94

Extract from Col. R. G. Ingersoll's Speech at the Soldier's Reunion.

Chicago: Chicago Evening Journal Mammoth Show Printing and Engraving House, 21 September [1876]
Letterpress broadside, 71 x 36 inches, printed on 3 conjoined sheets; worn and stained with substantial loss not affecting legibility; professionally stabilized and laid down on linen.

Robert Green Ingersoll (1833-1899) had commanded the 11th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Cavalry during the war, and was an attorney during peacetime. He was also one of the nation's most renowned orators. In this speech he addressed the National Veterans Reunion, one of the largest assemblages of Union veterans ever convened. Ingersoll delivered the keynote speech on the reunion's closing day. The next day's Indianapolis News reported that he was introduced as "that dashing cavalry officer, that thunderbolt of war, that silver-tongued orator, Bob Ingersoll," and that he "justified all expectations by delivering a speech, bitter perhaps in arraignment, but comprehensive, eloquent, and inimitable." 

This mammoth broadside, six feet in height, shares a long extract from Ingersoll's poignant speech, reflecting on the departed Union soldiers: "The past rises before me like a dream. . . . We see them all as they march proudly away under the flaunting flags, keeping time to the wild, grand music of war . . . down to the fields of glory, to do and to die for the eternal right. We go with them one and all. We are by their side on all the gory fields. . . . We are with them in the prisons of hatred and famine; but human speech can never tell what they endured."

Ingersoll also reflects on the great cause they died for: "The past rises before us, and we see four millions of human beings governed by the lash--we see them bound hand and foot--we hear the strokes of cruel whips. . . . Four million bodies in chains--four million souls in fetters.  All the sacred relations of wife, mother, father and child beneath the brutal feet of might. And all this was done under our own beautiful banner of the free." 

Ingersoll concludes: "I have one sentiment for soldiers living and dead--cheers for the living--tears for the dead." 

None others traced in OCLC or at auction. 

  • Condition: Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000