English

The life and speeches of Henry Clay

Inscription in ink, front flyleaf: "This book was used by Abraham Lincoln when making his first great antislavery speeches, preceding the memorable campaign with Douglas. He quoted largely from Clay's speeches with wonderful effect. [Signed,] Jas. W. Somers (formerly of Urbana, Illinois, then a young lawyer and personal friend of Mr. Lincoln). [The closing parenthetical statement was added by Mr. Somers at a later time, and he continues:] In reading from this book I distinctly remember that Mr. Lincoln, for the first time, used spectacles, apologizing to his audience, saying that he was not as young as he used to be; this was, I think, in the fall of 1856. James W. Somers." · Business card affixed to front lining paper: James W. Somers, attorney at law and notary public ... Urbana, Illinois · Includes tipped-in leaf (25 x 20 cm., folded to 20 cm.) preceding contents p. containing inscription in ink on plain verso of lined paper: "James Somers, I personally know to be a most worthy member; whether he can be promoted must be left to the secretary. A. Lincoln, June 11, 1863." · Includes excised newspaper column affixed to prelim. p. endorsing the Whig ticket, including Henry Clay for

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