Lincoln writes to Henry Wilson of Massachusetts on value of political organization. In late Aug. or early Sept. Lincoln begins long reply to pamphlet by John Hill, Petersburg Democrat, entitled "Opposing principles of Henry Clay and Abraham Lincoln." Having got his own pamphlet well started as reply, he gives it up, evidently deciding that Hill's attack is not worth more of his time. Abraham Lincoln to Henry Wilson, 1 September 1860, CW, 4:109; Abraham Lincoln to John Hill, September 1860, CW, 4:104-8; Fragments of an Answer to John Hill, [September 1860], CW, 4:108.

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.

Republican presidential nominee Lincoln writes to Anson G. Chester, of Buffalo, New York. Chester had informed Lincoln about a newspaper that accused Lincoln of making disparaging remarks about Thomas Jefferson. Lincoln responds, "The extract...which you sent...is a base forgery...I never said anything like it, at any time or place. I do not recognize it as anything I have ever seen before, emanating from any source. I wish my name not to be used; but my friends will be entirely safe in denouncing the thing as a forgery, so far as it is ascribed to me." Abraham Lincoln to Anson G. Chester, 5 September 1860, CW, 4:111-12.

Lincoln reads proof sheets of his Cooper Union address, makes changes, and returns them to Charles C. Nott. "And now please accept for yourself, and present to the 'Young men's Republican Union' my grateful acknowledgments, for your and their exceeding kindness towards me in this matter." He writes to A. K. McClure of Pennsylvania regarding danger in that state. Abraham Lincoln to Charles C. Nott, 6 September 1860, CW, 4:113; Abraham Lincoln to Alexander K. McClure, 6 September 1860, CW, 4:112-13.

Lincoln acknowledges letter from E. B. Washburne, whose brother is running for governor of Maine. "Yours of the 5th. was received last evening. I was right glad to see it. It contains the freshest 'posting' which I now have. It relieved me some from a little anxiety I had about Maine." Abraham Lincoln to Elihu B. Washburne, 9 September 1860, CW, 4:113-14.

"I have pleasure in assuring you," Lincoln writes to Charles G. Wilson, "that there is no great pressure upon me for the offices in prospect." Lincoln, Browning, Hatch, and Dubois have conference for "arranging some political appointments." Abraham Lincoln to Charles G. Wilson, 10 September 1860, CW, 4:114; Browning, Diary.

Lincoln is awarded land grant (120 acres) by federal government for Black Hawk War service. Emanuel Hertz, Abraham Lincoln: A New Portrait, 2 vols. (New York: Liveright, 1931), 785.

"You must not lay much stress on the blunder about Mr. Adams," Lincoln writes James O. Putnam, "for I made a more mischievous one, in the first printed speech of mine, on the Slavery question—Oct. 1854—I stated that the prohibition of slavery in the North West Territory was made a condition in the Virginia deed of cession—while, in fact, it was not." He also writes James F. Babcock of New York about pictures and Volk's bust. Abraham Lincoln to James O. Putnam, 13 September 1860, CW, 4:115; Abraham Lincoln to James F. Babcock, 13 September 1860, CW, 4:114-15.

Lincoln writes Judge John Pettit of Kansas about prospects in New York. Abraham Lincoln to John Pettit, 14 September 1860, CW, 4:115.

Lincoln writes Nathaniel Grigsby, whose brother Aaron had married Lincoln's sister in Indiana. "There is now a Republican electoral ticket in Missouri, so that you can vote for me if your neighbors will let you. I would advise you not to get into any trouble about it." He tells Gov. Morgan of New York, Republican national chairman, that Illinois is indeed in danger of losing legislature. Judd can tell him what national committee can do to help. Currently, however, Indiana is biggest problem because of their Oct. election. "Bend all your energies upon Indiana now." He acknowledges letter from his old friend Nathan Sargent. Abraham Lincoln to Nathaniel Grigsby, 20 September 1860, CW, 4:116; Abraham Lincoln to Edwin D. Morgan, 20 September 1860, CW, 4:116-17; Abraham Lincoln to Nathan Sargent, 20 September 1860, CW, 4:117.

