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366. George U. Miles (William H. Herndon Interview).

[1865 — 66]

Jno G. Hardin & E D Baker were Candidates for Congress in the year of AD 1843: they mutually submitted their claims to the decision of a whig Convention held at Pekin. Hardin — Baker and Lincoln all lived in this Congressional district at that time & included in the district the Counties of Sangamon — Morgan — Menard — Tazwell & others Counties. These three men now have a wide reputation — Lincoln more than the other two —

The Convention met in Pekin in April, 1843. Lincoln was not a Candidate — Baker & Hardin were. Hardin got all the Southern Counties in the District & Baker got all North of the District. This made a tie. Two County Conventions were held in Menard. Hardin was in Ky during both Conventions and beat Baker, Hardin getting Menard County. Before the final Ballot Many Counties were

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instructed for Lincoln & Could have beaten both Candidates. He was asked if he would not become a Cadidate. He said No — that he would rather Cut his arm off, rather than become a Candidate under the Circumstances, having as supposed made some kind to some one that he would not be Hence he refuse Hardin was nominated and went to Congress and took his seat in 1844. Baker went to the Mexican war — returned & went to Galena: Hardin went to the war and got Killed at Buena vsta. Baker went to Congress from the Galena District. Lincoln remained at home and went to Congress — was Elected to Congress in 1846 & took his seat in 1847 —

Postage — Miles — c25 — Lincoln not able to pay — 1849 —

Library of Congress: Herndon-Weik Collection. Manuscript Division. Library of Congress. Washington, D.C. 3789 — 90; Huntington Library: LN2408, 2:239 — 40

nts

Notes.

1. William H. Herndon seems to have first written 1840, then 1842, before writing 1843.