May 18, 1860
Lincoln is nominated for president by the Republican Party in Chicago, Illinois and receives members of the notification committee in his Springfield home the next day.
May 22, 1849
Lincoln is granted a patent on a device for lifting boats over shoals.
May 24, 1861
Colonel Elmer Ellsworth, friend of the Lincoln family, is assassinated in Alexandria, Virginia and is honored with a state funeral in the White House the following day.
Today in Lincoln's Life
Lincoln's Words
"I appeal to you again to constantly bear in mind that with you, and not
with politicians, not with Presidents, not with office-seekers, but with you,
is the question, "Shall the Union and shall the liberties of this country be
preserved to the latest generation?"
--Speech to Gov. Morton in Indianapolis, February 11, 1861