Note: Please see Day 3 (October 11) of the sale that features rare material relating to the Gettysburg Address.

32nd National Encampment of the G.A.R. Printed silk ribbon. 8 1/8 x 2 3/4 in. WITH Committee. Printed silk ribbon. 3 3/4 x 1 1/4 in. 

A ribbon featuring an American flag above the image of Abraham Lincoln with his arms outstretched alongside the image of an enslaved person, indicating the presidential association with abolition. Such an image serves as a reminder of Lincoln's legacy in relation to abolition, as well as of the experiences of Union veterans. 

A fine committee ribbon commemorating the 32nd National Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.). The G.A.R. was a fraternal organization established in 1866 as a group for veterans of the United States Army, Navy, and Marines who served during the Civil War. While it initially began in Illinois, it grew throughout the North and West before finally dissolving with the death of its last member in 1956. During its time as an active organization, its political influence and power was notable, assisting in the elections of Presidents Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Harrison, and McKinley. 

The G.A.R. hosted National Encampments every year to serve as reunions and a meeting place for organization-based decisions. Famously attracting thousands, the meetings were a momentous occasion for their host cities. This particular piece of memorabilia denotes Cincinnati, Ohio, as the host location. While Cincinnati would host a total of three National Encampments, the 32nd occurred in 1898. 

[Veterans, Veterans’ Organizations, Fraternal Organizations] [GAR, Grand Army of the Republic][Abraham Lincoln, Politics, Mary Todd Lincoln, 1860 Election, Election of 1860, 1864 Election, Election of 1864,  Lincoln Assassination, John Wilkes Booth] [Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs]