Gettysburg Address

{ object_type: 'Exhibit Item',embed_type: 'image',embed_detail: 'http://myloc.gov/_assets/Exhibitions/GettysburgAddress/exhibitionitems/Assets/uc009214_th125.jpg',embed_alt: 'A Personal Note',thumbnail: {url: 'http://myloc.gov/_assets/Exhibitions/GettysburgAddress/exhibitionitems/Assets/uc009214_th125.jpg',alt: 'A Personal Note',height: '66',width: '125'} }

See Silverlight version of this item » About this item        

The late date of Judge David Wills's invitation, combined with the small role that Lincoln was asked to play in the ceremonies, has led many people to conclude that Wills was simply fulfilling a political or ritual duty in inviting the president to Gettysburg. Some have gone so far as to argue that Wills neither expected nor wanted the president to accept his invitation. The one-page enclosure of the same date negates that argument. Not only did Wills expect the president in Gettysburg, he urged him to stay at his own home.

(Transcription)

... As the Hotels in our town will be crowded and in confusion at the time referred to in the enclosed invitation, I write to invite you to stop with me...


The late date of Judge David Wills's invitation, combined with the small role that Lincoln was asked to play in the ceremonies, has led many people to conclude that Wills was simply fulfilling a political or ritual duty in inviting the president to Gettysburg. Some have gone so far as to argue that Wills neither expected nor wanted the president to accept his invitation. The one-page enclosure of the same date negates that argument. Not only did Wills expect the president in Gettysburg, he urged him to stay at his own home.