John K. Porter (1819-1892). Speech of John K. Porter at the Union Ratification Meeting Held at Glens Falls, Oct. 21. Albany, New York: Weed, Parsons & Co., 1862. 

8vo. String-bound, original wrappers. FIRST EDITION. Sabin 64284.

A pro-Union speech given by the talented lawyer, John K. Porter (1819-1892) during in the 1862 New York gubernatorial election. In his October 21st speech, which the New York Times called "exceedingly able" (28 October 1862), Porter evaluated Democratic candidate Horatio Seymour, who would win the race in November. He defends President Lincoln at length and also discusses slavery, stating: "Slavery is the key that turns the lock. The war is waged by our enemies. We fight to defend the Union, and we mean to defend it to the end, though it costs these enemies their property and their lives. If Slavery stands between us and victory, Slavery must go to the wall." 

VERY RARE. Only one copy has ever sold at auction (1914), 

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