Abraham Lincoln Papers

Abraham Lincoln papers

1 From Abraham Lincoln to Thaddeus Stevens , September 3, 1848

1 Lincoln had attended the presidential nominating convention of the Whig party held in Philadelphia in June, where he met the recipient of this letter. Thaddeus Stevens was 13 years older than Lincoln and a Whig veteran of the Pennsylvania state legislature who was about to be elected to his first seat in the federal House of Representatives. The letter suggests Lincoln's interest in cultivating ties to influential Whigs on the national scene. Although both Lincoln and Stevens would eventually become Republicans, Stevens, as a Congressman during the Civil War, would prove a frequent critic of President Lincoln's policies.

Washington, Sept 3. 1848

Dear Sir:

You may possibly remember seeing me at the Philadelphia Convention — introduced to you as the lone whig star of Illinois— Since the adjournment, I have remained here, so long, in the Whig document room— I am now about to start for home; and I desire the undisguised opinion of some experienced and sagacious Pennsylvania politician, as to how the vote of that state, for governor, and president, is likely to go— In casting about for such a man, I have settled upon you; and I shall be much obliged if you will write me at Springfield, Illinois—

The news we are receiving here now, by letters from all quarters is steadily on the rise; we have none lately of a discouraging character— This is the sum, without giving particulars—Yours truly

A Lincoln

[Addressed by Lincoln on the reverse side:]

Free. A Lincoln MC

Hon Thaddeus Stevens

Lancaster

Pa—

Abraham Lincoln papers http://www.loc.gov/resource/mal.4334700