In 1856, the Republican Party was still in its infancy, but its mission was clear: to challenge the Democratic Party’s pro-slavery agenda. The party was a combination of former Whigs, Free Soilers, and anti-slavery Democrats, unified around one central belief—slavery should not spread into the territories. But with the Democrats holding significant power, the Republican Party needed something more; it needed leadership. And at a critical convention in Bloomington, Illinois, Abraham Lincoln was called upon to deliver a speech that would rally the party and make a statement to the nation.

On May 29, 1856, Lincoln took the stage at the Illinois Republican State Convention. His speech was fiery, passionate, and persuasive. He denounced the Kansas-Nebraska Act and called for unity among Republicans to oppose the spread of slavery. Although no official transcript of the speech exists, those who witnessed it said it left the audience spellbound. Reporters present were so captivated that they forgot to take notes—earning the speech its legendary title: ‘The Lost Speech.’

Journalist Henry Villard recalled, “Never was an audience more completely electrified by human eloquence. Again and again, they sprang to their feet and upon the benches, and testified by long-continued shouts and the waving of hats how deeply the speaker had aroused them.”

The speech did more than just impress its audience—it solidified Abraham Lincoln as a central figure in the Republican Party. It was a turning point for both Lincoln and the party itself. In the years following, the Republican Party grew in strength, rallying support from those who opposed slavery’s expansion. Lincoln’s leadership in the anti-slavery movement took him from being a respected local politician to a national figure, eventually leading to his presidential nomination and victory in 1860.

One delegate, Judge Lawrence Weldon, remembered, “The man and the occasion had met. Lincoln had been a man of great promise. On that day, he fulfilled his destiny.”

That speech, though lost to history, set in motion a series of events that would change the course of the country. Lincoln’s strong, moral stance against the expansion of slavery would define him in the coming years, and it laid the foundation for his later speeches, such as the “House Divided” speech and the famous debates with Stephen Douglas.

Because of Lincoln’s speech, the Republican Party gained momentum and rallied against the pro-slavery factions within the United States. His ability to bring together various anti-slavery groups under one banner made the party a true competitor to the Democrats, and within four short years, the Republicans would rise to power. Lincoln’s eventual presidency, founded on the principles of equality and liberty, preserved the Union and ended slavery in America with the Emancipation Proclamation.

Without Lincoln’s voice that day, the Republican Party might not have gained the momentum it needed. The nation’s path to abolition may have been delayed or derailed entirely.

But what if Lincoln hadn’t spoken that day? What if the Republican Party failed to gain traction? The consequences could have been disastrous. Without Lincoln’s leadership and the unity his speech inspired, the Democratic Party’s pro-slavery platform might have gone unchallenged. The Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed slavery in new territories, would have strengthened the institution of slavery across the country. The moral battle against slavery might have been delayed for decades, leaving the nation fractured and allowing the institution to entrench further into American life.

Lincoln’s Lost Speech wasn’t just an important political moment; it was a moment that ensured the fight against slavery could move forward with strength and conviction. Had Lincoln remained silent, the course of American history could have been tragically different.

One observer of the speech, Mr. Joseph Medill, recalled, “Lincoln’s oratory was that of the thunderous prophet, and though the speech may be lost, its power was immortal.”

The speech may be lost to time, but its impact is undeniable. That day in Bloomington, Abraham Lincoln’s words helped rally a movement, shape a party, and change a nation. Though the words themselves may be gone, the legacy of Lincoln’s leadership in that moment lives on.

Reflecting on history, it is fascinating to consider what may have been lost between generations. I remember a moment in my own life when I realized this firsthand. While running a past company, I was speaking to a group in a meeting and asked them, “What is the Golden Rule?” To my surprise, nobody knew the answer. I was shocked.

I explained to the group that the Golden Rule is “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” In reality, the Golden Rule is an expression of charity and pure love toward others. At the end of my talk, I came up with a short phrase, almost like a mathematical equation: Love = Service and Service = Love. When you love someone, serve them, help them, and do something good for them. Don’t let this truth be lost to you. Service = Love.

So now to the question: where did Lincoln keep his written speeches? I believe he kept them in his top hat!

While the speech we are referring to is still lost to history, I am certain that old Abe would have had a written copy of it inside his hat. I wonder where that copy went? It is lost to history.

If you want to learn more about Abraham Lincoln make sure to read our book about him

Abraham Lincoln: All Are Created Equal