Lincoln writes to Indiana Congressman Schuyler Colfax, who had visited Jacksonville, Illinois, on July 4. Lincoln explains that he was unable to be in Jacksonville because he "had given my word to be at another place." Lincoln seeks Colfax's thoughts on how "to hedge against divisions in the Republican ranks" over the "explosive" issues of "foreigners . . . the Fugitive Slave law . . . [and] the spread . . . of slavery," all of which Lincoln fears will disrupt the "National convention." Lincoln suggests, "every locality . . . should look beyond our noses; and at least say nothing on points where it is probable we shall disagree." Abraham Lincoln to Schuyler Colfax, 6 July 1859, CW, 3:390-91.

In U.S. Court Lincoln files plea and notice in L. Edgerton & Dunning v. Stapleford. Files.