Abraham Lincoln to R.M. Corwine, April 06, 1860

Abraham Lincoln to R.M. Corwine, April 06, 1860

To R. M. Corwine [NOTE: 1. A delegate from Ohio to the Chicago Convention in 1860. During the War for the Union he served on the staff of General Frémont.]

Springfield, Ill., April 6th, 1860.

Hon. R. M. Corwine.

My Dear Sir— Reaching home yesterday after an absence of more than two weeks, I found your letter of the 24th of March. Remembering that when not a very great man begins to be mentioned for a very great position, his head is very likely to be a little turned, I concluded I am not the fittest person to answer the questions you ask. Making due allowance for this, I think Mr. Seward is the very best candidate we could have for the North of Illinois, and the very worst for the South of it. The estimate of Gov. Chase here is neither better nor worse than that of Seward, except that he is a newer man. They are regarded as being almost the same, seniority giving Seward the inside track. Mr. Bates, I think, would be the best man for the South of our State, and the worst for the North of it. If Judge McLean [NOTE: 1. John McLean, of Ohio, United States Supreme Court Justice. He received twelve votes on the first ballot in the convention and five on the third and last ballot.] was fifteen, or even ten years younger, I think he would be stronger than either, in our state, taken as a whole; but his great age, and the recollection of the deaths of Harrison and Taylor have, so far, prevented his being much spoken of here.

I really believe we can carry the state for either of them, or for any one who may be nominated; but doubtless it would be easier to do it with some than with others.

I feel myself disqualified to speak of myself in this matter. I feel this letter will be of little value to you; but I can make it no better, under the circumstances. Let it be strictly confidential, not that there is any thing really objectionable in it, but because it might be misconstrued.

Yours very truly,

A. Lincoln.