Lincoln's Life as Depicted in the Museum Exhibits (continued)

Lincoln's Gettysburg Address Memorial, Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pa.

THE GETTYSBURG ADDRESS. At Gettysburg, on July 1—3, 1863, in one of the greatest battles ever fought on American soil, the invading Confederate Army under General Lee was defeated by the Army of the Potomac under Gen. George G. Meade and forced to return southward. The name of Gettysburg is remembered not only because of the great battle fought there, but also because of the famous address which Abraham Lincoln delivered there, On November 2, 1863, Lincoln received an invitation to make a few appropriate remarks at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery. The first draft was carefully prepared by Lincoln in Washington several days before the occasion. It was not written on a scrap of paper or on the back of an envelope on the journey to Gettysburg as has sometimes been said. Certain revisions in the wording, however, were made by Lincoln on the evening of November 18, soon after his arrival at the home of Judge David Wills in Gettysburg.

The dedication of the Cemetery was preceded by an elaborate parade which moved at 11 a. m., November 19, from the public square, on which the Wills home was located. At least 15,000 people were on Cemetery Hill for the exercises. Lincoln's address followed a 2-hour oration by Edward Everett, the principal speaker of the day. The President rose slowly and in a clear, high-pitched voice delivered his immortal words, glancing only occasionally at the pages in his hand. There was little applause at the finish, and Lincoln felt his speech had been a failure.

The famous address contains only 272 words and was spoken in less than 3 minutes. Few of those present sensed its greatness, but Lincoln's Gettysburg Address has been accepted as a masterpiece of English eloquence.