02. Lincoln to Hawkins Taylor on possible visit to Iowa and demands on Lincoln's time
Title
02. Lincoln to Hawkins Taylor on possible visit to Iowa and demands on Lincoln's time
Subject
Description
Letter from Abraham Lincoln to Hawkins Taylor, a prominent Republican from Keokuk, Iowa who had represented Lee County in the state's first territorial legislature. Lincoln comments on the demands for public appearances during the presidential campaign, expresses concern about the financial implications of neglecting his law practice, asks for political assessment of U.S. Sen. James W. Grimes (Republican, Iowa), and sends respects to U.S. Rep. Samuel R. Curtis (Republican, Iowa). September 6, 1859. Lincoln, an extremely popular figure in the new Republican Party, had given speeches in Iowa in 1858 and 1859, at Burlington and Council Bluffs, respectively. Autograph Letter Signed.
Date
1859-09-06
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
11/19/2007
Transcription
Hawkins Taylor, Esq Springfield, Ills, Sep. 6, 1859. My dear Sir: Yours of the 3rd is just received. There is some mistake about my expected attendance of the U.S. Court in your city on the 3rd Tuesday of this month. I have had no thought of being there. It is bad to be poor. I shall go to the wall for bread and meat, if I neglect my business this year as well as last. It would please me much to see the City, and good people, of Keokuck, but for this year it is less than an impossibility. I am constantly receiving invitations which I am compelled to decline. I was pressingly urged to go to Minnesota; and I now have two invitations to go to Ohio. These last are prompted by Douglas' going there; and I am really tempted to make a flying trip to Columbus & Cincinnati. I do hope your will have no serious trouble in Iowa. What thinks [Iowa's U.S. Senator James W.] Grimes about it? I have not known him to be mistaken about an election in Iowa. Present my respects to Col. [Samuel R.] Curtis, & any other friends; and believe me Yours Truly A. Lincoln