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Lebanon 25th Sept. 59
Dear Sir I rcd yr note touching arrangements at Cnci The apology was all unnecessary with me. I am not a squeemish, or punctilious gentleman. Sincerity & good intentions will always pass free any sort of [advice?] on my line — I was happy to find you earnest in the wish for general success in the coming contest. I was sorry to hear from you, that a Moderate man on our side would loose Illinois by 50,000 — I fear the contest in 1860 is a hopeless one for us. We are just so fixed that we cannot succeed with a Conservative or Extreemist. God help us. But we can contend for truth that is something
Yrs truly
Thos Corwin
Madison, Sept 25, '59.
Dear Sir: You have many friends in Wisconsin who want to see you & hear you. As you will visit the state this week, we have hoped that it might be convenient for you to spend a few days here, & address the people at some principal points on political subjects. We need all the help we can have to keep Wisconsin firm in her adhesion to Republican principles this fall.
A Young Man's Republican Club has just been formed in this city here, & will extend to you an invitation to address them on Saturday or Monday eveing next. I earnestly hope that you will make such arrangements on leaving home as will permit you to accept the invitation.
Very truly yours,
Horace Rublee,
Chrmn. Rep. State Central Committee
Cin. Sept 26, 1859
Dear Sir.
A few days since I sent you a copy of the morning Commercial giving an unfavorable account of the ticket our Convention had just nominated.
I did not write you at that time, but tho't it best to wait the developments of a few days. Our ticket is composed in the main of persons, who are comparitively unknown & the party conclusion was formed, generally, that they were perhaps, as unworthy as they were obscure. I knew them, however, to be good men & tho't that time would change the general opinion. I can, say, now, with entire confidence, that the indications are clearly in favor of a united and enthusiastic support, by the whole opposition, of the whole ticket.
On Saturday, there was a meeting of the opposition Executive Committee, of candidates nominated & [defeated?] & others, in which the best feeling prevailed. Mr Probasco, the American Candidate for Senator resigned on private grounds and Mr Burrows was appointed in his place. This was a most fortunate change, removing an unpopular man & substituting a very acceptable candidate to both wings. The Germans will give the ticket an enthusiastic Support & the Americans will do the same. The proceedings of the American Association, given in the paper I sent you, may have excited you alone, but they were considered here a joke & most even of those men are now for the ticket. We will have a united opposition, a close contest but I believe we will be Successful.
If anything occurs to cause me to change this opinion I will inform you of it
I have cut slips from the morning papers which I enclose to you.
The next day after you left, my younger boy Willie was taken with the Scarlet fever, but in a light form & both are now well.
I wish you to send me copies of your Speeches, if they are published in a connected form in Illinois.
Annie joins in regards & love to you & Mrs Lincoln.
Truly Yours
W. M. Dickson
Henry, Ills. Sept 26/ 59
Dr Sir, Your favor from Lincoln of the 21st inst recd today. Since I wrote you last I have recd from Wm M Evarts Eq Atty N York City The original deed from Samuel Hoar sole surviving Exr of Jeremiah Evarts dcd. to him. We had only a certified copy of this deed from Adams Co. I have also forwarded the Copy of Mr Evarts will to Boston for the necessary certificates to be attached. The next is to take depositions to prove that Samuel Hoar was sole surviving Exr. I enclose a copy of a letter from Mr Evarts giving the names of 2 persons in Boston by whom the date of the death of the other Exr Mr Samuel Hubbard.
Now please tell me the next step to take to get the depositions of Mr Gardner Green Hubbard & Mr Wm. J. Hubbard.
Judge Purple has always directed me to have Notary Public take depositions, I have sent to Boston yesterday Saturday last for the name of a reliable Notary. Have we to apply for commission to take the deposition or do we take depositions without notice to the Defendants. Please send me Such papers & Interrogatories as we want to use & ask, and direct me as to the next step, &c Then I shall get along all OK without troubling you again & have all in ship shape for you. Please reply soon yrs as ever truly
R Lloyd
Madison Wis
Sept 26th 1859
Dear Sir,
The Young Men's Republican Club of the City of Madison solicit the honor of a visit from you to this City, and of an Address before their Club, at such time, before your return to Illinois, as may suit your convenience, upon the political topics of the day —
In this request, permit me to add, our Republican friends of this City unitedly join; and should it be compatible with your engagements to comply with our request, you will not only confer a lasting favor upon our Club, but render an essential service to the Republican Cause —
I have the honor to be
Your obdt Servt.
G M Sabin
Corresponding Secy of the
Young Mens Rep. Club
Charleston Ill. Sepr 28, 1859
Dr. Sir
The undersigned were appointed a committee by the “Young Men's Literary Association of Charleston” to select persons to deliver Lectures the coming Winter in our Town
Your reputation as a thinker and speaker has pointed you out as a very proper person to invite, and in our capacity we very earnestly solicit you to accept this our invitation to deliver a lecture upon some subject (of your own selection) in our town sometime during the coming Winter.
You are aware we have not a city to boast of, but we have a town made up of an intelligent and appreciative people, and a large Hall to speak in, and will promise you a hearty welcome
If it is possible, please accept and fix sometime for the purpose, and also the amt you will charge, and let us know as soon as it is in your power to do so Very Respectfully
W. M. Chambers
H. P. H. Brommell
L. B. Moon
Private
Leavenworth City Sept 28th 1859
My Dear Sir
Having said to my friend Genl Lane, that my nomination and election to the U. S. Senate from the State of Kansas would I thought be Gratifying to you and other old friends in Illinois, as well as to my friends here I write to you for the purpose of eliciting your feeling upon the subject; and will be thankful to you if you should feel that interest in any elevation that will justify you to address Genl. Lane at Lawrence and say whatever you can in my behalf to him, he will be Elected beyond all doubt and he can I think secure the election of his colleague, and he is pledged to me, but it will gratify him to know your feeling towards me; Please write me, also —
Very Truly Your friend
M. W. Delahay
Toledo, Sept 29, 1859
My dear Sir,
I seize a moment to reply to your note received just before I left Columbus on my present series of appointments.
Ohio is I think safe beyond peradventure. I look for a Republican majority of 15000 — perhaps more & for majorities in both branches of the Legislature I have not been through the State as I was four & two years ago when myself a candidate; but have visited the counties in which the State Committee thought my presence & labors most desirable. I will assure further that they take no step backward.
I cannot close without thanking you for your two admirable speeches. They were indeed admirable. I have them both preserved in my Miscellany. The only regret I feel connected with your visit is that I could not see you. That regret is deep. But I trust we shall yet meet — and that I shall have the pleasure of expressing to you personally the Sentiments of true regard with which I am
Sincerely Yours
S. P. Chase
Henry, Ills. Sept 29/ 59
Dr Sir
I have just recd from Quincy from my friend Thos W McFall Eq the Clerk of the C. Court a letter as to the Will of Mr Jeremiah Evarts, & Enclose you a copy of his letter. please see if tis [illegible] to your notion, & if a certified copy will do, beyond dispute. If not, as soon as I get my copy returned from Boston with certificate attached, I will send & have it recorded in Quincy & get certified copy of it as per direction Please answer soon. Success to you
Yrs truly
R Lloyd
P. S. Please do me the favor to let me know if Mr [Arsa?] Webb lives in Town, or near there.
I will try & reciprocate some day.
L.
[Telegram]
New York Oct 12 1859
To Hon A Lincoln
will you speak in Mr Beechers church Broolyn on or about the twenty ninth (29) November on any subject you please pay two hundred (200) dollars
James A Briggs
Columbus, O., Oct. 13 1859
Dear Sir: The election in Ohio is over, and we have carried the State by a handsom majority. Our State ticket will have about 17,000 majority. We shall have 25 out of the 35 Senators and 64 out of the 104 members of the House. These are Splendid results, and we feel very much satsfied at them. We think they dispose of all the hopes of Douglas in Ohio. Squatter sovereignty is dead here. We feel that some of the credit of this result is due to you, and in behalf of our Republican friends I again return you our most grateful thanks. In the future of the Republican Party in Ohio your visit to the Buckeye State will be held in grateful remembrance. Permit me to wish you much prosperity, & to subscribe myself
Yours very truly — W T Bascom
Private
Columbus Oct 13 1859
My dear Friend
You will have heard ere this reaches the result of our election. The majority on our State ticket will not be less I think than 15,000. The Republicans will have a majority of not less than 30 on joint ballot. Enough is known to make that majority certain. The majority in the Senate will not be less than 9. Douglass' visit distracted the party and consequently helped us. We all think that your visit aided us — and we are grateful for your services. You have secured a host of friends among Republicans — and the respect of the better portion of the Democracy. I regretted that I could not have been be with you at the City Hall in the evening & participate in the meeting. My youngest child was Suddenly attacked with Sickness — and I was necessarily detained at home I was pleased to know that you were not without suitable attentions.
As an United States Senator is to be chosen at the coming Session — there will be a hard struggle for the place. Chase is anxious to be chosen — and has been busily engaged in arranging the cards to accomplish that result. He may succeed — but his success will would imperil the Republican cause in this state — and blast his Presidential aspirations. We have been borne long enough the burden of Chases obnoxious views — and the crisis is rapidly approaching, when we must defeat him or permanently distract the Republican party
Personally, I have a high regard for Mr Chases eminent abilities — but I cannot sacrifice general welfare to gratify my feelings of respect or admiration. His nomination as our Candidate for the Presidency would sink us. We must have a candidate against whom embittered feeling has not been excited — and hence I have suggested to you, that your name would be used in the canvass for candidates. Your visit to Ohio has excited an extensive interest in your favor. Whilst I would desire to have you remain as you are unobtrusive; at the same time, tis my [proposal?] and advice that you treat kindly and respectfully all requests for the use of your name. I will enlarge upon this theme at another time.
A word or two as to the matter of business. What prospect is the prospect of securing obtaining the money on the judgment assigned? against in your hands Write at your Earliest convenience upon this matter — as the President of the Company accosts me upon that subject whenever I meet him — and I would be glad to get rid of his importunity
Kind regards to Dr Reynolds and family
Truly Yrs
Saml Galloway
Lebanon 17th Oct '59
Dear Sir
I have rcd your explanation. It [two words illegible] in yr speech at Cinc as I understood it. I had hoped the people of the U. S in the North had become so thoroughly tired of the Mischiefs & hypocracies of democracy, that they could extend fellowship to any man opposed to it, who would be willing to say that Congress had power to make law for territories, & leave the subject there. I find however in all I have seen of the people, small hope of a hearty cooperation of the Northern opposition, on any grounds short of the high points. Looking over the field “already fought”, I fear Pa & Inda — without these we may fight bravely & die gloriously, but the poor Republic will remain in the hands of the Spoilers. Six months hence we shall see more clearly what at this time must remain only in conjecture. In the meantime our duty is clear We must fortify the weak, inspirit the strong, & contend for every [inch?] of ground covered by our principles.
I think popular sovereignty is on its way to the grave, Requiscat in pace, the way a brief & not a bright meteor & ray sink below the horizon, sooner than other humbugs of as little worth as it. — If the United South will now fling abroad her banner, with all her ultraisms emblazoned upon it, we may fairly expect a more united North. If she skulks behind[illegible], & leaves all to “ultimate decisions” &c the North may be [illegible] again.
We shall have a hand to hand fight this session over the law of N Mexico giving protection to slavery there I shall ask to know how slavery got there I suppose we shall be told it went there “subject to the Constitution” By virtue of that Constitution I shall send it away from that & all other territories yrs truly
Thos Corwin
St. Louis Oct 18, 1859
Dear Sir
It gave me much pleasure to receive your note expressing appreciation of my St. Paul speech and not less to receive your suggestions upon the points in which you consider me in error .
In regard to the last point, on the subject of the African slave trade, there can be no doubt of your correctness. The truth is that that matter was suggested to me by your own speech made at Columbus, Ohio, which I thought the most complete overthrow Mr Douglass ever received. I put the point almost in your own words, but the message was not preserved in the report — and in revising the speech report I endeavored to condense it within the narrowest limits.
Upon the three points I must say that I have read Col Benton's review of the Dred Scott decision, formerly he held a different view of that subject and his canvas in 1850 in this state, he [illegible] himself entirely on that clause of the constitution. His subsequent study of the history & working of the Govt in order to condense the debates & write his “30 years” wrought a change in his opinion — but the arguments of Mr. Van Buren & of Mr. Dix in 1848 in answer to Mr. Calhouns criticism upon that Clause of the Constitution, I have always considered very satisfactory. The allusions I made to it, in the St. Paul speech were rather incidental than otherwise, intended to take off Douglas' inconsistency in making as light of the word “regulations” and in that clause of the constitution & laying such stress on the words “regulate their own domestic institutions” in his Kansas Nebraska bill — & in the other instances in which I referred to it I was contrasting its strong expressions in conferring power on Congress to legislate for the territories with the weak implications by which Congress was authorized to abolish the slave trade, which Mr. Douglas had chosen to erect in the dignity of a “compromise of the constitution.” My own idea is, that the power is so important & necessary for the well being of the Govt, that it is safer to rest it upon the ground that belongs to the sovereignty of the General Govt and its own territories, the inherent right to protect & govern & take care of what it has purchased & owns & to exercise the “sovereignty” which in the case of all acquired territories has been “ceded” in so many words by the foreign powers from which they were acquired, than to claim it as granted by a clause about which so many cavils have been made — & yet I confess that I am unwilling to give up any argument for the power which I feel is vital to our safety —yours truly
Frank P. Blair
[Telegram]
N Y [October] 20th 1859
Send Abram Lincoln to Albany immediately
Thurlow Weed
Dear L.
I have this moment received the enclosed despatch what it means I do'nt know nor do I know what to advise I take it that Thurlow Weed is not so green as to think he can get you into a combination with his pet Seward and it must be something else and probably of importance — I am in a fog about it
Palmer wrote me for a [german?] — I shall send him two good ones to morrow night
Yr friend
Judd
Springfield, Ill.
Oct 29, 1859
Dear Sir — The elections in the free States render it quite certain, I think, that the Republicans will have the next President, — if they select the proper candidate.
Pardon me — I believe you are the man for the times; and your friends should present your name to public attention in a manner that will make the people believe they are in earnest.
Now is the time to strike.
I have talked with Messrs. B. & B. and they seem to be of my opinion. Indeed they asked me to write an article on the subject. I did so. They have not yet published it. I do not know why.
I am anxious that the time should be improved. It is all important to your interests. What can be done?
Yours truly
S Francis
Chicago [Oct 31 1859]
Thursday, P. M.
My Dear Sir,
I see you have been guilty of another speech. If it enbodies the ideas which you forbid us using, why will you not write it out and send it hither for publication? If not, why will you not make another and give the party the benefit your facts?
We are damnably exercised here about the effect of Old Brown's wretched fiasco in Virginia, upon the moral health of the Republican party! The old idiot — The quicker they hang and get him out of, The way, The better. You see how we treat it. — I hope we occupy the right ground.
Do you know that you are strongly talked of for the Presidency — for the Vice Presidency at least.
Let us hear from you.
Yours Very Truly,
C. H. Ray.
Anna, Union Co., Ill.
October 31st 1859
My dear Sir —
Permit me to trouble you to do me a small service for which I will pay you, if you will send me your charge —
In the winter of /58 Durkee & Bullock of St Louis, Mo — obtained a judgment against Wiley & Frick, execution issued and was levied on certain lands of Wileys in Johnson Co. which I suppose were advertised & sold, and bid in by the Plantiffs. I would like you to get for me a Memorandum from the paper & records in the Office of the Clerk of Judge Treats U S Court; the number of the lands levied upon, the day set in the advertisement for the sale — the day upon which the sale took place, and the manner in which the lands were Sold; that is as to subdivisions &c If you can do this for me I will compensate you for your trouble — I do not very often trouble my friends —
Very truly Yours
Ben L Wiley
Lewistown Ills. Nov 1, 1859.
Dear Sir:
Possibly you may remember meeting me at the Bar, many years ago, when I lived at Rushville. Disgusted with some of the bad decisions of Mr Douglass when Judge, & hoping to effect more good in another profession I took up Theology & have since labord, in the Presn. Pulpit & Press. In every lawful way I try to do what little I can to redeem our Country from the Oppressor's Power & Doom. Two years ago I was chosen by our Synod to conduct their Paper — termed the “Christian Leader” in Cincinnati. I attended the Chrisn. Anti Slavery Convention at Columbus in Aug. & also the one lately held in Chicago. As you are doubtless advised, the religious sentiment of the North runs somewhat deeper & faster, than the mere political sentiment of the Republicans southward. The In the March of our great Party there seems to be danger of a serious gap. Such was the manifestation at Chicago. Our convention aforesaid have an Exec. Comee. charged with the power of Employing Lecturers & if deemed Expedient establishing a Paper. Should an unforbearing Editor be selected division & defeat may result. Having corresponded with the Comee. about the Paper & been recently solicited by some Republicans in this state — especially in & about Ottowa, to publish, I address you a line for Counsel. Having studied the Constitutions & Laws of our Country — appreciating the legal embarrassments in your way, & at the same time sympathising with the Christian sentiment against the whole wrong, I might do something tord keeping our two wings together. At least I should aim to keep ours ( — the Christian we think — the Ultraists — others call us) from being torn off until our great Battle of 1860.
The friends at Ottowa B Cook & others — urge me to take the Republican Press of that City & with a change of its name & all the improvement in its principles illustrations & style possible — extend it to meet the religious demand refered to. I suppose the patronage of the Comee. could be had & the Paper got in circulation, at least, the Northern parts of Ohio, Indiana Ills. Iowa — & it may be all of Michigan, Wisconsin & Minesota. The National Era, Tribune &c would supercede this necessity, did they more purely spring from & defend the righteousness of the Bible touching the issue between Slavery & freedom. Ignoring as they do — too much this infallable Rule — we desire a better organ — The name of “Christian Statesman” has been suggested — But I need not say more — Will you tell me
1st Had we better go on with the Enterprize
2. Is Ottowa a fair Location
3. Can we mildly argue for the repeal of the fugitive act & it may be the abolition of Slavery around the Capitol, & enjoy the forbearance & Union of our Southern wing?
Please address me at Cincinnati, as I am now returning to my home there. Or if you can write at once direct to Rushville or St. Louis as I will in a few days pass thro these places —
My preaching Engagements kept me from the our City the night you spoke: the next day I called at the Burnett House to see you 1/2 hour after you had left — Wish I could now talk this matter over with you, but you can write me.
