Secretary was instructed to answer A numerous class of letters in the
campaign of 1860.

(Doctrine.)
Springfield, Illinois, _______, 1860

Dear sir:—­Your letter to Mr. Lincoln of and by which you seek to obtain his opinions on certain political points, has been received by him.  He has received others of a similar character, but he also has a greater number of the exactly opposite character.  The latter class beseech him to write nothing whatever upon any point of political doctrine.  They say his positions were well known when he was nominated, and that he must not now embarrass the canvass by undertaking to shift or modify them.  He regrets that he cannot oblige all, but you perceive it is impossible for him to do so.

Yours, etc.,

JNO.  J. Nicolay.

TO E. B. WASHBURNE.

Springfield, Illinois, may 26, 1860
Hon.  E. B. WASHBURNE.

My dear sir:—­I have several letters from you written since the nomination, but till now have found no moment to say a word by way of answer.  Of course I am glad that the nomination is well received by our friends, and I sincerely thank you for so informing me.  So far as I can learn, the nominations start well everywhere; and, if they get no back-set, it would seem as if they are going through.  I hope you will write often; and as you write more rapidly than I do, don’t make your letters so short as mine.

Yours very truly,

A. Lincoln.

TO S. HAYCRAFT.

Springfield, ill., June 4, 1860.

Hon.  Samuel Haycraft.

My dear sir:—­Like yourself I belonged to the old Whig party from its origin to its close.  I never belonged to the American party organization, nor ever to a party called a Union party; though I hope I neither am or ever have been less devoted to the Union than yourself or any other patriotic man.

Yours very truly,

A. Lincoln.

ABRAHAM OR “ABRAM”

To G. Ashmun.

Springfield, ill.  June 4, 1860
Hon.  George Ashmun.

My dear sir:—­It seems as if the question whether my first name is “Abraham” or “Abram” will never be settled.  It is “Abraham,” and if the letter of acceptance is not yet in print, you may, if you think fit, have my signature thereto printed “Abraham Lincoln.”  Exercise your judgment about this.

Yours as ever,

A. Lincoln.

UNAUTHORIZED BIOGRAPHY