their national unity, out, secondly, that it was Abraham would also agree today without hesita- has greater significance than merely a Lincoln who called the free laborer a tion that the United States could not legitimate national interest. In fact, it is bulwark of democracy, and that he con- have become a haven of freedom and rather the accepted common interest of sidered those particularly worthy to be the leading world power had the unity everyone who wants a peaceful order in trusted who toil up from poverty. This of the nation been shattered. Europe and in the world. Of course, I spirit of impartiality and of faith in Abraham Lincoln spoke of the know that the German question today, equal opportunity was also understood duty of the whole people to never in many respects, is interwoven with on the other side of the ocean. A police entrust to any hands but their own . . . the over-all problems of common secu- conference in Berlin in June 1865, the preservation . . . of their own liber- rity and East-West relations. I am, For the People 5 therefore, aware of the fact that neither of West-Berlin.” But what the Soviet people living in Berlin; it is also impos- an isolated nor a sudden solution is announcements proclaim in this con- sible because a capitulation in the possible and that we must hope for text means anything but freedom for Berlin question would have far-reach- gradual changes, for step-by step solu- the citizens involved. No, Berlin is to ing, devastating consequences, and tions as the result of persistent negotia- be “free” from the Americans and the because a new and permanent settle- tion. other Western powers, it is to be “free” ment cannot be built upon the breach In this sense, I am for flexibility from its economic and legal relation- of justice and treaty law. and opposed to our becoming impris- ship with the German West, “free” This can and will not come to pass. oned in the framework of out-dated from freedom. Let me answer in You can rely on the people of Berlin. formulas. But I say with Abraham Lincoln’s words, namely, that you can We know how important it is to pre- Lincoln that important principles may fool some of the people all of the time serve peace, but we do not want to lose and must be inflexible. For the days and all of the people some of the time, freedom. If freedom is at stake, we will ahead, firmness, unity and patience are but you cannot fool all of the people all bend our knee to nobody. as important for the West as the will- of the time. Since shortly after the end of the ingness to examine changing condi- Those who talk about a “demilita- Berlin blockade the Freedom Bell has tions and to accommodate ourselves to rized” city and who accuse the West of hung in the town hall of West-Berlin. It them whenever possible. wanting to prolong artificially the came to us from your country with This also applies to Berlin, which occupation status of Soviet divisions parchment scrolls bearing the signa- has once more become the target of encircling the city and to absorb what tures of fifteen million American men Soviet probing and blackmail and is left into that part of Germany ruled and women. Each day at 12 noon we which in the months to come will yet by the Communists. For us, the pow- listen to the sound of this bell, which be the subject of much agitation, for ers embarrassing to the interests of the reminds us of what we have to preserve the climax of the Soviet-provoked crisis population. We regard them as protect- and what we yet have to achieve. has not yet been reached. But in the ing powers and as our friends. The Freedom Bell also reminds us weeks past we have won two peaceful What has been rebuilt in Berlin, of the immortal work of Abraham victories. the transformation of a vast desert of Lincoln. It reminds us in particular of The Berliners themselves repulsed ruins into a place of flourishing eco- the address he delivered at the national that attack against their social order nomic and intellectual life is to a great cemetery in Gettysburg—that great and their economic reconstructions. extent the common achievement of the prose work in which, referring to the On December 7, 93 percent of them Berliners and their American friends. honored dead, he declared that the liv- hastened to the ballot boxes and all We all still vividly remember the ing should dedicate themselves to the save a bare 2 percent case their votes magnificent performance of the airlift task for which they gave the highest against the Soviet threats. by the Americans and their British sacrifice so that this sacrifice shall not And the United States together allies. When in May we will solemnly have been in vain. Engraved on our with their allies have told the Soviets: celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Freedom Bell are these noble words Hands off Berlin! They have made it lifting of the Berlin blockade, it will be from the : “That clear to Moscow that they will not a great pleasure for us to welcome in this world,” Lincoln said “nation,” but renounce their rights and obligations our midst a number of those men who today he, too, would include the whole even under the pressure of an ultima- at that time shifted the points the right world, “under God shall have a new tum. Today the Soviets realize the seri- way. birth of freedom.” ous risk of unilateral action. If it Now again, it is essential that the becomes necessary, it must also be points remain properly set, that is, that made clear to them that the same risk is together we persevere in our stand for involved as far as the hindrance of right and freedom. This does not mean For the People (ISSN 1527–2710) is impairment of access to Berlin is con- that we should not negotiate—on the published four times a year and is a cerned, for without free access, the contrary. It also does not mean that benefit of membership of the agreements on Berlin would become a counter-proposals cannot be offered Abraham Lincoln Association mere farce. with regard to the Berlin situation— 1 Old State Capitol Plaza We see time and again that forgery within the framework of more far- Springfield, Illinois is turned into political practice. reaching negotiations, particularly with 62701 Lincoln said that there is much talk regard to improved transit between about freedom but that the concept of Berlin and West-Germany. But we Newsletter design and layout by freedom is often filled with very differ- ought to understand that the East William B. Tubbs ent substances. Lincoln’s remark has wants nothing but a unilateral change [email protected] even greater relevance today. in circumstance to their own advantage This also applies to the Berlin case. and to the disadvantage of the West. Talk goes on about creating a “free city This is unacceptable because of the 6 For the People

