596

483. Alexander C. Campbell to Jesse W. Weik.

La Salle Sep 29 1886

Dear Sir

Yours of 27th received In reply would say that I have but one of Mr Lincolns letters which I special reasons for retaining in my possession. Believing that when Good public men die much of their private correspondence in relation to Men and Measures might be wrongly Construed I Consigned to the flames all his letters Except the one refered to. And I would not give it to the public were it that he after many years after it was written Communicated to the Contents to parties some of whom were personal friends of he and I. and some that were otherwise Having several applications similar to yours particularly in reference to the letter in question I have Concluded to have it photographed and if the artist is successful in producing a perfect Copy I will mail one to you with a brief history of the Cercumstances under which it was written which is the best I Can do for you and other inquering friends of the great and good man so univerally admired by Men of all parties

Yours Very truly
A. Campbell

Library of Congress: Herndon-Weik Collection. Manuscript Division. Library of Congress. Washington, D.C. 4590

nts

Notes.

1. Probably AL to Campbell, June 25, 1858, CW 2:473.