What were three sources that president-elect Abraham Lincoln used to prepare for his 1861 inaugural address?

Answer 1

President-elect Abraham Lincoln relied on his own ideas when drafting what would be his inaugural address in March of 1861. He did however, study three sources of material that would help him make this very important speech. Lincoln carefully studied President Andrew Jackson's proclamation against Nullification. He also relied on Henry Clay's speech on behalf of the Missouri Compromise of 1850. From Daniel Webster, Lincoln studied Webster's speech of 1830 opposing Nullification.

Answer 2

I've found four influences for that speech. Because it was his first inaugural address, during a turbulent time, Mr. Lincoln wanted to make sure it was memorable. As stated by my colleague on this page, he knew what he wanted to say, and wrote his own speech; but his ideas were informed by several Secretaries of State-- Henry Clay and Daniel Webster, both of whom were familiar with diplomacy. He also examined Pres. Andrew Jackson's 1832 proclamation against nullification speech. But by some accounts, there was a fourth influence: William Seward, a senator and devoted abolitionist, who was Lincoln's choice for Secretary of State; Seward read the speech, made suggestions, and helped write the conclusion.