Lincoln’s “Suicide” Poem: Has It Been Found?

continued from page 1 about childhood memories, filled with Here, where the lonely hooting owl newspaper or to Springfield’s political musings about madness and ambigu- Sends forth his midnight moans, and social scenes would be likely to ous rationality of death, we see subject Fierce wolves shall o’er my carcase growl, learn the author’s identity. Lincoln’s matter (insanity) and reasoning (that Or buzzards pick my bones. fascination with poetry about mortality particular circumstances can make is ample reason to postulate he pro- death more sensible than life) that are No fellow-man shall learn my fate, duced a poem about suicide having also seen in the interplay of rationality Or where my ashes lie; nothing to do with personal anguish of and madness below—the protagonist’s Unless by beasts drawn round their bait, his own. Given these factors, we appeal to cold reason for justification of Or by the ravens’ cry. should not expect Lincoln’s suicide his action is especially Lincolnian in poem to have any explicit personal ref- spirit. Below, too, in this 1838 poem Yes! I’ve resolved the deed to do, erence. Such lack would also be the is the oratorical flourish found in And this the place to do it: simplest explanation for why political Lincoln’s 1838 address to the Young This heart I’ll rush a dagger through, opponents never used the poem Men’s Lyceum. Though I in hell should rue it! against Lincoln. Of poetry known to be Lincoln’s, Lincoln’s secretary and biographer technical similarity can be seen in the Hell! What is hell to one like me John G. Nicolay observed: “The music following item. We have stanzas of four Who pleasures never knew; of Lincoln’s thought was always in the lines. The first and third lines in stanzas By friends consigned to misery, minor key. His favorite poems, such as have eight beats; second and fourth By hope deserted too? ‘Oh, Why Should the Spirit of Mortal lines typically have six beats (although, be Proud?’ and Holmes’s ‘Last Leaf ’ as in Lincoln’s “The Bear Hunt,” sec- To ease me of this power to think, specially emphasize this mood; they are ond and fourth lines occasionally have That through my bosom raves, distinctively poems of sadness. So also an extra beat shifting away from pure I’ll headlong leap from hell’s high brink, among Shakespeare’s plays he found iambic meter). First lines rhyme with And wallow in its waves. his chief fascination in ‘Macbeth,’ full third lines; second lines rhyme with of the same undercurrent of the great fourth lines. These are classic thumb- Though devils yells, and burning chains problems of life and destiny with prints left by Lincoln the poet. May waken long regret; which his own slight attempts at Moreover, these particular characteris- Their frightful screams, and piercing pains, versification are in harmony” (see tics are unusual in other Sangamo Will help me to forget. “Lincoln’s Literary Experiments,” Journal poetry. For example in a long Century 47 [1894]: 831). run of issues from 1841, only one Yes! I’m prepared, through endless night, Those observations may be perti- poem maintained those characteristics To take that fiery berth! nent in seeking to establish authorship through its entirety. Think not with tales of hell to fright of the poem below. Mere themes of Absolute certainty about Lincoln’s Me, who am damn’d on earth! sadness are of little relevance, as news- authorship of an unattributed printed papers of that era commonly printed item can be elusive. The poem below, Sweet steel! come forth from out your sheath, verse with such themes. The poem in however, has so many characteristics And glist’ning, speak your powers; question does, however, have themes we should expect to find in Lincoln’s Rip up the organs of my breath, enjoyed by lovers of Shakespearean “suicide” poem (publication source, And draw my blood in showers! tragedy, elements absent from typical dating, themes, technical construction) mortality verse of the era. Below we that we might be justified in wonder- I strike! It quivers in that heart have the debate of whether to be or not ing if the mystery of Lincoln’s “suicide” Which drives me to this end; to be, of desertion or betrayal by poem may now be solved. I draw and kiss the bloody dart, friends, a resolution of conflict through My last—my only friend! death. In smaller details we have refer- THE SUICIDE’S SOLILOQUY. ence to a “dagger,” a term familiar in *Richard Lawrence Miller is an Shakespeare but unfamiliar in newspa- The following lines were said to independent scholar. His books include per accounts of violence during the have been found near the bones of a Truman: The Rise to Power and Nazi 1830s and 1840s. One can easily see man supposed to have committed sui- Justiz: Law of the Holocaust. He is the poem’s author as a lover of cide, in a deep forest, on the Flat preparing a multivolume account of Shakespeare. In an 1846 Lincoln poem Branch of the Sangamon, sometime ago. Lincoln’s years in Illinois. For the People 7

