Lincoln, Abraham, sixteenth President, as President-Elect

Printed check signed ("A. Lincoln"), drawn on the Springfield Marine & Fire Insurance Company, Springfield, 21 November 1860, accomplished by Lincoln in favor "Self" for $50.00, printed in blue ink on paper (2 3/4 x 7 3/4 in.; 70 x 198 mm), decorative vignette of the Great Western Job Office at left border; neat cancellation slits.

Printed check signed ("A. Lincoln"), drawn on the Springfield Marine & Fire Insurance Company, Springfield, 21 November 1860, accomplished by Lincoln in favor "Self" for $50.00, printed in blue ink on paper (2 3/4 x 7 3/4 in.; 70 x 198 mm), decorative vignette of the Great Western Job Office at left border; neat cancellation slits.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Just two weeks after being elected President, Lincoln wrote and cashed this check before travelling to Chicago for meetings with his presumptive Vice President and others. Lincoln, in company with his wife, departed Springfield by train on 21 November 1860, making brief remarks at several stops along the way. The Lincolns stayed at Tremon House, where Lincoln met with Hannibal Hamlin that afternoon to discuss potential cabinet appointments. During the rest of his six-day visit to Chicago, Lincoln toured the city, met privately again with Hamlin, attended receptions, and sat for the photographer Samuel Alschuler.