Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the committee:—­I tender to you, and through you to the Republican National Convention, and all the people represented in it, my profoundest thanks for the high honor done me, which you now formally announce.  Deeply and even painfully sensible of the great responsibility which is inseparable from this high honor—­a responsibility which I could almost wish had fallen upon some one of the far more eminent men and experienced statesmen whose distinguished names were before the convention—­I shall, by your leave, consider more fully the resolutions of the convention, denominated their platform, and without any unnecessary or unreasonable delay respond to you, Mr. Chairman, in writing—­not doubting that the platform will be found satisfactory, and the nomination gratefully accepted.

And now I will not longer defer the pleasure of taking you, and each of you, by the hand.

ACCEPTANCE OF NOMINATION AS REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

To George Ashmun and others.

Springfield Illinois, May 23, 1860

Hon.  George Ashmun, President of Republican National Convention.

Sir:—­I accept the nomination tendered me by the convention over which you presided, and of which I am formally apprised in the letter of yourself and others, acting as a committee of the convention for that purpose.

The declaration of principles and sentiments which accompanies your letter meets my approval; and it shall be my care not to violate or disregard it in any part.

Imploring the assistance of Divine Providence, and with due regard to the views and feelings of all who were represented in the convention, to the rights of all the States and Territories and people of the nation, to the inviolability of the Constitution, and the perpetual union, harmony, and prosperity of all—­I am most happy to co-operate for the practical success of the principles declared by the convention.

Your obliged friend and fellow-citizen,

A. Lincoln.

To C. B. Smith.

Springfield, ill., May 26, 1860.

Hon.  C. B. Smith.

My dear sir:-Yours of the 21st was duly received, but have found no time until now to say a word in the way of answer.  I am indeed much indebted to Indiana; and, as my home friends tell me, much to you personally.  Your saying, you no longer consider Ia. a doubtful State is very gratifying.  The thing starts well everywhere—­too well, I almost fear, to last.  But we are in, and stick or go through must be the word.

Let me hear from Indiana occasionally.

Your friend, as ever,

A. Lincoln.

FORM OF REPLY PREPARED BY MR. LINCOLN, WITH WHICH HIS PRIVATE