Regardless of context, experts held that the letter was one of "Lincoln's three best compositions," along with the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Address, "upon which an appraisal of his literary performance must finally be founded." Unless, of course, Lincoln did not write it. The belief that the address was among Lincoln's greatest works stemmed from several sources. One was the fact that it was widely regarded as a masterpiece when it was written. Another was that it had been highly praised by contemporaries who knew him well. A third was that it had been called "one of the most beautiful speeches ever delivered in America" by a fellow Republican who had heard it first-hand. In addition to these factors, scholars have pointed out similarities between the address and other writings by Lincoln, such as his 1858 speech at Springfield-on-the-Potomac ("A House Divided") and his 1838 speech at New Salem (both of which are considered masterpieces of oration). Finally, the Gettysburg Address has often been cited as evidence of Lincoln's ability as a writer.