Very truly your friend & Servant
Wm Perkins
Cin O
Items in I. Camps suit with C & Hall
Erie November 2 1859
Dr Sir — Our Suits with Cochran & Hall come off in January & it is time to prepare our defence. In the suit against me I wish the testimony of Gen H. S. Stewart of Chicago to prove that in the fall of 1852 he furnished me with Land Warrants & accompanied me to the Land Offices at Vandalia & Palestine & assisted me in the selection & payment of all the Lands entered by me at that time. — I wish to prove by him that the Land Warrants were received by me from him as bona fide Warrants that had been purchased in the markets of St Louis, that he obtained them from John Brown (who was Clerk of the firm of Sanger Camp & Co) that they were entered by me for myself & others & that said lands have been deeded out to the respective owners & by them resold in whole or in part to other parties — I wish to show by him that during the Spring & Summer & Fall of 1852 he was one of the managing partners in charge of the St Louis office of S. Camp & Co & that he has no knowledge of ever having received at their office Either by Mail, Express or from any person any Land Warrants from Robert Christie or Wm Truesdail which had been bought in the City of New York to be entered by any member of the firm of Sanger Camp & Co for H. C. Seymour & Co or any member or members of said firm — that such an Event could not have occurred without his knowledge & that he knows that the Warrants Entered by me in the fall of 1852 which were the only Entries ever made in Illinois by me were not so obtained by me, I being the bone fide receiver of these warrants for myself & other parties that I paid for my share of said Warrants & that the other parties paid for theirs, that they held their lands for several years, paid the taxes on them without any suspicion ever that any other person had any pretence of a claim to these lands or to the Warrants with which they were bought I wish the testimony of John Brown of St Louis from whom Gen H. L Stewart received the warrants Entered by me to prove the same state of facts
I wish to say to you as our Council that the only possibility of any Warrants Ever getting into our office at St Louis which had ever been in the hands of Christie was through Mr Truesdail to whom Christie says he sent some warrants (purchased with money sent to him by S. C & Co) “the Numbers of which he was not able to give” “sent to Truesdail at Cincinnati by his direction” Now I wish to call your particular attention to these several points — 1st The money sent to New York by members of the Firm of S. C & Co & which Christie admits receiving was received by him Early in May 2nd The fact that he was not able to identify these warrants sent by him to Truesdail by their numbers or otherwise 3rd That the Lands he claims of me are identified by Nos & otherwise & of course the Warrants which Truesdail had & which are the only Warrants Ever bought by Christie & which could possibly get into my hands could not be the Warrants he identifies as purchased for H. C. S & Co, but entered by me
4th The improbability of land Warrants bought in May by Christie for the Spring sales should have been kept by us until late in Sept when we bought many thousand dollars of Warrants for investment during the Spring & Summer of 1852 Even suposing that by any possibility any warrants ever bought by Christie for H C Seymour & Co & sent to Morrison & Truesdail could have got into our hands — When I entered these lands claimed by Christie all the best lands had been picked up & it is not probable we would keep Warrants bought Early in May till late in Sept or first of October while we were large purchasers & investors for Early Entries in the Spring and Summer of 1852 — If it should be deemed necessary to get further testimony L. P. Sanger could prove testify to nearly all the facts to be proved by Stewart as one of the partners in charge of the St Louis office & I think he could testify to Christie's admissions as to the time & parties to whom, he sold the Warrants bought by him in N. Y. to discredit the weight of his testimony as to his ever having sent us any of H. C S & Co's Warrants or rather of their coming into my possession as their warrants — If he ever bought Warrants for H. C Seymour & Co & sent them out West to be located by any other agent there — they may have been Exchanged for Warrants of a different denomination in Acres — or sold & new ones bought or got into circulation in many legitimate ways so as to make John Brown General Stewart or myself the legal & proper owners of them & prevent any party from claiming the lands bought & sold again years ago by proving that he once bought such a Warrant or Warrants of described by Certain Nos for someone else There may be some things stated in what I wish to prove by Stewart & Brown which are not material & which it may be better to say nothing about — I suppose all that is material to prove is the single fact that the warrants did not come into my hands from any agent of H. C. S & Co & that they were not bought, received or Entered by me as the agent of H. C Seymour & Co which they can do fully & explicitly —. This much for the suit against me — I have written rather a rambling letter but I think I have refered to all that is important & for any further information you will confer with L. P. Sanger
as to the Cross Suit in their (C & Hall's) action vs Morrison see the other sheet Truly Yours
Irvin Camp
Memorandum of items in Cross Suit in the Case of Cochran & Hall vs J. L. D. Morrison in U. S. Dist Court Although we (Sanger Camp & Co) have always claimed since the dissolution of the Land Association all the lands held in the name of Morrison (Except the interest held by Morrison) by virtue of the purchase of Page & Bacon's interest by virtue of a partition with the Eastern parties they taking all the lands East of the Wabash River & the Western parties taking all the lands West of the Wabash River — yet as said partition was never reduced to writing & would be difficult to now Establish — it has been deemed best to confine our action to a claim for so many of these lands as were bought entered with Warrants bought with $2000 of money sent to R Christie in the latter part of May or first of June 1852 & with such additional sums of money as was acquired by the Land Office Rules for the Entries made with these warrants which I am informed in some cases required a portion of the price to be paid in Gold & Silver in addition to the usual land Office fees — We have a claim also for taxes paid & traveling expenses & time of agents attending to said taxes & Interest on said disbursements —
The first thing I suppose there is to see to, is the making out the proper papers for getting us into Court in what you call I believe a “Cross Suit” — To enable you to do so I will give you a History of the whole matter out of which you must pick such items as are of importance for your use — In the Spring of 1852 about the latter part of May Wilson King, Wm M Gallagher & Irvin Camp made up at Erie Pa the sum of $2000 & sent the same in a draft to Robert Christie in N York City — This money was sent upon instructions received from Wm Truesdail then in the city stating that a Land Association with members of the firm of H. C. Seymour & Co was being formed at that time for the purchase of Lands along the line of the O & M. R. R in the construction of which we expected to be interested in Illinois as Contractors for that Div under H. C S & Co — Said King, Camp, Gallagher & Truesdail were all subsequently members of a firm (known as Sanger Camp & Co) which built the Ills Division of the O & M. R. R — This $2000 was invested in Warrants by said Christie in N York city with refference to this Land Association, soon after it was sent to him, & cotemporaneously with purches made with some money furnished by H. C Seymour & Co & the warrants thus purchased were sent by him to J. L. D Morrison who had been agreed upon as the Agent to make the Entries for all & in which Entries (subsequently to the purchase but prior to the Creation of these Warrants) it was understood that Morrision (as we (S. C & Co) always understood conceeded) was originally to be 1/10 owner upon his paying his share of purchase & Expenses The lands were located by Morrison with the Land Warrants thus purchased & with some other funds furnished by Sanger Camp & Co & by Morrison & were always held & treated by all parties as held for the or a Land Association in which Morrison S. C & Co & H. C S. & Co were interested up to the time that the Land Association was droped — after which time I suppose under all the circumstances we can only claim our Equitable legal interest equal to our investment & expenditure —
Now as to the Line of Proof — R. Christie in his deposition admits as you will see by looking over his last one, that he did buy about $2000 of Warrants with money furnished by members of the firm of S. C & Co but adds that “he sent them to Wm Truesdail at Cincinnatti by his direction but that he was unable to give their Nos.”
William Truesdail is not now a member of our firm having sold his interest some two years since to his former partners & we have always been advised by him that the Warrants were passed over at that time, as per arrangement in N York, to Morrison; & our firm obtained maps of the location of the R R from the Engineer in charge of our portion of the work & otherwise assisted & advised with Morrison as to the location of these Warrants — Morrison being advised at the time & at all subsequent periods of time that we had a large interest in all of the Entries made by him at that time
There is no foundation whatever in Christie's statement that when he bought these Warrants he bought particular Warrants with our Money & certain other particular Warrants with Seymours money Christie never furnished us or Morrison or any one else with any memorandum or any body else with of the Nos of the Warrants bought for any members of the Land Association till the commencement of this suit & his different depositions in this suit will show that he at first never thought of singling out H. C. S & Co's Warrants from those bought with S. C & Co's money — for when this suit was first brought he claimed all of Morrisons Entries, all of mine & a large No, if not all of the Entries made by L. P. Sanger
Morrison knows that from the time of purchase up to the time that this suit was brought that S. C & Co were the only parties Exercising any acts of ownership by the payment of taxes & that we continue to do so after this suit was brought
Cochran & Hall made no claim to these lands in the life time of H. C Seymour & had not a scratch of a title when they first brought this suit & they trumped one up by getting a sort of a transfer from Seymours wife & others for 3/4 of H. C. S/Cos interest in Illinois Lands without stating where the lands were, by whom held, or when bought — I believe there is a deposition given by a Mr Mains who was the clerk of H. C Seymour & Co — but he only testifies to having Seymour say that he had some interests in Ills Lands without giving any testimony as to the amount invested by H. C. Seymour & Co in Ills Land — The reason why I call your attention to this fact is this — Christie had or has an interest in these Ills Lands under Seymour & Co held in the name of Mather & it is for his interest to claim all the Warrants sent by him to Morrison as bought with H. C Seymour & Co's money & to ignore the fact that any of the Morrison Entries were made with any Warrants bought by S. C & Co & by not bringing forward any proof either in his transfer from H C Seymour & Co or in the testimony of their Confidential clerk what the amt or value of H C S & Co's investment was — it enables Mr Christie to claim all the Warrants he sent out to Morrison by their Nos & otherwise & to dispose of all of our Warrants by admitting that He bought about $2000 worth of Warrants for S. C & Co but sent them to Truesdail & could not give their Nos. so that in this he is enabled to claim all Warrants sent to Morrison & to identify them by their Nos & otherwise — You will see that Cochran & Hall claim 3/4 of H.C. Seymour & Co's interest the other 1/4 Christie held & claims that he was informed that it was sold & that he received part pay for it from somebody with a view of showing I suppose that he has no interest in the suit & therefore a competent witness Cochran & Hall claim that they bought the remaining interest of Dr Eldridge & I do not recollect whether they prove any transfer of that interest to them or not We will want the testimony of Morrison to prove that as the agent of all the parties he always understood that we had a large interest in these lands which he may identify describe as 3/10 or some other portion as per original understanding with refference to a Land Association, afterwards increased to 4/10 by purchase of Bacons 1/10 & by partition at the Wabash River of all of other the interests except Morrisons if we should claim in our “Cross Suit” that we & Morrison owned all the Land — Or if we confine our claim to the Amt of our investment we want his testimony as to about what he had always understood we had invested in Warrants Expenditures & taxes — We want the testimony of Wm Truesdail of Warrenton, Warren Co Missouri, but who just now is in Texas & Sanger must get from John Brown St Louis his address in Texas or when he will be at St Louis & take his deposition there Truesdail will prove the purchase by Christie for us of the $2000 of Warrants & the passing over of the same to Morrison & perhaps Christie's admissions & knowledge of S. C &Cos interest in Morrison's Entries & perhaps very nearly the amount of H. C Seymour's investment in Ills Lands — I think we can prove by John Brown that no warrants were received at the Office of S. C & Co at St Louis from any parties connected with H C S & Co at any time during 1852 or afterwards & he will have to collect the items of Expenditure & taxes on the lands — I would advise the taking the testimony of H. D Bacon who acted as Trustee for all the Illinois Lands of the Land Association — He will be able at least to give the understanding which He always had from all the parties of the Extent of our interest in the Morrison Entries & I think his records will show a credit to Sanger Camp & Co not only of the $2000 spoken of but also other payments on a/c of their lands for taxes &c
Mr L. B. Parsons was Bacon's Clerk in charge of the Lands of the Land Association & his testimony may be of even more value than Bacons — When we settled with Bacon for his interest I recollect distinctly of his Bacon saying to us that the purchase would put us in possession of all of the Morrison Entries Except Morrison's interest — He said this of course from his knowledge of the lands while acting as Trustee for all parties & from his knowledge acquired as a party having an interest in the Lands — I have heard that Judge Ellis of Vincennes heard Cochran & Hall admit that the Land Association had been dissolved by making the Wabash River the partition line — the Eastern parties relinquishing their interest in all Lands West of the River — Our Claim or theory is that when we called upon the Eastern parties to pay up their respective assessments on the Ills Lands the assessment was so large which that they were not ready to meet [illegible] their appreciation of their purchases East of the Wabash was so much higher than they [put?] upon ours, that they preferred to surrender what little they had paid in Ills to giving us an interest East of the Wabash upon our paying up our quota of the Assessment on their purchases — I give you all these points to Enable you to put in a claim for all the Lands if Sanger & Morrison should think best on consultation with you to do so — We better shape our suit so as to secure the hearty cooperation on the part of Morrison — I will write to Silas Seymour to tell me, if he will, the Exact amount they H. C S & Co, invested in Warrants sent to Morrison — I may be able to get it from him as I think he has now no interest in decieving me & I think it a very suspicious circumstance that outside of Christies deposition — there is no offer to prove by Mains H. C S & Co's clerk or secretary the Amt invested by H. C. S & Co in Warrants sent to to Morrison & the transfer from H.C S & Co produced in Court was executed after the Commencement of C & Hall's suit if I am not mistaken as to its date which is another suspicious fact — I do not think it would be difficult to impeach Christie's veracity when there is a shadow of interest on his part involved & I think the very uncertain & indefinite way in which he swears to having parted with his interest, is Enough to damn his testimony before any Court — please look to it — I do not know that it would be practicable for L. P. Sanger to divest himself of his interest so as to make him a Witness — if he could he would be a very important Witness — I will write to Judge Ellis of Vincennes & Silas Seymour to day
I do not know whether Morrison can be a Witness for us in the “Cross Suit ”— if not I suppose He can amend his answer so as to give us the benefit of all the facts that we may desire to have proved by him & this in my last talk with him he spoke of doing after our last interview with Cochran in Cincinnatti I can think of nothing more at present — should additional facts occur to me I will write you
You must excuse this long rambling statement which I might by rewriting much condense but I hope you can eliminate enough out of it to Enable you to head off the [Robery?] which these scamps are trying to do upon us
I have written to L. P. Sanger to call & advise with you as to any things upon which you may need any further light — Truly Yours
Irvin Camp
Niles Mich Nove 3rd 1859
Dr Sir
The Young Mens Society of this place desire to have you lecture to them this month and wish to know your terms ton are subject and about the time you could be here we are located on Mich Central R R 90 miles from Chicago John P. Hale Carl Schurtz Geo D Prentice Henry A Wise of Virginia and several others are to be here Your friends who are not a few nor lukewarm would like very much to have you come Yours truly F. Quinn
Cor S Y M Society
Edwardsville Nov 4, 1859
Dear Sir
As Judge Treat decides all points against the Mississippi & Atlantic Rail Road stockholders, it was thought proper to get a case before our Supreme Court for its decision before any further hearing before Judge Treat.
The attorney who instituted the suits in Judge Treat's Court had commenced a suit in the Madison Circuit Court against Curtess Blakeman of this County. Finding that it was the intention of Blakeman to take the case to the Supreme Court of this state he abandoned his case, although offered a judgment, privately stating that his cases before Judge Treat were in good condition and he did not wish to hazard them by allowing a decision of the Supreme Court of this State. Thereupon a suit was instituted by S A Phelps of Bond County against Blakeman for services as a Commissioner to procure subscription to the capitol stock & judgment was rendered by the Court for $110.00. (Phelps had not previously sued the Company but it was admitted that he had). This case is ready for the Supreme Ct on motion for new trial & arrest of judgt will present the same points and will bring the Court to decide who are laborers & servants — but the principal point is to get a decision that no liability rests on the stockholders
Joseph Gillespie will endeavor to be at Mt Vernon, but his health is such as not to be relied on. He desires you to argue the case. Mr Blakeman or some one for him will be at Mt Vernon and pay you for your services. Mr Phelps being an Attorney will probably argue the case for himself.
Will you please state if you can attend to the case at Mt Vernon and please name the day of the term you would have the case fixed for. the Court will not probably be in session there over two weeks
Will you please, also, get for Mr Phelps & take with you, a certified copy of the articles of Association from the office of the Secretary of State
Very truly
M. G. Dale
Evansville, Ind. 4th Nov. 1859.
Dear Sir
Mr. E. G. Babcock of this City took in the course of his business 4 notes of $500 each, all dated at Carmi & signed by two individuals of White Co. & endorsed by a person living in Wabash Co. There was a verbal agreement to pay the notes at Bk of Mt Vernon & they were deposited there, not paid & not protested.
Also another note of $2,000 due at this Bank endorsed as above & duly protested & every thing regular. Mr. B. will probably want suit brought on these notes at an early day & in the U. S. Court. Will you please advise how soon you must have them to obtain a judgt at the next term. Also, if he will be compelled to exhaust the means of the makers before proceeding against the endorser. Also if he has lost his remedy against the endorser on the notes not protested. Yours truly
Wm T Page
Can you obtain judgment against makers & endorse at once?
Keokuk Nov 8th 59
Dear Sir
Our Election is over And our State is O. K. at one time I had fears. The Locos had much the best Ticket to get votes Dodge was from 3 to 5000 votes stronger than any other man in the State. It is the first time that he was ever beaten by the people And in almost evry Town Ship in the State he had old friends that worked for him as they would have worked for no other He had plenty of muny and “bled freely” He had the united and active influence of the entire Administration Money & otherwise And besides this he had the full influence of the Douglass Men The Convention that nominated him was Douglass two to one. I am Satisfied that in this county there was not fifty democractic votes who did not vote & the Same was the case throughout the State they had the name of Democrat vote and if he was not at the Polls they brot him there if he could be brought
Harlan will doubtless be elected Senator among a full Congressional delegation If Douglass is the candidate for president and stands with the people as he does at this time it will be hard to keep the State from him. If Seymour or some such Northern Man is the Candidate we can beat him from 6 to 10000 If Wise or Hunter or some Southern Man is the candidate after the Election it will be claimed that there was no Tickets at the Polls for the Locos they will be so badly beaten
Douglass is the only Candidate who has any chance And he is the meanest of all of them. Has he Any Chance? I hope and trust not first I think that he has no chance of a Nomination unless he eats dirt and Makes his party in Illinois eat dirt to Such an extent that Free men will Spurn him. It does appear to me that he is a Dead Cock in the Pit Popular Soverignty looked plausible in the Out Set but the first impulse is certainly now Exacting greatly against him so much so that if he can not turn the tide in Some way this Winter then it will thoroughly over whelm him His Cuba and other Fillibustring Schemes are now thoroughly done in the North. When the Whole Country was mad with Speculation Corner lots were better than gold then we thought that we had Cuba all the World and the [hallow?] of Mankind, but now when we have come to our [illegible] senses Corner lots on a par with broken bank notes We find that We have more Country than we can well take care of without Cuba or Nicarauga Not a Man in the late Canvass was for Cuba except to Keep her out of the hands of England I saw [Gue?] a few days Since he is down down on Douglass You may rest assured that the South are determined to run him up and God Speed them in their work So far as he is concerned for he is a dangerous Talented, Wily demagogue treacherous & unscrupulous
Ross will be our candidate Every thing depends on the result of this Question as answered by the Republican Convention If it is Seward, Hale, Banks, Chase or any of that class of Politicians there is no hopes against a Strong man on the other side. With Cameron, Feumont Bates or your Self on a proper Platform a Platform not a peg lower on the Slavery Question than the one of 56 we can [win?] probably the Strongest Ticket at least the one that looks Strongest to me would be Cameron of Penn & Lincoln of Ill or Bates of Mo & Cameron of Penn I hope that the Convention may meet at Indianapolis or some other Western City. We must make a Ticket that will carry the votes. The Country can not stand a nother such administration as the two last
As far as I can judge the Harpers Ferry “Big Scare” will do the Republicans good. There has been a kind of heartless in the prossecution of Brown that Humanity revolts at. Try a man for his life when he could not sit up on account of his wounds. Give him no time to get his council. get his witnesses, not even suppenen his witnesses for him and then Sentence him to be hung in thirty days, is not what the American people have been used to And that too a man who is conceded by all to be crazy on the Slavery Subject And a Man too who had shown such Noble genrosity to his prisoners (Some of the first families of Va) even when the beseigers outside had inhumnly Murdered some of his own Men — who he had Sent Out with a flag of Truce and when his own son lay dead from shots fired after they had proposed to Surrender And when he knew that he need not hope to be spared. If Gov Wise hangs him in 30 days under all the circumstances he will only be spoken of as the Jeffries of Va. I was raised in Ky was rered to hate the Abolitionists and when they beat Henry Clay in 44 I could willingly have seen them all sent to the Penitentiary but now I could vote for the Meanest of them all in prefference to any Doughface who has endorsed the inhumanity of the Late Trial of Browne and his associates and attempted to attach the Harpers Ferry out rage on the Republicans Our State Convention will be on the 22nd Feb to appoint delegates to National Convention
Write me your views on who should be our Candidates
Yours truly
Hawkins Taylor
La Porte, Indiana
November 9th 1859
Dear Sir
We are authority by the Adelphic Union, a literary society of this place to invite you to lecture for us sometime during the present winter If you can do so please advise us accordingly, stating time, terms & c
Very Respectfully Yours
Jasper Packard
Joseph H. Wilson
Mechanicsburg Ill
Nov. 9th 1859
Dear sir
I am happy to be able to say that we have done our part fearing that we might not get the 33 the number you designated for our part we exerted our selves so as to give [Palmer?] 59 majority the ballence of this ticket will up [400?] Township organization all but one vote
In haste yours
J. A. Pickrell
Franklin Co Ills Nov 11th 1859
Dear Sir
yours of the 2nd is at hand I have not ariven at what I was wanting yet the Two notes was both sold and assigned the same day and the land was morgaged to secure both notes one was due last Christmas and the other next Christmas thone that is due was sued on in the united States Court and judgement obtained against Jos Hill and others of Franklin Co Ill, now I want to know whether the land is sold or not and if sold who bogght it and I want to know whether the last named note will have any chance at the land there was an Execution sent down here and Hill gave the land that was morgaged up to Satisfy the execution now I want to know whether that sale will keep out the last note
let me hear from you soon
Yours Truly
Wm Dungy
Evansville, Ind. 11th Nov. 1859.
Dear Sir
Yours of the 8th at hand. I have not seen Mr. Babcock since recpt of yours. But under the circumstances he cannot bring Suit in the U. S. Court. the makers are good beyond question, & the only object he had was to obtain judgment at an early day. this being out of the question, he will pursue his remedy in the State Courts. So you will lose the fee in this case, a misfortune you must bear with all the resignation possible.
