David Davis to Abraham Lincoln, November 7, 1858

Danville.

Novr 7, 1858.

Dear Lincoln --

The result in Illinois, has both astonished and mortified me beyond measure There is one thing certain and that is that you have nothing to blame yourself for-- You have made a noble canvass -- (which, if unavailing in this state) has earned you a National reputation, & made you friends every where-- I doubt whether among your friends in Illinois any one feels your defeat more deeply than I do-- I have regretted for the past month that I had not early in the Summer resigned my judgeship, & entered into the fight for you-- Chained as I have been -- in the midst of the excitement around me, I have felt like restive & uneasy -- But -- it is evident now that I could have done no good--

The Pharisaical old Whigs in the Central counties, who are so much more righteous than other people, I cant talk about with any patience-- The lever of Judge Dickeys influence has been felt-- He drew the letter out of Mr Crittenden & I think, in view of every thing, that it was perfectly outrageous in Mr Crittenden to have written every any thing--

Some of you may forgive him, & Gov Seward & Mr Greeley but I cannot-- --

-- It was very shameful in my opinion for Dickey, to have kept that letter from 1st Augt & then published it a week before the election-- This portion of the state has been almost the only part doing well-- Poor Tazewell, falling from her high Estate grieves me greatly--

Danville you know is an out of the way place -- mail facilities very poor-- We only know here the result of the Legislature-- Dont know how the State Ticket is, but fear that our fate is untoward there as elsewhere--

-- Mr Usher of Terre Haute has been with us the past week-- He feels your defeat as keenly as any of us--

The main object I had in writing this letter, was to besides giving a little expression to my feelings, was to let you know of the Special Term at Urbana--

There was nothing but criminal business, done at the regular Term. There will be no criminal business at the Special Term.

The Special Term begins, at Urbana on next Thursday -- the 11th inst--

I did not know whether you designed to attend the Court or not, but thought you might want to -- and hence concluded to give you timely notice--

In haste --

Truly your friend,
David Davis

P S -- It would delight us all to see you at Urbana--

P S -- There is a large docket in Urbana, & Court will hold I reckon at 3 weeks