The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1860-08-16
From the Philadelphia North Americana
The Character of Abraham
Lincoln.

lhe writer OF the suh)olned letter is na-
tive Pennsylvania gentleman ofcasical
education, extensive legal attainments and
ofthe most scrupulous integrity of character
tie is now one of the first lawyers of his age
in llinois-has been the associate of Mr. Lin
coin in many important cases tried in he
higher courts of that State, and not only
knows him well, but is competent to accurate
ly measure his abilities. What he says of
him may therefore be relied on as the opinion
OF an intelligent, honest, truthful man. He
is of the old line Henry Clay Wing school of
polit les.
The letter was written with no expectation
that it would be given to the public; but as
its pubica ton may be of service, hand it
toyou, with therequest that you will allow
it a. place in your columns. ID. 3. NJ.
PEORIA, July 10, 1860.
M DEAR SIR Iou lt,i ,,,,
opinion Of the character, talants and qualfi-
ton of Abraham Lincoln for the great Office
to which he stands nominated by the Repub-
lican party and assuming, from my locality
and professional engagements, that | have
had fair opportunities for framing an opinion
on these points, you are pleased to signify
your confidence in such Judgment as | may
be prepared to express respecting them
Thanking you for this confidence, take
pleasure in giving you my views, for what
ever they may be worth, promising, however,
that my time nor limits will probably enable
to satisfy myself or do justice to him in their
expression.
As summary Of what have to say, re-
mark unhesitatingly, that believe Mr. Lin
coin to be just the man for the place for
which he is named, and for the times. In
regard to character, | deem him entirely un-
cxceptionable The sobriquet, Honest Old
Abe, which has been given him, is no un-
meaning appellation. 1t has been honestly
aoon. A man more thoroughly above suspi-
cion in this respect, | suppose, cannot be
found in any walk oflifc, public or private.
Akin to this, if not indeed necessary con
comitant, is his no less provcrbial caatlor
and truthfulaess. This has ever been a
marked feature in his character and inter
course, and strikingly illustrates the liberal
and magnanmous spirit ofthe man. 1t may
think, be safely said that Mr.. Lincoln has
not been known in any public discussion,
political or otherwise, designedly to utter an
untruth, or misrepresent the position of an
adversary and | avn not aware that any.
thing different can be said Of him in any
more private relation. Add to this, that he
is among the most cautious of men in ex
pressing himself upon any subject, with
which he has not first made himself well ac
quainted but when be is satisfied, no mar
is bolder or firmcr in the expression of ant
adherence to his opinions. | need only say
further, on the score of character, that so ia,
as know, OF have ever heard, MIR. Lincolr
is, as to morals, in all respects, an exampary
man. Not only is he not chargable will
any of the grosser moral delinquencies, bu
] believe the whole course Of his life to b.
more than ordinarily free from any stain O
vice, impurity, or dishonor. And that 70
which think the public thanks are especiall
due, is the undoubted fact that, in all hi
speeches and other teachings, no utteranc
of his can be found that is not, in its bear
ings, distinctly on the side of humanity an
virtue. And this say advisedly, notwitt
standing that--especially at somewhat cal
ler periodic has occasionally enlivene
and illustrated his speeches by anecdotes, I
which some fastidious tastes have taken eS
cepton but in reference to which it is sal
TO say, that those who have done so wei
keener in scenting out the supposed ndeic;
cy of the allusion than in perceivng the poin
power and felicity of the illustration.
One thing more ought to remark her
Mr.. Lincold believes that the same moralit
which ought to govern individual men
private life, should equally control nations
their intercourse with each other and Il
action Of political parties and if felected Pre-
dent, neither Ostend manifestoes, filibuste
ing schemes, mere partisan chicand, nor of
cial corruption, will find any favor with i
Administration