I suppose you are in good spirits just now. All the elections resulting in a complete triumph of the Republicans, & with prudence an easy victory in 1860. I am against the Democrats & Douglass in particular. If the Rep. expect to carry this state, they must be careful who they nominate for President. I dont think Seward could win. Yours truly Wm T Page
Cookstown Nov 12 1859
Dear Sir
I thank you for your interesting letter of the 1 inst, allthough it is non committal it affords me much pleasure to know that you would aquiesce if the American Republican Party should so elect. I have recently returned from a trip to New York Philadelphia, and intermediate points from there to Pittsburgh, and there never was more perfect harmony existed on the part of those with whome I Conversed than there is on the ticket already presented to you. My Sir it would go like an avelanch. Since the Humbug insurection at Harpers Ferry, I presume Mr Seward will not be urged, and that was the only name that like Mordacai in the Gate, that could weaken the claim of Simon Cameron
I labour under great disadvantages in our present Correspondence, being a stranger to you, but I hope the sincerity of my intentions, to serve the interests of our Party will be all the apolegy that will be required. Permit me to refer you to Mr Cameron, Ex Govenor Pollock or to any Member of the State Senate from 1855 to /58. What I desire to effect by this is to secure your Confidence so we may have a mutual exchange of thought from time to time with a view of promoteing the great interests of a party whose existence is as dear to us as our own. As for my Self I have become sattisfyed with Public life I have passed through nearly three score years of life but I feel as ardent for our Cause as ever and work as hard for the success of my Friends as I ever did in my life in short I expect to devote my working hours allmost exclusively to that end — at least till the assemblying of our great National Convention in the year of the Lord 1860. If the ticket sugested should receive the nominations, the election is as Certain as a mathematical demonstration. Will you be so kind as to address me at your Convenience, and be assured that all will be in safe keeping in my hands on the Square. If these things are not realized the sin will not rest at my door. We have an Editor in Brownsville a staunch Republican by the name of Seth L Hurd formerly from New England, one of the best stump speakers in the State, he will start for that region in a few weeks he told me yesterday his purpose is to stir up his old Chums for the ticket named. in short every thing pertaining looks fine and I think must succeede
Very Respectfully W. E. Frazer
P S If you have a Photograph Ambrotype, or Lithograph, Likeness of yourself, I would be pleased to hang it up by the Side of our mutual Friend, the Hon Simon Cameron's, it would grattify many of your warm Friends here that have never had the pleasure of seeing you
W E F
Charleston Ills. Nov. 13th 1859 —
Dear Sir —
My object in writing this to know somewhat of your views and wishes in regard to the coming contest for President — & Vice President —
I suppose I might venture to ask you about such matters on the score of private friendship as you have always shown me much friendship but I have a better right to address you, a Lincoln man all over from the very first. Now I have long felt a great anxiety to see you at least presiding over the senate into which Douglas strode over you & all of us, upon false pretenses & in violation of the right of the Majority of the people of the state. I am glad to see that in many quarters there seems a prospect that my wishes would be fulfilled. At the same time I am ignorant of your feelings in regard to taking the position of Vice President in case we could not succeed in getting a general consent to place you foremost. I have talked a great deal about it with friends who could be trusted, but as none of us know what are your opinions and wishes we hardly know what course to pursue
You have doubtless seen the Ticket circulated by Circular, containing Cameron for Prst — & Lincoln for Vice President. This was sent to me and I replied that my only objection was that the “longest legs move behind”, in more causes than one.
Since that Mr Bates' manifesto has come out and at first I feared it would damage your chances as you are from adjoining states, and I did not know but the desire to have a candidate from a slave state might induce the Rep. Party to take Bates, but on reflection I dont apprehend much as Bates not long since published a letter recommending the ignoring of this Slavery issue &c and this will look too much like a bid for the presidency. Still I know so little about him & his position heretofore that I cant give much opinion about his chances. It is true you & he are no nearer than Fremont & Dayton live to each other & nobody ever complained of their being both from the East. As it is exceedingly important to Carry Pennsylvania we must manage to secure that — I wish you would write me your views about the whole affair, Confidentially or otherwise so that we may know what to do a little better.
I intend to work in this matter before & after the Convention, and may be able to do a little in the Cause
Yours Truly
H. P. H. Bromwell
Confidential
Leavenworth City Nov 14th 1859
My Dear friend
Your last favor placed me again under obligation to you, and I take this occasion to make the proper acknowledgement; the late Election in New York has gone so nearly against us that it will not sharpen the Prestige of the Hon W. H. Seward any for the Presidency — That Election being the last one in New York before nominations will take place next year; will be refered to as an index of the Strength, or rather weakness of Mr Seward in his own State; by a timely and determined stand by the Press of Illinois for you, as a Western man, and Representative man of the West; The fact also that where you followed Douglas this year his influence was Counteracted by a healthy and large Republican gain; and the fact that you carried the popular vote largely against him last year in Illinois; and the fact that you as an old line Clay Whig (born in Ky) would satisfy the American eliment of the Country and Garrantee us New York and Illinois; and your able championship upon the Tarriff question in Illinois years ago, would induce Penna to take you, on trust, upon that question, (I am Frank and do not intend to flatter you) — But to day, if you would only discard a little modesty and not distrust your own Powers, and strike boldly and for the next 6 months cease to be a modist man (You are more likely in my Judgment to fill the Bill than any man I can think of — You have always distrusted your own ability too much, the only advantage Douglas ever possessed over you was that of impudence; I have the controll of two leading papers in Kansas, Towit, Thi Daily Register here (by Dugger) and the State Record at Topeka by Ross. Bros. and I have a claim against the Gazette at Wyandotte for $1800 — and am part owner of the two first papers, if I can see the Effort made properly in Illinois they shall all wheel into line, I will probably be a delegate to the next Convention — think well on this suggestion, I can if such a determined move is made by your friends in Ills, secure Kansas for you I think — I could certainly do so if you would come right up and make a brief canvass for our State Ticket; and Kansas if admitted, will be Potent in our Convention — Now cant you come up at once; we will pay your Expenses; I have $9000 in Territorial Warrants which I expect will be paid upon our admission; I want to pledge 1 or 2 thousand Dolls of them for the loan of 3 or 4 Hundred Dollars (and care nothing about the rate of Interest) Can you not obtain and bring with you from some friend that amount to loan me; the security shall be to your entire satisfaction, and it will do me more good than $5000 next May — This is a confidential letter from an old friend who professes to be a Pretty Fair Polatician and meaning Exactly what I write — The Harpers ferry affair doubtless has to some Extent hurt us in New York. Now my friend Cant you get in the Carrs and come to Kansas, and will you not provide for me the loan that I so much need; I can give as security, Notes on Geo T Brown Esq of Alton which will fall due some time in December next if that would be preferred — hoping first to see you in Kansas soon, (but if that is impossible) next that you will write me and that your letter may contain good news I Remain Truly
Yourfriend
M W Delahay
Leavenworth Nov 15th 1859
My Dear Sir
I transmit herewith an invitation from our leading merchants, Bankers, & business men (of the Republican party of this City) You can probably save us two U. S. Senators and our State Ticket; The Report is this morning that the Democrats have a majority in the Territorial Legislature and Parrott is hard run; You are the man for our people and I trust that you may regard the Exigency as demanding some sacrafice on your Part by accepting this appeal from our friends; Telegraph us, and we will make our Calculations accordingly if you Can Come; Our Election comes off Decr 6th while you will be the Guest of the Republicans of Leavenworth City, I shall Expect you to be at home at my house, and shall consider that settled; if you will come You can at three Points meet a majority of the Republicans of Kansas and can certainly do us much good; To loose Kansas to the Republicans now, would be throwing away much of our Prestige for the future; it would be humiliating indeed, if the Democracy shall at last have the credit of Engineering Kansas into the Union as a Democratic State. our Election is far more Important to the Republican party than, Minnesota or Ohio, in both of which a vast amount of foreign aid was furnished, while we are totally neglected by our friends in the States — Your well Known devotion to the Republican Cause assures me that this appeal will not be made in vain, the trip is now easily made by Rail to St Joseph & by Boat to this City — Truly your friend
M. W. Delahay
Leavenworth City Nov 15th 1859
Sir
At our late Election the Democrats carried this county by a majority of about one hundred votes, and as we send twelve members to the Legislature, the Delegation from this county may determine the complixion of our first State Legislature; In view of your Distinguished services last year and the present contest just over in Ohio; The fact that we have many Illinoians with us who have known you long, and are large portion from the other Western States; and regarding You a Representative man of the Great West; These considerations alone (while we could give many others) cause your name to inspire us with the hope that you will come to our City and make us a Speech, and go to Lawrence & Topeka and address the Republicans. You can we feel confident do us much good, hoping that you will accept this invitation and notify us by Telegraph at an early day stating when you will leave (if you can comply with our earnest request) we will try and make Your Expenses light and your visit agreeable and Your welcome hearty; — Truly Your friends
M. W. Delahay
[53 other names follow]
PS
All who have joined in this invitation, have done it without any display, and it is to be regarded by them, wholly a secret matter. We could just as well had One Thousand Republican names as not, but we presume you perfectly well understand how such thing are most properly done — We all want to see you in Kansas — it is of the highest importance that you make the sacrafice to respond to this call of your Kansas friends — Come at the Earliest day possible, and be sure to Telegraph me of your Compliance with this request; You shall never be ashamed of our Kind Greeting
Truly Your Friend
Delahay
PS
Remember this is the most important period of your political life, and a Compliance with our wishes will be the best thing of all the good ones you ever done for the Republican Party — Think of it well — D
Louisville, Nov 15th 1859 —
Dear Sir,
Herewith you will find a pamphlet by my friend Judge Nicholas of this city — The subject is one of great interest to the country, and experience illustrates that something must be done in the matter or our government may prove a failure — Judge N. has given much thought to it —
Permit me to say, that tho' a democrat, I would not have sorrowed at your election to the U. S. Senate — I feel that our rights and institutions would not have been in jeopardy in your hands —
With sentiments of
regard, I am Sir,
Most respectfully
your obt servt
& fd
James Speed
Please give me your opinion about the plan —
Atlanta Ill November the 17th 1859
Dear Sir I want some information and also your assistance if nesary the case is this some few days since I received a Notice from the Clerk of the Supreme Court to be holden at Springfield Ill the 8th Jan. 1860.
the case is some 2 years last Sept I obtained a judgement in the County Court of Logan County for the some of five hundred Dollars or more against R. T. Gill by good promices and neglect of the shiriff I have failed to have any property lived on though I have had sevel Exicutions isued I supose he intends to try to get the judgement set aside his plea as I under sand Errow in judgement the case is something new to me if he should suceed I think its probible I shall loose my debt as it apears that he has made over his Land and some other property I think some of this Land and other property was made over after I got judement a gainst him I want if heir is any chance to make him give good security
I will just state how I got my clame against Mr R. T. Gill Some four or five years ago I loaned M Sticklin E. S. Mickles R. T. Gill I loaned them $500 Dollars to finish Building a Steem Mill at Atlanta Mr Gill also had a clame of some 25 hundre Dollars on the Mill for which he got 2 Mortgages on said Mill one to secure his debt and one to secre him for my Claim he sold the Mortgage he had and when that Mortgage was fore closed it was about as much as the Mill would sell for and my debt was unpaid so he thinks if he can get my Judgement set aside he can get out I will give you a copy of the Note they sined $500
Atlanta Ill October 13th 1855
Twelve months after date we or either of us promise to pay to Samuel Hoblit or order the Some of Five Hundred Dollars for value received with ten percent intrust from date untill paid
Signed Michel Stickllin
E. S. Mickles
R. T. Gill
I want you to let me know what I had beter do and if you can not tend to this for me and advise me who I shall get to tend to it for me Pleas Right to me and let me know what you think and what I had beter do and whether I had beter tend Court or not as it is rether dificult for me to atend I am often unwell
I remain your Friend Samuel Hoblit
I am regested to inquire of you the questin is this a man bought some Land from another which included two or three difernt tracts and made a Deed the purcher gave Mortgage on the same the Mortgage has been fore closed and sold and it was dis covered that apart of the Land was Deeded for arong pease of Land and all was rong Mortgage same as Deed the queston is whether the foreclosure and sail can be set aside on acount of the mistake or other wise Pleas give me your good opinion on the case I would just say those Notes was traded to the third party after they had become dew
Washington Iowa Nov 23 1859
Dear Sir — At a joint meeting of the Philo & Endelphian Literary Societies of Washington College for the purpose of selecting an orator to deliver the next Anniversary Address you were unanimously elected —. I am appointed to correspond with you in this regard and ascertain if you will comply with the request. The next anniversary commences on the 4 July 1860 and we shall earnestly hope to meet you. If you can be with please answer on the reception of this note — immediately. —
Respectfully
Jno. A. Donnell
In behalf of the Societies —
Washington, Nov. 23d, 1859
My Dear Sir,
Am obliged for the information in regard to the meeting of the National Committee. I confess myself disappointed at McClernand's majority — The truth is, that we have got about all we ever will from the old Whig element in central Ill. — We must hereafter rely upon obtaining accessions from the young men & from the Democracy. About the hardest man on earth to get along with is an old Whig of pro-slavery proclivities. I reckon the Harpers Ferry affair damaged Palmer somewhat. —
I met Cameron on the cars on my way here. He is in earnest about getting the Pa. delegation for himself, & I reckon will succeed. — Nobody seems to say much about Read.
I passed a few days in New York City & there learned that the New York politicians were very much in favor of making Forney clk of the House, & that too without any assurance from him that he would act with the Republicans. — The idea seemed to be that Forney could bring enough Anti Lecompton Democrats to act with the Republicans to give them the Speaker & c. When will the leading men of our party learn to pursue a straight forward course? Till they do, Republicanism can never have, & might never to have a permanent hold in the country. What consumate folly a bargain with half a dozen Douglasites & that the most active of them all to an important office, where he can wield a large influence in favor of his pet man, & to our prejudice. Douglas & his popular sovereignty humbug are the only things which now keep the great mass of Northern Repub Democrats from uniting with the Republicans at once. For my part, I believe it would be much better that the Democrats should organize the house by a bargain with Know Nothings, & anti-Lecomptonites, than that we should do it; but if the Republican members will go right along supporting no man for any of the offices who is not prepared to act with the Republican party, they being the strongest party in the house, will in the end succeed. If Forney or the South Americans of us & act with us, we ought to be liberal towards them; but it certainly cannot be our policy as a party to support any man, who will use the influence of his office to build up another party to our prejudice.
The Anti Lecomptonites & the South Americans will in my opinion in the end come to act with us, if we pursue a straight forward course without assailing them; but they will never do this, while the idea is held out that the Republican party will go to them.
Since commencing this letter, two Gentlemen residents of Washington have called upon me, stating, that one of them had been just been arrested for using language hostile to slavery. He had given bail for his appearance before a justice of the peace on Friday, & called to advise with me about the matter. What are we coming to? Excuse this long letter.
Truly Yours
Lyman Trumbull
Joliet Nov 28th 1859
Dear Sir
Several of our citizens your friends being assembled thought we would like to have an address upon the occasion of the death of John Brown (in the event of his executive of which we have no doubt) Can you address the Mass Meeting at this place (Joliet) say about Dec 7 at 7 P M. If so we will arrange a big thing for you; Please answer us immediately as we desire to arrange a meeting at once & write us your charge.
We discussed the propriety and impropriety of your delivering an address as regards your political standing and came to the conclusion that you might use this occasion with profit to yourself If you should hold the same opinion we should be pleased to be honored with the favor we ask
Truly Your friend
M C Bissell
Bloomington Nov 28/ 59
Dr Sir I have tried my best to settle the Slander Suit of Flagg vs myself and nothing can be done — he has been made to believe that because I have the reputation of having more of this worlds goods that falls to the lot of a majority of the inhabitants of this Earth he is Entitled not only to keep and cheat me out of the Eleven thousand dollars lent money he owes me but also a great deal more my dependence is upon you — it is important that you come up here this week and prepare with Hanna &[McN?] the defence I will explain all to you when you come I wish you to come without fail and examine the papers we have in Bank and also learn what the testimony of Pardee and Perry will be and see how near we can can come to proving the whole truth write at once what day you will come and I will have things so as not to detain you more than four hours
yours truly
Flagg has taken a writ of Error to the Supreme Curt on the $11000 Debt I also wish you to attend to that in Supreme Curt
Chicago 28th Nov 1859.
Dr Sir:
I appreciate your motives; for, the nearer the contest approaches, the more I see the importance of having the entire & united exertions of every man opposed to the dominant national organization. We have no ammunition to throw away in fighting one another. But really, Lincoln, I do not see what we are to do without some financial policy; &, after a lapse of four years, I cannot but look upon my Bloomington resolution in the same light as I did when I offered it. Oppressive taxation is driving men from our Note & their places are not made good.
But you want no homilies on this subject from me. And I only allude to it because my peculiar views upon financial questions have been the cause of all the war of the Chicago Tribune & the other organs of Judd & Peck upon me.
The moment it is understood that you have been retained by me, that moment the war in Chicago is ended.
Both Judd & myself are upon the Bond of our Sheriff, & he is greatly affected by matters. He has been to see me several times & several others equally friendly to both of us have insisted with him that I say no more at present. This is hard, as the organs of Peck & Judd keep up their attacks. I have thought much of the matter & finally resolved to put my case in your hands, as having the deepest interest in Republican unity & success. I will not put myself even apparently in the [wrong?] in such a crisis as this.
I am a candidate for nothing & ask nothing but a chance to work where I can be the most useful in the “irrepressible conflict”. I stand firmly upon the Bloomington platform, my resolution included. All other matters shall be made secondary on your discretion to the peace, unity, & strength of the Republican party. With this avowal to you, I shall leave my case with you until I hear from you again. Do not be in a hurry in coming to a decision; for I am confident that the longer you reflect upon the matter the more you will be satisfied that you are in a situation to manage it better than any man in Illinois.
Yr Obt St
John Wentworth
Lawrence Nov 29th 1859
Dear Sir:
You may perhaps recollect me, as formerly resident in Chicago, and as somewhat identified with the good Republicans of that goodly Republican City, in the famous fight, they made with you, and for you, last year. I came to Kansas last summer, and am settled here, practicing Law and Republicanism —
My object in addressing you, is to invite you, and earnestly solicit you, to visit our City and to speak here.
This I do in behalf of the many Republicans here, to whom the mention of your name is as a “house-hold word.” You live in their minds and hearts, and your coming will kindle a stronger enthusiasm for our Party and Principles — if that be possible — than has ever hitherto burned here, in this the centre and the core of Free Principles in our Territory —
If your time and engagements in Kansas will permit — you must visit us — If you can come, please advise me, of the day you will be with us
Yours Very Truly
L L Jones.
We cordially concur in the above invitation and request.
[13 signatures follow]
Chicago 1 Dec. 59
Dear Sir
I begin to doubt whether there is such a thing as truth in this world and I am satisfied that a man must hunt it up if he wants it — it will scarcely come to him — From the representations that are afloat amongst your friends and believed in by some of them I am induced to doubt myself — and think is it true that Lincoln has been cheated by me — I thought if it was not true there would be some public denial of it — even at the risk of being thought a friend, of the Man I defended — I thought that such friends as Dubois Marshall Sam Parks — Jack Grimshaw — Gillespie and others might be induced by you to open their mouths
I notified certain gentleman last fall of the concerted plan to divide the Republican party — and the tools of the originator have been actively engaged in it ever since, and no public note of reproof or censure from those who had the power and influence to correct it
What is the present position of things — I am berated in the news papers slandered in private conversation and the uninitiated made to believe that I cheated you when Trumbull was first elected defeated you when you ran last year, and am now conspiring to advance Trumbull on the Presidential ticket at your expense — and all this without any public defense by you or any of your friends — Men of the “[better?] sort” making a virtue of having been “old whigs” are perambulating the state retailing these stories and sowing dissension and discord — although it is principally aimed at me Judge T. is embraced in the programe for destruction, and if it proceeds much further without being “scotched” there will be trouble and serious trouble — We adjourned last session of the Genl. Assembly, bold defiant, and united except this small crew of mischief makers — To carry out the plan of organization the Com. met at Bloomington
My plans and men were overruled at the instance of this same gang — and I assented to it — (having the power to prevent Phillips and myself) because it was reported that our leading men desired it — The scheme was to get a tool to use (& although I think they have found themselves mistaken in the result) it was none the less a blow at me and one step in advance towards the division sought — And what is the condition of the Committee to day — bankrupt — with a lying insolvent Treasurer, travelling throughout the State and pressing the claims of a man as the standard bearer of the party that you know came very near getting for said insolvent treasurer a large amount of money from the State Treasury — As a member of the Com. I am charged with misappriating its funds and that same Treasurer referred to as authority and he allows the slander to go uncontradicted — I cannot well not ask men for money so long as things are in this condition — I am ready to make my place on the Committee vacant at any moment and I am not certain but I ought to have done so months ago. I ask no sympathy but I demand justice from those who know that I am wronged — Does not your position in the party require you to right these things? Has ever a party been successful that allowed faithful men to be hunted down by false clamor? I don't believe I am mistaken in thinking you ought not to stand idly by and see me charged with foul wrong to you, when you know it is unjust — You have friends of long standing to them your influence should extend and they should speak out — You have ambitions, high hopes and brilliant prospects, and no man has or will aid you more faithfully than myself — There is no risk in doing right — I have begun the correction of the wrongs here and have this day put John Wentworth on the record, and have abandoned politics and devoted myself to redress my own wrongs so far as it can be done by punishing the slanderer
There is only one mode of replacing the harmony of the party — and that is John Wentworth is to be driven out or silenced and Charley Wilson S. L. Baker C. T. Bridges and their lying associates kicked into the kennell with the rest of the curs — The first branch I will undertake and the last belongs to you and your friends
My job is heavy — yours is simple — a letter to Charley Wilson for the Journal noticing these charges and correcting them is all is required beyond a request to your personal friends to right me — Will you do it — Upon your answer depends all of my future in politics
Yr friend
N. B. Judd
P. S. If any publication is made I desire to see it before it goes into print
Columbus, O., Decr 7 1859.
