Norman Buel Judd to Abraham Lincoln, November 15, 1858

Chicago 15 Nov 1858

Dear Sir -- I have been hoping and expecting to have a word from you but nothing Comes-- If you feel as blue as I have since election I do not blame you-- The future looks gloomy to me-- I assume that having the power they will so district the State that we will be sold permanently -- and we are particularly vulnerable in this City and County-- Their plans are already maturing by legislation to take the control the city government -- and they can do it and all we can do is Micawber like to wait for something to turn up-- You have at once made a national reputation that cannot be taken away from you

I am in a worse situation than any one else-- I ran the State Committee upon the most economical plan and it has unpaid bill to the amount of about $2500.-- I have written to Hatch & Dubois about their subscription, but I get no answer, and I am in the boat-- Our friends ought to help this matter out, or the party will be disgraced-- A personal request from yourself to some of our leading friends throughout the State would help it out-- Will Consult with the friends and see if anything can be done

Yr friend

N B Judd