SPRINGFIELD, ILL., FEBRUARY 9, 1860.

HON.  N.B.  JUDD—­Dear Sir:—­I am not in a position where it would hurt much for me not to be nominated on the national ticket; but I am where it would hurt some for me not to get the Illinois delegates.  What I expected when I wrote the letter to Messrs. Dole and others is now happening.  Your discomfited assailants are more bitter against me, and they will, for revenge upon me, lay to the Bates egg in the South and the Seward egg in the North, and go far towards squeezing me out in the middle with nothing.  Can you not help me a little in this matter in your end of the vineyard? (I mean this to be private.)

     Yours as ever, A. LINCOLN.

It would seem that the original intention of Lincoln’s friends had been to bring him out as a candidate for the Vice-Presidency.  Hon. E.M.  Haines states that as early as the spring of 1859, before the adjournment of the Legislature of which he was a member, some of the Republican members discussed the feasibility of urging Lincoln’s name for the Vice-Presidency.  Lincoln appears not to have taken very strongly to the suggestion.  “I recollect,” says Mr. Haines, “that one day Mr. Lincoln came to my desk in the House of Representatives, to make some inquiry regarding another member; and during the conversation, referring to his growing reputation, I remarked to him that I did not know that we would be able to make him President, but perhaps we could do the next best thing, and make him Vice-President.  He brightened up somewhat, and answered by a story which I do not clearly recall, but the application of which was that he scarcely considered himself a big enough man for President, while the Vice-Presidency was scarcely big enough office for one who had aspired to a seat in the Senate of the United States.”

On the 9th and 10th of May, 1860, the Republicans of Illinois met in convention at Decatur.  Lincoln was present, although he is said to have been there as a mere spectator.  It was, Mr. Lamon tells us, “A very large and spirited body, comprising the most brilliant as well as the shrewdest men in the party.  It was evident that something of more than usual importance was expected to transpire.  A few moments after the convention organized, ‘Old Abe’ was seen squatting, or sitting on his heels, just within the door of the convention building.  Governor Oglesby rose and said, amid increasing silence, ’I am informed that a distinguished citizen of Illinois, and one whom Illinois will ever delight to honor, is present; and I wish to move that this body invite him to a seat on the stand.’  Here the Governor paused, as if to work curiosity up to the highest point; then he shouted the magic name, ‘Abraham Lincoln!’ A roar of applause shook every board and joist of the building.  The motion was seconded and passed.  A rush was made for the hero, who still sat on his heels.  He was seized and jerked to his feet.  An effort