From Vandalia, Illinois, where he is serving in the legislature, Lincoln writes to New Salem resident Mary Owens, with whom Lincoln is, perhaps reluctantly, romantically linked. He discusses politics and his state of mind. He writes, "The new State House is not yet finished, and consequently the legislature is doing little...The Governor delivered an inflamitory political Message, and it is expected there will be some sparring between the parties...I have been sick ever since my arrival here...I would rather be any place in the world than here. I...can not endure the thought of staying here ten weeks." Abraham Lincoln to Mary S. Owens, 13 December 1836, CW, 1:54-55.