Dear Sir: The Republican State Cent. Com. of Ohio, beg leave cordially to thank you for your speeches in this state during the recent campaign, and express the earnest hope, that together with the seven debates held by you with Judge Douglas during the famous Illinois campaign, they may be republished in an authentic and permanent form.
If you can comply with this request, you will please send by Express to W. T. Bascom our Sec, the package, who will superintend the publication of the same.
Very Respectfully Yours, &c
Geo. M Parsons
Sam'l Galloway
Lucian Buttles Central
N. O. Swayne Executive
J. H. Coulter Com
R. N. Barr
W. T. Bascom
Columbus O, Decr. 7th, 1859.
Dear Sir:
As members of the Republican Party of Ohio from different portions of the State met together here for the first time since the election, we thank you in the name of the party, for the prompt and efficient aid rendered us in the late campaign by your speeches at Columbus and Cincinnati. The pro-slavery Democracy driven to despair by repeated defeats, entered the late contest openly ignoring a defence of the present administration, and raising the specious flag of Popular Sovereignty, called the Little Giant himself into the field, to tickle the public ear with rehearsals of his Harper's Magazine article.
The experience acquired in seven pitched battles with him, as an antagonist, enabled you to make such a searching and thorough practical expose of the fallacies of his position in your Ohio speeches, which were scattered by thousands by our State Central Committee amongst the people, that Douglasism with its inconsistent theory that “a thing (Slavery) may lawfully be driven away, from where it has a lawful right to be” by the action or non-action of a territorial legislature in spite of the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States in the Dred Scott Case, was nowhere among the voters, when the polls were closed. Proclaimed victor by a majority of the popular vote of your own State in the famous debates, which have attracted the universal attention of the party, (as containing the doctrines of the Republican creed, thoroughly discussed and completely vindicated from the misrepresentations of its foes;) we would request that you cause to be collected for publication in a permanent form, authentic copies of those debates together with your two Ohio speeches, as a document that will be of essential service to the cause in the approaching Presidential Campaign. The results of the late elections indicate a glorious triumph then, if republican principles are properly discussed and rightly diffused amongst the people. The signs of the times bespeak that there is a West, no longer to be used as a mere voting appendage, to carry out the schemes of other interests, but a political power united to assert her own dignity in the Confederacy, and carry out to their legitimate consummation the immortal principles of the Ordinance of 1787 under which she was organized, by standing by its champions, and indignantly spurning the whole tribe of trading Dough-faces, who flout at the sacred birth-right of their own States.
Respectfully yours,
[29 names follow]
New York December 9th 1859
Dr. Sir
By the suggestion of the Hon. John A. Gourley of Cincinnatti, (a mutual friend); I take the liberty of bringing to your notice a case of the deepest fraud on the part of one Edward M. M. Clarke of Jacksonville, Morgan Co., in your State, and to solicit your aid and counsel in compelling him by the strong arm of the Law to pay over to the heirs at law of Mrs Eleanor Clarke, (the mother of the said Edward M. M. Clarke) the monies and estate of the said Eleanor Clarke, which he refuses to account for — denying that his mother left any property — asserting that the monies which he received from the Attorneys of his mother in New York (about $15,000) were a gift to him from his mother, in consideration that he, Edward, should take care of her during her life; but does not pretend that he has any writing from her, to that effect. And every circumstance shows that she never intended it as a gift.
I will proceed to give a brief statement of facts.
James B. Clarke, of Brooklyn, Kings County State of New York, died in the year 1845, leaving a widow, Eleanor Clarke, and seven children viz:
1 Julia Ann M. — wife of Maugle Hamilton Quackenboss of the City of New York.
2. Eleanor L. — now the widow of the Rev. Hugh Smith
3. Rev. James P. T. Clarke, then & now a resident of Brooklyn N. Y.
4. Charlotte — now the wife of William Hull who now resides at Sing-Sing, Westchester County, State of New York.
5. Edward M. M. Clarke now a resident of Jacksonville, State of Illinois.
6. Henry L. Clarke — who now resides in the City of New York.
7. Caroline, now deceased, who married Major Erasmus D. Keyes, who is now in Washington Territory with his regiment.
Mrs. Keyes died some five years since leaving five children, viz:
1. Winfield Scott Keyes — aged at this time about 20 years
2. Eleanor Fisher Keyes now aged about
3. Edward L. Keyes, now aged about
4. Caroline Maria Keyes now aged about
5. Florence Adele Keyes do years.
Mrs. Eleanor Clark, widow of James C. Clarke aforesaid, became possessed as heir at law of an uncle, in her own right — of some $15 to $20,000 which was placed at interest by the Messrs. Sackett, respectable Counsellors at Law in this City — She receiving the income for her support. — She staying and boarding with different children from time to time as inclination dictated. Edward M. M. Clarke, one of her sons moved to Illinois, and induced his mother, then eighty years of age to take up her residence with him at Jacksonville, and under the plea of obtaining 10 & 12 per cent interest on her money, instead of 7 per cent, induced her to withdraw all her monies from this State he pretending to invest it in Illinois at 10 & 12 per cent. Mrs. Clarke died within 8 months from the time she went to Jacksonville to reside with her son Edward. On her death Edward came on to New York City with the body, the funeral took place at once from Trinity Church, and after the funeral Edward promised to see the heirs the next day, and give an account of the property and effects of his mother, He stated that he was stopping at the Astor House, refused the hospitalities offered him by his several brothers and sisters and stated he would meet them at the Messrs Sackett's office the next morning. He did not come there at the time appointed Some of the heirs called at the Hotel, and behold: Brother Edward had started that same morning at an early hour, for Jacksonville without leaving a letter or message to or for any of his brothers and sisters. Different ones of the heirs have written him upon the subject of their mother's estate, at different times and frequently; but he has not found it convenient to answer but one of them, and in a long communication to Mrs. E. L. Smith, dated Sept. 13, 1858, in which he says that he, Edward, was then boarding with his wife at Rushville, having no children, that Mrs. Clarke, his mother wrote to him to come on to N. Y., that he did so and found his mother at a boarding house — “that his mother then earnestly” besought him to come back to N. Y. that “she might end her days with him” and proposed to purchase a suitable house for him in N. Y. or Brooklyn and furnish it handsomely, if he would return and take care of her — that he told her that he would gladly, if there was any reasonable prospect of his being able to support himself in N. Y. — That he had no capital with which to enter into any kind of business — that his mother then said “well my child why cant I go with you to Illinois. It can make no difference where the place is, so that I am with you & c That he replied “that he had no home to take her to.” That he proposed to his mother that she should purchase and furnish a good house in Brooklyn or N. Y. The board with her daughter Mrs. Smith — to which she objected — that she insisted upon going with him to Illinois.
He says, “It was then settled that his mother should remove to Illinois and find a house with him.” He says “It was agreed upon by mother and myself that she should give me the means to purchase for himself a suitable residence at Quincy or Jacksonville or Peoria and to furnish it” and that he should take care of her the residue of her days — the house to cost some $6000, furniture some $2 to $3000 — and that “I should go to Illinios and make the purchase” — that he went west and purchased at Jacksonville a house and furnished it, costing in all about $9000. — that his mother then gave written directions to her Attorney Sackett to convert her bonds and mortgages into cash and pay over the money to him — that this was about the middle of April 1855 — Sacket under said order proceeded to convert Mrs. Clarke's Bonds & c in Cash and paid the same over to Edward from time to time on the order given at this time by Mrs. Clarke to Edward —
The following letter of instructions to the Sacketts from Mrs. Clarke is now in the possession of the executrix of the Sacketts — in the handwriting of Edward signed by Mrs. Eleanor Clarke:
Nov. 30th / 55
Messrs C. D. & G. A. Sackett Esqrs.
Gentlemen
I wish you to pay over to my son Edwd. M. M. Clarke, all the money in your hands belonging to me (deducting your charges) together with the avails of my five shares of stock in the Bank of Commerce.
I also wish you upon the sale of any of my Bonds and Mortgages, immediately to notify Edward at Rushville Illinois, as I have authorized him to draw upon you for the amount; and I will thank you to give him a certificate to the effect that I have empowered you to convert my Bonds and Mortgages into Cash, as soon as possible (describing the same in the certificate) and that he is authorized by me to draw upon you for the amount thereof.
I desire this because I intend to remove to Illinois to live with Edward, as soon as he shall have purchased a suitable residence there, as I informed you at my house a short time since.
Dated Brooklyn, Novr. 30th 1855.
Yours truly & c
Eleanor Clarke.
The Sacketts paid to Edward from time to time, as collected, some $15,000 on the above letter.
The above is about the substance of Edward's claim to his mother's property. The title to the house and lot Edward purchased in Jacksonville with his Mother's money, he took in his own name and loaned &c the balance of the monies received as aforesaid as his own, during the eight months his mother lived under his roof —
Most of the heirs of Mrs. Clarke here, have joined in a Power of Attorney to Mrs. Eleanor L. Smith, widow of Rev. Hugh Smith giving her full power in the premises. Mrs. Smith is an intelligent, business lady and proposes to accompany me to Springfield if necessary to do so, and to take out letters of administration if so advised and to institute such other proceedings as will in the most speedy and effectual manner, compel Edward M. M. Clarke to account and pay over to his Brothers and sisters their legal proportions of the estate of his late mother Mrs. Eleanor Clarke.
I have advised Mrs. Smith that it will probably be necessary for her, as one of the heirs, to take out letters of Administration on the estate of her mother — as the first step — and that it will be necessary for her to be present in person at Jacksonville to enable her to do so. Am I correct in my opinion?
2. I have suggested that possibly we can, as a preliminary step, and before letters of Administration are taken out, file a bill in Equity against Edward M. M. Clarke, setting forth the story of their wrongs, calling said Clarke to an account — with interrogatories & c and possibly get an injunction to prevent his selling or disposing of any property of his late mother &c.
Can this be done? Can this course be sustained by your Laws?
Please advise me at your earliest convenience what course, you would advise us to take in the premises — whether it will be necessary for Mrs. Smith to take out Letters of Administration — and if so, whether it will be necessary for Mrs. Smith to come personally to Jacksonville to do so — or whether the same can be done by her giving some one a Power of Attorney —
And also whether we can file a Bill in equity as I have suggested and get an injunction & c.
I am aware she will be obliged to give bonds in either case, but I am well acquainted at Chicago — Springfield, Perry and Griggsville and think I shall have no difficulty in procurring the necessary bonds — as if necessary I shall be able to furnish the bonds-men with a bond of indemnity.
But I will not go more into detail at present. I wish to see you personally before you return west. Please inform me whether you will pass through the City of New York on your way West, and if so when and I will do myself the honor of calling on you. If not and you are to remain some days at Washington, I will come to Washington to see and consult with you.
Yours with the Greatest Respect
Lewis Benton
Chicago 11 Dec 59
Dear Sir — Your two favors came this morning
I did not intend to find fault with you or complain in my last letter; but it was written under some excitement from hearing something of the effects of the falsehoods refered to, by some of your particular friends.
I can and will procure such a letter and will forward it to morrow — You say truly there is no disguising the fact that I voted against you in 54 but the reason and motives are legitimate subjects of Comment especially to do away with any charge of bad faith
I was a Senator holding over and had been elected by the democracy — There was no republican organization or party although we all joined in Condemning the repeal of the M. Compromise and were agreed in our desires to punish its author the best way to do it effectively must necessarily only be a matter of opinion — and judgment — looking to the future I thought than that a position in which I could not be howled down as having joined the “Whig Party” was the best for the future, and I acted accordingly and in as good faith as ever a man performed a political act — I did not attend any caucuses nor did I say or do a thing that could be construed into cheating or deseiving any one
I think that act left those of us who had belonged to the old democracy in a position to be useful amongst our then political associates, to the new organization
I do not care so much about this matter, (although justice is pleasing to any one) as the other pointss viz: that I am an honest man and have served you faithfully and honestly, and according to my ability and in my sphere efficiently — and that both in the party organization and its legislative policy I have been faithful and to what extent you have trusted and relied on me and in what manner I have fulfilled these trust — I am not wholly selfish I think, and you will excuse me when I say I think this much is due to me — I shall write you again to morrow — I go to Washington on Wednesday eve. thense to N. York to meet the Committee on the 21st inst. —
Present indications are decidely that you will be on the Presidential ticket — If that occurs it seems to me clear that some person of Democratic antecedents Should have the position on the ticket that I aspire to especially when it is taken for granted that Dubois Hatch and Butler will be on the state ticket
And I do not believe my interest so colors my judgment as to prevent my forming a tolerably correct opinion —
If I am not mistaken in this the sooner a few of your friends get their cue the better
Yr friend
N. B. Judd
Chicago 12 Dec 59
Dear Lincoln
Enclosed I send letter of request, and I hope you will in the answer allow a full discretion as to its use — Please enclose letter and answer to me at Washington care of Judge Trumbull and I will forward it from there to the right hands — I shall call the Central Com. together as soon as I return — You are aware that there has been some Misunderstanding in the Committee and a disposition to snub me — with this I shall not quarrel — but I want to call your attention to one effect that it may have unless attended to by some one outside of the Committee; or by some one like Grimshaw who is not charged with being influenced by me
It is desirable that we should have a united delegation at the National Convention — The Sewardites desire the Selection of delegates by districts, they hoping to steal in a few more — Baker Hopkins and perhaps Geer and Turner are in this scheme — Herndon Dick Yates and Dr. Green will have the controlling votes on this question, and I think it desirable that they should be set right — How it is best to be done is for you to determine but I think that some one should set them right before the meeting — Green has been ploughed with but to what extent I cannot say
You will have seen that I have improved the manners of the Chicago Democrat — My impression is that I shall effect a radical cure — What do you think of my proceeding Write me frankly — Its effect here is Charming — The Journal at your City — has not the Courage to publish my card — Silence and apology towards such a man and for his conduct is bad policy for the party — as his attacks are not, or were not, confined to me — They involve all the State officers, and the cry cannot be that it is personally Judd
When Grimshaw Browning & c. are over to court afterwards at Springfield and there ought to have a full talk
Yr friend
N B Judd
Private
Columbus Dec 13, 1859
My dear friend
Accompanying this letter are the requests of the Executive Committee of the Republican State Central Committee, which have been procured mainly by the efforts of R P S Baber, who has acted very diligently and ardently in this matter, with my concurring Sympathy and judgment — It is our sincere wish that you would immediately comply with this Solicitation; Prompt action is important for you and equally so for the general cause. We regard the expressions of regard and confidence in these letters as but a merited tribute to worth — It is our wish that you would cause the letters herewith sent, with your reply to be published in your Republican paper in Springfield — and send copies containing the same to my self & Geo M Parsons Chairman of our Committee [your letter?] in reply to both requests will be sufficient. The funds necessary for the publication will be raised here — Address your reply to Geo M Parsons Chairman — It will be expected that a written copy of the letter published will be forwarded to Mr P at Columbus
Yrs &
Saml Galloway
Springfield Decr 16,'59
Dr Sir;
Dr Buck wished me to see you in relation to the war of the Roses at Chicago, and I promised to do so. He thinks (with me) that a truce or peace ought to be made, and that you are the man to bring it about. You can command in this matter — as the acknowledged, indisputable leader of the party you can enforce the peace. It is of some interest to all of us that an unseemly personal warfare should not go on; and it may be of some interest also to the belligerents, to stop it — Please consider this matter and go up to Chicago.
Yours truly
N. Niles
South Bend, Ind.
Decr. 17th 1859
Dear Sir.
Can you visit this place for the purpose of lecturing before our “Y. M. A.” at any time during the present lecture season? We would be extremely gratified to have you do so, if compatible with present engagements of yours, & solicit a reply, advising us of your views, together with terms, and the time, — if you should decide to come.
Very respectfully yours,
Dwight Deming
Cor. Secy., Y. M. A.
South Bend, Ind.
Belleville [December] 19, 1859
My Dear Sir
From my under standing with Stuart — I feel it incumbent upon me to take to Springfield all the patents I have for the land association lands claimed by Cochran — I once made a report to Parsons who was the agent of the association of the lands entered for it, the original of that report I think Cochran has — in it were several lots of my own — though entered for the association and so reported they were entered with my warrants — In order to have them all properly arranged — I wish you to send me a copy of so much of Robert Christie's deposition as gives the numbers of the warrants bought by him which came either to my hands or Camps — please send it to me at your earliest convenience — his last depo. I think recites the numbers of the warrants.
Very Respectfully
Yr obt svt J L D Morrison
Chicago, 21st Decr. 1859.
Dr Sir:
I heard that you were in Washington or I should have written you several days ago.
I wish to retain you in my suit. The very reason that you may assign for declining my offer is the very one that urges me to write you. You are friendly to us both. I prefer to put myself in the hands of mutual friends rather than like I put myself in the hands of those who have a deep interest in keeping up a quarrel.
You were present when I introduced my resolution at Bloomington, & you know the means taken to suppress it, & you know what studious efforts have been made to persecute & proscribe me & men sympathizing with me in the doctrines of that resolution by Mr J & his friends, & this too at a time when the help of us all is required in a common cause.
If you cannot serve me, do not say so at once; but keep the offer under advisement as the means of placing yourself in a position where you can say to men who try to put me in a wrong position that I have put my case in your hands knowing your neutrality between us.
I hope to see you before long & talk this matter over. You must not decline until you have taken proper time to think of it.
I intended to have got W. H. Brown to have spoken to you, but he seemed in a hurry when we parted from the Rail Road office. He leaves tonight for Springfield, & I think he is one who would not see me or J suffer injustice.
Yours & c
John Wentworth
Leavenworth City Decr. 23rd 1859
My Dear Sir
I rather like Chicago as the place for the Republican Nat Convention, and the time is perhaps about right But how is it that the Press & Tribune hold off and does realy nothing for you — rather what would any Republican paper in Ills loose by giving you now a determined, cordial support; outside pressure often does much at nominating conventions, & that sort of influence upon a very large scale and cheaply too can be brought to bear for you at the Convention. the Bates Party in St Louis does not number twenty respectable Republicans, it hardly extends beyond the Precincts of the Democrat office — it is a Blair affair; indeed to talk of Mr Bates reminds me of a party of men (all having money) engaged in a Game of cards and Mr Bates comes along and requests the party to deal him a hand (he being known to have no stake to put into the pool) but is let into the Game because he has seen better days or because he decended from a family of repute, and is a clever fellow — upon these considerations he is let into the Game having all to gain without any risk of loosing a farthing — he nor his friends are not able to promise as Missouri under any circumstances — We here regard him as out of the range of even possabilaties, we must have a sound Republican and we shall insist upon a Western man; The effort to unite the American vote with the opposition (as they are called) in Penna is less shrewd on the part of the friends of Mr Cameron, than the refusal of Thurlow Weed to coaless with the N. Y. American at Syracuse — if such a fusion is sought by the friends (or partisipated in) of Mr Cameron it must damage him badly with all good Republican polaticians out side of his own Station “If the Democrats are sharp enough to pass a Pacific Rail Road Bill making a Western termini between the mouth of the Big Siux and the Kansas River, admit us into the Union, and pass Grows Homestead Bill this session they will repair their condition Greatly; But if they prevent these last three important Western measures from being carried through the Present Congress, it will vastly make for us in 1860; To Keep us out of the Union & hold back our Land Grants & c will tend to increase our pecuniary embarrassment much, but I shall individually, feel have no particular reason to complain, that the Democrats will bring forward in some shape or other a proposition to protect Slave property in the Territories I believe; But they are not at present bold enough to talk much about re opening by Act of Congress the African Slave trade; yet doubtless many of them Cherish a hope that it will be done at no distant period —
Can you find some man with say $500 who wants to come to Kansas and take hold of a Daily paper in this City which with a little money and energy will soon be a money making institution if you can send him to me with a letter, he can get a half interest in the Register office and be one of its Editors, & purchase one half of the office cheap and upon defered payments get ample time; The office cost about $3000 and one half can be had for about 950 or 1000 Dollars by paying say $500 into the concrn it is now paying Expenses & a little more as I believe; Your visit here has done us vast good it encouraged our friends; I do not want any reply to these reflections they are mearly laid before you and if out of them any benefit can accrue to you I am more than paid they were prompted by news of the Nat Committee fixing upon Chicago as the place for our Convention. Your friends here are rather jubilant over the time & place for the Convention. I hope you are none the worse for your cold trip to & from Kansas regards to friends. Very Truly your friend
M W Delahay
Portland, Oregon, Dec. 26, 1859.
