Lincoln's Lost Speech facts for kids
Lincoln's "Lost Speech" was a very important speech given by Abraham Lincoln. He delivered it on May 29, 1856, in Bloomington, Illinois. This speech is called "lost" because it was so powerful and exciting. People say that reporters were so amazed they forgot to take notes! The speech was a strong message against slavery.
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What Was the Lost Speech?
Lincoln gave his famous "Lost Speech" at a building called Major's Hall. This building was in downtown Bloomington, Illinois. The speech happened during a big meeting called the Bloomington Convention. This meeting was important because it led to the creation of the state Republican Party. This new party was against the spread of slavery.
Why Is It Called "Lost"?
There are no full written copies of the "Lost Speech" today. We only have a short summary from local newspapers. People who were there said Lincoln spoke with incredible power. They claimed his words were so amazing that reporters put down their pencils. They were too busy listening to write anything down! Because of this, no notes were taken, and the speech was "lost."
Some people, like William Herndon, who worked with Lincoln, believed parts of the speech were very strong. Herndon thought Lincoln's famous idea about a "house divided against itself" came from this speech. This idea meant the country could not survive half free and half enslaved.
There is also a belief that the speech was so strong, some people worried it might cause more trouble for the country. They thought Lincoln might have agreed not to repeat his exact words during the 1856 election campaign.
The Whitney Version of the Speech
Many years later, in 1896, a lawyer named Henry Clay Whitney published his own version of the speech. He claimed he had taken notes during Lincoln's speech. Whitney's story appeared in McClure's Magazine.
At first, some people believed Whitney. A writer named Ida Tarbell even talked to Joseph Medill, who was at the original speech. Medill said Whitney's version seemed "remarkably accurate."
However, others were doubtful. John George Nicolay, who was Lincoln's private secretary, said Whitney's version did not sound like Lincoln at all. Lincoln's son, Robert Todd Lincoln, agreed. Later, experts like Paul M. Angle, a Lincoln researcher, proved that Whitney's story was not true. It was a "fabrication," meaning it was made up.
Why Was the Speech Important?
Even though it was "lost," Lincoln's speech became very famous. People called it legendary. Those who heard it said Lincoln spoke "like a giant inspired." Many believed it was the greatest speech of his life.
This speech was given at the very first state convention for the Illinois Republican Party. It helped make Lincoln a well-known figure in national politics. Even without a written copy, the speech influenced many people. Those who heard it were often asked to share what they remembered. This excitement helped Lincoln finish second in the race for U.S. vice presidential candidates in 1856.
See also
- Abraham Lincoln and slavery
- The Lincoln Hunters
