Lincoln has heard rumor, as emanating from Hamlin, that Maine Republicans would lose two congressional districts. He writes Hamlin: "Such a result . . . would, I fear, put us on the down-hill track, lose us the State elections in Pennsylvania and Indiana, and probably ruin us on the main turn in November. You must not allow it." He relates his career as candidate to John Coulter of Niles, Mich., and writes Joseph Medill of Chicago reporting recent good news from key states. Abraham Lincoln to Hannibal Hamlin, 4 September 1860, CW, 4:110; Abraham Lincoln to John Coulter, 4 September 1860, CW, 4:109; Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Medill, 4 September 1860, CW, 4:110-11.