Dear Sir:
Myself and wife arrived here, in good health, on Thursday last. As you may suppose, I have been much interested in what I have seen about me since that time. The country, to one who has long lived, on the Prairies of Illinois, possesses great novelty; — the mountains, the rivers, — the peaks of the mountains, covered with the eternal snows, shining in the sun-beams, raise feelings of awe and sublimity better felt than expressed.
I find some old acquaintances here. Sanford Watson I saw yesterday. He came here to sell his stock of apples raised from trees he planted himself. He has not changed as I expected to find him. I saw a son of our old friend Rawley Morgan also yesterday; and I may also state what may be new to you, that I found in Portland, on my arrival, Col. Baker. — He had come from St. Francisco with the view of making arrangements to remove his family here. — He left here yesterday evening for St. Francisco, having hired a house in Salem, where he will be with his family in six weeks. Sub Rosa — He is coming here on a political mission. His object is to go to the Senate. The prospects are now that he will get one third or more of the Representatives and Senators at the election in June — and that the Anti-Lecompton Democrats will get about the same number, and that together they will elect the two Senatrs — of which he is likely to be one. His ambition is to be a Senator. He comes with the approbation of Logan and other leading Republicans. My opinion that he will be successful in his enterprise.
I have not seen Logan. He is now at Salem, in attendance upon the Supreme Court. In regard to his not contesting the election with Stout, his not doing so is the result of the judgment of his friends and his own. He was undoubtedly elected; but by letting the matter go as it now stands, it is believed he will be successful the next time. — I am glad to say that I hear good reports of Logan. No body here doubts that as a legal man, he leads the bar here; and that he is now right on all other points and has been ever since he was a candidate for Congress and some time before. I think he has passed the crisis and hereafter will be all that his friends desire.
The democratic party here is divided and the war of the factions is one of extermination. Both prefer the success of the Republicans to the success of either of them. Our friends are improving the advantages thus presented. The violence of political parties here reminds me of the times when you first became a candidate for the Legislature Baker has much to go through, — but he is fearless — having entire confidence in himself
You probably know that the Republican Delegates to the National Convention here are instructed to go for Seward. Efforts will be made to change their instructions. Of course I can do nothing, but trust that you are the man for the Western States. I hate that Bates movement. See too it that you are not made a candidate for Vice just to get you out of the way for another office I have not seen Dr Henry yet. I am going up to his place the coming week. I find he has been boxing the compass here as a politician, but that he is now right. Henry here is very much as he was in Springfield — so I learn. He has a good farm in Yam Hill County. Of his speculations on Gray's Harbor, I shall hear from him.
The weather has been rather cold here for the season thus far. There have been night more showers; one last night; but it is nearly gone now. The mercury, I judge, must be now about 45 degrees or 50 degrees. Rains prevail here in winter; but all say spring, summer and early fall are pleasant seasons. What Oregon wants is labor. The right sort of men will do well here, as a class the farmers don't love work. They prefer stock raising to other farm work. The farmers about Portland do not furnish the city with vegetables, which are here at extravagant prices, and mostly come from California.
The new discoveries of gold East of the Cascade, it is believed, will produce a stampede of the idlers here in the coming spring. The great gold and abundance of gold on the (pronounced) Smilikeen, is now certain. It will call away many people and furnish market for the produce of Oregon.
I don't know what I shall do yet. I feel uncertain what I best do. In a few weeks I shall determine. Mrs. F. is not as happy as I am.
You were so kind as to call on her before she left. Your kind expressions require acknowledgement. — I will be frank with you, if I never have been before. I have been always your friend, under all circumstances. Some four years ago the know-nothing party was started. I was against it from policy and principle. I kept the Journal against it. The party still increased, mainly out of the Whig party. You know its history as well as I do. Bailhache & Baker stopt their paper in Alton to come to Springfield. They published about that they were coming to publish a paper. The project [illegible] the know nothings. I knew that I could not sustain the paper with a democratic patrongage. I was anxious, but no friends came to me to say they would stand by me in a struggle for keeping up under a rivalship with those young men. I never had cheering word from you or Judge Logan, or any of those for whom I had worked with all the little ability I possessed. I saw nothing but ruin before me; and thus unsustained, abandoned as I thought by friends for whom I had labored without regard to myself consequences — I sold out. You say this was in error. It may be so — it probably was so. What could I then do? I must do something. I embarked in business — for a time did well; but a time of pecuniary distress came upon the country, upon those who owed us — we could not collect — were sued — sold property — sacrificed much — found that by keeping on in the same way should lose the last out I had on earth, I put my property in other hands, to prevent lost, and to compromise if it could be done and pay all my debts. Before I did this I tried all I could to get some friends to stand by me. I could not do it. I found they had entire regard only for their own interest — I was dunned every day — I suffered in mind. I experienced untold sorrow. I was losing my health. I am away. This you think is another error. It may be so. My life has probably been an error. I have thought too much of others — little for myself. I love old Sangamon. I know I have labored for her welfare. There may be some who appreciate it. Shall I ever see her green fields again? I know not. I am now surrounded with strange faces — strange scenes — but enough — enough.
Baker made many enquires about you. How has Time used you? I told him that you had grown older — that your face evidences that you have great cares and that you had given your whole [mind?] to the mental conflicts you had been engaged in
I would like to hear from you At present my address is Portland, O.
With regards of myself and wife to Mrs. L
Yours, &c Simeon Francis
Keokuk Decr 27th 1859
My Dear Sir
Our State Convention comes off soon probably too Soon for the appointment of delegates to the National Republican Convention. As the National convention is so convenient I am truly sorry that our convention was appointed so early, there may be great changes in public sentiment between now and next June. I do not expect to be a delegate to the Convention. I do not know how many delegates we may have but [obscured] will probably be one to each Judicial District appointed who will be appointed from our district it is hard to say. There is probably more than half the Political talent in the State in our Judicial District still I will fill my part in the appointment of Delegates at the State Convention and if alive and well I will be at the National Convention and I hope able to exert some influence and the Question is who is the Right Man to bear the Republican Banner In my opinion he should be Conservative yet thoroughly honest and above every thing else a man of Iron Nerve And evry Kick a Republican. Let him say to the South keep your Slaves if you want to. You shall be fully protected in all your Constitutional Rights, but you must let all free Territory alone except as free setlers while it remains a Territory. You shall have all the Appointments both at home & abroad that your White population entitle you to but not one more. You must let the mails of the Country alone
In a word behave your selves as other people have to do and you Shall be treated as other people are
The candidate should be thoroughly in favor of the Homestead Bill and the Great Central National Road to the Pacific and a Good Tariff Man in feeling. With such a man there no danger of defeat. But without such a man victory would be a defeat worse than defeat itself
I would rather see you the candidate than any other man, but I am willing to see Camron & You the candidates or I am willing to see Bates and some Pensylvany Man the candidates. I have some doubts of Bates. I fear that there is too much “Old Line Whig” about him and besides I would rather see both the Candidates taken from Free States so that we could Show the cosiservative portion of the South that the Republican party can be a National & conservative party when in power and the Fire Eaters that they can & will be Hung by a Republican administration if they do not behave them selves. I hope & trust that Douglass is politically dead for the next four years at least so far as being a Candidate for President is concerned It is not worth while to disguise the fact he is Strong stronger than any other Man that could be nominated It would be next to impossible to keep him from getting Iowa & all of the Western States, over almost any body And very largely over such candidates as Seward, Chase, Banks, or any such men. The West will not vote for any but a Western Man against a Western Man. We Want and must have free Lands And a Pacific Road and if the National Republican Convention do not give us such a man they need not make a nomination with any hope of success, unless the Locos nominate Some fire eater Which they are sure not to do. They will give us a Third addition of the Polk & Pierce Dodge or I am mistaken
Write me fully when you receive this I am very anxious to hear from you before our State Convention Yours truly
Hawkins Taylor
Danville, Decr 30th 1859
Dear Sir Mr O L Davis informed me that you were engaged to attend to the case of Peter R Leonard vs. John Villars in the supreme court. I desire that that case if possible should be brought to a conclusion at this term of the Court. Leonard is literally destroying every thing on the place that he can get at. I hope you will not fail to give it your strict attention The erors assigned so far as my information goes are 1st That too much of that compound interest was charged 2nd That a writ of possession was awarded in the decree if property was not redeemed within fifteen months without any prayer having been made for the same in the bill & 3rd that leonards wife was made a party. Now I have spent some time in looking up authority on these points & thinking it might be of some use to you I thought I would give you the references
1st then I will state to that Judge Davis chew up the decree. The amount of principal and interest was computed in exact obedience to the terms of the contract & I think perhaps that in the 3rd Scammon page 263 & 4th Scammon Page 4, you will find a parallel cases. Bear in mind that this was a Judgement by default
2 In regard to point that more was granted in the decree than the bill specifically prayed for in the bill.
You must not overlook the fact that the bill contains the general prayer, that is “That such other relief may be granted as the merits of the case demand.
3rd Scammon Page 103 gives a case similar and if that decision is of any force at all. There is nothing at all in this point — Now in regard to the third point That the wife was not made a party — It is I think clearly set down in 1st Gilman Page 647. This objection comes too late when made for the first time in the Supreme court. For in the decree no foreclosure is taken as against her, and consequently no manifest injury could be done to her so far as that decree is concerned any rites she ever held are not molested. I am strongly of the opinion that if you get waked up on this case cannot be reversed Enclosed find a list of the names of the heirs of John Villars deceased. If the case is not reversed the damages ought to be as high as the Law will permit to cover absolute injury
Very Respectfully Your obt. Servant
J. Kilbourn
executor of last will
of John Villars Dd
P S Answer as soon as you receive this that I may know you are at Springfield
[followed by list of heirs]
Washington, Dec. 30, 1859.
My Dear Sir,
You are right in supposeing that I made a much longer speech on Mason's resolution than I had any idea of at the commencement — Am glad that what I said meets your approbation —
Your letter to Mr. Judd directed to my care came to hand while he was in New York attending the meeting of the National Committee, & was forwarded to him there —
Our friends are determined to adhere to Sherman to the end, & I doubt not will eventually [beat?] him. The Ill. Democratic Representatives have done enough this session to forever down them with all thinking & honest Anti Lecomptonites. What a burlesque to get up Union meetings in Northern Cities to sympathise with disunionists in the South!
Yours truly
Lyman Trumbull
Bloomington Illinois
Jan. 5th 1860
Dear Sir:
Are you going to be at Our Court again during this term? My object is asking, is this — I have a criminal case pending here, People vs Johnathan Dodge for Burglary — Case has already been tried twice and two hung juries — They stood in first trial 5 to 7 — last — 9 to 3 — Deft cant give bail — have to be tried again — It is a case that a good deal of feeling has crept into — and some of the best citizens about Leroy where the offince was committed, among whom is John Longstreth — a merchant of that place — have told me that if I wanted any assistance to employ any Attorney that I wanted and they would pay him a respectable fee — I would like very much to have you in the case if it be agreeable to you and will suit your convenience —
The defendant will have to be convicted if at all on the testimony of an accomplice and it is hard to get 12 men in McLean Co. to believe an accomplice —
— A clear Case of guilt — I write in haste hoping to hear from you by return mail or at your earliest convenience
Resp your friend as Ever
Ward H Lamon
P. S. I wish you a merry new Year
Mechanicsburg Ill Jan 9/60
Dear Sir
We the undersigned as members (of what is styled the old Whig party) desire in a confidential maner to ask Your opinion of some of the leading questions of the day. There seems to be quite a diversity of opinion in reference to assertions made by You in Your speeches at different times. We as a body apply to you for information with all due deference to Your feelings hoping our petitions may meet your favor. In the first place we will ask you what You ment when you said this Union could not Stand half slave & half free. And also what you ment when you said a house divided against itself could not stand. We ask these questions as private Citizens hoping they will be answered privately. As we wishe to use them privately. For which you have our regards &c
O. P. Hall
J. N. Fullinwider
W. F. Correll
Bloomington, Ills
Janry. 10, 1860.
Dear Lincoln —
I was in hopes to see you on today — understanding, that you would be here —
If you are not coming soon, Send up by Express — the 21st Vol Ills — also — #please ask Mr Hatch if I have ever been charged with 18th vol — My sett is Complete except the 18th
I want to see you, to make some Suggestions, politically before the Central Committee act. in calling the Conventions — I am very solicitous about our mutual friend Albert Jones, getting admitted to the bar —
Would the Court appoint a Committee to examine him out of Court — —Say you & I — If they would do that, I would send for him, & would someday go to Springfield & you we could get along —
If the author Court. wont do that please try & get Mr Peck to sign a license — or some one else —
Jones is working for us, very faithfully now & you know that he would be a respectable acquisition to the bar
— It strikes me that with Judge Treat's personal influence (the Judges being in Springfield) that you can solve this question
In haste
Your friend
D Davis
Washington Jan 10, 1860
My Dear Sir
Judge Kellog read me a portion of a letter from you, yesterday, in which you speak of having a letter of Greeley's to me &c Will you please enclose it to me in “Care of Hon J. F. Farnsworth”. I have my mail matter all addressed to his care as we board at the same house, and by that direction my letters & papers are delivered at the Hotel.
I do not recollect the precise language employed by Greeley in that letter.
After I see it again I can then judge of the propriety of making, or rather of letting Judge K. make public use of its contents in his controversy with H. G. I have agreed to let him read it at all events. He joins me in requesting that you send the letter to me.
Yours Truly
J. Medill
P. S. It is very doubtful whether our folks succeed in electing Sherman. I fear the “Americans” will be driven to vote with the Democrats which will beat us
JM
Douglas feels elated over the result of the party conventions in Ohio & Illinois. He says he will have every delegate from every N. W. State. He is trying to rub out the remembrance of the Anti Lecompton fight and the doctrines of the Freeport speech Yesterday Iverson gave him “fits” in the Senate. To day Green speaks, against him. The Southerns swear by all the God's that he shall not be nominated at Charleston But I observe that his friends here are willing to take any platform that the South may ask, provided he be the nominee.
Breckinridge is supposed to have bowed himself out of the ring by that Lexington speech
Simeon Cameron is as busy as the d —l in a [gale of wind? ] Seward's friends begin to talk abut his “claims” since his return. J M
Chicago, 13th Jan 60.
Dr Sir:
Business connected with Rail Roads has kept me too busy to think of my Libel suit, & so I have neglected to send you some papers.
Article marked 1 about Ottawa Court House Judd has sued me twice upon for $20,000; once for the weekly & once for the Daily. This is only a bugbear, however. I shall kick them out of Court on Demurrer.
The big declaration of Beckwith, Trumball, Peck, Jo Knox, Bob Wilson, &c, &c, I will send tomorrow or next day.
The other articles embrace my full position & were published after the suit.
Please read these at your leizure.
Weigh well the proposition for two conventions of the Republican party in Illinois before you commit yourself! I do not like its origin nor its tendency.
Hastily Yrs
John Wentworth
Columbus, O., Jany 14 1860
Dear Sir:
We have this day received from a Friend the Daily Illinois State Register of Jany 5th, in which we notice that the Barret property on which we have a claim either by Lien or mortgage will be sold on the 21st of February next without redemption.
As we are entirely in the dark as to the present situation of our case will you please give us the necessary information? that is, we wish to know how this sale will effect our claim and what should be done to save our mortgage. We have full confidence that you have given this matter the attention requisite to protect us, but we must say we cannot see how we shall be secured if the property comes to a sale, as we are not able to bid it in. It was our right to have had the first mortgage on this property but it appears we have failed in that. Still we trust there is a way yet open to secure us. Let us hear from you as soon as convenient and please make your letter as comprehensive as possible that it may be satisfactory to the Directors of this company who are extremely anxious about this matter. Yours Truly
P. Ambos Treas
Bloomington Jany 16th 1860
Dear Sir I cannot Think of trying the Suit of Flagg vs Gridly without your assistance I dare [risk?] it without you —
Can you Fix some day next week when you will try it it will only detain you one day — You fix the day and enclose in my letter to Swett your letter to Swett & Orme and asking them to so fix it and they will do it I cannot try it without you Yours truly
A. Gridly
I have information today from Mr Galloway that he had a letter of enquiry from you relative to the publication of your Addresses & c
The project was taken up here in earnest, & we will all be very sorry, if you, or your friends, have at any time, apprehended that it was to be dropped.
As soon as was practicable, after Mr Nicolay delivered the copy. The Committee entered into the necessary negotiations with the publishers of this city. There has necessarily been some delay, but none that could well be avoided. We have about a week since concluded a contract with Follett Foster & Co, who undertake to publish the copy furnished, in suitable style, at their own risk, and agree to fill any single order for 5000 copies, at 50 cts per copy. Smaller orders are to be filled at rates to fixed by themselves. I suppose we may rely upon their interest, to prevent their fixing a price, that will prevent a circulation of the book.
By the contract the Publishers are to furnish you One Hundred copies.
The publication will be announced in The Journal of tomorrow or the next day. The book we are assured will be out very soon.
With much respect,
Geo, M, Parsons
Columbus, O., Jany 21st 1860
Dear Sir
Yours of the 18th inst is at hand, and are surprised to learn that a Mechanic's Lein Supercedes a mortgage in your State. it is entirely new to us and contrary to the Laws of this state. In our letters to you of Nov 13' 1857 and March 11' 1858 requesting you to make a settlement with Barret & Co and take a mortgage for the amount, you will find that we instructed you to make the Settlement as if it were your own claim and we very much regret that you did not take a Lein in place of a mortgage or both a Lein and mortgage. When instructing you to take a mortgage we certainly expected you would have the same recorded and not allow another to supersede ours. We know Mess. Barret and Co had no objection to giving us the first mortgage and if I am rightly informed Mr. Barret said to you that he was very much disappointed when he learned that the subsequent mortgage he had given had superseded ours.
Our Foreman inform me that Barret & Co gave us a mortgage on a thousand acre farm on the river. (Called the Tri Lake Farm. as I cannot remember that you ever mentioned anything about this mortgage will you please let know if this mortgage is in existence
You are well aware that it is difficult for a joint Stock company like ours to do any thing like buying Liens on property as all our actions require the approval of a Board of Directors before we can act. We shall call our Directors together as soon as possible, (but cannot do so at present as most of them are now absent,) and take some action in this matter. in the meantime, will you please let us know whether our judgment would not stand good against any other property belonging to Mr Barret and if Barret is not worth something beside the Distillery. also let us know who were the partners in the firm of Barret & Co and if something cannot be made out of the Company. Considering the way in which our Claim now stands we should be willing to give Mess B & Co further time say 1, 2, 3, 4 or even 5, years provided he could pay say $2000 per year and make the whole amount due us secure to your entire satisfaction rather than buy the Liens & mortgage against us even if our Directors would consent to buy them.
I must confess my disappointment in your Management of a claim of so much importance as this, as I think Mr Barret has tried to act honorably with us in every particular and has been willing to give any security required which was in his power. but I hope it is not to late yet for you to make us safe. If you will give it your immediate attention you will releive us from a very unpleasant feeling which our Directors now have against us, and thus very much oblige Yours Truly
P. Ambos Treas
P. S. Please let us hear from you by return mail.
Bloomington Jany 21/ 60
Dear Sir no agreement yet, in the Flagg case cannot tell when it will be reached will telegraph you in time — I Send you by this days mail printed copy of the Gass Work Case under the decisions of the Supreme Court 21st Illinois in Mechanics lien cases I think the original petition in this Case is bad as I think you will at once see by looking at it and testing it by the decisions in such cases in 21st Illinois S.p Court reports & Now Comes the Main questions Suppose the decree is reversed how does that effect my purchase of the property I Send you this printed copy so that you can at your leisure examine the whole Case I have also Sent Judge Logan a copy and intend he shall with yourself argue this Case in Supreme Court
Judge Scates was here a few days since and stated that he was Certain that the original decree would be reversed in the Supreme Court and that Such reversal would [omit?] and defeat my purchase
In reading over this Case Carefully since it is printed there is surely nothing in the testimony to Sustain Scates Side of the Case, to set aside the Sale upon his motion or the reasons therein contained I think therefore the great and important questions are will Supreme Court reverse the original decree and if yes will they also defeat me as purchaser — pardon me for being so importunate in relation to this Case I feel so much anxiety that as Soon as you Can have time to examine the Case will you write and Say what you now think of it
Yours Truly
A. Gridly
Chicago, Jan 21 1860
Dear Sir — I see it stated that you have furnished some gentlemen of your party in Ohio with a revised copies of your speeches during the election canvass of 1858, and I am induced to make a request of you.
