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Curtin, Andrew Gregg, 1815-1894 Daily telegraph --- extra. Inaugural address of Gov. Andrew G. Curtin

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03086 Author/Creator: Curtin, Andrew Gregg, 1815-1894 Place Written: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Type: Broadside Date: January 15, 1861 Pagination: 1 p. : Height: 47.1 cm, Width: 30.3 cm Order a Copy

Broadside of inaugural address of newly-elected Pennsylvania Governor Curtin, who would serve through the Civil War. Top of the broadside says "Daily Telegraph --- Extra," which is probably a reference to the "Pennsylvania Daily Telegraph," based out of Harrisburg. Begins as a feel-good speech, which says he will fulfill his duties to the utmost of his abilities. Wants to maintain good economic management and keep paying off the state debt. Becomes more relevant when he references the growing secession crisis and says "No one who knows the history of Pennsylvania and understands the opinions and feelings of her people, can justly charge us with hostility to our brethren of other States." Curtin supports Lincoln and the supremacy of the national government to quash the revolting states. Goes on to support the rights of the federal government over the states and says "Ours is a National Government. It has within the sphere of its action all the attributes of sovereignty, and among these are the right and duty of self-preservation." Was folded into quarters previously and has been repaired on verso.

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