Gettysburg Address

[RJNorton]

Beginning with Christine's post I started thinking that I did not know until about 20-25 years ago that Lincoln may have read/consulted/browsed, etc. previous writings, speeches, etc. before giving the Gettysburg Address. I did not have a single teacher in grade school, high school, or college say anything other than Lincoln gave a very famous speech (with absolutely no mention he may have been inspired by other sources). This was also true of the textbook I used in class. The words and meaning were discussed by both my teachers and the textbook, but not the possibility the President may have been inspired by previous writings, etc.