The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1860-08-09
The Charater Of Abraham IincoIn.

]
The writer of the subject letter is na-
tire of Pennsylvanla-a gentleman OF
classical education, extensive attainments
and of the nost scrupu!ous integrity Of
character. He is now one of the first
lawyers of his age in Illinois-bas been
the associate Of Mr.. Lincoln in many im.
portant cases tried in the higher Courts
of that State, and not only knows him
well, but is competent to accurately meas
ure his abilities. What be says of him
nay therefore be relied ON as the opinion
of an intelligent, honest, truthfal man.
He is of the old line Henry Clay Wing
school of politics.
The letter was written With no ezpec-
tation that it would be given to the pub
lie; but as its publication may be Of SER
vice hand it to yor with the request
that you will allow it place in your col
unns. d. 3. NJ.
PEORIA, July 10, 1860.
Ny DEAR SIR: You ask my o.
ponioD of the character, talents, and quail
fcation of Abraham Lincoln for the
great Office to which he stands nominated
By the Republican party; and assuming,
from my locality and professional en-
gagements, that | have had fair opportu-
mites for framing an opinion on these
points, you are pleased to signify your
confidence in such Jud cement as | may
be prepared to express respecting them.
Thanking you fer this confidence, take
pleasure in giving you my views. for
whatever they may be worth, promising,
however, that neither my time nor limits
will probably enable me to satisfy myself
or do justice to him in their expression.
As summary of what I have to say,
| remark unhesitatingly, that [ believe
Mr.. Lincoln to be just the man for the
place for which be is named, and for the
times. In regard to character, | deem
him entirely unexceptionable. The So
briqpct, Honest Old Abe, which has been
given to him;is no unmeaning appella-
ton. thus been honestly ae0n A man
more thoroughly above suspicion in this
respect. | suppose, cannot be found in any
walk of life, public or private. Akin to
this, if not indeed a necessary conoomi-
tant. is his no less proyerbial candOr and
traahft5neSS. This has ever been a mark
ed feature in his character and inter
course, and strikingly illustrates the lihe-
raj sni nagnanimous spirit of the man.
1t mag, think, be safely said that Mr..
Lincoln has not been knoun in any pub
lie discussion, political or otherwise, de-
signedly to utter en- untruth, or IisTepFe
sent the position of an adversaryi and 1
am not aware that any thing different can
be said of him in any more private rela-
ton. Add TO this, that be is among the,
most cautious of men 10 expressing him
self upon any subject with which he has
not first made himself we'll acquainted;
but when be is satisfied, no man is bo!der
or frmer in the expression OF and adhe-
renee to his opinions. | need only say
further, on the score of character, that SO
far as | know, or have ever heard, Mr..
Lincoln is, as to morals, in all respects, an
exemplary men. Not only is be not
chargeablc with any Of the grosser moral
delinquencies, but believe the whole
course of bis life te be more than ordina
rly free from any stain OF vice, impurity,
or dshonor And that for which think
the public thanks are especially due, is the
undoubted fact that, in all his speeches
and other teachings, no utterance Of his
can be found that is not, in It's bearings,
distinctly on the side Of humanity and
virtue. And this | say advisedly, not
with.tanding that-especislly at some
what earlier period-he has occasionally
enlivened and illustrated his speeches By
anecd otes, to which some fastidious tastes
have taken exception; but in reference
to which it is safe to say, that those who
have done so were keener in scentlng out
the supposed indelicacy of the allusion
than in perceivng the point, power and
felicity of the illustration.
One thing more | ought to remark
here Mr.. Lincoln believes that the
same morality which ought to govern IN
diqidual men in private life, should equal
Ily control nations in their Intercourse
with each other and the action OF polite
al parties; and if elected President, nei-
ther Ostend manfestoes, fIlibustering
schemes, mere partizan chicane, nor Of
/ fetal corroptiou, will find any favor with
his Administration.
Having occupied SO much space on
this head I have bat little room for re-
N ark on the other topics embraced in
your inquiry. In respect to talents, |
doubt if Mr.. Lincoln is even here, as yet
appreciated as he deserves to be, and as
he most certainly will be at no distant
day, Counting as | do bis election as sure.
by ali who are capable of discerning aud
sppreciating true merit. While possess
ing undoubtedly the consciousness OF IN
tellectual strength, be lacks entirely the
obtrusiye effrontry which brings some
men into notice, and gives them some
times an ephemoral reputation Tor abli.tj
while the plainuess and simplicity oil h''
style, aud the transparent fairness OF eV
cry presentation which he makes ID hl
public speeches. seem to have led some
to overlook the real breadth and compre
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