On the same day, viz: the 11th day of May, 1865, the Association perfected its organization by electing Gov. R. J. Oglesby, President; Jesse K. Dubois, Vice President; Clinton L. Conkling, Secretary, James H. Beveridge, Treasurer. A code of by-laws was adopted, agents to collect funds were appointed, and the treasurer directed to invest the funds in United States securities. It was still the intention to erect the monument on the ground where the first vault was built, but a letter was received from Mrs. Lincoln, dated at Chicago, June 5, 1865, in which she repeated her objections to that locality. On the 14th of June, 1865, it was decided by a majority of one in a full board of directors, to build the Monument in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Six acres of land were given by the city of Springfield to the Association as a site for the Monument. Measures were at once taken to erect a temporary vault near that belonging to the Cemetery, in which to keep the remains until the monument should be ready to receive them. The body of Mr. Lincoln was removed from the public receiving vault to the temporary vault belonging to the Association, Dec. 21st, 1865. In the process of transferring the remains, the box containing the coffin was opened, in order that the features of the deceased might be seen and identified; and six of his personal acquaintances: R. J. Oglesby, O. H. Miner, Jesse K. Dubois, Newton Bateman, O. M. Hatch, and D. L. Phillips, filed a written statement with the Secretary of the Association that it was the body of Abraham Lincoln. On the 28th of December, 1865, Clinton L. Conkling, Esq., tendered his resignation as Secretary of the Association, which was accepted, and Hon. O. M. Hatch elected to fill the vacancy. Early in 1868, the Association published a "Notice to Artists," offering, with the usual conditions, $1,000 for the best design for a monument, and named the first of September as the day for the examination of designs. Thirty-seven designs by thirty-one artists, six of them sending two each, were received and placed on exhibition in the Senate Chamber. After patient and careful consideration, on the eleventh of the same month the Board announced its decision in the following resolution: Resolved, That this Association adopt the design submitted by Larkin G. Mead, Jr., to be constructed of granite and bronze, and that the whole matter be referred to the Executive Committee, with power to act. Ample time was taken to discuss the details of a contract, care being had to fully protect the interests of all parties thereto. By the terms of the proposals for designs, the successful competitor was entitled to the contract to build the entire monument. When Mr. Mead's design was accepted, he at once commenced arrangements to build the architectural portion of the monument, and caused full plans and specifications to be prepared. Afterwards, by agreement between the Association and Mr. Mead, he surrendered his right to build the architectural part of the monument, and the Association, for good reasons, released him, and agreed to pay the expenses he had incurred up to that time. On the 30th of December, 1868, a contract was concluded between the Association and Larkin G. Mead, Jr., in which it was stipulated that the Association was to manage the building of the architectural part of the monument, and that it should be done strictly after the drawings and specifications of Mr. Mead. On his part, Mr. Mead was to mould, cast and deliver all the statuary in bronze, according to his design, namely: 1. A statue of Lincoln, not less than ten feet high, for $13,700. 2. A group representing infantry, containing three figures and appropriate accessories, the figures to be not less than seven and a half feet high, for $13,700. 3. A group of cavalry, to contain a horse and two human figures, with appropriate accessories, the human figures to be not less than seven and a half feet high, and the horse in proportion, for the sum of $13,700. 4. A group of artillery, to contain three figures and appropriate accessories, the figures to be not less than seven and a half feet high, for $13,700. 5. A marine group, to contain three figures and appropriate accessories, the figures to be not less than seven and a half feet high, for $13,700. 6. The coat of arms of the United States, as shown in the specifications, for $1,500-making a total of $70,000. It was part of the contract that the Association should have the right to order one or more of these pieces or groups at a time, to suit its own convenience, and not be under obligations to pay for any piece until a written order was given for the same. When a written order was given, one-third of the stipulated price was to accompany it, one-third to be paid when the plaster model was delivered at the foundry, and the remaining third when the work was completed and delivered in good order at Springfield, Illinois. It was also stipulated in the contract that if cannon were given to be used in the statuary, the value thereof should be deducted from the price. It was further agreed that if any donations of freight were made, they should be to the Association, and not to Mr. Mead. Five business men of New York, of known responsibility, gave security for the performance of the contract on the part of Mr. Mead. On the seventh day of May, 1869, the Board of Directors, under the aforesaid contract, instructed the Executive Committee to order the statue of Lincoln and the coat of arms of the United States. After advertising for proposals to erect the monument-excepting the statuary the bid of W. D. Richardson, of Springfield, was accepted. A contract was then entered into between the Association and Mr. Richardson, in which he agreed to erect the National Lincoln Monument, in Oak Ridge Cemetry, according to the plans and specifications adopted by the Association, for the sum of $136,550. He was to build the foundation during the current year 1869, and complete the superstructure by January 1, 1871. The Association agreed to pay Mr. Richardson the sum above named on monthly estimates as the work progressed, 15 per cent. of the same to be withheld until the work was completed according to contract. Ground was broken September 9, 1869, and the massive foundation was completed before the close of that year. When the spring of 1870 opened, materials were ready to commence the superstructure. There was so much delay on the part of the railroads in bringing the granite to the ground, that it was found impossible to finish within the building season of 1870. Work was resumed early in the following spring, and the capstone was elevated to its position on the obelisk May 22, 1871. The monument was so far advanced that the remains of Thomas Lincoln, a son of President Lincoln, who died in Chicago on the 15th of July, 1871, were brought to Springfield and deposited in the crypt at the extreme west, on the 17th of that month; and the remains of the President, and of his two sons, William and Edward, were removed from the temporary vault to the monument September 19, 1871. The six personal friends of Mr. Lincoln, who identified his remains on the occasion of their being deposited in the temporary vault, again viewed them, and again certified in writing that it was the body of Abraham Lincoln. Both papers are on file with the Secretary of the Association. The evidence of identity is thus unbroken. The total contributions to the general fund of the National Lincoln Monument Association have amounted to...... . $144,448 45 To this add the sum realized for interest and premiums.... Giving a total of... 35,672 45 $180,120 90 Which has been appropriated as follows: L. G. Mead, for design.. $1,000 00 Paid Larkin G. Mead for drawings, specifications and all details connected with the architectural part of the Monument...... L. G. Mead, statue and coat of arms.. W. D. Richardson, on contract 5,500 00 15,200 00 136,550 00 Paid for steel engraving of the Monument for Sunday school children, as per agreement....... Superintendence, printing, expenses of soliciting agents, commissions to agents, etc., etc..... 1,150 00 7,830 13 Total appropriations..... .$173,282 70 The balance unappropriated is $6,838.20, which will all find profitable use in the future improvements of the grounds. The contributions may be classified as follows: The next largest item is the contributions of the soldiers and sailors, which amount to $27,682.12. These contributions by companies, regiments, ships and separate commands, will avarage $1 per man, and in nearly all cases a record is preserved of the name of each contributor |