Description

This cacheted cover commemorates the centennial anniversary of a political address by Abraham Lincoln delivered at Shelbyville, Illinois, on June 27, 1840. On the left half of the envelope, the cachet printed in shades of brown ink depicts Abraham Lincoln standing at a podium speaking to a large group of people. The title printed above the cachet reads "One hundred years ago, on June 27, 1840, Abraham Lincoln delivered a political address at Shelbyville." The caption below the cachet is "Lincoln the Debater." A postmark reading "Shelbyville, Ill., Jun 27, 1940, 9:30 AM" is stamped on the upper right half of the envelope. The envelope is addressed to Lincoln Nat'l Life Foundation, Fort Wayne, Indiana. A cream-colored folder with explanatory text concerning Lincoln's visits to Shelbyville is tucked inside the envelope. Part of the Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum