Lincoln attacks his accumulated correspondence, writing six letters. He tells R. M. Corwine, Ohio delegate to Chicago convention, his opinion of presidential politics in Illinois. Seward would be best for northern part, worst for southern half. Chase is in same situation. Reverse applies to Bates. About his own chances Lincoln feels disqualified to speak. He thanks William Gooding of Lockport, Ill. for his letter, and tells William Hobbs and William Hanna of Bloomington that he prefers a vacation from speech-making. If they insist, he will speak April 10, 1860. He writes family history to Richard V. B. Lincoln of Pennsylvania. He relates circumstances of $200 fee for New York speech to Cornelius McNeill of Middleport [Watseka], Ill., Republican editor who is worried about press gossip that Lincoln "charged" for making speech. He tells John Pickering, Edwards County Republican, where copies of his New York speech can be obtained. Abraham Lincoln to Richard M. Corwine, 6 April 1860, CW, 4:36; Abraham Lincoln to William Gooding, 6 April 1860, CW, 4:36; Abraham Lincoln to William C. Hobbs and William H. Hanna, 6 April 1860, CW, 4:37; Abraham Lincoln to Richard V. B. Lincoln, 6 April 1860, CW, 4:37; Abraham Lincoln to Cornelius F. McNeill, 6 April 1860, CW, 4:38; Abraham Lincoln to John Pickering, 6 April 1860, CW, 4:38-39.