L. Montgomery bond, Esq.

My dear sir:  I certainly am in no temper and have no purpose to embitter the feelings of the South, but whether I am inclined to such a course as would in fact embitter their feelings you can better judge by my published speeches than by anything I would say in a short letter if I were inclined now, as I am not, to define my position anew.

Yours truly,

A. Lincoln.

LETTER SUGGESTING A BEARD

To Miss Grace Bedell, Ripley N.Y.

Springfield, ill., October 19, 1860

Miss Grace Bedell.

My dear little Miss:—­Your very agreeable letter of the 15th is received.  I regret the necessity of saying I have no daughter.  I have three sons—­one seventeen, one nine, and one seven.  They with their mother constitute my whole family.  As to the whiskers, as I have never worn any, do you not think that people would call it a piece of silly affectation were I to begin wearing them now?

I am your true friend and sincere well-wisher,

A. Lincoln.

EARLY INFORMATION ON ARMY DEFECTION IN SOUTH

To D. Hunter.

(Private and Confidential.)
Springfield, Illinois, October 26, 1860

MAJOR DAVID HUNTER

My dear sir:—­Your very kind letter of the 20th was duly received, for which please accept my thanks.  I have another letter, from a writer unknown to me, saying the officers of the army at Fort Kearny have determined in case of Republican success at the approaching Presidential election, to take themselves, and the arms at that point, south, for the purpose of resistance to the government.  While I think there are many chances to one that this is a humbug, it occurs to me that any real movement of this sort in the Army would leak out and become known to you.  In such case, if it would not be unprofessional or dishonorable (of which you are to be judge), I shall be much obliged if you will apprise me of it.

Yours very truly,

A. Lincoln.

TO HANNIBAL HAMLIN

(Confidential.)
Springfield.  Illinois, November 8, 1860

Hon.  Hannibal Hamlin.

My dear sir:—­I am anxious for a personal interview with you at as early a day as possible.  Can you, without much inconvenience, meet me at Chicago?  If you can, please name as early a day as you conveniently can, and telegraph me, unless there be sufficient time before the day named to communicate by mail.

Yours very truly,