I am about publishing a book. In it I propose to include one or more, possibly all of your speeches delivered at the joint discussions between Judge Douglas & yourself. I wish to represent you exactly as you would represent yourself, & therefore write to you requesting a copy of your speeches as revised by yourself.
I am unwilling to appear as doing you injustice by taking the speeches as published at the time after it had been publicly announced that a revised copy was in print. If you have no copy at hand, may I ask you, as a great personal favor to myself, and to prevent injustice to you, to request a copy of them, if in type, for me. Printed slips would answer my purpose as well indeed much better, than copies in book form. My object, I assure you, on my honor, is to embody them within in a book I have written and am about to put to press. If you should have to apply to the persons in Ohio for a copy, & it would be no great inconvenience to them I would be glad to also have a copy of such of Judge Douglas' speeches as they may have included in thei collection.
I will cheerfully contribute pay any sum to not to cover the additional cost or expense to which the committee may have to go to procure furnish me with the copies asked. I again assure you that my principal object in applying to you is, that your speeches may go out exactly in the form which you desire them to be published.
Yours truly,
Jas W Sheahan
Henry, Illinois Jany 23, 1860.
My dear Sir,
As I know you like to hear from your friends and not having much to do to day I drop you a line to say that if you think there is the least shadow of our needing Mr Alan there to prove the record at Edwardsville in my case telegraph me a day or two before the trial as I suppose you & Grimshaw will easily agree on a day So as to let him off as soon as possible
I want you to have all things set to win this case at this Term for me & I will guaranty to work as hard to repay you in more ways than one and I feel satisfied I can do so.
Write me when you have leisure
Yr friend & Obt Servt
R Lloyd
Columbus Jany 24, 1860
My dear friend
We have at last succeeded in securing the publication of the correspondences. Our action has been interrupted by the absence of Mr Baber, and more specially by difficulties interposed by the fears, suspicions and Envyings of some sensitive friends of a certain aspirant for the Presidency — It is not important that you should have the Details of these hindrances. Had Mr Baber been at home, these annoyances would have been speedily terminated He quickly and successfully defeated the designs of one or two double-dealing men — after his return. Since the measure has been accomplished all appears to be Satisfied The publication of the debates is rapidly progressing — and it will be well-executed. Messrs Follett & Foster who are doing the work will take a special interest in securing a creditable performance — You have a host of friends in this region — and the number is gradually but largely multiplying — You have a very efficient friend in Mr Baber, who is Superintending the publication of the debates — And who will secure a full circulation for the work as soon as it is issued from the Press
Present my kind regards to Dr. Reynolds and to [illegible]
Yrs truly
Saml Galloway
P S
Mr Baber has just informed me that he has written and sent the letter by Express with 20 copies of the correspondence to be distributed amongst the Illinois Press Newspapers The State Central Com & Follet & Foster are anxious that the newspaper correspondence should be intensively circulated — that [illegible] may be forwarded — copies of correspondence have been sent to nearly all Republican Members of Congress —
Columbus Jan 25th 1860
Hon A Lincoln
By the request of Messrs Follett, Foster & Co —, I send you by Express 20 copies of the entire Journal containing the correspondence between yourself & our State Committee — in order that they may be placed in proper hands, in Springfield to be distributed amongst the Illinois Press — Over 250 extras have been sent off to different portions of the country and every effort is making here to you give the document an exensive circulation.
your friends here have no doubt that the friends of Douglas in Illinois will also liberally subscribe — the book is stereotyping & will be ready by Mar 1st — My friend Hon Saml Galloway will write you more fully by to day's mail & in the meantime I subscribe myself
Your Warm Admirer
R. P. L. Baber —
Washington City
Jany 26/ 60
Respected friend
I hope that you will visit Washington this winter. I think it due to yourself as well as to your friends. My reasons are that in view of the approaching Campaign your Counsel and presence will stimulate friends who are for you first last and all the time as their standard bearer for the Chief Magistry. I have watched the signs of the times closely and noted the efforts at combinations. I have been an eye witness to some of them. At one of these little apparently accidental meetings — though realy by the managers for the ostensible purpose of manufacturing public opinion, the names of the different gentlemen most prominent for the candacy were incidentally discussed. Your name was invarably mentioned in connection with one or the other of the two first positions. Yet, I saw, or thought I saw, a streak of green-eyed jealousy jetting out in certain quarters. I took occasion to remark that I was a friend of Mr. L. and that his friends were legion — that their admiration approximated to brotherly affection, and that they were as devoted to him as were ever the friends of the lamented Clay. [But] whilst they were thus devoted they would yield gracefully, and go into the canvass with zeal and determination — provided that no [obscured] or premature action were taken to stack the cards in favor of this or that man"
You know that much of the public opinion of the country is manufactured here from whence it radiates throughout the country.
I think your presence here, in view of conflicting opinions would not be not amis. Mr. Seward for whom I have the highest regard, will not be the nominee. Late developments have certainly damaged him, and the timid or wavering portion of our friends regard him as a dead wait weight and in doubtful districts he would loose us instead of gaining us votes — hence it is presumed that he Mr. S will not be the nominee.
I have a seat in the Reporters gallery and whilst I am writing the most intense fillebustering and contemptible strategy is being resorted to under the strategy which parliamentary tactics afford to avoid a vote for Speaker. Hamilton, of Texas, who was nominated by J. G. Davis for Speaker and was voted for by the most of the Democrats, has just declined, and in a few remarks which he made declared “that the Union was now virtually dissolved”! This then is the man whom Mr. Davis wants as Speaker. He was informed that his nominee was a disunionist. I trust that his constituents will in the future brand him as giving aid and comfort to treason and to traitors.
I am a candidate for the Post Master of the House with some prospects of success — but by no means confident. Being represented by a Locofoco who is the verest humbug on the floor or in our State, who is without talent, geneality or address and not in the least good-looking.
By the by, if you would drop a line to me addressed to Mr. Burlingame, (a warm friend of yours) it would greatly assist me. But, if you have the least scruples, I will not press it. Should you write do it quickly.
Your friend J. M. Lucas
Eagle, Wisconsin
Jany. 29th 1860
Dear Sir:
A short time since, I saw by the papers, that the Supreme Court of Illinois, had decided against the legal, or Constitutional validity, of some class of Securities — either public or private — in your State. I do not remember the title of the cause in which the decision was made; but I think the decision would be of use to me at this time. I am employed by a large number of what are called “farm Mortgagers”, in this state, to defend them. They mortgaged to the various railroads, to aid the construction of the roads. I believe the mortgages paid under the various Charters; but I wish to justify myself with any authority I can procure.
Now, my friend, I have a favor to ask. I wish you to send me the Syllabus of the Case I allude to; and to ascertain for me, and let me know, what the expense will be to secure a certified copy of the record of the entire Case; in order that I may send you the money to procure it for me, if I find it will serve me. Perhaps you can procure and send me, here, the [illegible] case made by Counsel at the hearing as well as the Syllabus. If so you will greatly oblige me, as this would the better enable me to judge of its applicability to my cases.
Please let me hear from you soon. By so doing, you will oblige
Your Old Friend
I. P. Walker
Richmond Ind. Jan. 30th '60.
Dear Sir: —
Would it be possible for you to deliver a lecture in this place within four or six weeks? If so, what will be your price? There is a strong desire in this place to hear you.
Yours truly —
S. A. Holt
P. S. Direct to Profs. Holt or Hollingsworth.
Columbus Ohio Jany 30 1860
Dr Sir: —
I am duly in receipt of your favor of 24th Inst.
The Editor of the Chicago Times has not yet made any application for the copy of your Speeches, furnished by you to us for publication. The publishers here say that it will very seriously affect their interests if any person has an opportunity of bringing out a copy of the Speeches before their publication is ready for the Market. We therefore shall not permit any access to the copy untill they are through with it.
Your wishes as to the preservation of the copy will be attended to. The newspaper file is in Mr Bascoms hands unopened. The other copy will be delivered to me by the Publishers as soon as they cease to need it.
I have seen some proof sheets of the Book. They promised to make a very handsome volume, much better in fact than I had expected.
I will forward you a specimen as soon as any copies of the corrected proofs have been struck off —
Respectfully
Geo. M. Parsons
Earlville Jan 31st 1860
Dr Sir — I exceedingly regret to express to you my great disappointment, on reading your letter of the 15th instant. I think that the Republican party is bound by moral considerations to take as high ground as the opinions of the Masses will justify — And certainly in the northern half of this State the Fugative Slave Law of 1850 is universally condemned by Republicans of all grades — And with my acquaintance, I must say that the rank and file of the Douglass Democracy condemn it also.
I am convinced that your position relative to the matter in question is hurting us in this quarter, but I am not aquainted with your part of the State. You doubtless are and are prepared to take as radical ground as circumstances will allow —
I am well aware that as politicians, it is necessary to the “wise as serpents” but we ought not to forget to be “as harmless as doves” at the same time.
Do not understand me however that I write this in the Spirit of an adviser. I assume no such responsibility — but so far as I am able to Judge it really appears to me that every Republican ought to repudiate possitively the Fugative Slave Law of 1850
When Mr Farnsworth said the other day in Congress, that “every republican man and woman in Illinois repudiated the Fugative Slave Law as not only unconstitutional but inhuman” I sincerely hope for the success of our cause, that he told the truth — At any rate Northern Illinois said amen to the sentiment.
I have faith however to believe that you will e'er long find it not only a matter of duty but of prudence as well, to openly and positively endorse Mr Farnsworths sentiments just refered to —
Excuse me for writing thus familliarly, but be assured that it is in the Spirit of a zealous & hard labour, for the promotion of the cause we all I trust, have at heart —
Yours Very Truly
A. J. Grover
P S I should be glad indeed of the privalege of hearing from your own lips, your sentiments more freely upon this subject —
A. J. G.
Chicago 31st Jany 1860
Dear Lincoln
I do not want to be troublesome or a bore and will try to repay all that I cause — I am advised that Herndon is a believer in Baker and is talking about misapplication of funds by me &c. &c. — This ought not to be and is not true — Cannot you set him right and induce him to leave Baker to his fate — that man B. is more real injury to the party than a half a dozzen good men can straighten
Yr friend
N B Judd
Law College.
Cleveland, O. Jany 31, 1860
Sir.
About two years since this Institution was organized in this city. We have now in attendance between thirty and forty students from sixteen states. We are very anxious to extend the sphere of usefulness by making additions to our Library, and many citizens have suggested the propriety of inviting three or four persons to address the people upon such subject as the speaker may choose, political or otherwise. You may perhaps recollect receiving a note from me about one year ago upon this subject, but the plan was deferred to the present Winter. If consistent with your engagements and inclinations we should be much gratified by your consent to address our citizens at such time as may suit your convenience
Should you consent to aid us in this way, will you please write me for what sum you would speak one evening.
Very Respectfully
Your obt Servt.
M. A. King
I send circular containing the names of the Board of Trustees.
Columbus, O., Feby 1st 1860.
Dear Sir
Your favor of the 20th ult. came duly to hand and we notice your remarks regarding the liens and trust it will turn out as you expect. Our Mr. Coffin has also returned home since seeing you and has made his report concerning your affairs since his return we have called our Board of Directors together and they have had the matter under consideration and we are now able to advise you that they have consented to our proposition to Mr Lincoln which is to give you an extension of 1, 2, 3, 4 or even 5 years on our claim, provided this extension will be of any benefit to you in enabling you to make arrangements for running the Disillery either by yourself or by any other party provided satisfactory security will be given.
I very much regret that our contract with you has caused so much trouble, ill feeling and embarrassment to our company as well as to yourself, as we entered into it in good faith and feel assured that we have performed our part to your entire satisfaction. nor have we any particular complaint to make against you except as regards your inability to pay as we fully believe you have been willing from the first knowledge you had that you could not pay as agreed to secure us by a first mortgage on any or all of your property.
I think if you would lay one offer of renewal before the other mortgage holders that they would (taking the times and your circumstances into consideration) be willing to give you an extension on the amount due them. Which we think is all you need to help us all out without sacrificing your properties a few years would bring every thing round right again and put us all in working order without loss to either party.
The only complaint we have to make against you is in regard to the Christian County Claim. I wish it to be distinctly understood and I speak candidly to you, that it was expected that we should receive last Fall the money for the judgement assigned to us in Christian County and when the Land was sold as there was no bidders you ought to have had it bid off in our name and for our benifit, and if the land is not redeemed by the original owner we expect the land to belong to us and we pledge ourselves to hold the land a reasonable time and whenever it is sold, will give you the full benifit of the sale. We do not wish to speculate on you in this matter but wish to satisfy our claim and the Directors & Stockholders of this company who feel very much dissatisfied with us about your affairs
Hoping you may yet succeed in getting out of your present difficulties and that we may soon hear from you favorably again we remain Yours Respectfully
P. Ambos Treas C. M. M. Co.
Atlanta Ill Frebuary the 1th 1860
Mr Lincoln dear Sir I would like to know whether Mr Gills suit and mine has been disposed of yet and if it has not been I would like to have you right to me as soon as it is disped of and let me know what I had better do my judgement that I had against Gill is as just a debt as ever was contracted it was for money Loned and Gill took Mortgag on all of the others available property so you see their was no chance left for me to get my debt only out of gill and I bleve he is disposed to cheat me out of that
Gill belongs to the Freternity and the Dug party and my chance is slim except he can he held to give good security I want you to have things made secure if posible So I can get my Money also pleas let me know how much your Bill is for your trouble and I will try to pay you and try to return the compliment if it should hapin sow we as Republicans are expecting you to be our next Candiate for the next Presidential campain and it would give us Republicans great pleasure to see you elivated to the Highest ofice in the Gift of the American Peple
pleas right to me as soon as the things is under stood
yours Truley Samuel Hoblit
Columbus, O., Feby 2d 1860
Dear Sir,
Enclosed we hand you a Copy of our letter written to Mr Barret yesterday, In which you will notice that our Directors have given their consent to the extension of the Amount due from Barret as proposed to you in our letter some days since. We now hope Mr B. will be able to make Some arrangements to renew the other Morgages and run the Distillery either on his own account or dispose of it to his advantage as well as our own. As the Case now stands we think it looks very unfavorable for our Company and it is doubtfull if we should realize any thing if the property come to a Sale. We therefore hope and expect that you will give this matter your immediate attention as it will in future require prompt and energetic action to save our Claims. We have the utmost confidence in your ability to save us from loss if you will only give the Case the attention it requires, which we trust you will do. We regret that you gave Barret the privilege to redeem the Christian County land as he can if we understand it right purchase it for another and thus deprive us of whatever security the land might be over and above the amount of purchase money if this is so we think it is wrong as the Christian County land would be nearly all the Security we should have if the balance of B. Property was sold to satisfy the first Morgages. Cannot you secure the Christian County land to us if the first Morgages are foreclosed.
We understand that the 1st mortgage holders will buy up the liens if they Cannot be overthrown in Court, as you expect they will be.
a reply will oblige Yours Truly
P. Ambos Treas
Knoxville, Ill. Feb. 3d, 1860
Sir — I enclose you an article, written by Davidson, and published in the Monmouth Review of to-day, not knowing that you will receive it from any other source. I suppose the extract is from your Kansas speech; and more, I think it is all right. The only importance I attach to it is, that it is the beginning of some infamous plot, concocted by the Democrats of Illinois and Missouri, intended to defeat your nomination in the Chicago Convention. I may be mistaken — but “forewarned," &c.
Letters from some of my friends from at Washington D, C., express strong desires for your nomination, and seek to strengthen the force already committed to your interest.
If Mr. Cameron will be content with the Vice Presidency, many of your friends suppose there will be but little difficulty in forming a ticket — Lincoln and Cameron. Hurrah!
But perhaps I am presuming too much upon the introduction I received to you in Peoria, at the time of your reply to Douglas, and bring this note to a close with my best wishes for your success.
Respectfully Yours,
Z. Beatty
Lawrence Feby 6th 1860
Dear Lincoln
Trumbull says in a Letter, that I recd yesterday, that he would be glad to serve me in any way he could; Do you know any of our members under the State Constitution, that you could say a word to for me, or could you not by writing to your friends at Washington for me, in that way do me a good service — Genl. Lane has just made this Latter suggestion to me — Trumbull says two members of the Legislature has written to him asking his advise &c but that he gave not; now a word from you to Trumbull could get him to write those members in my behalf — You can loose nothing by it, But may do me a great benefit — Lane, is the only man that is prominently before the people for Senator; he can be elected without any combination, and he can designate his colleague, and I am that man of which he will assure you if it would be any source of satisfaction to you to have him do — I think we can show a pretty determined front for you at Chicago; The Bates movement has a little more prominency just at this time than I desire to see. — I think Cameron or Reed for Vice Pres & yourself would give is a certain success — hoping you are well and in good keeping, I Remain Truly & faithfully your friend
M W Delahay
P S
My health is not good, my duties are arduous, all my Clerks are raw hands, &c
D
Galesburg, Feb. 6, 1860
Dear Sir
Will you be kind enough to step into the U. S. Cir. Court and ask leave for me to amend a Bill in Chancery in the case of Faucet vs Cofield.
I understood the Supreme Court have decided in the case of the Unknown-heirs of Langworthy deceased vs J. W. Bake Adms. that they have jurisdiction of the case. If they have jurisdiction of writs of error to the County Court, it strikes me that the writ will not lie in the name of “Unknown heirs” Who is responsible for costs? It is to my mind ridiculous. They must amend or the case should be dismissed. The unknown heirs have not authorised the proceeding, neither has any heir of said Langworthy . It is a proceeding got up by a party who claims title to the land from the heirs. Resist in every shape. Yours truly
E. W. Hazard
Mo Dallas Cty Feb 7th 1860
Dear friend after my Compliments Sir Father & mother is still living and going about their [illegible] & wants to hear from you & your friends & Relatives write to me about John Johnson and your Father if they ar living & where abouts Mr Amstead & Alfred was well the last account & doing well Crops last season was fine Corn is worth $1.25 per Barrel wheat 75 cts per Bushel. mules horses & cattle ar high money is scarce But Property keeps up & wee think that Cash will Bee more Plentiful in the Spring Land is Rating from ten to thirty Dollars per acre if Brother Wm is living their I want to send him this letter if write me if you Know where he is Directs your letter to Buffalo Dallas County Mo
yours truly
John Gorden
Albion Edwards County Ills
Tuesday Morng; 7th Feb. 1860
Dear Sir,
I have just heard that the Central Repubn Com — will hold a meeting at Springfield tomorrow (Wednesday 8th inst.) for the purpose of appointing the day for the grand gathering of all the feathers. Wing feathers, Tail feathers, breast feathers, backfeathers, & neck feathers & pen feathers of the Great Popular Rendezvous of all the big & little Birds from the Tom tit breed to the Peacocks, and including every shade & colour between, not even forgetting the 12 feet-Master-wing fellow, the Labrador Swan of 100 mile an hour speed — I mean the glorious meeting of the People's people, to do what the solid masses of the people need doing, for them, or what somebody must do for them. —
I want to convince our grand fuglemen of the Central Com — of the positive necessity of their rolling up their sleeves and going to work in active earnest, as Fredk the great used to do, for he found from bitter experience that his Drill Sergeants did not properly & efficiently instruct his raw recruits in necessary & practical military discipline, to make them into reliable & effective workmen, in the practical part of War, the wonderful science of killing butchering, hacking & hewing his and their enemies, with sufficient rapidity — So he used to roll up his Sleeves every morning of his Life by early day break, and drill, & march & manoeuvre them himself until he had got every man Horse & Cannon, in his whole army each Man, Horse & Cannon perfectly reliable in all their instantaneous movements at the first sound of the Bugle, or at the first tap of the Drum, or the first shril sound, or squeal of the fife — whenever he gave the order to any of his Field Officers of Divisions —
I want to arouse every individual member of our Grand Central Committee, to instant and prompt exertion, of every faculty, & every power of their whole Manhood, both bodies, souls. & spirits. — I want to see them throw their whole weight into the Scale of Duty to their selves, their fair fame as Grand leaders of each separate District, — on each of whom, the poor mass of individual privates of each district are all looking up with gaping anxiety to see the wonderful examples, their separate District fuglemen leaders are going to set them, as fuglemen who stand in front of a Company of raw soldiers, to shew the rank & file how to suit their actions to the separate words of command when given —
And now Sir this is no jocular Comparison, But it is the real & true picture of political party Life, & political party organization, & action, in living life, and as sure as Gun Shot, the “laggard in love, as well as the Coward in War,” never need look for or expect any thing else but “defeat.” defeat." defeat."
