PHINEAS T. BARNUM (1810-1891). American showman. Autograph Letter Signed, “P.T. Barnum,” on stationary bearing a profile of Abraham Lincoln. One page, octavo. “Waldemere, Bridgeport Ct.” June 30, 1880. Verso bears a detailed line drawing of Lincoln’s Tomb in Springfield, Illinois. Barnum writes: “Abraham Lincoln’s cheerfulness and wit were invaluable to him in the taxing years of our civil war. Cheerfulness to a good man or woman is always a mighty sustaining power. Mr. Lincoln’s unwavering faith that Good would finally overcome Evil buoyed his spirits through the darkest hours. Of Mr. Lincoln’s inflexible honesty & purpose, there is but one opinion throughout the world, He was a noble whole-souled tender hearted man. He was a model President of this model Republic. His fame is justly immortal. P.T. Barnum” P.T. Barnum, the consummate showman, was also a staunch Republican, and a vocal supporter of Abraham Lincoln. In this heartfelt letter, Barnum recalls the martyred former president, gone for fifteen years. An attractive letter with line drawings on recto and verso written by America’s greatest showman that offers heartfelt commentary upon one of the nation’s greatest presidents and enduring symbols, Abraham Lincoln.