Iowa Heritage Digital Collections
State Library of Iowa

01. Lincoln to Martin S. Morris on support at Whig convention

Title

01. Lincoln to Martin S. Morris on support at Whig convention

Description

Letter from Abraham Lincoln to Martin Sims Morris, a delegate from Menard County, Illinois instructed to support Lincoln as the party's Illinois 3rd District U.S. Congressional candidate at a May 1, 1843 Whig state convention. Lincoln affirms his candidacy and expresses doubt about rumors that rival candidate Edward D. Baker would attempt to shift the allegiances of Morris and George U. Miles, Menard County's other pledged Lincoln delegate. April 14, 1843. Lincoln's political maneuvering at the subsequent gathering helped pave the way for his election in 1846 to the U.S. House of Representatives. Autograph Letter Signed.

Date

1843-04-14

Contributor

Becki Plunkett and Stephen Vincent

Rights

Copyright State Historical Society of Iowa. Information at http://www.iowahistory.org/libraries/services-and-fees/conditions-for-image-reproductions.html

Digital Reproduction Information

Original scanned at 600 dpi w/ sRGB color space.

Repository

State Historical Society of Iowa, Des Moines

Repository Collection

Special Collections: Abraham Lincoln Collection

Digital item created

8/22/2008

Transcription

April 14th 1843. Friend Morris: I have heard it insinuated that [rival Edward D.] Baker has been attempting to get you or [George U.] Miles or both of you to violate the instructions of the meeting that appointed you, and to go for him. I have insisted, and still insist, that this can not be true. Surely Baker would not do the like. As well might [fellow candidate John J.] Hardin ask me to vote for him, in the convention. Again, it is said there will be an attempt to get up instructions in your county, requiring you to go for Baker. This is all wrong again. Upon the same rule, why might not I fly from the decision against me [in favor of Hardin] in Sangamon and get up instructions to their delegation to go form me. There are at least twelve hundred whigs in the county, that took no part. And yet I would as soon put my head in the fire as to attempt it. I should feel myself strongly dishonored by it. Besides, if any one should get the nomination by such extraordinary means, all harmony in the district would inevitably be lost. Honest whigs (and very nearly all of them are honest) will not quiet abide such enormities. I repeat, such an attempt on Baker's part can not be true. Write me at Springfield, how this matter is. Don't show or speak this letter. As ever yours A. Lincoln