Wilson, Douglas L., ed.; Davis, Rodney O., ed.; Conkling, James C. 'James C. Conkling to Jesse W. Weik' in 'Herndon's Informants: Letters, Interviews, and Statements About Abraham Lincoln' . Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1998. [format: book], [genre: letter]. Permission: University of Illinois Press
Persistent link to this document: http://lincoln.lib.niu.edu/file.php?file=herndon672a.html

561. James C. Conkling to Jesse W. Weik.

Springfield, Ill., Jany 11 1889

Dear Sir

I now enclose you a copy of the letter dated August 26 1863 by Mr Lincoln to me. ^[1] It has been carefully compared with the original and is a correct copy, except the words commencing "I know as fully as one can know &c" to the words "You say you will not fight to free negroes", were not included in the original, but were telegraphed the next day with instructions to insert.

I have no copy of the invitation extended to Mr Lincoln to attend the mass meeting

I will remark that Mr Bancroft, the historian in commenting on this letter, considers it addressed to me as one who was criticizing Mr Lincoln's policy. On the contrary, I was directed by a meeting of unconditional Union men, to invite Mr Lincoln to attend a mass meeting composed of such men, and he only took occasion to address his opponents through the medium of this letter

Yours truly
James C. Conkling

Library of Congress: Herndon-Weik Collection. Manuscript Division. Library of Congress. Washington, D.C. 4683