I dont want the Repubns to be defeated next election. I want to see Illinois Win in 1860. But win we cannot, win we shall not, unless we have as complete and as perfect a drilling and mustering of each & every particle of all our scattered forces, throughout every hole, & every corner, of each & every voting precinct, in each & every County throughout the whole length, & breadth, & depth of this whole State, — Of the truth of this statement — I am well convinced
This statement may have precious little poetry in it, But it is “all made up of Solid truth,” as Ben Johnson said —
And now Sir, How are we to have a thoroughly practical & living organization of the Repubn party throughout this whole State?
Well Sir that question can only be properly answered by in the following manner; (& if any person can find a better or more faithfully correct ansr I would willingly grant them a premium & a Patent right for there invention —
Let each & every individual Member of our Central Com — feel themselves the especial Standard bearer for their respective Conl District, they each Represent in the Grand Come — for such in truth they really are, and they are each man so considered by all the masses of each & every district. — Let each Member fancy & feel that all the Republicans of each District, are all looking at them all the time with every Mouth & every Eye wide open, expecting to see some most wonderful feat performed or wonderful acts done, or wonderfully wise saying said, or wise counsel & advice given by each of said Generals of District Division. —
And I am afraid so far we have all been something like Moon Gazers. we have been looking for the Man to walk out of the Moon so long, & he does not come, or will not come, or cannot come, until at length the suspicion becomes universal, that may be there is no real man there, & if not; — then how can he come? —
Well Sir, Let each & every Member begin to feel & understand that, one and all must stand forth, manfully and say to all willing Repubs in each & every County in his especial District, “Gentlemen come on”, Come on Boys,” — and let let us all do & die together — We the members of your Grand Central State Committee, are all heartily tired of sitting, & sitting, & sitting, upon our Dignity (& your patient forbearance) for we have sat, & sat, & sat, from the time of our appointment, night & day, right down to this time, until we are all most heartily tired, as much so as any Nine old Hens, Ducks, or Geese, ever were tired, after sitting for weeks, & months, & Seasons, upon rotten Eggs — from whence nothing but disappointed hopes & expectations have all been disappointed — hitherto been brought forth. —
Let each man of the Com. say to the people of his District “Gentlemen attention — attention — The Enemy in all his full force is right upon us — their once separated Cohorts & divisions are now all uniting under one head & chief Commander to be appointed at Charleston on the 23rd of May next —
Friends & fellow Soldiers! let us muster in all our full strength to meet him. Brother Soldiers! fall in! fall into Rank! and elect your own Company, & Regimental Officers! And Let every man feel himself not only an individual Soldier, but a whole company! & a whole division; yes a whole Army within himself!
Watch your fuglemen, listen to your Preachers. Read your Bibles, and we command every Man of you to cheerfully obey orders, (both now & ever, else whats the use of having any Generals amongst you) — And above all things we command you that every man of you follow our most glorious example we set to you of keeping our armour bright, & our Powder dry, trust in the God of all truth, and under his most holy banner fight for Civil & Religious Liberty, for yourselves & your Children & your Children's Children for all time to come. Band yourselves together in convenient messes, & clubs, for the purpose of Spreading from house to house, & from Man to Man, every Gospel, & every Epistle of political truth, until the knowledge of Political truth, as well as religious truth, shall fairly ever & overflow the whole Land, as the Waters cover the great face of the great deep, when no man will have any occasion to say to his neighbour that the Democrats are great thieves and great stealers both of the Land & Money, & liberties, & rights of the whole people, both of Illinois, & of the whole Union, — Spread the whole Gospel of political truth, throughout each of your respective Counties. Let political truth be well spread, by you all, as you see that we are speading it now. let your political light shine forth
yours truly
W Pickering
The Stage is going
Chicago, 7th Febry 1860.
Dr Sir:
Yrs reached me too late for this morning's mail, or cars, although dated on the 5th.
I have been confined with a sore throat for several days, & dare not ride in the night. I could not go out to hear Sweet's speech. Again, if I were able, would it be proper for me to attend whilst the Committee were in session? I have heard the great mass of its members complain of the manner in which their meetings have been interrupted. As you allude to the Committee, I deem it necessary to say this much. Having heard from their own mouths their opinion of interlopers, delicacy would prevent my saying any thing to them.
As to the time of the convention, & the propriety of holding two, you know my views. The more time you take to deliberate the better always.
As to yourself, I give you the advice I gave Douglass prior to the convention that nominated Pierce at Cincinnatti. Look out for prominence. When it is ascertained that no one of the prominent candidates can be nominated, then ought to be your time. This plan would have nominated Douglass. It should nominate you to one of the offices. The man you have to fear is Bates. His friends are now here engaging rooms at the Tremont House for about One Hundred.
As to the libel suit, your recent letters show how friendly you are to Judd. A great many thought strange of this. But I believe you would have written as much for any one else under the circumstances. I will go to Springfield any time you say that I can be of service to you personally or politically, or any time that you deem it for my own interest in that suit or otherwise.
Had I got your letter sooner, I would have gone to day; but I should not have gone near one of the Committee.
I leave my matter, when you speak of adjustment, entirely in your hands upon the basis of my former letter.
Judd knows well he has no personal difficulties with me except those arising out of what I considered his policy upon the resolution of mine at Bloomington.
Yrs Respectfully
Jno Wentworth
P S
Write on the receipt of this & let me know what is your pleasure.
Columbus, O., Feby 8th 1860
Dear Sir
Your favor of the 5th inst Came to hand to day and we notice your remarks regarding the mortgage on the Tri Lake Farm, and we are free to confess that we have misunderstood this matter entirely until since Mr. Coffin's return home. Our information was derived from Mr. Barret himself who positively said that the mortgage given to the St Louis men on the Tri Lake Farm was of a subsequent date to ours and that when our mortgage was given there was no mortgage whatever on the property, where as it appears this was not the case. Mr. B. has since stated that a part of the amount of the first mortgage has been paid off, but we suppose this must be a mistake also. Mr Barret stated to Mr. Coffin when Mr C. was in Springfield last, that he thought he could make arrangements to run the Distillery or dispose of it favorable, if this Company would give him an Extension, which explains our letter to him, a copy of which we sent to you. But we have not much confidence in his being able or even willing to make any such arrangements. We are surprised that he will not accept Judge Logan's offer for his Home Farm as he certainly can have very little hope of redeeming it, and the Eighteen Thousand dollars offered him over and above his indebtedness to Logan would assist him materially in saving the balance of his property. If he relys upon being able to redeem all his property sold by Morgages foreclosed we think our chance rather doubtfull of saving the whole of our Claim and therefore hope you will examine carefully our Claim on the Christian County Land as we understand Barret intends to redeem it if possible for the benefit of his Wife by the aid of her friends. this we suppose you will not permit if it can be prevented, unless we are secured otherwise.
As regards the Mechanics Liens, you will please be governed by your own judgement as to the manner of preventing the sale. We have not as yet consulted Mr. Galloway or any other attorney nor do we wish to do so as we Cannot think his opinion of this case would be of any benefit we feel satisfied you will do your best and we therefore prefer to leave the case entirely at your discretion. It is entirely out of our power to give the necessary security to pay the decrees if it should require a large sum in order to get an order of supersedas and as you express your preference for the other mode you name we shall abide by it and have confidence it will succeed.
We understand from a gentleman from Chillicothe, that the Parties who hold the 1st mortgage on Distillery Farm visited Springfield on the 21st of Jany for the purpose of buying in the liens they supposed the sale was to be on the 21st of January instead of 21st of February and We believe they intend to be in Springfield on the 21st inst for the express purpose of buying in these Liens. Will not this interfere with your arrangements if the parties have instructed their agent to buy the property if brought to sale. Barret wrote us that he had arranged one of the Liens and should settle the other before the day of Sale. perhaps he relies upon the Chillicothe men (who hold 1st mortgage) for assistance We mention this matter only in hopes that it may be some use to you in preventing the sale.
Yours Truly
P. Ambos Treas
Juneau, Dodge Co. Wis
February, 8, 1860.
Dr Sir —
The Republican Central Committee of this County have called a public mass meeting at the Court House in this place, for Tuesday, February 28th to organize & “set the ball in motion” for the great Campaigne, so soon to come off, & have requested me to write you to be present and talk — Your name is a tower of strength in this state, & you can accomplish a great good. Consider this an Earnest appeal to you to come & fail not, without strong reasons. The State Convention comes off at Madison the next day & it will give me pleasure to take you from here to Madison. I am a member of the State Committee & you will probably receive an invitation from that Committee to be at Madison. Please answer, that we may give due notice.
Yours truly
Chas. Billinghurst
P. S. The Chicago & Northwestern R. R Comes directly to this place. You can leave Chicago Monday noon, & be here Monday Evening —
C. B.
Washington D C.
Feby 8, 1860
Dear Lincoln
I take the first opportunity to inform you that I have been elected to the Office of Post Master of the House.
Your letter was just the thing and to a very great extent your popularity weighed many tons in the desperate contest I went through in my eight weeks canvas. I say it was absolutely desperately contested and in some more leisure moment when I write you the particulars you will be amased at my success to a position that was sought by prominent lawyers, ex governers and other influential men.
I never supposed myself equal to so severely disputed a position. Where I engaged in it my own delegation told me it was idle to think of it not one of them was really for me for the reason that I had not even the pitiful Capital of a Republican from my own District. Well, Sir, I could not tell you in this note how I went to work and mapped out my canvass and the thousand and one points and slanders I had to meet and overcome which were publicly and covertly urged against me. But all this made me more determined upon success. Thank God, I met their slanders and crushed them under my heel and their honorable points of objection I scattered as chaff before the storm. I had in addition to the vote I obtained 18 reserve votes that pledged themselves to me, if necessary to defeat my opponent Mr. Clusky. This vote was thrown away upon Mr. Scruggs but, would stood ready to change them to me if necessary. This advantage over Clusky (who by the by is one of the most adroit men I ever engaged) was obtained by the severest diplomacy.
I will write to my friend Hatch as soon as time will admit to thank him and the glorious names attached to their letter of endorsement of me.
I am beseiged night and day by high and low degree for the few places which I have in my office. My house is thronged by Senators members and others impertuning me. It is perfectly awful!!! I shall appoint Mr. Bridges, whom you know very well, as my first assistant. Our delegation insisted upon it. Salary $1800 per anum.
I hope that you will come to Washington this winter. Remember me to my good friends, Hatch, Herndon, Jayne & others and especially to Mrs. Lincoln, whom I knew, slightly even before she was Mrs. L. I shall be at home during the approaching presidential canvass to work I hope for A. Lincoln for President of the U. States.
Yous in haste
J M Lucas
69 Wall St. New York.
February 9, 1860.
Dear Sir.
The “Young Mens Central Republican Union” of this city very earnestly desire that you should deliver — what I may term — a political lecture — during the ensuing month. The peculiarities of the case are these — A series of lectures has been determined upon — The first was delivered by Mr Blair of St Louis a short time ago — the second will be in a few days by Mr C M. Clay, and the third we would prefer to have from you, rather than from any other person. Of the audience I should add that it is not that of an ordinary political meeting. These lectures have been contrived to call out our better, but busier citizens, who never attend political meetings. A large part of the audience would also consist of ladies The time we should prefer, would be about the middle of March, but if any earlier or later day will be more convenient for you we would alter our arrangements
Allow me to hope that we shall have the pleasure of welcoming you to New York. You are, I believe an entire stranger to your Republican brethren here, but they have, for you, the highest esteem, and your celebrated contest with Judge Douglas, awoke their warmest sympathy & admiration. Those of us who are “in the ranks” would regard your presence as very material aid; and as an honor & pleasure which I cannot sufficiently express.
Respectfully & c
Charles C Nott.
Peoria, February 10th, 1860.
Dear Sir;
I and some others have constantly looked upon you (for the last eighteen months) as the next Republican candidate for governor; and although it may be premature to make any avowals on the subject, it may not be amiss for some of us to know how we respectively stand. If there are no circumstances that make it necessary for you to say you can, in no event, be a candidate, you may in confidence or otherwise call on me to aid in shaping things here for that event. If you will, in no event, be a candidate, I will place myself in the next best position, according to my opinion of propriety.
Mr Judd seems to be pushing his fortune in that direction, but I do not desire that he be nominated. If you will not run, I would prefer Browning or Yates. Please tell me freely whether you desire the nomination, and if not, whom you prefer.
Please tell me also whether you approve the views expressed in my address to Rev. R. J. Breckinridge, in a late number of the National Intelligencer. I have always supposed that you and I entertained similar views; on the slavery question, but that we have both been much misrepresented. When I was a candidate for the Senate, in this district, I was opposed and beaten as a pro-slavery man, and now, without any change on my part, I am denounced as an abolitionist.
Yours in haste
C. Ballance
Chicago, 11th Feby. 1860.
Dr Sir
I have just received yours
You have never had a better friend then Hon D Davis of Bloomington in my opinion.
Now I ask you to permit me to show your letter to him on a pledge that I will not ask him to write to me his opinion until he first gives it to you.
I think a letter from him to you might do good & perhaps you would see things differently from what you now do. Perhaps I could get him to see you in person with the letter. Yrs Respectfully
J Wentworth
Anna, Union Co., Ill.
Feby. 13, 1860
Dear Lincoln,
Will you do me the favor to examine the Judgement Docket of the U. S. District Court, and ascertain the number and and amounts of the Judgments rendered vs. Bennett & Scott (W. W. Bennett vs E. Scott), Wm Bennett, & W. W. Bennett & Co. It may be that you will find Judgments vs. Mr. Bennett in all these relations. I ask because I am personally interested. Mr. B. owes me, and wants to pay in real estate, and I am anxious to find out, how far the land is covered by liens — I recd. a dispatch from Dubois on Friday saying “The Baker papers are in my possession” I hoped to get them on Saturday. If he has not sent them have him mail them to Judd, as I shall be in Chicago tuesday night. All goes well here. — The Press and Tribune grumbles about the State Convention going to Decatur. I think it ought not be so ready to find fault. It dont own the party.
I have a letter from C. A. Beecher brother to the Judge. The Wayne Co. Convention meets there in Fairfield on the 3d of March. They want me to be there. Turney is making some trouble, it seems. Mr. B. says he cannot get the vote of that Co. — I have written Beecher that I can take no part in any such contest. You will, probably, remember, that they have had one Convention there already and endorsed Leander, I do not understand the thing and may, if I have time, go over. — Please attend to the business matter I name and I will repay the favor.
Yours Truly
D. S. Phillips
[In Lincoln's hand on left margin]: White v Wright — Bennett v Scott date — Jan 20 — 1858 — $179 —97 — Got $23 — 55
Madison (Wis) Feb. 13, ‘60
Dear Sir: — The Wisconsin Republican State Convention to choose delegates to Chicago, meets in this city on Wednesday the 29th inst., & I have been instructed, by the Central Committee, to invite you to be present, &, some time during your stay, to address the people upon political matters.
I sincerely trust that you may find it convenient to accept. You have many warm friends & warm admirers here, who would be glad to meet you & to hear you; & we will try to make you comfortable while here. Please advise me at an early day whether we may expect you.
Very truly yours
Horace Rublee
Chmn. Rep. State Central Com.
New York, Feby 15 1860
Dear Sir
Your letter was duly recd. The Committee will advertise you for the Evening of the 27th inst. Hope you will be in good health & spirits, as you will meet here in this great Commercial Metropolis a right cordial welcome.
The noble Clay speaks here to-night. The good cause goes on.
With kind regards
Yours truly,
James A. Briggs
Desmoines Feb 15th 1860
Dear Sir
I was much gratified yesterday in receiving a letter from Col Curtis who in speaking of the nomination for President puts your chance in the front rank, & Chase & Seward in the rear — not but that they are Reliable men but that we must get a Man that while he is Reliable is also available. The Col is in good Spirits at the Result of the Election of their officers & the Spirit and harmony of the oposition
It would afford Iowa great pleasure to have the Chance of casting her Electoral vote for you, But as I before said to you the result of it can be known by the Chicago Convention of the States of Pa New Jersy Ia & Illinois will no doubt determine the nominee. Four years ago the nomination was made over the will & wish of those States & the result was defeat The Same thing should not be [illegible] again The Country could not afford it Yours truly
Hawkins Taylor
Lawrence Feby 17th 1860
Dear Lincoln
I am now with Genl Lane, and have frequently of late had little meeting (Privately) of your friends; our Convention to Choose Delegates to Chicago comes off 13th April at this place; Seward, or his friends I am Confident have sent here funds to secure for him the Kansas Delegation, he has certainly not as many friends in Kansas as you have by a large adds, But they are actively at work and have money; we your friends, are all very poor; a very little money now would do us and you a vast deal of good; I know your aversion to the use of money to bring about any Political result. But it is important to your friends, cant you get of your friends a small loan of money and loan it to me or Genl Lane, and let us do as we please with it; We both have property and are responsible & for it will will give a joint note with interest for its return next fall; see Hatch, Bissell, or such friends as can afford to spear us a small sum of money to be used by us between now and the day our Delegates are appointed; Please consider our situation & this appeal [illegible] Truly Your friend M W Delahay
Col Delehay your friend has challenged my attention to the contents of the within I have never met you and yet I feel that you are an old acquaintance and I may add friend — In the movement now on foot under the lead of Col Delehay I cooperate
By acting upon his advice & promptly I am confident you would greatly strengthen him and increase his prospects for Success — Respectfully
J. H. Lane
Lawrence Feby 19th 1860
My Dear Lincoln
A corrispondant of Leavenworth Daily Register of 17th has set the Potations of this City all on “tiptoe, by the article in question, and the inquiry last night in all political squads' was who is the writer of the article; and who is the type of Gov Pennington, some would remark that he was and old line Whig and frequently that would bring out a reply that Abe Lincoln was also an old line Whig — I send you a copy, and would like for your papers in Illinois to publish it. They ought to be able to make Capital out of an article of that kind coming from Kansas — and if republished properly in the State, it will do good — the article was a little butchered by the compositor I wrote it under the approbation of a Genl. Lane and a number of the members of the Legislature, who are western raised men I think I shall be at the Chicago Convention under any circumstances, but would like to be inside, and could be but for my poverty; One hundred Dollars would do me to bring about that result, if I could Borrow it I would do so, but we are a moneyless people — Brown of Alton has failed and I loose between 6 & 700 Dollars by him; he ought to have protected me knowing my situation; I have been his friend loaning him (without interest) money frequently $2000 at one time; send me Copy of the Journal with the article & its Comments thereon if it publishes the same —. Truly your friend in haste, M W Delahay
Chicago, Feby 19 1860
Dr Sir:
I have just written Judge Davis enclosing your letters He will write you before he does me. I have told him what I thought was fair & what appeared to me seemingly or constructively unfair. He will write you &, upon reading his letter, if you see any difference in his views & yours, please modify your proposition to correspond.
I want an immediate & final settlement, if any. You may die, & then what? I want to fight in 1860 with nothing hanging over my head. Your proposition might drive me out of the State, lest by staying I give offence.
But perhaps Davis will not construe it as I do, & so I will say no more. Mr Judd is not now on his high horse as he was when you last saw him. Lincoln, there are a class of people which will not let me stay dead. The abuse of the Press & Tribune, this libel suit & other acts of persecution have compelled me to show my strength once more. It is astonishing that near a quarter of a century's political warfare will learn some of our Chicago people nothing. They will not “let the dead rest.”
My remains have been sacreligiously dug up & behold the result. My popular majority cannot be less than 2000 at our primary meetings. Only two wards were carried against me & there by small majorities. They had only 16 out of 88 delegates.
Look at the discretion of the man who led the army in your defeat against Douglass! He now aspires to be governor & yet he suffered his name to head a ticket in the first Ward (where he lives) & to be defeated by a vote of over 2 to 1. He was at the polls all the time electioneering for his ticket, & Baker badly beat him. This must have its affect all over the state. For it is bad Generalship to be defeated in the outset of a campaign.
I think Judd would be willing to finally settle at once on reasonable terms. I ask no other.
Again, if Judd beats me for Mayor, this would certainly kill him & he must know it. So of Peck & Trumball. Not one of these gentlemen can afford to have me beaten, however much they might desire it.
For once, Charley Wilson acted with me. He is now right as a book.
As you see our friends, every where urge upon them the importance of swelling the Republican majority. Write to all that you can influence the importance of a large & united vote. If Chicago goes against us this spring, what is to become of us?
Hastily Yrs
Jno Wentworth
Columbus, Feb 21 1860.
