Abraham Lincoln Primary Sources
Proclamations, Speeches, and Letters
Abraham Lincoln was one of the great thinkers of American history. Use this collection of primary sources to expand your understanding and appreciation of his legacy.
First Inaugural Address
Lincoln's first inaugural address, delivered March 4, 1861, came after seven states had already seceded from the Union. Read the speech »
"A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand"
Accepting the Illinois Republican nomination for Senate in 1858, Lincoln predicted a time of trouble. Read the speech »
Thanksgiving Proclamation
Abraham Lincoln was the first president in American history to declare a regular day of Thanksgiving. Read the proclamation »
The Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation, issued January 1, 1863, decreed that all slaves living in rebellious states would be "forever free." Read the proclamation »
"I Would Save The Union"
Lincoln began his campaign for emancipation with adroit political maneuvering, as demonstrated by this editorial. Read the editorial »
The Cooper Union Address
Lincoln wowed New York City with this bold argument against the expansion of slavery. Read the address »
The Gettysburg Address
The Gettysburg Address, delivered months after the battle, is considered to be one of the great speeches of world history. Read the address »
Second Inaugural Address
Lincoln's second inaugural address offers a poetic reflection on the morality of the Civil War. Read the address »
Ulysses S. Grant on Meeting the President »
Lincoln hoped he had found a fighter in General Ulysses S. Grant. Read the account »
General Sherman's Christmas Telegram to Abraham Lincoln
Sherman presented Lincoln with a tremendous Christmas gift at the end of 1864. Read the telegram »
The Object of Government »
This rarely seen fragment from Lincoln's personal notes reveals his governing philosophy. Read the notes »
Lincoln and the King of Siam »
Lincoln politely turns down an offer of war elephants. Read the exchange »
Cartooning the Election of 1864 »
Cartoons from the tightly contested presidential election of 1864. See the cartoons »
"This Administration Will Not Be Re-elected" »
Despairing over his prospects for re-election, Lincoln formulates a new plan. See the letter »
Want to know more about Abraham Lincoln? Visit our Lincoln "Hub" — full of articles, photos, videos and more »
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