What happened at the Jefferson day dinner?

On February 14, 1861, Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Cooper Union speech in New York City. In this speech, Lincoln argued against the spread of slavery and in favor of the Republican Party's platform of free soil, free labor, and free speech. The speech was a major success and helped to secure Lincoln the Republican nomination for president.

The Jefferson Day Dinner was held on April 13, 1861, shortly before Lincoln's inauguration. The dinner was hosted by the Republican Party of New York City to celebrate the birthday of Thomas Jefferson, who was considered to be the father of the Republican Party. Lincoln was the guest of honor at the dinner and gave a short speech in which he praised Jefferson and the Republican Party.

In his speech, Lincoln quoted a line from Jefferson's Declaration of Independence that stated that "all men are created equal." Lincoln argued that this principle meant that slavery was wrong and that the United States should be dedicated to the goal of achieving racial equality. Lincoln's speech was met with great applause and helped to solidify his reputation as a supporter of abolition and civil rights.

The Jefferson Day Dinner was a significant event in Lincoln's life and career. It helped to establish him as a leading voice in the Republican Party and to galvanize support for the abolition of slavery.