To Washburne Lincoln writes: "I think our prospects gradually, and steadily, grow better; though we are not yet clear out of the woods by a great deal. There is still some effort to make trouble out of 'Americanism.' " Abraham Lincoln to Elihu B. Washburne, 15 May 1858, CW, 2:447.

Lincoln writes to newspaper publisher Jediah F. Alexander, of Greenville, Illinois, with regrets that he will be unable to speak at an upcoming Republican convention. Alexander hoped Lincoln's presence might persuade former Whigs to side with the Republicans. He noted Lincoln's "well-known . . . reputation here." Lincoln explains, "It is too early, considering that when I once begin making political speeches I shall have no respite till November. The labor of that I might endure, but I really can not spare the time from my business." Abraham Lincoln to Jediah F. Alexander, 15 May 1858, CW, 2:446-447.