United States Congressman and Senator

United States Secretary of State

Governor of Massachusetts

He gave the keynote speech at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery in 1863

(1794-1865) Famous orator and statesman. He made many famous speeches for the Union cause, the best known being his 2 hour oration preceding President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, on November 19, 1863, at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery. Everett later told Mr. Lincoln that he wished he had struck the same chord and central theme of the solemn occasion in his 2 hour speech that Lincoln had done in his 2 minute address. During his very distinguished career he served as U.S. Congressman, Governor of Massachusetts, Minister to Great Britain, President of Harvard University, U.S. Secretary of State, and U.S. Senator.

Signature: 3 1/4 x 1 1/2, signed in ink, "Free, Edward Everett." This is a free frank signature that was cut from the top half of an envelope during his time serving in the United States Congress. Politicians working for the government at the time had the privilege of getting free postage by writing "Free" above their signature. Light edge staining. Very fine bold autograph. Popular Gettysburg related autograph.