Superfans and scholars of Abraham Lincoln are getting access to a new research tool.
The Abraham Lincoln Association has made two key reference works on Lincoln available online and searchable. The supplements to the 1953 Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln came out in 1974 and 1990.
"This project underscores the Abraham Lincoln Association’s dedication to preserving and promoting Lincoln’s legacy," said association president Bill Shepherd. "Providing access to these supplemental volumes expands our understanding of Lincoln’s intellect and character."
The group said despite their significance, until now the supplements have remained largely inaccessible due to limited print runs.
The online documents will help people access documents such as a letter Lincoln wrote in 1855 to J.O. Norton of Ottawa, Illinois, describing how he lost a bid for the U.S. Senate. Historian Mark Neely called it the best political letter Lincoln wrote before his presidency, said the Lincoln Association.
Many documents are administrative or brief. Others are of great historical significance. Other highlights include documents from the 1832 Black Hawk War; seven new notes to or mentions of Isachar Zacharie, Lincoln’s key Jewish contact during his presidency; and letters and mentions revealing more about Mary Lincoln, the Lincoln sons, and every member of Lincoln’s Cabinet, said the association.
The association secured the rights to these volumes from the heirs of Roy Basler, editor of the original 1953 reference work. Association directors Michael Burlingame, James Cornelius, and Joshua Claybourn have since led efforts to transcribe, verify, and digitize the content.
