⁂ It is easy to see the great personal interest of such a letter as
this. It marks a period in Lincoln’s life, the importance of which can
hardly be over-estimated. In Morse’s _Life of Lincoln_, it is said that
upon the offer of the position, “controlled by the sensible advice of
his wife, he fortunately declined.”
Springfield, _Illinois_, _Sept. 27, 1849_.
“HON. J. M. CLAYTON
Secretary of State.