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Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) to John Stuart, re: Locos & Congressional elections

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01210 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) Place Written: Springfield Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1841/02/05 Pagination: 1 p. + addr 25 x 20 cm Order a Copy

Written in blue ink. Discussing Illinois and Sangamon county politics, Lincoln says he and some others would like Bat Web (Edwin B. Webb, per Basler) as District Attorney. He concludes by alluding to the "locos" (Democrats) in the upcoming congressional elections.

Basler, Roy P. The Collected Works Of Abraham Lincoln. (New Brunswick, New Jersey: Rutgers University Press, 1953), Vol. I
p. 233.

Springfield: Feb: 5th. 1841
Dear Stuart:

Some of us here have concluded, that if it be agreeable, Bat Webb shall be our District Attorney. He would accept the place; but will not enter into a scramble for it. We here, or at least I, know of no other applicant. I will add, that I really have my heart set upon Webb's appointment to this place; and that I believe the whole party would be gratified with it.

What the Locos will do about the Congressional election no man can tell. I heard Herndon say on yesterday, that he was in favour of taking Jersey, Green, Scott, Morgan, Cass, Menard, Sangamon, Logan and Tazewell, from your District & adding them to Reynolds, and leaving all else in status quo. Something like this I think more probable than the District system; because our opponents are somewhat afraid of the latter themselves.
As ever your friend
A. Lincoln

[Address leaf:]

Hon. J. T. Stuart
Washington City
D. C.

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