Mr. Lincoln at 195

continued from page 3 Nicky Stratton, director of “Looking Hubbard explored the problems that New board members include L. for Lincoln, Inc.” Professor Robert W. the Republican party encountered with Kenneth Anderson, an attorney and Johannsen was voted a distinguished land reform policies during and after judge from Highland, Indiana; Lee director. the Civil War. Michael Holt rounded McTurnan, a prominent Indianapolis Book signings began in the Old out the session with a paper arguing State Capitol at 11:30 A.M. Among the distinguished authors were Martin Marty, Michael Holt, Mark E. Neely Jr., Mark Voss-Hubbard, Wayne Temple, and Mark Plummer. Kim Mathew Bauer, curator of the Lincoln Collection, presided over the symposium. He began the symposium by announcing the winner of the fourth annual Hay-Nicolay dis- sertation prize. Dr. Mathew Parks of Exeter, New Hampshire, was awarded the prize for his dissertation, “Self- Evident No More: American Political Thought, 1820–1850.” The prize is underwritten by the Lincoln Institute and the Lehrman Institute. The Abraham Lincoln Association and the Abraham Lincoln Institute, Inc. select Richard Norton Smith the recipients and alternate awarding Martin Marty the prize from year to year. A board of attorney in the firm McTurnan and five scholars representing each entity that no coherent two-party system of Turner; Myron Marty, professor of his- serves as the jury. Republicans and Democrats existed tory emeritus from Drake University; Mark E. Neely Jr. began the sym- during the Civil War to providing Richard Norton Smith, executive posium with a probing and provocative Lincoln with a “unified” Republican director of the Abraham Lincoln paper exploring the political culture of party. Graham Peck provided thought- Presidential Library and Museum; and the Republican party. Mark Voss- ful comments on each paper.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

Please enroll me as a member of the Mail this application (or a photocopy) Abraham Lincoln Association in the and a check to: category indicated: The Abraham Lincoln Association Railsplitter $35 1 Old State Capitol Plaza ($25 Student) Springfield, Illinois Postmaster $75 62701 Lawyer $200 Congressman $500 Name President $1,000 Street Web site: www.alincolnassoc.com City Members residing outside the U.S. add State $3.00. Zip 8 For the People

More Pictures from the 2004 Abraham Lincoln Symposium

Martin Marty signs a copy of his book Mark E. Neely Jr. addresses the symposium audience. prior to the symposium.

Incoming President Roger D. Bridges (l) presents The 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment outgoing President Robert S. Eckley with the (Reactivated) presents the colors. traditional framed portrait of Abraham Lincoln.

For t he P eople Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage A N e w s l e t t e r o f t h e A b r a h a m L i n c o l n A s s o c i a t i o n PAID 1 O l d S t a t e C a p i t o l P l a z a Springfield, Illinois S p r i n g f i e l d , I l l i n o i s 6 2 7 0 1 Permit No. 263

F O R W A R D I N G A N D R E T U R N P O S T A G E G U A R A N T E E D A D D R E S S S E R V I C E R E Q U E S T E D