Lincoln’s image as the “Rail Splitter” may have propelled him to the White House in 1860, but another means of propulsion had an influence, often overlooked. While residing in New Salem, he contracted with Denton Offutt to build a flatboat and transport produce on the Sangamon and Mississippi Rivers down to New Orleans. It was there that he had his first introduction to the institution of slavery. This experience, emblematic of rough frontier days, became an asset when he ran for President in 1860. Vignettes from his youthful travels on the Mississippi appear on one piece of sheet music and two basic designs of campaign covers. A revised version of “The Jolly Flatboatmen” by George Caleb Bingham, first published in 1847, was reissued by Wallace & Company of New York. The plate for the 32″ x 24″ engraving, sold at auction by the Art Union in 1852, was reworked and the title amended to: “The Jolly Flat Boat Men of the Wabash. Young Abe Lincoln Watching the Sports of the Jolly Flat Boat Men.” An example of the revised print was sold in the 2006 Railsplitter auction where it was described as possibly the only example known, having previously been sold by the Old Print Shop circa 1940. A 7 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ circular issued by Wallace touts it as a “Magnificent Picture for the Presidential Campaign”. They offer it for $1.25 postpaid, to include a Lincoln & Hamlin campaign biography. Republican clubs spending $50 or more are promised an engraving “colored in oil”. Those ordering “Photographs of Lincoln and Hamlin From Life” would also receive a copy of the “Wigwam Edition” of the Lincoln & Hamlin biography. The advertisement makes the dubious claim that the person seated in the left-front (back to viewer) is the youthful Lincoln, a.k.a. “Honest Old Abe”. Despite the hype, it seems this promotion fizzled, given the rarity of the engraving. Coupled with an abiding interest in innovation and technology, Lincoln received a patent on May 22, 1849, for a device for “buoying vessels over shoals.” As President, he also approved the expedited construction of ironclads. It would take another 100 years before another presidential candidate, John F. Kennedy, was celebrated for his maritime exploits.