Correspondent of "Missouri Democrat" calls on Lincoln. "During that hour, visitors, ladies and gentlemen, called upon him from almost every State in the Union; and we were all greeted with a most cordial welcome by this man of the people." He "can not only discuss ably the great democratic principle of our Government, but at the same time tell how to navigate a vessel, maul a rail, or even dress a deer-skin." N.Y. Tribune, 29 September 1860.

Lincoln writes family history to John Chrisman, descendant of Virginia Lincolns. Abraham Lincoln to John Chrisman, 21 September 1860, CW, 4:117.

Lincoln writes five brief letters on politics. "It all looks very favorable to our success," he tells A. G. Henry of Oregon. "No one, this side of the mountains, pretends that any ticket can be elected by the People, unless it be ours." Abraham Lincoln to Anson G. Henry, 22 September 1860, CW, 4:118; Abraham Lincoln to Mrs. M. J. Green, 22 September 1860, CW, 4:118; Abraham Lincoln to Charles C. Nott, 22 September 1860, CW, 4:118-19; Abraham Lincoln to G. Yoke Tams, 22 September 1860, CW, 4:119; Abraham Lincoln to John Van Dyke, 22 September 1860, CW, 4:119-20.

Lincoln writes young relative: "This side of the Rocky Mountains things appear reasonably well for the general result. In opposing David Logan, at the late Congressional election in Oregon, I suppose you did what you thought was right. . . . Still, I am sorry you did not think differently, as I knew David from his childhood, and he studied law in our office when his father and I were partners." He thanks F. E. Spinner of New York for "Bag of books." Abraham Lincoln to John T. Hanks, 24 September 1860, CW, 4:120; Abraham Lincoln to Francis E. Spinner, 24 September 1860, CW, 4:120-21.

Lincoln advises prospective lawyer on how to study law. "Get the books, and read, and study them carefully. Begin with Blackstone's Commentaries, and after reading it carefully through, say twice, take up Chitty's Pleading, Greenleaf's Evidence, & Story's Equity &c., in succession. Work, work, work, is the main thing." Abraham Lincoln to John M. Brockman, 25 September 1860, CW, 4:121.

Prince of Wales passes through Springfield. Lincoln tells reporter that he wanted to see royal visitor, but that action on his part would have been inconsistent with dignity. So he remains at state house, where he met "so many sovereigns during the day that really the Prince had come and gone" before he knew it. N.Y. Herald, 20 October 1860.

Lincoln writes two brief political letters. Abraham Lincoln to Benjamin F. James, 26 September 1860, CW, 4:121; Abraham Lincoln to Nehemiah D. Sperry, 26 September 1860, CW, 4:121-22.

Lincoln writes J. E. Harvey: "There is no reality in that suspicion about Judge Kelley. Neither he nor any other man has obtained or sought such a relation with me." He thanks George B. Lincoln of New York for sending campaign medals "for the Boys." Abraham Lincoln to James E. Harvey, 27 September 1860, CW, 4:122; Abraham Lincoln to George B. Lincoln, 27 September 1860, CW, 4:122.

O. M. Hatch introduces another New York "Herald" correspondent to Lincoln. Reporter finds him in governor's office, "seated, engaged in conversation with strangers from different parts of the country. . . . He entered at once into conversation upon the general topics of the day." N.Y. Herald, 20 October 1860.

Lincoln thanks "Prof." Daniel P. Gardner for gift of soap. "Mrs. L. declares it is a superb article. She at the same time, protests that I have never given sufficient attention to the 'soap question' to be a competent judge." Abraham Lincoln to Daniel P. Gardner, 28 September 1860, CW, 4:122-23.

Lincoln enjoys himself by composing, in pencil, imaginary dialogue between Douglas and Breckinridge. Dialogue between Stephen A. Douglas and John C. Breckinridge, 29 September 1860, CW, 4:123-24.