The Nebraska men were very confident of the election of Matteson, though denying that he was a candidate, and we very much believing also that they would elect him.  But they wanted first to make a show of good faith to Shields by voting for him a few times, and our secret Matteson men also wanted to make a show of good faith by voting with us a few times.  So we led off.  On the seventh ballot, I think, the signal was given to the Nebraska men to turn to Matteson, which they acted on to a man, with one exception. . .  Next ballot the remaining Nebraska man and one pretended Anti went over to him, giving him 46.  The next still another, giving him 47, wanting only three of an election.  In the meantime our friends, with a view of detaining our expected bolters, had been turning from me to Trumbull till he had risen to 35 and I had been reduced to 15.  These would never desert me except by my direction; but I became satisfied that if we could prevent Matteson’s election one or two ballots more, we could not possibly do so a single ballot after my friends should begin to return to me from Trumbull.  So I determined to strike at once, and accordingly advised my remaining friends to go for him, which they did and elected him on the tenth ballot.

Such is the way the thing was done.  I think you would have done the same under the circumstances.

I could have headed off every combination and been elected, had it not been for Matteson’s double game—­and his defeat now gives me more pleasure than my own gives me pain.  On the whole, it is perhaps as well for our general cause that Trumbull is elected.  The Nebraska men confess that they hate it worse than anything that could have happened.  It is a great consolation to see them worse whipped than I am.

Yours forever,
A. Lincoln.

RETURN TO LAW PROFESSION

To Sanford, Porter, and Striker, new York. 
Springfield, march 10, 1855

Gentlemen:—­Yours of the 5th is received, as also was that of 15th Dec, last, inclosing bond of Clift to Pray.  When I received the bond I was dabbling in politics, and of course neglecting business.  Having since been beaten out I have gone to work again.

As I do not practice in Rushville, I to-day open a correspondence with Henry E. Dummer, Esq., of Beardstown, Ill., with the view of getting the job into his hands.  He is a good man if he will undertake it.

Write me whether I shall do this or return the bond to you.

Yours respectfully,
A. Lincoln.

TO O. H. BROWNING.

Springfield, March 23, 1855. 
Hon.  O. H. Browning.