Lincoln Assassination Plot

The Assassination Plot ! ! !

Original- Don't Miss It ! ! !

Lincoln Assassination Plot

You are viewing a most unusual 1861 illustration featuring an assassination plot against Abraham Lincoln. It is from an 1861 edition of Harper's Weekly, the most popular illustrated newspaper of the day. Note that this is not a reprint, and I absolutely guarantee its authenticity. This leaf is over 140 years old, and the date is clearly marked on the front of print. On the day this leaf was printed, the Civil War was underway, and Abraham Lincoln had been elected President of the United States.

This is an eerie and ominous illustration. The leaf features four images of Abraham Lincoln, all related to an assassination plot against him. The upper right image pictures the president in bed, being awoken by a stranger. The image includes the commentary, "On Thursday night, after he had retired, Mr. Lincoln was aroused, and informed that a stranger desired to see him on a matter of life and death. A conversation elicited the fact that an organized body of men had determined that Mr. Lincoln should never leave the City of Baltimore alive. Statesmen laid the plan, Bankers endorsed it, and Adventurers were ready to carry it into effect." The second panel shows Mr. Lincoln out of bed, and getting dressed, his friends imploring him to make a run for it. The third panel shows the president running for his life, dressed in a disguise. The fourth panel shows him shaken and distraught back in Washington. This is a little know episode of an alleged assassination attempt 4 years before Lincoln was assassinated in April 1865.

This is an intriguing leaf. Was this earlier plot on the president's life related to the later successful assassination in 1865? We may never know. What i do know is that this is a very rare and collectible leaf. It would make an outstanding addition to your Abraham Lincoln collection, or a wonderful gift for any student of presidential politics. It will make a fabulous display when framed, and will become a cherished possession. Original material featuring Abraham Lincoln is becoming increasingly difficult to find, so don't miss your chance at this extraordinary piece.

Unlike newsprint of this century, these older, original pages do not yellow and fall apart. The reason is that modern newspapers use an acid based process. Remnant acid in the paper causes the paper to quickly yellow and deteriorate. A different process was used in the mid-1800's which yielded an exceptional quality paper that will last for centuries. Special acid free mats should be used when you frame this piece to ensure that it will last another 150 years. Acid free mats are available at most better frame shops. If you have any questions related to handling or framing this piece feel free to email me. The print is approximately 11x16 inches. I have been collecting Civil War Newspapers for over 10 years. It is a fascinating hobby, and I find that these pieces really get noticed when framed and displayed.

The leaf is in very good condition. It has the rich sepia toning that you expect in original material from this period. It has a few areas of light foxing, and a few finger smudges in the margins.