Republican presidential nominee Lincoln writes to his longtime friend Dr. Anson G. Henry, formerly of Springfield, Illinois, and currently living in Oregon. Lincoln is cautiously optimistic that the Republican Party will win the presidency, especially considering the conflicts within the Democratic Party. He writes, "I think the chances were more than equal that we could have beaten the Democracy united. Divided, as it is, it's chance appears indeed very slim. But great is Democracy in resources; and it may yet give it's fortunes a turn." Lincoln closes with news about his sons Willie and Robert, and writes, "Our boy [Willie] . . . has just had a hard and tedious spell of scarlet-fever; and he is not yet beyond all danger. I have a head-ache, and a sore throat upon me now, inducing me to suspect that I have an inferior type of the same thing. Our eldest boy, Bob, has been away from us nearly a year at school, and will enter Harvard University this month. He promises very well, considering we never controlled him much." Abraham Lincoln to Anson G. Henry, 4 July 1860, CW, 4:81-82.

Springfield Democrats demonstrate with procession. Democrats claim Lincoln watched parade from state house dome. Republicans deny it, and for weeks controversy, reminiscent of Lincoln's Mexican War resolutions, goes on as to 'spot' from which he viewed parade. Register, Illinois State Journal, 26 July 1860 ff.

Thomas M. Johnston, Boston artist, completes portrait of Lincoln. Rufus R. Wilson, Lincoln in Portraiture (New York: Press of the Pioneer, 1935), 104.

Lincoln writes Francis E. Spinner, New York congressman: "You will perhaps be pleased, as I have been, to know that many good men have tendered me substantially the same advice that you do (excepting as to re-election) and that no single man of any mark has, so far, tempted me to a contrary course." Spinner had warned Lincoln that Buchanan men were making patronage deals with Republicans. Abraham Lincoln to Francis E. Spinner, 27 July 1860, CW, 4:88.

Lincoln sends Nicolay, his secretary, to Carl Schurz with scrapbook which Schurz wants, and writes covering note. Abraham Lincoln to Carl Schurz, 28 July 1860, CW, 4:88.

Lincoln acknowledges speech which James O. Putnam of New York sent him, and compliments him. "And now allow me to name one error. John Adams was not elected over Jefferson by the H.R.; but Jefferson was over Burr. Such is my recollection." Abraham Lincoln to James O. Putnam, 29 July 1860, CW, 4:89.

To Thomas Doney, Lincoln writes: "The picture (I know not the artistic designation) was duly and thankfully received. I consider it a very excellent one; though, truth to say, I am a very indifferent judge." Abraham Lincoln to Thomas Doney, 30 July 1860, CW, 4:89.