Raynors HCA 2018-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/20/2018
During the Civil War, President Lincoln received tremendous criticism from Democratic opponents for measures that appeared to show total disregard for Constitutional-guaranteed due process. This included temporary closing of opposition presses, denial of railroad transport for such newspapers, the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus and the arrest and imprisonment of so-called "disloyal agitators" who, if given a trial, were subject to being judged in military tribunals. This resulted in the publication of such books as The American Bastille as well as countless pamphlets attacking Lincoln and his administration. Yet, following the assassination and martyrdom and successful conclusion to the War, such criticism became moot and faded away... or did it? This recently discovered 6 x 7" circular indicates otherwise. Entitled "Prisoners of State" and signed by one P. C. Wright, it constitutes a call for all political prisoners who suffered under the Lincoln regime to meet on July 3rd 1868 (coincidentally one day prior to the opening of the Democratic National Convention at Tammany Hall in New York City) to discuss further action! It proclaims: "... the 'Prisoners of State' under the despotism of the late Abraham Lincoln, will meet in convention, with such of their fellow sufferers as feel disposed to assert the dignity of Free American Citizens, by placing on Record our experience, and the infamy of those who dared to exercise arbitrary power towards law abiding citizens." Whether the proposed meeting at the Union Place Hotel took place as planned is unknown. In 1868, the excesses of the previous administration were irrelevant - rather, as Lincoln foresaw, Reconstruction and reconciliation were the dominant issues. Uneven trim, else near fine condition.
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