Lyman Trumbull to Abraham Lincoln, July 19, 1858

Washington, July 19, 1858.

Dr. Sir,

I have read your speech & Douglas' at Chicago, & think you exposed very clearly his false logic, or rather I should say, his downright misrepresentations of your remarks at Springfield-- Your Springfield speech was a very happy one, & Douglas can never answer, though he may misrepresent it-- It is in misrepresentation & raising false issues that his power consists-- He never did debate a question fairly-- I see by the papers that his friends are very active in getting up big meetings & making parades over him. I know you despise such appliances & so do I, but still they have their effect-- Many persons are dazzled by these shows, & others by being made participants are drawn into his support. I thought that our friends did not pay attention enough to these outside matters two years ago.

The Union as you perceive is still finding fault with Douglas, but somehow I cannot think that the opposition to him from that source will amount to anything in our state-- Hope I may be mistaken. Is it your intention to traverse the state & address public meetings, as was done two years ago? Suppose Douglas will do it, & that may make it necessary that others should-- I would go through South Ill. if it is thought advisable, but do not suppose we can expect any members South of St Clair unless possibly we get one from Randolph; & our state ticket, I take it, is in no danger. Of course our chief attention ought to be turned to the doubtful counties & those no doubt you will look after-- I shall soon be home & expect to do what I can for the success of the cause during the Fall. Gov. Koerner writes me that he thinks we will be pretty certain of the St Clair members, which will be a gain of one-- I am a little uneasy about Madison-- The strong Filmore influence there makes it a troublesome county to manage. Have you any information from that Co.? It may all be right & that we will carry the Co. by a thousand majority, & yet it is not impossible that we may loose the county--

Let me hear from you fully what your plans are. Our cause is just, the people are with us, & we must not, & shall not fail for want of effort so far as I am concerned--

Yours Sincerely,

Lyman Trumbull