Dear Sir:
Enclosed I send you a circular which we are sending to our friends and Committees in Ohio. The vol. of debates is nearly printed. I am now reading the proof of your Cincinnati speech, being the last of the vol. It will be issued about the 1st March. It is stipulated in the contract that One Hundred Copies, bound are to be sent to you, free. The print is new & very Elegant, and it will make a very handsome volume. I do not know the best means of giving it a wide circulation in Illinois. Who is Chn of your Rep. State Com? Consult with your friends & give us your views as to the best mode of giving it a wide circulation I shall at all times be glad to hear from you
Very truly Yours, W. T. Bascom, Sec.
Bloomington, Illinois
February. 21st 1860.
Dear Lincoln.
I suppose you know that I entertain no personal feelings of hostility to Mr. Judd — Designing persons may have made him believe that I have, yet the fact is otherwise — My first desire is that the Democracy may be beaten in State & nation, & whatever my judgment can be satisfied is best to accomplish that result, I am for.
I have always thought that Mr J — at the head of the Central Committee acted as he judged the best interests of the party dictated; still my judgment has been that his policy was unwise —
I believe, now, that his nomination for Governor would be injudicious — I honestly entertain the opinion (upon what I consider reliable data) that he could not carry the State — But I speak of him only in a political sense — I have always been treated by Mr Judd courteously, & certainly, have no reason to have any personal hostility to him, & I assure you that I have none —
All this by way of introduction — I have recd from Col Wentworth a letter enclosing two letters from you, concering the settlement of the Libel Suit of Judd v him
Wentworth makes no comments in his letter to me — He wished me to write my own, opinions to you, without communicating with him
— I need not say to you, that I should be rejoiced, if the Libel Suit could be settled honorably, & that at least between this time & next November, that a stop could be put to the personal animosities of the Democrat & Press & Tribune —
This State is not easily carried at the next election — I Know (as well as I can know any event in the future); that we cannot carry it, without Wentworth's efficient aid & co-operation — I believe further, that if he is heartily in the contest, we can achieve a victory. Even if Douglass (which I much fear) is nominated at Charleston
Now, the question is, what as an honorable man ought Wentworth to do
As I understand your letter, you wish Wentworth to put upon record the following disclaimer
“I have made no reflections upon Mr Judd, morally, socially, pecuniarily, professionally, and in no other way, save politically, and if I have used any language capable of a different construction, I have not intended it, and now retract it
If Wentworth will sign this disclaimer, it surely ought to be satisfactory to Mr Judd.
— In fact any man, who is sued for Libel, & publishes such a disclaimer, in public Estimation gets the worst of it — A man by doing this, is considered by the public as backing down — This would be the case in any ordinary Libel Suit — How much more so, in a suit where men like Wentworth & Judd are involved —
Depend upon it, that in public Estimation, Wentworth will be considered as backing down
This is club enough over his head, &, he, then, surely has none over Judd's —
He could Wentworth could not after having made that retraction, say anything personally against Judd, or to which Judd himself, or his friends, would have any right to except —
But my deliberate conviction, is, that when Wentworth, has put that disclaimer, on the record, that there the matter should end & the Suits should at once be withdrawn
The retaining the Suits on the Docket, after such a disclaimer is filed by Wentworth, is surely degrading to him —
It seems to me as clear as Sunlight — that if Wentworth files with the records of the Court the above retrascit & the Suits are Simply continued & not withdrawn, that the inevitable tendency thereof, would be to degrade him —
In such a contingency also he would be liable to the ridicule of the public news papers, especially the Democratic —
We cant do any thing in this world, without a certain degree of confidence — If there is no confidence at all there is not much use of attempting to agree —
A reasonable amount of confidence shown now, would tend more than any thing else, to ensure perfect & stable harmony.
— I feel persuaded, that Wentworth (if this settlement is effected) will treat, Judd, & the Press & Tribune properly — & in a way that would meet the approbation of our party — I cannot permit myself to question it —
In reviewing the whole matter, my opinion is decided, that the basis of a settlement; should be, the immediate withdrawal of the Suits, & that when Wentworth has placed on the files, the above retrascit, that he has done enough, & Judd should be Satisfied with it —
I trust that you will be able to effect a settlement on the above basis — If you do, you will have, politically, accomplished a great result —
Your friend
David Davis
Dear Lincoln —
The above letter I wrote you, yesterday — to Springfield — I scribbled over it over first, which is the reason that I have got a copy to send you to New York, in persuance of Your letter to write to New York
I am sorry, you will be so far from Wentworth & Judd — Now while the matter is on the topic — the Sooner it is brought to a focus — the better —
— Write me that you get this letter — You ought to have instructed me what hotel you stopped at. at in New York, so that the letter could have been addressed there — In reading over my views about Wentworth & Judd, I am more & more convinced that of their correctness
In haste
Yr frd
D Davis
(Confidential)
Lebanon Ill Feby 21st 1860
Dear Sir
Circumstances prevented me while in Springfield from saying to you, what I now take the liberty to communicate I did not, & do not now, participate in the feeling manifested toward you by my friend Brown in regard to your Judd letter When I first saw it, I conjectured the reason, which you gave, with which reason or explanation I felt, entirely satisfied, & feel so yet. I did think when I first saw it, that perhaps fewer words would have laid you less liable to miconstruction, but I never give up a friend, because of a slight difference of opinion & I feel that it was your undoubted right to act upon your own convictions of duty in the matter. The understanding among us Egyptians was that I alone should talk with you on that subject & had that been the case, I am persuaded that no unpleasant feeling would have arisen on either side, as I am sure I could have satisfied them that there was not the slightest intention upon your part to elevate Mr Judd, at the expense of any of his rivals for the Gubernatorial nomination but that you only intended simple justice to Judd, which is every mans due, under all circumstances. Be well assured sir that in the whole matter you have not suffered in the least in my estimation, for I am as ready now as ever, to “go my length” for you (as the boys say) for anything even to the highest office in the gift of the peoples I esteem Mr Judd very highly as a gentleman and as a sound reliable republican, & should certainly favor his claims to the nomination for Governor but for the conviction the his nomination would peril our success My opposition to him will be open, candid, free from any shade of bitterness or intrigue If he is nominated, no man will work more faithfully to secure his election than I. Yet in making the arrangements for the contest, I feel bound to comply with every condition of success, & I ask no man to do any more than I am willing to do at all times, & that is to accept cheerfully the decision of the combined wisdom of the party, as to the position to be taken & the work to be done. As for myself, I expect to work for the success of the party, to the utmost of my ability, physical, mental & moral, & to do whatever is assigned me, with my might & if no place is assigned me in the regular ranks, why Ill fight slavery & democracy on my own hook. I shall feel abundantly rewarded if the democracy are defeated. If I were permitted to choose my place it would be as one of the electors for the state at large, but in this matter I am in the hands of the properly constituted authorities of the party
Hoping that this will satisfy you that I feel toward you as I have ever felt
I remain
Yours in republican bonds
James J Ferree
Chicago 21 Feb, 1860
Dear Lincoln
I have been so occupied since I was at Springfield that I could not get time to write you — You have seen what the result of our Contest here has been, and its consequences no man can foresee, to day it looks like defeat — The hows Why's and Wherefore's are perhaps needless to tell — The contest was precipitated and our man selected to fight it on against my judgment and although I fought to avoid being Called a traitor I saw almost certain defeat — I was wrong in my judgment in that particular, that is the certainty of defeat, and we should have won but for our primary meetings being overslaughed and controlled by irish democrats — but no matter when we meet I will tell you all — But for the future and what is it — You saw that the Tribune said about you — was it satisfactory — Wentworths action in the future is a riddle and there are as many versions as men — One of his particular friends who on yesterday was soliciting me to go to a meeting — said “he wanted the Post Master Genlship — of course that means power and a future probably a Senatorship — reason this out for yourself He told a Buchanan democract that if he could get control of the City, he could carry the State for Sam. Houston — and if the Convention would not nominate him — He would carry a good portion of Republicans over to the Democracts especially, if Douglass should be nominated — He is for himself and will take any course in the world that he thinks will promote his own interests — As to my present position, it is one of considerable difficulty — All of his leading friends assure me that they will fight for me every inch of the ground and that I need have no apprehension of this County — But they urge me to take field for the ticket — Can you show me how I can do it consistently with my own personal honor W. has published that he will not Support me if nominated — I have also put him on the record Charged with libels innumerable — These things unretracted can or ought I to “eat dirt” — I have denounsed Douglass to often for licking the hand that smote him — What shall I do write me
Phillips is circulating with admirable success financially — Let me hear from you by return mail Yr friend
N B Judd
Tell me frankly the views of our friends
Bloomington Feby 22nd 1860 —
Dr Sir,
Your letter of 10th inst. concerning taxes of Wm Florville &c, owe 10 — bal 10 cts which will be just enough to drink my health with, which please do if it suits you — but in any event you need not "remit" at the present high rates of exchange!! — By the way — I would like to know whether Treat in overruling the motion for injuctn expressed any opinion on the points of law raised in the case. — My brother-in law, N. S. Sunderland has just returned from Ohio, and he assures me the tide of politics is setting decidedly in favor of “Old Abe” for President —. Yours truly
M. W. Packard
Springfield, Ills. Nov. 1. 1859
W. E. Frazer, Esq
Dear Sir:
Yours of the 24th ult. was forwarded to me from Chicago-- It certainly is important to secure Pennsylvania for the Republicans, in the next Presidential contest; and not unimportant to, also, secure Illnois-- As to the ticket you name, I shall be heartily for it, after it shall have been fairly nominated by a Republican National Convention; and I can not be committed to it before-- For my single self, I have enlisted for the permanent success of the Republican cause; and, for this object, I shall labor faithfully in the ranks, unless, as I think not probable, the judgment of this party shall assign me a different position--
If the Republicans of the great State of Pennsylvania, shall present Mr Cameronpublic to know, so I would not like myself to know I had entered a combination with any man, to the prejudice of all others whose friends respectively may consider them preferable
Yours truly A. Lincoln
1 On December 1, Judd, chairman of the Illinois Republican State Central Committee, had written to Lincoln complaining of charges against him, primarily by John Wentworth, of opposing Lincoln during the 1855 Senatorial contest with Lyman Trumbull, of bungling Lincoln's 1858 effort against Douglas, and of conspiring to advance Trumbull as a presidential candidate, at Lincoln's expense. Judd insisted that Lincoln should publicly refute the charges against him, and the same day he sued Wentworth for libel.
Judd desired the Republican gubernatorial nomination in 1860, over Wentworth's opposition. Wentworth's motives are never easy to fathom. He had political ambitions of his own, culminating, against Judd's resistance, in a successful race for mayor of Chicago in 1860, and his own newspaper, the Chicago Democrat, was losing out to the Chicago Press and Tribune (whose proprietors were close to Judd), as the dominant Republican journal in Chicago.
Such Republican infighting on the eve of a presidential campaign was most distressing to Lincoln. However, he had remained essentially above partisan factions, was friendly with the antagonists, and was thus most qualified to play the dangerous role of peacemaker. See Judd to Lincoln, December 1, 1859, preceding in the Lincoln Papers.
[Note at upper left of document: “A true copy / John Hay"]
Springfield Dec. 9. 1859.
My dear Sir: I have just reached home from Kansas and found your long letter of the 1st inst. It has a tone of blame towards myself which I think is not quite just; but I will not stand upon that, but will consider a day or two, and put something in the best shape I can, and send it to you. A great difficulty is that they make no distinct charge against you, which I can contradict. You did vote for Trumbull against me,
The vague charge that you played me false last year, I believe to be false and outrageous; but, it seems, I can make no impression by expressing that belief. I made a special job of trying to impress that upon Baker, Budger* [Note at bottom of page, in Hay's hand: “*I am not sure about this name. It might be Badger, Bridges, or J.H. Budger"] and Wilson,
Journal. Samuel L. Baker was a Republican activist in Chicago.
As to the charge of you intriguing for Trumbull against me, I believe as little of that as any other charges If Trumbull and I were candidates for the same office, you would have a right to prefer him, and I should not blame you for it; but all my acquaintance with you induces me to believe you would not pretend to be for me while really for him. But I do not understand Trumbull & myself to be rivals. You know I am pledged to not enter a struggle with him for the seat in the Senate now occupied by him; and yet I would rather have a full term in the Senate than in the Presidency.
I have made this letter longer than I expected when I began.
Your friend as ever
A. Lincoln
P.S. I omitted to say that I have, in no single instance, permitted a charge against [sic] such as above alluded to, to go uncontradicted, when made in my presence.
A.L.
[Note at top of document, in Lincoln's hand: “Copy"]
Chicago Dec. 12/59
Dear Sir
Since public attention has been directed towards Mr. Judd
In the election of Senator in 1854, when Mr. Trumbull
During the canvass of last year, did he do his whole duty towards you, and the Republican Party? If he did not, how, and in what way was he remiss? Do you know of any thing unfair in his conduct towards yourself in any way? Please answer us fully, and disinterestedly; and, if you desire, no public use shall be made of your responses-- We have always had entire confidence in the integrity and ability of Mr. Judd, and have not doubted his fidelity to his duties and obligations in public stations-- We desire to know if this confidence is worthily placed.
Please give us such information in relation to these inquiries, as will be useful to us in our future conduct--
Yours &c
Geo. W. Dole
G.S. Hubbard
W.H. Brown"
{Note at bottom of document, in Lincoln's hand: “Copy"]
1 See George W. Dole, G. S. Hubbard and W. H. Brown to Abraham Lincoln, December 12, 1859 for the questions to which Lincoln responds here. Those questions afforded Lincoln an opportunity to reply to charges current against Norman B. Judd, in a public manner if so desired by the letter's recipients and Judd, to vindicate Judd's partisan loyalty as chairman of the Illinois Republican State Central Committee, and implicitly to endorse Judd's candidacy for the gubernatorial nomination. The presence of the separate tab covering this final paragraph indicates that this is an early draft of an important and carefully composed communication. For a later draft, see Abraham Lincoln to George W. Dole, G. S. Hubbard and W. H. Brown, December 14, 1859, Draft 2. Lincoln's final draft was much expanded beyond both versions and included a statement that it was not his intention to take sides in the rivalries for the gubernatorial nomination. This was presumably a device to keep peace with the followers of Judd's opponents for that nomination, Leonard Swett and Richard Yates, also good friends of Lincoln. See Collected Works 3: 507-09.
For evidence that Lincoln did not misjudge this situation and felt the political effect from this letter, see Abraham Lincoln to Norman B. Judd, Feb. 9, 1860.
Springfield, Ills. Dec. 14. 1859
Messrs. Geo. W. Dole
G. S. Hubbard
& W. H. Brown
Gentlemen
Your letter of the 12th Inst is received. To your question “In the election of Senator in 1854” (1855 you mean) “when Mr. Trumbullr. Judd towards me, or anything blamable on his part-- Without deception, he preferred Judge Trumbull to myself, which was his clear right, morally as well as legally--
To your question “During the canvass of last year, did he do his whole duty towards you, and the Republican Party?” I answer, I have always believed; and now believe, that during that canvass, he did his whole duty towards me, and the Republican Party--
To your question “Do you know of anything unfair in his conduct towards yourself in any way?” I answer I neither know or suspect, anything unfair in his conduct towards myself in any way--
I take pleasure in adding that of all the avowed friends I had in the canvass of last year, I do not suspect a single one of having acted treacherously to me, or to our cause; and that there is not one of them in whose honor and integrity I have more confidence, to-day, than in that of Mr Judd--
I prefer that this letter should be seen by yourselves only; still if you consider that justice requires it, you are at liberty to make it public--You can use your discretion as to whether you make this public--
Yours very truly
A.. Lincoln--
Collected Works 3: 507-509, and Lincoln to Judd, December 14, 1859.
[Note at top of document in Lincoln's hand: “Copy."]
Springfield, Ills. Dec. 14. 1859
Messrs. Geo. W. Dole
G. S. Hubbard
& W. H. Brown.
Gentlemen
Your letter of the12th.Inst. is received. To your question “In the election of Senator in 1854” (1855 you mean) “when Mr Trumbull
To your question “During the canvass of last year did he do his whole duty towards you, and the Republican party?” I answer, I have always believed, and now believe that, during the canvass, he did his whole duty towards me and the Republican party--
To your question “Do you know of anything unfair in his conduct towards yourself in any way?” I answer I neither know or suspect, anything unfair in his conduct towards myself in any way--
I take pleasure in adding that of all the avowed friends I had in the canvass of last year, I do not suspect a single one, of having acted treacherously to me, or to our cause; and that there is not one of them, in whose honor and integrity, I have to-day, more confidence than I have in that of Mr Judd--
I prefer that this letter should be seen by yourselves only; still, if you consider that justice requires it, you are at liberty to make it public--
Yours very truly
A.. Lincoln--
Slip sent with original
"You can use your discretion as to whether you make this public."
Collected Works 3: 507-509) and he sent the whole to Judd in care of Lyman Trumbull. This exchange contained questions and answers about current charges being made against Judd, and with the permission of Judd, Dole, Hubbard and Brown, it could be published. The existence of two preliminary drafts of his letter to Dole, Hubbard, and Brown in the Lincoln Papers, which see, testifies to the importance of this exchange. Lincoln's final draft also undertook the delicate task of vindicating Judd against John L. Wentworth's charges, while remaining neutral about Judd's campaign for the gubernatorial nomination.
Springfield, Decr. 14. 1859
Dear Judd:
Herewith is the letter of our old whig friends, and my answer, sent as you requested-- I showed both to Dubois,you may substitute the inclosed slip, by pasting it down over the original clause--
I find some of our friends here, attach more consequence to getting the National Convention into our State than I did, or do-- Some of them made me promise to say so to you-- As to the time, it must certainly be after the Charleston fandango;
As to that matter about the Committee, in relation to appointing delegates by general convention, or by Districts, I shall attend to it as well as I know how, which, G--d knows, will not be very well--
Write me, if you can find any thing to write--
Yours as ever
A.. Lincoln
The Abraham Lincoln Encyclopedia (New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company: 1980), 108. The original of this letter (Abraham Lincoln to Jesse W. Fell, Dec. 20, 1859) and the autobiographical sketch that was enclosed (Abraham Lincoln, Autobiographical Sketch for Jesse W. Fell, December 20, 1859) are also in the Lincoln Papers.
Springfield Dec. 20.1859. J.W. Fell Esq,
Times, requested copies of Lincoln's speeches in his 1858 debates with Douglas “as revised by yourself,” claiming that he desired to “represent you exactly as you would represent yourself,” in a book he was producing. The book was Sheahan's campaign biography of Stephen A. Douglas, which was available at the Democrats' Charleston convention in April. See also George M. Parsons to Lincoln, January 30, 1860.
[Note at top of document, in Lincoln's hand: “(Copy)"]
Springfield, Jany 24. 1860
Dear Sir
Yours of the 21st requesting copies of my speeches now in progress of publication in Ohio, is received-- I have no such copies now at my control; having sent the only sets I ever had, to Ohio-- Mr Geo. M. Parsons has taken an active part among those who have the matter in charge in Ohio; and I understand Messrs Follett, Foster & Co are to be the publishers-- I make no objection to any satisfactory arrangement you may make with Mr Parsons and the publishers; and, if it will facilitate you, you are at liberty to show them this note--
You labor under a mistake, somewhat injurious to me, if you suppose I have revised the speeches, in any just sense of the word-- I only made some small verbal corrections, mostly such as an intelligent reader would make for himself; not feeling justified to do more, when republishing the speeches along with those of Senator Douglas -- his and mine being mutually answers and replies to one another--
Yours truly
A. Lincoln
[Note at top of document, in John Hay's hand: “A true copy -- / John Hay -- "]
Springfield Feb. 5. 1860
My Dear Sir
Your two letters were duly received-- Whether Mr. Storrs
A day or so before you wrote about Mr. Herndon,I would be held responsible for what he said. Let this be private.
Some folks are pretty bitter towards me about the Dole, Hubbard, and Brown letter.
Collected Works 3: 507-09. “Some folks” were probably gubernatorial hopefuls Leonard Swett and Richard Yates, and their partisans.
Yours as ever
A.. Lincoln.
Collected Works 3: 507-09.) It concerned his relationship with Judd, who was the center of an intra-party Republican dispute.
Springfield Feb. 9. 1860
[Note at top of document in Hay's hand: “A true copy. John Hay."]
Dear Sir:
I am not in a position where it would hurt much for me not to not be nominated on the national ticket; but I am where it will hurt some for me to not get the Illinois delegates. What I expected when I wrote the letter to Messrs Dole and others is now happening. Your discomfitted assailants are most bitter against me; and they will, for revenge upon me, lay to the Bates egg in the South,
I mean this to be private.
Yours as ever
A. Lincoln