Next we have a page in Lincoln's own hand from his last State of the Union Speech. This speech was not so short, this being page 44. Lincoln handwrote the speech and sent it to a printer, as in those days, State of the Union addresses were printed and handed out, as opposed to being read before Congress. In this page, Lincoln emphasizes the strength of the Union army, reinforcing the sense that victory was now inevitable. Writes the President, "The important fact remains demonstrated, that we have more men now than we had when the war began, that we are not exhausted, nor in the process of exhaustion; that we are gaining strength, and may, if need be, maintain the contest indefinitely." That would not be necessary as four months later, Lee surrendered. Price on request.

Fifty years later, Theodore Roosevelt would cite Lincoln and the early Republicans for maintaining his independent views. In 1912, Roosevelt, disgusted with the conservative views of the Republican Party, formed his own progressive "Bull Moose" Party. He lost that election though finishing ahead of the incumbent Republican President William Taft. However, by 1914, the Progressive Party was displeased with Roosevelt over his advocating fusion with independent-minded Republicans and Democrats. The Progressives sought to censor Roosevelt. Roosevelt saw their actions as protecting the party machines, and shot back, "Apparently you and the gentlemen who feel as you do have absolutely forgotten how things were done in the early days of the Republican party. There was no attempt to insist upon uniformity of action in every state..." It's a timely letter as the Republican Party faces the same question today. $11,000.

Seth Kaller, Inc., may be reached at 914-289-1776 or skaller@sethkaller.net. Their website is www.sethkaller.net.