Lot 3084
Proposed Lincoln Payoff, well-written four-page letter datelined Memphis, Tenn, December 5, 1860, to wealthy New Yorkers Alexander T. Stewart, George Lan (?) and William B. Astor, suggesting that they conspire to pay Lincoln and running mate Hanibal Hamlin $100,000 each to resign and "save the country". "Congress will then elect a southern conservative man and all will again be well…the nation will shout until they are hoarse and build a Washington's Monument to the memory of the immortal Lincon [sic] who sacrificed the highest honor within the gift of the American people to save his beloved country." The writer goes on to give many reasons why his plan will work and signs simply "M.B." Very Fine and most interesting.
Estimate $300 - 400
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| Realized $280 |
