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

Octr 9th 1866

Maj G. U. Miles.

I Know all about the Lincoln Morris letter, dated the 26th of March. 1843 — . Under its influence we in Menard got up a Convention of the People — had Lincoln's name before us — Morris & I were appointed delegates and were instructed to go for Lincoln and then for Hardin — Morris was taken Sick — Reigner was appointed in Morris' place. R belonged to me — would do as I wanted. Baker Kicked up at our first Convention — called the 2d & Lincoln was our choice & Hardin next as at first — I went up to Pekin — Lincoln was there — took me out & Said — "Other Counties have gone for me & are instructed for me if I'm a candidate — Ill be nominated the lst ballot — My honor is out with Baker. I'd Suffer my right arm to be cut off before I'd violate it. It impossible for me to run. I, after the Nominations, will get up & decline and I want you to go for Baker. Menard — your two votes — will settle the question. Baker will be nominated. "But," I said, "I as well as Reigner am instructed to go for Hardin after you. and will suffer my right arm Cut off before I'll violate my instructions" So the matter Ended. Hardin was nominated. & Elected. Baker did not make a flaming speech

Library of Congress: Herndon-Weik Collection. Manuscript Division. Library of Congress. Washington, D.C. 2699; Huntington Library: LN2408, 1:392 — 93

nts

Notes.

1. Date given in the docketing.

2. AL to Martin S. Morris, CW 1:319 — 21.

3. Written in the margin and then stricken: after Hardin was nominated & Elected The Convention was struck — rose to its feet and Nominated Baker went to Galena — and this took Lincoln by surprise — and so it ended. Baker succeeded Hardin & Lincoln succeeded Baker — . The phrase "went to Galena" is inserted with a caret and seems to have been intended as a parenthetical.