Letter published in NYTimes on November 6, 1860

[David Lockmiller]

The following is a letter from an unidentified person in Springfield, Illinois that was published in the New York Times on Tuesday, November 6, 1860:

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Wednesday, Oct. 24, 1860.

REV. AND DEAR SIR: Your favor of the 17th is received. You request me to inform you what I know personally of Mr. ABRAHAM LINCOLN, first, as to his intellectual capacity; second, his consistency; third, his good citizenship; fourth, his experience in political economy; fifth, his strength of will; sixth, his religious belief and practice; seventh, his moderation; eighth, his social qualities, &c.

As far as I am able I will answer your questions as they are propounded. In reply to the first, Mr. LINCOLN, though lacking in the refinement and cultivation of the schools, possesses more than ordinary intellectual capacity. This is, I think, clearly proven from the published political debates between him and Mr. DOUGLAS, in the celebrated campaign of 1858 in Illinois.

1. I am not politician enough to answer for the consistency of a politician. It is much in Mr. LINCOLN's favor that he can use the language to be found on page 106, in the second joint debate at Freeport, Aug. 27, 1858, between Mr. DOUGLAS and himself. (Vide Debates of Lincoln and Douglas, published by FOLLET, FORTES & CO., Columbus, Ohio.)

3. Respecting the good citizenship of this gentleman, I can answer most emphatically. In all the relations of husband, father and neighbor, he is without reproach.

4. I am a Democrat, and, therefore, not the proper person to answer for Mr. LINCOLN on this point.

5. Many persons think Mr. LINCOLN lacking in will. I do not. My reason is, that any man, born and bred in the West, and engaged in political life so long as has been Mr. LINCOLN, surrounded by all the temptations to rascality and sharp dealing of Western life, coming out unscathed, and with unblemished reputation for integrity, must have not only a will, but one that is very determined. Mr. LINCOLN I believe to be an honest man.

6. His religious belief I do not know. The Presbyterians claim him. He very rarely attends public worship.

7. "His moderation" is "known unto all men."

8. He enjoys a joke; tells a good story; is very kind and affable, and withal a most worthy gentleman.

Faithfully yours.

Some persons might consider this to be old news; and, they would be correct.

[Steve]

Interesting, thanks for sharing that! This letter might have become better known or reprinted in other papers if it hadn't been first printed on election day.