Lincoln writes to George W. Rives of Edgar County: "Last summer . . . I was painfully constrained to withhold a recommendation which you desired, and shortly afterwards I learned . . . that you were indulging open abuse of me. . . . The question occurred whether you were attempting to use me, at the same time you would injure me. . . . I have remained in suspense. I now enclose you a letter which you may use if you think fit." Abraham Lincoln to George W. Rives, 15 December 1849, CW, 2:69.