This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2015
Highly desirable Springfield Marine and Fire Insurance Company check, 7.5 x 2.75, filled out and signed by Lincoln, “A. Lincoln,” payable to Smith Wickersham & Co. for $153.46, March 21, 1860. In fine condition, with two very light vertical folds and an unobtrusive cancellation cut next to signature. Lincoln, while campaigning in 1858 for Illinois’ Senate seat, kept a scrapbook with newspaper clippings reporting his debates with Stephen Douglas. His performance against the better known incumbent had been well received, and he realized that his speeches would have a larger audience if he could distribute them outside Illinois. Printer William Ross had written Lincoln about publishing the speeches, with Johnson and Bradford bowing out the following month. A desirable Lincoln check written as his political career was gaining momentum. Authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA.