Edward Mattson to Abraham Lincoln, October 29, 1860

    Source citation
    Edward Mattson to Abraham Lincoln, October 29, 1860, Swedesboro, NJ, Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress, http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/alhtml/malhome.html.
    Author (from)
    Mattson, Edward
    Type
    Letter
    Date Certainty
    Exact
    Transcriber
    Transcribed by the Lincoln Studies Center, Knox College, Galesburg, IL
    Adapted by Don Sailer, Dickinson College
    Transcription date
    The following transcript has been adapted from the Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress.

    Swedesboro Octb. 29/60

    Respected Sir,
    Although a stranger I take the liberty to address you in the following. I am one of your honor's followers and while talking the other day with a couple of Democrats (to which party I formerly belonged) they said Honest Abe's party was poor just like himself I told them the party had all the money they wanted and guessed Mr Lincoln had too They laughed and said I could not get a $10 bill from Abe Lincoln if he was sure he would gain twenty votes. I told them to give me their honest words that they would both vote for Mr. Lincoln and I would bet $5 I could get twenty dollars They said they would bet $5 apiece and if I got twenty dollars they would both vote for Mr Lincoln. They are like unto the man in the scripture they are almost persuaded Im not a betting character but was not afraid on that score to risk a V, The United States are in such a condition that I beleive its every man duty to do all in his power to elect a man whose principles are true, firm, and lasting. If I get the $20 it shall all be put to use, and that will be to buy democrats, for a great many are flying to Mr. Lincolns party, and enough others can be bought for $2 1/2. This matter is a secret between us three and always shall be. If it receives your approval or is rejected I hope we shall not be exposed in any way If it does not meet your approval I hope to be forgiven.

    Yours with much respect

    Edward Mattson

    How to Cite This Page: "Edward Mattson to Abraham Lincoln, October 29, 1860," House Divided: The Civil War Research Engine at Dickinson College, https://hd.housedivided.dickinson.edu/index.php/node/34595.