One of the most valued possessions of the Gillespie family of
Edwardsville, Ill., is a package of old letters, the paper stained by
time and the ink faded, but each missive rendered invaluable, to them
at least, by the well-known signature of Abraham Lincoln which adorns
it. These letters, so carefully preserved, are nearly all of a political
nature, and are addressed to Hon. Joseph Gillespie, before the war one
of the leading politicians of Illinois, a famous stump speaker, several
times member of the legislature, and for many years one of Lincoln’s most
intimate political friends. The correspondence covers a period of about
ten years, from 1849 to 1858, and the most interesting feature of this
period, so far as Lincoln was concerned, was his unsuccessful effort to
be elected to the United States senate. Probably the first intimation
of his ambition in this direction was conveyed to Mr. Gillespie in the
following letter, the original of which is now in the possession of the
Missouri Historical Association, having been presented to that society
by Mr. Gillespie in 1876. A copy, however, forms part of the family
collection. It reads:
“Springfield, Ill., December 1, 1854.--(J. Gillespie, Esq.)--Dear Sir:
I have really got it into my head to be United States senator, and if I
could have your support my chances would be reasonably good. But I know
and acknowledge that you have as just claims to the place as I have;
and, therefore, I cannot ask you to yield to me if you are thinking of
becoming a candidate yourself. If, however, you are not, then I would
like to be remembered by you; and also to have you make a mark for me
with the anti-Nebraska members down your way. If you know, and have
no objection to tell, let me know whether Trumbull intends to make a
push. If he does I suppose the two men in St. Clair, and one or both in
Madison, will be for him.
“We have the legislature clearly enough on joint ballot, but the senate
is very close, and Cullom told me to-day that the Nebraska men will stave
off the election if they can. Even if we get into joint vote we shall
have difficulty to unite our forces. Please write me and let this be
confidential. Your friend as ever.
“A. LINCOLN.”