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379. Judge Samuel Treat (statement for William H. Herndon).
[1865 — 66]
Mr. Lincoln' fairness to his political opponents.
When Mr. Lincoln first ran for congress, the opposing Candidate was a Methodist preacher. During the Canvass, an aspiring Democrat said to Mr. Lincoln, "Such is my utter aversion to the meddling of preachers in politics, that I will vote for you Even at the risk of losing cast with my party, if you think the contest doubtful." Mr. Lincoln replied, "I would like your vote, but I fully appreciate your position, and will give you my honest opinion on the morning of Election day." On that morning he called on the Democrat and said, "I am now satisfied that I have got the preacher by the _______, and you had better keep out of the ring."
Library of Congress: Herndon-Weik Collection. Manuscript Division. Library of Congress. Washington, D.C. 3977; Huntington Library: LN2408, 2:182 — 83