The Delta independent., 1915-02-26

"WO remarkably interesting po-
litical letters of Abraham Lin
coin written only short time
before his nomination for the
presidency at the Republican conven-
ton ill Chicago in May. 1850. were
published not long ago. and it lis be
lieved they are not contained in collec-
tions of Lincoln's writings. They
were addressed to Major Richard M.
Corwine, aid to General John G. Ere
mont, 1.-The Pathfinder" The earlier
of the two letters is dated Springfield,
ILL.,, Aug. 6. 1860. and says:
MY Dear Sir-Reaching home yesterday
after an absence of more than two weeks.
found your letter of the 2ith OF March-
Remembering that when not very great
man begins to be mentioned for a very
great position his head is very likely to be
a little turned. concluded l am not the
fitted person to answer the questions you
ask Making due allowance for this,
think Mr.. Seward is the very best can
didate we could have for the north OF
illinois and the very worst for the south
of it The estimate of Governor Chase
here Is neither better nor worse than
that of Seward. except that he is a newer
man. They are regarded as being almost
the same, seniority giving Seward the in
side track.
Mr.. Bates think would be the best
man for the south of our state and the
worst for the north Of 1t. II Judge Nc
Lean was fifteen even ten years young
er l think he would be stronger than
either In our state. taken as a whole. but
his great age and the recollection of the
deaths of Harrison and Taylor have SC
far prevented his being much spoken Of
here
/ really believe we can carry the state
for either of them or for any one who
may be nominated. but doubtless 1t would
be easier to do 1t with some than with
others.
feel myself disqualified to speak OF
nnyself in this matter. l feel this letter
will be OF little value to you. but l can
make it no better under the circumstances
Let it be strictly confidential-not that
there is anything really objectionable in
IL, but because 1t might be misconstrued
Yours very truly A. LINCOLN.
The second letter, marked Private"
is dated Springfield, ILL.,. May 2, 1860
1t reads:
Dear Sir-Yours of the 3oth ult- is just
received. After what you have said 1t is
perhaps proper / should post you. SO fai
as am able. as to the LAY Of the land
First, I think the Illinois delegation will
be unanimous for me at the start, and nc
other delegation will. A few individuals
in other delegations would like to go fol
by their colleagues. 1t Is represented te
me by men who ought to know that the
whole Of Indiana might not be difficult
to get. You know how It Is in Ohio.
am certainly not the first choice there
and yet l have not heard that any one
makes any positive objection to me 1t IL
Just so everywhere far as l can per
ceive. Everywhere, except here in I'LL
nois and possibly Indiana. one or another
Is preferred to me. but there Is no posi-.
tive ohiectinn This In the ground as II
now appears. believe you personally
know C. NJ. Allen of vincennes. Ia. He
Is a delegate and has notified me that tho
entire Iowa delegation will be in Chicago
the same day you name, Saturday. the
18TH My friends Jesse K Dubois. ou
auditor, and Judge David Davis vii
probably be there ready to confer with
friends from other states Let me heai
from you again when anything occurs
Yours very truly. A. LINCOLN.