Apr 08, 2014 - Sale 2344

Sale 2344 - Lot 154

Price Realized: $ 875
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 600 - $ 900
"NOW IS MY TIME": A LINCOLN PATRON HOPES TO CASH IN ON A FAVOR (LINCOLN, ABRAHAM.) Lamaster, Hugh. An Illinois Republican discusses Lincoln's recent election. Autograph Letter Signed to son Joseph E. Lamaster of Nebraska City, NE. 4 pages, 9 3/4 x 7 1/2 inches, on one sheet; folds, minor soiling. With original stamped envelope bearing manuscript cancellation. Fulton Centre, IL, 29 November 1860
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Hugh Lamaster or LeMaster (1798-1870) was editor of the Fulton County Republican, northwest of Springfield, IL. In 1854, Abraham Lincoln was running for the United States Senate, and asked Lamaster to help secure the support of the local state representative (see Abraham Lincoln: Speeches & Writings 1832-1858). Six years later, with Lincoln newly elected as president, Lamaster here expresses his hope of securing some patronage in return.
Lamaster begins with a rather obscure parable about the nation's secession crisis: 'Our presidential election is over & Lincoln elected leaves but little excitement now. It is true that they have let a nigger loose down south & he is kicking up a muss, but this is nothing. I am old enough to recollect of the same Darky being loose at least three times before 1820 & 1832 & 1849 & 50 and he was every time caught & expenses paid by the free states." If any Southerner commits treason, then "be merciful, only hang them. This may seem strong doctrine from a man raised in the South."
Lamaster's main reason for writing is to see if his son wants any kind of federal or state appointment: "If you had any notion of breaking into any land office, marshallship, or any other office under Old Abe . . . let me know what you wished." Lamaster plans to attend the inauguration of new Illinois governor Richard Yates, and "will have an opportunity to consult both Lincoln & Yates. They have both in times past asked and received favor at my hands & now is my time.'
with--2 other family letters addressed to Joseph Lamaster and his wife, 1858 and 1867.