Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) to John J. Crittenden
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06324 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) Place Written: Springfield, Illinois Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 July 1858 Pagination: 2 p. 24.6 x 19.6 cm Order a Copy
Lincoln heard that Crittenden was going to write letters in support of Stephen Douglas for the Senate and Thomas L. Harris for the House of Representatives. Lincoln thinks this action would not be in Crittenden's character and asks him to pursue a "hands off" position for the election. Lincoln does not seek a letter supporting his candidacy, and requests that he be informed if Crittenden decides to give public endorsement to Douglas and Harris.
Basler, Roy P. The Collected Works Of Abraham Lincoln. (New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1953), Vol. II 1848 - 1858,
p. 483 - 489.
Notes: Printed in Basler 2:484.
Private
Springfield, July 7 1858.
Hon. John J. Crittenden
Dear Sir
I beg you will pardon me for the liberty I take in addressing you upon only so limited an acquaintance, and that acquaintance so long past-- I am prompted to do so by a story being whispered about here that you are anxious for the re-election of Douglas to the U.S. Senate, and also, of Harris, of our District, to the House of Representatives; and that you [inserted: are] pledged to write letters to that effect to your friends here in Illinois, if requested-- I do not believe the story; but still it gives me some uneasiness-- If such was your inclination, I do not believe you would so express yourself-- It is not in character with you, as I have always estimated you-- You have no [2] warmer friends than here in Illinois; and I assure you nine tenths--I believe ninety-nine hundredths--of them would be mortified exceedingly by anything of the sort from you-- When I tell you this, make such allowance as you think just for my position, which, I doubt not you understand--
Nor am I fishing for a letter on the other side-- Even if such could be had, my judgment is that you would better be "hands off."
Please drop me a line; and if your purposes are, as I hope they are not, still let me know it-- The confirmation would pain me much, but I should still continue your friend and admirer--
Your obt. Servt.
A. Lincoln--
P.S. I purposely fold this sheet within itself instead of an envelope--
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