GDG- A Whig Yet

[Dennis Lawrence]

Novr. 27, 1854 - Lincoln writes two important letters. One is to T. J. 
Henderson, member of House from Stark County, asking for his vote in 
senatorial election. Other is to Ichabod Codding, asking by what authority 
he (Lincoln) has been placed on Republican state central committee. He 
writes Elihu N. Powell of Peoria that, as Powell advised, he declines to 
serve as representative. He stood for election only to help Yates


 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

To Thomas J. Henderson [1]
T. J. Henderson, Esq Springfield,
My dear Sir--- Novr. 27, 1854

It has come round that a whig may, by possibility, be elected to the U.S. 
Senate; and I want the chance of being the man. You are a member of the 
Legislature, and have a vote to give. Think it over, and see whether you 
can do better than to go for me.

Write me, at all events; and let this be confidential. Yours truly

A. LINCOLN---
Annotation

[1]   ALS, owned by Fred H. Dunbar, Princeton, Illinois. Thomas J. 
Henderson was an anti-Nebraska member of the state House of Representatives.
 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
To Elihu N. Powell [1]
E. N. Powell, Esq Springfield,
My dear Sir: Nov. 27- 1854

Acting on your advice, and my own judgment, I have declined accepting the 
office of Representative of this county. I only allowed myself to be 
elected, because it was supposed my doing so would help Yates.

Things look reasonably well; but I fear some will insist on a platform, 
which I can not stand upon.

Please write me again when you discover any thing worth writing about. 
Yours as ever A. LINCOLN---

P.S. Can I venture to write directly to Dr. Arnold? [2] A–L–
Annotation

[1]   ALS, owned by Wayne C. Townley, Bloomington, Illinois. Elihu N. 
Powell was an attorney at Peoria, partner of William F. Bryan.

[2]   Dr. John D. Arnold of Peoria, an anti-Nebraska Whig who had been 
elected recently to the state Senate.