REQUEST FOR SENATE SUPPORT

TO CHARLES HOYT

Clinton, De Witt Co., Nov. 10, 1854

Dear sir:—­You used to express a good deal of partiality for me, and if you are still so, now is the time.  Some friends here are really for me for the U.S.  Senate, and I should be very grateful if you could make a mark for me among your members.  Please write me at all events, giving me the names, post-offices, and “political position” of members round about you.  Direct to Springfield.

Let this be confidential.

Yours truly,
A. Lincoln.

TO T. J. HENDERSON.

Springfield,

November 27, 1854
T. J. Henderson, Esq.

My dear sir:—­It has come round that a whig may, by possibility, be elected to the United States Senate, and I want the chance of being the man.  You are a member of the Legislature, and have a vote to give.  Think it over, and see whether you can do better than to go for me.

Write me, at all events; and let this be confidential.

Yours truly,
A. Lincoln.

TO J. GILLESPIE.

Springfield, Dec. 1, 1854.

Dear sir:—­I have really got it into my head to try to be United States Senator, and, if I could have your support, my chances would be reasonably good.  But I know, and acknowledge, that you have as just claims to the place as I have; and therefore I cannot ask you to yield to me, if you are thinking of becoming a candidate, yourself.  If, however, you are not, then I should like to be remembered affectionately by you; and also to have you make a mark for me with the Anti-Nebraska members down your way.

If you know, and have no objection to tell, let me know whether Trumbull intends to make a push.  If he does, I suppose the two men in St. Clair, and one, or both, in Madison, will be for him.  We have the Legislature, clearly enough, on joint ballot, but the Senate is very close, and Cullom told me to-day that the Nebraska men will stave off the election, if they can.  Even if we get into joint vote, we shall have difficulty to unite our forces.  Please write me, and let this be confidential.

Your friend, as ever,
A. Lincoln

POLITICAL REFERENCES

To justice MCLEAN.

Springfield, ill., December 6, 1854.

Sir:—­I understand it is in contemplation to displace the present clerk and appoint a new one for the Circuit and District Courts of Illinois.  I am very friendly to the present incumbent, and, both for his own sake and that of his family, I wish him to be retained so long as it is possible for the court to do so.