In letter to George Robertson, former member of Congress, now professor at Transylvania College, Lincoln foreshadows his "House Divided" speech. He is convinced that there is no prospect of peaceful emancipation, and is afraid country is no longer united on abstract principle of liberty. "Our political problem now is, 'Can we, as a nation, continue together permanently—forever—half slave, and half free?' " Abraham Lincoln to George Robertson, 15 August 1855, CW, 2:317-18.

Robert Lincoln brings home from John Williams' store half-pound of gunpowder tea charged (63¢) to his father's account. Pratt, Personal Finances, 147.