it. That I can voluntarily postpone my pretensions, when they are no more
than equal to those to which they are postponed, you have yourself seen.
But to yield to Hardin under present circumstances seems to me as nothing
else than yielding to one who would gladly sacrifice me altogether. This
I would rather not submit to. That Hardin is talented, energetic, usually
generous and magnanimous, I have before this affirmed to you and do not
deny. You know that my only argument is that "turn about is fair play."
This he, practically at least, denies.

If it would not be taxing you too much, I wish you would write me,
telling the aspect of things in your country, or rather your district;
and also, send the names of some of your Whig neighbors, to whom I might,
with propriety, write. Unless I can get some one to do this, Hardin, with
his old franking list, will have the advantage of me. My reliance for a
fair shake (and I want nothing more) in your country is chiefly on you,
because of your position and standing, and because I am acquainted with
so few others. Let me hear from you soon.

Yours truly,
A. LINCOLN.




TO JOHN BENNETT.

SPRINGFIELD, Jan. 15, 1846.
JOHN BENNETT.

FRIEND JOHN: