Description

This cacheted cover commemorates the centennial anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's political debate at Tremont, Illinois, on May 2, 1840. On the left half of the envelope, the cachet printed in greens and orange ink depicts the Court House where Lincoln debated with Col. May against Mr. Douglas and Judge Thomas. The title printed above the cachet reads "One hundred years ago, on May 2, 1840, Abraham Lincoln Took Part in a Political Debate at Tremont." The caption below the cachet is "Old Tazewell County Court House at Tremont." A postmark reading "Tremont, Ill., May 2, 1940, 8:30 AM" is stamped near the upper right corner of the envelope. The envelope is addressed to Lincoln Nat'l Life Foundation, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Tucked inside the envelope is a red folder which contains introductory text by Theodore Charrney and a copy of the report of the debate in the Sangamo Journal of May 15, 1840. Part of the Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum