(Lincoln, Abraham) | Next-day reportage of perhaps the most consequential presidential election in American history

(Lincoln, Abraham)

Next-day coverage of Abraham Lincoln's election as President, in The New York Herald, Vol. XXXV, No. 311 (Whole No. 8826). New York: James Gordon Bennett, Wednesday, November 7, 1860

Folio, 8 pages (568 x 400 mm), text in six columns; browned, leaves separated, marginal chipping and short tears, longer tear at right margin at central horizontal fold, page 2 creased and so printed affecting legibility. Disbound.

"The Result. End of the Great National Contest. Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, Elected President, and Hannibal Hamlin, of Maine, Vice President. … How Will They Meet the Crisis?"

Extensive and detailed coverage of Lincoln's election as President, particularly focused on New York State results, but with significant national coverage as well, including reports from the headquarters of the other candidates, John Breckinridge, John Bell, and Stephen Douglas. 

The final column on the from page includes a brief notice "Important from South Carolina" that describes the "crisis" facing the incoming administration:

"The Legislature to-day postponed action on the Governor’s suggestion to arm the State till Thursday to ascertain if Lincoln be elected; then to choose eight electors, six favoring immediate secession, two still uncommitted, but supposed to favor further delay for co-operation.

“There is an overwhelming majority committed for calling a convention. The struggle will be about time. There is a supposed majority for prompt action.

“Speculations are rife about selection of commissioners to treat with the general government concerning the terms of secession.

“To-morrow resolutions will be introduced sending a commissioner to the Georgia Legislature. There is no excitement; secession regarded as a foregone conclusion; coolly awaiting results of Northern elections.” South Carolina officially seceded from the United States on 20 December 1860, the first of the eventual eleven states to do so.