Form Of Reply Prepared By Mr. Lincoln,
WITH WHICH HIS PRIVATE SECRETARY WAS INSTRUCTED TO ANSWER A NUMEROUS CLASS OF LETTERS IN THE CAMPAIGN OF 1860.
(Doctrine.)
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, ———, 1860
DEAR SIR:—Your letter to Mr. Lincoln of and by which you seek to obtain his opinions on certain political points, has been received by him. He has received others of a similar character, but he also has a greater number of the exactly opposite character. The latter cla** beseech him to write nothing whatever upon any point of political doctrine. They say his positions were well known when he was nominated, and that he must not now embarra** the canva** by undertaking to shift or modify them. He regrets that he cannot oblige all, but you perceive it is impossible for him to do so.
Yours, etc.,
JNO. J. NICOLAY.