From October 7th Associated Press by Ula Ilnytzky.
Sotheby's Auction House believes that an Abraham Lincoln signed copy of the document freeing slaves in rebellious states might get $1,500,000. On top of that, it was also owned by Robert F. Kennedy who bought it in early 1964 for $9,500. His widow, Ethel is offering it for a December 10th sale.
At the time of purchase, and before it, Kennedy was busy fighting for civil rights, 100 years after the original became law.
RFK's copy was one of 48, all signed by Lincoln, to be sold as a way to raise money for medical care for Union soldiers. This copy was first sold in 1864 in Philadelphia by the Sanitary Commission, a forerunner of the Red Cross.
After Kennedy bought it, the copy was framed and hung in one of the main hallways of Hickory Hill, his 1840s home in McLean, Virginia, which was sold last year.
Making the document even more expensive is the fact that only half of the copies are known to survive. Fourteen are in public institutions and another eight or nine are held privately.
Just before signing the original, Lincoln said, "I never in my life felt more certain that I was doing right that I do in signing this paper."
Robert Kennedy at a White House speech commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation reflecting on the status of civil rights said, "deed, not talk, is what is needed now."
So, if you have a spare $1,500,000 lying around, such a deal.
A Real Piece of History. --Old B-Runner
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