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The Papers and Writings of Abraham Lincoln — Volume 1: 1832-1843 cover

The Papers and Writings of Abraham Lincoln — Volume 1: 1832-1843

Chapter 52: SPRINGFIELD, December 23, 1839.
By Abraham Lincoln
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About This Book

A curated collection of a prominent statesman’s early public and private writings, assembling speeches, legislative remarks, legal papers, and personal letters from his formative career. The documents trace the emergence of political convictions and rhetorical manner, addressing questions of slavery, banking, temperance, and party strategy while exposing private friendships, anxieties, and practical counsel. Editors supply introductions and commentary to situate the material and assess its significance. Taken together, the selections illuminate the gradual shaping of a pragmatic leadership that pairs moral reflection with tactical compromise in confronting local and national challenges.

TO JOHN T. STUART.

SPRINGFIELD, December 23, 1839.

DEAR STUART:

Dr. Henry will write you all the political news. I write this about some little matters of business. You recollect you told me you had drawn the Chicago Masark money, and sent it to the claimants. A hawk-billed Yankee is here besetting me at every turn I take, saying that Robert Kinzie never received the eighty dollars to which he was entitled. Can you tell me anything about the matter? Again, old Mr. Wright, who lives up South Fork somewhere, is teasing me continually about some deeds which he says he left with you, but which I can find nothing of. Can you tell me where they are? The Legislature is in session and has suffered the bank to forfeit its charter without benefit of clergy. There seems to be little disposition to resuscitate it.

Whenever a letter comes from you to Mrs.____________ I carry it to her, and then I see Betty; she is a tolerable nice “fellow” now. Maybe I will write again when I get more time.

Your friend as ever, A. LINCOLN

P. S.—The Democratic giant is here, but he is not much worth talking about. A.L.