land will be bought.  Now I feel it is my duty to have no hand in such a piece of foolery.  I feel that it is so even on your own account, and particularly on Mother’s account.  The eastern forty acres I intend to keep for Mother while she lives; if you will not cultivate it, it will rent for enough to support her; at least it will rent for something.  Her dower in the other two forties she can let you have, and no thanks to me.

Now do not misunderstand this letter.  I do not write it in any unkindness.  I write it in order, if possible, to get you to face the truth, which truth is, you are destitute because you have idled away all your time.  Your thousand pretenses for not getting along better are all nonsense; they deceive nobody but yourself.  Go to work is the only cure for your case.

A word for Mother:  Chapman tells me he wants you to go and live with him.  If I were you I would try it awhile.  If you get tired of it (as I think you will not) you can return to your own home.  Chapman feels very kindly to you; and I have no doubt he will make your situation very pleasant.

Sincerely yours,
A. Lincoln.

Nov. 4, 1851

Dear mother: 

Chapman tells me he wants you to go and live with him.  If I were you I would try it awhile.  If you get tired of it (as I think you will not) you can return to your own home.  Chapman feels very kindly to you; and I have no doubt he will make your situation very pleasant.

Sincerely your son,
A. Lincoln.

TO JOHN D. JOHNSTON.

Shelbyville, November 9, 1851

Dear brother:—­When I wrote you before, I had not received your letter.  I still think as I did, but if the land can be sold so that I get three hundred dollars to put to interest for Mother, I will not object, if she does not.  But before I will make a deed, the money must be had, or secured beyond all doubt, at ten per cent.

As to Abram, I do not want him, on my own account; but I understand he wants to live with me, so that he can go to school and get a fair start in the world, which I very much wish him to have.  When I reach home, if I can make it convenient to take, I will take him, provided there is no mistake between us as to the object and terms of my taking him.  In haste, as ever,

A. Lincoln.

TO JOHN D. JOHNSTON.

Springfield, November 25, 1851.