Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) to C.W. Michael and William Proctor
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04812 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) Place Written: Springfield, Illinois Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 August 1858 Pagination: 1 p. ; 24.1 x 19.4 cm. Order a Copy
Replies concerning Stephen Douglas, "Judge Douglas considers my presence at his appointments as an intrusion; and so I have concluded to not be present at them." States that if they can assure him an audience at Lewistown on the 17th, he will try to be there. Written during his campaign against Stephen A. Douglas for his Senate seat. Note on the verso by a previous owner stating the letter is the property of Mary Laura K. Wright of Canton, Illinois.
Early in the Senate race, Lincoln adopted the strategy of following Douglas on the campaign trial and answering his speeches often on the same day. C. W. Michael and William Proctor suggested that Lincoln follow Douglas to Lewistown on August 16th. Lincoln spoke at Lewistown on August 17th. Under pressure from newspapers, Douglas finally agreed to seven joint debates, the first to be held on August 21st. From Basler 2: 534.
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